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Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts

Friday, February 8, 2013

The Great Bell Chant: End of Suffering


Following my post wherein I feature a video disputing the omnibenevolence of the Christian deity (Yahweh) I have been asked what it is that I do believe.
At the crux of my belief system is the belief that all things are composed of energy. Energy cannot be destroyed, it can only change form. Thus, when asked if I believe in an afterlife, my answer is yes. The energy which powered the body does not cease to exist when the body dies. It takes on a new form. It is my belief that this energy generally finds a new body to inhabit. There is no set period of time in which it "must" do this.

Can we change the world on a spiritual level as well as a physical one?

I believe that chants, prayer, and spells are all forms of tapping into energy, of altering energy currents, of increasing energy. The form is not so important as the intent. One belief system's form of tapping into the energy is not superior to another belief system's way of doing so.

I have been accused of ridiculing Christianity. I repeat that I do not ridicule Christianity as a whole. I'm completely in favor of religious tolerance, and that includes not ridiculing other people's belief systems, whether or not I am inclined to belief the particulars of said system. But I do ridicule dogma and sanctimoniousness.

Let us raise the energy in favor of love, tolerance, and peace.

Tempest

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Problems with Biblical Literalism and Religious Double Think: Omnibenevolence


This video takes on the question of Jehovah/Yahweh's supposed omnibenevolence as purported by certain Christians, in contrast to the violent edicts of the Old Testament.

If one is a Biblical literalist, one cannot also claim that Yahweh is omnibenevolent, given edicts such as those cited in the video.

I would like to point out that I am not condemning Christians as a whole. But I do have a problem with Biblical literalists and "Bible Thumpers" who think it's their right to tell others how to live their lives, condemning others for such things as being homosexual or not having the same religious beliefs.

I most assuredly do not have a problem with a person who attempts to live his or her life in a Christlike manner. I don't have a problem with Christ.

I am not an atheist. I would like to point out that I don't have a problem with atheism, except in the case of the "my way or the highway" type of atheist who purports that anyone who has any sort of spiritual belief system is stupid. This sort of stinkin' thinkin' is equally as closed minded as the Bible Thumpin' Fire and Brimstone Preachin' line of "thought."

Before anyone asks, I am a Pagan. I believe that there are many valid paths that people might be drawn to experiencing in a given lifetime. I believe in reincarnation. Whether you share this belief or not is your choice. I won't belittle yours if you don't belittle mine, or tell me that mine has to be the same as yours.

Peace,

Tempest