dreamdancer 0 #1 March 30, 2011 interesting... QuoteWhat form would the ideal religion take? Some might argue that instead of redesigning religion, we should get rid of it. But it is good for some things: religious people are happier and healthier, and religion offers community. Besides, secularism has passed its zenith, according to Jon Lanman, who studies atheism at the University of Oxford. In a globalised world, he says, migrations and economic instability breed fear, and when people's values feel under threat, religion thrives. Today's religions come in four flavours, according to Harvey Whitehouse, also at Oxford. First, the "sacred party", such as incense burning, bell ringing and celestial choral music in Catholicism. Second, "therapy": for example, the practices of healing and casting out devils among some evangelical Christians. Third, "mystical quest", such as the Buddhist quest for nirvana. And finally, "school": detailed study of the Koran in Islam or reading the Torah in Judaism. While each appeals to a different sort of person, they all tap into basic human needs and desires, so a new world religion would have a harmonious blend of them all: the euphoria and sensual trappings of a sacred party, the sympathy and soothing balms of therapy, the mysteries and revelations of an eternal journey and the nurturing, didactic atmosphere of a school. http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20292-starting-over-choosing-my-religion.htmlstay away from moving propellers - they bite blue skies from thai sky adventures good solid response-provoking keyboarding Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
futuredivot 0 #2 March 30, 2011 Just an observation-but wouldn't choosing a religion involve thinking for yourself?You are only as strong as the prey you devour Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Niki1 1 #3 March 30, 2011 QuoteJust an observation-but wouldn't choosing a religion involve thinking for yourself? Thinking for yourself is a really good idea. We were all taught that as children. Remember when you did some dumb "because Jimmy did it"? Your Mom said, "Well, what if Jimmy ran out into the road to play in the traffic? Would you do that too? You need to think for yourself." I guess some of us never really learned that lesson. My Mom said, "If Jimmy jumped of an airplane, would you do it too?" "Well, Mom..."Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossilbe before they were done. Louis D Brandeis Where are we going and why are we in this basket? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pirana 0 #4 March 30, 2011 That's me in the corner . . ." . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butters 0 #5 March 30, 2011 QuoteThat's me in the corner . . . Make some room, it's getting crowded in the corner ..."That looks dangerous." Leopold Stotch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
david3 0 #6 March 30, 2011 QuoteThat's me in the corner . . . That's me in the spotlight, I'm losing my religion... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,991 #7 March 30, 2011 >but wouldn't choosing a religion involve thinking for yourself? Yep. Which is why people who choose religions other than the ones they were born into are often a bit more thoughtful. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #8 March 30, 2011 By all means.. go for it.... I am sure you would be welcomed with open arms at the Great Mosque of Gaza.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimbrown 0 #9 March 31, 2011 Quote By all means.. go for it.... I am sure you would be welcomed with open arms at the Great Mosque of Gaza.. Have you ,Amazon, ever been denied access to a mosque or ever been in a mosque where you were made to feel unwelcome? I'll bet not!! Peace, Jim B. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davjohns 1 #10 March 31, 2011 ...that's me in the spot light... I chose Jedi. It's on my facebook.I know it just wouldnt be right to kill all the stupid people that we meet.. But do you think it would be appropriate to just remove all of the warning labels and let nature take its course. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #11 March 31, 2011 Quote Quote By all means.. go for it.... I am sure you would be welcomed with open arms at the Great Mosque of Gaza.. Have you ,Amazon, ever been denied access to a mosque or ever been in a mosque where you were made to feel unwelcome? I'll bet not!! Peace, Jim B. As a woman???? You SOOOO do not want me to answer that one.... but I bet you might be able to guess Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RonD1120 62 #12 April 1, 2011 I recommend choosing relationship.Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites