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We can transcend nature, we can rise above the animal instinct into the divine attributes. We are far more than creatures of the animal kingdom.
I don't believe for a second that we can transcend nature. Afterall, we're a part of nature and given the fact that human beings just inhabit a speck in the universe we call earth, I don't think the overall importance of mankind comes anywhere near to matching our bloated egos. These so called divine attributes certainly aren't evident when you consider how we have plundered this planet. The description of man from the movie The Matrix that someone mentioned on an earlier post as being like a virus seems pretty accurate to me.
I don't believe for a second that we can transcend nature. Afterall, we're a part of nature and given the fact that human beings just inhabit a speck in the universe we call earth, I don't think the overall importance of mankind comes anywhere near to matching our bloated egos. These so called divine attributes certainly aren't evident when you consider how we have plundered this planet. The description of man from the movie The Matrix that someone mentioned on an earlier post as being like a virus seems pretty accurate to me.
I agree in that we can't transcend nature, especially given the fact that to me, every action and interaction that we experience is somehow a natural process. While we may be able to put ourselves in different states of consciousness through things such as meditation, I don't see how this implies some sort of supernatural activity. I think, in large part, that we are able to shut off a lot of our conscious as well as unconscious thought processes, but again, that does not preclude to me that we are transcending through nature. I think that if you examine hypothermia victims or people who were deprived of oxygen long enough, you might say that they are having a "transcendent" experience but that is simply because certain brain functions are not acting to full capacity.
I think that if you examine hypothermia victims or people who were deprived of oxygen long enough, you might say that they are having a "transcendent" experience but that is simply because certain brain functions are not acting to full capacity.
I won't name names but I believe there are a number of individuals on this forum who are exhibiting the symptoms you describe.
I agree in that we can't transcend nature, especially given the fact that to me, every action and interaction that we experience is somehow a natural process.
You say this as if it conveys some explanation. It does not. What is natural? How is it different from God's mandate? Nature and natural are simply your preferred names for God and God's mandates. We know as much about why they are as they are . . . which is to say . . . nothing.
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While we may be able to put ourselves in different states of consciousness through things such as meditation, I don't see how this implies some sort of supernatural activity. I think, in large part, that we are able to shut off a lot of our conscious as well as unconscious thought processes, but again, that does not preclude to me that we are transcending through nature.
There is no supernatural and all this transcendent nonsense is a straw man to dismiss considering what we cannot explain or understand, yet. These states are natural ways to process and experience our reality . . . just different aspects of it.
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I think that if you examine hypothermia victims or people who were deprived of oxygen long enough, you might say that they are having a "transcendent" experience but that is simply because certain brain functions are not acting to full capacity.
The preoccupation with what we receive only through our five physical senses is myopic and reflects a lack of development of one half of our mental capabilities. We do not respect what we do not understand or control with our conscious awareness. Unfortunately, we have to develop our capability to invoke and control such states with our awareness intact. It is a skill that is not automatic . . . any more than mathematical skill is automatic. The skills must be acquired before they provide any assistance in understanding our reality.
I don't believe for a second that we can transcend nature. Afterall, we're a part of nature and given the fact that human beings just inhabit a speck in the universe we call earth, I don't think the overall importance of mankind comes anywhere near to matching our bloated egos. These so called divine attributes certainly aren't evident when you consider how we have plundered this planet. The description of man from the movie The Matrix that someone mentioned on an earlier post as being like a virus seems pretty accurate to me.
HINT: THe bolded part is the missing link to your understanding and application of transcendance.
godspeed,
freedom
P.S. my above comment is tongue in cheek, i don't really think you are a coward.
Freedom,
I like to make what I consider to be witty remarks and I've always enjoyed the ebb and flow of a good debate. I honestly mean no disrespect to anyone and I certainly wasn't taking a shot at you personally when I made my smart remark. Even though we disagree on almost everything I find you to be a likeable person and I realize that you're completely sincere in your beliefs. I also respect your grit and determination when you'll argue against a half dozen people who have opposing views. I honestly think there's room for every point of view in a democratic society and the debating of ideas is why our society is successful. My friend, I wish you good luck and let's continue to debate in a respectful manner.
You say this as if it conveys some explanation. It does not. What is natural? How is it different from God's mandate? Nature and natural are simply your preferred names for God and God's mandates. We know as much about why they are as they are . . . which is to say . . . nothing.
Pot... Kettle... Black...
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Originally Posted by MysticPhD
There is no supernatural and all this transcendent nonsense is a straw man to dismiss considering what we cannot explain or understand, yet. These states are natural ways to process and experience our reality . . . just different aspects of it.
If there is no such thing as supernatural than we should be able to test for this thing you call "God". Unless you are referring to "God" in the same sense that many physicists do. Not an actual being that watches over the universe but simply an abject explanation for things. I hate it when scientists use the word "God" because it gives the impression of the standard supernatural being so many attribute the word to mean. If you're referring to nature as "God" than I think you're just trying to fit the word into your life any way you can. Otherwise, you are trying to explan supernaturalism with some errantly non-evidenced hullabaloo.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MysticPhD
The preoccupation with what we receive only through our five physical senses is myopic and reflects a lack of development of one half of our mental capabilities. We do not respect what we do not understand or control with our conscious awareness. Unfortunately, we have to develop our capability to invoke and control such states with our awareness intact. It is a skill that is not automatic . . . any more than mathematical skill is automatic. The skills must be acquired before they provide any assistance in understanding our reality.
How does this imply God in any way, shape, or form?
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