Posts by DJS

53

Spirituality

by Jonathan Drake in

if you are a current practitioner of some religious faith i would appreciate it if you abstained from this thread entirely.

im curious if anyone has had what could be discribed as a spiritual experience.

i'm currently reading sam harris book waking up and it's very good so far.

I will read it. Thank you. And thank you for the OP. There are several spirit or spiritual OPs running right now. Hold Me isn't Thrilled that us mean ole atheists aren't helping the 'spirituality' of those on the site. If us mean ole atheists are helping others understand that their spirituality isn't any thing other than self induced emotions that they begin to understand and control, then that is most excellent. Only by doing so can they truly escape the Dark Lords' control and hopefully one day escape the clutches of all religion. But whether they get to this point or not, living a rational, evidence based life will provide benefits.

Nothing is required to Believe other than to Feel. Unless we break that cycle humans will never evolve. The Dark Lords know this; other religious leaders know this. Why do you think religious leaders for thousands of years have kept their followers in the dark and either discouraged or outright prohibited knowledge. Emotionally driven people are much easier to control. The Dark Lords continue to discourage education and even scholarship, making the trapping of the rank and file so much easier.

So those of you who want to give me "Dislikes" for what I am saying have at it. I take it as confirmation. Continue to feel. Don't analyze or evaluate why you feel. Continue to act on those feelings because they are strong and therefore they have to be right. By all means to continue to do so. But if you think that by attaching words like spirit or spiritual to your base human emotions makes them superior or you more godly, you are nothing but an emotion addict. The pleasant feelings that result from your self induced emotional fix is the only thing that is actually occurring. It is no different that a heroine junkie, a cocaine addict or a nicotine fiend.

The rest of us are evolving ahead of you and one day you will be considered closer to our primate cousins than humans. You will call us Lord, Master or Boss, and we will think of you as our slow (not the fast moving kind in Brad Pitt's WWZ that also appeared to have cognitive function (what's up with that)) moving, zombie pets. Now hit the Dislike button.

53

Spirituality

by Jonathan Drake in

if you are a current practitioner of some religious faith i would appreciate it if you abstained from this thread entirely.

im curious if anyone has had what could be discribed as a spiritual experience.

i'm currently reading sam harris book waking up and it's very good so far.

DJS

Unless someone can provide evidence suggesting otherwise, I don’t see ‘spirituality’ as anything other than a self induced emotional state based on one’s genetics, culture, environment, nurture, state of psychological or emotional need, desires and social condition.

There are many things that can evoke strong emotions in me: injustice, nature, my children, movies, books, plays, art. And my girlfriend’s ass.

I wouldn’t call any of those spiritual (except for my GF’s ass); they are nothing more than my emotional reaction to external and internal stimuli. And I’ve noticed over the years that, the more rational and evidence based I become, the clearer these emotional responses are to me. I know exactly why I feel strongly or my emotions are being evoked, and invisible creatures or the force haven’t anything to do with it (Please forgive me Mr. Lucas – I will make it up to you by watching the new Star Wars movie twice).

Someone who loves and appreciates art and artists may be very moved by an artistic creation, while those who care not for the subject fail to get it.

Someone who loves nature may be moved by the beauty of this planet while a 14 year old boy would rather be playing games on his cell phone because it’s boring to him.

Someone caught up in the cacophony of craziness at a sporting event or a tongue speaking, snake handling, or glory be to god moment at church may feel strongly that the lord is present, while those of us who view such as nonsense will find amusement. Or the exit.

Someone who hates injustice, loves living on the planet and doesn’t have or want to develop the skills needed to thrive in a competitive, less than perfect world would be intensely drawn to the message of the Dark Tower. Someone wanting to be in heaven with the lord would view living on the earth as low rent.

I’m with Viviane on this (well isn't that surprising) unless and until someone can provide evidence of spirit/spiritual I see it as nothing more than a self induced emotional response based on internal and external stimuli and one’s genetics, nurturing, experiences, culture, environment and mental, physical and emotional state.

That will be $50. You are welcome. I'm here all week.

14

The Kingdom of God -- Simplified Suggestion

by FusionTheism in

depending on the context, the phrase "kingdom of god" can have a few different simplified meanings:.

1: the authority of god manifesting itself through miracles, love, or judgment.. 2: the authority of god in people's lives.. 3: the lord jesus, the 12 apostles, and others who will sit on thrones and wear crowns in the new heavens and the new earth.. 4: the 1,000 year reign of christ on earth (if that is literal instead of symbolic).. 5: (in the old testament:) the nation of israel under godly kings such as david or josiah.. there are a few passages of scripture i can think of which could support the idea that the kingdom is made up of those who rule in heaven, as opposed to those who live on earth.

these are matthew 11:11-13, john 3:13, 31, acts 2:34. delving into those scriptures will be the subject of a future post.. as always, the immediate context of a passage, and the context of that particular book as a whole, helps determine the meaning of the phrase..

