fairytales

[garthnader]

When we are young our parents tell us stories of Santa Claus, the Easter bunny, the tooth fairy and others. But when we grow up, these fairy tales fade as our understanding of the world and the Universe grows. But, nonetheless, we doggedly persist in our belief in the higher power and his "Son". WHY?
I put it to you that Jesus is Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny all in one. So here's yet another Holy Trinity.
I guess I'll be going to Hell now. See ya.

------------------
"Free your mind and the rest will follow..."
-En Vogue

[BenCA]

you right, when we were young, we were told about God and Jesus. Which was fairytales to us when we were young. but when we grew up, we realized that it wasn't fairytales

[Nonson]

Greetings Garthnader. If I read you right, you are against all forms of institutionalized religions. I can't knock you for your position on it. Few religious bodies have/are done/doing anything to present a credible image to the world. Who knows whether or not such aged edifices are really needed in today's world. At one time they were an almost absolute need in that it brought people together to strive for a common cause. Much of what one sees about the self is the result of religious motives. This is especially so when it comes to politics and forms of government. Without the early impetus of religion our minds might still be in bitter darkness. You see, BenCa, one of my loves is mythology, Greek and Roman in particular, and in the study of it I came to realize the role that gods and religions really played in Man's continued existence. Of course, today's religions are hardly based upon the pure essence of ancient mythology, even though some of the concepts stated as doctrine. But the true doctrines of mythology are far too strict to be a part of modern theology. Mostly it is viewed as paganism, but those doing the viewing are in truth the pagans. So, what I'm saying is that I believe there is still a place in this crazy world for a form of institutional religions, and I subscribe to one form (Orthodox with a Macedonian agenda). Peace

[andrewblow]

When I was young, I was told lots of stories with equal enthusiasm, but with guidance about their origins.

When I got older, I sought more personal guidance to see the wood from the trees.

Now I humply believe that I have a personal understanding of what 'truth' is in the midst of everything we call 'life'. I accept that many - even most - will not agree with my decisions, but that is what this journey is - a discovery.

I did all that purposely without mentioning God.
Damn - just did.
I cannot operate without Him being at the centre of my life and my thoughts. Not every moment you understand - but as a criteria for living. He puts my daily living into shape and gives me focus for everything I do.

And if that's a fairy story, then I am willing to share eternity with a large pink rabbit.
ANDREW.

[Nonson]

Andrew, it is not your belief in G-d that is attacked by the anti-religionists. It is your stated beliefs as they relate to institutional religion. I, myself, have an unbreakable conviction in the existence of a Supreme Being, I just don't need a program to tell me how to communicate with IT. You don't really need to hold the church line in your urge to disseminate your beliefs. In too many instances it only results in a failure to communicate what you're all about. Peace

[garthnader]

Greetings.
You're right Nonson. I AM against all forms of institutionalized religion. I believe that man's relationship with God should be on a strictly personal level.
Contrary to popular belief, I'm not an atheist. I would consider myself a confirmed agnostic in that I believe that there is something out there that surpasses man's consiousness and intelligence. I'm hesitant to call that force GOD, but I will call it a Universal Consiousness. I don't believe in co-incidence. Everything happens for a reason. In that, I share many of my beliefs with Buddhists.
I hope this enlightens you as to my stance.

------------------
"Free your mind and the rest will follow..."
-En Vogue

[Nonson]

Garthnader, your rejection of institutional religions in all their many forms is actually good news to me. For though I adhere closely to the Orthodox teahings of spiritual matters, I deny completely the attendant doctrines of dissemination. With this stumbling block out of the way we might now enter into a constructive dialogue. _____________________________________________ I cannot accept your claim of being an agnostic in that part of the definition of the term is: that G-d is unknown and probably unknowable. Here is why I refuse to accept it. If you believe in a Universal Consciousness then by definition that universal must be a total part of yourself. In other words, if it is universal it is you in your entirety. You and any universal are one and the same. _____________________________________________ Again, I can't accept your pre-destination beliefs. ("everything happens for a reason"). Over the years, I have done a lot of reading and thinking on this subject, and the result is that it fails to fit my concept of universal phenomenons. Since you are knowledgeable of Buddhism you might use the teaching of the Middle Path as an aid in understanding my position. I believe that man is a free agent whose very existence causes certain very definite realities to eventuate. This might be what you mean when you say, "everything happens for a reason"? Peace