Is it a right or a privilege?
http://www.volconvo.com/forums/society-rights/36881-right-privilege.html#post827961
Showing posts with label Religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Religion. Show all posts
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
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Volconvo: A combination of the words "volcano" and "conversation" meant to imply heated discussion.
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Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Religious Holiday Wikipedia Links
Religious Holiday Wikipedia Links
A couple major world religions celebrate the upcoming holidays, and if anyone is interested in learning of how these share a common origin, their many similarities, and also their few differences, please visit the below links:
General Overview:
Religion - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion
Monotheism - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monotheism
Major Religious Groups - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_religious_groups
Abrahamic Religions - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abrahamic_religions
Religious Holidays - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holiday#Religious_holidays
Judaism - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism
Hebrew Bible - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_Bible
Jewish Religious Movements - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_religious_movements
Hanukkah - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanukkah
Christianity - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity
Bible - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible
Christian Denominations - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations
Christmas - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas
Kwanzaa - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa
Maulana Karenga (Ronald McKinley Everett) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maulana_Karenga
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Reading Material
Reading Material
Around Halloween, all sorts of bizarre, crazy, insane, odd, unbelievable, unusual, unworldly, outlandishness, strange, and weird stuff is on the media, so here's my little contribution. Tons of material you could easily spend hours upon hours reading! Just start clicking on any of the links below...
Conspiracy Theories - Wikipedia
- Government - Google Search
- Religious - Google Search
Rituals
Experiments - Wikipedia
- Government - Google Search
- Military - Google Search
- Mind Control - Google Search
- Scientific - Google Search
Enjoy!!!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Politics And Religion
I realize McCain isn't Bush W., but I still fear of what programs and laws Bush enacted during his presidency that McCain will still endorse during his, if he was elected, even if they were failures, such as the No Child Left Behind program. Although McCain's voting record isn't 90-95% along with the rest of his party's agendas (according to a blog I once read), still, being strongly aligned with the same party who voted heavily in Bush W.'s favor of almost any whim he desired still worries me, and for good reason. I wonder exactly what laws and programs did McCain endorse and didn't endorse during Bush W.'s presidency. I've heard that these records could be looked-up, but not sure where and how. I may have to Google it and see. However, I'm not 100% against the Republican party. I would've voted for Ron Paul in heartbeat if he was still in it, and he's under the Republican ticket. He used to be under the Libertarian ticket, but probably realized he would get nowhere in politics being aligned with a party that goes nowhere because the two major parties themselves has such a "monopoly" in our current politics. Choice? I think not, and even the media's to blame. Sure, you may briefly hear about other candidates from other parties, but how often? How often do you see them invited to debates? Very rarely. Did you know that the last time we had someone from a completely different party voted into our presidential office was Millard Fillmore, our 13th president, who was affiliated with the Whig party, and left office in 1853? It's been Republican or Democtatic-affiliated presidents ever since. If we want REAL change for the better, we need someone who's a TRUE moderate working across BOTH sides, or all we'll see is the same continuous power-struggle that that's been going on for the last several decades between Republicans and Democrats. Politicians rarely vote against their own party in fear of causing tensions, even if it's not what's best for the American people as a whole, and this has got to stop. I think we the people should be more involved in our policies until we can get this mess straightened out. Why not let each county vote for what they want and don't want every 4 years, such as alcoholic beverage sales and abortion rights in their county? I know we vote these people in to "represent" us, but how often do they truly do so? It seems that most of them, on both sides, are paid by special interest groups (lobbyists) and only looking for profit themselves. Most politicians get into politics wealthy, only to retire even wealthier.
I haven't done the research in ages, but from what I remember, when you consider the yearly salaries of these people and then observe them retire filthy rich, I can't help but wonder where in the hell did all of this money come from?! It wasn't from their salaries!!! I liked John Edwards just because he seemed "sincere" (unsure how sincere we truly was, though) because he wanted to remove lobbyists from Washington all-together! I loved it when he nailed Hilary Clinton during a Democratic primary debate about her money connections to the healthcare industry! We need to remove lobbyists and special interest groups from politics entirely!!!
I stayed-up watching a special on Fox News until 3am hosted by Sean Hannity (who I can't stand because his interviews are nothing more than him overtalking and yelling at his guests, but looked like an interesting show nonetheless) called "Obama and Friends". I'll admit, it was pretty darn scary, even after you remove Hannity's obsessively repetitive comments (like I didn't hear him the first 10 times). I'd like to see a follow-up show from a different network to see how factual these claims and assumptions were, but doubt that'll ever happen.
Read-up on the "Patriot" Act. I liked what Dennis Kucinich said once during a Democratic primary debate that he didn't vote for the Act because he actually read it. The other candidates stammered and stumbled over their replies to that comment! Made me laugh my ass off! He was another candidate I highly admired like Ron Paul. It always seems the REALLY good and seemingly-genuine candidates always fall to the "wayside" during the primaries.
:-(
Universal Healthcare sounds good to me, in theory, but unsure how it would effect my taxes versus what I'm currently paying to healthcare. I've heard both sides, and from what I've gathered, I wouldn't pay much more or less than what I'm already paying to have my family covered under my current plan. Of course, I've got a REALLY good healthcare plan through my work, but my co-pays and my insurance keep going up every year, and my benefits keep going down. All I know that it's REALLY pissing me off, and I need the money worse than these filthy rich healthcare and insurance companies and CEOs! I'm glad someone's enjoying my hard-earned money, but it's not me! Both industries need some sort of severe reform is a serious way. I doubt universal healthcare is the way to fix this problem, but the laws and loopholes need to be revised so the market is more open and free to choose what I want and where I want. How many businesses can you walk into that don't have to give you any sort of costs upfront before you require their services? None I've ever seen except the healthcare industry! We're REQUIRED at the Geek Squad to give customers ANY costs upfront BEFORE any services are performed! If you need a surgery performed, I feel that you should be able to call around and get quotes from different medical facilities. Can you do that now? Hell no!!! If you try, most likely you'll get the "run-around". And this ain't cool with me in the least bit.
I can say that the reason for my high ethics and morals, being an agnostic, has a lot to do with my upbringing and society, in general. But, when you read on atheistic websites and forums, you'll also see the same sort of mentality towards morals and ethics as I have, even among those who were raised differently than I was, from people in other states and even in different countries. It's been proven both scientifically and historically time-and-time-again that "good and decent behavior" benefit society more-so than selfish and destructive behaviors. It's also just simple "common sense". You have to look at the benefits from the "big picture" and not just how it benefits yourself or your family. "Treat others the way you wish to be treated" expands most beliefs and religions, even if you don't believe in the supernatural.
And as far as the Koran goes, sure it does have very negative passages in there, but so does the Christian Bible. I've even heard my father once say in the pulpit that he could teach hatred and intolerance towards different races and even against women if you only focus on certain Bible verses. He could preach to abuse your wives to "keep them in place" and to kill people of different religions and races, but that's when you only take these verses out of context from the rest of the Bible. Also, who decides what verses in the Bible to take literally or what's a parable, or simply a story? This also applies to the Koran. So much is taken out of context, and so much taken literally to prove how violent it is. Most Muslims view their Koran much like many Christians view their Bible... some passages are taken literally and some aren't. Don't believe me? How many witches have you killed lately? According to a specific verse, "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live" found in Exodus 22:18, it's a command from God that you're suppose to do so. And I can find many, many other versus found in the Bible that most Christians "choose to ignore". Don't think Muslims do the same with their Koran? Like most Christians do with their Bible, they "pick and choose" what they want to obey and ignore the rest.
Here's some interesting laws ignored by most modern-day Christians:
Polygamy: Exodus 21:10, Deuteronomy 21:15-16
Appearances: Deuteronomy 22:5, Leviticus 19:27-28, I Corinthians 11:14, Timothy 2:9, 1 Peter 3:3
Weird Laws: Exodus 22:16-17, Exodus 34:26, Leviticus 19:19, Deuteronomy 14:8, Deuteronomy 22:11-12, Deuteronomy 22:28-29, Deuteronomy 23:2, Deuteronomy 23:19-20, Deuteronomy 25:5-6, Matthew 6:25-34, Luke 12:22-31, Luke 14:26, 1 Corinthians 6:1
And my personal favorites: Matthew 5:39, Matthew 7:1, Luke 6:37
Albeit, many of these laws are found in the Old Testament, and most Christians adhere mostly to the New Testament, but still follow SOME of the laws in the Old Testament, but only the ones that they "pick and choose" that are usually only "moral laws", if you will. However, the Old Testament contains MANY, MANY laws outside those of morality that are completely ignored by modern-day Christians but are still followed by many devout Jews. What verses do you choose to obey and ignore? Even fundamental Christian websites and forums even admit that almost no modern-day Christian follows EVERY law written in the entire Bible because some of them even goes against our own society's laws, but yet Matthew 5:18-19 (found in the New Testament, mind you) says that Christians are suppose to adhere to ALL of God's laws and commandments until the end of time, even those in the Old Testament. Most Christians don't obey many of the laws set in the verses I mentioned above, nor the 4th Commandment, which is about the Sabbath Day, which has been converted from the last day of the week to the first day of the week. Also, killing is ok, as long as we have "good reason", ignoring the 6th Commandment. So, don't tell me most Christians don't "pick and choose" what laws set by God they follow, and most Muslims do the same with their Koran.
And while I'm on the topic of the Bible that most protestants don't know is that most of the original books of the Bible (called a canon) was actually picked by Eusebius, an advisor to Constantine, who was a converted pagan and the founder of the Roman Catholic Church, at the Council in Nicea. In other words, most protestant Christians are actually using the original Roman Catholic canon (Bible) along with much of their original core doctrines and don't even know it. They even decided at that council meeting that Christ was divine and not just a man (a serious question many churches faced at that time), which changed the course of most Christian faiths and later denominations from that point on, including the Anabaptists and Baptists. In fact, they almost used a different book, the Apocalypse of Peter, instead of the Book of Revelations, written by John! In other words, if they had chosen the Apocalypse of Peter instead of the Book of Revelations, then the Bible you're currently using would've had a completely different ending! The only reason they didn't choose the Apocalypse of Peter was because anyone could wish themselves into heaven in the end, and the newly forming Roman Catholic Church didn't want people to think they could live immoral lives because it wouldn't matter in the end, anyways. Otherwise, your Bible would've ended completely different.
http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Development_of_the_New_Testament_canon
http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/First_Council_of_Nicaea
Many argue that modern-day Baptists are the descendants of Anabaptists, who has no connection to the Catholic Church, but when you research Christian church denominational histories thoroughly, they're ALL connected to the Protestant/Radical Reformation that happened in the 16th century, including the Anabaptists and Baptists! In other words, from what I can find, ALL Baptist sub-denominations had broken-off from Catholicism at one point in time or another. There's very little or no historical accounts that shows a direct connection of Baptist denominational history and any of the early Christian churches, such as those mentioned by Paul in his writings.
http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Radical_Reformation
King James was also tutored by George Buchanan, who's also Scottish, but not sure if my family's actually directly related to him or not.
;-)
http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/James_I_of_EnglandRegencies
http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/George_Buchanan_(humanist)
Just thought I'd throw that one in there! LOL But anyways, the reason for all of this ranting and raving is to finally point-out that neither the Christian Bible or the Koran is "perfect" (for lack of a batter word) in EVERY way, whether it be doctrinally or historically, and most followers of either book "pick and choose" what laws and commandments they wish to obey.
Just do the research on what cultures and religious faiths have accepted partial birth abortions for the last 2,000 years. I really wish I could say on here without offending certain people.
Ok, so I didn't keep this reply "sweet and simple" as I had originally planned. So sue me.
:-p~
I haven't done the research in ages, but from what I remember, when you consider the yearly salaries of these people and then observe them retire filthy rich, I can't help but wonder where in the hell did all of this money come from?! It wasn't from their salaries!!! I liked John Edwards just because he seemed "sincere" (unsure how sincere we truly was, though) because he wanted to remove lobbyists from Washington all-together! I loved it when he nailed Hilary Clinton during a Democratic primary debate about her money connections to the healthcare industry! We need to remove lobbyists and special interest groups from politics entirely!!!
