Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?

9/22/2009 1:24:10 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
cmrowland Ingleside, TX age: 57	I don't claim to be any particular religion for many different reasons although I used to. I have looked at and researched many different beliefs and it gets down right confusing especially when things contradict. Seems to me like there could only be one truth about what really is. Does anyone else feel like that? How does one know? Meet singles at DateHookup.dating, we're 100% free! Join now!
9/22/2009 2:01:40 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
cmrowland Ingleside, TX age: 57	I don't claim to be any particular religion for many different reasons, although, I used to. I have looked at and researched many different beliefs and it gets down right confusing, especially, when things contradict. Seems to me like there could only be one truth about what really is. Does anyone else feel like that? How does one know? I also have one more question. It is said and I believe this, that everything is created by intelligent design. If that be true, then where did the Original Creator (God if you will) come from? How is it that the most Powerful Being just always existed if everything requires someone or something to create it? Other than the standard, He just always was and always will be, it's a question that is impossible to answer because, if someone created Him, then where did that Being come from and it would just go on and on. It's a mind boggler. However, I do believe that there is an intelligent, powerful, Being that created all life and the universe etc. Has anyone else ever wondered that?
9/22/2009 8:35:18 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
wolfyhp Atascadero, CA age: 37	Quote from cmrowland: I don't claim to be any particular religion for many different reasons, although, I used to. I have looked at and researched many different beliefs and it gets down right confusing, especially, when things contradict. Seems to me like there could only be one truth about what really is. Does anyone else feel like that? How does one know? I also have one more question. It is said and I believe this, that everything is created by intelligent design. If that be true, then where did the Original Creator (God if you will) come from? How is it that the most Powerful Being just always existed if everything requires someone or something to create it? Other than the standard, He just always was and always will be, it's a question that is impossible to answer because, if someone created Him, then where did that Being come from and it would just go on and on. It's a mind boggler. However, I do believe that there is an intelligent, powerful, Being that created all life and the universe etc. Has anyone else ever wondered that? Those are definitely eternal questions. Unfortunately, I can only give you my answer and some of the answers I've heard, I can't tell you what you need to believe about it all. My view is that God is everything and is in everything. God always has been because life always has been. God is the consciousness that is greater than all of us because God is everything, not just us. That consciousness, in my reckoning, guides creation and evolution through what we would call natural processes. In a nutshell: Religion tells us what God did, Science tells us how "he" did it. Namaste, Rev. Ancient Wolf
9/22/2009 11:53:13 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
cmrowland Ingleside, TX age: 57	Quote from wolfyhp: Those are definitely eternal questions. Unfortunately, I can only give you my answer and some of the answers I've heard, I can't tell you what you need to believe about it all. My view is that God is everything and is in everything. God always has been because life always has been. God is the consciousness that is greater than all of us because God is everything, not just us. That consciousness, in my reckoning, guides creation and evolution through what we would call natural processes. In a nutshell: Religion tells us what God did, Science tells us how "he" did it. Namaste, Rev. Ancient Wolf Thanks Wolfy for your answer. You always answer with such kindness and in a non-judgmental way and I truly appreciate that. I hardly know you but, I have great respect for you. I think you're pretty cool! I know the one question I asked, is impossible for anyone but God himself to answer...which he did by saying he is the Alpha and the Omega. I agree that Religion tells us what he did and Science attempts to tell us how. Science has made great strides in that direction but, has so much more to learn...I guess we all do for that matter but, it certainly is fascinating to learn. My problem is that there are so many different beliefs or understandings about who or what He is, what He did, what is, what will happen, etc., and they don't all agree. How can they all be right? I am not singling out any particular belief or religion here...I'm just saying in general. I guess, I just continue my search and just pick out what makes sense to me or what I feel in my heart to be true and go with that?
