I'd agree to that.Originally Posted by williamstade
Master
I'd agree to that.
Just one of the gang.
But wouldn't you agree that there is a difference between being "practicing", "perfectly possessed" and "evil"?
Religion, or the belief in a higher level, is subjective, (IMHO). I think you can be a Wicca, a Catholic, or a Baptist, and have the same fundamental beliefs of the universe. It's when someone who is a Wicca, a Catholic, or a Baptist, uses the religion as a means to promote and do evil that the problem occurs.
It's kind of like the Muslim perception. A lot of people perceive Muslims as this evil religion that is bent on the extermination of anyone that does not believe as they do. But like other religions, I think the name was hijacked in order to give some validity to their need to kill and maim people.
I believe, (and I could be full of Sheite), that Father Martin would believe you to be better off with Catholicism, Had, but I also think he would be comfortable and trusting of you knowing what you have in your heart.
I know Wiccans who are essentially "perfectly possessed" and "evil". But I also know more of them that seek peace, love, and harmony in the universe. It's easy to hate a label and fail to understand it. It's work to know someone for what they are, but the reward is great.
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Earth right there!
Hi Hadriana. Good to see you. Your thoughts expressed here sound very close to some of the quiet contemplations that I find myself with. Though, I'm unsure what to make of Ratzinger yet.
I suspect that Christianity may describe an accurate metaphysical view of the universe seen and unseen, however, it's just the same old God question and the mysteries that reside therein. I can look at their description Gnostically if my limited understanding of the term is correct. Just a guess and writing while groggy. LOL.
William
""The more definitely his own a man's character is, the better if fits him." -Cicero"
Master
My point is, Catholics believe that everyone else is going to hell.
The religion works for them, fine. I don't have to participate. I don't have to respect them either.
I think I am perfectly possessed - by a sense of my being MY OWN spiritual authority!
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Earth right there!
Huh. I really don't know if an accurate survey of a representative sample would reveal that they entertain the belief that all non-Catholics are going to hell. Not sure what such a survey would reveal.
Perfect possession. What a topic. I have similar mystical musings in my life. What do you experience that phrase perfect possession as? Do you hold a personal definition?
What's new? How've ya' been?
William
""The more definitely his own a man's character is, the better if fits him." -Cicero"
Just one of the gang.
Some do, Had, an I would suggest that those who have no theological background, or have never read about various religions would think that way.
In fact, I remember in the spring of 1976 I was asked by a Baptist minister what religion I was. Since I was raised by Lutherans, that was my answer. "Ohhhh!!", he said, with a concerned face, "You're probably going to go straight to hell. You need to be re-born!!"
I remember looking at him the way you would if you saw an alien. Then, in typical VO fashion, I smiled and said, "I wouldn't be too sure of that. Most of the ministers I know, including Catholics and Jews, and a few Methodists tossed in are betting the collection plate that you'll be playing poker with Beelzebub as soon as your body is cold." The reaction was priceless.
I'm willing to bet that there are some religious people in this forum, or at the least there are people with fixed views on religion. Nobody will call you out on your belief simply because we're all students and learning from each other. Not accepting each other, and listening to alternative views, is like closing a textbook because the first sentence was not what we expected.
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Earth right there!
Hi VOGuy Hadriana, and anyone else who may stop by. Religion. Geez. What a headache. Personally I tend towards the belief that a God that the world's monotheisms attempt to address probably exists. It's the tendency towards identifying one's self as a member of some, "One true Church" that I think is almost dangerous. However, I am holding the idea that Christianity may have really been on to something in its opening decades.
I loved listening to Starhawk's description of Wicca in her book Earth Magic. I think I may he entertaining a Gaia-ish notion of The Goddess while letting myself define The God however I wish, damn mystery that the topic is. Might even be "Jesus" for all I know.
Nonetheless, I feel more comfortable defining myself as a person first and foremost.
Might sit down with some Tarot cards later tonight.
William
""The more definitely his own a man's character is, the better if fits him." -Cicero"
Just one of the gang.
The thing that bothers me about "religion" is that it's an awful lot like football teams and political parties. Whatever team you're rooting for, everyone else is scum. Most people that wear their religion on their sleeve can only tell you they support it, but not site the basic backbone of their church's construction, nor the core belief system.
Personally, I find it more interesting to keep an open mind, which sometimes forces to analyze your own beliefs. But if you don't deem it as a threat, usually you arrive at a good conclusion. And mostly the laws to live by are the same, just calls something different, and practiced another way.
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Earth right there!
Looks like we are on a similar page VOGuy.
Some of my thoughts on the topic of religion drive me a little crazy. Laugh.
There are some words attributed to the Dalai Lama where he said, "My religion is kindness." I was sorta impressed and even a little awestruck. I can hypothesize metaphysically from now till the cows come home and it is these words of a non-theistic holy man that rang truest thus far in my ears. What a world, huh?
Have a good evening Hadriana, VOGuy, and any other passersby.
William
""The more definitely his own a man's character is, the better if fits him." -Cicero"
Master
What the average Catholic may or may not believe may be one matter, but that is irrelevant to me for the purpose of this conversation. M. Martin was an official of the church; he was ordained. The only thing I am concerned with or referring to is extra ecclesiam nulla salus.
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Earth right there!
Hi Hadriana.
"Outside the Church there is no salvation". I had to look up the English translation of the Latin your wrote. I'd heard of the premise/conjecture before.
If I understand you right, then we share the same concern over such a premise. What the frig' is "Salvation" anyway?? lol. Salvation is in the eyes of the beholder perhaps in a similar manner to beauty. One guy's guess.
Hope you're feeling well!
William
""The more definitely his own a man's character is, the better if fits him." -Cicero"
THE TEMPTER'S HOUR
Malachi Martin. Interviewed in the spring of 1997, Dr. Martin answers questions regarding his latest novel, "Windswept House." What triggered this unprecedented crisis the Church is currently experiencing? Who are the Satanists described in the opening chapters of the book? What is their agenda? Why is their influence largely undetected? What are the characteristics of the evening of John Paul II's Papacy? What dynamics are already acting to shorten the reign of evil? How will we know when the present era is nearing its end? How much of the novel is taken from real life? The chilling answers affect the lives of everyone living today!
Other Parts HERE
Do unto Others as you would have them do unto you
Do unto Others as you would have them do unto you
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