First
off I'm going to try my utmost not to bash individual Religions. There
are plenty of individuals world wide who make it their mission to do
so...I'm talking about ALL Belief systems as a whole, and the clergy that set out in building, recruiting, and fleecing those who enter their doors in search of guidance and peace for themselves and their families.
Once again, ol' Jed McKenna hit the nail on the head when
he quoted "Religion is institutionalized denial"...Denial of a simple
truth. Yet a Ruthless Truth for anyone who would rather believe in an
everlasting life existing within a so called heaven or hell as in many
stories handed down thru the centuries.
Reality is just that....REAL. Sorry, but Divine intervention, miracles, or conjuring a so called "Holy spirit" to join in the ramblings of prayer (To which I've experienced time and time again back in my church going day's.) was nothing but chicanery...Yes, I at one time took the path of religion in my early twenties; After becoming a father (For the sake of my "Ex", her family, and our young children.) I found in a short period of time, that attending church was more like a social gathering than a actual lessons in attaining peace of mind.
I to struggled for many years reading, watching, listening, and discussing the multitudes of information out there, and came to the inevitable conclusion that once you throw out ALL the crap contrived by men there really wasn't much left, except using logic and common sense...I'm constantly reminded from day to day, a quote I've heard: "In that, which cannot be simpler." (Now day's the quotes come and go, yet more and more referencing the author of each gets a bit grayer In some cases.) In searching of the truth in all things, opinions and belief's must be stripped away and one must look deeply (Yet Simply) in doing so. Fear and uncertainty are clearly hurdles that must be dealt with, by facing each one and looking deeply and honestly at what's behind each question or issue, helps to clear a the path in traveling even deeper into ones mind...In revisiting and challenging ones beliefs, No one should trust what is said, heard or written by ANYONE in reaching the truth...The more difficult the question the more important each question should be dealt with care...Intimately I might add. Intuition is a nice guide but ALL angles must be studied at length before one makes a choice at what one wants to "believe" or Not.
People (Especially in this day and age.) feel the need to keep a ray of hope in their minds to help push through their life's and inspire others in doing as much good as possible for those around them, in hopes of making the world a better and kinder place for our young to live...In this I say, Yes! People can come together, (without judgement) and do this without the help of ANY religion. Just the love of our fellow man...Yet this idea is still quite away's out in the future for mankind to join together (as a whole) in such a way. Who knows maybe a great apocalyptic event will undoubtedly jump start bringing out the best in whomever is left to start a new. Hopefully rather than looking back, they'll come together without judgement and condemnation. In turn finding strength and comfort in one another. For in the end, We are one...
Every day we experience in one way or another "Prayer" in many way's...I have no problem what so ever in giving thanks and counting our blessing's. But praying to whom or whatever, and wishing for things to magically appear, change, heal or protect the ones you love, is setting yourself up for a let down if you're hoping to get what you "pray" for. Granted prayer vigils are a great way to show solidarity, yet personally I still reflect from time to time when I'm hospitalized and my family tells me how "everyone" is praying for my recovery...Sure it's the thought that counts, but Really? What about all those around the world suffering from War, famine, and natural disasters? They're no different than I!, Sure I'm thankful that someone cares, but my woes are nothing compared to those in need. Prayers are not going to sooth or help if everyone is just "thinking"...These people need action and support NOT thoughts.
I remember when I was a child, when I stopped and took notice regarding the night time prayer: "Now I lay me down to sleep..." You remember that one right? When it hit me what it was about, I Freaked out!! Needless to say I didn't sleep very well for quite some time...Come on! Maybe it's just me, but children are dealing with enough these day's without worrying about death in their sleep!!
So in a nutshell, Prayer is Simply one's way of publicly or privately taking a moment, and humbly giving thanks and observing of all the blessings in each of our life's. You can wish all you want, but if you put all your wishes in one hand and spit in the other, which hand will get fuller faster??...Crude but true.
