BS: Religion, which is the best one?

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Ed T
Date: 16 Oct 13 - 11:13 AM

I often wonder if people sometimes post to entertain themselves, versus posting to entertaining an important issue with others? Just a passing thoight, in passing thrlugh this thread..

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 16 Oct 13 - 12:29 PM

Not only the CofE, most societies worldwide nowadays have big problems in the way they conceive and practice their collective identity. These problems should be discussed more frequently and seriously than currently done.

The professional clergy will have to change their ways considerably, much more so than e.g. the current pope seems to plan. But if the CofE becomes yet another BHA, with more convincing KJ chant, no problem will be solved whatsoever. The same applies to people reflecting their "private spirituality" in front of their TV set.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Musket nodding
Date: 16 Oct 13 - 02:34 PM

Ed.. Ashamed of you. Don't burst the general BS bubble. We will have to think twice before firing off if we take your observation on board, and that would never do.

I reckon it is this thread, (33% chance of being right) where Michael threatened to invoke the odd philosopher. Of the list he gave, I for one would vote for Andy Capp. I have studied his work, as transcribed to his faithful Boswell, Reg Smythe.

In trying to educate the local vicar, he, as I recall, had the following advice;

"One half of the world are trying to have fun and the other half are trying to stop them."

"There is so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us, it's difficult to see who should be preaching to the rest of us."

"As you ask, yes. I am ashamed that Flo goes out scrubbing floors to fund my time in the pub, but to be honest, she's too dim to do anything else."

What with him and Brian Clough, Hartlepool has produced more than its fair share of philosophers....... (I could add my old mate Kev Rafferty, but I shan't....)

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Oct 13 - 03:49 PM

"Passing thought" sez: Why do you need a place of worship such as a church, temple, mosque, synagogue to follow your chosen religion and be bound by the restrains & customs that go with them?

People need churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, and religious laws and customs because they are sacred and meaningful to them. I remember my deceased mother's birthday because it is sacred and meaningful to me, even though she's dead and even though she often wasn't very nice to me. Why should anyone question or ridicule whatever is sacred and meaningful to me, if it does nobody harm? At the very least, isn't it rude and unkind to question or ridicule what I hold sacred?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 16 Oct 13 - 05:37 PM

And don't forget, Ian ~~ "Listen, woman. You'd be a much better wife if you'd stop trying to make me a better husband."

~M~

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 17 Oct 13 - 12:28 AM

Good one, MtheGM!!

GfS

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Just a passing thought
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 10:57 AM

Jo.
    you say;
Why should anyone question or ridicule whatever is sacred and meaningful to me, if it does nobody harm? At the very least, isn't it rude and unkind to question or ridicule what I hold sacred?

I'm not ridiculing you or anyone else, I'm just interested in people's reasons for needing or wanting to worshiping in public in places of worship,which after all are man made buildings, surely Your God would listen to you where ever you chose to worship, particularly if it was heart felt, rather then following in parrot fashion and often repetitive(weekly) a service that takes place in a place of worship. And yes OK it's not harming anyone.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Ed T- not worshiping, just wondering?
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 03:19 PM

I wonder why they call city Mayors,"Your worship"?

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 03:30 PM

Yeah, that title "Your Worship" sure sounds funny to us Americans. Wikipedia, of course, has something to say about it.

---

I was really proud of a response I typed up for "Passing Thought," with all sorts of links for illustration. I clicked in not quite the right place, and the window and my post disappeared before I got a chance to click the "submit" button."
-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 04:08 PM

Passing Thought, I did not intend to accuse you of ridiculing, but it has become common in our modern, enlightened culture to ridicule and denigrate all thoughts and practices that are not our own. I think it's bad manners, but denigration is in vogue nowadays.

I think it's clear in II Samuel Chapter 7, that God wasn't particularly interested in having a temple, and rather liked moving about in a portable tent. But David wanted a temple, and God allowed David's son Solomon to build on. From all accounts, it was really good for the tourist trade in Jerusalem, and Jews were really proud of it.