9/22/2009 2:08:53 PM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
wolfyhp Atascadero, CA age: 37	Quote from cmrowland: Thanks Wolfy for your answer. You always answer with such kindness and in a non-judgmental way and I truly appreciate that. I hardly know you but, I have great respect for you. I think you're pretty cool! I know the one question I asked, is impossible for anyone but God himself to answer...which he did by saying he is the Alpha and the Omega. I agree that Religion tells us what he did and Science attempts to tell us how. Science has made great strides in that direction but, has so much more to learn...I guess we all do for that matter but, it certainly is fascinating to learn. My problem is that there are so many different beliefs or understandings about who or what He is, what He did, what is, what will happen, etc., and they don't all agree. How can they all be right? I am not singling out any particular belief or religion here...I'm just saying in general. I guess, I just continue my search and just pick out what makes sense to me or what I feel in my heart to be true and go with that? They were all right for the people who believed them in the past and they are all right for the people who believe them now. I don't think that "God" is limited to any one culture's interpretation, but is expressed throughout all cultural interpretations. The basic message almost all religions have in common is; Love one another and take care of one another. If you are striving to put Love as the greatest force in your life then you are walking with God, whatever name you give him/her/them. I think specific beliefs are great to help people focus on their path through life. It is useful to have religion to guide us in our decisions, but ultimately all the religion and beliefs mean nothing if you aren't on a path of Love. I suppose rather than saying they're all right, perhaps I should say they all have value to the individuals who believe in them. What you believe may not be what I believe, but if we both believe in choosing Love over fear, then we are on the same road, just different lanes. Namaste, Rev. Ancient Wolf [Edited 9/22/2009 2:10:32 PM PST]
9/22/2009 3:15:34 PM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
nonstandard York, PA age: 47	I prefer the simple aproach . If a belief claims to have the answers , they're bogus . There are no answers for what can't be known . I look around and the only god I can see , feel , smell , and touch , is the earth .
9/22/2009 3:56:51 PM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
wolfyhp Atascadero, CA age: 37	Quote from nonstandard: I prefer the simple aproach . If a belief claims to have the answers , they're bogus . There are no answers for what can't be known . I look around and the only god I can see , feel , smell , and touch , is the earth . I hear ya. I agree that no religion has "The" answers. Many religions have various answers, and together there are many answers, but the ultimate answers are unknowable by the likes of our species at this moment in our evolution.
9/22/2009 5:11:28 PM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
nonstandard York, PA age: 47	Quote from wolfyhp: I hear ya. I agree that no religion has "The" answers. Many religions have various answers, and together there are many answers, but the ultimate answers are unknowable by the likes of our species at this moment in our evolution. I've found knowledge to be a hinderance . I've discovered that my senses do know , but that the information they provide is too vast and too vague be conformed into any kind of conventional knowledge . I can conform it into knowledge , but then it looses its value . I believe that knowledge is the barrior that blocks me from the full expierience that my senses can provide . The same knowledge that keeps me from explaining the information that my senses provide , keeps me from utilizing the information that my senses provide . It's a catch 22 , the only way that I can understand it , is to not understand it . [Edited 9/22/2009 5:34:25 PM PST]
9/23/2009 12:12:59 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
cmrowland Ingleside, TX age: 57	You both have good points. Have either of you read any books by Eckhart Tolle? I have two that I am reading..."The Power of Now" and "A New Earth". Pretty interesting and kind of goes along with what you both are saying. 1. About the love (Wolfy) I agree with you on this. Also I have read some other things in there to that go along with what you said. 2. Being in the present...feeling and sensing everything...instead of thinking of future or past..being in the present and doing this actually brings you enlightenment and closer to God. Actually it talks about going within to find God NOT without. Of course I am making a very short version of what's in the books. It's hard to explain everything in just a few short sentences. Not sure if this is near what you meant, nonstandard, but it kind of sounds like it is, partially, anyway. If not, please explain to me about what you said and how this works for you and how you apply it in your life so, I can understand. I enjoy hearing both your thoughts on this...thanks. [Edited 9/23/2009 12:32:16 AM PST]
9/23/2009 12:29:35 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
alliscalm Corpus Christi, TX age: 59	perhaps this life confusion is all we get maybe next time a little clarity will come!LOL the best I can make of it is what my heart really tells me to do!The little voice never fails!
