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| What Religion Are You And What Are The Fundamental Tenets Of Your Beliefs?
Posted: 7/25/2007 8:47:53 PM | I'm a Pastafarian (Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster).
The main foundations are that Pastafarians are against all wars, heaven has beer volcanos as far as the eye can see, and is basically a good escape for all the Atheists in the world. We admit our religion is a bit odd, but we believe in it anyway.
Truthfully, I'm an Atheist. Most of my beliefs are science based and the evidence of the world going back millions of years with dinosaurs and "retarded fish frogs". (South Park reference, for those who don't know, don't get agnry plz thnx) | |
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| What Religion Are You And What Are The Fundamental Tenets Of Your Beliefs?
Posted: 7/25/2007 9:21:25 PM | The trouble with this thread is that it talks about ideas about what God is, or not, depending on one's beliefs. Unfortunately, beliefs and concepts of all types are extremely limiting and by their very nature exclude something else from coming in. If one wants to truly experience the divine, I suggest this, throw away all your concepts and beliefs. They are a trap and will not help you in the end. Only by being willing to let everything go will there be a possibility of seeing the infinite (God, Buddha, etc.) as it really is, beyond name and form.
MN> | |
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| What Religion Are You And What Are The Fundamental Tenets Of Your Beliefs?
Posted: 7/26/2007 12:24:00 AM | I am a follower of Yeshua (Jesus)...He told us to Love Serve and Take care of one another. That is the tenet I beleive and follow...We are here on this planet for each other. I believe we are all spiritually connected. Everything else (religion) is meant to confuse us. Religion, made by man for man.
I was raised Roman Catholic and when I was finally able to think for myself realized that this was all Elohim (God) wanted for us. It is so simple and can't stand how man has convoluted something so beautiful....St. Peter is rolling over in his grave, knowing what has become of Yeshua's church.... | |
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| What Religion Are You And What Are The Fundamental Tenets Of Your Beliefs?
Posted: 8/18/2007 11:04:55 AM | | I'm a christian, my beliefs that sin seperates humanity from God. Sin is like a disease and each and everyone of us has it in some way shape or form. Sin causes death and each and everyone of us are going to die. God has made a provision and a cure for humanity's sin problem. He sent his son Jesus to be the cure for our sins. He is the eternal life for humanity, he who believes in him shall live and have eternal life. Those who do not believe will be condemn. Christianity isn't about what church you go to, how often you go to church, how much bible you got underneath your belt, being a good person. I believe you must be born again to go to heaven. Those who rejects God's word will spend eternity apart from God. | |
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| What Religion Are You And What Are The Fundamental Tenets Of Your Beliefs?
Posted: 8/18/2007 10:06:21 PM | I am a Hindu. I practice many faiths, but really that just means I practice Hinduism.
Hinduism developed slowly out of a combination of primitive shamanics and ancestors worship. While most faiths have an identifiable human founder, hinduism just snuck up on everyone when they suddenly needed a name for all their gods assembled as a group and their larger large selection of holy books.
The creator god, Brahma, is our rough equal to the monotheistic creator-father that the christian/jewish/islamic traditions recognize. The big difference there is that Brahma created everything out of HIMSELF, using his own body to make all of reality.. he sorta stopped existing once he created everything, leaving ruler ship of the worlds to our gods. (you, me, your cat, the whole world, everything IS brahma... so he isnt a seperate entity anymore, he didnt die... he quit being him to become all of us.)
While they are a polytheistic tradition and recognize the existence of many gods, most Hindus have a "main" god, often families, villages, and cities are linked to specific gods also. Since this is a topic about MY personal faith, ill bother you with the detail of mine.
Indra, the king of the gods. This deity is identified with rain (the name comes from the Sanskrit "indu" meaning drop of liquid, usually water or Soma), the sky, lightning, and the white elephant. He is well known as a sensation junkie, a bit of a slut (praise the king, baby), and a lush. Those more experienced with the western myths than the eastern will find him to be a great match for Zeus, king of the Greek gods.
Seekers of pleasure in all its myriad forms, and folks who need rain real bad pray to this god but mostly his cult is gone now (though even modern Hindus still acknowledge he is king of the gods). The bulk of the heroics done in Hinduisms classical age were acts of this god and his companions. Later many of these legends were re-attributed to other more popular gods, but it was Hinduisms ancient qualities that drew me in the first place... so I don’t feel much need to conform to their modern mainstream deviations from the Vedas.
Being a good little polytheist, I worship many gods rather than just that one. In my attempts to be a wise polytheist I worship many gods outside the hindu faith also. This includes my study and love for Haitian voodoo as well as some interfaith practice with a few native American peoples.
Haitian voodoo was the source of my first real spiritual experiences, not the epiphanies of meditation or monotheism... but real life interaction with the spirit world and its citizens. This religion impressed itself on me in a firm, tactile way. It was early in my studies and I quickly wanted to move on to other faiths, but it left its stamp. It also deserves at least its own paragraph.
While the western media has done much to demonize this practice, it was really the faith of an enslaved and much tormented people clinging to their old ways as their only sense of self. The Caribbean was the place where slaves from many different nations of Africa were taken to be broken in spirit and dehumanized in work camps comparable to Nazi concentration camp. The idea was that these people would be broken of their spirit to rebel before being sold in mainland America. Voodoo is the child of all those African faiths mixing, and then being forced to accept a whitewashing of Christianity to survive. The people who practiced this faith were in fact the heroic underdogs fighting their western Christian slave-lords. Of course the slave-lords had more money and better propaganda, thus the deionization... and my youthful attraction to it.
