Comment

Comment by shaman sun on August 31, 2009 at 1:38pm

Would like to know what folks here think of spiritual experiences. Not pertaining to belief, but actual direct experiences that flower the whole religious culture of east and west. For instance, satori experiences, feeling direct connection with the world, subtler components of consciousness, etc. To me there is a world of difference between the metaphysics and belief systems, and actual folks who experience these things directly. What do you think it is? Can we understand it? Or are such things beyond the scope of analysis right now? Might these things actually be onto something? Writers who embody this perhaps may be the mystics of religions (Rumi for example, or even Emerson's writings...). Those who seem to reflect on themselves on a deeper level, perhaps, than even thought can go. Are there subtler dimensions to the human experience? That's the heart of the question I think I am asking. How can we understand those who live and express these deeper realities? Are we challenged to shift perspective?

Comment by Chris Highland on August 31, 2009 at 1:14pm

Here's my latest contribution to the non-theist presentation: Nature Chaplain. Comments welcome!

Comment by Robert Tobin on July 20, 2009 at 11:02pm

I can recommend this Web Site:
http://www.exposingchristianity.com/index.htm

It really lifts the lid on it.
Christianity was founded on a lie and exists on a fraud.
Pope Bean-a Dick is a Liar for Jesus.

Comment by Robert Tobin on July 20, 2009 at 10:59pm

Paul's attitude to women and sex in 1 Corinthians is stupid. What did he have against women ansd sex. Jesus was married, Simon/Peter was married and his wife went with him on his journeys.

Comment by Chris Highland on July 20, 2009 at 7:56pm

Interesting comments there, Claudia. I think you made part of my point. When a god-image is localized in one image/icon/idol doesn't that limit or condense the sense of the divine? Paul saw everything, painted everything, with the face of his Christ (not necessarily Jesus of Nazareth). If one were to say, "All the powers of the universe are personified in a sequoia tree," wouldn't that be fairly particular, a specific representation (incarnation) of divinity? It seems to me, and I'm still just guessing here, that the only "reasonable" deity is Nature, with countless images, faces and "masks" (as Joseph Campbell put it).

Comment by Chris Highland on July 13, 2009 at 5:50pm

I just taught a class and gave a "sermon" at a conference of my former believers at Lake Tahoe. I think some were shocked when I used the chosen scripture (from 1 Corinthians 12) to say that Paul needed some fresh mountain air, that his sense of the divine was much too small, and that he was wrong to denigrate non-supernatural "pagans" I ended with a quote from the great pantheist John Burroughs: "Whatever is upon the earth is of the earth; it came out of the divine soil" (Leaf and Tendril, 1908). I feel these attempts at literal "common ground" can be productive, especially in Nature, with a focus on natural beauty. Even some former colleagues were nodding and asking me probing questions afterward. I'll continue to "preach" an open natural spirituality in the enclosures of faith. Some seem strangely drawn to the "light."

Comment by Jim Mo. on July 10, 2009 at 8:58pm

I am all for this concept. Especially if it is a refuge from Dawkinsian Atheism. I will have to find some time to formulate a meaningful contribution.

Comment by Susie O on July 10, 2009 at 6:57pm

Thanks for the invite. It will be fun to follow in this group.

Comment by Kristi Leitholt on July 9, 2009 at 11:25pm

Thanks for the invite, Nate. :)

Comment by Robert Tobin on July 9, 2009 at 11:18pm

Thank you Nate. I accept your invite with pleasure.

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• …
• 7
• Next ›
• Page