Thx Little Toe. True, my formatting sucks because I use the Opera browser and the site is not designed using internationally open standards for any browser. But, I am glad to return and post when I get the chance.
Utopian Reformist
JoinedPosts by Utopian Reformist
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79
Would the world be a better place without religion?
by micheal ini understand we all need guidance and some people need hope, even if it is not real.
but personally, i believe religion has caused so many hideous crimes against humanity that it is something we would all be better off without.. it really is too bad that religion has capitalized on humankind's need for a divine being to only abuse and control its fellow humans.. so, what do you think?
would we be better of without religion?.
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79
Would the world be a better place without religion?
by micheal ini understand we all need guidance and some people need hope, even if it is not real.
but personally, i believe religion has caused so many hideous crimes against humanity that it is something we would all be better off without.. it really is too bad that religion has capitalized on humankind's need for a divine being to only abuse and control its fellow humans.. so, what do you think?
would we be better of without religion?.
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Utopian Reformist
There are really only two reasons for the continuing existence of religion. The first reason is that all humans live in mortal fear of death. The second is we do not have any accurate undisputable knowledge of reality in any other dimension, or of another superior intelligence. Thus, along comes religion with it's uncanny illogical ability to confuse reality, reason, common sense and nature with it's distorted superstitious viewpoints and dogma. Once you realize death is actually coming and the clock is ticking, you will realize that there is nothing you can do to stop that natural process. Someone once said that "fear is the improper use of the imagination". Sometimes, that is applicable to religious people. Your life is short. Decide how you plan to live, create plans, accomplish goals and live the best, positive, healthy, productive, generous, humanitarian, altruistic life that you can live and you will have satisfied any basic religion without latching yourself to spiritual handcuffs, dogmatic rules, group dynamics and other problems inherent with religions in general. Religion cannot thrive without control. The entire purpose is always control. The heart of any religion is control. That is why no religion is ever truly spiritual. How can one control the spirit of anything? Being spiritual is your innate ability to use your core being, your inner essence and attempt to harmonize and connect on a deep level with your surroundings. Why does one need attend a meeting, join a group, recite written words in order to be spiritual? have we lost our minds or have we lost the value of the gift of life, no matter how we acquired it? When I notice the beauty in people and in nature, and listen to reflective music, I meditate. I think, I ponder, I review my life in the past and present. I think of memories, I think of places and people. I consider my current direction in life, I check for purpose, I check for positive influences. This is all inner spirituality. Spirituality is more than wondering where we came from or if there is a god, or if the bible is true. People need to do some growing beyond religion's view of spirituality and realize the world, nature and mankind would thrive immensely without the interference, negativity, and evil that religion delivers in this world.
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Evolution- Subject of New Essay/Book Review on Commentary Press
by Greenpalmtreestillmine ini apologize if this has already been mentioned.. i noticed there is a new essay/book review on commentary press entitled, "why popular reasons for believing evolution are wrong".
here's the address for anyone interested: http://www.commentarypress.com/essay-evolution.html.
my thanks to commentary press for all their fine essays.. sabrina.
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Utopian Reformist
For those who still hold out hope for a concrete answer, or finite conclusion regarding the existence of a superior intelligence, this article definitely lends support. However, as in all matters of the absolute and the unknown, we cannot honestly, conscientiously adopt a dogmatic stance nor a presumptuous approach.
The author has duplicated the evidentiary approach to the issue, much in the same way as an attorney collects supporting evidence to bolster an argument. But, at all times, an argument is an argument, it is never absolute truth. Thus, any adept skilled scientist could also formulate a well-written rebuttal and present literary quotations, footnotes and accomplish the very same task, which is provoke the reader to think.
That is a lofty goal. However, as in all arguments, opposing sides tend to proceed with a legalized approach, each hoping to convince the observers with evidence, reasoning, argumentation and adversarial critiques. I believe it is important to maintain an open mind, to be observant, to be patient for new discoveries and new information, and to avoid posturing in any position that cannot be absolutely proven with the resources available today.
I can prove the sun rises by asking you to watch the sunrise in the morning. Since it actually occurs, there is physical evidence in motion to confirm the rising of the sun. In the matter addressed by the essay, neither side of the issue has absolute, undisputable, physical evidence to support their cause.
Of course, religionists cannot help but approach issues using dogma or legalized format because that is what the core essence of religion is all about, a set of rules and beliefs about human existence. It's too bad that method is still around and has not been scrapped.
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Utopian Reformist
I was expelled for "hanging a political sign" in a public place and was seen by an elder and his wife (Ernie & Sue Rose of Cranston Congregation, RI-USA).
It is funny because I had already been absent for over three years and I never accepted any meetings with the elders. So, I heard they announced my name through the liberal grapevine of local renegade JW's.