I stayed-up watching a special on Fox News until 3am hosted by Sean Hannity (who I can't stand because his interviews are nothing more than him overtalking and yelling at his guests, but looked like an interesting show nonetheless) called "Obama and Friends". I'll admit, it was pretty darn scary, even after you remove Hannity's obsessively repetitive comments (like I didn't hear him the first 10 times). I'd like to see a follow-up show from a different network to see how factual these claims and assumptions were, but doubt that'll ever happen.
Read-up on the "Patriot" Act. I liked what Dennis Kucinich said once during a Democratic primary debate that he didn't vote for the Act because he actually read it. The other candidates stammered and stumbled over their replies to that comment! Made me laugh my ass off! He was another candidate I highly admired like Ron Paul. It always seems the REALLY good and seemingly-genuine candidates always fall to the "wayside" during the primaries.
:-(
Universal Healthcare sounds good to me, in theory, but unsure how it would effect my taxes versus what I'm currently paying to healthcare. I've heard both sides, and from what I've gathered, I wouldn't pay much more or less than what I'm already paying to have my family covered under my current plan. Of course, I've got a REALLY good healthcare plan through my work, but my co-pays and my insurance keep going up every year, and my benefits keep going down. All I know that it's REALLY pissing me off, and I need the money worse than these filthy rich healthcare and insurance companies and CEOs! I'm glad someone's enjoying my hard-earned money, but it's not me! Both industries need some sort of severe reform is a serious way. I doubt universal healthcare is the way to fix this problem, but the laws and loopholes need to be revised so the market is more open and free to choose what I want and where I want. How many businesses can you walk into that don't have to give you any sort of costs upfront before you require their services? None I've ever seen except the healthcare industry! We're REQUIRED at the Geek Squad to give customers ANY costs upfront BEFORE any services are performed! If you need a surgery performed, I feel that you should be able to call around and get quotes from different medical facilities. Can you do that now? Hell no!!! If you try, most likely you'll get the "run-around". And this ain't cool with me in the least bit.
I can say that the reason for my high ethics and morals, being an agnostic, has a lot to do with my upbringing and society, in general. But, when you read on atheistic websites and forums, you'll also see the same sort of mentality towards morals and ethics as I have, even among those who were raised differently than I was, from people in other states and even in different countries. It's been proven both scientifically and historically time-and-time-again that "good and decent behavior" benefit society more-so than selfish and destructive behaviors. It's also just simple "common sense". You have to look at the benefits from the "big picture" and not just how it benefits yourself or your family. "Treat others the way you wish to be treated" expands most beliefs and religions, even if you don't believe in the supernatural.
And as far as the Koran goes, sure it does have very negative passages in there, but so does the Christian Bible. I've even heard my father once say in the pulpit that he could teach hatred and intolerance towards different races and even against women if you only focus on certain Bible verses. He could preach to abuse your wives to "keep them in place" and to kill people of different religions and races, but that's when you only take these verses out of context from the rest of the Bible. Also, who decides what verses in the Bible to take literally or what's a parable, or simply a story? This also applies to the Koran. So much is taken out of context, and so much taken literally to prove how violent it is. Most Muslims view their Koran much like many Christians view their Bible... some passages are taken literally and some aren't. Don't believe me? How many witches have you killed lately? According to a specific verse, "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live" found in Exodus 22:18, it's a command from God that you're suppose to do so. And I can find many, many other versus found in the Bible that most Christians "choose to ignore". Don't think Muslims do the same with their Koran? Like most Christians do with their Bible, they "pick and choose" what they want to obey and ignore the rest.
Here's some interesting laws ignored by most modern-day Christians:
Polygamy: Exodus 21:10, Deuteronomy 21:15-16
Appearances: Deuteronomy 22:5, Leviticus 19:27-28, I Corinthians 11:14, Timothy 2:9, 1 Peter 3:3
Weird Laws: Exodus 22:16-17, Exodus 34:26, Leviticus 19:19, Deuteronomy 14:8, Deuteronomy 22:11-12, Deuteronomy 22:28-29, Deuteronomy 23:2, Deuteronomy 23:19-20, Deuteronomy 25:5-6, Matthew 6:25-34, Luke 12:22-31, Luke 14:26, 1 Corinthians 6:1
And my personal favorites: Matthew 5:39, Matthew 7:1, Luke 6:37
Albeit, many of these laws are found in the Old Testament, and most Christians adhere mostly to the New Testament, but still follow SOME of the laws in the Old Testament, but only the ones that they "pick and choose" that are usually only "moral laws", if you will. However, the Old Testament contains MANY, MANY laws outside those of morality that are completely ignored by modern-day Christians but are still followed by many devout Jews. What verses do you choose to obey and ignore? Even fundamental Christian websites and forums even admit that almost no modern-day Christian follows EVERY law written in the entire Bible because some of them even goes against our own society's laws, but yet Matthew 5:18-19 (found in the New Testament, mind you) says that Christians are suppose to adhere to ALL of God's laws and commandments until the end of time, even those in the Old Testament. Most Christians don't obey many of the laws set in the verses I mentioned above, nor the 4th Commandment, which is about the Sabbath Day, which has been converted from the last day of the week to the first day of the week. Also, killing is ok, as long as we have "good reason", ignoring the 6th Commandment. So, don't tell me most Christians don't "pick and choose" what laws set by God they follow, and most Muslims do the same with their Koran.
And while I'm on the topic of the Bible that most protestants don't know is that most of the original books of the Bible (called a canon) was actually picked by Eusebius, an advisor to Constantine, who was a converted pagan and the founder of the Roman Catholic Church, at the Council in Nicea. In other words, most protestant Christians are actually using the original Roman Catholic canon (Bible) along with much of their original core doctrines and don't even know it. They even decided at that council meeting that Christ was divine and not just a man (a serious question many churches faced at that time), which changed the course of most Christian faiths and later denominations from that point on, including the Anabaptists and Baptists. In fact, they almost used a different book, the Apocalypse of Peter, instead of the Book of Revelations, written by John! In other words, if they had chosen the Apocalypse of Peter instead of the Book of Revelations, then the Bible you're currently using would've had a completely different ending! The only reason they didn't choose the Apocalypse of Peter was because anyone could wish themselves into heaven in the end, and the newly forming Roman Catholic Church didn't want people to think they could live immoral lives because it wouldn't matter in the end, anyways. Otherwise, your Bible would've ended completely different.
http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Development_of_the_New_Testament_canon
http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/First_Council_of_Nicaea
Many argue that modern-day Baptists are the descendants of Anabaptists, who has no connection to the Catholic Church, but when you research Christian church denominational histories thoroughly, they're ALL connected to the Protestant/Radical Reformation that happened in the 16th century, including the Anabaptists and Baptists! In other words, from what I can find, ALL Baptist sub-denominations had broken-off from Catholicism at one point in time or another. There's very little or no historical accounts that shows a direct connection of Baptist denominational history and any of the early Christian churches, such as those mentioned by Paul in his writings.
http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Radical_Reformation
King James was also tutored by George Buchanan, who's also Scottish, but not sure if my family's actually directly related to him or not.
;-)
http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/James_I_of_EnglandRegencies
http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/George_Buchanan_(humanist)
Just thought I'd throw that one in there! LOL But anyways, the reason for all of this ranting and raving is to finally point-out that neither the Christian Bible or the Koran is "perfect" (for lack of a batter word) in EVERY way, whether it be doctrinally or historically, and most followers of either book "pick and choose" what laws and commandments they wish to obey.
Just do the research on what cultures and religious faiths have accepted partial birth abortions for the last 2,000 years. I really wish I could say on here without offending certain people.
Ok, so I didn't keep this reply "sweet and simple" as I had originally planned. So sue me.
:-p~
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Spirituality Part 2 (or Part 3?) – From Here To There
If you haven't read or at least skimmed through my first two blogs about Spirituality, then I highly recommend doing so first before continuing on. I think this is my longest blog yet, or at least close to it! Please be patient with me as I'm still learning, growing, and maturing at my own pace.
My "Salvational Experience"
I covered quite a bit about my "religious history" in my previous blog, but I would like speak about an experience that happened to me when I was about 10 years old or so, that was probably the very beginning of my "spiritual road to enlightenment", sort of speak, along with a couple of other changes that happened throughout my teenage and young adult life…
I was attending a tent meeting with my family, and all during the entire message and the altar call, I was feeling extremely "convicted", to the point I couldn't sit or stand still. I felt a "beckoning" that was so intense; I thought I would explode if I didn't adhere to it. Finally, a man walking around asking people if they would like to come down to the altar noticed my anxiety, and asked me if I wanted to. I probably looked like I had "ants in my pants"! It didn't take much, because before I could even mutter the word, "yes", I was already making my way out into the isle.
As I knelt down at the altar and immediately started praying, I somewhat remember sincerely asking God to forgive me of all my sins, and to save me so I could spend eternity in Heaven with him, Jesus, and my loved ones, so that I wouldn't have to spend it in hell. After I prayed the "sinner's prayer", I noticed that nothing had changed. I wasn't expecting anything miraculous like a "light coming down from the heavens" or anything… just something, so I prayed again, this time even harder than I have ever prayed before. I begged and pleaded with God, to the point of tears, to forgive me of my sins. I prayed that I wanted to change and be a strong Christian, completely devoted to God, and to save me, because I really didn't want to go to hell, and really wanted to go to heaven. By this time, a small group of people was praying around me. I have no idea how long this all took, but it seemed an eternity.
Afterwards, people asked me if I had been saved and how I felt, and of course, I lied to everyone, even to myself. They hugged me and cried, especially my parents and family. I don't remember much after that, except standing outside alone in the darkened parking lot, next to my parents car, ready to leave, feeling even less peaceful than I had before I went down to the altar, and also feeling rejected, angry, sad, and lonely. What had happened and why?! This event was a defining turning-point in my life, but where and why? For about five years, I tried praying to God several times to save me, each time growing more and more angry, depressed, lonely, feeling rejected and resentment, and desperate as of why he wouldn't. Wasn't I good enough for him? He willingly saved people who had done far worse things than I had ever done, so why not me? By the time I was 15, I somewhat understood that "salvation" and Christianity wasn't for everyone, at least not for me. I can honestly say that if people spoke openly and honestly without hesitation and fear, a lot of people have had an experience similar to mine. Now I was about to embark down a "spiritual road" that I had no idea where it was going to take me.
At 15, I all but became a deist, in an angry, resentful form that I felt that God had left mankind. God was no longer around, nor did he care. Whether he had given-up on mankind, or mankind gave-up on him, he was no longer here. I still believed in God, but more along the lines of an unknown, unwritten book in the Bible that took place before the Book of Revelations of how God left man to his own devices. I felt that not only had God abandoned me, but everyone, and people who thought and felt otherwise were delusional or simply a liar. I believed this way until sometime in my college years.
While I was going to a local community college, I was introduced to many different "types" of religions and beliefs. I made a lot of friends who were pagan, agnostics, atheists, different "varieties" of Christianity, or what have you; who were more than happy to share their experiences, thoughts, and beliefs with me very openly, honestly, and often. While attending college, I also worked part-time as a "rent-a-cop" (security guard) at a local hosiery mill, mostly 3rd shift. By this time, the economy was starting to tank badly, jobs were being moved overseas, etc., so most of the plants I guarded were usually dark and lonely… lonely enough to do a lot of thinking, and I mean A LOT OF THINKING! I would spend entire 8-hour shifts of just thinking, not even remembering doing my job while driving home from that previous night, since my job was so repetitive and boring. So, I would question everything, my own personal beliefs, and why I believed what I believed. I came home many mornings so mentally drained and exhausted, I would pass-out fully clothed in my uniform without eating breakfast.
