OCTOBER 15, 2012
I'd like to go back to a time before organized religion, when our ancestors asked themselves questions that, for the most part, in my view, are still unanswered.In good humor I admit I'm part of the 'lunatic fringe' and probably the least bizarre thing I believe is that God is within us. I mean no disrespect by acknowledging my peers as fellow 'loonies', but hey, true spirituality means we don't take ourselves too serious.
Even though I'm searching for an agent to represent my novel, this blog is not about my book, but simply about going within ourselves and finding our own answers. I'd appreciate you reading my weekly thoughts, but please never look at me as a spiritual mentor - for I've seen too many leaders take over a person's precious personal journey. Never let that happen to you! In today's world of established religions and new gimmicky spirituality, I applaud the truly individual seeker who searches for God in his or her own way.
My post is listed below in red so you don't always need to read the black print. I try not to take myself too seriously and believe nothing should be so sacred as to be above question or so daunting that we can't laugh at ourselves.
After I mentioned I talk to dead people, this blog lost credibility (big surprise). Of course I knew it would, just like I know the world isn't quite ready for what I, and other metaphysical writers, need to say. In hopes of being more believable, last week my writings appear independent of this blog. I think only my fellow 'loonies' can even begin to understand the importance of looking at the religious hypocrisies of The United States and how US vibrations affect the entire world. (I'm not going to explain this - so don't even ask).
I realize technically the United States is not just a 'Christian Nation', it's a nation of all religions, but from the standpoint of vibrations the US is very Christian. In no way is this meant to disenfranchise non-Christian religious people or Atheists, for in the final analysis this is not about religion, it's about honesty.
Posted exactly as it was on October 8, 2012
PLEASE LIKE AND (SHARE from the bottom of the blog listed above)
I respect the fact that not everyone lives in the United States, like I do. I'm aware that less than a third of the world's population calls themselves Christians and I don't believe the religion of your birth or your choice determines where you’re going after death. But, this is not about eternity, this is about conservative American Christians, who have frequently labeled me a sinner.
My country's ability to rationalize 'unclean' acts is a matter of history, yet, I live in the richest nation on earth. This isn't vulgar bragging - it's simply the truth. And, that brings me to the 'sins' of, you guessed it, conservative American Christians who bitterly fight against the free and universal healing philosophy exemplified by Jesus.
The religious right claim they're fighting against bigger government, and I can understand that - but I can't understand them fighting against the ways of Jesus. Is that what's going to get them to heaven? And, is a smaller government more important than following Jesus? If universal health care is somehow unconstitutional, then is the constitution of the Untied States more important than the love Jesus shows everyone? If it is, then as American’s we should come clean and stop calling our homeland a ‘Christian’ nation. Maybe our rare and simple honesty will please God!
Health care costs money, but in other developed countries, where people don't live in fancy American houses, have big back yards and extensively travel, they at least try to take care of their fellow countryman, with no brag about how 'Christian' they are. One of the cornerstones of American Democracy is the separation of church and state, which should have nothing to do with big money politics. But, even if that separation becomes non-existent, I still believe the so-called conservative ‘Christian’ churches should at least try to follow the loving examples set down by Jesus.
******************
This blog is for people fed-up with God being taught like history or mathematics with the added dimension in fear. More and more spiritual metaphysicians are disenchanted with fringe exterior paths and practices, that seem like diversionary nonsense if God is indeed so close he's within us. I hope you continue reading my blog. In a world where no one can be certain of anything, the archives reflect my version of the truth.
Thanks for visiting.
Bob Swan
ARCHIVES
I'm an American who loves country music. I wasn't raised with cowboy boots, horses or real guns. But, I did grow up with my Pa's neighborhood 'hill-billy' band and I saw ghosts tapping their feet to the music of steel guitars and country fiddles. Some of my metaphysical 'city slicker' friends believe music attracts entities
of similar vibrations and I totally agree with them. Yet, to call me a metaphysical 'shit-kicker', is not offensive to me, it's just not accurate - I was always the 'kickie'. When plastic gun toting playmates found out I talked to spirits, they insisted I was full of that 'S' word, that kids, both dead and alive, weren't allowed to use, but always did.
Researchers say suicidal individuals who repeatedly listen to sad country songs are more apt to kill themselves than those listening to happy music. Well - big sarcastic 'S' word to them (and a lot of other words too). I wonder how many Ph.D.s it took to figure out that happy music makes people happier than sad music. Maybe the key words here are 'sad' and 'happy' rather than 'country'. And researchers forget country/western is the music of extremes. Hill-billies not only feel the deep loss of fictional broken romances, but with great joy they involuntarily stomp their feet at the prospects of finding a new love. Country makes no claim at confining sophistication. Whether sad or happy, country embodies open, honest and yes - at times - crude feelings. Growing up in a haunted house colors my beliefs but country music makes me a writer.
I would argue that there is no 'good' or 'bad' music, but simply a matter of individual taste. It's ironic that my 'lonnie' metaphysical sub-culture is so much against what they don't understand. I hear the same thing all the time - we should stay away from country music because it vibrates low. I Find that amazing. Many formally educated metaphysicians live with the equivalent of third grade metaphysical knowledge that says we don't learn from lower vibrations, that deep feelings both 'positive' and 'negative' are not a part of growth, that we can overcome something without first feeling it in the depth of our souls, and that lower vibrating music does not spiritually assist us by helping us feel for other people. No one ever earned a Ph.D. in my field of endeavor - I don't think anyone would want too. Besides, I'm just an average everyday person, with a slightly different childhood. On the other hand, I'm a weird old-timer, who disagrees with nearly every idea in the new-age inspired, 'feel good' and elitist metaphysical movement. I feel honored bound to express my egocentric disappointments in the post new-age metaphysical community, that sometimes gets carried away with itself. WOW - on second thought - I guess I am a metaphysical 'shit-kicker' after all. That calls for a beer!
****************
Have you ever noticed how Christianity, a religion promoted by pious moral men, have angel wings pulling back the chests of cute naked girls? In the early 1950's, that invigorating thought came to me in Sunday School, as I glanced up the skirt of 'little what's her name'. My minister told the congregation 'the best things in life are free', but he still passed the collection plate. I knew, in my fantasies, what I wanted to be the best thing for me. But, I could barely get away with smoking used cigarette butts and, if caught, 'little what's her name' and I would be grounded for ever. But, I was a shy boy, and she was only a fleeting fantasy - one of many over the years - I'm sure thousands - maybe millions.
If my early preoccupation with 'little what's her name' doesn't prove I'm 'normal', I don't know what does. Of course, I could have been 'turned on' by little boys, but I always thought that would only show my preference, and back then guts. I would not have been abnormal - it would be abnormal if I wasn't attracted to anyone. My church failed, because even though I've always been straight, I've never been narrow.
Now days 'comming out of the closet' seems like an uncontrollable fad, like everyone getting tattoos or in my less extreme generation wearing skin hugging bell bottom pants, which reminds me of my never developed fantasy fad of not wearing pants at all. But, now that I'm in my sixties, I can't imagine being preoccupied with sex. Yet, I guess being gay gradually sneaks up on some people, like men getting gray or being fully or partially bold. It just sort of happens. Who care if some one's head looks like a single breast or a circumcised penis. God decided their hair situation - so bald must be good. But, if God created boldness and people hide it with toupees that's sort of like hiding God's creation and that reminds me of wearing pants. WOW, sometimes it takes a lot of insight to be 'normal'.
****************
(MUSICAL VIBRATIONS)
OCTOBER 1, 2012
I'm an American who loves country music. I wasn't raised with cowboy boots, horses or real guns. But, I did grow up with my Pa's neighborhood 'hill-billy' band and I saw ghosts tapping their feet to the music of steel guitars and country fiddles. Some of my metaphysical 'city slicker' friends believe music attracts entities
of similar vibrations and I totally agree with them. Yet, to call me a metaphysical 'shit-kicker', is not offensive to me, it's just not accurate - I was always the 'kickie'. When plastic gun toting playmates found out I talked to spirits, they insisted I was full of that 'S' word, that kids, both dead and alive, weren't allowed to use, but always did.
Researchers say suicidal individuals who repeatedly listen to sad country songs are more apt to kill themselves than those listening to happy music. Well - big sarcastic 'S' word to them (and a lot of other words too). I wonder how many Ph.D.s it took to figure out that happy music makes people happier than sad music. Maybe the key words here are 'sad' and 'happy' rather than 'country'. And researchers forget country/western is the music of extremes. Hill-billies not only feel the deep loss of fictional broken romances, but with great joy they involuntarily stomp their feet at the prospects of finding a new love. Country makes no claim at confining sophistication. Whether sad or happy, country embodies open, honest and yes - at times - crude feelings. Growing up in a haunted house colors my beliefs but country music makes me a writer.