9/23/2009 12:44:04 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
cmrowland Ingleside, TX age: 57	Quote from alliscalm: perhaps this life confusion is all we get maybe next time a little clarity will come!LOL the best I can make of it is what my heart really tells me to do!The little voice never fails! Ha ha...I can't always trust my heart but if I pay attention to the voice within, I'm better off. Yes, I think they are separate...then you got your head messing with ya. LOL Appreciate your thoughts...thanks! [Edited 9/23/2009 12:45:35 AM PST]
9/23/2009 5:39:56 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
wolfyhp Atascadero, CA age: 37	Quote from nonstandard: I've found knowledge to be a hinderance . I've discovered that my senses do know , but that the information they provide is too vast and too vague be conformed into any kind of conventional knowledge . I can conform it into knowledge , but then it looses its value . I believe that knowledge is the barrior that blocks me from the full expierience that my senses can provide . The same knowledge that keeps me from explaining the information that my senses provide , keeps me from utilizing the information that my senses provide . It's a catch 22 , the only way that I can understand it , is to not understand it . That's cool. If that's what works for you on your path then that's awesome. I am more on a path akin to Jnana Yoga or Raja Yoga; though, not either of those paths specifically. We each have to find what works for us. You seem pretty together, so it must work well for you. Namaste, Rev. Ancient Wolf
9/23/2009 5:42:13 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
wolfyhp Atascadero, CA age: 37	Quote from cmrowland: You both have good points. Have either of you read any books by Eckhart Tolle? I have two that I am reading..."The Power of Now" and "A New Earth". Pretty interesting and kind of goes along with what you both are saying. 1. About the love (Wolfy) I agree with you on this. Also I have read some other things in there to that go along with what you said. 2. Being in the present...feeling and sensing everything...instead of thinking of future or past..being in the present and doing this actually brings you enlightenment and closer to God. Actually it talks about going within to find God NOT without. Of course I am making a very short version of what's in the books. It's hard to explain everything in just a few short sentences. Not sure if this is near what you meant, nonstandard, but it kind of sounds like it is, partially, anyway. If not, please explain to me about what you said and how this works for you and how you apply it in your life so, I can understand. I enjoy hearing both your thoughts on this...thanks. Yes, living in the present is important and not always easy. On my path I draw a lot on the past and I design for the future (to some extent,) but none of that matters if you're not taking care of the present.
9/23/2009 8:27:17 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
woodsmamma Winton, MN age: 56	When I feel confused, I remember it's all energy and it's all relative!!!!!!!!!! and that's why I need to realize all groups hold parts of the whole truth!
9/23/2009 12:16:07 PM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
cmrowland Ingleside, TX age: 57	Yes wolfy we have to draw on the past because we can learn from the past and yes we have to plan for certain things in the future, no doubt. What Eckhart was saying is a lot of times we are dwelling on the past or reacting from the past instead of being in the present...he did say that learning from the past is good though. As far as thoughts on the future, he said we all have to plan for the future to some extent but, living in the future ie: When this or that happens then I will be happy...or once I accomplish this then I will be happy, or worrying about the future when it has not happened yet is detrimental to our well being in the present. The past is gone...the future is not here yet and the present is all we really have, this moment. Just being can lead you to a peace of mind and can be a source of enlightenment and can bring you closer to the Source of all things. Of course, these are my words and my understanding of it and trying to sum it up in a nutshell. He goes into a much better explanation of it. In the books, he takes peoples questions and answers them which, I like. I agree with woodsmama that everything is energy and I believe we are connected not just with people but with everything at some level because we and everything comes from the invisible source of all things.
9/23/2009 12:45:44 PM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
wolfyhp Atascadero, CA age: 37	Quote from cmrowland: Yes wolfy we have to draw on the past because we can learn from the past and yes we have to plan for certain things in the future, no doubt. What Eckhart was saying is a lot of times we are dwelling on the past or reacting from the past instead of being in the present...he did say that learning from the past is good though. As far as thoughts on the future, he said we all have to plan for the future to some extent but, living in the future ie: When this or that happens then I will be happy...or once I accomplish this then I will be happy, or worrying about the future when it has not happened yet is detrimental to our well being in the present. The past is gone...the future is not here yet and the present is all we really have, this moment. Just being can lead you to a peace of mind and can be a source of enlightenment and can bring you closer to the Source of all things. Of course, these are my words and my understanding of it and trying to sum it up in a nutshell. He goes into a much better explanation of it. In the books, he takes peoples questions and answers them which, I like. I agree with woodsmama that everything is energy and I believe we are connected not just with people but with everything at some level because we and everything comes from the invisible source of all things. I figured that's what you had meant, but wanted to clarify. The problem with living in the future is that the future never comes if you're not doing anything in the present to make it happen.
9/23/2009 1:47:22 PM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
nonstandard York, PA age: 47	I like this forum because everybody has an open mind , they're always providing me with new ideas and challenging me to ponder lifes mysteries . The people here promote my curiosity , where as others only want to curb my curiosity .