I also liked a lot of what Jesus had to say, and consider him about as important as Krishna, Chief Seattle, Bob Marley, Gandhi, Joseph Campbell, and the Buddha. The people who, while flesh and blood, display some connection to divinity
The Hindus have their own calendar, I rarely celebrate the bulk of their holidays... just the ones that apply to the gods and heroes I admire/worship. I observe the solstices and equinoxes as my main holy days and even keep the practice of worship on the lunar holy days of the Celts. (most of my ancestors are Celtic) but on those days (Samhain, Beltane, those "wiccan" holy days) I am usually worshiping my ancestors and not my gods.
The pillars of my faith?
Worship- I tend to agree with Jesus on the subject of worship, I even put my altar in my closet at home on his advice. God(s) isn’t listening while you are at temple, go into your closet and pray... but it is a great place for good food, and meeting adorable ladies that are all of a decent wholesome faith. Temples are usually pretty, and worth a look.
Enlightenment- use pleasure, pain, intoxication, yoga, and even meditation (preferably overwhelming pleasure, as noted in my choice of "favorite" gods.) To stretch, bend, and even break apart my mind and identity to force growth as rebuilding. Do this on holy days, as they are spaced apart conveniently by god himself for this purpose. It can get harmful and/or addictive to do these things too often. (except for the yoga, the sun god Surya gave knowledge of yoga to us for use every day. A gift of a long healthy life, from the sun god.)
Knowledge- Always be learning, even if its one summer class in Egyptology or a meditation class at the local unity church. Knowledge of all kinds if good, but the older the faith I learn from the better and the older it is the more likely that it will creep onto my altar.
Experience- Don’t just ponder, do. This virtue prompted me to take 6 years of my life and hitchhike, homeless other than my backpack. While most may have considered me a bum, god showed me places and I was treated to experiences that cannot be bought nor happened upon in daily life. I did get a lady and get soft enough to settle and finish school and all that... but the lessons of being thirsty for experience rather than simple knowledge alone wont be forgotten even in my old age.
Dogma- Respect is due to the dogmas that come with the faiths I admire while also being careful to not lets mans agendas color them to heavily. This is the source of my giving up eating beef. (it led to vegetarianism, but for love of other living things not love of god*). This same respect prompts me keep the holy days of gods I worship, but not for example the caste system. Not that I wouldn’t respect a Brahmins place, but caste was broken enough times by popular heroes that I consider it a bit heroic to go against tradition. Karma is the best example of dogma I accept.
Polytheism- I am willing to pretty much take any gods from any of mans first pagan faiths as valid representations of the same spirits I already worship. I just LIKE the Hindu representations more than most others, but Babylon, Egypt, and the Aztecs are some favorites. I revel in idolatry, and while I know my god ISNT the statue... I still love to have a collection of various forms of art representing my favorite gods.
Hindus have many heavens and hells. Judgment comes from the self, in the form of your accumulated karma. If your acts are rotten in life, your karma bad, then you will find that your soul is to heavy to get to your gods heaven and you will fall into a lesser place. Many hells appear to be paradises for sinful types, until the soul enters and is captured by the demons within. In these cases it is the persons own flaws damning them, just as in life... rather than a god doing the condemning. It is a privilege to be able to get close to the endless pleasure of heaven.
(I am a Christian as well as a Muslim). My beliefs as a Christian are subject material for another post.
That’s pretty damned cool. I knew some messianic Jews (that’s Christian Jews) that were great folks. I never understood why Christians didn’t eat kosher and celebrate Jewish holidays like their savior did, till I met these folks and realized... some do! About half of them were Jewish converts to Christianity and the other half Christians who woke up one day and realized Christ was a Jew, the Sabbath was on the wrong day, god really said not to eat pigs, etc.
I guess I am the polytheistic version of this blending habit, having found the truths in Hinduism and vodun exist in harmony. Rather than seeing this as me practicing two (more) different faiths, I look at it more as one polytheistic faith with many different names.
J | |
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| What Religion Are You And What Are The Fundamental Tenets Of Your Beliefs?
Posted: 10/14/2007 1:00:43 AM | In light of recent events here on the forums, I think it is fitting that this thread be brought up once more, with the proviso that what a persons says, or said, here not be used against them in discussion.
Basically, there's been some hostility, and I'm just as guilty as anyone else (I am human... much to my chagrin :-P). I think it would benefit everyone to see that, despite our differences, we have much in common. | |
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| What Religion Are You And What Are The Fundamental Tenets Of Your Beliefs?
Posted: 10/18/2007 6:25:11 PM | Not religious. Humanist. Humanism is a philosophy of life inspired by humanity and guided by reason. It provides the basis for a fulfilling and ethical life without religion.
Humanists make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human values.
Humanists see no convincing evidence for gods, the supernatural, or life after death.
Humanists believe that moral values are properly founded on human empathy and scientific understanding.
Humanists believe we must live this life on the basis that it is the only life we'll have -- that, therefore, we must make the most of it for ourselves, each other, and our world.
Humanist philosophies have arisen separately in many different cultures over many thousands of years. Whether or not they use the term humanism, tens of millions of Americans and hundreds of millions of people around the world agree with the humanist philosophy of living a happy and productive life based on reason and compassion. | |
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| What Religion Are You And What Are The Fundamental Tenets Of Your Beliefs?
Posted: 10/19/2007 7:46:18 AM | I am a Muslim.