I would argue that there is no 'good' or 'bad' music, but simply a matter of individual taste. It's ironic that my 'lonnie' metaphysical sub-culture is so much against what they don't understand. I hear the same thing all the time - we should stay away from country music because it vibrates low. I Find that amazing. Many formally educated metaphysicians live with the equivalent of third grade metaphysical knowledge that says we don't learn from lower vibrations, that deep feelings both 'positive' and 'negative' are not a part of growth, that we can overcome something without first feeling it in the depth of our souls, and that lower vibrating music does not spiritually assist us by helping us feel for other people. No one ever earned a Ph.D. in my field of endeavor - I don't think anyone would want too. Besides, I'm just an average everyday person, with a slightly different childhood. On the other hand, I'm a weird old-timer, who disagrees with nearly every idea in the new-age inspired, 'feel good' and elitist metaphysical movement. I feel honored bound to express my egocentric disappointments in the post new-age metaphysical community, that sometimes gets carried away with itself. WOW - on second thought - I guess I am a metaphysical 'shit-kicker' after all. That calls for a beer!
****************
(LITTLE ANGELS)
SEPTEMBER 24, 2012
Have you ever noticed how Christianity, a religion promoted by pious moral men, have angel wings pulling back the chests of cute naked girls? In the early 1950's, that invigorating thought came to me in Sunday School, as I glanced up the skirt of 'little what's her name'. My minister told the congregation 'the best things in life are free', but he still passed the collection plate. I knew, in my fantasies, what I wanted to be the best thing for me. But, I could barely get away with smoking used cigarette butts and, if caught, 'little what's her name' and I would be grounded for ever. But, I was a shy boy, and she was only a fleeting fantasy - one of many over the years - I'm sure thousands - maybe millions.
If my early preoccupation with 'little what's her name' doesn't prove I'm 'normal', I don't know what does. Of course, I could have been 'turned on' by little boys, but I always thought that would only show my preference, and back then guts. I would not have been abnormal - it would be abnormal if I wasn't attracted to anyone. My church failed, because even though I've always been straight, I've never been narrow.
Now days 'comming out of the closet' seems like an uncontrollable fad, like everyone getting tattoos or in my less extreme generation wearing skin hugging bell bottom pants, which reminds me of my never developed fantasy fad of not wearing pants at all. But, now that I'm in my sixties, I can't imagine being preoccupied with sex. Yet, I guess being gay gradually sneaks up on some people, like men getting gray or being fully or partially bold. It just sort of happens. Who care if some one's head looks like a single breast or a circumcised penis. God decided their hair situation - so bald must be good. But, if God created boldness and people hide it with toupees that's sort of like hiding God's creation and that reminds me of wearing pants. WOW, sometimes it takes a lot of insight to be 'normal'.
****************
SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
'Old time Bible thumpers', 'new age lightworkers' and a lot of people in between are convinced they're doing the work of God. But, it's hard for me to have faith in a God who can't even do his own work. Religious/spiritual history has always had individuals who thought they were special people doing special jobs while directed by special authorities. But, I believe they're special only in their own minds.
Over the years, I've come to believe, but with no certainty, that God exists. Yet, while I consider myself helpful, I feel if He needs His existence proven, God , Himself is special enough to yell, 'boo' 'surprise' or 'gotcha' with far more punch than my services could provide. Of course, I suppose, any crazy person has a right to believe in their own 'specialness' and I have my own special 'crazyness'. I grew up communicating with spirits but God never said, "Bobby.." ( I was actually raised mainstream Protestant, so, through Jesus, I knew God personally) "Bobby, you know I'm the Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, but I need YOU to help 'save' the world." WOW - THAT WOULD BE A TRIP! I think after I heard that I'd finally follow people's advice and get a reality check. But, some individual, who don't even talk to spirits, say the all powerful God has requested their help. Just yesterday I was telling a few dead friends, that there are some really crazy people live on Earth.
I don't concern myself too much with Earth, because when important things entire my mind, I can't think of stuff like this to write about and I believe there probably is a supreme being looking out for us. Yet, I don't buy the theory that one universal God is in all religions - that seems too contrived. I think the Almighty is the God of NO religions. Yet, the mere idea of a capable non-religious God is hard for the faithful to digest, for that would make them only followers of fallible inconsequential belief systems and not truly 'special' at all.
********************
(SPIRITUALITY AND MILITARY SERVICE)
SEPTEMBER 10, 2012
When I was single and in the US Navy, back in the Vietnam War, I, like most sailors, did my part to stimulate the economies of foreign red light districts. My exploits might seem to have no place in a predominately spiritual blog, but I think honesty is one of the most spiritual things we can cultivate.
Sometimes when my aircraft carrier pulled into port (well it wasn't really my aircraft carrier) I had a problem with low semen - NO - NOT THAT! ----That's a typo! No guy is that honest! I mean I had a problem with being a low Seaman. You know, SEAMAN - one grade above Seaman Apprentice. How can anyone find semi-meaningful, multicultural 'yaha' on Seaman's pay? While sstationed on a ship with nearly 3500 higher paid horny toads - it isn't very easy. I had to resort to drinking with the grumpy guys who only ventured out part time because they signed up to send money home to their wives. (it was the American way of showing commitment). And, then there were the officers. So much for being screwed for NOT having an education. Amazingly, when I tried to ask for semi-meaningful, multicultural 'yaha', my shipmates thought I was weird. Whatever happened to being polite? Our Captain said we were ambassadors representing the United States and in words muttered with accents that were hard to understand, 'ambassadors' seemed to be what we were called.
One memorable time when I was broke, I took a tour to the Great Buddha of Kamakura Japan. It was there, by a great stroke of fate, I found a fantastic peace. HEY, there's nothing wrong with that sentence! Now who needs to see the Chaplin? But, as I stood in front of the great structure, it was as if the war never existed, that I was really pure, not just pretending to be and that I was home. I could also tell you that I believe I lived in Kamakura in a past life - but that would be way too weird.
*******************
(SPIRITUALITY AND MILITARY SERVICE)
SEPTEMBER 10, 2012
When I was single and in the US Navy, back in the Vietnam War, I, like most sailors, did my part to stimulate the economies of foreign red light districts. My exploits might seem to have no place in a predominately spiritual blog, but I think honesty is one of the most spiritual things we can cultivate.
Sometimes when my aircraft carrier pulled into port (well it wasn't really my aircraft carrier) I had a problem with low semen - NO - NOT THAT! ----That's a typo! No guy is that honest! I mean I had a problem with being a low Seaman. You know, SEAMAN - one grade above Seaman Apprentice. How can anyone find semi-meaningful, multicultural 'yaha' on Seaman's pay? While sstationed on a ship with nearly 3500 higher paid horny toads - it isn't very easy. I had to resort to drinking with the grumpy guys who only ventured out part time because they signed up to send money home to their wives. (it was the American way of showing commitment). And, then there were the officers. So much for being screwed for NOT having an education. Amazingly, when I tried to ask for semi-meaningful, multicultural 'yaha', my shipmates thought I was weird. Whatever happened to being polite? Our Captain said we were ambassadors representing the United States and in words muttered with accents that were hard to understand, 'ambassadors' seemed to be what we were called.
One memorable time when I was broke, I took a tour to the Great Buddha of Kamakura Japan. It was there, by a great stroke of fate, I found a fantastic peace. HEY, there's nothing wrong with that sentence! Now who needs to see the Chaplin? But, as I stood in front of the great structure, it was as if the war never existed, that I was really pure, not just pretending to be and that I was home. I could also tell you that I believe I lived in Kamakura in a past life - but that would be way too weird.
*******************
(THE SPIRITUAL LOGIC OF A TWELVE YEAR OLD)
SEPTEMBER 3, 2012
When I was twelve years old my cousin passed away, leaving behind a husband and four children. Her oldest child was actually six weeks younger than me. I was not emotionally close to my cousin, probably because of our age difference and the fact she lived over a thousand miles away. So, I suspect, no one realizes the significance her death had on me and how that tragic event helped shape who I am.
Now, at the time, I believed my immediate family would somehow appease God's anger and eventually go to heaven. But, then there were Bible Belt Christians, the super saved, and I just knew my cousin, instantaneously after her last breath, was drinking lemon aid under a shad tree with Jesus himself. I decided, logically, I should be happy for her, but it just didn't feel right.