Eventually, I slowly "came to grips" with what I believed and why, and having to make a conscious and subconscious effort to "deny" many of the teachings I grew-up with, and to "build and mold" my own personal beliefs through hours upon hours of self-examination and research, and still doing so occasionally to this day. We're all pieces of clay, molding ourselves into what we want to become, influenced by our personal experiences, environments, and circumstances. Every day and everything is a learning process, until the day each of us take our last breath. Sometimes, it's not easy looking at yourself through a "spiritual mirror". For some people, this "transition" might've been easy, but for me, it made me feel "peaceful", yet nauseated and uneasy, knowing that I was venturing out into a vast, barren land, a desert as far as the eye could see, if you will, where I had never been to before; and no one else was there to guide me, to help me find my own personal "truth, light, and way", but me. I was really scared, because when you start questioning everything, what else do you have left to hold onto? So, here I was and still am, on the "Stage of Life", with no audience, no one around, but only me and the spotlight. I feel that it's an experience many of us have to traverse to find our own personal beliefs, and see ourselves, everyone, and everything around us in a whole new light, for the very first time. I find it as equally important to not only know what you believe, but why you believe what you do. Even if you are strong and firm in your own personal beliefs, sometimes it's "refreshing" and "enlightening" to see yourself, everyone, and everything from an entirely different perspective. If you really want to scare the hell out of yourself, start analytically, philosophically, and scientifically (in other words, extremely thoroughly) question everything you hold very dear and precious to you, especially why you believe in what you do. Shake and tear everything down to the very core and see how well it still holds… how solid it is. Doing that definitely scared the hell out of me, and made me realize that I needed a "stronger foundation" for myself and my own personal beliefs, but not to argue or debate with others (although it helps!), but for my own inner peace and fulfillment. To do so takes a lot of questioning, research, and self-examination, and using all of your efforts to find honest, personal answers to these questions, to help you realize what you believe, and why you believe what you do. Sometimes, we all need a little more than just "faith" (an "f-word" I despise with every cell in my body), and having some sort of true and valid evidence to back and strengthen your beliefs go a long way, not just for others, but for yourself. If you find that all you have to rely upon is simply "faith", then perhaps you should re-examine why you believe in what you believe. I can't provide evidence for everything I believe in, but I feel that I have enough evidence to validate why I believe in what I believe, at least with myself, even if it's not enough evidence for others to draw the same conclusions as I have. Faith says a lot, but evidence speaks even more.
I love and admire this little piece by Timothy Leary that TOOL used as an intro to one of their songs live, "Third Eye" on their "Salival" album:
Think for yourself
Question authority
Throughout human history, as our species has faced the frightening, terrorizing fact that we do not know who we are, or where we are going in this ocean of chaos, it has been the authorities, the political, the religious, the educational authorities who attempted to comfort us by giving us order, rules, regulations, informing, forming in our minds their view of reality. To think for yourself you must question authority and learn how to put yourself in a state of vulnerable, open-mindedness; chaotic, confused, vulnerability to inform yourself.
Think for yourself.
Question authority.
Praying, Worship, & Meditation
I personally don't "feel the need" to pray or worship whatever it is that's out there, instead, more-or-less having a general philosophy that I'll leave whatever it is alone and he/she/it/they leave me alone. It's sort'a like a mutual agreement between us, I suppose. Usually when I did try to pray, I felt more-or-less that I was only talking to myself. However, back in my college days, I would spend much time alone meditating, something nearly impossible to do when you have a family now these days, it seems. I remember times of sitting alone in a moonlit room, listening to Dead Can Dance or Lisa Gerrard, and slipping away, if only for a moment of peace. I would either venture far deep within my own mind, or to other fantastic worlds, influenced by both this world and by my own imagination. Meditation takes a lot of practice, something you can't do just once or a few times. It took me many, many attempts before I could completely "turn on, tune in, and drop out" (without the use of LSD, of course!). Meditation is either opening-up your mind to everything around you or closing it off completely. It's a form of deep relaxation, and releasing your daily stresses by either focusing on them intently or simply letting them go. For me, much of meditation is "self-discovery", delving deep inside your head, learning as much as possible about yourself, both the "good and the bad", along with everyone and everything around you. Finding out who you really are, who you want to be; and how you currently "fit" and how you want to "fit" in your relationships with other people and your natural environment all around you. How you perceive yourself, how you perceive others, and how they perceive you. Examining your personality closely, how and why you react to many different situations and scenarios, and how you would like to react, instead. Striving constantly for "personal evolution", but not a physical evolution (of course, changing your lifestyle to improve your quality of life and to live longer never hurts!), but more of a "spiritual evolution".
This is where the "sugary Buddhist" part of me comes out. I do believe that each of us has a "spirit", if you will, and what you decide to do with your "spirit" is completely up to you. Whether it be to change and evolve it, or to remain stagnant, is completely your decision. And only you know how you change and evolve your "spirit", whether it be praying and worshipping to your "God" or "gods", meditating, casting spells, etc. "Spirit" can be looked at as your "soul", your "heart", and/or your "mind". I believe it's all of those things, and has to do with everything that makes you unique and different, not physically, but your overall personality. Your "spirit" intertwines with your body, and with everything and everyone around you, like the strands of a rope, both in the physical and spiritual sense. It's your way of thinking, and what makes you… you. As I've mentioned in my previous Spirituality blog, I believe that we're all connected to one another and to our universe in a way that can't be explained by scientific means. Well, at least not through "satisfactory" means, anyways. I know that sometimes certain emotions can be stimulated through messing around with your brain (I think with the left temporal lobe, but I can't remember) where you may feel many different emotions, and some of them are a connection to ourselves, to each other, and to our universe. So, I don't have a definitive answer to this, and that's why I remain agnostic. I simply just don't know, and I don't feel as if I have to know and understand "what" and "why", but it's just there, in each and all of us, and in everything. I also feel that if we all could explore this interconnectivity that we all share with each other and our universe, that our limitations, knowledge, and experiences are endless and boundless, only by our own imaginations.
Another piece from my favorite TOOL song of all time, titled "Reflections" from their "Lateralus" album. I love it, live it, breathe it…
So crucify the ego
Before it's far too late
To leave behind this place so
Negative and blind and cynical
And we will come to find
THAT WE ARE ALL ONE MIND
Capable of all that's
Imagined and unconceivable
Just let the light touch you
And let the words spill through
Just let them pass right through,
Bringing out our hope and reason.
Before we pine away.
Personal "Spiritual Experiences"
I'm not going to get into a lot of detail here, because personal "spiritual experiences" can't be logically and scientifically debated, examined, or thoroughly tested. So, what's the point? However, I do feel that throughout my life that I have seen, heard, felt, and yes, even smelt enough to know that there is some sort of "afterlife" out there, but that it is so firmly out of our grasp, beyond our finite comprehension to even try to understand it. Once again, there's my agnostic side coming out, and many of these experiences sometimes fall out of the "ordinary explanations" and "conventions" of what both science and most popular religions has to offer. I do, however, feel that we can learn, grow, and mature from these experiences, and attempt at assumptions, explanations, and conclusions that no one else would come to, even if they had experienced the same events. And I've heard of many stories of where these both positive and negative experiences have happened to many people, of different beliefs and all religions. Anyone can make their own assumptions and perceptions, but who really knows except for the people who experienced these events? And to classify some of these events as either "evilly influenced" or simply coincidental is willingly blinded, ignorant, and narrow-minded, because the people who experienced such events definitely doesn't feel the same way, and usually get very upset and offended implying so. Are these experiences "good" or "evil"? Honestly, I believe that "good" and "evil" are relative, being nothing more than a matter of perception. Of course, there are some absolutes, such as murder and stealing, but even those perceptions can and may change depending upon extreme and horrific circumstances. Would you steal or even kill to provide for your family, so that your children wouldn't starve to death? Some people who live in 3rd world countries have had to do so occasionally, not out of choice, but out of shear desperation. Sometimes, you don't have much of a choice but to choose the "lesser of the two evils", such as during election times! LOL ;-) So, once again with that in mind, are these "spiritual experiences" "good" or "evil"? I suppose they could be either, or even both, depending upon how the person who experienced them perceives them, and only they truly know. However, always remember that our minds can easily "play tricks on us", so always question… ALWAYS QUESTION. Many things people experience are just random, coincidental events, and I'll just leave it at that.
Organized Religions
Ok, I'm probably gonna hit a nerve here with some folk, and not to make a huge topic or ordeal out of this, as you may already know or gathered, I'm not a huge fan of "organized religions". I have no problems if people want to "fellowship" with other people with similar beliefs, but it's not what I personally believe. However, throughout human history, it's been mostly "organized religions" that has caused so many wars and so many deaths, so organized religion can be beneficial to many people, as long as it's kept in-check and doesn't try to "convert" others through means of harassment, torture, or genocide. To me, spirituality is so personal, that can only be shared with one's self. Discussions, such as blogging, are a positive outlet, though. I find that putting yourself out there openly, honestly, and publicly for everyone to see and critique is a way of personal discovery and a learning process. But, that's just me.
Marriage & Spirituality
I suppose it's nearly impossible to find someone who shares 100% of your views on religion and science, but if anyone has, it would be my parents. Out of millions of the little details of their beliefs, they might disagree on one or two things, if even that. However, for the most of us, these beliefs, ideas, opinions, perspectives, etc. may vary, and vary a lot between you and your spouse. When Candice and I first met, she thought then that she was somewhat agnostic in her views, but is now a strong Christian. How does that affect our marriage? I'll be honest, our life would be much simpler if we shared the same basic, core beliefs as we once did, but we love and respect each other. We not only try to understand each other's personal beliefs, but why we believe them, and don't try to push them onto each other. As of the time of this writing, Candice hasn't read my Spirituality blogs, and that's fine, because we've discussed our beliefs in detail to each other. We also have come to some sort of agreement that we don't want to force our beliefs onto our kids either, letting them choose and decide what they want to believe. If they want to attend church, then fine, and if they don't, so be it. Right now, at their young age, church is fun. But there will come a time when they'll don't want to go, and I'm afraid my parents will try to make them attend the same way they did to my sister and me. So, we'll just have to wait and see what comes out of that scenario. Sure, church teaches good ethics and morals from a secular point of view, but if my kids don't want to go and be there, then these lessons will only fall on deaf ears.
Is It Really The End?! Finally?!
Ok, I think I am completely done with my "Spirituality" series, for now. I'm completely out of anything else possible to say (ok, time for the cheers!), except that I hope this may have helped anyone, or entertaining, at the least. These blogs are an invite to anyone interested to see me on my "Stage of Life". This is my little, personal journey to seek my own truth, my own light, and my own way. Am I there yet? NOT EVEN CLOSE!!! This journey continues until I take my last breath and my heart beats for the last time, and this journey is different for everyone, for each individual person. I can only hope that you can start yours if you haven't done so already, but you first have to start on this never-ending journey by sincerely and honestly asking yourself "why?".
My "Salvational Experience"
I covered quite a bit about my "religious history" in my previous blog, but I would like speak about an experience that happened to me when I was about 10 years old or so, that was probably the very beginning of my "spiritual road to enlightenment", sort of speak, along with a couple of other changes that happened throughout my teenage and young adult life…
I was attending a tent meeting with my family, and all during the entire message and the altar call, I was feeling extremely "convicted", to the point I couldn't sit or stand still. I felt a "beckoning" that was so intense; I thought I would explode if I didn't adhere to it. Finally, a man walking around asking people if they would like to come down to the altar noticed my anxiety, and asked me if I wanted to. I probably looked like I had "ants in my pants"! It didn't take much, because before I could even mutter the word, "yes", I was already making my way out into the isle.
As I knelt down at the altar and immediately started praying, I somewhat remember sincerely asking God to forgive me of all my sins, and to save me so I could spend eternity in Heaven with him, Jesus, and my loved ones, so that I wouldn't have to spend it in hell. After I prayed the "sinner's prayer", I noticed that nothing had changed. I wasn't expecting anything miraculous like a "light coming down from the heavens" or anything… just something, so I prayed again, this time even harder than I have ever prayed before. I begged and pleaded with God, to the point of tears, to forgive me of my sins. I prayed that I wanted to change and be a strong Christian, completely devoted to God, and to save me, because I really didn't want to go to hell, and really wanted to go to heaven. By this time, a small group of people was praying around me. I have no idea how long this all took, but it seemed an eternity.
