Key

Thank you for your "thoughts", which is what I asked for. I agree on the basis that tolerance might not be taught without certain biases. So really, that would place intent into question then, wouldn't it? Therefore, if discernment is not encouraged or even implied, then, indeed, the sheep shall remain lead about from place to place without realizing any real choices.

Not exactly a response I was hoping for, but okay. Anything or anyone else?

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 think he meant they are those in our society often neglected, but have needs both physical and spiritual that are equal to any other clique of society.

Questions: Are we to judge others for witchcraft then? "Judge not lest ye be judged." Could not a faithful servant of God performing miracles be seen as practicing witchcraft by others, or non-believers? (Who could say the name of Jesus was not called in the mind of the one who prays?)

As always, in times of need, I send my positive prayers. Those who believe, shall indeed receive. Amen

Ah. Thanks. That was one of the interpretations that made sense to me. I find this explanation wholly agreeable and likely. Although, fundamentalist will state the only reason American law is so effective is because God allows it to be. (The wheel goes round and round, I suppose.)

I can think of multiple interpretations to this statement. Care to elaborate what you mean? I'm asking not out of disrespect, mind you, but only to be clear of my understanding of it.

Ah, ok. Now that I see what you are asking: I'm a male, introverted, hetero, Anglo, open minded seeker of truth and good vibrations. I see value in multiple worldviews, so I don't hold to just one. (The truth is universal.) I am easy going and fiercely loyal to a very select collection of friends. I believe in hard work and just rewards, as I'm not unafraid to sweat, but if there be an easier way, I'll try it. (Work smarter, not harder.) I identify as Democrat, but only because I do not feel connected to any other parties. I am a father, lover, fiance, friend, brother, and son. (Was a husband once, and hope to be again someday, if she'll truly have me.) My heritage is mixed and broken. Thereby uneasy to trace. Is this what you wanted to know, cuchulain?

Who who, who who?

Great stories. Thank you for sharing. Still looking for my copy. I know it's in a storage container in my garage somewhere, just got to keep myself motivated to dig through the rafters to find it. LOL But, when I do, would you mind if I tap you for questions if I have any in the near future?

That's okay, a lot of us are already confused anyway.

Well said. I like the sentiment of your mantra.

Well, as we have many ULC ministers already there, I'm assuming marriages can be performed. Now, whether the unions are legal, I don't know. Perhaps one of our fine brothers can pipe in a response on this. Btw, hope you're feeling better by the time of reading this post. Blessings and peace to you.

Yes, there is seemingly quite a bit. I read a review that said it used Christian terminology to hide teachings of occult beliefs. While I thought of it along the lines of being Gnostic before I even knew what Gnostic was. That's how I continue to view it for some reason. Anyway, thank you for your input, Brother Kaman.

Hi all, It's been a while since I've picked up and read my copy of "A Course in Miracles". I bought it long ago because it piqued the curiosity of mentalization (that a word?) or mind power. Never finished it, though. While a bit much to read, I found it interesting, at least a bit. Been meaning to pick it up again. Now, I thought, through my brothers and sisters here, I could get an opinion on it by people I actually have had some form of interaction with. Has anyone here actually read and or studied it? What is your opinion of it? I'm curious if I might derive anything more than mere entertainment from it.

Not a problem that I can see. As Belyn said, it's just human nature. So, Surprise! You're human!

I'll admit I have strayed a topic off to a mentioned tangent in thread, but usually due to an inquisitive mind, and I'll steer back or simply withhold any further distractions unless something else comes up that I wish clarity on. But isn't that kind of part of what the forum is for, to explore and share knowledge and opinions? It would be best to continue a topic if one wishes, while acknowledging somehow that there had been posts off topic. I wouldn't consider it ignoring if one simply continues with original intent of thread, though, considering one has to read through everything to understand any quoted references.

Where is the harm if it isn't recognized by others, much less by himself? If the person who does harm does not feel damaged or harmed in any way by his/her own act, then only the victim has been harmed. We can say a rapist is demented or somehow mentally disabled, but the rapist might not feel or think of themselves that way.

That's not motivation to you? That's also not implying that the business will necessarily be successful, or even make any money. Just saying if there was no need, there'd be no business. You saw a need for your business and acted upon it, yes. Would you have still done so if there was none? I agree with what you say of taking motivation away.

Forwarded prayers and well wishes.

You've got a business because there is a need. So, in essence, someone else did make it happen to motivate you to have a business. A need builds an industry, both great and small. As for the kids, well, there is a reason they are the way they are today. In the past generations, kids were kept in line by the enforcement of respect and code of ethics by a community as a whole. Just one of many reasons a small town would seem just like a really big family. Now, no one intercedes on bad behavior, and are discouraged by modern norms to do so. If a village doesn't help raise a child, said child accepts that as freedom to do as he/she pleases, especially with parents too preoccupied or un-involved to care.

Likely they'll develop parameters for survival and rules of conduct in social settings as we do. So, maybe the same as we judge each other.

Ah, but some visions of future androids have them made of synthetic organic type material. If so, and are made to make independent decisions apart from any other systems than their own, then when/how will we know the difference between them and machines? As we can not know how the spirit realm works, or what the soul is comprised or birthed from, then we can not know an android would have no soul.

I have no clue to my family background. The limbs of the tree have broken off at various points through history, and anyone who might have been able to trace any line has long since passed. Therefore, I need be only content for the moment and where my heritage takes my family now. My book of faith is still being written, essentially.