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Do you think this about all people of faith? What about, for example, the Unitarians, Methodists, or Episcopalian people of faith, just a few denominations that come to mind? They stress social justice and service and have numerous programs in which congregants participate to help the homeless, dying/ill, addicted, hungry, and discriminated just to name a few. The emphasis is on compassion, non-judgment, service to others, and giving.
Well...not exactly.
When I was a kid we were methodist and had a foreign exchange student from Kenya. A wonderful young man who eventually returned to his country and did much good. But he was dragged into a methodist visitation program, which was described to congregants as several things, including a way to get a christian foothold into Kenya and Africa. So it wasn't just about social justice and service. There was a payback expected.
When I was a kid we were methodist and had a foreign exchange student from Kenya. A wonderful young man who eventually returned to his country and did much good. But he was dragged into a methodist visitation program, which was described to congregants as several things, including a way to get a christian foothold into Kenya and Africa. So it wasn't just about social justice and service. There was a payback expected.
That kind of thing certainly goes on but not always. Not all spiritual/religious groups are this way with their outreach endeavors. Some are more mature, accepting, inclusive, and sensitive of others' chosen paths and beliefs and non-beliefs.
That kind of thing certainly goes on but not always. Not all spiritual/religious groups are this way with their outreach endeavors. Some are more mature, accepting, inclusive, and sensitive of others' chosen paths and beliefs and non-beliefs.
Who knows how things will be in 50, 100, 200 years ? Let's hope that human evolution continues to do its thing! I'm hoping 'some' will one day become 'most' or 'many.'
Who knows how things will be in 50, 100, 200 years ? Let's hope that human evolution continues to do its thing! I'm hoping 'some' will one day become 'most' or 'many.'
I'm optimistic that this is inevitable. Spiritual troglodytes like fundamentalists are doomed to extinction. The rest of us will move on.
I'm optimistic that this is inevitable. Spiritual troglodytes like fundamentalists are doomed to extinction. The rest of us will move on.
Perhaps not extinction. After all, we still have flat-Earthers and other assorted oddballs in some numbers, however small. Some people are just drawn to complete nuttery.
But I think we can expect fundamentalist numbers to increasingly diminish, to the point of social and political irrelevance.
Perhaps not extinction. After all, we still have flat-Earthers and other assorted oddballs in some numbers, however small. Some people are just drawn to complete nuttery.
But I think we can expect fundamentalist numbers to increasingly diminish, to the point of social and political irrelevance.
How does the belief in a God assist you in understanding any of this? Why is a belief in your God help in any understanding.?
God belief wasn't a part of my worldview until my experience made it unavoidable. My efforts have just been to explain to my intellect the very kinds of questions that seem to bother you. I succeeded beyond my satisfaction and its impact on my life has been profound. I don't think anyone could encounter such loving acceptance and joy without being profoundly altered.
God belief wasn't a part of my worldview until my experience made it unavoidable. My efforts have just been to explain to my intellect the very kinds of questions that seem to bother you. I succeeded beyond my satisfaction and its impact on my life has been profound. I don't think anyone could encounter such loving acceptance and joy without being profoundly altered.
I think this just demonstrates that religious experiences are 100% subjective. You had an experience that completely transformed your spiritual outlook. I could have the exact same experience and walk away totally unaffected. We ARE what our minds tell us to be.
I don't know about 100%. I think it more like pain. yeah, its different, but its also very similar.
I look for over laps in the subjective experiences. And do those overlaps line up with observations.
Like "ouch".
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? Let's hope that human evolution continues to do its thing! I'm hoping 'some' will one day become 'most' or 'many.'
