Key

Actually, it might be the funeral director getting paid.

Yes, physically we are forgotten in the long term. But perhaps an impression had been made enough to change a life, or start a tradition, (physically, socially, psychologically, or what have you), that might not have otherwise if we weren't there in the beginning.

Hmmm...that does sound a lot like Loki.

A man walks through a desert, and after a time a strong wind blew sand to cover the trail he had left. To another, the man was never there. But in truth, his trail is still there beneath the sand, hidden from view. It could be that most people's legacy is just like that. Our acts make an impression at first, but after a time are no longer noticed. Yet, somehow they are still there, just no longer seen.

On the subject of deities, this is true. Knowledge is singular in that regard. But for most other things, there are tests or questions for those.

Happens every once in a while. A minor nuisance. As long as I'm still able to get to the forum and participate, I'm good.

Wow. You have tempted me to find it and read for myself. Thank you.

Sounds like a lesson on being in the now. I'm sure that was the intent, for me.

Growing up, some of my neighborhood friends were part of a church version of the scouts. They did everything that the Boy Scouts were all about back then. I think reasons for joining any of them now, or even the Boys and Girls Club, is mainly about keeping the kids preoccupied and out of trouble while under supervision. So, yeah, like day care or after school programs.

You brushed just a bit of it, very good. The mind, whether rational or no, doesn't necessarily need religion or a book to justify virtually anything. So, what it really boils down to is belief. That relies on personal interpretation, or acceptance of an interpretation, but based on own bias. upon which to act or debate. This is often the reason for different views of morality, of which violence may take more than one side. Man is primal in instinct. Which is why it is so difficult to have all, or even in the least - most, to agree on a form of peace and how to achieve it.

That may indeed involve the law of projection, wouldn't it? Truly scary to think about.

Hmm...was he dressed as a dust bunny for Halloween?

Even on tip toes?

You're lucky. A lot of folks aren't even sure there is a recycle bin.

You forgot to capitalize.

Yes, it is fascinating! I love learning about the power of the mind. Interesting thing about it, it seems we've barely even scratched the surface of what it can possibly do.

Even if one doesn't accept "scribe error", there is another plausible theory that could be looked at. Translation of the spoken word between two languages. Did the disciples know Greek or did they speak an Arabic language possibly now dead? As you said, they are more expressive than English. But it could also be possible for phrases to have different intent or meaning between the two "parent" tongues. Just a thought.

Which why I think that "inspired by God" took root. But then again, being as it was so looooong ago, we may never truly know.

Hindsight and regret are only interpretations of what we may or may not have learned from our past, but because it is the past, it is too late to change it. We can, however, affect change of the present and future because of them. Unhappy childhood isn't something a person likes to dwell or relive, understandably. What some psychologist suggest to help deal with them, is to focus on the positive memories. The smallest detail could lighten the trauma of the experience, if only a little, possibly more. Depends on the individual. As for the topic of forgiveness...there have been studies released recently that say forgiveness is beneficial for the health and longevity of the person giving it. It is said to be like a weight or burden being lifted away. Scientifically, they can't pinpoint exactly why. I suspect that the body releases positive energy or endorphin, just like it does when a person smiles or laughs. Of benefit to the mindset for a sense of well being. It's even been suggested even a fake smile releases endorphin from the brain for a feel good vibe.

Actually this could be viewed as a circular power construction. What is written could have been done so to steer those who could read to herd those who couldn't in a certain direction, thus making solid their position. Therefore, what is written may be suspect of hidden agendas, and would not really be credible as something to fall back on. It all comes back to what folks are willing to believe, without verifiable evidence as proof.

There was a time, I'm sure, where it was true that parents considered their children's success in life as the measuring stick of their own worth. Parent's had, and hopefully always, want better for their kids than they had for themselves as kids. It doesn't seem as true anymore, but I'm sure it's still there. It's just the view of discipline and authority has skewed over the generations, maybe.

Can't be sure of what the problem may be, but I have found some programs to be affected during download by disruption due to screen saver remaining on, or an antivirus/security app still active, (which I think defeats the purpose of having them if you can't have them on to protect yourself when installing a new app with potential hidden dangers). Happened to me a long while back. Sincerely hope someone has a better answer, though.

Ah, but if they believe in an all powerful entity, how could God and prayer not fix anything? The other problem with this, is that it makes a God like a house servant the way some people act. A person makes a mess of things, then leaves it for the maid/butler to clean up.

"Outside force" could be something big, or something minute. Change always happens. It is because of the changes that evolution is created. Creationism might well be a starting point, might not. Maybe I misunderstand, or maybe you do, in how it applies. There may well be vast diversities, but also recognize even in this there are some that are the same.

I came to the same conclusion later in my teen life. I began to see the pledge as sort kind of form of idolatry. Pledging allegiance to an inanimate object AND to the republic for which it stands? I understand symbolism, but am confused how Christians don't see it as wrong. I have always felt like a Christian, but I came to feel it was wrong.