There are five fundamentals principles that a Muslim believes in.
1). Oneness of god.Meaning, there is only one God and no one else can match his power.
2). Praying. We Muslims have to pray five times a day.
3). Fasting. Fasting is obligated on all the muslim men and women. West fast in the Muslim month of Ramadan for thirty days in from dawn till dusk.
4). Zakat (Charity). It is required for all the Muslims to give a percentage of their wealth and earnings to the poor every year.
5). Hajja(Pilgrimage To Mecca, Saudi Arabia). It is required for all the Muslims who can afford to make a trip to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia once in their life time.
Besides those five fundamental principles, Muslims are quite sensitive over the issue of prophethood. We believe there will be no prophet after Muhammad since Muhammad (Peace be Upon him) was the last prophet. We muslims consider Jesus, Moses, Abraham etcetra as prophets and as very good men of God. Therefore, our faith is not complete without recognizing the work of the previous prophets before Muhammad (peace be upon him). | |
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| What Religion Are You And What Are The Fundamental Tenets Of Your Beliefs?
Posted: 10/20/2007 1:52:50 PM |
The trouble with this thread is that it talks about ideas about what God is, or not, depending on one's beliefs. Unfortunately, beliefs and concepts of all types are extremely limiting and by their very nature exclude something else from coming in. If one wants to truly experience the divine, I suggest this, throw away all your concepts and beliefs. They are a trap and will not help you in the end. Only by being willing to let everything go will there be a possibility of seeing the infinite (God, Buddha, etc.) as it really is, beyond name and form.
I agree, but only to a point.
I agree that the true nature of the divine exists, fundamentally, apart from Man's perception. We can never know it in it's fullness.
However, to leave it at that is to leave us forever in a state of ignorance. What it suggests to me is that the divine simply isn't important enough to devote much thought or consideration to... 'cause as soon as one starts doing that, even by preaching not to do that, beliefs and concepts enter the mix.
Thus, the important point is to honour the "awe-full mystery" of the divine, to realize how small all of our most profound thoughts and understandings are in the face of the reality of the divine, and to always leave room for difference between systems of thought/belief and revision within systems.
Thus the importance of the Rule of Precedent in Nordic thought and belief. | |
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| What Religion Are You And What Are The Fundamental Tenets Of Your Beliefs?
Posted: 10/21/2007 12:34:08 PM | The Philosophy of Mutts
Section one
This is the legal nation of Mutts is founded by high law and under high law. This nation is based on correct mathematical angles and living the Gray Way. The Gray Way is neither all light or all dark but holds a balance between the two.
The nation of Mutts is a functional nation with functional sovereign beings as its citizens.
A Mutt meets the following criteria and has the legal rights and responsibilities of:
1.A Mutt accepts full and sole responsibility for their every thought, every word, and every action.
2.A Mutt accepts full and sole responsibility for correcting any and all of their own erroneous thought processes.
3.A Mutt knows what is right or wrong and follows the law of right. If it is right - do it. If it is wrong - do not. A Mutt will not knowingly do anything that is Wrong.
4.A Mutt does not believe anything. They know. There is no such thing as an ignorant Mutt.
5.A Mutt constantly works on improving their knowledge, their psychic abilities, and themselves.
6.A Mutt constantly works on mastering a minimum of 42 sciences and 32 psychic abilities.
7.A Mutt is skilled in at least one form of the martial arts. There is no such thing as a defenseless Mutt.
8. A Mutt is solely responsible for the management of their own energy, knowledge or wealth.
There is no such thing as an ignorant sovereign being. Being a sovereign being implies knowledge and self control.
A Mutt is a citizen of a legal high law nation, which is a legal nation in all realms. where every citizen is recognized as an evolving sovereign being capable of self rule and treated accordingly by all realms.
The law of a Mutt is High Law.
This nation of Mutts expects her citizens to live to their highest potential under High Law.
High law and the nation of Mutts agree to provide a legal high law nation for sovereign beings where they may evolve naturally in a safe and compatible environment.
A Mutt does not need or use any permits or licenses since a sovereign being knows precisely what they can or cannot do. Hence, a Mutt passport. A Mutt passport is a guaranteed legal High Law right to pass as a Mutt sees fit.
High law is the only law of the nation of Mutts and agrees to guide and protect the nation and her citizens
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The Mutt recognizes high law as the only law of the land. The Mutt lives by High Law and under High Law. The Mutt lives by the citizenship criteria as stated in this document.
Philosophy of the nation of Mutts
Section two
Each Mutt is an evolving being capable of self rule and is treated accordingly by all realms.
Each Mutt is born with a natural value that grows as a person evolves.
Each Mutt is entitled to free and full access of all known knowledge in all realms.
Each Mutt has the right to search for, find, and pass onto others all new forms of knowledge.
Each Mutt has the right to live in a safe, pollution-free environment.
Every Mutt is expected to work on maintaining a save, pollution-free environment.
Each Mutt is expected to create an environment that encourages and supports a persons evolution.
Each Mutt is entitled to free, safe, and natural energy for all of their needs.
Each Mutt is entitled to compleat protection from all hostile forces that threaten their life, body, mind, property or the natural evolution.
Every Mutt is expected to fight all hostile forces that threaten the planet, the inhabitants of the planet and the life, mind, property or natural evolution of all sovereign beings.
Each Mutt is entitled to live in a none fear based environment.
Yemi
Section three
Your energy, management and investment system
It is your energy. You manage it. You invest it.
