Thumper
-
Posts
739 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Calendar
Posts posted by Thumper
-
-
On 1/14/2016 at 9:08 AM, cuchulain said:
In reexamining my beliefs, I realize that this is ultimately what it boils down to. Is there any reasonable evidence for supernatural events happening? If there is no evidence for the supernatural, then clearly there is no evidence for any sort of deity. Supernatural is defined as some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature. Deity is defined as a god or goddess, divine character or nature, especially that of the Supreme being. Reasonable is defined as having sound judgement, fair and sensible, capable of reasoning, rational.
So, I pose the question: Does anyone here have any reasonable evidence for supernatural happenings? I would consider a preponderance of anecdotal stories from reliable sources as evidence, meaning stories from people who haven't been diagnosed with some sort of mental disorder, or who don't clearly promote a specific agenda, and in numerous amounts. I personally have that "one" story from my own experience, and having had three friends with me as witnesses that it actually occurred, but whether or not the event was supernatural is undetermined by those of us with a sound mental background. The other person who was convinced it was supernatural later ended up in an institution, with the firm belief he was a werewolf, so for obvious reasons I disbelieve his accounting.
Reasonable evidence? If by that we mean evidence that withstand scientific scrutiny? No, nothing I have seen fits that bill, but I have seen a lot. I'm not a professional ghost hunter by any means, but in my youth I was certainly interested in paranormal activities. It stemmed from an attempt to prove that my father still existed on some level after his death, but it grew to be an obsession that occupied much of my time. I temper my experiences during that period of my life with the understanding that I "wanted" to have an experience. My partner was a skeptic and he didn't experience the same things I did even though we were always right next to each other. Until one day he had an experience that sent him running out of the building we were in and running from paranormal investigation forever. Unfortunately I didn't feel or see what he did, but I know it was a very real and raw experience. We have no reasonable evidence, but we know that paranormal activities exist.
-
Technology has made the world smaller concerning communications, but as we gained the convenience of social media we sacrificed the requirement of basic human interaction. We type 140 characters on twitter, or post a cute picture on Instagram, or share a really awesome meme on facebook, and we think we are interacting. It is a type of communication but it is not an interaction. One is unable to share some of the vital elements that make us human through the internet such as body language, tone of voice or facial changes to name just a few elements. We try to substitute emoticons for that lack of tone, but it is a poor replacement.
The result is a dialogue that is too effortless, too cold, to allow for the niceties that we require when we are face to face. Anonymity is also a factor, but it just adds to overall disconnect that the internet has created for humanity. The question I have is if we can sacrifice the convenience of social media in order to regain the connections we all so desire from our fellow humans.
-
Coohand,
I totally feel where your are coming from (I think). Ministry should fill us up, not make us fed up. Unfortunately I have experienced similar instances where volunteering my time became less of a calling and more of a job.
-
I'm sorry it has taken me this long to post on this thread, but my prayers, thoughts and energies are directed toward you and your wife.
-
This guys following is huge. I loved watching him! He seems tailor made for Vegas, but that's just my opinion.
-
I guess I'm fortunate that my employer actually funds a program for quitting smoking. They've teamed up with the American Cancer Society for the "Quit for Life" program. Some insurances also cover it. Mine (Aetna) doesn't, but, since work pays for it, meh.
(quitnow.net)
I enrolled on the website last week, and they DID call later that day to finish the registration. I didn't call back until this morning. I'm ashamed to admit I was a little scared about it. (denial issue? maybe.)
I'm personally a little leery about quitting smoking. I know it needs to be done, and I know that it's not healthy, it's better for me, and it's expensive. I know, intellectually, all of these things. The problem is, I've been smokin for goin on 20 years now, minus the 8 weeks I was in basic training.
So! I called this morning and finished my enrollment. My employer is so nice, they even fund the quitting tools, which is 2 months worth of the nicotine patches, or gum. I chose patches, because right now, I want a visible reminder of what it is I'm doing. I figure with the patches on, my brain will actually recognize that I'm GETTING the nicotine that my brain thinks it wants. I guess once my brain is okay with that, and not having to have the actual cigarette in my hand, then I can get off the patches and be done.
To be completely honest, I'm really not that confident of succeeding in quitting smoking. This will probably be one of the toughest things I have ever done. And since I been adminin you yahoos for 9 years, you know that's sayin a lot.
One of the things that kinda hit me was when I was going thru the registration. The girl (sounded super cute..) asked me WHY I want to quit smoking. I thought about it...and my first answer was "my kids. I want to be around for them later in life." My son is 14. My daughter is 9. If I keep going down the road I'm on now...I'm 35. I wanna live for at least another couple of decades.
I've kinda tried to start slowing down, in preparation for this. I probably won't focus on it that much until the patches show up, which will be Mon or Tues, I think. That suits me.
We've set a quit date of Oct. 13. I'm not really concerned about hitting that date, so long as I DO stop.
I really wouldn't mind some messages of encouragement now and then, if you're so inclined...
I will, I think, keep this thread updated with progress, issues, whatever. Ignore it if you like, I don't care. It's more for my use than anything, I think, anyhow.
Day 1, enrollment, waiting for patches/literature.
Murph, I applaud you for taking the first step to quit, as that is often the hardest. And quitting any addiction is a tough, soul wrenching process, and cigs are the worst. Nicotine is very addictive, but it certainly assures a loyal client base.
