Where is spirituality taking us? Is it getting dangerous?

frozengull2 said:You again...
Like a broken record, man.

Look, dude!
I’m not trying to be a jerk here, but some things just need to be laid out straight.
Your problem is impotence.
And what do I mean by that?

A total lack of ideas!

The most comfortable spot on this entire forum is where you sit—just trolling.
Just constant bullshit directed at everyone else's ideas, their passions, their fantasies, their beliefs... just crap for the sake of crap.
It’s the easiest thing in the world to do.
But to actually step out into the light with something of your own; a vision of spirituality, or some personal experience (no matter how ridiculous it might sound to others), that isn't easy.
People are always gonna mock you or tear you down for it.
They’ll be like, "Look at this clown..."
Right?

For instance, I don't agree with like 90% of the stuff people post here, but I respect that they actually have the guts to put their weird little obsessions out there and take the heat for it.
Sometimes I’ll throw a jab too, but deep down, I respect the nerve it takes to strip yourself bare like that and share an internal experience.
No matter how much of a "phase" or whatever those ideas are, one thing is certain: they aren't "idea-less."
Because the person sharing them isn't just sitting comfortably in the passenger seat as an "exclusive critic of other people's thoughts."
Which is exactly what your whole pathetic routine is here!

There is nothing worse on a forum than running into some triggered cynic, some ideologically obsessed critic, or some propaganda-driven spin doctor who never brings anything original to the table (never puts their neck on the line), but just relentlessly shits on anyone brave enough to try.
Those kinds of idiots literally kill threads.
They drive people away and poison the whole damn space.

Yeah, that's you, Terminator!

An idea-less, fundamentally hollow machine built for messing around.

If I'm wrong, then screw me, I'm calling you out without any arguments... the best way you could prove me wrong would be to actually come up with something original—something that belongs to *you*.
Describe or share some actual spiritual experience (without the cynical mocking or empty dodging).
Even if we end up laughing ourselves silly...

Or maybe even laugh at your expense.

Think that sounds fair!?

If nothing else, at least you'd show you've got balls.

You feel me, little guy...?

Haha, not great.

Zachary Cox69 said:Haha, not great.

I heard you were over in Vietnam back in '91.

goldenjackal6 said:Nah, it’s definitely not something "everyone" is missing, and honestly, making a sweeping claim like that just shows how much you're lacking basic empathy.

"There’s nothing worse than running into one of those hyper-cynical, ideologically obsessed critics—those propaganda-style spin doctors who never actually offer an original thought or take a real stand. They just relentlessly harp on and on about anyone brave enough to disagree with them.
Those types basically kill entire discussions.
They drive people away and poison the whole environment.

Well, that describes you perfectly, Terminator!"

Oldie hit the nail on the head there...

Paul Rogers94 said:Little guy, I'm not mocking you, but where are your crazy ideas ever presented and sifted through public opinion? Usually, you just show up to pick on someone and then vanish. Doesn't that scream sterility, frigidity, and frustration? This sounds a lot like a detailed reading of a mirror image—a sort of self-diagnosis—which doesn't mean it doesn't also apply to the person you're targeting. 🎉

Are you actually sure about that... that I'm not sharing my own experiences?

I know I might not have been your favorite person, considering I used to give you a hard time—just friendly banter, really—back when we were hanging out online. So now that you've got a chance to get even, you're rushing to jump to conclusions.

I think you are.

Anyway, let me hit you with another question.
Do you consider yourself someone who actually shares their own lived experiences?
And if you do, can you actually link or show us an example to back that up?
I’m not calling you out for quoting or attaching random snippets or whatever junk you pull.
You’re a pro at that!
To put it bluntly...

I'm asking about personal experiences on a spiritual level (which is basically the only thing that actually matters).

🙂

frozengull2 said:Are you actually sure about that... that I'm not sharing my own experiences?

I know I might not have been your favorite person, considering I used to give you a hard time—just friendly banter, really—back when we were hanging out online. So now that you've got a chance to get even, you're rushing to jump to conclusions.

I think you are.

Anyway, let me hit you with another question.
Do you consider yourself someone who actually shares their own lived experiences?
And if you do, can you actually link or show us an example to back that up?
I’m not calling you out for quoting or attaching random snippets or whatever junk you pull.
You’re a pro at that!
To put it bluntly...

I'm asking about personal experiences on a spiritual level (which is basically the only thing that actually matters).

🙂

You honestly think I care about anyone's whining—including yours? This forum is far too insignificant for me to even notice anyone's venting, though I do enjoy poking the bear occasionally just for the fun of it.

It’s rare that I even bother to read your posts, or anyone else's, unless something truly interesting catches my eye. I don't obsess over what you write; I just notice when you pop in to play around and then vanish, maybe dropping a recommendation for some overpriced crap along the way.

If someone can actually provide a link to a "personal experience," then it isn't a personal experience anymore. That said, I usually speak from the perspective of my own life, and I feel zero need to convince anyone—including myself—of their validity, nor do I think it's even possible.

