22 Jun 2010, 12:24
Topic: Why are these truths not self evident?
Re: Why are these truths not self evident?
Yeah, I think I can see where you are coming from, DA. I might generalize even further and say that when it comes to mass slaughtering, there seems to be a common theme of classifying "your" type of people as being better, or chosen, more than the others...ala Hitler, "whites" over the "Indians," et...
22 Jun 2010, 11:19
...And maybe the suicide bombers that are also totally convinced that they have been inspired by God to strap bombs to themselves, run into a building and kill those infidels along with taking their own life, are also hearing God's voice...Can anybody really know exactly what another's witness is?....
Topic: Can Spiritual Manifestations be Replicated?
Re: Can Spiritual Manifestations be Replicated?
The spiritual implications of this are profound. It means you must really become responsible for your self, your decisions and your actions. It is the essence of truly freeing "free agency." If we explore this long enough, we will eventually see that we must not, and can not, depend upon anyone but...
19 Jun 2010, 13:01
Just to be clear, for the sake of the culture of our little community, a believing perspective is completely acceptable. If someone sees the letters of Paul, for example, as very close to what happened. That is fine. It may have been that way. It is possible. Even if it is not possible, it may stil...
No one really knows for sure what exactly he was thinking and why but if nothing else I still think Paul was inspired to popularize a superior belief system that in its most basic form really is "good news" compared to anything else people have come up with before or since I have no doubt that Paul...
18 Jun 2010, 14:26
I am a little less cynical. I think scriptures and religious leaders, for the most part, are sincere in their efforts. Oh don't get me wrong...I agree that today's leaders are very sincere and diligent in what they do. And I think they DO believe they are receiving and teaching God's will. I respec...
18 Jun 2010, 12:56
I am not sure God commands anything, or holds us accountable for all the myriad of infractions that most religions say he does. I am afraid I believe most of the commandments are made up of men to control behavior in society. They may be good ideas to live by, but what if there are not commandments...
17 Jun 2010, 17:26
Topic: What makes Religion so popular? So behavior directing?
Re: What makes Religion so popular? So behavior directing?
Basically religion helps people explain the world and give a reason for why things are the way they are. In the form of churches it enables people to join together for support and the common good. Yup...that about says it all! I would only add that it doesn't need to be "true," just believable. ;)
HiJolly wrote: Yep. Just like my dad isn't superman. But he *is* my dad.
16 Jun 2010, 13:43
Topic: How to Stay: WofW Parahraph suggestions
Re: How to Stay: WofW Parahraph suggestions
Thank you everyone for all your great observations! I am always impressed and learn new things. Just as a reminder to keep this on topic, let's avoid debates about the Word of Wisdom in this thread. I need to focus specifically on recommendations for counselling people who are questioning their fai...
22 Jun 2010, 12:24
Topic: Why are these truths not self evident?
Re: Why are these truths not self evident?
Yeah, I think I can see where you are coming from, DA. I might generalize even further and say that when it comes to mass slaughtering, there seems to be a common theme of classifying "your" type of people as being better, or chosen, more than the others...ala Hitler, "whites" over the "Indians," et...
22 Jun 2010, 11:19
...And maybe the suicide bombers that are also totally convinced that they have been inspired by God to strap bombs to themselves, run into a building and kill those infidels along with taking their own life, are also hearing God's voice...Can anybody really know exactly what another's witness is?....
Topic: Can Spiritual Manifestations be Replicated?
Re: Can Spiritual Manifestations be Replicated?
The spiritual implications of this are profound. It means you must really become responsible for your self, your decisions and your actions. It is the essence of truly freeing "free agency." If we explore this long enough, we will eventually see that we must not, and can not, depend upon anyone but...
19 Jun 2010, 13:01
Just to be clear, for the sake of the culture of our little community, a believing perspective is completely acceptable. If someone sees the letters of Paul, for example, as very close to what happened. That is fine. It may have been that way. It is possible. Even if it is not possible, it may stil...
No one really knows for sure what exactly he was thinking and why but if nothing else I still think Paul was inspired to popularize a superior belief system that in its most basic form really is "good news"
 compared to anything else people have come up with before or since I have no doubt that Paul...
18 Jun 2010, 14:26
I am a little less cynical. I think scriptures and religious leaders, for the most part, are sincere in their efforts. Oh don't get me wrong...I agree that today's leaders are very sincere and diligent in what they do. And I think they DO believe they are receiving and teaching God's will. I respec...
18 Jun 2010, 12:56
I am not sure God commands anything, or holds us accountable for all the myriad of infractions that most religions say he does. I am afraid I believe most of the commandments are made up of men to control behavior in society. They may be good ideas to live by, but what if there are not commandments...
17 Jun 2010, 17:26
Topic: What makes Religion so popular? So behavior directing?
Re: What makes Religion so popular? So behavior directing?
Basically religion helps people explain the world and give a reason for why things are the way they are. In the form of churches it enables people to join together for support and the common good. Yup...that about says it all! I would only add that it doesn't need to be "true," just believable. ;)
HiJolly wrote: Yep. Just like my dad isn't superman. But he *is* my dad.
16 Jun 2010, 13:43
Topic: How to Stay: WofW Parahraph suggestions
Re: How to Stay: WofW Parahraph suggestions
Thank you everyone for all your great observations! I am always impressed and learn new things. Just as a reminder to keep this on topic, let's avoid debates about the Word of Wisdom in this thread. I need to focus specifically on recommendations for counselling people who are questioning their fai...