Quitting is possible, my brother smoked for ten years before going through a program. He hasn't lit up in over five years! It is possible, and you CAN do it!
-
My Dad came home from the nursing home yesterday and I guess tired of suffering and feeling useless he grabbed a gun and took his own life. He was in his mid 70's.
Any positive thoughts and well wishes that can be sent his way will be greatly appreciated!
Brightest Blessings!!!
My goodness Fawzo, you have my condolences. My thoughts are with him, and with you as well.
My Dad passed away at 55 from a massive heart attack. Different circumstances, but if you would like to talk about it, let me know.
-
I absolutely allow my kids to dress up. My son just bought a Spiderman suit, and my daughter will be a ballerina. Halloween is a HUGE deal in our house. We buy a bunch of pumpkins and have a Jack O'Lantern carving party with the neighbors; we have a mini haunted house in our basement; we dress our shih-tzu's up as little devils (my wife thinks it is cute); all in all, we have a blast. This Sunday, our UU Church will be discussing Samhain with a bunch of activities for the kiddos.
As a parent, I celebrate every holiday that I can with vigor. I think it is important to give your munchkins as many magical moments as possible, before they get too old and are too cool for all the hooplah.
-
Sports. Specifically football.
-
How often do you watch movies that you expect to dislike?
I don't expect to dislike any of the movies I go to, I expect them all to be wonderful. And then I am either utterly disappointed or elated when I leave the theater.
-
-
CWG inspired my spiritual awakening.
The CWG series and Walsh's ReCreate organization are part of what I consider "modern gnostic" belief. As Jim and Fawzo had mentioned, CWG is part of a series of books that reveal similar truths, and can help to bring us closer to Gnosis/Enlightenment/Christ.
-
My sex life.
-
A New Earth has been out a while. I guess Oprah got to it a bit late. Better late than never.
I liked A New Earth, but The Power of Now is phenomenal. For me it was life altering, but I don't expect everyone to have this experience. My wife can't finish The Power of Now or A New Earth as they bore her silly. Ah, to each his, or her, own.
-
Is Gnosticim the same as Gnosticology? Is it a revival of the old way?
Not the old way, but a new way of approaching gnosis/enlightenment, learning from the past, but staying firmly rooted in the Now and paying just as close attention to the scriptures that are being written and experienced in the present. Enlightenment and awakening did not end with the modern era, we can still achieve this state of being now. Gnosticology is a study in that journey in the modern era, and a celebration of the human spirit.
-
-
thats awesome, thats what im trying to get at, if i figure out my beliefs and can put them into a religious context for myself and others to understand can i call it a religion?
what do you believe in Gnosticology?
thank you all.
The main belief in Gnosticology is in enlightenment, and the journey towards enlightenment for humanity. Take a look at my Website where I try to explain it more fully.
-
Hey, I created my own religion! It was easy. I just said this is my religion, wrote a few words on my belief, met a couple of people who had similar views, and voila, Gnosticology was born! I dare say that even if it was just me, it would still be my religion.
But if you're asking about how to get members and such, I don't know, mainly because I am going by the Field of Dreams mantra: if you build it, they will come. Currently, my religion is mine and a few others, and it may stay that way for perpetuity, which is fine by me.
-
... of bending over and giving the kids a perfect target he decides to sit down facing the kids and offers them some Trix but just as the kids were approaching up runs one of the mothers and screams at the kids to get away from that dirty old man and ...
...the enraged mom takes her prized Vera Wang bag, filled to the brim with Oreo cookies that she was going to eat later that evening while watching Biggest Loser wondering why she is 100 pounds overwight, and she proceeds to thump the man about the head continuously for a full minute. With cookies flying everywhere and the kids crying at the sight of the mother at this level of rage...
-
Jack Nicholson played a demon, but I'm not sure he was the devil.
-
Anyone will do anything they want to themselves, laws be damned. Should they? Why not, it is their body to destroy or exhault. As mine is for me...
-
Metal, rap, Classic Rock, Jazz, some Blues, and some Country.
-
Superman's creators (Executive Producers for this film as well) were Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster.
Both Jews.
He was never intended to be a Christ Figure. He is a manifestation of the archetypal hero.
To me he represents the indomitable human spirit. He has great power, and he struggles to use it responsibly. He doesn't always know what is right, but he does his best and has to live with the consequences. He is not invincible, but nonetheless he cannot be defeated, because he will NEVER give up.
Love it Stinger.
.gif)
-
I look forward to seeing this film. I've always been a big fan of the Exodus story.
It will be nice to see a documentary like this aside from fictional movies like THe Passion of Christ or the DaVinci Code where entertainment is the focus.
a common atheist fallacy
in Freethought, Secularism, No Religion
Posted
My son has identified as an atheist and he has asked me what he should do when someone asks the common retort, "Why don't you believe in god". I ask him to evaluate the person he is talking to. Are they someone he can have an honest conversation with, or is this someone who is offended by your atheism and who isn't willing to have a discussion but rather wants to convert you. If it is the latter, I advise him to smile and simply disengage with the conversation as politely as possible. If it is the former, which it rarely is, have a conversation and learn why the person believes they way they do. Its a good way to simply learn about people and perhaps they can apply critical thinking and reason to their belief system which would make for a great conversation.