Afterwards, people asked me if I had been saved and how I felt, and of course, I lied to everyone, even to myself. They hugged me and cried, especially my parents and family. I don't remember much after that, except standing outside alone in the darkened parking lot, next to my parents car, ready to leave, feeling even less peaceful than I had before I went down to the altar, and also feeling rejected, angry, sad, and lonely. What had happened and why?! This event was a defining turning-point in my life, but where and why? For about five years, I tried praying to God several times to save me, each time growing more and more angry, depressed, lonely, feeling rejected and resentment, and desperate as of why he wouldn't. Wasn't I good enough for him? He willingly saved people who had done far worse things than I had ever done, so why not me? By the time I was 15, I somewhat understood that "salvation" and Christianity wasn't for everyone, at least not for me. I can honestly say that if people spoke openly and honestly without hesitation and fear, a lot of people have had an experience similar to mine. Now I was about to embark down a "spiritual road" that I had no idea where it was going to take me.
At 15, I all but became a deist, in an angry, resentful form that I felt that God had left mankind. God was no longer around, nor did he care. Whether he had given-up on mankind, or mankind gave-up on him, he was no longer here. I still believed in God, but more along the lines of an unknown, unwritten book in the Bible that took place before the Book of Revelations of how God left man to his own devices. I felt that not only had God abandoned me, but everyone, and people who thought and felt otherwise were delusional or simply a liar. I believed this way until sometime in my college years.
While I was going to a local community college, I was introduced to many different "types" of religions and beliefs. I made a lot of friends who were pagan, agnostics, atheists, different "varieties" of Christianity, or what have you; who were more than happy to share their experiences, thoughts, and beliefs with me very openly, honestly, and often. While attending college, I also worked part-time as a "rent-a-cop" (security guard) at a local hosiery mill, mostly 3rd shift. By this time, the economy was starting to tank badly, jobs were being moved overseas, etc., so most of the plants I guarded were usually dark and lonely… lonely enough to do a lot of thinking, and I mean A LOT OF THINKING! I would spend entire 8-hour shifts of just thinking, not even remembering doing my job while driving home from that previous night, since my job was so repetitive and boring. So, I would question everything, my own personal beliefs, and why I believed what I believed. I came home many mornings so mentally drained and exhausted, I would pass-out fully clothed in my uniform without eating breakfast.
Eventually, I slowly "came to grips" with what I believed and why, and having to make a conscious and subconscious effort to "deny" many of the teachings I grew-up with, and to "build and mold" my own personal beliefs through hours upon hours of self-examination and research, and still doing so occasionally to this day. We're all pieces of clay, molding ourselves into what we want to become, influenced by our personal experiences, environments, and circumstances. Every day and everything is a learning process, until the day each of us take our last breath. Sometimes, it's not easy looking at yourself through a "spiritual mirror". For some people, this "transition" might've been easy, but for me, it made me feel "peaceful", yet nauseated and uneasy, knowing that I was venturing out into a vast, barren land, a desert as far as the eye could see, if you will, where I had never been to before; and no one else was there to guide me, to help me find my own personal "truth, light, and way", but me. I was really scared, because when you start questioning everything, what else do you have left to hold onto? So, here I was and still am, on the "Stage of Life", with no audience, no one around, but only me and the spotlight. I feel that it's an experience many of us have to traverse to find our own personal beliefs, and see ourselves, everyone, and everything around us in a whole new light, for the very first time. I find it as equally important to not only know what you believe, but why you believe what you do. Even if you are strong and firm in your own personal beliefs, sometimes it's "refreshing" and "enlightening" to see yourself, everyone, and everything from an entirely different perspective. If you really want to scare the hell out of yourself, start analytically, philosophically, and scientifically (in other words, extremely thoroughly) question everything you hold very dear and precious to you, especially why you believe in what you do. Shake and tear everything down to the very core and see how well it still holds… how solid it is. Doing that definitely scared the hell out of me, and made me realize that I needed a "stronger foundation" for myself and my own personal beliefs, but not to argue or debate with others (although it helps!), but for my own inner peace and fulfillment. To do so takes a lot of questioning, research, and self-examination, and using all of your efforts to find honest, personal answers to these questions, to help you realize what you believe, and why you believe what you do. Sometimes, we all need a little more than just "faith" (an "f-word" I despise with every cell in my body), and having some sort of true and valid evidence to back and strengthen your beliefs go a long way, not just for others, but for yourself. If you find that all you have to rely upon is simply "faith", then perhaps you should re-examine why you believe in what you believe. I can't provide evidence for everything I believe in, but I feel that I have enough evidence to validate why I believe in what I believe, at least with myself, even if it's not enough evidence for others to draw the same conclusions as I have. Faith says a lot, but evidence speaks even more.
I love and admire this little piece by Timothy Leary that TOOL used as an intro to one of their songs live, "Third Eye" on their "Salival" album:
Think for yourself
Question authority
Throughout human history, as our species has faced the frightening, terrorizing fact that we do not know who we are, or where we are going in this ocean of chaos, it has been the authorities, the political, the religious, the educational authorities who attempted to comfort us by giving us order, rules, regulations, informing, forming in our minds their view of reality. To think for yourself you must question authority and learn how to put yourself in a state of vulnerable, open-mindedness; chaotic, confused, vulnerability to inform yourself.
Think for yourself.
Question authority.
Praying, Worship, & Meditation
I personally don't "feel the need" to pray or worship whatever it is that's out there, instead, more-or-less having a general philosophy that I'll leave whatever it is alone and he/she/it/they leave me alone. It's sort'a like a mutual agreement between us, I suppose. Usually when I did try to pray, I felt more-or-less that I was only talking to myself. However, back in my college days, I would spend much time alone meditating, something nearly impossible to do when you have a family now these days, it seems. I remember times of sitting alone in a moonlit room, listening to Dead Can Dance or Lisa Gerrard, and slipping away, if only for a moment of peace. I would either venture far deep within my own mind, or to other fantastic worlds, influenced by both this world and by my own imagination. Meditation takes a lot of practice, something you can't do just once or a few times. It took me many, many attempts before I could completely "turn on, tune in, and drop out" (without the use of LSD, of course!). Meditation is either opening-up your mind to everything around you or closing it off completely. It's a form of deep relaxation, and releasing your daily stresses by either focusing on them intently or simply letting them go. For me, much of meditation is "self-discovery", delving deep inside your head, learning as much as possible about yourself, both the "good and the bad", along with everyone and everything around you. Finding out who you really are, who you want to be; and how you currently "fit" and how you want to "fit" in your relationships with other people and your natural environment all around you. How you perceive yourself, how you perceive others, and how they perceive you. Examining your personality closely, how and why you react to many different situations and scenarios, and how you would like to react, instead. Striving constantly for "personal evolution", but not a physical evolution (of course, changing your lifestyle to improve your quality of life and to live longer never hurts!), but more of a "spiritual evolution".
This is where the "sugary Buddhist" part of me comes out. I do believe that each of us has a "spirit", if you will, and what you decide to do with your "spirit" is completely up to you. Whether it be to change and evolve it, or to remain stagnant, is completely your decision. And only you know how you change and evolve your "spirit", whether it be praying and worshipping to your "God" or "gods", meditating, casting spells, etc. "Spirit" can be looked at as your "soul", your "heart", and/or your "mind". I believe it's all of those things, and has to do with everything that makes you unique and different, not physically, but your overall personality. Your "spirit" intertwines with your body, and with everything and everyone around you, like the strands of a rope, both in the physical and spiritual sense. It's your way of thinking, and what makes you… you. As I've mentioned in my previous Spirituality blog, I believe that we're all connected to one another and to our universe in a way that can't be explained by scientific means. Well, at least not through "satisfactory" means, anyways. I know that sometimes certain emotions can be stimulated through messing around with your brain (I think with the left temporal lobe, but I can't remember) where you may feel many different emotions, and some of them are a connection to ourselves, to each other, and to our universe. So, I don't have a definitive answer to this, and that's why I remain agnostic. I simply just don't know, and I don't feel as if I have to know and understand "what" and "why", but it's just there, in each and all of us, and in everything. I also feel that if we all could explore this interconnectivity that we all share with each other and our universe, that our limitations, knowledge, and experiences are endless and boundless, only by our own imaginations.
Another piece from my favorite TOOL song of all time, titled "Reflections" from their "Lateralus" album. I love it, live it, breathe it…
So crucify the ego
Before it's far too late
To leave behind this place so
Negative and blind and cynical
And we will come to find
THAT WE ARE ALL ONE MIND
Capable of all that's
Imagined and unconceivable
Just let the light touch you
And let the words spill through
Just let them pass right through,
Bringing out our hope and reason.
Before we pine away.
Personal "Spiritual Experiences"
I'm not going to get into a lot of detail here, because personal "spiritual experiences" can't be logically and scientifically debated, examined, or thoroughly tested. So, what's the point? However, I do feel that throughout my life that I have seen, heard, felt, and yes, even smelt enough to know that there is some sort of "afterlife" out there, but that it is so firmly out of our grasp, beyond our finite comprehension to even try to understand it. Once again, there's my agnostic side coming out, and many of these experiences sometimes fall out of the "ordinary explanations" and "conventions" of what both science and most popular religions has to offer. I do, however, feel that we can learn, grow, and mature from these experiences, and attempt at assumptions, explanations, and conclusions that no one else would come to, even if they had experienced the same events. And I've heard of many stories of where these both positive and negative experiences have happened to many people, of different beliefs and all religions. Anyone can make their own assumptions and perceptions, but who really knows except for the people who experienced these events? And to classify some of these events as either "evilly influenced" or simply coincidental is willingly blinded, ignorant, and narrow-minded, because the people who experienced such events definitely doesn't feel the same way, and usually get very upset and offended implying so. Are these experiences "good" or "evil"? Honestly, I believe that "good" and "evil" are relative, being nothing more than a matter of perception. Of course, there are some absolutes, such as murder and stealing, but even those perceptions can and may change depending upon extreme and horrific circumstances. Would you steal or even kill to provide for your family, so that your children wouldn't starve to death? Some people who live in 3rd world countries have had to do so occasionally, not out of choice, but out of shear desperation. Sometimes, you don't have much of a choice but to choose the "lesser of the two evils", such as during election times! LOL ;-) So, once again with that in mind, are these "spiritual experiences" "good" or "evil"? I suppose they could be either, or even both, depending upon how the person who experienced them perceives them, and only they truly know. However, always remember that our minds can easily "play tricks on us", so always question… ALWAYS QUESTION. Many things people experience are just random, coincidental events, and I'll just leave it at that.
Organized Religions
Ok, I'm probably gonna hit a nerve here with some folk, and not to make a huge topic or ordeal out of this, as you may already know or gathered, I'm not a huge fan of "organized religions". I have no problems if people want to "fellowship" with other people with similar beliefs, but it's not what I personally believe. However, throughout human history, it's been mostly "organized religions" that has caused so many wars and so many deaths, so organized religion can be beneficial to many people, as long as it's kept in-check and doesn't try to "convert" others through means of harassment, torture, or genocide. To me, spirituality is so personal, that can only be shared with one's self. Discussions, such as blogging, are a positive outlet, though. I find that putting yourself out there openly, honestly, and publicly for everyone to see and critique is a way of personal discovery and a learning process. But, that's just me.