Heaven, Hell, Purgatory?...Bullshit. Reincarnation??....Bullshit x2. Come on people! Our souls being recycled? Threats of being downgraded in the food chain upon ones return? Poppy cock... ALL this shit has been handed down generation after generation, ALL of it unsubstantiated. It seems that if something isn't understood (Especially by those of our distant ancestors.) people would rather create stories rather than say..."I don't know" or "No one knows". And saying that "It's Gods will" is more of a convenient verbal bandage than an simple acceptance of what is.
There are accounts from those having "near death" experiences, that swear they've experienced something from the "other side". The Other side of what? Another dimension? Come on! This isn't science fiction or Harry Potter...Okay everyone, these people were still in their own heads when this happened and we all know that the mind is incredibly complex in how it works and dreams; During these times of near death. I'm standing firmly on sound and solid ground when I say "I'm beyond skepticism." that Scientific explanations are far more plausible in each and every case. What happens in ones mind, whether on anesthesia or due to other circumstances, affect each person uniquely in each occurrence.
Okay now it's time to "Rip the bandage off"... It's time to grow the fuck up and look around you...There are no deities....Just life. Or death.---->Simple.
Calling this heresy when held side to side with many religions would be correct. Without religion this is boiled down to just common fucking sense. You live, you die...simple. If a light bulb "pops" and go's dark no one thinks twice about it. It's life is done and simply served it's purpose. Or for that matter, how about a battery that weakens and dies? This body serves as a "vessel" in which we do our best at keeping the 'essence' or 'life force' within emanating until the body ultimately fails in the end.
If believing in something "ethereal" to help you accept the inevitable without shrieking in terror when your time comes, so be it...
Religion had it's time in the distant past, yet just as with any other institution they ALL are in desperate need of reform. For crying out loud, it's the 21st century! No matter how well versed, educated or "Holy" the clergy may appear, we don't need fairy tails, threats and confusing script taken out of context to suit whatever message utilized, attempting to lull the public into submission. It's irresponsible and judge "mental" to preach these archaic theory's to the masses, guaranteeing heavenly ascent to those who abide. Yet there are those who boast a spot within a specific number of positions in Heaven...Let's say that number was 144,000 'IF' you make the grade. So this implies that heaven is smaller than a island nation and is at risk of a population explosion? Hmmm... Or how about proving your worth to a person/spirit guarding the 'gates to heaven' like some "bouncer" at a night club?
Morality and compassion handed down from truly concerned parental units would surely suffice in raising our youth, along with good old fashioned chivalry, respect and manners in conducting one selves when in public...Again religion not necessary; Let's just call this "old school". We as adults have laws and consequences already in place to punish those who infringe upon them, and from time to time this to is flawed, yet we all must abide in these laws none the less. We are judged enough during our lifetimes, whether we suffer the consequences 'or' reap the rewards during our lives, why must we additionally mentally torment ourselves about reaping a reward or consequence of heaven or hell upon our demise? It's like having a little black rain cloud following you around every day (And night.) in hopes of keeping us in the "straight and narrow".
Speaking of "straight and narrow"...Sexual preferences, practices, reproduction or contraception also are scrutinized needlessly by the church. These are "personal preferences" BUT praying on the young and innocent is a moral issue in which the law clearly dictates.<<< This I felt needed to be said for the sake of the children of the world. Consenting adults should have the freedom to enjoy happiness and love from all those they desire....ADULTS ONLY. Various religions and their clergies throughout the world have preyed on the youth through time, and are certainly NOT exempt from this statement.
Screw scripture, opinions and belief; Throw out everything and ask yourself this...
Is there, or could there be an omnipotent being or force that is responsible for ALL life in our universe??
Again let's keep this simple...Not convoluted in any way.
Remember, EVERYTHING evolves, even the common cold.
My answer came with Awakening and revisiting these questions without fear of judgement and of course...Keeping it Real. Like Right NOW Real... That's the thing without thought, fantasy, or what if's. All that's left, is profound clarity within the moment.