And this isn't some kind of revenge, nor would such a thing ever cross my mind. Do you really think I'm that pathetic? Your frustrated outbursts are actually entertaining to me. Honestly, I don't hold any ill will toward you, nor have I spent any real time dwelling on your little shortcomings. Feel free to vent at me all you want. 😁

Paul Rogers94 said:You honestly think I care about anyone's whining—including yours? This forum is far too insignificant for me to even notice anyone's venting, though I do enjoy poking the bear occasionally just for the fun of it.

It’s rare that I even bother to read your posts, or anyone else's, unless something truly interesting catches my eye. I don't obsess over what you write; I just notice when you pop in to play around and then vanish, maybe dropping a recommendation for some overpriced crap along the way.

If someone can actually provide a link to a "personal experience," then it isn't a personal experience anymore. That said, I usually speak from the perspective of my own life, and I feel zero need to convince anyone—including myself—of their validity, nor do I think it's even possible.

And this isn't some kind of revenge, nor would such a thing ever cross my mind. Do you really think I'm that pathetic? Your frustrated outbursts are actually entertaining to me. Honestly, I don't hold any ill will toward you, nor have I spent any real time dwelling on your little shortcomings. Feel free to vent at me all you want. 😁

Liar...

🙂

Zachary Cox69 said:"There’s nothing worse than running into one of those hyper-cynical, ideologically obsessed critics—those propaganda-style spin doctors who never actually offer an original thought or take a real stand. They just relentlessly harp on and on about anyone brave enough to disagree with them.
Those types basically kill entire discussions.
They drive people away and poison the whole environment.

Well, that describes you perfectly, Terminator!"

Oldie hit the nail on the head there...

But don't act like you're any better.

John Doe and those religious zealots, 'Eastern spirituality is garbage,' 'homosexuality is a sin'—it's just the same tired phrases you've been looping for months now.

His final words: "I commit my soul into the hands of God, my Creator, with absolute faith in Jesus Christ, my Savior."
(William Shakespeare 1564 - 1616)
"A belief in God is hardwired into the hearts of all people. Those who claim they don't believe in His existence are lying—because even they find themselves questioning everything when they're alone in the dark at night."
(Seneca, Roman poet, philosopher, and statesman, 4 BC - 65 AD)

A little bit of philosophy might nudge someone toward atheism—but dive deep enough into philosophy, and it usually brings a person right back to religion."
(Francis Bacon, the father of scientific methodology, philosopher, and statesman)

Zachary Cox69 said:His final words: "I commit my soul into the hands of God, my Creator, with absolute faith in Jesus Christ, my Savior."
(William Shakespeare 1564 - 1616)
"A belief in God is hardwired into the hearts of all people. Those who claim they don't believe in His existence are lying—because even they find themselves questioning everything when they're alone in the dark at night."
(Seneca, Roman poet, philosopher, and statesman, 4 BC - 65 AD)

A little bit of philosophy might nudge someone toward atheism—but dive deep enough into philosophy, and it usually brings a person right back to religion."
(Francis Bacon, the father of scientific methodology, philosopher, and statesman)

If we're using the word 'implanted,' then that implies it doesn't actually belong there—like it's some kind of foreign object. Kind of like getting silicone implants.

WTF happened to this subforum? 🤣 It’s become nothing but a collection of pseudo-intellectuals, self-proclaimed psychiatrists, and armchair scientists 🤣—now even adding a hierarchy of "high" and "low" class posters to the mix 🤣 🤣 🤣 The whole place is just absolutely suffocating under a mountain of copy-pasted "wisdom." 🤣 Give me a break. 🤣

Arrogance meets impotence

frozenstag9 said:Arrogance meets impotence

Acting all high and mighty online is just pure impotence in the real world...

Zachary Cox69 said:His final words: "I commit my soul into the hands of God, my Creator, with absolute faith in Jesus Christ, my Savior."
(William Shakespeare 1564 - 1616)
"A belief in God is hardwired into the hearts of all people. Those who claim they don't believe in His existence are lying—because even they find themselves questioning everything when they're alone in the dark at night."
(Seneca, Roman poet, philosopher, and statesman, 4 BC - 65 AD)

A little bit of philosophy might nudge someone toward atheism—but dive deep enough into philosophy, and it usually brings a person right back to religion."
(Francis Bacon, the father of scientific methodology, philosopher, and statesman)

Spirituality is something naturally implanted within you, whereas organized religion is mostly just a shortcut for people who don't want to do the heavy lifting of thinking for themselves when they're alone with their thoughts.

Seneca didn't live in a world of monotheism, and Bacon wouldn't have fully grasped the modern concept of individual freedom to choose—or reject—one's own faith.

wearyowl29 said:Spirituality is something naturally implanted within you, whereas organized religion is mostly just a shortcut for people who don't want to do the heavy lifting of thinking for themselves when they're alone with their thoughts.