Marriage & Spirituality
I suppose it's nearly impossible to find someone who shares 100% of your views on religion and science, but if anyone has, it would be my parents. Out of millions of the little details of their beliefs, they might disagree on one or two things, if even that. However, for the most of us, these beliefs, ideas, opinions, perspectives, etc. may vary, and vary a lot between you and your spouse. When Candice and I first met, she thought then that she was somewhat agnostic in her views, but is now a strong Christian. How does that affect our marriage? I'll be honest, our life would be much simpler if we shared the same basic, core beliefs as we once did, but we love and respect each other. We not only try to understand each other's personal beliefs, but why we believe them, and don't try to push them onto each other. As of the time of this writing, Candice hasn't read my Spirituality blogs, and that's fine, because we've discussed our beliefs in detail to each other. We also have come to some sort of agreement that we don't want to force our beliefs onto our kids either, letting them choose and decide what they want to believe. If they want to attend church, then fine, and if they don't, so be it. Right now, at their young age, church is fun. But there will come a time when they'll don't want to go, and I'm afraid my parents will try to make them attend the same way they did to my sister and me. So, we'll just have to wait and see what comes out of that scenario. Sure, church teaches good ethics and morals from a secular point of view, but if my kids don't want to go and be there, then these lessons will only fall on deaf ears.
Is It Really The End?! Finally?!
Ok, I think I am completely done with my "Spirituality" series, for now. I'm completely out of anything else possible to say (ok, time for the cheers!), except that I hope this may have helped anyone, or entertaining, at the least. These blogs are an invite to anyone interested to see me on my "Stage of Life". This is my little, personal journey to seek my own truth, my own light, and my own way. Am I there yet? NOT EVEN CLOSE!!! This journey continues until I take my last breath and my heart beats for the last time, and this journey is different for everyone, for each individual person. I can only hope that you can start yours if you haven't done so already, but you first have to start on this never-ending journey by sincerely and honestly asking yourself "why?".
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Spirituality
WARNING: This is a huge, l-o-n-g blog that contains my personal beliefs, ideas, perspectives, opinions, etc. If you find the opinions expressed by others that differ than yours offensive, then I highly recommend not reading any further! Press the "Back" button on your web browser now! LOL However, if you're interested, then please continue…
Well, I've been debating about whether to write this or a "computer guide", but there's ton of "computer guides" out there already. So, I decided to write this instead. However, if anyone does want to hear my computer hints and tips, I'll be more than happy to post them on here eventually. I deal with many common mistakes made by the "average Joe" on a daily, if not an hourly basis, of where I work at the Geek Squad.
My Religious History
First of all, let me talk about my "religious history". I was raised in a very strong Christian environment throughout most of my life until I got married. Up until I was about a pre-teen, my father was a Gideon (the guys who places Bibles in hotel and motel rooms), and he was also a Sunday school teacher for the men's adult class at his Southern Baptist church. My mother played the piano and the organ at this church, and they both were in the choir and also in a singing group. When my father "surrendered to his calling to preach", he has pastured two churches (currently at his second Independent Baptist church), and both parents are still doing everything they were doing before my father became a preacher, except for being a Gideon or teaching Sunday school. Most of my life, we attended church three times a week, yearly Vacation Bible School and Bible camps, every church and tent revival in the tri-county area (and no, I'm not kidding, either!), and even a private Christian school from 6th grade up through 9th grade, which then my mother home-schooled my sister and I throughout our high school years. To say the least, I've had a very good "dose" of Christianity, and know the Bible better than most of the Christians I've had discussions or debates with. I started questioning everything I was taught by the age of 15, and started making serious "religious changes" while I was attending a local community college.
"…So Let's Do It Like They Do On The Discovery Channel..."
Most importantly, I'd like to state that I have a VERY limited knowledge and understanding of history and the sciences. Although I enjoy learning about the such, I never fully understand, but I usually get the "jest" or the basics and fundamentals. In fact, I comprehend history and science a lot better when I watch these topics on educational television channels because they often try to keep it simple, instead of trying to read about the such from a curricular point of view. With that in mind, I too, make assertions and assumptions about ideas and topics that either I, or any of us, know without any reasonable doubt or certainty.
Intolerate Intolerance
Instead of debating who right and who's wrong with what facts that can swayed in any direction, I'll just talk about what I personally believe and perhaps even why, while trying to remain non-biased and non-judgmental towards any other beliefs outside of my own. Since people argue, torture, and murder each other because different perspectives and interpretations, I'll attempt to refrain from such. We have enough intolerance in this world to go around...
While I'm on the topic of intolerance, to understand what tolerance is, you must first know true difference between the two. A definition of intolerance can be found from Dictionary.com:
lack of toleration; unwillingness or refusal to tolerate or respect contrary opinions or beliefs, persons of different races or backgrounds, etc.
Often, intolerance (and disrespect) come from ignorance (lack of knowledge, understanding, and experience); and often causes fear from this ignorance. Many people intolerate circumstances that cannot be chosen, such as race and gender. How many of you had the choice to be the race and gender you are? To me, racism and sexism are the most ridiculous forms of intolerance, because no one has the choice to be what they are, predetermined before birth and understanding. Another form of intolerance is against creed (personal beliefs and religion), even though this is a person's choice, is often a product of the person's environment and society in general. Depending upon where you were born and what you were taught growing up often reflects your personal beliefs. Even though you may completely believe differently than what your parental figures believed, you still may carry basic morals and ethics shared by them. I can relate to this from personal experience. It is very difficult to COMPLETELY change your way of thinking if you were taught what your parental figures believed.
However, intolerance often comes from one's personal religious beliefs as well. I hope this is the only time I will say anything negative towards any religion, and I'll even refrain from listing any specific religion that may fall into this category. There's quite a few of them out there, and I hate to admit that most, but not all, of them are monotheistic in nature. But if your religion teaches any form of intolerance, then perhaps you should definitely reconsider why you believe what you believe! I cannot understand why a god or a group of deities would command his/hers/their children that they created to hate and kill one another! In most intolerant religions, their god or gods are usually omniscient ("all-knowing"). With that in mind, why would a god or deities who already know what will become of a person before they are even conceived let them be born if they are committed to die later in life by his/hers/their own followers? Why would a creator(s) want to destroy their own creations, their own greatest work of art, their grandest masterpiece? Besides, if the creator(s) really wanted a specific sect or group of opposing religious believers punished in some fashion, aren't they able to do that themselves? They are omnipotent ("all powerful") enough to create everything, they should be powerful enough it destroy it all, as well. Unless, they allow unbelievers to be born and continue to live and prosper for two reasons:
1. They aren't "god-like" (they're not omniscient or omnipotent), making them a demigod (an inferior god), or not a god at all
2. They allow these non-believers to exist simply because they DO want them to live and prosper, and have "free-will" (the right to choose what he or she wants to believe).
This makes absolutely no sense to me. Mankind will never progress further until we all can learn to tolerate and respect each other, and that's including myself. That doesn't mean that we all have to conform to a particular faith or to a set of beliefs, but at least make a slight attempt to learn and understand each other, what makes us different, and what makes us all the same. You may be surprised how your religion is similar to other religions you may have superstitions about! And when you start examining other religions, I think most people will be very surprised at the similarities between their own beliefs and others. Do some research of these webpages and see what I mean…
Also, many people believe that tolerance is arrogantly looking at others different than them, knowing they are right and everyone else is wrong. Here's a few good definitions of what tolerance is, also found on Dictionary.com:
1. a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.
2. a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward opinions and practices that differ from one's own.
3. interest in and concern for ideas, opinions, practices, etc., foreign to one's own; a liberal, undogmatic viewpoint.
"A fair, objective, permissive attitude", "freedom from bigotry", and "interest in and concern for ideas, opinions, practices, etc. that differ from one's own" is what tolerance is. A good web site that "promotes religious understanding, tolerance, and freedom" is http://www.religioustolerance.org. I've been learning a great deal from this web site for well over a decade or so, and I highly recommend that everyone should delve into its many pages of vast knowledge. They attempt to remain as unbiased as possible (all of the primary website authors share very different beliefs from each other), yet they don't hold back or "pull punches" when they examine a religion that promotes intolerance. For example, it's interesting to know that 21 different world religions have a version of the "Golden Rule". This common belief of "treat others the way you would like to be treated", though worded differently in these different religions, still holds the same basic principle. If you really think about it, how often do we actually live by that? It's easy to "push our agenda" upon others, but how often do we enjoy that when it's done to us? Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy civilized discussions (hence this blog), but not when it's only "one-sided". Be prepared to hear my ideas and opinions as I will respectfully will do the same for you in return. Fairly, objectively, and permissively listening to beliefs, ideas, and opinions different than our own is how we learn, mature, and prosper as a human race. We all have many different paths in life that are different as we all are individually, but I highly doubt any of these paths should truly lead to harassment, torture, and murder of others who are perceived as being different.
Something else that has always been disheartening for me is the topic of how we treat each other and the world around us. Not only we insist killing each other because of our differences or for some sort of profitable gain, but we also must destroy the environment and all that lives within. If this breaks my heart as an insignificant human being among billions, I could only imagine how this hurts our creator(s) who may know and see everything. I wonder how many civilizations of people and species of plants and animals we have managed to wipe off the face of the planet due to intolerance, ignorance, and greed?
What I Am, Or What Am I?
I guess I shall start off by saying, in general, I'm a "die-hard", "hardcore" agnostic (wow, now there's an oxymoron!), sugared with a little Buddhism, with a slight "lemony" humanistic twist. To be a little more specific, I believe that we really have no idea of what infinite supernatural lies out there beyond our own finite horizons, nor can we comprehend the supernatural or the reasons that we are here. Also, we have very little proof of the true origin of life (abiogenesis isn't even a theory yet... just a hypothesis, but a very formidable one at that!). Since no one was around to record the account of how we got here, I feel that anyone who claims to know such are delusional, afraid of the unknown, and must make "blind" conclusions to feel at peace with themselves. All we have to go by are either what science or religion currently believes or states. I'm more of a man of science than religion, and I fill-in the gaps of where I feel science doesn't currently provide me with "satisfactory explanations" with my own personal beliefs, observations, perspectives, and conclusions. Of course, I also feel that science will eventually provide me with more "satisfactory explanations" as time goes on and more evidence will "unearth". Maybe one day, I might actually fall into the category of "atheist", but not until all of my questions are answered with "satisfactory explanations".
Where Did We Come From?
Since none of us were around when it all began, I must make some assumptions (like everyone else does) based upon what we know today. I feel that some sort of supernatural being(s) or force(s) created this universe, but using evolution to do so. This is definitely not anything new, since some people believe that their god or deities used evolution to create everything. I feel that there's enough evidence to support evolution… (don't believe me, visit these webpages)
http://www.talkorigins.org
http://www.positiveatheism.org/writ/berra.htm
…but it all did not happen out of complete chance (randomness). Although there is more than enough evidence to support evolution, I don't think it could have happened without some sort of "external help". However, to call this "external help" "God", and then attempt to explain his/her/their consciousness and nature is far beyond our limited human capabilities.
Why Are We Here?
Seems like a very simple question, but I've never heard a really good simplistic answer. That's because there isn't one. I personally believe we are all here for as many different reasons are there as many people living on this earth. However, I also believe that we all should share one common goal - to learn from each other, to tolerate each other, and to live in harmony with each other and the world around us. And it's a goal that I struggle with everyday, but it doesn't mean that none of us should stop trying. This is an obtainable goal, but we first must have leaders in place who envision the same goal and wants to benefit the entire world as a whole and not themselves or their personal agendas. But in the meantime, we should all do the best we can as individuals and never stop trying. I do often think that what if I were to help change at least one person's life in a positive way... but even that could lead to selfish gratification. Perhaps just making positive changes in my own life may help someone else make positive changes in theirs... someone else grows spiritually as I grow... and that perhaps may be the primary reason for why I'm here.
Where Are We Going?