9/23/2009 2:28:55 PM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
cmrowland Ingleside, TX age: 57	That's so true Wolfy! Thanks nonstandard...I believe in having an open mind. I enjoy these kind of discussions and y'all are so cool about it! This group is my favorite group too! [Edited 9/23/2009 2:31:47 PM PST]
9/24/2009 1:14:53 PM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
woodsmamma Winton, MN age: 56	Quote from nonstandard: I like this forum because everybody has an open mind , they're always providing me with new ideas and challenging me to ponder lifes mysteries . The people here promote my curiosity , where as others only want to curb my curiosity .
9/27/2009 6:25:22 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
succeeder Annapolis, MD age: 21	i know exactly what you mean by being confused by all of the different religions and beliefs. what's what and who is who. i didn't understand a whole lot. this is how i handled it. I AM NOT AT ALL TELLING YOU TO DO THE SAME THING. i realized the more and more that i look toward religion it will continue to get confusing. so i prayed because even though i was confused and didn't know what to do I still believed in God. So i prayed and prayed and prayed and everytime He led me to my bible. In that bible is where i found my answers. So basically i'm saying is how i got past that trying time is I just looked past all of those religions and found the one who i was looking for
9/27/2009 6:31:48 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
mercymeta Guntersville, AL age: 56	Quote from nonstandard: I like this forum because everybody has an open mind , they're always providing me with new ideas and challenging me to ponder lifes mysteries . The people here promote my curiosity , where as others only want to curb my curiosity . Everything in this forum makes me think and question. It definitely challenges mindsets, encourages growth and possibilities.
9/27/2009 9:49:42 PM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
ourself Hamilton, ON age: 37	Personally, I find it confirming. Quote from cmrowland: I don't claim to be any particular religion for many different reasons, although, I used to. I have looked at and researched many different beliefs and it gets down right confusing, especially, when things contradict. Seems to me like there could only be one truth about what really is. Does anyone else feel like that? How does one know? All things being unique, individual views are bound to conflict but without them, the big picture is missing dimensions. It's a question of perspectives and differing points of reference. I can only truthfully answer from my own point of reference (Which is to say that what follows is only my opinion, lol). I also have one more question. It is said and I believe this, that everything is created by intelligent design. If that be true, then where did the Original Creator (God if you will) come from? How is it that the most Powerful Being just always existed if everything requires someone or something to create it? Hmmm... I don't believe in a start and end point (alpha or omega). Like Eckhart Tolle, I only believe in an ever changing Now. I believe in the Tao in a Way. If there is an intelligent designer, I believe this designer arose from the design... More like an intelligent director born from running out of options. I believe that before there was "God", there was the Tao. It is important to note "Tao" is just a label for the unlabelable. It is said that the name which can be named is not the Eternal name. The Tao has no eternal personality but all personalities are present in the Tao. The Eternal Way before any kind of self realisation. Once the Tao became Aware (I AM!), the Universe came to Life. Now that life is going through the stages of self Awareness. I believe that soon, We will know that We are indeed Our surroundings... The Universe come to Life... Or God if that label appeals to you. I equate the Tao with pure Potential. There can be nothing which predates its own potential. Other than the standard, He just always was and always will be, it's a question that is impossible to answer because, if someone created Him, then where did that Being come from and it would just go on and on. It's a mind boggler. There was never a "time" with no potential for change or else nothing would ever have happened. However, I do believe that there is an intelligent, powerful, Being that created all life and the universe etc. Has anyone else ever wondered that? I used to... Now I wonder other things... So many other things. One thing that has been made clear to me is that I AM. The Designer is just the realisation of the design. Together We co-create. [Edited 9/27/2009 10:15:26 PM PST]
9/27/2009 11:14:27 PM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
cmrowland Ingleside, TX age: 57	Quote from ourself: Personally, I find it confirming. Quote from cmrowland: I don't claim to be any particular religion for many different reasons, although, I used to. I have looked at and researched many different beliefs and it gets down right confusing, especially, when things contradict. Seems to me like there could only be one truth about what really is. Does anyone else feel like that? How does one know? All things being unique, individual views are bound to conflict but without them, the big picture is missing dimensions. It's a question of perspectives and differing points of reference. I can only truthfully answer from my own point of reference (Which is to say that what follows is only my opinion, lol). I also have one more question. It is said and I believe this, that everything is created by intelligent design. If