DJS

FT,

"Delving into those Scriptures will be the subject of a future post."

Why the fukk would we care about this or any other future posts from you? Why do so many x-tians think they have the right to come on this site or any other and start preaching to others. I'm not preaching Buddhism or Hinduism. Others aren't preaching Islam. You and those like you would be screaming, whining and complaining if we were.

Why do you think you have a right to preach to us? Why are there so many like you? Why don't you come on the site to learn rather than show us your awesomeness? Why do you arrogantly assume we want to hear about make believe gods and your particular brand of jesus theology?

Again, if you changed your arrogant tone and asked questions or began discussions in your OP rather than preach your awesomeness I wouldn't be typing into my keyboard when I should be asleep. I would leave you alone. Try discussing rather than preaching.

14

The Kingdom of God -- Simplified Suggestion

by FusionTheism in

depending on the context, the phrase "kingdom of god" can have a few different simplified meanings:.

1: the authority of god manifesting itself through miracles, love, or judgment.. 2: the authority of god in people's lives.. 3: the lord jesus, the 12 apostles, and others who will sit on thrones and wear crowns in the new heavens and the new earth.. 4: the 1,000 year reign of christ on earth (if that is literal instead of symbolic).. 5: (in the old testament:) the nation of israel under godly kings such as david or josiah.. there are a few passages of scripture i can think of which could support the idea that the kingdom is made up of those who rule in heaven, as opposed to those who live on earth.

these are matthew 11:11-13, john 3:13, 31, acts 2:34. delving into those scriptures will be the subject of a future post.. as always, the immediate context of a passage, and the context of that particular book as a whole, helps determine the meaning of the phrase..

DJS

FusionTheism,

You are the latest of an apparently never ending stream of people who come to this site to amaze us with your awesomeness and knowledge of all things scripture and show us your sage-ness. Just a few days and two dozen OPs started. And you seem to have a fan club, so others likely already know you. There can't be that many stupid people (well I guess there can, but I'm just not feeling the coincidence right now).

I typically stay out of theist OPs, but we have had so many bible and jesus loving newbies recently that want to show us all their amazingness that I am at least temporarily setting aside one of my prime directives.

What an arrogant piece of work you are. I don't know who you are but it is clear who you think you are - someone entitled to preach and chastise others who have more knowledge, more education, more wisdom and more humility than you.

So I just might join Viviane, Village Idiot, Cofty and the others until you leave or learn humility. They do not need my assistance.

88

Damned if they do, Damned if they don't

by FusionTheism in

jw
friends

i see an attitude among some people here which is not very helpful.

i can understand it, but still, it's not constructive or helpful.. if you condemn the society for not changing, but then you also condemn them when they do change in a positive way, what incentive or motive does that provide for the people at the society to ever want to change for the better?.

also, what does that attitude look like to current witnesses who are having doubts?.

DJS

Fusion,

Everything about your OP was wrongety wrong as Rebel8says. It clearly ranks as one of the worst I've seen on this site. You made broad brushed statements and accusations, none of which are supported by facts. And you wonder why we aren't friendly and tolerant? Learn to ask questions rather than make ridiculous assertions and accusations if you want friendly and tolerant.

The only thing that I find more pathetic than the premises of your OP is that there are at least 3 people on this site with less intelligence. I've really worked hard the past few months being a kinder and gentler DJS, but this OP deserves all of the ridicule it is receiving. The Dark Lords ended scholarship of ANY kind because it was biting them on the ass. They have made a history of blaming the rank and file for their own errors of prophecy. At best they hide contrition behind blame shifting weasel words rather than humbly admit they were wrong. And perhaps worst of all, they have systematically attempted to erase their mistakes by re-writing, deleting, editing and burning all of their mistakes.

Too bad for the Dark Lords the Internet will forever keep them alive. Had it not been for the "Net exposing their prophetic mishaps and blunders, they would have never even provided the half-assed 'admission'.

I suggest you stay on the site and learn before you continue posting such tripe.

88

Damned if they do, Damned if they don't

by FusionTheism in

jw
friends

i see an attitude among some people here which is not very helpful.

i can understand it, but still, it's not constructive or helpful.. if you condemn the society for not changing, but then you also condemn them when they do change in a positive way, what incentive or motive does that provide for the people at the society to ever want to change for the better?.

also, what does that attitude look like to current witnesses who are having doubts?.