This is about as simple to answer as the previous sections. Here on earth, if things don't change, then we're facing inevitable doom. Instead of using our ever-expanding knowledge to benefit man-kind and our planet as a whole, we use this knowledge against ourselves and our own habitat. Eventually, if things don't change, we will destroy ourselves, whether it be from some sort of mass holocaust or through the environment, whichever comes first. However, what happens after death? Hmm... I personally feel that you have as much control over your eternal destination as you do here on earth. "What?!" Heheheh... let me explain. First of all, we have a lot more control over our lives and what happens to us here on earth than most people seem to think. I highly doubt the supernatural is as involved in our lives as much as we think they are. People don't like this idea because if you really think about it, you are a lot more responsible over your own life (through decisions and actions) and those lives around you, and things usually don't happen to you for a reason. Sure, bad things happen to good people, but I don't think that cynical circumstances are bestowed upon people by some sort of angry god, deities, demons, or what have you. Perhaps, some of these events may happen to help teach you valuable lessons in life. But overall, negative situations randomly happen to random people, and sometimes these things could have been prevented, and sometimes they can't. When I stopped blaming outside sources for negative events that happened to me, stopped depending upon outside sources for positive events to happen to me, and started taking control and responsibility of my own life, including depending upon myself for strength and guidance, it was one of the biggest, most positive turning points in my life. So, if we have a lot of control of what happens to us in our own lives, I feel that we have a lot of control of what happens to us in the afterlife. I feel that we choose what happens to us. From a Christian's perspective, then think of God as a "traffic cop". He's there to guide us to where we believe or think we belong in the afterlife, whether it be some sort of heaven, reincarnation, no life after death, or whatever you personally believe you will go in the afterlife. I, personally, would like to hang around after death and see what happens here on earth as some sort of spirit. I have absolutely no desire to go to the version of heaven Christians describe. That would be hell for me. If other people want to go to such a place, then so be it. I'd rather spend my eternity else-where. But I promised that I wouldn't speak negatively about another religion, so I'll stop at that.
Sin/Repentance Versus Darkness/Enlightenment
This is probably where a lot of people reading this will get even more angered than the previous paragraph. Since we are very much in control of our lives here on earth and perhaps our afterlife, then I assume we have as much control as to how we get from here to there. "Huh?!" Well, some people believe this is through good works. Other people believe that you pray and ask for some sort of salvation. What if I were to tell you that you are all right? Since we are all different and have different paths in life, why should we all follow the same path to "salvation", which is very personal and different for each of us individually? For me, "salvation" is achieved though personal enlightenment. This is where the sugary Buddhism comes in. I believe that we all have a spiritual "veil of darkness" that cover our spiritual eyes. Perhaps it could be materialism, personal selfish goals, or what have you. But through personal observation of nature all around us, general human nature, and our own personal, individual natures, we can learn and become more aware of who we are, and why we are here, as a whole and as individuals. None of us has to have some sort of psychology degree in order to do this, since we all live on this planet earth together and we all are human beings. Eventually, this "veil of darkness" will very slowly be lifted, and it's a process that may take each of us a lifetime. To understand this world around us, each other, and ourselves is my personal path to "salvation", and hence is why this blog came about. Each of us can experience peace and happiness, but it is through our own unique, individual ways. If you experience such through either praying or casting spells, then so be it, but that isn't for all of us. I have experienced peace and happiness on many occasions, but it isn't an ongoing experience. I have had those experiences when I felt an uplifting, almost spiritual bonding with the world around me and with myself, and I wish those experiences would happen more often with less work from myself, but it does take a lot of work. I have to live a life that is a positive influence on my family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers. I have to live a life of ever-growing ethic and moral standards, but without expecting anyone else to live to those same standards I have set for myself. I have to live a life of continuous personal observation (really deep soul-searching, if you will), to keep myself in-check. I have to not only look at my positive qualities, but also really examine my weaknesses, and determine a better, more positive change. I have to live a life that I am proud of, and look back with little or no regrets. How many of us can honestly say that? Not me. Each day I should look back and see what "triumphs and tribulations" I had, and attempt to see why I reacted in what ways.
God, Dark Mass/Dark Energy, M-Theory/String Theory (multiverse): The Study Of Which Cannot Be Studied
Interesting title, eh? I have often thought of all of the different beliefs, ideas, and opinions out there purely based upon speculation (no absolute proof). And unfortunately, there's a lot of it! Even from the scientific community has quite a few of theories and hypothesis, because it's very difficult to observe something that cannot be sensed by any of our five senses. But you also have to keep in mind that many common beliefs in the past were eventually disproven by science, such as the world being flat and lightning was vengeance sent by an angry god or deities. Eventually, science may explain everything, but until then, we unfortunately have to settle with that "f" word I despise with cell in my body - faith. Even atheists have to have faith if they believe dark mass/dark energy or a multiverse exists, since we do not have enough proof right now to fully support any of these assumptions. So, here's my little "insight" on these matters...
Did anyone know that 96% of the universe is missing? I had no idea anyone had lost it! (sorry, couldn't resist) Since most people are familiar with some sort of supernatural ideology (monotheism, polytheism, pantheism, etc.), I won't spend time "beating a dead horse". However, many people have never heard of dark mass and dark energy. Before reading on, I highly recommend doing a little research on the topic, such as Google, to find out more. I definitely do not want you to form an opinion based strictly upon my point-of-view (who am I to teach others science?!).
Now that you may have learned a little on the topic of dark mass and dark energy, my personal opinion (no facts, of course), is that "God", dark mass, and dark energy are all one and the same. "Huh?!" I believe that some sort of supernatural force(s) is what makes up for this unknown (missing) mass and energy, and helps hold this universe together. Of course, this opinion may change if science ever proves otherwise.
The whole idea of M-theory (multiverse) is very fascinating to me, however, once again, holds very little evidence. Again, please do a little research on the topic on your own if you are unfamiliar with M-theory. To me, it's simply an attempt to add more odds in the favor of chances of a planet being able to support life, and the chance of life actually happening without any external help (such as through supernatural forces). So, if you eradicate the idea of multiple universes existing and ours is the only one that does exist, then the chances of a life-supporting planet that actually grew life is almost next to nill. To know what I mean, do a little research on all of the constants we must have here on planet earth and even in our solar system for us to even exist! Complete and total chance? Probably not until proven differently.
But String Theory, along with Quantum Mechanics (Physics), definitely captures my attention. However, along with many people, my puny, little mind has a difficult time comprehending anything outside of our known 3rd dimension. But, I do agree with the concept that we are all connected in a way that can't currently be studied by science (as of yet), and are connected in some sort of way to everything else. If "God" exists, then he/she/it/they exist in all of us, in everything and in everyone.
And while we're on the topic of science, there's a wonderful website with many comments by Albert Einstein that I think everyone should read at http://www.einsteinandreligion.com/.
The End
Welp, that's all I've got for now. Yet, another huge blog, but I hope that someone may enjoy reading through it. I'm also very open to any beliefs, concepts, ideas, facts, opinions, etc. However, keep in mind, that unless you provide some sort of "earth-shattering" evidence, I'm not too easily swayed. No offense, but when it comes to Christianity, I've heard all of the arguments a thousand times, and in thousands of different possibilities.
Well, I've been debating about whether to write this or a "computer guide", but there's ton of "computer guides" out there already. So, I decided to write this instead. However, if anyone does want to hear my computer hints and tips, I'll be more than happy to post them on here eventually. I deal with many common mistakes made by the "average Joe" on a daily, if not an hourly basis, of where I work at the Geek Squad.
My Religious History
First of all, let me talk about my "religious history". I was raised in a very strong Christian environment throughout most of my life until I got married. Up until I was about a pre-teen, my father was a Gideon (the guys who places Bibles in hotel and motel rooms), and he was also a Sunday school teacher for the men's adult class at his Southern Baptist church. My mother played the piano and the organ at this church, and they both were in the choir and also in a singing group. When my father "surrendered to his calling to preach", he has pastured two churches (currently at his second Independent Baptist church), and both parents are still doing everything they were doing before my father became a preacher, except for being a Gideon or teaching Sunday school. Most of my life, we attended church three times a week, yearly Vacation Bible School and Bible camps, every church and tent revival in the tri-county area (and no, I'm not kidding, either!), and even a private Christian school from 6th grade up through 9th grade, which then my mother home-schooled my sister and I throughout our high school years. To say the least, I've had a very good "dose" of Christianity, and know the Bible better than most of the Christians I've had discussions or debates with. I started questioning everything I was taught by the age of 15, and started making serious "religious changes" while I was attending a local community college.
"…So Let's Do It Like They Do On The Discovery Channel..."
Most importantly, I'd like to state that I have a VERY limited knowledge and understanding of history and the sciences. Although I enjoy learning about the such, I never fully understand, but I usually get the "jest" or the basics and fundamentals. In fact, I comprehend history and science a lot better when I watch these topics on educational television channels because they often try to keep it simple, instead of trying to read about the such from a curricular point of view. With that in mind, I too, make assertions and assumptions about ideas and topics that either I, or any of us, know without any reasonable doubt or certainty.
Intolerate Intolerance
Instead of debating who right and who's wrong with what facts that can swayed in any direction, I'll just talk about what I personally believe and perhaps even why, while trying to remain non-biased and non-judgmental towards any other beliefs outside of my own. Since people argue, torture, and murder each other because different perspectives and interpretations, I'll attempt to refrain from such. We have enough intolerance in this world to go around...
While I'm on the topic of intolerance, to understand what tolerance is, you must first know true difference between the two. A definition of intolerance can be found from Dictionary.com:
lack of toleration; unwillingness or refusal to tolerate or respect contrary opinions or beliefs, persons of different races or backgrounds, etc.
Often, intolerance (and disrespect) come from ignorance (lack of knowledge, understanding, and experience); and often causes fear from this ignorance. Many people intolerate circumstances that cannot be chosen, such as race and gender. How many of you had the choice to be the race and gender you are? To me, racism and sexism are the most ridiculous forms of intolerance, because no one has the choice to be what they are, predetermined before birth and understanding. Another form of intolerance is against creed (personal beliefs and religion), even though this is a person's choice, is often a product of the person's environment and society in general. Depending upon where you were born and what you were taught growing up often reflects your personal beliefs. Even though you may completely believe differently than what your parental figures believed, you still may carry basic morals and ethics shared by them. I can relate to this from personal experience. It is very difficult to COMPLETELY change your way of thinking if you were taught what your parental figures believed.
However, intolerance often comes from one's personal religious beliefs as well. I hope this is the only time I will say anything negative towards any religion, and I'll even refrain from listing any specific religion that may fall into this category. There's quite a few of them out there, and I hate to admit that most, but not all, of them are monotheistic in nature. But if your religion teaches any form of intolerance, then perhaps you should definitely reconsider why you believe what you believe! I cannot understand why a god or a group of deities would command his/hers/their children that they created to hate and kill one another! In most intolerant religions, their god or gods are usually omniscient ("all-knowing"). With that in mind, why would a god or deities who already know what will become of a person before they are even conceived let them be born if they are committed to die later in life by his/hers/their own followers? Why would a creator(s) want to destroy their own creations, their own greatest work of art, their grandest masterpiece? Besides, if the creator(s) really wanted a specific sect or group of opposing religious believers punished in some fashion, aren't they able to do that themselves? They are omnipotent ("all powerful") enough to create everything, they should be powerful enough it destroy it all, as well. Unless, they allow unbelievers to be born and continue to live and prosper for two reasons:
1. They aren't "god-like" (they're not omniscient or omnipotent), making them a demigod (an inferior god), or not a god at all
2. They allow these non-believers to exist simply because they DO want them to live and prosper, and have "free-will" (the right to choose what he or she wants to believe).
This makes absolutely no sense to me. Mankind will never progress further until we all can learn to tolerate and respect each other, and that's including myself. That doesn't mean that we all have to conform to a particular faith or to a set of beliefs, but at least make a slight attempt to learn and understand each other, what makes us different, and what makes us all the same. You may be surprised how your religion is similar to other religions you may have superstitions about! And when you start examining other religions, I think most people will be very surprised at the similarities between their own beliefs and others. Do some research of these webpages and see what I mean…
- http://www.religioustolerance.org/zoroastr.htm
- http://www.religioustolerance.org/noah_com.htm
- http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_jcpa.htm
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christ_and_comparative_mythology
Also, many people believe that tolerance is arrogantly looking at others different than them, knowing they are right and everyone else is wrong. Here's a few good definitions of what tolerance is, also found on Dictionary.com:
1. a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.
2. a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward opinions and practices that differ from one's own.