Mom said she hoped my cousin's widower would eventually remarry. I have always seen spirits and I didn't know it at the time, but my father, in the late 1940's, was a student medium, so I come from weird stock. I think it's that weirdness that made me secretly question my mother's wisdom in hoping for another marriage. The new widower would never allow 'the unsaved' to raise his kids and all "saved souls" go to heaven to be with their loved ones - so this guy would be in heaven with two wives. My dad's drinking buddy once said that the religious connection to the law of the land, not allowing more than one wife, was God's blessing to man on earth. But was bigamy allowed and even encouraged in the eternal place? I was sure I was missing something. But, in 1958, a feisty twelve year old boy willingly cursed the Almighty God (just out of principle). On top of my list of complaints was that God never made things clear. I really wanted those kids to have another mother and I had a lifetime to reverse my slide into hell. (I've got to get started on that) But then, a lot of people said God never listens -so maybe He never heard me. My complaints to the Almighty was much like the rantings in this blog - just a way to blow off steam. Yet, I believed, at the time, I was potentially risking my eternity for those kids and even though I was a skinny little boy, I think that was 'big-of-me'. Sorry about that - I come from weird stock.
While under the confining religious dogma of my youth, I innocently started thinking and was permanently freed by the simple logic of a twelve-year-old child.
***************
(A LOOK AT CRAZY 'NORMAL' PEOPLE)
AUGUST 27, 2012
I believe until we realize no one can be certain of anything, people will push their self-proclaimed certainties on others, creating a major obstacle to world unity. Originally unity was the high intent of this blog - but I climbed down from that height, realizing its futility. Besides, humorously revealing what I believe, but surely don't know, is more my style of writing.
'Normal' people think I'm crazy when I tell them that since childhood I've seen and talked to spirits. They blow the fact that my predictions are never consistent or accurate and that I never say anything that can be proven way out of proportion. A few hundred years ago, before minorities had any rights, you could have been roasting marshmallows over me. Conservative Christians quote the Bible (the word God) and show where it's a sin to communicate with spirits. Thank you, God, for attesting that spirit communication can be done. Now my grandkids know I'm not crazy - I'm just frigging evil. But, at least they realize there is an odd attraction between their grandfather and fire. Being I'm already on my way to the burning center of the earth, I'm going to share another observation with you. Religion tends to rationalize things (I told you I'm psychic). Christians generally claim people could once communicate with spirits, but now they can't. So, I'm thinking, the Bible must be out of date and irrelevant in today's world. Again, thank you God! I'm not evil after all - and judging from the 'saved' on earth, heaven has to be over populated with crazies.
Many people feel I'm either a wacko, a phony or a sinner, while the darker side of me feels it's an accomplishment to be all three. Yet, I would had to leap from God's grace before I started crawling and I don't believe God gave me that ability. Some people with my affliction believe they were given 'special' talents to serve a higher power. But that would only be my ego talking and I get no thrill out of hearing voices. I have to admit, the 'non-loonies' of the world are right. Even with their sixth sense, that they don't realize they have, 'normal' people don't usually communicate with things from other dimensions. I have no scientific proof, but I think there is a malfunction in our psychic filters where extremely psychic individuals are cioncerned. And, of course, the belief that present day science holds complete authority over truth and knowledge, even when science is always changing, is yet another example of how people, other than me, are crazy.
'Normal' people think I'm crazy when I tell them that since childhood I've seen and talked to spirits. They blow the fact that my predictions are never consistent or accurate and that I never say anything that can be proven way out of proportion. A few hundred years ago, before minorities had any rights, you could have been roasting marshmallows over me. Conservative Christians quote the Bible (the word God) and show where it's a sin to communicate with spirits. Thank you, God, for attesting that spirit communication can be done. Now my grandkids know I'm not crazy - I'm just frigging evil. But, at least they realize there is an odd attraction between their grandfather and fire. Being I'm already on my way to the burning center of the earth, I'm going to share another observation with you. Religion tends to rationalize things (I told you I'm psychic). Christians generally claim people could once communicate with spirits, but now they can't. So, I'm thinking, the Bible must be out of date and irrelevant in today's world. Again, thank you God! I'm not evil after all - and judging from the 'saved' on earth, heaven has to be over populated with crazies.
Many people feel I'm either a wacko, a phony or a sinner, while the darker side of me feels it's an accomplishment to be all three. Yet, I would had to leap from God's grace before I started crawling and I don't believe God gave me that ability. Some people with my affliction believe they were given 'special' talents to serve a higher power. But that would only be my ego talking and I get no thrill out of hearing voices. I have to admit, the 'non-loonies' of the world are right. Even with their sixth sense, that they don't realize they have, 'normal' people don't usually communicate with things from other dimensions. I have no scientific proof, but I think there is a malfunction in our psychic filters where extremely psychic individuals are cioncerned. And, of course, the belief that present day science holds complete authority over truth and knowledge, even when science is always changing, is yet another example of how people, other than me, are crazy.
***************
(AN EXAMPLE OF NOT BEING ACCEPTED FOR WHAT WE ARE)
AUGUST 20, 2012
My second ex-wife once yelled, "Don't lie to me," so for twenty years we barely spoke. Yet, I maintain I was basically honest, adhering to the principle that truths and untruths are sometimes in the eyes of the beholder. Besides, good loving people, who are forced to break their silence, often tell little white lies and 'strong personalities' don't want your opinions, they just want you to agree with them.
The other woman, the real love of my life, was different from my demanding spouse - I mean REALLY DIFFERENT. She was no longer alive! Yeah, my first wife, who was a bone fide member of the 'lunitic fringe', a believer in reincarnation and psychic phenomena, passed away in her early 30's. Even now, I get a lump in my throat when I think about our love triangle that literary reached into other dimensions.
Wife number two and I had a big problem with the color of my socks. I know it's hard to believe but number two (which a times seemed an appropriate name for her) thought I was weird. So what if I can't tell black from navy blue! She'd say, "Bob, (or whatever colorful name struck her) if you really love me, you'd wear different socks with those pants. I mean I have to be seen with you - you know." And, I'd say, " If you really love me, you'd love me the way I am, even with my #@*# perfectly good socks. Little she appreciate the importance for 'loonies' to be accepted, not for what we (to blend into society) pretend to be - but for what we are. Thank god my new love, my third wife, is another member of the 'lunitic fringe', my first wife is doing fine and sometimes, if only by accident, I actually wear the right colored socks.
**************
(TELL ABOUT YOUR PSYCHIC ABILITIES)
AUGUST 13, 2012
My mother died in 2004 at the age of 92. There was a lot I never told Mom about my life, about my dealings with psychic activities. My father, who passed away nearly 20 years before her, was once a student medium and my mother always suspected I was into something bizarre. Yet, I always figured, what she didn't know wouldn't hurt her. I think every normal child, if they're honest, doesn't tell their parents everything. And, yes, I AM inferring that I was, and even still am, normal. The only unusual thing about me is that I acknowledge my own intuitive and psychic abilities.
Come on skeptics - get real - haven't you ever 'just known' who not to trust or felt uneasy walking into a room? Haven't you ever laid in bed alone thinking of a special person and felt connected to that person? Come on, be honest - your mother won't find out.
My sister is musically inclined and after hearing a song once, can play it by ear. But, hey, so can I! However, when I play it, no one recognizes it as music. Of course, she HAS practiced more then I have, but she also has more talent.Yet, supernatural talent doesn't seem to be distributed equally either. For no apparent reason, some people are just better at it than others. Of course, no one calls my sister crazy for being a good musician and I envy her for that. Yet, even if I don't always fit into a narrow minded society, I think much can be said for going beyond established limits. I remember the time....SHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...... I think my mother's here. I'll write to you next week.lol :) But, until then, tell us about your psychic abilities. I believe, in varying degrees, we all have them. It's just part of who we are.
****************
(THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE CERTAINTY)
AUGUST 6, 1012
I suspect some people find my ramblings about false certainties boring, like I'm stuck on one subject and can't get off of it. On top of everything else, I have to confess, I have a certainty of my own and I challenge anyone to prove my certainty wrong. I'm certain very soon (soon in cosmic time ) we'll all be physically dead. I don't think it will happen all at once in an end-of-world disaster, but rather, except on rare occasions, as it has always happened - one individual at a time. Yet, notice where I place the 'certain' and where I place the 'think'.
I wonder where religions would be without the certainty of death. There's a curiosity about the mystical force that created the universe but, understandably, religious hooks dig deeper into questions about what happens after each individual passes away. Of course, fear has value and the theory goes that having the proper certainties about 'God' solves all eternal problems for the believer. There IS, however, a death problem with religious certainties, that I don't believe too many people have thought of.