that be true, then where did the Original Creator (God if you will) come from? How is it that the most Powerful Being just always existed if everything requires someone or something to create it? Hmmm... I don't believe in a start and end point (alpha or omega). Like Eckhart Tolle, I only believe in an ever changing Now. I believe in the Tao in a Way. If there is an intelligent designer, I believe this designer arose from the design... More like an intelligent director born from running out of options. I believe that before there was "God", there was the Tao. It is important to note "Tao" is just a label for the unlabelable. It is said that the name which can be named is not the Eternal name. The Tao has no eternal personality but all personalities are present in the Tao. The Eternal Way before any kind of self realisation. Once the Tao became Aware (I AM!), the Universe came to Life. Now that life is going through the stages of self Awareness. I believe that soon, We will know that We are indeed Our surroundings... The Universe come to Life... Or God if that label appeals to you. I equate the Tao with pure Potential. There can be nothing which predates its own potential. Other than the standard, He just always was and always will be, it's a question that is impossible to answer because, if someone created Him, then where did that Being come from and it would just go on and on. It's a mind boggler. There was never a "time" with no potential for change or else nothing would ever have happened. However, I do believe that there is an intelligent, powerful, Being that created all life and the universe etc. Has anyone else ever wondered that? I used to... Now I wonder other things... So many other things. One thing that has been made clear to me is that I AM. The Designer is just the realisation of the design. Together We co-create. Ok now I'm really confused...Lol. Appreciate your thoughts on this though...I just don't quite understand. In the Bible, God (if one chooses to call him that)didn't really say he had a beginning or an end...He always was and always is so this would be eternal yes? I just think there is something way beyond us that created everything. I don't believe that things just came together randomly and there it was...something had to have a hand in it giving direction maybe even what you said "together we co-create". Could you explain this a little more please? Thanks for your thoughts and welcome to our forum...would love to hear more from you! [Edited 9/27/2009 11:23:42 PM PST]
9/27/2009 11:19:37 PM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
cmrowland Ingleside, TX age: 57	Quote from mercymeta: Everything in this forum makes me think and question. It definitely challenges mindsets, encourages growth and possibilities. Thank you Mercy and welcome to this forum. I'm glad that you are getting something out of it. I certainly enjoy hearing from people on here...and you are right it does make you think and question. Please feel free to comment anytime here. I am an open minded individual and I love considering different possibilities. So, keep the comments coming folks...I love it.
9/28/2009 6:15:02 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
alicekathleen Sacramento, CA age: 65	Not so much confused as struck by similarities. I am a member of a local Buddhist church, but Hinduism, Taoism, paganism, even Christianity have insights and teachings that strike me as being meaningful. Buddhism is a very practical path (NOT a belief), it is about testing to see "does it work?" "is it true for me?" I do feel I would be amiss if I did not read about and be open to other teachings as well, to some degree.
9/28/2009 7:45:31 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
ourself Hamilton, ON age: 37	Quote from cmrowland: Ok now I'm really confused...Lol. Appreciate your thoughts on this though...I just don't quite understand. In the Bible, God (if one chooses to call him that)didn't really say he had a beginning or an end...He always was and always is so this would be eternal yes? Well, the Bible says that God said "He" is the Alpha and the Omega. This would mean that God was always self Aware and that his personality didn't need any developing. It would also mean that God knows the outcome of everything. Personally, I find this unbelievable. How can the future be known when the future doesn't exist yet? I just think there is something way beyond us that created everything. Beyond Us? See, I don't believe there is anything beyond Us. To me, We are everything come to Life in many unique forms. We are One. Buddha said "I alone AM". 500 years later, Jesus said "Before Abraham I AM". They were speaking from a point of reference which is non-separation. A couple of thousand years later John and Paul said "I am he as you are he as you are me and We are all together". They were speaking from the view of the Universe. Everything. That is Us. In my opinion. I don't believe that things just came together randomly and there it was...something had to have a hand in it giving direction maybe even what you said "together we co-create". Could you explain this a little more please? Everything you see and hear or feel in any Way is the result of information sharing. When information is shared, something always comes out of it. By sharing information with each other, We create the World around Us. A ball is rolling across the floor and hits a pebble which changes its path. When the ball meets the pebble, information is shared. To me, when the Universe finally amassed enough information, it became Aware of Itself and split into many aspects of Life. As the forms of Life adapted to hold more