scottedward

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Posts posted by scottedward

  1. On 1/29/2016 at 3:54 PM, Key said:

    Ah, it may be just a word, but it is the reason we react to change or respond to it oftentimes.

    Nothing wrong with CNN, btw. So long as that's not your only news source, methinks.

    No, I mean that intolerance IS the reaction or response to change.  It's only a label, and it is the response that gets labeled.  It isn't the cause, it's the end result.  The cause is basic ignorance. 

  2. On 7/30/2015 at 3:05 PM, Key said:

    Religions are all about belief and ideals. Doctrine, dogma, fatwa, decrees, whatever term one wishes to use, are all in place to "guide" any number of believers toward the end goal of that believe, Whether that is in communal with a Deity or to reach paradise of an afterlife, or other.

    In general, their main purpose is to place a populace in line to a common mentality and cooperation as a society, in my opinion.

    These rules also commonly apply bylaws ,so to speak, that disavow other religious rites and rituals as well opposing belief.

    Therein lies the rub against religious tolerance. An ideal that dispels the myths that society would somehow be condemned if different religions coexisted in the same place.

    The ULC comes closest, I think, in providing a model that allows humans to...well, be human. To be allowed freedom of expression, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of fraternization. Still, the old models of previous religious establishments have sway in the thinking and beliefs of members in such a way that at times those freedoms are contestable. Where even a reminder to practice tolerance toward others can be perceived as a threat or attack.

    So comes the questions: Has it really come to such sensitivity that one must begin talking in code to avoid provocation or perceived slight? Is it truly possible to practice religious tolerance despite established protocols of major religions?

    Often education is cited as key to battle religious intolerance, but how effective is that if those lessons aren't placed into practice?

    These are thoughts that come to my mind through each thread of heated exchanges, or trolling tactics. So, I really want to know.

    Your thoughts? (I suppose it's another can of worms, but may be worth exploring for the sake of knowledge. Let the battles commence. Eyes roll.)

    I keep thinking about how some Christians in the United States have somehow taken the country's enhancement of civil rights (gay marriage, etc,) as an attack on their freedoms of religion**.  I don't have anything intelligent or perceptive to say about it, except to suggest that intolerance is only a word.  It is only how we react to change, and what we do as a response to it.

    **Yes, I watch too much CNN

  3. As a Christian, I personally get a little tired of Christmas and the superficiality of it all;

    In the spirit of Christmas, people seem to enjoy cutting down a tree and decorating it (heathenism), and then killing a turkey and stuffing themselves with an enormous meal (gluttony). They often knock each other over to grab gifts for everyone they know (materialism), and go into a ton of debt doing it (usury). They teach children to anticipate the arrival of a mystical man bearing gifts (paganism), and to be good for this immortal Saint Nick (idolatry). Meanwhile, many adults are content watching football games all day with a 12 pack of beer (drunkenness). Dec 25th is about family, you and yours are all that's important (selfishness). We engage in these things to commemorate a man who detested all of it, and who was not even born on the day we celebrate. Perhaps it might be more honest to leave Christ out of Christmas and just recognize the 'Merry' part of it? Just my ridiculous opinion smile.png

    But I guess its all about hope for something more, something better. Cheers to a great 2016

    As One of the Hopeful, I've learned that one gains or strengthens their Hope by offering the same to another. That's the main reason for this thread. I'm celebrating the holiday, not because it was supposedly the birth of Christ, or because it's around the Winter Solstice, but because if there was ever a day in which many people offer Hope to many more, Christmas would be that day. I don't necessarily hold to the notion that Christ is responsible for that Hope, but I am certainly willing to give at least some of the credit to Big J of Nazareth.

    Cheers to you, as well!

  4. This isn’t meant to be either for or from any specific faith or denomination. Regardless, I recognize the significance of this moment, and I recognize the potential it has for Hope throughout the world. It is because of this Hope (the point and spiritual focus of my faith as One of the Hopeful) that I wish to spread the kind wishes, good cheer, and warm blessings for absolutely everyone. Happy Holidays, and all of my love.

    Scott Edward

  5. Were you drinking diet soda, sweetened with aspartame/NutraSweet? Aspartame is a neurol toxin which mimics the symptoms of MS and makes real MS worse. It gives me a different reaction. It's very bad stuff.

