Science a GoGo's Home Page Forums General Discussion Not-Quite-Science Forum Philosophy of Religions--all religions, including,

Thought I'd address the topic of discussion (Philosophy of Religion) in regards to the mindset of the Reverend before the ordained demise of this thread. Obviously this particular post is directed to the authority as a plea to establish a continuity with a personal opinion as fact above and beyond any other belief or opinion.
Personal perceptions of reality colored by belief and opinion, often lead religious folk (as well as other folks) to impress upon others that the world (and all that it is) should follow their own personal dictates in form and function. Whether the popular belief in a social system is for freedom of thought and belief, in relationship with the world and what it might be, (according to scientific or spiritual insight) Churches and their ministers represent specific beliefs regarding abstracts by defining themselves and their relationship with the abstract, so that the mind has something to attach itself to.
This helps to maintain a structure for the church and the authenticity of the authoritative command, so that any diversity in thoughts and beliefs do not create a conflict in the direction the authority wishes to take for the benefit of growth and prosperity of the Church and its authority.
Conflict in belief and a breakdown of rules and prescribed belief systems means that a house divided cannot stand alone in and amongst the open perceptions of individual personalities.

That this comment sort of attacks the very defense the Reverend seeks to project upon the authority here is strange indeed. Anyone who's mind is strictly attuned to a particular way of thinking will reject any validity or meaning in any subject matter that lay outside of the boundaries of habitual thought patterns..

Like preaching quantum physics to a group of preschoolers, without a background or an interest in the subject, words go unnoticed.

By the way Rev. Not all of what Ellis and you wrote was absolutely meaningless or "mind numbing".

Also, I wouldn't drag Ellis into any partnership with you as far as supporting either the self flagellation or the fanaticism regarding the beliefs you assume everyone would adopt as theirs, because you say they are real.

Tho religion takes this kind of stand, in most cases you have attempted to display an idea that God is beyond the capture of idealism, even tho you yourself can't seem to stand outside of idealism and the need to define God when it comes to the immediate Universe and your relationship to it, (as you observe it in your humble opinion).

Case in point. Religion seeks to value people by their titles, and their place as described by others in relationship to how they value themselves. God being defined is not inclusive but rather exclusive to the ideals defined by (as the Reverend preaches) what is subjectively believed as good, orderly/opportune and divine/desirable. Of course we all have different ideas of what is good for us and good for all. Everyone seeks to protect the ideals of the individual,.. and he/she hopes the ideals one seeks for themselves and projects upon others, are the same as those of others.

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder tho.. and sometimes one mans ideal is not the same as another.
Here is where Church dogma begins to run into trouble.
Tho the Universe is big enough to encompass more than the current population of this planet and all of the individual idealisms that could emerge from the changing belief systems in each individual, Church and religion (in order to maintain a structure of intent and prosperity) must represent themselves as something that not only interests its members, but satisfies its membership as the foundation of life, inclusive of any life giving power to create life and support the ideal after it.
Something everyone can line up with as the very thing which gives meaning to humanity regardless of differences in opinion and beliefs.

Religion often preaches that all men are created equal, but after the initial creation or birth, if that man does not look or operate within the dictates of authority, what was created equal becomes suspect to the measure of human authority.
Religion also preaches that God is the ultimate authority of human value. But then Human authority ordained by Church defines God and God's authority to define man and mans worth on their authority of Gods terms and dictates.

Every man is judged by his fruits (according to the Bible) Fruit being the outcome of all actions and how they affect the whole.
In spiritual terms that means the entire world being that in spiritual terms everything is connected.
Good and bad being subjective to the individual determination what is good for some may not be good for others, yet without contrast there is no stimulation of growth, progress or even spiritual awareness.

Churches tho, don't often think on a scale that is inclusive of the whole other than to accept the whole as the congregation and the prescribed subject matter of Church interest.

Case in point, the Reverends circle of self appointed friends, and those he accepts within his terms of dialogue, and definition of self worth.
Based on the stand he takes to exemplify his references to his self proclaimed bibliography, he sets an example to the image he measures in satisfaction to his standard of worth, and the standard he would compare others to.
Without references or title, a lack of description or definition of any voice, it leaves him without any recourse but to value someone as nothing or at "zero". The reverend often addresses those within this thread as Christian, Athiest, Materialist... and so forth and so on.

If you live in a box, you have to put everything and everyone in its place.

Obviously it's not about the Subject "Philosophy of Religion" but about those who post on this subject. The Thread topic is geared to speak to the resume of the Reverend, and his self interests in his personal activities.

As I said, whether he slings profanities, or slanderous ad hominems, by the virtue of his self proclaimed authority and God given status, it frees him to value any man/woman not meeting his standard of measure in God as he opines it to be within the Universe.

He is where ego in religion shows its colors. In and amongst the many (Earthly) authorities, Religion, and Preachers of religion must compromise.
Tho they may preach their hell fire and brimstone to the congregation, behind the scenes they operate politically to keep their house isolated from the contrast of diverse opinion and the rule of countries that do not abide by Church rule.
The Church authority may put on a face for the country, smile and make deals, but in their own house they will deny country authority.

ANYONE? But Reverend.. What if you don't comprehend the criticism, or what if you take it the wrong way. Would you lash out and accuse the critic of numbing your mind?

Obviously you weren't addressing me or anyone like me. I'm sure you would like to see credentials, or some kind of resume within their profile? Oh but the resume is MODERATOR.. 'nuff said.

In the spirit of philosophy. Would it be fair to judge a book by its cover? Would it be possible to know the content of the book without reading it or getting to know the subject matter?
What if you don't like what you read within the book or it goes against your beliefs, opinions and experience and you never finish reading it, or get to really know what is in it by finishing it?
Could you know what is in it without reading it, or better yet could you be an expert based on your feelings or your opinion? Can you read something and get something completely different after reading it a second time?

Do you value everyone you meet by what they say of themselves and give you as a personal resume? Does your experience and opinion match their self proclaimed definition of themselves exactly?

What is it about God that could exceed your personal identity or the resume of a man? Is such a thing possible? Could God exceed your opinion and experience?
Being that the moderator gave his opinion of this forum thread, and that you have frantically written your personal letters to the moderators in defense of yourself, could it be that God is in charge here or are you still seeking yourself to maintain control of your image and the image of God..?
6 million hits.. Does God care or just you?