If you're in one of my FB mainstream religious groups, this may cause you to question my sanity, but, that's okay, it's just my nature to question yours. My wife and I do 'psychic spirit releasements' and frequently spirits after physical death are trapped, not going any further, because of their certainties of the way things are, when they're not necessarily that way. It's far better to have an open mind so you can take things as they come. I also believe we should have an open mind about other people's sanity. I know its difficult to do that when opposing beliefs exist without any logic - but I'm still trying really hard. Write and tell me what you think about the one and only certainty that we can depend upon and I'm certain next week we'll be on a different subject.
*********************
(IS THIS THE YEAR OF CHANGE?)
JULY 30, 2012
I remember metaphysical circles of the 80's discussing all the changes that could alter the world in 2012, but I never bought into those changes. Since then I've revised my opinions, but I'm still the 'odd one out'. Opinions, of course, are not really insights, they're just opinions. Yet, considering I'm asking for your ideas, I think it's only right that you humor me and listen to mine.
Everything changes, it's the only constant we have. But, I feel, we're in the process of a monumental shift, that technically ushers in nothing new, but rather simply reveals what has always been there hidden under the lies we tell ourselves. With all our differences there IS cause to celebrate the continuity of humanity, yet this, I believe, is difficult, if not impossible, when some of us are certain we're serving god and believe those who disagree with us are against god. The idea of being honest and admitting we know absolutely nothing about god interferes with nearly every religious world view. But, I suspect those views will eventually fall victim to a different rationality emerging this year. It's even debatable, within the frame work of language, if god exists and, I think, all questions about god should be on the table. I believe we should have free and respectful discussions where, of course, every participant, along with his opinions, admits to his total lack of knowledge about god. We, in my mind, should be careful never to confuse knowledge and opinions.
I think we're past a point of compromises between religions or the mindset that says 'I know the truth and I'll give you the freedom not to know the truth - even though God will make you suffer the consequences.' HOW ARROGANT AND SELF-RIGHTEOUS! This attitude only weakens the old and does nothing to bring in the new, and it's time for the old to go. So, in a very small nutshell, that's how I see it. How do you see it?
*******************
(WHAT CAN WE DO FOR ADALIA ROSE?)
JULY 23, 2012
When I look at stars on a clear night, I find it hard to believe that we're alone. Yet, this isn't about other planets, it's about something closer to home. It's about a five year old girl with big eyes and odd features caused by the disease Progeria. You see, there's an extremest Facebook group that insists this little girl, and others like her, are aliens.
The group's mission statement is:
We are an organization who's mission is to retard
and eliminate this invasion of extraterrestrial life
forms who come to our planet to hypnotize our
citizens with sympathy. One 'like' could save
thousands of lives.
I'm embarrassed to say I joined the group, not to support them, but to try to understand their hatred for a sick little girl and make my blog visible to them. After this post was published and I immediately left the group for good. Even though my reasons for joining and leaving are clear, conspiracy theorists may view my actions as covertly infiltrating their network. Some may believe I did this infiltration to help aliens, which opens me up to suspicions of being an alien myself or, even worse, a traitor to humanity. All this of course is delusional nonsense, created in troubled fearful minds and supported by all the holy grails of alien lure (it sort of reminds me of religion). But, of course, this is exactly what conspiracy theorists would expect an alien to say.
My father told me, when I was child, that a good judge of a person's character is not only in what they respect, but also what they project and see in other people. So,who's the real threat to mankind? Aliens to most of us, but not necessarily to me, are imaginary creatures, while these extreme human believers are REAL. However, in true rationality, the group must simply be playing an immature fantasy game, for no one can REALLY believe one 'like' can save thousands of lives, like one prayer can change the world. (Even if aliens exist, these believers CAN'T be that far gone)
Please send me your comments, but I won't tell you the name of the group. Even though I don't, in the usual sense, consider myself a 'lightworker', I'm against giving power to darkness and anything as extreme as this group is very dark. This week's question is a little different, for I have no clue of any possible answers. But, what can we, especially more moderate people, do for Adalia Rose?
*******************
(DOES PUSHY RELIGIONS THREATEN OUR SURVIVAL?)
JULY 16, 2012
I understand Islamic nations have sometimes given Christians within their borders the right to practice Christianity. This, of course, from an Islamic standpoint, means privately congregating and worshiping Jesus. It does NOT mean fostering a crusade to turn Islamic men, women and children against Mohammad. My religious beliefs differ from mainstream Christianity. However, my right to believe whatever I choose should always out way any assumed evangelical right to threaten and convince my grand kids that they and their grandfather will spend eternity in hell.
Within my limited American concept of modern Islam, I think the religion is wrong, for much the same reasons I think present day Christianity is wrong. All forceful religions, I believe, owe their very existence to blind, unprovable, dogmatic certainties in a world where no one can be certain of anything and opposing certainties can never adequately serve a universal god that created everything.
All other factors being equal, maybe one of the most genuinely humane groups of people are Atheists, for Atheists have no belief in god to help fulfill their need for righteousness and don't fall under the spell of religious divisions. I realize that not all religious people are extremists, but I think all religious people should face up to the inherent dangers in carrying their religion too far. (I'm not only talking about 911 and terrorism but also of the treatment of American Indians and all the senseless 'holy' wars fought throughout history.)
Don't get me wrong, I'm not necessarily saying a belief in god is unjustified - that's up to each individual to decide for themselves. However, I AM saying that extreme religious fervor can be a detriment to your own growth as a loving human being and cumulatively threaten the survival of nearly everything you may attribute to god on earth. So Christians and Muslims (and anyone else) do you agree with me or not? Extremism is always a problem and I believe when we deal with extremists who cloak their might and audacity in religion, no matter what that religion is, we, more rational people, have to stand for a spiritually more united, not religiously divided, world. It just seems to me, if there is a god, that's what god would want.
*******************
(DOES SPITIRUAL FEELINGS ESTABLISH THE EXISTANCE OF GOD?)
JULY 9, 2012
Does variety add substance to a life of devotion? Does not being committed to a belief system broaden your concept of god, as you search for different possibilities? There is an inner peace found in Buddhism unknown in Christianity and vice versa. These two distinctly different feelings can not adequately be describe in three short paragraphs (or for that matter any number of lengthy books). However, for those who have deeply experienced both Christianity and Buddhism, a description isn't needed or expected, for they know profoundly sacred things can not be expressed by mere printed words.
Atheists don't understand this, but on the other hand few religionists fully comprehend the logic of not believing in god. And, typically religious people never acknowledge how systemically supernatural and unprovable all religions are. Those great uplifting feelings could easily be psychologically produced within us, rather than directed by a vague, indescribable (maybe non-existent) supreme being.
I think god (if he exists) has nothing to do with our religious convictions. After all, WE choose what we believe, not some universal being that would have us all believe the same thing - the truth as GOD sees it. In this regard, we get no guidance from god at all - regardless of what man-made religions say, for if god was guiding religions, it seems they'd all be the same. I'm interested in your agreeable and disagreeable thoughts ( but please don't tell me your certainties are directly or indirectly supernaturally inspired by god - for even though I believe in the supernatural, god is not going to inspire you to 'strighten me out' when he doesn't choose to 'straighten out' religion.) I guess, at least from my standpoint, we're on our own.
*******************
(DO WE ACT LIKE THERE IS MORE THAN ONE HUMAN RACE?)
JULY 2, 2012
This blog appears in places where it may seem irrelevant and even contrary to a group's identity. I'm so pre-occupied with Facebook groups that I seldom have time for my own page and neglect FB friends that I personally know. But, the social media, at least for me, has evolved into something more than just being sociable.
This post is seen world wide by a variety of diverse and often adversary groups. People of like minds, of course, congregate according to ethnic, political, religious and sexual preferences, as if they find comfort in partial isolation from a world that disagrees with them. Because of sheer numbers of people and the diversity of the world, everyone is in a minority of one kind or another. But, there seems to be a world wide feeling that people should propagate their own narrow agendas, giving the appearance that there are hundreds of human races rather than just one.
Is it better to 'stand up' and fight for what we THINK is right or to have an open sincere dialogue where we might actually change our minds? Looking at history and the so-called holy wars, is it still okay to have certainties about god in a world where no one can be certain of anything? In the emptiness of loss of conviction, I offer no grand ideology to fill the void, but maybe ideologies are at the root of most of our problems. I think sometimes that void is a part of a life well lived, but, my opinions are no more valid then yours. So what do you think?
**********************
(IS IT OKAY TO CALL PEOPLE NAMES?)