A Statement of Being
By using an energy management and investment system a Mutt is creating a statement of being. A Mutt is stating that they are a sovereign being capable of self rule and expects to be treated as such by all realms.
A Mutts statement of being is also their personal covenant with the high realms. It is a statement of who a Mutt is. All of a Mutts knowledge, feelings, habits, thought, hopes and dreams are included in a statement of being. It is what is shown in high law court as documentation of the work you have done on yourself.
The statement of being is what you use to prove to yourself your self worth. The statement of being is changeable. As a Mutt grows their statement of being grows. It allows all weaknesses to become fixable.
There are two systems of yemi or energy management and investment.
One is the chits version where a person is maintained as a non-sovereign being that is an animated container of uncontrolled dysfunctional action that resists the life pulse. This being has no rights, no authority and no mind. These are the Macode.
The other system is the one described here. This person is a sovereign being that is the universal life condensed into a personal form that creates limitless possibilities and achieves them with perfectly structured energy that is in tune with the life pulse. A being of perfect knowing and freedom. This person has the authority and the ability to create any reality the person is willing to create. No limits. Perfect passion. These are the Mutts.
A Mutt is solely responible for the management and investment of their own energy.
Every time a person asks permission to do anything they lose that amount of energy value. The person, agency, government or religion that gave the permission receives that amount of energy value. It is a permanent energy exchange.
Self worth
Section four
The starting point is a compleat list of a persons worth.
Each person has been conditioned since birth to consider themselves as worthless. By making a list of all of a persons abilities a Mutt can see precisely what they are worth.
Make a list of everything you can do. Even the simplest of things is knowledge. Can you tie your shoes? Can you scratch an itch? Can you cook? Can you read?math, chemistry, and all other book learned knowledge are a personal value but also the simple things such as cooking, cleaning or sewing are also recognized as a personal value. Can you see a persons hurt and make it better? Can you laugh at yourself? These are all personal values that a person has. It is your ability. What is it worth to you.
An ability has a lasting value. Each ability is a real value. This list proves to yourself that you have an actual value. Abilities are learnable. Since abilities are learnable there is no limit to the amount of abilities that a person can acquire.
Number the list as you write it out. It will number well into over a hundred. This list is now your personal certificate of self worth and statement of being.
No one has to see your certificate of self worth and statement of being.
Take a copy of your list of self worth and set a monetary value to each item on your list. How much is the ability to scratch an itch worth to you. Add the value of all the items. Multiply by 32. This is your true value. You are worth a lot more than you thought!
Before a person can advance they have to know themselves and know they have value.
This list of attainments is proof of your worthiness. No one can take away your attainments from you. No one can take you self worth away from you. An attainment is permanent. A fault is changeable.
Always remember a fault is changeable. It is only permanent if you decide to not change the fault.
Everyone has to be able to look at what they are worth. If a person never looks at themselves how can they feel worthy. Know thyself!
A persons worth is determined by the amount of effort they put into themselves. Your skills are infinite. How much are you worth? You are a being of priceless worth. All you have to do is realize it. How can you know your worth if you do not really look at what you can do.
Once you have added all of your skills ou will be amazed at how much you are worth. Admitting your own worth is another skill you can add to your list.
Knowledge is learnable. Knowledge is pressure.
There is no excuse for ignorance.
Consider this, a driver who has only driven up to 55 mph on rural two lane highways in a six cylinder car. With no training past rural 55 mph the driver in his six cylinder car is put into the indy 500 equivalent 20 lane super highway where the minimum speed is 150 mph. How long before he crashes or freaks.
True story in newspaper. A farmers first time on Los Angeles freeway. State police found him crying parked on the side of the freeway. He could not handle it. A funny story in a newspaper. They did not use his name.
Hick farmer or pro driver. Your choice.
Everything is your choice. You choose and you pay for your choice.
Energy expenditures
Section five
By turning everything back to its energy value a Mutt can see how much energy value, real value, they have. Once this amount is known energy expenditures can be managed or invested. If you do not know how much energy you have to use there is no way to knowledgeably use it.
Begin a ledger with your beginning amount. Deduct each expenditure of energy for every transfer. Write out a check for it and put it in a file of used energy checks. Add each amount of energy gained by learning a new skill. The ledger allows you to monitor your energy expenditures. It creates the habit of seeing where your energy is going and if you really want to spend it there.
Each time a person gives someone else control over them there is an energy transfer. The ledger and check system allows a person to see exactly how much they are controlled by others. Once this is known then a person can change the amount of control over them.
With the mind and body and self awareness comfortable with each other the process of infinite learning starts. The brain is like a muscle that has to be worked like any other muscle. It it is not used it will atrophy like a muscle. If it is worked out like any other muscle it will gain in strength.
The mind has to be brought up to speed. If a person gives a muscle a hard work out with warming up the muscle will hurt. The learning process always has to be comfortable and satisfying.
Whatever your starting point there is always more to learn. It does not matter if you are undeducated or spent years in college. If you are ninety nine and do not know how to read or write you can still learn. You can still know your self worth. Book learning is only part of knowledge.
A Mutt thinks multidimensionally.
Make a list of all your weak areas. Not weaknesses but weak areas which can be corrected. A weakness is not correctable.
Your mind is your processor. If there is not sufficient or detailed enough information for it to call on your mind can not make accurate decisions. It is your responibility to provide your mind/processor with all the information it needs.
Knowledge is the reference source that the mind needs to function properly.
A Mutt can handle any situation they are in comfortably and intelligently.
Knowledge is learnable. There is no excuse for ignorance.