I think the world would be poorer without the beautiful architecture of religious buildings from all cultures, from the Polish Cathedral style of architecture in the U.S., to the Mayan pyramids. Think of St. Peter's, St. Paul's, St. Basil's, Hagia Sophia, the Dome of the Rock and countless other mosques, and Angkor Wat.

But I don't think religious buildings are for God - they are for the people, an expression of their identity and their relationship with their concept of God. All of the religious buildings on my list were a tremendous waste of money, and no doubt many involved greed and political intrigue and all sorts of other vices - but they sure are nice to have now. And they have served as a source of inspiration and pride and dignity and identity for generations upon generations of people. They also have provided employment to many artisans and craftsmen, and gathering places for all sorts of purposes. So, if people want to build churches, why not?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Ed T
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 05:02 PM

When I see the Mayan and Aztec pyramids I don't visualize "the beautiful religious architecture of these cultures" at all - I feel very saddened for the human misery they brought - as they were used as a "stage" for the sacrifice of human life to please their Gods.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 06:24 PM

I was raised as a Methodist, although I'm a non-believer now. I remember asking our minister about why we had to go to church and what was so special about it. I'm aware what some people believe about religions, but we were encouraged to ask questions, and the minister didn't always have answers. On this issue, though, he did, even if this is me paraphrasing what he said some 40-ish years ago.

We don't need to be anywhere in particular to worship God. God made everything, so everywhere is his. Churches are just places where people can worship together, and are dedicated to that purpose. It's funny, but I just looked for my old church's website, and right there on the main page, it said "We know God can be found anywhere, but we feel closer here.

Nobody was killed there. It's where my parents were married, where I was baptized and went to Sunday School, ate meals with people in my community, saw quite a few Christmas pageants, and sang. I have nothing but good memories of that building.

Lots of bad things have happened in people's homes, but we still appreciate those, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 06:35 PM

I think that says it all, Jeri.
Did the Mayans do human sacrifice? Whether they did or not, their structures are intriguing.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Ed T
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 07:03 PM

If realy bad things happen in a structure (a recent example is the Castro house, where three young women were kept as sex slaves), the structure would seem just "creepy" to me.

Human sacrifices, and human slavery to serve "the gods" is not a historic myth, it's a reality. IMO, the structures, no matter how advanced in history, should be a reminder of inflicting human folly of human suffering for a "relligious cause" - versus making them a monument revered for " good architecture", with "the rest of the story swept under the carpet".

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 09:00 PM

I dunno, Ed. I tend to avoid moralizing about what was done by other cultures, especially by ancient ones. We live life from a different perspective, and I think it's foolhardy to morally condemn a perspective we cannot understand. Americans and Britons have had the bad habit of claiming moral superiority over other cultures that we've labelled "savage," and look where it's got us.

To my mind, interesting architecture, is interesting architecture. I do not favor tearing down ancient religious sites because we disapprove of the religions that built them.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Musket evolving slowly
Date: 19 Oct 13 - 02:55 AM

You know Joe, instead of saying "Americans and Britons" you could just as easily say "Christians. " Stops the Spanish, Portuguese, Belgians, French, Germans, Russians from getting off the hook.

Whatever the more temporal aims of those in charge, the foot soldiers were told their colonial actions were to the glory of God and the savages were a blasphemous affront.

Denigrating practices that are not your own may well be bad manners but think on two thoughts if you would;

By stating your Creed as part of debate, you lay it open to scrutiny. You shouldn't be offended when it is dismissed as irrelevant or indeed seen globally as part of the problem.

Many people have no issue with religion so long as it affects their members only, and then only in a legal framework.   The remnants from the superstitious past still linger on the statute books over here. Churches can sometimes be rather aggressive in trying to maintain influence in society.