information, they started to become Aware of themselves. Now, through evolution (information sharing) some of these forms have developed "self Awareness" which means they can Now distinguish between themselves and the environment. This has lead to misleading conclusions though and Mankind started to think they were actually separate from their environment, separate fom God and separate from each other. This was the beginning of the disease of the mind I like to call the Us and "them" disease. Compassion is the only cure that I know of short of human extinction. We are bound to the Universe through cause and effect (Karma) and are bound to each other through inter-dependance. No man is an island, nobody can survive alone and five billion heads are better than one for figuring things out. I believe the next step in Our evolution is to finally see that We are indeed all there is. This makes Compassion common sense. Thanks for your thoughts and welcome to our forum...would love to hear more from you! Thanks. Although I've been here fo quite a while. Just for the heck of it, I want to share some information I have gathered with you. It may not be the "truth" but it is my truth. THE LAW OF INFINITY Sameness and difference must be observed in all things absolutely from a perspective neither subjective or objective. In other words, you have to feel it. There must be something everything has in common. (uniqueness or change) There can not be two things exactly alike. (snowflakes, sand grains, universes) One must be able to accomplish all. All must accommodate the one. Every(one)thing eventually must become the one(sum of all things). Every(one)thing eventually must become nothing (no thing). No thing can dictate to the one or the all. No thing can be better than anything else. When one thing is added, everything must change. As soon as there is change, there must be difference. No thing may stay the same forever. For all to be enlightened, one must stay in the dark. For one to be enlightened, all must have been in the dark There is always and will never be all paradoxes. Paradox is the realization of absolute confusion or change of set patterns.(One is truly the loneliest number). When confusion(chaos) is added, everything changes(moves, grows, ect) A new cycle continues for the new change as all accommodate the one and one accomplishes all. Potential energy is the great constant (or "nothing" is absolute). It makes way for change (or space for time). "Have fun and don't hurt anyone, but let no one hurt you. We have learned all we need to about the Age of Suffering." The last two lines I put quotation marks around because it felt like a commandment of sorts. Like a rule for me to follow but not enforce, however peacefully. I have a neeed to get it out there, but if it's dismissed there is no harm really done. [Edited 9/28/2009 8:01:04 AM PST]
9/28/2009 7:51:21 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
nonstandard York, PA age: 47	The earth does'nt know , the trees don't know , the animals don't know , why should we ?
9/28/2009 7:56:17 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
ourself Hamilton, ON age: 37	What do you mean by "should"?
9/28/2009 7:58:21 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
wolfyhp Atascadero, CA age: 37	Quote from nonstandard: The earth does'nt know , the trees don't know , the animals don't know , why should we ? And seasons don't fear the reaper. Sorry, I had to go there. It is appropriate to what you are saying though. I like the idea that we are the universe's way of trying to figure itself out. So, that's why most of us have a natural curiosity and a striving for knowledge. We're certainly not the only things. Just some thoughts. At the same time, I'm fairly sure the Earth, trees and animals know a lot of things we don't know. Namaste, Rev. Ancient Wolf
9/28/2009 8:31:36 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
nonstandard York, PA age: 47	Quote from ourself: What do you mean by "should"? We "think" we are better .
9/28/2009 9:52:19 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
ourself Hamilton, ON age: 37	Quote from nonstandard: We "think" we are better . I see. I feel we are not. Not only that but I feel that you feel the same. Wouldn't it be fair to say "Some think we are better"? Perhaps even less than there used to be? I am only one finger pointing to the moon but I AM the animals. I AM the Earth. I AM the trees. I AM the Universe come to Life in a unique form as is everything else which takes up space. I AM expressing an opinion which is unique to my own perspective but what are We percieving and exploring here? I swear I have felt the wind go through the leaves without being confined to neither the perspective of leaf nor wind but both and more. Know Thyself.
9/28/2009 10:02:36 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
nonstandard York, PA age: 47	Quote from ourself: I see. I feel we are not. Not only that but I feel that you feel the same. Wouldn't it be fair to say "Some think we are better"? Perhaps even less than there used to be? I am only one finger pointing to the moon but I AM the animals. I AM the Earth. I AM the trees. I AM the Universe come to Life in a unique form as is everything else which takes up space. I AM expressing an opinion which is unique to my own perspective but what are We percieving and exploring here? I swear I have felt the wind go through the leaves without being confined to neither the perspective of leaf nor wind but both and more. Know Thyself. I'm not disputing your knowledge . I know the tao too . I honor your attempts to explain it , but we both know , the tao told is not the eternal tao .