To function capably a Mutt needs to know at a basic level 42 sciences. Do not freak out and wail you can not learn them. It happens so naturally a person is not even aware they have learned them. A person starts with the level of a science they are comfortable with. It can be a kindergarten book for a starting book if that is what is comfortable. The point is to learn! You are exercising your mind. The more you use your mind the easier it works. It just has to be worked. If it fights to retain its old way of thinking go jump in a lake in the middle of the night. Shake it up. Do not let it settle into any of its old ways. The mind like any animal. It has to be trained.
This is not an overnight occurrence. It will take years. The very process of learning is important. It is a continuous process that lasts for your entire life. Make it as enjoyable as possible.
Dissect yourself. To know yourself one has to examine every aspect of yourself completely, honestly and without any presumptions about yourself.
It is not what others tell you about yourself. It is what you tell yourself about yourself that matters.
Attainment is the key word. All that you have attained has to be written down. Each attainment is a piece of knowledge that is yours. Everything a person attains can not be taken from them.
You have to be willing to attain, to have, to know and to do.
Even your subconscious will fight you to keep you in the mold you were preset in.
You will actually be at war with yourself for a while. You have to be worth the effort to fight for yourself before anyone else will join in the fight to fight for you. If a person does not think they are worth the effort and do not work on themselves none of the other realms will step in to assist in a persons care.
When you are serious about working on yourself perform a ritual to inform all realms that you have begun the process of becoming who you truly are. This way they are formally informed of the process. Perform a ritual every time you make a change. Keep the other realms informed of all changes. The binder with your statement of being and certificate of self worth is also your documentation of your work on yourself. Give your binder a special name.
Main frame
Section six
Main frame is the term used to designate a Mutts true mind. It is another name for the superconscious mind. For its function and mode of operation main frame is the most accurate way of describing a Mutts true mind. It is the mind we were meant to be using on a daily level. Have you ever considered why a person does not use their superconscious everyday. Ignorance stops the use of the main frame. Simple lack of knowledge. Not enough pressure from acquired knowledge to make the shift to the higher level.
Critical mass of knowledge is needed to engage the main frame. Gears brought up to speed to mesh with higher gears. The amount of knowledge a person has determines how fast their gears spin. Too slow a speed when gears are meshed results in destroyed gears.
Knowledge is the reference point that the mind needs so that it has something to refer to for information when the main frame is accessed.
Knowledge points is the clearest term to describe how the mind connects with the mind. Each unit of knowledge is similar to the prongs that fit into a port on a computer. If there are not enough points of knowledge the connection will not work just as if there are the wrong number of prongs on a computer plug.
Knowledge is the cosmic energy imported to the mind.
Knowledge is cosmic energy.
The everyday mind and superconsciousness have to be trained to a level that allows the minds to mesh into one mind.
The mind is designed to work with codes. There are built in codes in a persons dna. The coding that ties a person up is the lower primal part of the brain. It is so simple it is very easy to miss. The family dna/personality code and cultural upbringing are the base code used as the deciding factor in how a person reacts/responds to any situation. It takes a forceful and strong personal resolve to break the pattern that is used to condition a person.
Ignorance is the death warrant.
If a person has no knowledge they have no alternate reference point to access a way out.
Ignorance, isolation and forced control are death.
Conclusion
Section six
This statement of rights as stated in this document is the full and legal covenant between high law and the Mutts.
As stated it is sealed under high law and by high law, the nation of Mutts and her citizens.
If you are willing to follow these criteria and be a Mutt, sign your passport and live as a Mutt who lives under high law and by high law.
Passport signature___________________________________ | |
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| What Religion Are You And What Are The Fundamental Tenets Of Your Beliefs?
Posted: 10/25/2007 12:31:17 PM | Though I have nothing but the outmost respect for people with profound religious beliefs, I myself am not able to put something as precious as my spirituality in the hands of an organization - especially and ideological one, such as organized religions are.
Why?
Because:
1) I don't trust them (take a look at world history and you'll see why. Believe me, if I ever decide to put my immortal soul into the hands of an organization, I'll chose the Postal Service - all people can be a part of it, everyone is treated equally by it, they're much more reliable, you're 90% certain you'll get what you came in for and they have A LOT less blood on their hands), and
2) I'm the kind of person that needs to do things right. So, if I choose to support a religion, I need to feel with all of my heart that every word, every rule, every dogma and all it's leaders are right. Anything less than that would be dishonest and make me feel like a cheat in front of myself, in front of others and in front of God. I never came across a religion or a philosophy that fulfills that condition; I never reached enlightenment.
Who knows? Maybe someday I will. But, right now, this is where I stand:
I believe in God without a shadow of a doubt...though, I admit, I do often lack the trust in his Plan. My poor human brain simply isn't able to understand the logic behind creating something as beautiful as Earth, and then inhabiting it with a powerful destructive/self-destructive force like we are.
I believe that every person can reach God in his or her heart, without the help of a book, a preacher or a set of rules and rituals to follow. Spirituality isn't conditioned by being a member of a religion, cult or a follower of a philosophy - and vice versa. Being tied to a specific idea can certainly help, but it's not necessary.
I believe all people should honestly do their best to be good persons, to both other people and to themselves. Doing harm is bad, regardless of whom you harm.
Even more importantly, I believe we should be good because WE SHOULD BE GOOD, not because of a conscious or subconscious fear of ending up in Hell if we don't obey the dogmas of whatever religion we're a part of.
