| The Powers of Belief
Posted: 8/21/2007 8:18:40 AM | You know I see a lot of questions asked on this forum about this belief or that belief which result in some interesting cross-examination as well as bringing forth new thoughts. Sometimes these devolve into some spiteful things insinuated and I'm always shocked at the level of candor people tend to hold for one another.
Let me say this: I may not believe what you believe but I respect your right to believe it. Please do so with me.
I'm an openly admitted student of Metaphysics and while I disdain the term "occult" (Mainly because people's knee-jerk reaction to the term tends to associate it with dark, evil, pseudo-Satanic things even though the true defintion means "hidden" or the idea of "hidden knowledge") I sometimes refer to it in relating hidden ideas or meanings to things not normally understood.
Belief is a powerful thing. Research shows that our own minds has unlimited (As we currently understand it to be) potential. THINK on that for a moment! Your mind is capable of amazing things - all if you believe you can. For example, for many years authorities on the subject of running said that a four minute mile was IMPOSSIBLE. Then someone did it. Now among professional runners, it's doable for those with the belief they can do it.
For years, scientists believed that going faster than 25 mph in an automobile would lead to extreme conditions that would kill a person. Silly? Back then it wasn't! Belief is fascinating subject in my opinion. It's so capable of helping us unlock our own potential but the problem is everyone is more worried about WHOSE belief is the RIGHT one!
Why do you care if your neighbor is a member of the Church of Subgenius? So what if he thinks J. R. Bob Dobbs Jr. is the messiah? Does that mean you cannot be friends with him? Does that mean he's less of an individual than YOU are Mr/Mrs High and Mighty?
So what if your son is into Goth, owns a copy of the Necronomicon and prays to Cthulhu? Is that going to scar him for life? Or maybe your insistence that he adopt YOUR beliefs will end up scarring him?
What are you thoughts about belief? Does it matter to you if someone else believes something 180 degrees opposite of you? In the end, does it matter? | |
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| The Powers of Belief
Posted: 8/21/2007 9:41:42 AM | My feelings on the matter are fairly simple. I think the world can accomodate a wide range of beliefs so long as those beliefs do not interfere with each persons ability to engage in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
In other words, if someone's beliefs make them centered, a good neighbour, a good citizen, then more power to them so long as they don't try to forcibly impose their beliefs on anyone else, society at large or the educational or legal system of what should remain a civil society, IHMO. One's beliefs, IMHO should be like one's rights and end where my nose begins.
That would however, on a silly note, prohibit any religions like Cthulhu-ism involving the sacrifice of one's neighbours to propitiate the Elder Gods into "eating you first" when the end finally comes   | |
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| The Powers of Belief
Posted: 8/22/2007 1:32:06 AM | Elder Gods - Well said! Cthulhu F'taghn!
And I agree with your opinion about where a belief should begin and end - a the beginning of a nose.
Ever notice how more often than not, beliefs are emotionally based instead of logically based? This is what corporations know and spend billions on advertising campaigns to appeal to our emotions rather than our logic. I've even seen how this works for the corporation's so-called "Purchasing Agent" who believes (incorrectly) that they are above having any feelings when buying commercial products for their company. (LoL Yeah right and I have a bridge to sell!)
The fact of the matter is people want to feel 'good' and know deep down inside that their belief(s) is/are helping them make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. It's HOW they go about applying their beliefs that makes their belief(s) dangerous or not. Blind devotion and personal convictions are dangerous drugs in the carrying out of beliefs especially where religion and spirituality are concerned. | |
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