Posts by JamesThomas

"True religion", is an oxymoron. The actual reality of truth can not be encapsulated by the minds thoughts, ideas, concepts and beliefs -- which is all religion amounts to. You want to know truth, then forsake religion and other mind generated "truths", and simply be very present with the reality (truth) of life and consciousness in and around you right now.

THERE IS NO TRUE RELIGION! Truth, is too alive, too close, too immediate, too endlessly wondrous to be captured and distilled into a belief system. Religion is one of the major factors which blind us to what is -- and has always been -- here, already.

j

21

What the Bleep Do We Know!? Movie

by Sailor Ripley in

jw
friends

i was just introduced to a new flick and thought that you might want to check it out.

i'll not give any review as i don't want to sway your interpretation.

i will say that i found it interesting and could be appropriate based on some postings i've read here.

JamesThomas

Welcome to the forum, Ripley.

I have commented on this movie many times here, and even started a thread on it once.

What I feel is most important about the movie is not what it contains, but rather that it may motivate some to question their sense of reality/self.

With enough courage there can be a stepping out of the comfortable paradyme we are presently in; and by doing so there can occur major leaps of understanding and a closer more intimate sense of oneness with all reality. In other words, we can just shrug such a movie off and do nothing, or we can make the effort to actually question and investigate deeper into our own sense of being and existing.

The movie is not important; however, what you do is.

I hope the majority of responses you have received in this thread do not detour you from frequently stepping outside the box.

j

24

Is this life all there is???

by Core88 in

jw
friends

i have been a df'ed witness for two years now.

i have had a son around that same time moved twice and changed jobs all around that same time.

it has been the hardest two years of my life.

JamesThomas

Welcome, Core88.

uncertainty is still a concern in my life. What are all your thoughts?

Perhaps "thoughts", are the problem; and the last thing you need is more.

When there are no thoughts about the future of life, what is here then? There is Life. There is this present moment of existence; which is all there ever is. Be kind to yourself and so allow yourself to see how thoughts and fears of future-life steals away the reality of life now. See this; really see it; and then there will be a natural tendency to laugh away life-stealing concerns when they show there little heads.

Spend more time being silently and openly present and attentative with this moment of life in and around you, and less time thinking, judging and concerning, and see what natural harmony and peace arise. The universe thrives on your silent attention, and rewards you for it. It is the natural way of things.

Be still.

j

35

What would be the Ideal Church for you?

by AK - Jeff in

i mean - what kind of doctrine would they teach - what sort of social programs would they support - how big?

how small?

preacherman or preacherwoman?

JamesThomas

I find the ocean cost, mountains, or just being here on the little farm, works quite fine. There is nothing a minister or building can give me.

j

41

Fair minded person with a fair point of view

by keo15929 in

i have been one of jehovah's witnesses for about 9 years before i became inactive.

i just had some comments i'd like to make.. i think the reason why i'm inactive now is because i've come to a point in my life where i feel obligated to admit that i just don't know.

at one time i was as fiery and zealous of a witness as anyone could be but i had this nagging feeling that i really didn't know what i was talking about when i was witnessing to people.

JamesThomas

Welcome, Keo.

That was a pretty good first post. Glad you joined us.

Perhaps the Bible is the main reason for all the confusion and animosity. No two people perceive it exactly the same, and so it divides people and motivates much self righteousness and hatred. As you keep examining things and allowing yourself to see -- what perhaps before was too frightening -- you may grow beyond the need of ancient tribal mumblings and deities to find your way.

I have found that just being present with life and nature, can expose much innate wisdom. Really being with an animal, tree, or just the vibrant sense of existence itself can teach us more about the actuality of divinity than religious beliefs and concepts ever could.

j

27

So Confused

by RPT in

jw
friends

where to begin ?

i am not a jw or of any other faith but i have recently been involved with a jw.

JamesThomas

She keeps asking me to convince her that its not the truth but because I dont know enough about it

Welcome, RPT.

If she is of a mind that does not see any problem with accrediting a tiny tribal deity for the infinite expression of life and universe, and you are of that same mind, then there is little to work with.

Perhaps if you stepped back and deeply and silently observed and contemplated, you would find some inner guidance which could help you both. We all possess much innate wisdom.

j

17

20 WAYS TO BE A GOOD LIBERAL

by hillbilly in

jw
friends

as found elsewere on the net.....

20 ways to be a good liberal.

1. you have to be against capital punishment, but.

JamesThomas

I left my tomb of religious identity only to fall into the grave of political definitions. Perhaps my great travels are to nowhere.

j

8

Peace and Security to follow some day

by Sherwood in

1 thessalonians 5:1-11 .

5 now as for the times and the seasons, brothers, you need nothing to be written to you.

2 for you yourselves know quite well that jehovahs day is coming exactly as a thief in the night.

JamesThomas

Behold Serwood, the "spiritual blessed one", whose beauty and power is so great that we are all "distraught" as to not be like this great "spiritual minded" one.

Sherwood, you're so full of yourself, you wouldn't know spiritual if it bit you on the nipple.

j

48

Why is truth is so hard to find in Bible

by The Dragon in

i have been studing it for years looking for answers....yet for every answer i find there is a counter to it.

the words themselves are twisted by leaders/teachers to fit their personal opinions and adgendas, as well as twisted by trying to rely on our own reasoning to understand them.. a good example would be the way our current system of laws work.. if the supreme court writes a law into the book..say for example.."evil" is anyone who does this....... it is then turned over to a bunch of undereducated enforcers to interpert and judge others they feel are "evil".

they are allowed to accuse and shoot first asking questions later.

JamesThomas

Poppers,

Your above explanation is truly beautiful. A very open and clear narration.

j