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Did the WTS make an atheist out of you?
by JH inshouldn't a religion bring people closer to god?
it would seem that many became atheist after being deceived by the wts.
unlike other religions, the wts was very precise in what was to happen during the 20th century.
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Utopian Reformist
I have not posted in quite awhile, however this topic is a past favorite. During my life, I have served as an altar boy, layman, attended catholic school my entire life, and also fallen under the spell of evangelists, pentecostals and of course, the JW's. After intense study, several advanced degrees, and a lot of introspective reflection, I have come to finally accept that material produced by fellow humans in the form of literature does not constitute divine authority, nor does any such product verify the existence of any such authority. Thus, we are presented with many famous and infamous human works supposedly written to answer all of life's inquiries, explain the past, predict the future and rectify the present. As humans, we are all partrially gullable to the notion of divinity, due in part to our own personal fear of death and the unknown. Once we accept that we cannot prevent death, and we cannot predict the final eventuality after death, and we cannot commuicate with anyone who might have such power, we are faced with "acceptance and reconciliation". We must move on, moving forward and making our current life positive, acquiring benefits, sharing resources, and achieving goals. A legacy is a noble thing to strive for and leave behind along with loving memories and a good reputation. I believe all holy books make that assertion as well
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A Memorial "Correction"...
by AGuest inmay you all have peace!.
it was spirit that was put into that "soul"... and the spirit... that "sins"... must be destroyed.
but his spirit did not die nor was it destroyed.
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Utopian Reformist
I can't believe after all this time has passed, and after all of the marvelous and insightful discussions that have taken place at this site, that someone like AGUEST is still rambling on about Jesus and still using those ridiculous anglicized hebrew names (MISCAJAH, whatever..) and carrying on like it is all true and relevant. Wake up!
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JW's BANNED IN RUSSIA - 04-01-04
by 4JWY injehovah's witnesses banned from moscow by russian court.
is the heading of the article in the religious section of our newspaper yesterday.
moscow (ap) a moscow court has banned the religious activities of jehovah's witnesses from the russian capital in a move that critics called a step back for democracy and religious freedom.
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Utopian Reformist
I can only hope that the West learn from this example. If I were in Russia, I would publicly celebrate in full view of the local hall. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
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Firpo Carr defending Michael Jackson
by DocBob inyesterday i saw catherine crier doing a phone interview with dr. firpo carr on court tv.
carr is defending micheal jackson.
here are some links about this you may want to look at: .
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Utopian Reformist
Hi Lisa and friends: Obviously, during another of my sojourns, like you, I hear a familiar name and thus, I arrive to comment. Firpo Carr's apologetic racial diatribes are pathetic attempts to exhonerate the society from any perceived racism that is observed by an uninformed objective individual. Many black muslims and black christians have in fact noted the overwhelming disparity amongst whites in positions of leadership and oversight, in comparison to blacks, both in JW's and Mormons. Carr is clever and deceptive and also very self-serving. From a very trusted source, and from second and third party accounts, I have heard that Carr fancies himself becoming an internal ethnic messiah for JW's of african-american heritage. I have on it on good sources that after a few drinks, Carr has relayed in confidence that he himself believes he may be either the first or second black JW to reach the governing body. He has also been noted as saying the future of JW's will be extremely intertwined with black issues that the society has ignored for decades, and that this is mostly due to the educated, informed and resourceful leaving the society in droves. Mind you, although a former LA resident, I have never met Carr, nor was I present during these conversations. But, after reading portions of his work, listening to others who claim to have associated with him, met him, spoken to him, worked with him, etc, I believe I have formed a quasi-reliable composite of this aspiring urban religious demagogue. I feel he is dangerous and will use the Jackson situation for training purposes, personal exploitation and for possible financial benefit.
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Ya, OK, so how AMERICAN are you?
by MrMoe inhttp://www.megat.co.uk/quizmo/quiz.php?quiz=2508 .
so, how american are you?.
questions 10145-80095
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Utopian Reformist
I finally completed the rigorous process and became a US citizen in early February of this year. Am I american enough now? I even have a passport!
(although I will continue to travel with my EU (italian) passport since it would be safer) -
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Does Sharon make US foriegn policy?
by William Penwell insharon: iran next on war list
friday, nov. 8, 2002
israeli prime minister ariel sharon says the u.s. war on terror shouldn't end with iraq.
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Utopian Reformist
Yeruslayim:
It's from a transcript/episode of the "McLaughlin Group" on PBS. It was Pat Buchanan who repeated the quote from Sharon and it was aired several months ago. I will scour their site and also see if I can deliver more than one source for you to review.
Give me a few days and let's keep this one open! THX