JUNE 25, 2012
It seems to me some Facebook groups have gotten more vicious in the last few months. Facebook is a great place for everyday people to voice their opinions and have other people actually listen to them. But, calling people assholes and asserting our certainties over the certainties of others, in a world where no one can be certain of anything, displays a part of humanity that isn't very pretty.
It's true most people aren't like me. I belong to nearly ninety groups of diverse opinions. Most people, I suspect, join together with individuals of like minds and those who believe differently never find out if they're being called names. Yet, I think this instigation of hatred is still harmful to the potential greatness of Facebook's ability to bring average people from around the world together.
I'm I an asshole for suggesting we should eliminate our certainties and really try to respect one another? Everyone loving everyone else may, at times, seem unrealistic, but we have to start somewhere and Facebook seems as good a place as any. The other side of this story is if you act like an asshole, some one's apt to call you one. Yet, assholes do away with shit and there's a lot of rationalized shit in the social media. I'm not talking about doing away with freedom of expression, I'm simply talking about showing a basic respect for others. Write and tell me if you agree or disagree with me - and call me whatever you want
*******************
(GOOD OLD SEX)
JUNE 18, 2012
Because of religion and culture, some people still think sex is dirty. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but if this is your belief, I ask that you suspend that notion just long enough to read this week's post.
Imagine it's a stormy night and you're in the prime of your life, cuddling with an attractive person of the opposite sex. Lightening hits a transformer and the electric lights go out. In total darkness you become aroused as the attractive person plays with your genitals, while you simply lay back and enjoy his/her touch. (Some readers may object to this post, saying it is borderline porn. But, this post deals with the life force that keeps humanity alive and, in a way, if we're afraid to talk about sex, we're afraid to talk about life.)
As the lights come back on, you realize that in a brief moment of 'non-touching' a switch was made and your stimulation was caused not by someone of your opposite sex, but of your same sex. Are we not all gay and straight except in our minds? No matter how homophobic you maybe, I think the essence of this story is true. I also believe that we often create our prejudices to hide what we are. What do you think? In the final analysis, are those who unrealistically hate other people for their sexual preference, truly hating themselves and is there is any logical reason to hate at all? It is true gay sex will never produce a new life, but if propagation is the only reason to engage in sex, then why do we practice birth control?
********************
(QUESTIONING THE LAW OF ATTRACTION)
JUNE 11, 2012
If there is a god and if he is loving, do we simply attract the 'bad' stuff to us by the law of attraction? It seems too simple, even if you believe in reincarnation and karma, to suggest that the nice old lady down the street deserved to be beaten for the few dollars she had in her purse. In response to this Christians might say god works in mysterious ways, while Atheists might say this proves there is no god (at least not a loving god).
The fact that the old lady was stupid for being alone after dark in a bad neighborhood doesn't necessarily take god of the hook for allowing her beating to happen. God may very well work in mysterious ways - but that doesn't mean we can't question those ways. In fact, I believe god wants us to question things we don't understand and only man made religions pushes blind, unreasonable faith.
What do you think? Would it be a waist of god's energy to give us the power of our own individual reasoning and then insist we don't reason for ourselves? Is it possible that god, if he does exist, is so great that in his eyes our religious believes and our thoughts about his existence are moot points, something he is not concerned with?
*******************
(TV SHOW RECOMMENDATION)
JUNE 4, 2012
On a Sunday a little after 11:30 PM, a couple years ago, My wife and I turned on our bedroom TV and stumbled on to Van Impe Ministries. For a few confusing moments I thought it was Saturday and we were watching Saturday Night Live. Jack and Rexalla Van Impe has been a weekly ritual in my house ever since. I find it very informative - a sad yet humorous commentary on how at least two extremist Bible theorist think.
They are Christians, who seemingly, don't even like other Christians, and their half-hour updated infomercial tells the world why. It might be fun and informative to see when and if they appear on your channels. (they claim to have a world wide) audience). They've obviously converted many people and maybe they'll convert you, but I feel confident they'll never convert me. They, at least in my mind, insist on standing in the way of progress and world unity. As a progressive, I don't mind promoting their air time, because I think it's important to support freedom of speech and for everyone to view the ever widening diversities within our world.
Like I've said before, this blog is not about you agreeing with me, it's about you thinking for yourself, thus a wide impartial view of differing opinions is important. The only thing I insist upon is that real certainties do not exist and while I admit I don't no shit about god, neither does anyone else, including Jack Van Impe.
*******************
(IS OUR BIGGEST PROBLEM OUR CERTAINTIES?)
MAY 28, 2012
Many of my readers, at least to some degree, believe in the supernatural, in psychic powers. Some born again Christians are certain these people will go to hell, while the 'supernaturalists', happy to be spiritual while not being religious, are certain that 'the born-agains' are full of crap dumped on them by their religion. Atheists are certain both these groups are being mislead and equally certain that god does not exist.
Yet, psychic phenomena is in the Bible and Jesus makes little sense until you look at him as a supernatural being. Atheists are right, the existence of god has never been scientifically proven, but they ignore the fact that god's 'non-existance' hasn't been proven either. Their answer to this is that you can not prove a negative, that the burden of proof is in the hands of the religious - yet, to me, that sounds like a scientific cop out, an excuse for an unfounded certainty about what people can only believe to be true. The horror produced by the certainties of radical Islam is felt around the world while radical Christianity is certain it has to save souls.
Standing up for what you believe in is commendable, especially if you stand alone against the ridicule of others. Yet, who can be certain of anything? Should we not all be open to changing our minds? Is not the ability to change the mark of an open, thinking and intelligent human being? If you have certainties, who taught them to you? In most cases your certainties did not originate with you, but rather from an organization or individual who wanted you to believe in their certainties. The only certainty I believe in is that when especially speaking of god, no one can be certain of anything.
**********************
(SHOULD OFFENSIVE OPINIONS BE SHARED?)
May 21, 2012
The prevailing wisdom for authors is to target your base. If you want to influence the world, you have to slant your writings towards a designated group of people who buy books and then slide in opinions that are close enough to theirs so they don't outright reject them. This is true wherever you look. A preacher gets more response when he preaches to the choir, when he saves souls that have (at least to some degree) already been saved. I'm not a preacher, but I'm fascinated with religion, spirituality and Atheism.
Of course, there's always self-publishing or vanity presses, for those who can't, don't want to or simply aren't good enough to play the conventional publishing game - but I'm skeptical of their claimed verses real results. I believe you can't legitimately buy your dreams, you have to work for them and while money talks it often promises things that never materialize.
Many people tend to be thin-skinned and want other people to agree with them, yet if everyone already agreed with me, what would I have to write about? I don't believe in being disagreeable on purpose, but I think we should all have our individual opinions and not be afraid to voice them - even on social media sites where I'm in a minority. What do you think? Is all this in bad taste or is it essential to freedom of expression and a better world?
*******************
(IS IT HARD TO BE OBJECTIVE WHEN IT COMES TO US?)
May 14, 2012
A reader wrote to me, somewhat belligerent, asking why I only state the obvious. Yet, judging by his tone, I suspect I mirrored something in him that he didn't want to see, something in himself that, to him, wasn't obvious at all.
I assume, because of the social-media group he belongs to, he's part of what is loosely called 'the metaphysical community'. What he thought was so obvious that it was ridicules to even write about, was the hypocrisies of people. Regardless, of my personal views, I try to word things in an uncomplicated manner, usually in the form of a simple question, believing the hallmark of 'metaphysical spirituality' is not following gurus but rather going within ourselves and finding our own answers.
I do not consider myself immune from being hypocritical, yet that should not prohibit me from talking about hypocrisies. It seems this lone reader thought that other people were hypocritical and not him. What do you think? Sometimes do we miss the obvious when we're too close to it? Do we not see the forest for the trees and when someone starts cutting do we get upset about what they're clearing away. Is simplicity just for the simple minded or at times does complecations hide what we don't want to see. As always I seek every one's opinion.
*****************
(SHOULD WE USE OUR RELIGIOUS FIGURES AS WAYSHOWERS?)
May 7, 2012
My tongue-n-cheek post of April 23 (see archives) has received varied responses and, as always, all responses are welcome. Yet, that post was meant as a comment on America's ironic prevailing religion and not a support of partisan politics.
I'm registered as an independent voter and how I vote might surprise many of my readers. At times, I vote very differently than Jesus would have. Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti- (or pro) Jesus. I'm just trying to be honest.