    No, brother. The Pepsi I drink isn't diet. The only thing I have to worry about is high fructose corn syrup, which is basically sugar on crack. Nothing artificial. When I'm not drinking Pepsi, I drink tea. Plenty of tea, and I don't bother sweetening it.

  6. About a week ago, I tried to stop drinking Pepsi on somebody's advice.

    My left hand began to ache or hurt for no apparent reason only a day after. It was awful, because I've always been right-handed, but multiple sclerosis made using it impossible. After my right hand became useless in 2007, I was forced to make the other hand my dominant hand. Now, the last couple of days were kind of scary because now my LEFT hand started to ache like it had a piano dropped on it. So what, now I couldn't use either hand? Like I said, it was a little frightening.

    I picked up a bottle of Pepsi, again.

    I didn't have an excuse, beyond the stress of becoming even more disabled. Honestly, not being able to type any longer terrifies me.

    I felt no pain after I woke up this morning.

    Still no pain even after wrestling with the dog or typing this. I believe that The Source is suggesting that I've had to give up too many of life's simple pleasures, already; drinking Pepsi won't kill me any faster than having multiple sclerosis, so chill the heck out!

    Give thanks to Lord Mammon ! He has evidently blessed you with a strong mind and a good attitude. Seeing what is probably your situation (that is IF you collecting S.S.I or S.S.D), I would suggest begging and panhandling to secure funds. Remember, we teach that ethics are adaptive, and if you want more funds this seems the best way. Plus you don't report it to the IRS.

    Profit Tom Wycihowski

    Church of Mammon

    "Greed is GOOD"

    Hey! Thanks for the good word, Profit Wycihowski. Take it easy.

  7. That sounds like an appreciable sentiment to me, Scott. My mother has COPD in the extreme, she has smoked since she was 13 and now is 61, she had to leave work because of it. Her O2 sats drop to the upper 70's simply from walking fifteen or so feet, and the doctors give her a 25% chance to live the next four years. They refuse to speculate on the shorter term for some reason. My aunt lives with my mom, and has struggled the last few years at trying to get my mom to do things that will extend her life just that much more, things like not having the grandkids over to visit as much, but my mom is at the point where she prefers quality over quantity. The only thing that might help her get around a little more would be a lung transplant, and we all know she is not a likely candidate for that without giving up the smokes, which she doesn't want to do. In the end, even if she gave up smoking and got the transplant, chances are good she wouldn't last very much longer anyway. She just lives as she always has.

    At times, living the only way you know how is all that we have left. I have nothing but empathy for you and yours.

    I appreciate that you've shared with me. I'll mention your mom when I pray to The Source for the evening, I promise.

  8. About a week ago, I tried to stop drinking Pepsi on somebody's advice.

    My left hand began to ache or hurt for no apparent reason only a day after. It was awful, because I've always been right-handed, but multiple sclerosis made using it impossible. After my right hand became useless in 2007, I was forced to make the other hand my dominant hand. Now, the last couple of days were kind of scary because now my LEFT hand started to ache like it had a piano dropped on it. So what, now I couldn't use either hand? Like I said, it was a little frightening.

    I picked up a bottle of Pepsi, again.

    I didn't have an excuse, beyond the stress of becoming even more disabled. Honestly, not being able to type any longer terrifies me.

    I felt no pain after I woke up this morning.

    Still no pain even after wrestling with the dog or typing this. I believe that The Source is suggesting that I've had to give up too many of life's simple pleasures, already; drinking Pepsi won't kill me any faster than having multiple sclerosis, so chill the heck out!

  9. I was wondering how many other solitary ministers there are on these forums? Ministers are often associated with their congregations and role within societies, however I think there is an often overlooked position for the "solitary minister" also, as the quiet observer of the world - the hermit who seeks the sacred silence inside himself.

    I am interested in hearing from any other solitary ministers about what they feel their role is.

    As being 'One of The Hopeful', and the sole minister of this particular faith, I believe my purpose is to set an example for others as to how we should live our lives and/or carry ourselves. The reasoning behind this particular religion is basically that we live in a difficult world, run by a minority that (whether inadvertently or otherwise) work diligently to take Hope away from those with less power or reach. By setting this example, and by establishing that it only takes one to help many, we can prove that we (as a people) can regain the Hope we've lost simply by helping another gain their own.