And let's not forget, the one area where science can take religion on board is that of social sciences. It is a well researched, pretty well proven fact that the object of religion is controlling the masses. The stories, which you for one are quick to point out are just stories to gain moral guidance from, were put forward for people to actually believe. Medieval peasants and inbred monarchs didn't have the benefit of your education nor indeed wisdom.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Oct 13 - 03:34 AM

Musket sez: It is a well researched, pretty well proven fact that the object of religion is controlling the masses.

Joe's response: If it's proven, prove it. I, as one who practices religion, don't feel particularly controlled.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Musket evolving slowly
Date: 19 Oct 13 - 04:22 AM

You practice something you call religion. Controlling the masses has been achieved using something called religion.

Which use of the word religion do you wish people to prove? Yours can't be proven because it is unique to Joe Offer.

Tell you what. I'll go one better. Blessed are the meek. The one about eyes of needles and rich men. Jam tomorrow. ... mmmmm. You know, the role of the church, mosque, temple, shaman...   I wonder why kings put up with them? I wonder what use they had?

Any other sentences you wish to take out of context? Be my guest.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 19 Oct 13 - 06:22 AM

Religion is simply an aspect of human life, not an independent agent that could want to control humans. The same applies, for example, to politics.

Some people want to control, others want to be guided and lead, some hope to profit selfishly from the "powers that be", some find it wise to "do as the Romans do", and there are many other ways of relating to power and control. Those in power normally seek legitimation from the existing system of approved values, often in terms that we may call religious. If the existing religious tradition fails to provide the desired legitimation (- notably the New Testament, which is essentially critical of any earthly power, in spite of doing its best to avoid irritating the Roman Empire any more than necessary -), teachings can be tweaked and corrupted.

That is all. No religion-vs.-people.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Ed T
Date: 19 Oct 13 - 08:18 AM

Joe O:

Where did you get the idea that I suggested ""tearing down ancient religious sites because we disapprove of the religions that built them"". I make no such suggestion, and feel that it would be a purposeless approach.

True, interesting architecture, is indeed interesting architecture to be enjoyed. However, when a main purpose is human sacrifice (in this case, to the gods), it puts that specific architecture in a different place, at least with me - no matter which period to which it belongs.

We do live in a different world than ancient cultures. That puts us in a better position "to understand and reflect" on the unfortunate parts of history,(on slavery, cruelty, and human sacrifice) rather than ignore it as if it never existed, explain it away as a different time, or even "glorify" it. It is hardly "foolhardy" to also reflect on the full purpose of the specific architecture while still enjoying it.

Few cultures, countries, race of people, or periods in time can claim "moral superiority", over another. Some terrible acts of human suffering has followed the human race - often tacked to a variety of causes" - and unfortunately they follow us to today. Ignoring them means we will never learn to be more compassionate and considerate of "the other ones" who have suffered.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 19 Oct 13 - 01:07 PM

Well, that's the problem with a LOT of people, who can't seem to get it straight....
'Religion' is man's way of reaching God....
So frantic is that attempt, that those same people seem to disregard God's way of reaching man!!..so they become blinded by man's 'attempts', and resent God, thinking that God has something to do with 'religion'!!!

Now, if God was trying to reach man...what would He want to 'fix'??
What would He want to convey??

How about overcoming death, with the message that, Love is the power that does that?
Anyone come to mind?

Oh no, not Him again....He's the one to whom 'religions' have done almost everything possible, to steer people AWAY from, just so THEY could be the answer!...and politically agenda driven morons, push for more government to keep us 'in line', because they fear that if Love could do that, they'd become irrelevant...and we certainly don't want the manipulators of people's lives to FEEL minimized, now do we???
So their control factor incorporates the fear of 'discomfort' or death,......but, shhh, don't tell them, but that has been overcome as well!!

No wonder they hate Him.....He's made them powerless....unless you 'believe' them!!!

So, which is 'the best one'??

Oh, and did I tell you.....HE has NOTHING to do with 'religion'!!!