My blog goes to many readers who are neither American nor Christian. To them I'd like to say, thank you for indulging me in my quest to be part of a united world void of dogmatic interfering religion. May god in all his (or her) imagined or real greatness bless every nation on earth and may the Atheists and Agnostics, free from the trappings of religion, bring forth that non-religious spark of love that is so obviously within them.
*****************
(CAN WE TRUST ANCIENT WORDS WHEN DEALING WITH RELIGION ?)
April 30, 2012
Linguists tell us there's a huge difference between Middle English and Modern English (Old English is completely indecipherable to today's average person). 'Wherefore' in Shakespearean language does not mean where, but rather why, for linguistic reasons brought forth from Old to Middle English.
So, when Juliet says, 'Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?', she's not asking where Romeo is, for he is right there. She is simply stating the rhetorical question, 'Romeo, Romeo, why are you Romeo?' As apposed to being someone she could freely love without complications. The play actually makes more sense and is more dramatic once we fully understand the words Shakespeare was using.
So what's this have to do with religion? If we're wrong about what Shakespeare wrote in English 417 years ago, how can anyone be clear about translated words from antiquity? With all the ancient literature about Moses, Buddha, Muhammad and Jesus, how much can we read that was written by the person who knew the main character better than anyone - the main character himself? What were the political pressures back thousands of years ago and typically why were some writings allowed in while others were kept out? Just a few thoughts about our ever changing world and how we view the past in modern words that may give us false ideas.
***************************
(DO ALL CHRISTIANS PROPERLY RELATE TO HEALTH CARE?)
Christian Americans typically believe all people should understand and abide by Christianity, even though they make no attempt to understand Islam, Buddhism or the rest.
I live in the United States, the country of my birth, but I don't consider myself a Christian, even though I believe Jesus was a way shower. I agree with most Christians that Jesus healed everyone, regardless of who they were, and welcomed everyone with open arms. Yet, it's an American phenomena that those who claim to be the closest to Jesus, in the richest country on earth, fight against a health care system that would help everyone and struggle to close our boarders. These same people praise a humble Jesus, who because of his humility, logically doesn't want to be praised.
What do you think? If you choose to believe Jesus is the solution, does it follow that certain types of Christianity might part of the problem? While it's true Buddha was never a Buddhist, is it infinitely more important to remember that Jesus was never a Christian?
***********
(ARE WE ALWAYS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT WE DO?)
April 16, 2012
Some People's conventional mindset might label this post strange and irrelevant and that's understandable. But, I ask, is as person guilty of what he does while under the influence of a spirit possession?
Is a drunk driver innocent of manslaughter simply because he's been overtaken by alcohol? NO. Even if he's lucky enough not to have an accident, the driver is guilty of his excesses.
Likewise, a basic metaphysical law states that we attract to us what we are. Loving, kind, non-intrusive influences and spirits are attracted to those same qualities within people.
What do you think? Even if you don't believe in spirits from beyond our sphere, do you believe we attract to us what we are and are we really our greatest enemy?
***********
(SHOULD OUR SPIRITUALITY TRY TO IMPRESS PEOPLE?)
April 9, 2012
It may seem unnatural, but I didn't write this blog to impress anyone. Nobody needs another self-proclaimed 'spiritual person' subtly beating his chest, as if he's accomplished something. True spirituality is not about accomplishments but, in my mind, about letting go of the ego.
I have no desire to tell you what I might think I know about our creator, nor do I expect you to care. If the same god (for loss of a better word) is within all of us, how I relate to god should have relevance only to me. It's up to you, if you choose, to relate to god in your own way.
What do you think? Is any religion that teaches the world has to agree with its ideology practicing true spirituality, perverted spirituality or no spirituality at all?
******************
(HAS OUR SPIRITUALITY ADVANCED ?)
APRIL 2, 2012
I'll be the first to admit that the 'good old days' weren't always so good. Yet, generally speaking those days were simpler. It's true the only thing constant is change and I'm not against progress, but I question if our spirituality, for loss of better words, is keeping up with our technology.
I believe religion, especially in the west, has taught people how to worship rather than how to live. Christianity, for example, teaches that their Jesus was the humblest of all beings, yet they insist he has to be praised to stop believers from going to hell. That contradiction, seems obvious to me and must be offensive to Jesus' humility.
What do you think? If Jesus is one of many way-showers, has his message of humility failed because of the advent of Christianity? Has some other religions failed in their own particular way? If god exists, is he pleased with how each of us represent him and would the world be a better place if we did it differently?
************************
(DOES RELIGION MAKE 'GOOD PEOPLE'?)JULY 30, 2012
I remember metaphysical circles of the 80's discussing all the changes that could alter the world in 2012, but I never bought into those changes. Since then I've revised my opinions, but I'm still the 'odd one out'. Opinions, of course, are not really insights, they're just opinions. Yet, considering I'm asking for your ideas, I think it's only right that you humor me and listen to mine.
Everything changes, it's the only constant we have. But, I feel, we're in the process of a monumental shift, that technically ushers in nothing new, but rather simply reveals what has always been there hidden under the lies we tell ourselves. With all our differences there IS cause to celebrate the continuity of humanity, yet this, I believe, is difficult, if not impossible, when some of us are certain we're serving god and believe those who disagree with us are against god. The idea of being honest and admitting we know absolutely nothing about god interferes with nearly every religious world view. But, I suspect those views will eventually fall victim to a different rationality emerging this year. It's even debatable, within the frame work of language, if god exists and, I think, all questions about god should be on the table. I believe we should have free and respectful discussions where, of course, every participant, along with his opinions, admits to his total lack of knowledge about god. We, in my mind, should be careful never to confuse knowledge and opinions.
I think we're past a point of compromises between religions or the mindset that says 'I know the truth and I'll give you the freedom not to know the truth - even though God will make you suffer the consequences.' HOW ARROGANT AND SELF-RIGHTEOUS! This attitude only weakens the old and does nothing to bring in the new, and it's time for the old to go. So, in a very small nutshell, that's how I see it. How do you see it?
*******************
(WHAT CAN WE DO FOR ADALIA ROSE?)
JULY 23, 2012
When I look at stars on a clear night, I find it hard to believe that we're alone. Yet, this isn't about other planets, it's about something closer to home. It's about a five year old girl with big eyes and odd features caused by the disease Progeria. You see, there's an extremest Facebook group that insists this little girl, and others like her, are aliens.
The group's mission statement is:
We are an organization who's mission is to retard
and eliminate this invasion of extraterrestrial life
forms who come to our planet to hypnotize our
citizens with sympathy. One 'like' could save
thousands of lives.
I'm embarrassed to say I joined the group, not to support them, but to try to understand their hatred for a sick little girl and make my blog visible to them. After this post was published and I immediately left the group for good. Even though my reasons for joining and leaving are clear, conspiracy theorists may view my actions as covertly infiltrating their network. Some may believe I did this infiltration to help aliens, which opens me up to suspicions of being an alien myself or, even worse, a traitor to humanity. All this of course is delusional nonsense, created in troubled fearful minds and supported by all the holy grails of alien lure (it sort of reminds me of religion). But, of course, this is exactly what conspiracy theorists would expect an alien to say.
My father told me, when I was child, that a good judge of a person's character is not only in what they respect, but also what they project and see in other people. So,who's the real threat to mankind? Aliens to most of us, but not necessarily to me, are imaginary creatures, while these extreme human believers are REAL. However, in true rationality, the group must simply be playing an immature fantasy game, for no one can REALLY believe one 'like' can save thousands of lives, like one prayer can change the world. (Even if aliens exist, these believers CAN'T be that far gone)
Please send me your comments, but I won't tell you the name of the group. Even though I don't, in the usual sense, consider myself a 'lightworker', I'm against giving power to darkness and anything as extreme as this group is very dark. This week's question is a little different, for I have no clue of any possible answers. But, what can we, especially more moderate people, do for Adalia Rose?
*******************
(DOES PUSHY RELIGIONS THREATEN OUR SURVIVAL?)
JULY 16, 2012
I understand Islamic nations have sometimes given Christians within their borders the right to practice Christianity. This, of course, from an Islamic standpoint, means privately congregating and worshiping Jesus. It does NOT mean fostering a crusade to turn Islamic men, women and children against Mohammad. My religious beliefs differ from mainstream Christianity. However, my right to believe whatever I choose should always out way any assumed evangelical right to threaten and convince my grand kids that they and their grandfather will spend eternity in hell.
Within my limited American concept of modern Islam, I think the religion is wrong, for much the same reasons I think present day Christianity is wrong. All forceful religions, I believe, owe their very existence to blind, unprovable, dogmatic certainties in a world where no one can be certain of anything and opposing certainties can never adequately serve a universal god that created everything.