"To proceed from nonexistence of heavenly rewards is even more profitable than to rely on them. If a good job is done only because a reward is expected, then it is not a truly divine job. Any profit, even spiritual, diminishes the meaning of genuine faith, because genuine faith is selfless devotion to God without confidence that God really exists. God often endows the best talents with those people who do not believe in him and vice-versa, many people do good deeds without believing. God and faith are two generosities, which do not need each other."
These words were taken from Mikhail Epstein's book "New Sectarianism: The Varieties of Religious-Philosophical Consciousness in Russia", from the section about neo-atheists (or afeiane, if you will), and I agree with every letter of it.
In addition, I believe that every one of us should do our best to fix, or at least minimize, our flaws.
I believe in equal rites of all human beings, regardless of gender, religion, nationality, sexual preference, political opinions, race, social status, etc.
I believe the human race has the responsibility to look after the well-being of the planet we live on and our "co-passengers" on it.
I believe one should always try their best to be understanding and respectful to both others and to themselves.
I believe that, every now and then, we should all count our blessings. Name out loud all the things that happened to you that you are grateful for. Remind yourself that not everything is bad. It helps. Not every time, though, but it *does* help.
I believe God doesn't ask of us to live miserable lives, filled with denying ourselves every pleasure we could possibly have and torturing ourselves with guilt every time we do something that we enjoy. Quite contrary, I believe he wants us to live our life to the fullest. But note that this doesn't mean we've been given a "green light" to indulge our every whim. It means that we should find out what fulfills us and pursue it, strive to live a way that enables us to, as we face Death, look back on our lives and be able to say: "I lived a good life. I spent my time or Earth well. I did good, for myself and for those around me." Because that's why I believe were here, on Earth - to do the best we can with the time and recourses that we've been given.
I believe those who have more, whether it's material wealth, knowledge, or any other kind of blessing, are obliged to share with those less fortunate than they are. The way I see it, if God gave you plenty, He expects plenty of you.
I believe in the freedom of though and speech, but I'm against pushing your beliefs and opinions on other people and supporting negative philosophies.
I believe that perfection is relative, and there isn't a single thing or a person in the world that isn't perfect and beautiful in a certain light.
I believe in prayer being a way to directly let God know what's on our hearts and minds, but I don't believe God is out there to grant us whishes like some magical lamp or something. In fact, I find such notions distasteful, vain and insulting.
Further more, I believe God neither rewards nor punishes you for anything. Ever. Even when you can't see why that something, good or bad, is happening. Things happen, with or without a reason, but whatever it is, it's human, not God's doing.
And I believe that, regardless of the religion or philosophy they follow - or even if they have none, no person with a heart and mind of a good person, is wrong. If you are good for the sake of good, you CANNOT be wrong. That is the quality of a true believer.
Granted, I might be wrong. Whether I am or am not, I shall find out after I die. But, in all honesty, I don't care what happens then, for the reasons I already explained.
So, basically, I don't believe God is a vain, self-centered, hypocritical prick who likes to torture people because He has a sick sense of humor and is only after ass-kissing worship (and lots of it, too). I believe God is love and friendship, fairness and mercy, truth and honesty, reason and tolerance, understanding and knowledge, freedom and peace, forgiveness and compassion.
And, I say it again, if this is in your heart, you cannot be wrong. | |
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| What Religion Are You And What Are The Fundamental Tenets Of Your Beliefs?
Posted: 10/25/2007 2:17:50 PM | Doo be doo be doo..
Ok, I am Asatru. Also known as Heathen and Odinist. Since I am actually about to head out the door to go to the store, I am ccp'ing off another thread I posted in.
Asatru is a Norse term meaning literally a faith or belief in Gods. It is used specifically to refer to the Old Scandinavian Gods known collectively as the Aesir. Asatru has its roots in ancient customs and beliefs, although it is best known from the Age of the Vikings which was when the stories and customs were written down. Like most other ethnic or folk religions they had no specific name for their religion, although Asatru, Vor tru, “our faith,” or Forn Sed, “ancient ways” are terms that are used in the modern world to describe this faith. The religion was part of the culture, so the beliefs were revealed not only in the mythology, but also in the customs, ethics, and laws. In Snorri Sturluson’s edda (1320 AD) we find a listing of the Aesir (gods), Asynjor (goddesses) and other beings of the Norse mythology and some brief stories which present the ancient mythology. First named is Odin, his son Balder, Thor and his wife, Sib Tyr, Nyord and his son and daughter, Freyr and Freya, Bragi, Heimdall, Hod, Vidar, Ali, Ullr, Loki, AEyir and his wife, Ran. Also named are many of the goddesses, who include, among others, Frigg, Freya, Lofn, Var, and Skadi The mythology also preserves an account a story of two warring groups of deities, the AEsir and the Vanir who pledged a truce with one another and are referred to now collectively as the AEsir. In English speaking countries four of the days of the week are named after these gods. Tuesday comes from Tiu’s day who is also known as Tyr. Wednesday comes from a compound meaning “Odin’s day,” Thursday from ‘Thor’s day” with Friday from “Freya’s day.” Throughout Scandinavia and northern Europe we find places that were dedicated anciently and named for the gods and goddesses who are still honored in this day and age.
The gods are worshipped daily by Heathens as they go about their lives, but eight times a year Asatruar gather together in festivals to worship the gods and enjoin in fellowship. The names and dates of these festivals vary from tribe to tribe, but everywhere are the rites of blót and symbel performed. A blót is a form of communion with the gods, a time when food and drink are shared with them, and their blessings for our gifts are received. Symbel is a rite where toasts are made to the gods, the dead, ancestors, and our selves. While in symbel Heathens boast of their past deeds and vow to do even better deeds. All of this is done to put one's self in contact with the concept known as Wyrd.
