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I dont think we have seen any widespread persecution in the US today mainly because there is no deception large enough yet.
We are being prepped and primed to accept that extraterrestrial life exists, if we ever have some kind of first contact, it will drastically change religion instantly, and if they claim to be our creators, I could see a situation where religion is frowned upon and eventually outlawed, it would be seen as offensive to our new gods.
I don't think that they do it to be insulting, I think that it is simply more that this aspect of their life has never been examined. Many people cannot imagine not being religious.
When I was a little kid, I remember thinking that English must be the easiest language to learn. After all, everybody thought in English, therefore learning the language would be a simple matter of learning to pronounce it aloud. Meanwhile, for me to learn French, I would have to learn a new word for everything, do the translation in my head from English to French, learn to pronounce it aloud, then say it.
Obviously learning anything other than English was really difficult.
I think religion is the same way for some people, if the culture that surrounds them is religious enough. They are like a 6 year old Fishbrains, in that they cannot imagine not believing in a god. They think in terms of Baptist Christianity, and imagine that people have to translate basic thoughts framed in a baptist manner, into Catholicism, animism, Taoism, whatever.
That's an interesting take. I think there is likely some truth to it.
So if someone came up to you and started discussing how being an atheist has helped them, and you were offended by that, it would be your problem. Got it.
I have learned to dislike the militant atheists as much as the evangelicals; they are both the same, two sides of the same coin. I want nothing to do with them.
It's very interesting. I'm embarrassed to tell you that I don't know much about other branches of Buddhism. The Vietnamese version is heavily influenced by Chinese Buddhism. Hence, the doctrine is not light. Karma is the absolute justice of the universe. If something bad happens to me, it's because of my bad karma from my previous life. Hence, I deserve the punishment.
Buddhism is a wonderful philosophy, but the religious aspect of it is still heavily victim blaming.
Although I grew up religious, I always incorporate what I learn from my religion, my parent's teaching, and my observation in reality. I don't follow everything Buddhist monks preach.
Fortunately, the Buddha himself didn't object my way of looking for truth. He himself said that people should believe what he said without examining the claims.
Karma, like hell, is meant to scare people into doing what is right. And if you have to be scared into doing what is right, then you are not a moral person.
I just don't understand why we cannot tell people about how good God is and how he can help people who have a relationship with him without people saying we are cramming our beliefs down their throat. Christians just want to help. I think some go overboard but if a person has a rough time in their life I try to tell them to pray and trust God. Nowadays, you can't even go public with your beliefs yet it is ok for people to say that they don't believe in God. This is why I am scared to try to convince people to come to God. Folks get so upset.
Maybe I should try to convert you to Paganism, would you like it? No. Most people know who Jesus is,and we don't need YOUR version of who and what...
I have learned to dislike the militant atheists as much as the evangelicals; they are both the same, two sides of the same coin. I want nothing to do with them.
Just curious as to how you are defining a "militant atheist"?
Karma, like hell, is meant to scare people into doing what is right. And if you have to be scared into doing what is right, then you are not a moral person.
I agree with you about what a moral person is.
I don't agree with you about karma...at least karma as I see it, and as it has been taught to me.
I don't agree with the idea of karma over lifetimes (note plural). I think karma is much more simple and natural than that. For example, if I'm a jerk and treat people badly, in one way or another I will pay a price. Nothing magical about it. Just common sense. And so, to me, the basis of Buddhism is that if I behave in a positive and moral manner, I will not suffer as much. To me there is no reason that the same principle can't be incorporated into any religion. I am an occasional member of a Buddhist forum, and there is probably no topic that is debated (and yes, argued) more than karma.
I have learned to dislike the militant atheists as much as the evangelicals; they are both the same, two sides of the same coin. I want nothing to do with them.
I've never met a militant atheist, personally, although I'm sure there are some out there.
Karma, like hell, is meant to scare people into doing what is right.
And if you have to be scared into doing what is right, then you are not a moral person.
With respect, I have a different understanding. (Surprised ? lol)
There is one aspect of karma as a 'daily teacher'...for example...you cross the street blindfolded,
well...what kind of result will you get? George Kastanza left a lit cigar in Susan's cabin and look what happened...karma is the result of an action.
Reaping what you sow. What goes around comes around.
It is men/mankind's concepts that have turned the brilliant auto-pilot System the Creator set in
motion into some 'scary' thing.
If I smile and give kindness ...it is my 'karma' to receive back what I reap...I get niceness, back.
Angry, rudeness...I would get that back.
Karma is like a boomer-rang.
Karma relating to past lives is a wonderful, magnificent teacher...if I was a thief and died not learning
to stop ...i will have things stolen from me until i see this is not a fun thing
and i grow out of it.
And what are we being taught and groomed for? What are these teaching lessons all about?
Purification of heart mind and thought...and why? Because purity is the key to the ...well,
whatever you'd like to call 'it'...Peace, Heaven, the Kingdom, Freedom, realization,
God-consciousness...so many names for 'it'. Home is another...
My take.
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