Re: Humanism in 2006


Mani Deli wrote:

> > I
> >believe the scientific-method all too often channels us down a
> >particular form of only-verifiable knowledge to the exclusion of a
> >wider understanding, and appreciation, of the complex nature of
> >existence.

> Biology tells us more about the complex nature of existence than any
> mystical speculation or spiritual mumbo jumbo.

We probably need som knowledge about history and the psychology of
religion to understand "the complex nature of existence".

Religion has manipulated our minds and our social relations for
thousands of years and the religious traditions are still alive in the
habits and gender rules people follow, even though the religion no
longer is supported by official laws.

Religion is often about creating a "higher" state of mind, a more
powerful and excited state of mind. Even cultures far from the middle
east, like the indians in north and south america had methods for
creating states of mind like hallucinations, bravery, fearlessness,
shamanistic power over other people's minds.

The socially strongest and most influential people have defined a
"normal" state of mind based on their on state of mind. They are
themselves products of a lot of training and manipulation intended to
create superhumans, gods.
But they are often unaware of how they have been manipulated and
trained by their parents and the social environment.

We need to investigate how religious traditions still influence our
lives very much.

A lot of people think they have a perfectly normal state of mind, and
normal social relations to other people, but they need to get totally
drunk once a week to stand living like that. Others can do it without
stimulantia but they develop some kind of fanaticism instead, like
strongly moralistic views or religious conviction.


--
Roger J.

.

Relevant Pages

  • Lotuses from the mud of usenet - 2007 part 2 of 4
    ... "Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion." ... "If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. ... Even love and compassion are a great violence to that state. ... Keeping the law of karma in mind, one should cultivate loving-kindness and compassion in order to develop relative and ultimate bodhicitta. ...
    (talk.religion.buddhism)
  • Re: Is God an Accident? [Paul Bloom]
    ... religion the realm of values. ... The United States is a poster child for supernatural belief. ... mind or soul--are genuinely distinct. ... my brain so long as I'm warned a moment beforehand so my mind can jump ...
    (talk.origins)
  • Re: Humanism in 2006
    ... >> Biology tells us more about the complex nature of existence than any ... > religion to understand "the complex nature of existence". ... > powerful and excited state of mind. ... > normal social relations to other people, but they need to get totally ...
    (talk.philosophy.humanism)
  • Re: CHRISTIANITY & SEX: At Separate Ends Of A Pole!
    ... the mind. ... Christian if asked. ... Religion in meaning to a Christian, is that a man's ... "Priests and Celibacy" ...
    (alt.religion.christian)
  • Re: CHRISTIANITY & SEX: At Separate Ends Of A Pole!
    ... The whole person is mind, ... Christian if asked. ... Religion in meaning to a Christian, ... "Priests and Celibacy" ...
    (alt.religion.christian)