GfS

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 19 Oct 13 - 05:04 PM

I don't feel controlled either. but I reckon it undeniable that the "church" has wielded power ,at least in history.
but for all the churches excesses of power it is IMO paltry compared to the atheist regimes of the more recent past. their power over people has been near total.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 19 Oct 13 - 06:47 PM

Those who more or less ruthlessly strive to take control will use whatever religion or ideology happens to be at hand. This need not discredit the underlying ideas (e.g. the idea that all humans should be equal - obviously the winners will be "more equal"), but will often pervert their interpretation. All idealists should be very critical of their leaders.

Fundamentalism lends itself to totalitarianism, since the claim of absolute truth facilitates absolute political power. Think of the Ayatollahs in Iran.

There are other techniques of totalitarianism though, including total spying under the pretext of preventing terrorism.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Oct 13 - 08:16 PM

Ed sez:
Where did you get the idea that I suggested ""tearing down ancient religious sites because we disapprove of the religions that built them"". I make no such suggestion, and feel that it would be a purposeless approach.

and in response to a general statement I made about people ridiculing religion, "Passing Thought" said: I'm not ridiculing you or anyone else


Both personalized the matter and give the impression they thought I was accusing them of something, rather than opposing the action or attitude itself. Logical error, I think. Bad tactic in discussion. It can make an exchange of ideas well-nigh impossible.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Ed T
Date: 19 Oct 13 - 08:47 PM

I dunno, Joe offer. I reread your comments and it is easy to get that impression. Maybe it would be a better approach in a discussion to be careful not post in a manner that leaves an incorrect interpretation to those you seem to be adressing?

I am not trying to "personalize" the discussion (or be argumentative) I am just making a suggestion for a remedy on what you raise, as you seem to indicate two posters got the wrong impression from what you recently posted.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 20 Oct 13 - 01:14 AM

This goes right along with Joe Offer's earlier post..and is, in fact something overlooked by most 'religions'.....you know, those institutions that make 'laws' out of dogma...

1 Timothy 1:5-7

5 "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of genuine faith:

6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;

7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm."

Pretty much says it all...and as to WHY religions have tried to replace the teachings of Jesus! who, BTW, did NOT start or found a religion!!!

GfS

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Oct 13 - 01:56 AM

Hi, Ed - I think this is one of those "two nations divided by a common language" kinda things. To be universally understood, I should have used "one" instead of "you" - but that's rarely done in the U.S.
Sorry.
...and I have to say that I think that if we understood what others were really thinking, most of us could probably come to some sort of agreement.

Still, we have this from Musket: It is a well researched, pretty well proven fact that the object of religion is controlling the masses.

Certainly it's true that people have used religion as a tool for controlling others, but is that the essential object of religion? I think not - most religions were founded on some form of the Golden Rule, and got (at least partially) perverted later. All organizations get perverted - but does that mean we shouldn't organize? Better to reform, and not take perversion as a "given."

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Oct 13 - 02:10 AM

I wonder if maybe all Jesus meant to do, was to reform Judaism - just as what Luther sought to do was to reform Catholicism.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Musket evolving slowly
Date: 20 Oct 13 - 05:03 AM

Reform.   Interesting question Joe.

I notice it is rarely those in charge who seek reform.

Which brings us to my point regarding the use if not the origins of religion.

In fact, the idea of "if you don't do as I say the gods will be pissed off" goes back to the origins of language. See cave paintings for details. And that was well before a Hebrew God was ever invented.

I like the schism in The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.   It appears there is now a Reformed Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

Hey Joe? isn't the endeavour of The Secular Society, The Humanist Movement and other "atheist" bodies really a reform movement? Keep the morals but lose the fantasy?

Just a thought.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 20 Oct 13 - 06:01 AM

I like the schism in The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.   It appears there is now a Reformed Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
.,,.,.

