Posts by JamesThomas

14

Doctrine of Suppression - I sincerely want to know this...

by Gretchen956 in

watching the video of the street preacher at the district convention got me thinking (always a dangerous proposition).

there seems to be this history revolving around christianity.

starting with the romans, the idea began to be, convert through suppression, oppression, war and acts of violence.

JamesThomas

Good for you Gretchen, for waking up.

What makes the tribal gods of the hebrews and muslims any different than the tribal gods of the africans? Or the Mayans, etc.? Why, when you see the methods and the horrifying conditions used to convert, do you not only embrace it, but become advocates more so than those who enslaved you? ... I just really don't get this.

I don't have an answer to these questions specifically, and it's way easy to get lost in the minutiae. However as to why it is we generally embrace deities, my sense is it comes down to a couple simple things: First, the mind sincerely desires to honor its Source, and unable to find an object for its desire, it creates one (big mistake). Second we come to strongly identify with the mirage; and so we fight not to awaken from our slumber. For who would I be without my god?

j

91

FORGED (!?!?) ORIGINS of the NEW TESTAMENT (!?!?)

by Terry in

iii, p. 712).

vi, p. 137, pp.

cit., pp.

JamesThomas

No, I don't recall having said "nothing is real". I have often attempted to point to a foundational reality that is infinitely vaster and closer than all the minds interpritations and replications. So, one could confuse that with the other; I guess.

j

24

Affirmative arguments for the non-existence of Jesus

by WhatSexRU in

i was just reading a thread on this forum called saviors of the world?.

http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/136105/1.ashx.

that thread discussed similarities between the various saviors, or messiahs that are said to have walked the earth, most of them appearing long before jesus supposedly emerged.

JamesThomas

What actually is the point regarding whether Jesus did, or did not exist? Is it the "creator" or "holy deity" aspect?

Does the actual and infinite, mind boggling expression of life and universe in any way give witness to some tiny circumscribable and definable entity or deity as being in any way connected or responsible for it? The answer and wisdom is right here within the boundless wonder of nature for all to see.....and once seen, what does it matter if Jesus did, or did not exist? Or for that matter any other nameable little god?

j

91

FORGED (!?!?) ORIGINS of the NEW TESTAMENT (!?!?)

by Terry in

iii, p. 712).

vi, p. 137, pp.

cit., pp.

JamesThomas

Touche.

91

FORGED (!?!?) ORIGINS of the NEW TESTAMENT (!?!?)

by Terry in

iii, p. 712).

vi, p. 137, pp.

cit., pp.

JamesThomas

Six:

If you're correct about the fallacy of the bible (and I for one certainly believe that you are), then a person with even a whit of personal integrity will only use correct information (to the best of their knowledge) to point out that fallacy.
You do realize, don't you, that dishonesty IS the problem?

I hear you. However, I would not agree that dishonesty is the problem so much as unquestionably accepting the dishonesty. If a little dishonesty can motivate honest investigation, then the trickery is made moot, as the earnest investigations will reveal the facts. That an investigation was motivated to fruition, I feel is most important. In this case the end justifies the means.

j

91

FORGED (!?!?) ORIGINS of the NEW TESTAMENT (!?!?)

by Terry in

iii, p. 712).

vi, p. 137, pp.

cit., pp.

JamesThomas

Narkissos:

it becomes strangely reminiscent of the fascist theories of propaganda when we hear the most unexpected voices candidly saying, in effect: "The Bible is bad, so whatever is said against it is good."

With all due respect (and I mean that sincerely), please do not confuse what I am with the story in your mind. There may come a time when even the most amiable "unexpectedly" feel it necessary to push over a few tables.

j

91

FORGED (!?!?) ORIGINS of the NEW TESTAMENT (!?!?)

by Terry in

iii, p. 712).

vi, p. 137, pp.

cit., pp.

JamesThomas

That statement is like gangland Budism. Like republican zen... republizen!

Tough-love, Six.

Actually, it's more about seeing clearly the harm and turmoil that Bible beliefs brought to me, and that still infects many in the world.

Reeking from the pages of the Bible, is one of the most diminutive and disgusting images of the divine. An image which fills us with greed to acquiesce, and paralyses us with fear if we do not. It's a disease which separates humanity and oils the machine of war, animosity, mans inhumanity to man, and disregard for the planet (as our little deity will soon fix things, we don't have to). It's insane....and it is likely so was the holy circus and freak show of Constantin's.

I applaud anyone with the courage to reveal the cancer of the ages; even if the basic information presented is not all correct, the fallacy of the Bible certainly is. For me it is far, far more important that people openly question the Bible's authenticity and credibility, than hurry to discredit anyone who does.

Perhaps the Bible has been so important for so long, that it's habitual to protect it. It doesn't deserve protecting. It's dangerous; should have warning labels all over it; and should be kept out of the hands of the innocent, like all other pornography.

j

91

FORGED (!?!?) ORIGINS of the NEW TESTAMENT (!?!?)

by Terry in

iii, p. 712).

vi, p. 137, pp.

cit., pp.

JamesThomas

The Bible is the holy father of "conspiracy theories". In my opinion it is the Bible and it's divisive little deities and demons which is complete nonsense; and more often than not extremely harmful to a health society. If less than accurate information motivates people to question the "divine authenticity" of the Bible, and help bring them out of their coma, more power to it.

j

91

FORGED (!?!?) ORIGINS of the NEW TESTAMENT (!?!?)

by Terry in

iii, p. 712).

vi, p. 137, pp.

cit., pp.

JamesThomas

Terry, thanks for posting that riveting read. It makes so much sense that the modern day confusion of Christianity have its roots in such a chaotic mess.

Try again Terry.

Perhaps if we actually had a sense of the staggering infinite nature of existence, we would not attribute such grandeur to tiny deities, and we would not require that Terry "try again". It's up to us to remove our cataracts.

This, 30 min. video adds a little tinsel to this thread....not that it needs it.

j

30

God is a Metaphor

by nvrgnbk in

jw
friends

god is a metaphor.

dr. khalid sohail .

being a secular humanist i do not believe in any god or organized religion, but as a poet i am fascinated by all the languages and metaphors human beings have created over the centuries to understand and explain the mysteries of life and nature.

JamesThomas

Humans created the concept of god. My question is : Why?

There is awe of conscious existence, and so the mind creates a cause, an idea, an image, a god. Perhaps an initially honorable mission, but a harmful and devastating mistake. Everything the mind creates is a concept. Concepts which are much needed and wondrous tools for practical day to day use. But in regards understanding an infinite Source of existence and foundational Reality, the mind is grossly insufficient, and can offer only foolish little forgeries. Whenever the mind says: " this is what God is", know that this is what it is not. j