All other factors being equal, maybe one of the most genuinely humane groups of people are Atheists, for Atheists have no belief in god to help fulfill their need for righteousness and don't fall under the spell of religious divisions. I realize that not all religious people are extremists, but I think all religious people should face up to the inherent dangers in carrying their religion too far. (I'm not only talking about 911 and terrorism but also of the treatment of American Indians and all the senseless 'holy' wars fought throughout history.)
Don't get me wrong, I'm not necessarily saying a belief in god is unjustified - that's up to each individual to decide for themselves. However, I AM saying that extreme religious fervor can be a detriment to your own growth as a loving human being and cumulatively threaten the survival of nearly everything you may attribute to god on earth. So Christians and Muslims (and anyone else) do you agree with me or not? Extremism is always a problem and I believe when we deal with extremists who cloak their might and audacity in religion, no matter what that religion is, we, more rational people, have to stand for a spiritually more united, not religiously divided, world. It just seems to me, if there is a god, that's what god would want.
*******************
(DOES SPITIRUAL FEELINGS ESTABLISH THE EXISTANCE OF GOD?)
JULY 9, 2012
Does variety add substance to a life of devotion? Does not being committed to a belief system broaden your concept of god, as you search for different possibilities? There is an inner peace found in Buddhism unknown in Christianity and vice versa. These two distinctly different feelings can not adequately be describe in three short paragraphs (or for that matter any number of lengthy books). However, for those who have deeply experienced both Christianity and Buddhism, a description isn't needed or expected, for they know profoundly sacred things can not be expressed by mere printed words.
Atheists don't understand this, but on the other hand few religionists fully comprehend the logic of not believing in god. And, typically religious people never acknowledge how systemically supernatural and unprovable all religions are. Those great uplifting feelings could easily be psychologically produced within us, rather than directed by a vague, indescribable (maybe non-existent) supreme being.
I think god (if he exists) has nothing to do with our religious convictions. After all, WE choose what we believe, not some universal being that would have us all believe the same thing - the truth as GOD sees it. In this regard, we get no guidance from god at all - regardless of what man-made religions say, for if god was guiding religions, it seems they'd all be the same. I'm interested in your agreeable and disagreeable thoughts ( but please don't tell me your certainties are directly or indirectly supernaturally inspired by god - for even though I believe in the supernatural, god is not going to inspire you to 'strighten me out' when he doesn't choose to 'straighten out' religion.) I guess, at least from my standpoint, we're on our own.
*******************
(DO WE ACT LIKE THERE IS MORE THAN ONE HUMAN RACE?)
JULY 2, 2012
This blog appears in places where it may seem irrelevant and even contrary to a group's identity. I'm so pre-occupied with Facebook groups that I seldom have time for my own page and neglect FB friends that I personally know. But, the social media, at least for me, has evolved into something more than just being sociable.
This post is seen world wide by a variety of diverse and often adversary groups. People of like minds, of course, congregate according to ethnic, political, religious and sexual preferences, as if they find comfort in partial isolation from a world that disagrees with them. Because of sheer numbers of people and the diversity of the world, everyone is in a minority of one kind or another. But, there seems to be a world wide feeling that people should propagate their own narrow agendas, giving the appearance that there are hundreds of human races rather than just one.
Is it better to 'stand up' and fight for what we THINK is right or to have an open sincere dialogue where we might actually change our minds? Looking at history and the so-called holy wars, is it still okay to have certainties about god in a world where no one can be certain of anything? In the emptiness of loss of conviction, I offer no grand ideology to fill the void, but maybe ideologies are at the root of most of our problems. I think sometimes that void is a part of a life well lived, but, my opinions are no more valid then yours. So what do you think?
**********************
(IS IT OKAY TO CALL PEOPLE NAMES?)
JUNE 25, 2012
It seems to me some Facebook groups have gotten more vicious in the last few months. Facebook is a great place for everyday people to voice their opinions and have other people actually listen to them. But, calling people assholes and asserting our certainties over the certainties of others, in a world where no one can be certain of anything, displays a part of humanity that isn't very pretty.
It's true most people aren't like me. I belong to nearly ninety groups of diverse opinions. Most people, I suspect, join together with individuals of like minds and those who believe differently never find out if they're being called names. Yet, I think this instigation of hatred is still harmful to the potential greatness of Facebook's ability to bring average people from around the world together.
I'm I an asshole for suggesting we should eliminate our certainties and really try to respect one another? Everyone loving everyone else may, at times, seem unrealistic, but we have to start somewhere and Facebook seems as good a place as any. The other side of this story is if you act like an asshole, some one's apt to call you one. Yet, assholes do away with shit and there's a lot of rationalized shit in the social media. I'm not talking about doing away with freedom of expression, I'm simply talking about showing a basic respect for others. Write and tell me if you agree or disagree with me - and call me whatever you want
*******************
(GOOD OLD SEX)
JUNE 18, 2012
Because of religion and culture, some people still think sex is dirty. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but if this is your belief, I ask that you suspend that notion just long enough to read this week's post.
Imagine it's a stormy night and you're in the prime of your life, cuddling with an attractive person of the opposite sex. Lightening hits a transformer and the electric lights go out. In total darkness you become aroused as the attractive person plays with your genitals, while you simply lay back and enjoy his/her touch. (Some readers may object to this post, saying it is borderline porn. But, this post deals with the life force that keeps humanity alive and, in a way, if we're afraid to talk about sex, we're afraid to talk about life.)
As the lights come back on, you realize that in a brief moment of 'non-touching' a switch was made and your stimulation was caused not by someone of your opposite sex, but of your same sex. Are we not all gay and straight except in our minds? No matter how homophobic you maybe, I think the essence of this story is true. I also believe that we often create our prejudices to hide what we are. What do you think? In the final analysis, are those who unrealistically hate other people for their sexual preference, truly hating themselves and is there is any logical reason to hate at all? It is true gay sex will never produce a new life, but if propagation is the only reason to engage in sex, then why do we practice birth control?
********************
(QUESTIONING THE LAW OF ATTRACTION)
JUNE 11, 2012
If there is a god and if he is loving, do we simply attract the 'bad' stuff to us by the law of attraction? It seems too simple, even if you believe in reincarnation and karma, to suggest that the nice old lady down the street deserved to be beaten for the few dollars she had in her purse. In response to this Christians might say god works in mysterious ways, while Atheists might say this proves there is no god (at least not a loving god).
The fact that the old lady was stupid for being alone after dark in a bad neighborhood doesn't necessarily take god of the hook for allowing her beating to happen. God may very well work in mysterious ways - but that doesn't mean we can't question those ways. In fact, I believe god wants us to question things we don't understand and only man made religions pushes blind, unreasonable faith.
What do you think? Would it be a waist of god's energy to give us the power of our own individual reasoning and then insist we don't reason for ourselves? Is it possible that god, if he does exist, is so great that in his eyes our religious believes and our thoughts about his existence are moot points, something he is not concerned with?
*******************
(TV SHOW RECOMMENDATION)
JUNE 4, 2012
On a Sunday a little after 11:30 PM, a couple years ago, My wife and I turned on our bedroom TV and stumbled on to Van Impe Ministries. For a few confusing moments I thought it was Saturday and we were watching Saturday Night Live. Jack and Rexalla Van Impe has been a weekly ritual in my house ever since. I find it very informative - a sad yet humorous commentary on how at least two extremist Bible theorist think.
They are Christians, who seemingly, don't even like other Christians, and their half-hour updated infomercial tells the world why. It might be fun and informative to see when and if they appear on your channels. (they claim to have a world wide) audience). They've obviously converted many people and maybe they'll convert you, but I feel confident they'll never convert me. They, at least in my mind, insist on standing in the way of progress and world unity. As a progressive, I don't mind promoting their air time, because I think it's important to support freedom of speech and for everyone to view the ever widening diversities within our world.
Like I've said before, this blog is not about you agreeing with me, it's about you thinking for yourself, thus a wide impartial view of differing opinions is important. The only thing I insist upon is that real certainties do not exist and while I admit I don't no shit about god, neither does anyone else, including Jack Van Impe.
*******************
(IS OUR BIGGEST PROBLEM OUR CERTAINTIES?)
MAY 28, 2012
Many of my readers, at least to some degree, believe in the supernatural, in psychic powers. Some born again Christians are certain these people will go to hell, while the 'supernaturalists', happy to be spiritual while not being religious, are certain that 'the born-agains' are full of crap dumped on them by their religion. Atheists are certain both these groups are being mislead and equally certain that god does not exist.