3. interest in and concern for ideas, opinions, practices, etc., foreign to one's own; a liberal, undogmatic viewpoint.
"A fair, objective, permissive attitude", "freedom from bigotry", and "interest in and concern for ideas, opinions, practices, etc. that differ from one's own" is what tolerance is. A good web site that "promotes religious understanding, tolerance, and freedom" is http://www.religioustolerance.org. I've been learning a great deal from this web site for well over a decade or so, and I highly recommend that everyone should delve into its many pages of vast knowledge. They attempt to remain as unbiased as possible (all of the primary website authors share very different beliefs from each other), yet they don't hold back or "pull punches" when they examine a religion that promotes intolerance. For example, it's interesting to know that 21 different world religions have a version of the "Golden Rule". This common belief of "treat others the way you would like to be treated", though worded differently in these different religions, still holds the same basic principle. If you really think about it, how often do we actually live by that? It's easy to "push our agenda" upon others, but how often do we enjoy that when it's done to us? Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy civilized discussions (hence this blog), but not when it's only "one-sided". Be prepared to hear my ideas and opinions as I will respectfully will do the same for you in return. Fairly, objectively, and permissively listening to beliefs, ideas, and opinions different than our own is how we learn, mature, and prosper as a human race. We all have many different paths in life that are different as we all are individually, but I highly doubt any of these paths should truly lead to harassment, torture, and murder of others who are perceived as being different.
Something else that has always been disheartening for me is the topic of how we treat each other and the world around us. Not only we insist killing each other because of our differences or for some sort of profitable gain, but we also must destroy the environment and all that lives within. If this breaks my heart as an insignificant human being among billions, I could only imagine how this hurts our creator(s) who may know and see everything. I wonder how many civilizations of people and species of plants and animals we have managed to wipe off the face of the planet due to intolerance, ignorance, and greed?
What I Am, Or What Am I?
I guess I shall start off by saying, in general, I'm a "die-hard", "hardcore" agnostic (wow, now there's an oxymoron!), sugared with a little Buddhism, with a slight "lemony" humanistic twist. To be a little more specific, I believe that we really have no idea of what infinite supernatural lies out there beyond our own finite horizons, nor can we comprehend the supernatural or the reasons that we are here. Also, we have very little proof of the true origin of life (abiogenesis isn't even a theory yet... just a hypothesis, but a very formidable one at that!). Since no one was around to record the account of how we got here, I feel that anyone who claims to know such are delusional, afraid of the unknown, and must make "blind" conclusions to feel at peace with themselves. All we have to go by are either what science or religion currently believes or states. I'm more of a man of science than religion, and I fill-in the gaps of where I feel science doesn't currently provide me with "satisfactory explanations" with my own personal beliefs, observations, perspectives, and conclusions. Of course, I also feel that science will eventually provide me with more "satisfactory explanations" as time goes on and more evidence will "unearth". Maybe one day, I might actually fall into the category of "atheist", but not until all of my questions are answered with "satisfactory explanations".
Where Did We Come From?
Since none of us were around when it all began, I must make some assumptions (like everyone else does) based upon what we know today. I feel that some sort of supernatural being(s) or force(s) created this universe, but using evolution to do so. This is definitely not anything new, since some people believe that their god or deities used evolution to create everything. I feel that there's enough evidence to support evolution… (don't believe me, visit these webpages)
http://www.talkorigins.org
http://www.positiveatheism.org/writ/berra.htm
…but it all did not happen out of complete chance (randomness). Although there is more than enough evidence to support evolution, I don't think it could have happened without some sort of "external help". However, to call this "external help" "God", and then attempt to explain his/her/their consciousness and nature is far beyond our limited human capabilities.
Why Are We Here?
Seems like a very simple question, but I've never heard a really good simplistic answer. That's because there isn't one. I personally believe we are all here for as many different reasons are there as many people living on this earth. However, I also believe that we all should share one common goal - to learn from each other, to tolerate each other, and to live in harmony with each other and the world around us. And it's a goal that I struggle with everyday, but it doesn't mean that none of us should stop trying. This is an obtainable goal, but we first must have leaders in place who envision the same goal and wants to benefit the entire world as a whole and not themselves or their personal agendas. But in the meantime, we should all do the best we can as individuals and never stop trying. I do often think that what if I were to help change at least one person's life in a positive way... but even that could lead to selfish gratification. Perhaps just making positive changes in my own life may help someone else make positive changes in theirs... someone else grows spiritually as I grow... and that perhaps may be the primary reason for why I'm here.
Where Are We Going?
This is about as simple to answer as the previous sections. Here on earth, if things don't change, then we're facing inevitable doom. Instead of using our ever-expanding knowledge to benefit man-kind and our planet as a whole, we use this knowledge against ourselves and our own habitat. Eventually, if things don't change, we will destroy ourselves, whether it be from some sort of mass holocaust or through the environment, whichever comes first. However, what happens after death? Hmm... I personally feel that you have as much control over your eternal destination as you do here on earth. "What?!" Heheheh... let me explain. First of all, we have a lot more control over our lives and what happens to us here on earth than most people seem to think. I highly doubt the supernatural is as involved in our lives as much as we think they are. People don't like this idea because if you really think about it, you are a lot more responsible over your own life (through decisions and actions) and those lives around you, and things usually don't happen to you for a reason. Sure, bad things happen to good people, but I don't think that cynical circumstances are bestowed upon people by some sort of angry god, deities, demons, or what have you. Perhaps, some of these events may happen to help teach you valuable lessons in life. But overall, negative situations randomly happen to random people, and sometimes these things could have been prevented, and sometimes they can't. When I stopped blaming outside sources for negative events that happened to me, stopped depending upon outside sources for positive events to happen to me, and started taking control and responsibility of my own life, including depending upon myself for strength and guidance, it was one of the biggest, most positive turning points in my life. So, if we have a lot of control of what happens to us in our own lives, I feel that we have a lot of control of what happens to us in the afterlife. I feel that we choose what happens to us. From a Christian's perspective, then think of God as a "traffic cop". He's there to guide us to where we believe or think we belong in the afterlife, whether it be some sort of heaven, reincarnation, no life after death, or whatever you personally believe you will go in the afterlife. I, personally, would like to hang around after death and see what happens here on earth as some sort of spirit. I have absolutely no desire to go to the version of heaven Christians describe. That would be hell for me. If other people want to go to such a place, then so be it. I'd rather spend my eternity else-where. But I promised that I wouldn't speak negatively about another religion, so I'll stop at that.
Sin/Repentance Versus Darkness/Enlightenment
This is probably where a lot of people reading this will get even more angered than the previous paragraph. Since we are very much in control of our lives here on earth and perhaps our afterlife, then I assume we have as much control as to how we get from here to there. "Huh?!" Well, some people believe this is through good works. Other people believe that you pray and ask for some sort of salvation. What if I were to tell you that you are all right? Since we are all different and have different paths in life, why should we all follow the same path to "salvation", which is very personal and different for each of us individually? For me, "salvation" is achieved though personal enlightenment. This is where the sugary Buddhism comes in. I believe that we all have a spiritual "veil of darkness" that cover our spiritual eyes. Perhaps it could be materialism, personal selfish goals, or what have you. But through personal observation of nature all around us, general human nature, and our own personal, individual natures, we can learn and become more aware of who we are, and why we are here, as a whole and as individuals. None of us has to have some sort of psychology degree in order to do this, since we all live on this planet earth together and we all are human beings. Eventually, this "veil of darkness" will very slowly be lifted, and it's a process that may take each of us a lifetime. To understand this world around us, each other, and ourselves is my personal path to "salvation", and hence is why this blog came about. Each of us can experience peace and happiness, but it is through our own unique, individual ways. If you experience such through either praying or casting spells, then so be it, but that isn't for all of us. I have experienced peace and happiness on many occasions, but it isn't an ongoing experience. I have had those experiences when I felt an uplifting, almost spiritual bonding with the world around me and with myself, and I wish those experiences would happen more often with less work from myself, but it does take a lot of work. I have to live a life that is a positive influence on my family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers. I have to live a life of ever-growing ethic and moral standards, but without expecting anyone else to live to those same standards I have set for myself. I have to live a life of continuous personal observation (really deep soul-searching, if you will), to keep myself in-check. I have to not only look at my positive qualities, but also really examine my weaknesses, and determine a better, more positive change. I have to live a life that I am proud of, and look back with little or no regrets. How many of us can honestly say that? Not me. Each day I should look back and see what "triumphs and tribulations" I had, and attempt to see why I reacted in what ways.
God, Dark Mass/Dark Energy, M-Theory/String Theory (multiverse): The Study Of Which Cannot Be Studied
Interesting title, eh? I have often thought of all of the different beliefs, ideas, and opinions out there purely based upon speculation (no absolute proof). And unfortunately, there's a lot of it! Even from the scientific community has quite a few of theories and hypothesis, because it's very difficult to observe something that cannot be sensed by any of our five senses. But you also have to keep in mind that many common beliefs in the past were eventually disproven by science, such as the world being flat and lightning was vengeance sent by an angry god or deities. Eventually, science may explain everything, but until then, we unfortunately have to settle with that "f" word I despise with cell in my body - faith. Even atheists have to have faith if they believe dark mass/dark energy or a multiverse exists, since we do not have enough proof right now to fully support any of these assumptions. So, here's my little "insight" on these matters...
Did anyone know that 96% of the universe is missing? I had no idea anyone had lost it! (sorry, couldn't resist) Since most people are familiar with some sort of supernatural ideology (monotheism, polytheism, pantheism, etc.), I won't spend time "beating a dead horse". However, many people have never heard of dark mass and dark energy. Before reading on, I highly recommend doing a little research on the topic, such as Google, to find out more. I definitely do not want you to form an opinion based strictly upon my point-of-view (who am I to teach others science?!).
Now that you may have learned a little on the topic of dark mass and dark energy, my personal opinion (no facts, of course), is that "God", dark mass, and dark energy are all one and the same. "Huh?!" I believe that some sort of supernatural force(s) is what makes up for this unknown (missing) mass and energy, and helps hold this universe together. Of course, this opinion may change if science ever proves otherwise.
The whole idea of M-theory (multiverse) is very fascinating to me, however, once again, holds very little evidence. Again, please do a little research on the topic on your own if you are unfamiliar with M-theory. To me, it's simply an attempt to add more odds in the favor of chances of a planet being able to support life, and the chance of life actually happening without any external help (such as through supernatural forces). So, if you eradicate the idea of multiple universes existing and ours is the only one that does exist, then the chances of a life-supporting planet that actually grew life is almost next to nill. To know what I mean, do a little research on all of the constants we must have here on planet earth and even in our solar system for us to even exist! Complete and total chance? Probably not until proven differently.
But String Theory, along with Quantum Mechanics (Physics), definitely captures my attention. However, along with many people, my puny, little mind has a difficult time comprehending anything outside of our known 3rd dimension. But, I do agree with the concept that we are all connected in a way that can't currently be studied by science (as of yet), and are connected in some sort of way to everything else. If "God" exists, then he/she/it/they exist in all of us, in everything and in everyone.
And while we're on the topic of science, there's a wonderful website with many comments by Albert Einstein that I think everyone should read at http://www.einsteinandreligion.com/.
The End
Welp, that's all I've got for now. Yet, another huge blog, but I hope that someone may enjoy reading through it. I'm also very open to any beliefs, concepts, ideas, facts, opinions, etc. However, keep in mind, that unless you provide some sort of "earth-shattering" evidence, I'm not too easily swayed. No offense, but when it comes to Christianity, I've heard all of the arguments a thousand times, and in thousands of different possibilities.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Music and Spirituality
I've been debating about getting on here and talk about my personal beliefs, and I may eventually, but I'd like to first start off by talking about "spirituality" in general. Everyone has an opinion about what "spirituality" is, but here's mine. I view spirituality as how "comfortable" you are with your own personal beliefs, how "strong" you are in your own personal beliefs, and then trying to achieve greater happiness and fulfillment in what you believe. Pretty vague, eh? Well, I may come back to this topic later, but if anyone takes the time to listen to my playlist on my main MySpace page, I have my most favorite "spiritual" songs on there. Since the words of these songs speak so deeply to me, I only hope they may do the same for someone else as well... "Forty-Six and 2" by TOOL
My shadow's
shedding skin and
I've been picking
Scabs again.
