Mountain Multi-Cultural Multi-Faith Group

Neil posted this over on the Christian thread ("for the bible tells me so" thread I think) and I felt it worth discussing, so I spirited it over to here, where any and all are invited to comment, if they so chose

We often see what we believe already exists - and we can be blind to what we cannot come to face - thereby creating our own reality - to some extent.

...gonna ramble here so bare with me

We often see what we believe already exists

We often see what we believe already exists.

First off, what is belief?

from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belief

Main Entry:
be·lief
Pronunciation:
\bə-ˈlēf\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
Middle English beleave, probably alteration of Old English gelēafa, from ge-, associative prefix + lēafa; akin to Old English lȳfan — more at believe
Date:
12th century

1: a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing

2: something believed; especially : a tenet or body of tenets held by a group

3: conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon especially when based on examination of evidence

Let's run with the first definition of belief...a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing.

There are many people and many faiths in the world who place their trust, their confidence in a person or a thing and most times that person or thing is outside themselves. They do not challenge that person or thing, but blindly accept and we don't have to look too far to see much evidence of this action. And for an example of this, let's use the FLDS and their faith in polygamy (don't want to be accused to picking on anyone in particular here on ROTW )

So, if we often see what we believe, is not the action of seeing based or biased by what we chose or what we are led to believe? The children from the FLDS compound have never been exposed to the "outside" world. Their belief's are fed to them and guarded by isolation. But isolation can come in many forms as can faith be preached with an iron fist and command unwavering allegiance. Is this belief then true existance? Or is it a created reality? Is this existing calculated and manipulated to render a particular belief? Or, does the belief create a reality? Which comes first...chicken or egg??

and we can be blind to what we cannot come to face

...very true! No one person, faith, ideology, conviction, philosophy or lifestyle on this earth is immune from this concept.

thereby creating our own reality - to some extent.

Bingo! And there is no "to some extent" at all.

We all create our own reality outside the "natural laws" that exist on this plane in this dimension. Then, if we are zealous enough, we seek to power over those who do not subscribe enough to their own reality...or if they do, then we go to war and kill and conquer and replace their reality with our own. The reality of the FLDS is that they would like to be left alone to continue with their brand of Christianity, without the interference of anyone telling them that they are wrong. Many people request that dynamic to be extended to them...hell...even this country was founded on the principles that one could practice one's own religious reality without the interference or persecution for anyone else.


We often see what we believe already exists - and we can be blind to what we cannot come to face - thereby creating our own reality - to some extent.

That, Neil, is about the only thing you and I will ever spiritually agree upon (minus the "to some extent" ...but I have a feeling that it will be for vastly differing reasons

okay...enough rambling for now....and more coffee!!

oops...two booboos...

hell...even this country was founded on the principles that one could practice one's own religious reality without the interference or persecution for anyone else.

...should say from anyone else.

and

That, Neil, is about the only thing you and I will ever spiritually agree upon (minus the "to some extent"

...should not have a winkie smilie there...lest Sabro think I am being flippant or condescending...

As much as I would like to agree with you on this one, I am still a firm believer in an objective material reality... one that can be measured objectively that is subject to a predictable set of rules and laws. Certainly our focus determines our own subjective perception of reality and that is a function of our individual...pre-conceptions and biases that "reticular activating system" in our mid-brain... But I also believe that we should adjust our perceptions and be willing to abandon old concepts and bias when they fail to function or to match what is material and concrete.

I can think of much better things to do with your time Willa.....Like talking to me....Party at my house tonight....get on your witchy broom and stop by Misses you!

Miss you more than I could ever say.....

Misssing all my friends from the MC/MF group! You're the best!