There are no deities....Yet maybe...(Going out on a limb here.) There are alien life forms that also came to be from the same elements from which we came, or in other words our distant genetic relatives...THAT I would certainly endorse in this case.
Reality is just that....REAL. Sorry, but Divine intervention, miracles, or conjuring a so called "Holy spirit" to join in the ramblings of prayer (To which I've experienced time and time again back in my church going day's.) was nothing but chicanery...Yes, I at one time took the path of religion in my early twenties; After becoming a father (For the sake of my "Ex", her family, and our young children.) I found in a short period of time, that attending church was more like a social gathering than a actual lessons in attaining peace of mind.
I to struggled for many years reading, watching, listening, and discussing the multitudes of information out there, and came to the inevitable conclusion that once you throw out ALL the crap contrived by men there really wasn't much left, except using logic and common sense...I'm constantly reminded from day to day, a quote I've heard: "In that, which cannot be simpler." (Now day's the quotes come and go, yet more and more referencing the author of each gets a bit grayer In some cases.) In searching of the truth in all things, opinions and belief's must be stripped away and one must look deeply (Yet Simply) in doing so. Fear and uncertainty are clearly hurdles that must be dealt with, by facing each one and looking deeply and honestly at what's behind each question or issue, helps to clear a the path in traveling even deeper into ones mind...In revisiting and challenging ones beliefs, No one should trust what is said, heard or written by ANYONE in reaching the truth...The more difficult the question the more important each question should be dealt with care...Intimately I might add. Intuition is a nice guide but ALL angles must be studied at length before one makes a choice at what one wants to "believe" or Not.
People (Especially in this day and age.) feel the need to keep a ray of hope in their minds to help push through their life's and inspire others in doing as much good as possible for those around them, in hopes of making the world a better and kinder place for our young to live...In this I say, Yes! People can come together, (without judgement) and do this without the help of ANY religion. Just the love of our fellow man...Yet this idea is still quite away's out in the future for mankind to join together (as a whole) in such a way. Who knows maybe a great apocalyptic event will undoubtedly jump start bringing out the best in whomever is left to start a new. Hopefully rather than looking back, they'll come together without judgement and condemnation. In turn finding strength and comfort in one another. For in the end, We are one...
Every day we experience in one way or another "Prayer" in many way's...I have no problem what so ever in giving thanks and counting our blessing's. But praying to whom or whatever, and wishing for things to magically appear, change, heal or protect the ones you love, is setting yourself up for a let down if you're hoping to get what you "pray" for. Granted prayer vigils are a great way to show solidarity, yet personally I still reflect from time to time when I'm hospitalized and my family tells me how "everyone" is praying for my recovery...Sure it's the thought that counts, but Really? What about all those around the world suffering from War, famine, and natural disasters? They're no different than I!, Sure I'm thankful that someone cares, but my woes are nothing compared to those in need. Prayers are not going to sooth or help if everyone is just "thinking"...These people need action and support NOT thoughts.
I remember when I was a child, when I stopped and took notice regarding the night time prayer: "Now I lay me down to sleep..." You remember that one right? When it hit me what it was about, I Freaked out!! Needless to say I didn't sleep very well for quite some time...Come on! Maybe it's just me, but children are dealing with enough these day's without worrying about death in their sleep!!
So in a nutshell, Prayer is Simply one's way of publicly or privately taking a moment, and humbly giving thanks and observing of all the blessings in each of our life's. You can wish all you want, but if you put all your wishes in one hand and spit in the other, which hand will get fuller faster??...Crude but true.
Heaven, Hell, Purgatory?...Bullshit. Reincarnation??....Bullshit x2. Come on people! Our souls being recycled? Threats of being downgraded in the food chain upon ones return? Poppy cock... ALL this shit has been handed down generation after generation, ALL of it unsubstantiated. It seems that if something isn't understood (Especially by those of our distant ancestors.) people would rather create stories rather than say..."I don't know" or "No one knows". And saying that "It's Gods will" is more of a convenient verbal bandage than an simple acceptance of what is.