    Nice to meet you.

  10. I'll take that as an actual question. We must all find the answers that we can live with. Our own answers. In the end; all anyone can do is listen to the music of their soul -- then dance to it.

    IMO

    By all means. Your answers are not my answers. You're not wrong. You're not mistaken. You're different. I'm fine with that.

    I've got to be honest with you.

    I've no idea what you're talking about, because 'my point still stands' wasn't even meant for you. i appreciate that you're big enough to exhibit that you can take the high route, but I'm not the target you should use as an example.

    All I was doing at the beginning was trying to take some heat away from Dan56. The man is aa target too often within this forum, or at least it seems like that.

  11. Hi Scott,

    True enough, but even a small child can learn some form of empathy for others. A child can be asked, "How would you like it is someone did that to you?" Once someone can think of themselves in another's shoes, it's not a great leap to attempt to understand another's perspective. I am afraid that what is going on in this case is the unwillingness to even try to understand what another's thoughts are. Other's beliefs are seen as irrelevant since he believes his way is the only way. It appears to be a deliberate effort that fosters a lack of spiritual development. Just my opinion, of course :)

    I'm all about spiritual development, so I agree with you. I believe that the only problem is the idea that one set of beliefs are better than another. It's a mentality that impedes understanding and tolerance throughout the world. I don't see how something as positive as theology can be so twisted that it can potentially cause more damage than it repairs.

  12. And what if the shoe were on the other foot? Since you are so convinced that your beliefs are the only correct ones, you seem to have lost the ability to see things from someone else's perspective. What if it was not witches and wizards being stoned by Christians, but Christians being loaded up into a wicker man (which Druids do not do in today's time and age). What if it is to be you and others like you standing before Pagan gods who sit in judgment upon you? I do not fear judgment from your God any more than you would fear judgment from my gods. To continue to cite as your source of authority a book that that I do not accept as such does nothing to add credence to your beliefs. My Pagan ancestors got along quite well prior to the coming of Christianity to the British Isles, and in my world view Christianity is still the new kid on the block.

    Seeing things from another's perspective is not a gift that we're born with. It has to be taught and learned; some of us haven't gotten there yet.

  13. Hello there!

    Me and a few others are currently considering setting up a small congregation, however we have came across a stumbling block with regards to naming our congregation. To give a very brief overview of our belief system, I'd classify us as "theosophy-esque", perhaps - with certainly a strong emphasis on aspects of Hindu cosmology in particular (although we also combine elements of Ascended Masters theology as well as Judeo-Christian ideas). Do any people on here have any advice when it comes to naming a congregation or religious/spiritual group? To give you an idea of the kind of names members have proposed in the past, we've had "Mahasatya - Disciples of Christ", "Pure Land Ministries", "Pure Land Kingdom Ministries" and "Temple of Nataraja".

    Thank you! :)

    Mixing-Pot Ministries

  14. It's not God's fault when somebody asks to be healed and they aren't [and they have to resort to medicine.There is nothing wrong with medicine]. I myself am a prime example. I believe in healing... yet I am not healed: I still have IBS and Celiac Disease. What am I doing wrong? Well... it's partly a lack of faith, and some unbelief. Whatever the cause is for someone not being healed... it's not God's fault. If someone asks God for physical healing in their body and He DIDN'T heal them.... He would be lying when He said "Ask, and you shall recieve." And God is not a man that He should lie. So you first have to realize that the fault for your not being healed, everytime, all the time, is not God's fault. The fault always lies with fallible humans. If you ever read any the the Gospels--Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John in the New Testament of the Bible, you will find that when Jesus healed people, He always healed them all. And when He couldn't [heal them] it was because of their unbelief. They thought He was just a man... Mary and Joseph's son. They couldn't recognize or believe His deity and therefore His power to physically heal ANY disease or sickness. A prime example is the one of the woman with the issue of blood. MANY people were touching Jesus but only the woman with the issue of blood touched Jesus in faith... and she received her healing.

    Forgive me for stepping in.

    A petty god are the imaginings of a petty people.