Yet, psychic phenomena is in the Bible and Jesus makes little sense until you look at him as a supernatural being. Atheists are right, the existence of god has never been scientifically proven, but they ignore the fact that god's 'non-existance' hasn't been proven either. Their answer to this is that you can not prove a negative, that the burden of proof is in the hands of the religious - yet, to me, that sounds like a scientific cop out, an excuse for an unfounded certainty about what people can only believe to be true. The horror produced by the certainties of radical Islam is felt around the world while radical Christianity is certain it has to save souls.
Standing up for what you believe in is commendable, especially if you stand alone against the ridicule of others. Yet, who can be certain of anything? Should we not all be open to changing our minds? Is not the ability to change the mark of an open, thinking and intelligent human being? If you have certainties, who taught them to you? In most cases your certainties did not originate with you, but rather from an organization or individual who wanted you to believe in their certainties. The only certainty I believe in is that when especially speaking of god, no one can be certain of anything.
**********************
(SHOULD OFFENSIVE OPINIONS BE SHARED?)
May 21, 2012
The prevailing wisdom for authors is to target your base. If you want to influence the world, you have to slant your writings towards a designated group of people who buy books and then slide in opinions that are close enough to theirs so they don't outright reject them. This is true wherever you look. A preacher gets more response when he preaches to the choir, when he saves souls that have (at least to some degree) already been saved. I'm not a preacher, but I'm fascinated with religion, spirituality and Atheism.
Of course, there's always self-publishing or vanity presses, for those who can't, don't want to or simply aren't good enough to play the conventional publishing game - but I'm skeptical of their claimed verses real results. I believe you can't legitimately buy your dreams, you have to work for them and while money talks it often promises things that never materialize.
Many people tend to be thin-skinned and want other people to agree with them, yet if everyone already agreed with me, what would I have to write about? I don't believe in being disagreeable on purpose, but I think we should all have our individual opinions and not be afraid to voice them - even on social media sites where I'm in a minority. What do you think? Is all this in bad taste or is it essential to freedom of expression and a better world?
*******************
(IS IT HARD TO BE OBJECTIVE WHEN IT COMES TO US?)
May 14, 2012
A reader wrote to me, somewhat belligerent, asking why I only state the obvious. Yet, judging by his tone, I suspect I mirrored something in him that he didn't want to see, something in himself that, to him, wasn't obvious at all.
I assume, because of the social-media group he belongs to, he's part of what is loosely called 'the metaphysical community'. What he thought was so obvious that it was ridicules to even write about, was the hypocrisies of people. Regardless, of my personal views, I try to word things in an uncomplicated manner, usually in the form of a simple question, believing the hallmark of 'metaphysical spirituality' is not following gurus but rather going within ourselves and finding our own answers.
I do not consider myself immune from being hypocritical, yet that should not prohibit me from talking about hypocrisies. It seems this lone reader thought that other people were hypocritical and not him. What do you think? Sometimes do we miss the obvious when we're too close to it? Do we not see the forest for the trees and when someone starts cutting do we get upset about what they're clearing away. Is simplicity just for the simple minded or at times does complecations hide what we don't want to see. As always I seek every one's opinion.
*****************
(SHOULD WE USE OUR RELIGIOUS FIGURES AS WAYSHOWERS?)
May 7, 2012
My tongue-n-cheek post of April 23 (see archives) has received varied responses and, as always, all responses are welcome. Yet, that post was meant as a comment on America's ironic prevailing religion and not a support of partisan politics.
I'm registered as an independent voter and how I vote might surprise many of my readers. At times, I vote very differently than Jesus would have. Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti- (or pro) Jesus. I'm just trying to be honest.
My blog goes to many readers who are neither American nor Christian. To them I'd like to say, thank you for indulging me in my quest to be part of a united world void of dogmatic interfering religion. May god in all his (or her) imagined or real greatness bless every nation on earth and may the Atheists and Agnostics, free from the trappings of religion, bring forth that non-religious spark of love that is so obviously within them.
*****************
(CAN WE TRUST ANCIENT WORDS WHEN DEALING WITH RELIGION ?)
April 30, 2012
Linguists tell us there's a huge difference between Middle English and Modern English (Old English is completely indecipherable to today's average person). 'Wherefore' in Shakespearean language does not mean where, but rather why, for linguistic reasons brought forth from Old to Middle English.
So, when Juliet says, 'Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?', she's not asking where Romeo is, for he is right there. She is simply stating the rhetorical question, 'Romeo, Romeo, why are you Romeo?' As apposed to being someone she could freely love without complications. The play actually makes more sense and is more dramatic once we fully understand the words Shakespeare was using.
So what's this have to do with religion? If we're wrong about what Shakespeare wrote in English 417 years ago, how can anyone be clear about translated words from antiquity? With all the ancient literature about Moses, Buddha, Muhammad and Jesus, how much can we read that was written by the person who knew the main character better than anyone - the main character himself? What were the political pressures back thousands of years ago and typically why were some writings allowed in while others were kept out? Just a few thoughts about our ever changing world and how we view the past in modern words that may give us false ideas.
***************************
(DO ALL CHRISTIANS PROPERLY RELATE TO HEALTH CARE?)
April 23, 2012
Christian Americans typically believe all people should understand and abide by Christianity, even though they make no attempt to understand Islam, Buddhism or the rest.
I live in the United States, the country of my birth, but I don't consider myself a Christian, even though I believe Jesus was a way shower. I agree with most Christians that Jesus healed everyone, regardless of who they were, and welcomed everyone with open arms. Yet, it's an American phenomena that those who claim to be the closest to Jesus, in the richest country on earth, fight against a health care system that would help everyone and struggle to close our boarders. These same people praise a humble Jesus, who because of his humility, logically doesn't want to be praised.
What do you think? If you choose to believe Jesus is the solution, does it follow that certain types of Christianity might part of the problem? While it's true Buddha was never a Buddhist, is it infinitely more important to remember that Jesus was never a Christian?
***********
(ARE WE ALWAYS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT WE DO?)
April 16, 2012
Some People's conventional mindset might label this post strange and irrelevant and that's understandable. But, I ask, is as person guilty of what he does while under the influence of a spirit possession?
Is a drunk driver innocent of manslaughter simply because he's been overtaken by alcohol? NO. Even if he's lucky enough not to have an accident, the driver is guilty of his excesses.
Likewise, a basic metaphysical law states that we attract to us what we are. Loving, kind, non-intrusive influences and spirits are attracted to those same qualities within people.
What do you think? Even if you don't believe in spirits from beyond our sphere, do you believe we attract to us what we are and are we really our greatest enemy?
***********
(SHOULD OUR SPIRITUALITY TRY TO IMPRESS PEOPLE?)
April 9, 2012
It may seem unnatural, but I didn't write this blog to impress anyone. Nobody needs another self-proclaimed 'spiritual person' subtly beating his chest, as if he's accomplished something. True spirituality is not about accomplishments but, in my mind, about letting go of the ego.
I have no desire to tell you what I might think I know about our creator, nor do I expect you to care. If the same god (for loss of a better word) is within all of us, how I relate to god should have relevance only to me. It's up to you, if you choose, to relate to god in your own way.
What do you think? Is any religion that teaches the world has to agree with its ideology practicing true spirituality, perverted spirituality or no spirituality at all?
******************
(HAS OUR SPIRITUALITY ADVANCED ?)
APRIL 2, 2012
I'll be the first to admit that the 'good old days' weren't always so good. Yet, generally speaking those days were simpler. It's true the only thing constant is change and I'm not against progress, but I question if our spirituality, for loss of better words, is keeping up with our technology.
I believe religion, especially in the west, has taught people how to worship rather than how to live. Christianity, for example, teaches that their Jesus was the humblest of all beings, yet they insist he has to be praised to stop believers from going to hell. That contradiction, seems obvious to me and must be offensive to Jesus' humility.
What do you think? If Jesus is one of many way-showers, has his message of humility failed because of the advent of Christianity? Has some other religions failed in their own particular way? If god exists, is he pleased with how each of us represent him and would the world be a better place if we did it differently?
************************
March 19, 2012
Religion comes in many forms and typically believers say their faith makes them better people. I don't know, I think religion allows individuals to feel superior, believing they're closer to god than others, when logically they're not
Of course, the fear of not advancing on the incarnate cycle or even worse spending eternity in hell has influence on our behavior. The desire to be one-with-god, however, doesn't existent in those who believe there is no god.
What do you think? Whatever your definition of 'good' is, if an atheist has no ulterior motives to be 'good', is his goodness (if he has it) more genuine? If a universal god exists, does he care what we call him - even if we call him non-existent?