There are accounts from those having "near death" experiences, that swear they've experienced something from the "other side". The Other side of what? Another dimension? Come on! This isn't science fiction or Harry Potter...Okay everyone, these people were still in their own heads when this happened and we all know that the mind is incredibly complex in how it works and dreams; During these times of near death. I'm standing firmly on sound and solid ground when I say "I'm beyond skepticism." that Scientific explanations are far more plausible in each and every case. What happens in ones mind, whether on anesthesia or due to other circumstances, affect each person uniquely in each occurrence.
Okay now it's time to "Rip the bandage off"... It's time to grow the fuck up and look around you...There are no deities....Just life. Or death.---->Simple.
Calling this heresy when held side to side with many religions would be correct. Without religion this is boiled down to just common fucking sense. You live, you die...simple. If a light bulb "pops" and go's dark no one thinks twice about it. It's life is done and simply served it's purpose. Or for that matter, how about a battery that weakens and dies? This body serves as a "vessel" in which we do our best at keeping the 'essence' or 'life force' within emanating until the body ultimately fails in the end.
If believing in something "ethereal" to help you accept the inevitable without shrieking in terror when your time comes, so be it...
Religion had it's time in the distant past, yet just as with any other institution they ALL are in desperate need of reform. For crying out loud, it's the 21st century! No matter how well versed, educated or "Holy" the clergy may appear, we don't need fairy tails, threats and confusing script taken out of context to suit whatever message utilized, attempting to lull the public into submission. It's irresponsible and judge "mental" to preach these archaic theory's to the masses, guaranteeing heavenly ascent to those who abide. Yet there are those who boast a spot within a specific number of positions in Heaven...Let's say that number was 144,000 'IF' you make the grade. So this implies that heaven is smaller than a island nation and is at risk of a population explosion? Hmmm... Or how about proving your worth to a person/spirit guarding the 'gates to heaven' like some "bouncer" at a night club?
Again just plain ridiculous.
Morality and compassion handed down from truly concerned parental units would surely suffice in raising our youth, along with good old fashioned chivalry, respect and manners in conducting one selves when in public...Again religion not necessary; Let's just call this "old school". We as adults have laws and consequences already in place to punish those who infringe upon them, and from time to time this to is flawed, yet we all must abide in these laws none the less. We are judged enough during our lifetimes, whether we suffer the consequences 'or' reap the rewards during our lives, why must we additionally mentally torment ourselves about reaping a reward or consequence of heaven or hell upon our demise? It's like having a little black rain cloud following you around every day (And night.) in hopes of keeping us in the "straight and narrow".
Speaking of "straight and narrow"...Sexual preferences, practices, reproduction or contraception also are scrutinized needlessly by the church. These are "personal preferences" BUT praying on the young and innocent is a moral issue in which the law clearly dictates.<<< This I felt needed to be said for the sake of the children of the world. Consenting adults should have the freedom to enjoy happiness and love from all those they desire....ADULTS ONLY. Various religions and their clergies throughout the world have preyed on the youth through time, and are certainly NOT exempt from this statement.
Screw scripture, opinions and belief; Throw out everything and ask yourself this...
Is there, or could there be an omnipotent being or force that is responsible for ALL life in our universe??
Again let's keep this simple...Not convoluted in any way.
Remember, EVERYTHING evolves, even the common cold.
My answer came with Awakening and revisiting these questions without fear of judgement and of course...Keeping it Real. Like Right NOW Real... That's the thing without thought, fantasy, or what if's. All that's left, is profound clarity within the moment.
There are no deities....Yet maybe...(Going out on a limb here.) There are alien life forms that also came to be from the same elements from which we came, or in other words our distant genetic relatives...THAT I would certainly endorse in this case.
