Religion As A Virus Of The Mind

The belief itself is not ignorant. What is ignorant is insisting others meet you there. You cannot have an intelligent conversation with a religious person who isn't schooled in comparative religion.

Man is egocentric. No big deal. How man deals with the eccentricity is key.

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What is ignorant is insisting others meet you there. You cannot have an intelligent conversation with a religious person who isn't schooled in comparative religion.
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I know a bit about comparative beliefs as I usually term them. I do not insist the world meet my beliefs; and I can be quite critical of religion. Still, an absolute "THERE IS NO HIGHER POWER" seems a religion also.

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........any alleged infringement of the right of citizens to vote must be carefully and meticulously scrutinized. Reynolds v. Sims, 377 US 573. We get the government we deserve: de Tocqueville

there seems to be a religion of Atheism with some people. But if one doesn't believe in the supernatural, there cannot be a higher power as in a creator, or force with intelligence. The naturalists have the upper hand from where I see it. They do not have to prove a higher power doesn't exist to win an argument.

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I think it more responsible to leave the question OPEN. I grew up in area wherein I heard "Catholics can become Christians" "The Jews are _______ " "Them Muslims just wanna _________" more than enough to last my lifetime. "My" God as you phrase it, has no rigid dogma that must be adhered to.

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........any alleged infringement of the right of citizens to vote must be carefully and meticulously scrutinized. Reynolds v. Sims, 377 US 573. We get the government we deserve: de Tocqueville

to leave the question open is still to ask others to believe the supernatural exists. myself, I find it difficult to conceive of a force with consciousness, outside of humanity, that has concerns with humanity.

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I can accept that humans cannot understand all things. Supernatural seems to indicate psychics, and clairvoyants. In the end however, I defer to the beliefs of others. Each has the liberty to decide their own. That includes hard core right wing atheists.....................................( No, I am not referring to you.)

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........any alleged infringement of the right of citizens to vote must be carefully and meticulously scrutinized. Reynolds v. Sims, 377 US 573. We get the government we deserve: de Tocqueville

Religion people and people of faith are more like psychics, and clairvoyants than hey care to admit.

I used to chase christian mysticism. I almost joined an orthodox or Catholic order in my late 20s. I studied the early church fathers. I understand spiritual people. I just awoke to the realization that eternity is a human construct and of the mind. Consciousness is a wonderful thing, and needs no supernatural explanations.

see? a non-believer with a spiritual/mythical/mystical side.

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Existentialism: fear of death? Are you serious?

I don't know how you could make such a blunder. At first I thought you merely got confused between existentialism (a philosophy) and existential fear (an indefinite and uncontrollable dread) . The two words may sound similar but they do not mean the same thing. However, the more I thought about it, the more I became convinced that you really don't know what existentialism is, so I will try to explain. Unfortunately, there is no single definition of existentialism, just as there is no definition of Christianity which defines all those who call themselves Christians. However, I have taken the time to find I few links I think will enlighten you.

“The early 19th century philosopher Søren Kierkegaard is widely regarded as the father of existentialism. He maintained that the individual is solely responsible for giving his or her own life meaning and for living that life passionately and sincerely, in spite of many existential obstacles and distractions including despair, angst, absurdity, alienation, and boredom. Subsequent existentialist philosophers retain the emphasis on the individual, but differ, in varying degrees, on how one achieves and what constitutes a fulfilling life, what obstacles must be overcome, and what external and internal factors are involved, including the potential consequences of the existence or non-existence of God.” Here's the link:

Existentialism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

“Existentialism is a philosophical way of thinking that is very different from other philosophical ideas. Many religions and philosophies (ways of thinking about the world) say that human life has a meaning (or a purpose). But people who believe in existentialism think that the world and human life have no meaning unless people give them meanings: 'existence precedes (is before) essence'.

“Existentialists believe that our human essence or nature (way of being in the world) is entirely and simply existence (being in the world). This means that the only nature we as humans have is the nature we make for ourselves. As a result of this existentialists think that the actions or choices that a person makes are very important. They believe that every person has to decide for themselves what is right and wrong, and what is good and bad.