Ah yes ~~ the Orthodox Bolognesians are being seriously challenged by the Reform Carbonarites. There is even talk of a Heinzintomatosauce sect beginning to gain some influence in one or two canning-factory areas.

~M~

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Ed T
Date: 20 Oct 13 - 08:00 AM

""It is a well researched, pretty well proven fact that the object of religion is controlling the masses.""

I normally ignore statements that say things like "it is...a pretty much proven fact", as they are rarely factual at all. However, leaving out the appearance of "supernatural" beings (aka gods and their messengers, my observation is that it is interesting is how the lure of a belief in a deity has existed in one form or another from ancient times. That would leave some to believe that most humans are "receptive" to associated religious organizations. Many of the organizations have established a "code of conduct", which they feel will please these deities. Interestingly, many of the "codes" are quite similar, and seem to move forward with social changes in the civilizations. Some have also been used to promote specific "agendas" of rulers, or those who wish to oversee countries and resources.

It is not likely that what is stated by Musket is not accurate, as it is doubtful that this is the object of all religions throughout history. However, I suspect it would not take much research to show that many humans (aka, so called leaders)used religion, in one way or another, to enhance their ability to control a population. However, that does not mean it is the purpose of religion itself.

Something that is made for one purpose, can be used for many other purposes. But, that does not change the objective of the original purpose.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Musket curious
Date: 20 Oct 13 - 09:08 AM

Not likely. .. stated by me. .. Not accurate.

Mind if I take that as agreement?

We do appear to be pack animals and there are many studies out there to demonstrate that. To say that any benevolent feature of any religion was the origin of that religion is pushing against the evidence though. The religious ideal as we know it came from medieval control techniques, supporting the warrior kings and doing well out of it.

Michael. If you must quote Pastafarian history, at least wear a cullender on your head out of deference to the noodly one.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 20 Oct 13 - 09:28 AM

In our 'Strict Lockshen' sect, Mr Gunn, the Colander is slung by a string of tagliatelle over the left shoulder. Surely you knew that. We shouldn't dream of wearing it on our heads like the heretical Raviolists.

~M~

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Musket evolving slowly
Date: 20 Oct 13 - 02:07 PM

I typed colander but the phone thought I was daft. I googled and it reckoned cullender. I wasn't happy but cross Google and your credit rating can lower.

So. .. on this and possibly this alone, I bow to Michael and retract my spelling as he is far better at use of language than I am.

Ok. I can swear better than he can and some of his posts are. .. well we'll not go there.

But he can spell.

Although he knows fook all about pastafarianism. Incidentally, a couple of years ago, I had to complete a monitoring form which asked my religion. As the nearest to not applicable was "atheist" and my refusal to be associated with the term I quickly did a search, found the noodles and signed up.

Then I proudly wrote it in the "other" box.

So I suppose I am a member of s religion other than Sheffield Wednesday. Scary thought. ...

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Just a passing thought
Date: 22 Oct 13 - 04:58 AM

All interesting comments, but as someone who does not follow a religion, I'm always interested in hearing from people who do and the reasons as to why they have chosen to follow that particular religion over all the others.
Would anyone be prepared to share this or is this not the right arena

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Oct 13 - 06:00 AM

That's a challenging question, Passing Thought. I did my best to say what it all meant to me once upon a few months ago, and I got burned. But what the hell - I'll do it again. It seems to me that most religious groups have mystical roots, ideas that stimulate the imagination and take a person to unknown places. And then other people see that and are drawn to it, but they can't quite take the chance of following their imaginations into the unknown. As a result, they come up with a replica of that mystical quest, without the risk - and that results in rules and doctrines. It's still an honest attempt, but it lacks depth and constantly needs reform.
I guess I'm on the fringe of all that mystical stuff, and I find it intriguing. In that space, there are no answers, no rules, no structures - only questions to explore. So, I spend my life exploring what is the nature of goodness, of beauty, of peace - and it's a fascinating place to be. I like the religious ritual and tradition because it takes me to good places; but it's all a journey into uncertainty, seeking the ultimate good.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 22 Oct 13 - 06:08 AM

Best religion!