9/28/2009 10:10:49 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
ourself Hamilton, ON age: 37	Yes... But it is fun to try. Imagine if nobody tried... There would be no art. Self expression is a good thing. Sometimes trying to explain it solidifies it or shatters it. That is when I grow. I don't mean to sound like I'm parroting Taoist beliefs because I do have my own take on things and am actually a Buddhist with Theist and Taoist beliefs. [Edited 9/28/2009 10:35:26 AM PST]
9/28/2009 10:56:00 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
nonstandard York, PA age: 47	I have no path , I'm lost in the wilderness . There is so much to see and do , if I did find the path , I would stray again . Yes , I love to frolic too .
9/28/2009 12:16:25 PM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
cmrowland Ingleside, TX age: 57	Y'all have some interesting perspectives. I am still growing, exploring and learning. While I may be confused by someone's perspective, I do not necessarily reject it but strive to have a greater understanding of it. I believe we are connected to everything and if we take the time to just be, listen and observe, we can gain knowledge. Yes even from the trees, the wind, the animals etc. as well as people. This is not always so easy to do because of the many distractions including ourselves. But, if we can, we will learn much. Not everyone will agree as, I will not agree with everyone but, it certainly is interesting and beneficial to exchange information and ideas as long as we can do it with love, sincerity and an open mind. Thanks for sharing! PS: I know many of you have been here for a while in the forums...longer than me...so I guess I should have said welcome to my thread.
10/9/2009 3:51:48 PM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
nonstandard York, PA age: 47	Fact is , nobody wants to understand . Everybody wants rewards , instant gratification , they all want to be special . This is not life , this is religion , this is what people want . Life is cause and effect , action and reaction . We are not special , whatever our rewards (or suffering) are the results of our own actions .
10/9/2009 4:35:59 PM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
wolfyhp Atascadero, CA age: 37	Quote from nonstandard: Fact is , nobody wants to understand . Everybody wants rewards , instant gratification , they all want to be special . This is not life , this is religion , this is what people want . Life is cause and effect , action and reaction . We are not special , whatever our rewards (or suffering) are the results of our own actions . Hmm, perhaps it's a glass half full / glass half empty thing. I don't see it as none of us are special, but that all of us are equally special. Some people see that they are meant for leadership roles and think that means they're special. However, a leader is no good without good followers. Even the simpleton is equally important. Also, too many people forget that a good leader must also be a good follower, even at the very top. Many people call me an altruist because I think everyone is equally special and equally deserving of love, but in a way I think I'm the most selfish person on the planet because I see helping others grow as helping myself, in the sense of the universal whole. In other words, because others are growing that means the universal whole is being added to in good ways and that benefits all of us. At least that's my view. Other religions and spiritualities have their own interpretations which bring people to the same actions. However we are all adding to the better functioning of society by improving parts of it wherever we can. This is even true of the mostly non-religious Humanist Atheists. Religion isn't instant gratification. Abuse of religion offers instant gratification. I do not know of many religions which truly offer that. Most offer a structure for people to follow which generally keeps them on the right path so long as they can keep the political nonsense and corruptions out of it. Namaste, Rev. Ancient Wolf
10/9/2009 5:46:51 PM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
nonstandard York, PA age: 47	Religion teaches us that we are fine , everyone else is screwed up .
10/10/2009 9:15:25 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
ourself Hamilton, ON age: 37	Quote from nonstandard: I have no path , I'm lost in the wilderness . There is so much to see and do , if I did find the path , I would stray again . Yes , I love to frolic too . Perhaps it looks like you are lost simply because you are not following a Path but are making one.
10/10/2009 11:18:15 AM	Does anyone else here get confused with all the different beliefs?
nonstandard York, PA age: 47	Thank you Ourself . For those who do'nt understand . The problem with the standard belief systems is that it destroys people with its negativity . People who are lost are frowned upon , they are unworthy . This temprament is awful , it is terrible , no religion should ever be allowed to adopt this attitude . People who adopt a belief , adopt an attitude , this is why they will never find any unity . People need to feel happy and fullfilled , no matter where they stand or what they believe . Happiness and fullfillment is not a gift from god , it is a state of being . All(every single one) of societies problems come from people who are unhappy and unfullfilled . Our challenge is NOT to find a belief , its to find a way that ALL people can feel happiness and fullfillment at EVERY level of life . [Edited 10/10/2009 11:24:06 AM PST]

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