The beliefs and rites of Asatru are symbolized by the World Tree, which grows at the Well of Urdh or Wyrd. The norns water the World Tree with the water from the Well of Urdh which deposits layers of sediment over the roots.
A particular quality called hamingfa, “luck” or “fortune”, can be accumulated and passed on to ones descendents. In spiritual terms, this legacy can refer to wisdom, personality, or talent, while in practical terms, this can include one’s wealth, reputation and external family ties.
The Heathen thews are: Bravery or the ability to overcome fear. Industriousness or the ability to work hard. Friendship or the ability to be likable to others and treat them as kin. Generosity or the ability to share what is yours with others. Honesty or the ability to be truthful in all undertakings. Hospitality or the ability to open your home to others. Self reliance or the ability to depend on one's self and be an individual. Self worth or the ability to have good self esteem. Steadfastness or the ability to persevere in the face of hardship. Strength or the physical and spiritual might that allows you to accomplish great things. Troth or loyalty to friends and family and spouse. And Wisdom or the ability to gain and use knowledge. These thews encourage Heathens to depend on one's self and to help others, not just for the good of one's self, but for the good of all. Together they form what is known as honor or worth and it is the aim of most Heathens to be honorable by practicing these thews with friend and stranger alike.
Asatru is a great religion. Wermen (males) and women are treated as equals, and one is judged by the merits of his or her deeds. Heathens have a one on one relationship with their gods and goddesses, there is no need to go through an intermediary like a priest (though priests are available). The pantheon of gods is large, and one need not be restricted to just one god or goddess as in the great monotheistic religions. Asatru is a religion of honor, of family values, of respect for others, and the environment. Heathen know that they are responsible for their own deeds, and that every deed has a consequence. | |
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| What Religion Are You And What Are The Fundamental Tenets Of Your Beliefs?
Posted: 10/29/2007 11:10:12 PM |
So when they finally do post, I ask that we not assail them, attack them, criticize them, nor question them. There are other threads for that.
Sighhh...I personally think there has been little posting by xtians simply because there has been no challenge to the xtian beliefs, just an expression of your own beliefs, which is perfectly within the rights of mankind..to choose.
I sigh because-- honestly..posting won't do a darn bit of good....praying is what is needed here...lol. | |
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| What Religion Are You And What Are The Fundamental Tenets Of Your Beliefs?
Posted: 10/30/2007 9:32:34 AM | Praying?
For whom? To whom?
I'm not sure I understand the context you mean that in. And my initial reaction was rather bristling: so I would certainly like some clarification, so that I can be assured that my initial defensive reaction is or isn't necessary- preferably isn't. :-P | |
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Posted: 10/30/2007 11:23:50 AM |
Praying? For whom? To whom?
LOL...well, the question was posed as to why xtians are not doing more posting on this thread...and my response was that posting in this particular thread things about our belief(s) isn't (in my opinion) going to do any good for the work we are commanded to do which is to tell of the good news of salvation through Jesus--our intercessor.
So, since IMO a more aggressive approach is needed...I believe that is the reason we, (xtians) have not posted--because we need to go straight to the Lord and request His assistance regarding the answers of all of these dedicated children of the world.
I hope that clarified things for you. As for defensiveness...lol..I didn't realize a simple one track minded xtian could push your buttons like that..don't mind us...our path is just narrow like that..lol!!
Then again..perhaps the Lord is knocking? | |
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Posted: 10/30/2007 11:33:13 AM | | Up untill this point we had a very nice enlightening thread going. | |
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Posted: 10/30/2007 11:41:16 AM | Whoa.. wait.. let me back up here.
Like Artz, I thought this thread was going along quite well.
Silly me, I should have known better.
So.. here we go again.
This thread is not about trying to shovel your dogma and rhetoric down our throats. It is a thread dedicated to helping everyone who reads it understand what each persons belief system is since there seems to be so much misunderstanding.
Nowhere in the topic does it say "please come cram your beliefs down everyone's throats!"
Oh and for clarification. Yes christians go out and seek to convert. Sad fact of life. However, have you ever read how Jesus went out and sought to spread his message? Yes? No? Maybe?
Did he ram his foot down people's throats all the while spewing what he was trying to teach? Yes? No? Maybe?
I have read the bible. He did not. He was kind, he was patient, and he was loving.
Try emulating him please? My throat is getting raw from all the shovels that have been rammed down it and understand that there are some that you just cannot convert. Stop trying. You would save yourself and everyone else a headache. | |
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Posted: 10/30/2007 12:26:15 PM |
Like Artz, I thought this thread was going along quite well.
Wait.
Where have I tried to shove anything?
I have politely spoken what I believed to be the truth.
I also answered why I felt xtians had not posted more.
Although you are right...I'm very interested to hear that anyone has "converted"[to]--accepted--the Word of God, I have not spoken disrespectfully of anyone who believed differently than I.
I have not stated anyone's judgement.
When talking about what God is or thinks, or does, I have only referenced the Bible..which is the Word of God.
So if you have issue...have issue w/ what God has said, not I.
As for my opinion, I would hope that I am entitled to it, and if I think prayer is more effective than posting in this particular forum..why would I be (forgive the pun) persecuted for it by answering why I thought the xtian posting(s) had not occurred at the incident rate that would have been expected by the person(s) raising the question?? Am I entitled only to provide my take on certain questions and restricted from others?