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Oct 13 - 07:08 AM

Ayup, I'd go for that, Mr. Happy! God would go for it, too. I have it on pretty good authority that God doesn't like the pretentious shit.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Just a passing thought
Date: 22 Oct 13 - 07:35 AM

Thanks Jo & Mr. Happy, but come the rest of you be brave and share your thoughts.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: kendall
Date: 22 Oct 13 - 10:31 AM

I'm a Deist. It's the only thing that makes sense to me.

I'm not a sheep, therefore, I have no need of a shepherd.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 23 Oct 13 - 02:56 AM

Good for you!..you ol' goat!!

GfS

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,The good professor
Date: 23 Oct 13 - 04:34 AM

Woof! Grrrrr...    Woof!

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Musket the serious III
Date: 23 Oct 13 - 07:36 AM

Ok passing thought. Cards on table.

I was first conscious of my calling when I was old enough to accompany my brother and to be there with all the other people, each with a purpose, each professing their faith.

As I grew to be an adult, I saw the commonality of people from all walks of life, singing together in wondrous adulation of the anointed ones. Each young lad hoping that one day, he too may be good enough to be revered by the whole of the community.

I saw the false prophets, in fact they seemed to get more air time on the telly than my particular faith, but my faith was the true faith. I attended most weeks, sometimes twice. Each time was a joy, a revelation. Sometimes, you left feeling sad, sometimes elated but the group worship was and is an important part of the religious experience.

My family before me, and my own two boys.. Yes, we go together when possible, sometimes meeting there. My granddaughter will hopefully join us one day.*

That's my faith. I love my faith, I grudgingly accept that others have Faiths of a different colour but it is part of me. Always has been, always will.




* So long as she doesn't keep asking bloody questions about the offside rule and how to apply it......

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Oct 13 - 10:12 AM

A good confession Musket.
I offer you my general absolution for any bad acts you may have done, without any penance, (of course) if that helps.
:)

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 23 Oct 13 - 04:26 PM

What Kendall said!

Don T.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Musket getting nostalgic
Date: 23 Oct 13 - 06:13 PM

If you are offering me penance for bad acts, I would like the following to be taken into consideration. .

Various folk festivals when having to be helped onto the stage through being rather refreshed.

A gig once when I took pain killers and night nurse before getting on stage. (Saw it on utube.. luckily it was under the stage name rather than Ian. ...)

Just about every punk band I was a member of back in the 70's...

I have already done penance. Scunthorpe Baths circa 1980.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Musket evolving slowly
Date: 24 Oct 13 - 03:44 AM

Absolution. Not penance.

Sorry. Can't get the hang of this religion stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 24 Oct 13 - 04:03 AM

No you can't.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 24 Oct 13 - 05:26 AM

Religion is similar to ethnicity: normally you do not choose it, you are it, regardless of what you think of its representatives and prevailing ideologies. For example, if Salman Rushdie is called a "British Indian novelist" in Wikipedia, he can also be described as an "atheist Muslim".

There can be good reasons to change one's religious or ethnic affiliation, such as marrying into another community. However, those who hope to strip off their unwanted identity simply by declaring themselves, say, Tibetan Buddhists, are likely to fail miserably. The Dalai Lama often finds it necessary to warn of that.

As for myself, due to my somewhat volatile biography I cannot be more precise than to call myself a European Christian. This does not oblige me to submit myself to any authority. On the other hand, leadership is a fact of life, so we must face it critically.

Subject: RE: BS: Religion, which is the best one?
From: GUEST,Musket gettin.. can't be arsed
Date: 24 Oct 13 - 10:19 AM

Neither can you Keith. The difference being I don't try.

You must send me a copy of the a la carte menu some time. I always assumed religion meant eating off the set menu.