DJS

I'm with Outlaw, what a steaming pile of BS you are serving up. Deep study doesn't have to mean type/anti-type, nor should it. There are and were many areas of study that the Dark Lords could have pursued, but after the Ray Franz implosion that ended. They dumbed it down because they don't want the rank and file exploring any biblical topic at a collegiate level. Because if they did they would find out the truth about the truth. They didn't dumb it down because the rank and file wasn't smart enough to follow along. They dumbed it down to save their own sorry asses Dear god (this is where I used to call the OPer a dumbass - but Simon says I can't use that term any longer)>

Which brings me up to your second ridiculous steaming pile premise, that they admit anything or change for any good or decent reason. They only change because it is forced on them, whether through society/courts/laws or through the culmination of so much theocratic refuse and garbage that it begins stinking so badly they can't hide behind it any longer and try as they may (by burning books, editing publications or re-writing their history) they cannot run from the stench.

You've been on this site a very short time and started 22 OPs. Your arrogance is exceeded only by your lack of cognitive and analytical ability. You've come on to preach, not learn. Stay silent for a while; you might learn something. Based on this pathetic OP, you aren't teaching anyone anything. Or better, go take a few college courses, maybe even some religious classes taught by a very good prof with a PhD in divinity. Then you might learn something that is of value to teach us.

28

Can This Be True?

by Hold Me-Thrill Me in

jw
friends

i was very tired today, still am.

age is getting to me.

that video will be shown to millions of parents around the world.

DJS

Frank,

Good luck on your sojourn. Exiting a high control group that you've been a part of for decades is difficult. It hurts like hell. And then you try to pick up the pieces, evaluate yourself and figure out what to do with all that you know, what you believe, what is true . .

We have been there. We understand. Please continue to contribute to this site.

250

Biblical Prohecies That Came True?

by Viviane in

recently there have been several claims made regarding prophecies that came true.

i've not personally seen a prophecy that i would consider as having come true.

i would consider the following as the requirements to say something is a prophecy and evaluate whether or not it came true:.

DJS

Yes, Nostradamus. And the Illuminati. And the Masons. And the Mayans. And on and on and on. Using the Dark Lords' rationale, we could project that the rank and file won't know that the "Tribulation" and the Big "A" have occurred and that they are in Paradise until years afterward.

Love me some prophecy. With enough spin and delusional narcissism and gullibility, one can make any event into prophetic fulfillment.

250

Biblical Prohecies That Came True?

by Viviane in

recently there have been several claims made regarding prophecies that came true.

i've not personally seen a prophecy that i would consider as having come true.

i would consider the following as the requirements to say something is a prophecy and evaluate whether or not it came true:.

DJS

Thanks Splash,

That's called spin, not prophecy:

"Other prophecies are fully understood by servants of God only after their fulfillment. Many events in Jesus’ life had been prophesied centuries before his birth, but this was not fully understood by his disciples until after his resurrection. (John 19:36)"

60

Ten Commandments

by EA916 in

should we still be keeping the 10 commandments?

DJS

EA916,

You came on here to narcissistically preach and show your amazingness in all things scripture. You are getting your ass handed to you and that will continue. Resistance is futile. You really don't know anything about what you are saying - it is just simpleton x-tian spin you heard in church or some preacher say, without seriously analyzing what it is they are saying. You just swallowed it all - just like we all did for so long.

From the bible:

"However, you may purchase male or female slaves from among the foreigners who live among you. You may also purchase the children of such resident foreigners, including those who have been born in your land. You may treat them as your property, passing them on to your children as a permanent inheritance. You may treat your slaves like this, but the people of Israel, your relatives, must never be treated this way." (Leviticus 25:44-46 NLT)

"If you buy a Hebrew slave, he is to serve for only six years. Set him free in the seventh year, and he will owe you nothing for his freedom. If he was single when he became your slave and then married afterward, only he will go free in the seventh year. But if he was married before he became a slave, then his wife will be freed with him. If his master gave him a wife while he was a slave, and they had sons or daughters, then the man will be free in the seventh year, but his wife and children will still belong to his master. But the slave may plainly declare, 'I love my master, my wife, and my children. I would rather not go free.' If he does this, his master must present him before God. Then his master must take him to the door and publicly pierce his ear with an awl. After that, the slave will belong to his master forever." (Exodus 21:2-6 NLT)

"When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she will not be freed at the end of six years as the men are. If she does not please the man who bought her, he may allow her to be bought back again. But he is not allowed to sell her to foreigners, since he is the one who broke the contract with her. And if the slave girl's owner arranges for her to marry his son, he may no longer treat her as a slave girl, but he must treat her as his daughter. If he himself marries her and then takes another wife, he may not reduce her food or clothing or fail to sleep with her as his wife. If he fails in any of these three ways, she may leave as a free woman without making any payment." (Exodus 21:7-11 NLT)

"When a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod so hard that the slave dies under his hand, he shall be punished. If, however, the slave survives for a day or two, he is not to be punished, since the slave is his own property." (Exodus 21:20-21 NAB)

You can't spin this shit. All of your 'rationale' is pure BS. Viviane, Jonathan and the others will continue to make you look like what you are - an egotistical, narcissist who thinks that repeating platitudes and spin nonsense will somehow reach anyone. Your god and his son are moral monsters.