I'm down
Digging through
My old muscles
Looking for a clue.
I've been crawling on my belly
Clearing out what could've been.
I've been wallowing in my own confused
And insecure delusions
For a piece to cross me over
Or a word to guide me in.
I wanna feel the changes coming down.
I wanna know what I've been hiding in
My shadow.
Change is coming through my shadow.
My shadow's shedding skin
I've been picking
My scabs again.
I've been crawling on my belly
Clearing out what could've been.
I've been wallowing in my own chaotic
And insecure delusions.
I wanna feel the change consume me,
Feel the outside turning in.
I wanna feel the metamorphosis and
Cleansing I've endured within
My shadow
Change is coming.
Now is my time.
Listen to my muscle memory.
Contemplate what I've been clinging to.
Forty-six and two ahead of me.
I choose to live and to
Grow, take and give and to
Move, learn and love and to
Cry, kill and die and to
Be paranoid and to
Lie, hate and fear and to
Do what it takes to move through.
I choose to live and to
Lie, kill and give and to
Die, learn and love and to
Do what it takes to step through.
See my shadow changing, Stretching up and over me. Soften this old armor. Hoping I can clear the way By stepping through my shadow, Coming out the other side. Step into the shadow. Forty six and two are just ahead of me.
"Reflection" by TOOL
I have come curiously close to the end, down
Beneath my self-indulgent pitiful hole,
Defeated, I concede and
Move closer
I may find comfort here
I may find peace within the emptiness
How pitiful
It's calling me...
And in my darkest moment, fetal and weeping
The moon tells me a secret - my confidant
As full and bright as I am
This light is not my own and
A million light reflections pass over me
Its source is bright and endless
She resuscitates the hopeless
Without her, we are lifeless satellites drifting
And as I pull my head out I am without one doubt
Don't wanna be down here feeding my narcissism.
I must crucify the ego before it's far too late
I pray the light lifts me out
Before I pine away.
So crucify the ego, before it's far too late
To leave behind this place so negative and blind and cynical,
And you will come to find that we are all one mind
Capable of all that's imagined and all conceivable.
Just let the light touch you
And let the words spill through
And let them pass right through
Bringing out our hope and reason ...
before we pine away.
"Parabol" by TOOL
So familiar and overwhelmingly warm
This one, this form I hold now.
Embracing you, this reality here,
This one, this form I hold now, so
Wide eyed and hopeful.
Wide eyed and hopefully wild.
We barely remember what came before this precious moment,
Choosing to be here right now. Hold on, stay inside...
This body holding me, reminding me that I am not alone in
This body makes me feel eternal. All this pain is an illusion.
"Parabola" by TOOL
We barely remember who or what came before this precious moment,
We are choosing to be here right now. Hold on, stay inside
This holy reality, this holy experience.
Choosing to be here in
This body. This body holding me. Be my reminder here that I am not alone in
This body, this body holding me, feeling eternal
All this pain is an illusion.
Alive, I
In this holy reality, in this holy experience. Choosing to be here in
This body. This body holding me. Be my reminder here that I am not alone in
This body, this body holding me, feeling eternal
All this pain is an illusion.
Twirling round with this familiar parable.
Spinning, weaving round each new experience.
Recognize this as a holy gift and celebrate this chance to be alive and breathing.
This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality.
Embrace this moment. Remember. We are eternal.
All this pain is an illusion.
"Lateralus" by TOOL
Black then white are all I see in my infancy.
red and yellow then came to be, reaching out to me.
lets me see.
As below, so above and beyond, I imagine
drawn beyond the lines of reason.
Push the envelope. Watch it bend.
Over thinking, over analyzing separates the body from the mind.
Withering my intuition, missing opportunities and I must
Feed my will to feel my moment drawing way outside the lines.
Black then white are all I see in my infancy.
red and yellow then came to be, reaching out to me.
lets me see there is so much more
and beckons me to look through to these infinite possibilities.
As below, so above and beyond, I imagine
drawn outside the lines of reason.
Push the envelope. Watch it bend.
Over thinking, over analyzing separates the body from the mind.
Withering my intuition leaving all these opportunities behind.
Feed my will to feel this moment urging me to cross the line.
Reaching out to embrace the random.
Reaching out to embrace whatever may come.
I embrace my desire to
feel the rhythm, to feel connected
enough to step aside and weep like a widow
to feel inspired, to fathom the power,
to witness the beauty, to bathe in the fountain,
to swing on the spiral
of our divinity and still be a human.
With my feet upon the ground I lose myself
between the sounds and open wide to suck it in,
I feel it move across my skin.
I'm reaching up and reaching out,
I'm reaching for the random or what ever will bewilder me.
And following our will and wind we may just go where no one's been.
We'll ride the spiral to the end and may just go where no one's been.
Spiral out. Keep going, going...
"Wings for Marie (Part 1) by TOOL
You...
You believed ...
You believed in movements none could see.
You believed in me
A passionate spirit
Uncompromised
Boundless and open
A light in your eyes
Then immobilized.
Broken
Fell at the hands of those movements that I wouldn't see
Yet it was you who prayed for me.
So what have I done
To be a son to an angel?
What have I done
To be worthy?
Daylight dims leaving cold fluorescents
Difficult to see you in this light
Please forgive this selfish question, but
What am I to say to all these ghouls tonight?
"She never told a lie,
... well might have told a lie,
But never lived one.
Didn't have a life,
Didn't have a life,
But surely saved one."
See? I'm alright
Now it's time for us to let you go.
"10,000 Days (Wings Part 2) by TOOL
Listen to the tales and romanticize,
How we'd follow the path of the hero.
Boast about the day when the rivers overrun.
How we rise to the height of our halo.
Listen to the tales as we all rationalize
Our way into the arms of the savior,
Feigning all the trials and the tribulations;
None of us have actually been there.
Not like you.
Ignorant siblings in the congregation
Gather around spewing sympathy,
Spare me.
None of them can even hold a candle up to you.
Blinded by choice, these hypocrites won't see.
But, enough about the collective Judas.
Who could deny you were the one who
Illuminated your little piece of the divine?
And this little light of mine, a gift you passed on to me;
I'm gonna let it shine to guide you safely on your way,
Your way home ...
Oh, what are they going to do when the lights go down
Without you to guide them all to Zion?
What are they going to do when the rivers overrun
Other than tremble incessantly?
High is the way, but all eyes are upon the ground.
You were the light and the way they'll only read about.
I only pray, Heaven knows when to lift you out.
Ten thousand days in the fire is long enough;
You're going home.
You're the only one who can hold your head up high,
Shake your fists at the gates saying:
"I've come home now!
Fetch me the spirit, the son, and the father.
Tell them their pillar of faith has ascended.
It's time now!
My time now!
Give me my, give me my wings!"
You are the light and way that they will only read about.
Set as I am in my ways and my arrogance,
(With the) burden of proof tossed upon the believers.
You were my witness, my eyes, my evidence,
Judith Marie, unconditional one.
Daylight dims leaving cold fluorescents.
Difficult to see you in this light.
Please forgive this bold suggestion, but
Should you see your Maker's face tonight,
Look Him in the eye, look Him in the eye, and tell Him:
"I never lived a lie, never took a life, but surely saved one.
Hallelujah, it's time for you to bring me home."
"Brena" by A Perfect Circle
My reflection
Wraps and pulls me under
healing waters to be
Bathed in Brena
Guides me
Safely in
Worlds I've never been to
Heal me
Heal me
My dear Brena
So vulnerable
But it's alright
Heal me
Heal me
My dear Brena
Show me lonely and
Show me openings
To lead me closer to you
My dear Brena
(Feeling so) vulnerable
But it's alright
Opening to... heal...
Opening to... heal...
Heal.. Heal.. Heal...
Heal me
"Gravity" by A Perfect Circle
Lost again
Broken and weary
Unable to find my way
Tail in hand
Dizzy and clearly unable to
Just let this go
I am surrendering to the gravity and the unknown
Catch me, heal me, lift me back up to the sun
I choose to live
I fell again
Like a baby unable to stand on my own
Tail in hand
Dizzy and clearly unable to just let this go
High and surrendering to the gravity and the unknown
Catch me, heal me, lift me back up to the sun
I choose to live, I choose to live, I choose to live
Catch me, heal me, lift me back up to the sun
Help me survive the bottom
Calm these hands before they
Snare another pill and
Drive another nail down another
Needy hole, please release me
I am surrendering to the gravity and the unknown
Catch me, heal me, lift me back up to the sun
I choose to live, I choose to live
UPDATE:
For me, music plays a huge role in my "spirituality", and I think it does for most people. I think a person's music preference speaks a lot for themselves, their personality, and what kind or type of person they either are, or want to be. Even though I love movies, I've yet seen a movie that spoke to me as much as music does. And when I listen to a type of music that "fits my mood", I feel such a release afterwards, such an uplifting, as if everything I listen to is somewhat spiritual, in a sense, even if the music itself mentions nothing about spirituality. Music illustrates how I feel, and speaks a lot for the person I am. And I don't except to turn anyone onto my music, because we all have different tastes and view music differently. I just hope that people can find something out there that speaks to them as much as my music speaks to me.
While I'm on the topic of music, of all of the instruments out there, drums are my passion. Why the drums? Because they are so raw, primal, and powerful. They need no electronic equipment or electricity to play, and percussion is the oldest type of instrument known to man. When I play my drum kit (set), I often feel like I'm getting back to all of our roots, our beginnings, and the basics. It's a part of me that makes me feel so human, in a sense, indescribable with words. I look at drums as the foundation of a house. Sure, when people are looking at a house, all they see is the beautiful structure standing before them, but without a solid foundation, the house will collapse. Rhythm is that foundation, and percussion sets the rhythm and the "mood". All else builds upon that foundation to form that beautiful house that everyone sees. It's all about getting back to the basics, the foundations, of music.
Anyone that knows me and has read though my profile knows that Danny Carey from TOOL is my most influential drummer of all time. Does that mean he's the best? No, but I personally think he is. I've listened to a lot of drummers that has influenced me throughout the years, such as Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater, Scott Rockenfield from Queensryche, and Lars Ulrich from Metallica. But of all of the drummers that has influences me (many not mentioned above), none has as much as Danny Carey. Most drummers only "show off" or "shine" during drum solos, but remain mostly a "human drum machine" while the rest of the band is playing. But Danny "shows off" and "shines" throughout all of TOOL's songs, with the ability to incorporate complex techniques while blending them into a song in such a way, only someone who has a "masterful ear" can truly hear them (not saying that I do, but I do pay closer attention to drums than most average people). His complexity comes from jazz and jazz fusion drummers, some of the best ever lived, but he's able to incorporate these unique styles, mold it, and blend it into TOOL's music, where is doesn't sound like jazz or jazz fusion at all! But he still uses the same complex techniques as they do, but is hardly detectable. Anyone can "go off" on a huge, massive drum kit, look like they can play with the "best of them", but rarely can do the same thing and make it blend so perfectly into a song, or an album, much less several albums. Danny does it with every song, every album, every time. I think I'm in love with Danny. LOL :-) To illustrate one of the many complexities he does in a song, I found this video of someone doing a "remake" of a complex piece Danny does in the same song Danny plays in the internview video on my profile, "Lateralus".
I can't do this, at least not while the music is playing, because it screws-up my timing. All I can say is brilliant, not just for the ability to do it, but just for even conceiving it! I would've never in a billion years thought to put together a piece such as this, and incorporate it into a song where it doesn't stand-out, but blends in with the song so perfectly, even though the song and the drums are two completely different timings! Wow.... and this is why Danny Carey is my most influencial drummer of all time. I doubt Danny will ever come across or read this blog, but if he does, all I can say is "Thank you, Danny".
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