“People who believe in existentialism ask questions like 'what is it like to be a human (a person) in the world?' and 'how can we understand human freedom (what it means for a person to be free)?' Existentialism is very often connected with negative emotions, such as anxiety (worrying), dread (a very strong fear), and mortality (awareness of our own death).

“Existentialism is different from Nihilism. Nihilists believe that human life does not have a meaning (or a purpose) at all.” Here's the link:

Existentialism - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Now that you know what existentialism is, I will attempt to show you that existentialists do not see death as something bad or to be feared Instead they encourage everyone to live their lives to the limit even though they might fear death. Again, here a few links:

“To the existentialist, it is important that we be aware of death. The existentialist does not view death negatively but holds that awareness of death as a basic human condition gives significance to living.” Here's the link:

Key Concepts of Existentialism

“Christians are quite unabashed in teaching that their religion is the only one that has the 'answer' to death. Indeed, they generally trumpet it as an unrivaled advantage of their system. But if the existentialists are right, this is a Pyrrhic victory, because death is not a problem; it is the very key to truly living life. Awareness of our finitude, Yalom argues, is absolutely critical to our full appreciation of and immersion in life. An awareness of death actually saves us. How? Because knowing that we will one day die injects an intensity, and poignancy, a sweetness, and even an urgency into life that cannot be had any other way. It makes us realize that we must live now, that life cannot be indefinitely postponed. It makes us realize that life must be appreciated now, tasted in its fullness and drunk deeply of now, because it may not last. Awareness of death makes plain what is truly important in life, and what is not; in Yalom’s phrase, it 'trivializes the trivial.' And it can embolden us by teaching us that we can face our worst fears and emerge strengthened.” Check out this link for more:

Existentialism: Death and Isolation « de-conversion

I am certain that thanatology (look it up) is not your strong suit, but you should know that the fear of death is rather universal. Existentialists are taught to overcome this fear and not let it affect how they live their lives. I think, sir, that you are lacking in critical thinking skills...wait; that's what you accused me of when you gave me a negative rep. But don't worry, when I have a problem with you, I will deal with you publicly as I am right now. Karma's a bitch, ain't it?

PS: You are in no way qualified to belittle the intelligence of others.

Well, good to see you kept YOUR mind open for a time. Sancto from PENNSYLVANIA has yet to accomplish that task. I bet he is increasing nausea across the US though, every time I read most of his "statements" I wanna throw up as he does when he hears "SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE".

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........any alleged infringement of the right of citizens to vote must be carefully and meticulously scrutinized. Reynolds v. Sims, 377 US 573. We get the government we deserve: de Tocqueville

Don't feel bad; he neg repped me too. He accused me of lacking critical thinking skills. Actually, I wish for my sake that I knew ten percent of what he thinks he knows, and I wish for his sake that he knew ten percent of what I actually know. Were it so, we would both be greatly enriched thereby. I have given quite a few reps, but never a bad one. I think it is better to deal with disagreements publicly; however, I can understand how someone who is vindictive and lacking in debating skills would opt for a neg rep instead.

Thanks for listening. I feel so much better now.

A book I read (a few times) as a very young man: The Denial of Death - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

the denial of death = fear of death = fear of living = fear of life = fear of existence = existentialism.

existentialism comes from existential

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JSTOR: The Sewanee Review, Vol. 56, No. 2 (Spring, 1948), pp. 210-229

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you people are demented. but I already knew that

signed
your existentialist friend

dD

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Santorum does not believe in it

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Being and Nothingness running through my mind at 7:00 am.................................

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........any alleged infringement of the right of citizens to vote must be carefully and meticulously scrutinized. Reynolds v. Sims, 377 US 573. We get the government we deserve: de Tocqueville

No sh_t Dante! I wish I could "not" believe in Sancto................................

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........any alleged infringement of the right of citizens to vote must be carefully and meticulously scrutinized. Reynolds v. Sims, 377 US 573. We get the government we deserve: de Tocqueville