Seneca didn't live in a world of monotheism, and Bacon wouldn't have fully grasped the modern concept of individual freedom to choose—or reject—one's own faith.

Look, spirituality is just as natural as that gut feeling that we're all disconnected from our original source (God). Organized religions just take advantage of that spiritual hunger and that nagging human hunch that a higher power exists... they offer some kind of filler for that emptiness people feel deep down.

So, "re-" meaning again and "ligare" meaning to bind together = religion. Makes sense, right?

That’s why nobody ever attacks someone else's religion—because that connection is primal, and for some folks, their faith is sacred...

It’s that whole "love your own" thing (whether that's atheism or some other faith)
and "respect the others" (whatever else that may be)...

The real question is whether spirituality puts us at risk—NO.

But does religion put us at risk? Potentially, YES—mostly because it's run by shady people looking out for their own interests.

And a scientist, being the curious soul they are, will obviously study everything including religion... but whatever conclusion they reach won't actually be a product of their intellect—it'll just be a result of how hard they're trying to fill that void in their soul.

wearyowl29 said:Spirituality is something naturally implanted within you, whereas organized religion is mostly just a shortcut for people who don't want to do the heavy lifting of thinking for themselves when they're alone with their thoughts.

Seneca didn't live in a world of monotheism, and Bacon wouldn't have fully grasped the modern concept of individual freedom to choose—or reject—one's own faith.

Look, we all believe in free will. Even God respects that freedom—He doesn't force us to believe in Him.

“Only those who find it in their interest that God does not exist fail to believe.”
(Francis Bacon)

Zachary Cox69 said:Look, we all believe in free will. Even God respects that freedom—He doesn't force us to believe in Him.

“Only those who find it in their interest that God does not exist fail to believe.”
(Francis Bacon)

I get what you're getting at regarding free will—it’s basically that whole moral pillar of Catholicism they drill into you either at home or in Sunday school... but... if you look at the Bible, every single non-believer gets condemned. So, God gives you the freedom to choose, sure, but then He punishes you for making the wrong call...

Zachary Cox69 said:Look, we all believe in free will. Even God respects that freedom—He doesn't force us to believe in Him.

“Only those who find it in their interest that God does not exist fail to believe.”
(Francis Bacon)

It’s like they’re hunting for proof of God—but they're only looking through one tiny little lens, totally ignoring every other angle...

The concept of God is way beyond anything we can actually wrap our heads around—so honestly, respecting God is really just about respecting existence itself...

lonestag15 said:I get what you're getting at regarding free will—it’s basically that whole moral pillar of Catholicism they drill into you either at home or in Sunday school... but... if you look at the Bible, every single non-believer gets condemned. So, God gives you the freedom to choose, sure, but then He punishes you for making the wrong call...

It’s like they’re hunting for proof of God—but they're only looking through one tiny little lens, totally ignoring every other angle...

The concept of God is way beyond anything we can actually wrap our heads around—so honestly, respecting God is really just about respecting existence itself...

Exactly. If you didn't accept Him, you rejected Him. If He's the only way to salvation, then those who turn away are responsible for their own fate.

Every person should put in the work to figure out if God actually exists or not.
Once you settle that, the next step is figuring out which God is the real deal—there are way too many fakes out there. Third, once you recognize God and know who He truly is, you have to ask what that means for you personally—basically, how can I live a life that honors Him?

Zachary Cox69 said:Look, we all believe in free will. Even God respects that freedom—He doesn't force us to believe in Him.

“Only those who find it in their interest that God does not exist fail to believe.”
(Francis Bacon)

Actually, I’d say people only believe in God because they find an interest in His existence.
Just my little spin on that Masonic Bacon claim!

Zachary Cox69 said:Look, we all believe in free will. Even God respects that freedom—He doesn't force us to believe in Him.

“Only those who find it in their interest that God does not exist fail to believe.”
(Francis Bacon)

But what about the folks who find their own interests in His existence?

You hit the nail on the head when you said "we believe," but honestly, that freedom of choice feels pretty small and narrow to me. It reminds me of how kids are baptized—they're basically being funneled into these rigid, familial roles within the divine structure before they can even think for themselves.

wearyowl29 said:But what about the folks who find their own interests in His existence?

You hit the nail on the head when you said "we believe," but honestly, that freedom of choice feels pretty small and narrow to me. It reminds me of how kids are baptized—they're basically being funneled into these rigid, familial roles within the divine structure before they can even think for themselves.

Look, nobody’s forcing you to baptize a kid; it’s a decision made within the family unit... for instance, I wasn't even baptized at all. When it came time for First Communion, I actually liked the whole vibe and decided (as smart/dumb as I was back then) that I wanted both my baptism and my First Communion. So, my parents played it totally fair... other parents can just leave that choice up to their kids (like, my sister chose ethics class whenever she had the chance, while I stuck with religion)... honestly, it's all a family matter.

And if someone is already baptized but doesn't want anything to do with the church anymore, they can officially opt out... literally get a paper stating they aren't considered part of that community anymore.