I'm sorry you didn't find my posting to be palatable. I merely inserted an answer to a question from my perspective, and a clarification, along w/ some good natured ribbing. I would have to ask you to clarify, however, where was the shoving?   | |
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Posted: 10/30/2007 12:32:54 PM | ^See, that's the impression I got. Kind of along the lines of, "this is what I believe" (apparently that missionary work is the central tenet), and since that particular portion of the faith is irrelevant here, so (evidently) is the rest.
Edit: I'm with Jadire on the one thing, though. Didn't see any shoving, and ya gotta admit the figure of speech is getting old, eh? | |
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Posted: 10/30/2007 4:47:04 PM | I have only referenced the Bible..which is the Word of God.
So if you have issue...have issue w/ what God has said, not I.
The inconsistency in this statement is crystal clear... you are presupposing by saying "...the bible, which is the Word of God", emphasis on "Word of God". The former segment of this paragraph states: "I have only" indicating a possible opinion, but falling well short of any conviction for such. The result is a bigoted statement... listen to your words if you don't want to give the wrong impression. This is not an opinion btw, it's fact. | |
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| What Religion Are You And What Are The Fundamental Tenets Of Your Beliefs?
Posted: 10/30/2007 6:02:30 PM | Every now and then I try the best I can to put a label on my belief system... The closest I get is Omnitheistic Buddhist...
Sorry, I'm well aware I already said my piece on the last page and tho it still pretty much sums it up... I just wanted to put the subject heading back... Why are we allowed to change those anyways? | |
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| What Religion Are You And What Are The Fundamental Tenets Of Your Beliefs?
Posted: 10/30/2007 11:16:01 PM | My profile states “Christian-other“, and I think that it actually suits me. I do not wholly subscribe to every word of the bible, and because if this, I do not see this label as some do. To me, it merely represents “the Beginning-the End”. My faith/beliefs were initiated in Christianity, but only as far as it is there that I first came to discover and understand the nature of love, and the possibility of God. However, I wish to make it clear that it came not directly from the stories I heard, but by the moral of the stories. The morals I adhere to today stem greatly from my view of the moral of these stories. For these are the foundations of my belief…Life, Love, Truth! All of which are also the foundations of my morals. However, I find that my faith doth expand steadily. It is constantly growing because I am constantly living and seeing the truth of all three, as I see it. It has not actually stopped, and so it has not yet come to an End! I really don‘t expect it to, either. In 'Other' words, the name embodies the very concept of the beliefs which I label it for. Besides, even as truly vague a literal translation would be, any other religious name would be just as vague in comparison, if not more so, than the one I have choose.
Truth be told, the ever-growing nature of my faith is related directly to my belief that Sovereignty of God is to be held by God, and not by Man! As such, I follow this belief by a truth I have found in the Bible itself…Proverbs 14:15 ‘A simple man believes anything. A prudent man gives steps to his thoughts.’ This is not the exact words of most versions of the bible, but the message…the Truth…is the same.
So what are my steps? How did I come to where I am now? What makes me believe in “The Known Unknown”? ( I love a good oxymoron…) I don’t think that I can really convey the experience of my life, as it has and does come to pass. I also really do not deem it necessary to do so. "My words are not made to make one believe, but my actions are made to show them that I believe the very words I speak true, and that in this they are true". I do not remember exactly where I heard/read that. As a personal truth reflected in the lines of dialogue in a fictional tale I do remember...
*Name(s) changed for intent of relating to this post*…
(Someone else) Not everyone believes what You do Kemos!!!
(Me) My beliefs do not require them to.
However…Since this thread did pose the question, and since I am responding to this question, I will at least convey to you a base idea of my beliefs.
I believe in God.
I believe that the word God doesn’t even come close to comparing to what I actually deem to be…God!
I believe that God does not need my belief in God to know of God’s Own existence. (This one simple truth, as I see it, has Great influence upon my beliefs)
I believe that God does not require me to do anything except…accept life, and to live that life by the ways of love.
I believe that I shall not disbelieve in a next life, afterlife, or next level of existence.
I believe that I have not attained this next life, afterlife, or next level of existence yet, and therefore shall not live a life except the one I currently have.
I believe that to truly give praise and worship to God, I need but only show it by actions and deeds.
I believe that to hear the Words of God, I must listen to the language in which they are “Spoken” in…Love.
I believe that God never put pen to paper.
I believe that only my conscience mind/heart/soul can truly hear the words of God.
I believe I have freewill, and that my conscience mind/heart/soul is what guides that will.
I believe that Life is intended to be it’s Own Reward, and deem that a physical existence is no less valid than a spiritual one.
I believe in Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards All other Humans!
I believe that Peace on All of the Earth cannot be obtained without the Entire Human Race having Goodwill towards All others…
I believe that as much as we are different…We are the same!
I believe that as much as I am an individual…We are One!
I believe that All are born equal.
I believe that Any other’s life is no less valued than my own.
I believe that there is no experience so divine as for me to show or express love to another.
I believe I shall stray from the ignorance of oppression/suppression of another’s will.
I believe that for me to tell another “You know not the way, and that only This Way (the way I believe) is the way…”, would be for me to try and claim sovereignty of God.
I believe I’ve previously stated that I believe Sovereignty of God is for God alone.
I believe that these previous statements shall partially show to some the true nature of my beliefs.
I believe that all of this will unfortunately, yet inevitably, escape someone. | |
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