Redefining God For 21st Century Man

"Science cannot solve the ultimate mystery of nature because we ourselves are part of the mystery." Max Plank, Physicist, Nobel Prize 1918 

[Disclaimer: I am neither religious nor atheist. I identify myself as human. My loyalty is to the greatest good of all concerned --one choice at a time.] 

BLOOD - The twisted body of god TS

Whenever I tweet or blog about 'God' I sense a disturbance in the 'Force'. Meaning, often the readers who take time to comment do so because my entry has agitated them. They assume the worse. Verbally attack me. Then advise me to "read a book".

To the other extreme there are a few cuddlers that give off the 'can we pray together vibe'. It seems, however, there are far more people who assume the worse and go directly to verbal attack. To what purpose does this serve? I do not know.

Because the word "God" does cause commotion, I'll be using It freely --and in a good way. Get past the drama and read on.

The Buddy Christ - Dogma, Kevin Smith

To be fair, for the context of discussion I provide a brief definition of God in an effort get everyone on the same page with our evolving perspective. It is not necessary to agree with the definition for it to be useful. Although, be aware,  to have a productive discussion about the Nature of God requires some fundamental common ground -- especially when the content is so emotionally charged.

A non-dogmatic common definition of God supports peaceful discussion. 

God Is All of Existence, animate and inanimate, seen and unseen. God Is, that which has no beginning and no end; Omnipresent. Omnipresent Is The Body of God.

I arrived at this definition through years of loving research into the nature of world religions and belief systems as both a participant and an observer, forever fascinated by the contradiction, or lack thereof, among believers and their faiths. Me? I'm not the joining kind.

My question is this: Will the fighting ever stop? Just when you think you've had enough fighting about which religion is superior, enter Atheism, demanding its due and promising to be more of the same, same. 

"There is God vs There is not God."  

I look at that statement and wonder how do we not recognize that these two concepts cancel each other out? Somewhere therein lies clarity. Let us attempt kindness in our discourse and not let arrogance get in the way of what is good and what is right.

Genocide is unacceptable human activity

[Excerpt from 'My Personal Conviction to Tibetan Independence]

"Lets NOT say we are civilized, progressive, modern or, God forbid - Christian when we ignore our human responsibilities to each other."

After thousands of years of documented genocide, worldwide, we still turn a blind eye when the systematic annihilation of an entire people goes undeterred for generations in around the world including Tibet. China is wiping out a culture. Why are we letting this happen? Shame on you! Every world nation that looks away from these human rights crimes of torture and killing, SHAME ON YOU.

How many civilizations will be destroyed before we determine an acceptable loss? When will we make it stop? By 'we' I mean a collective body of humanity.

Where is our humanity? We, the people, are responsible for this existence. We have the capacity to affect change in our world. How can anyone rest in comfort knowing the horrific 'evil' of genocide persists today in the 21st century? Especially deplorable is having a written history to reference and still allowing genocide to continue.

Western history, anthropology, journalists, authors and clergy have documented hundreds of years of genocide. From Native Americans, the Maya and other indigenous people of Mexico and Central America to Serbia, Bosnia, Armenia, Darfur, Sudan, South Africa, Uganda, Congo, Cambodia and Syria

Generally speaking, genocide does not necessarily mean the immediate destruction of a nation, except when accomplished by mass killings of all members of a nation. It is intended rather to signify a coordinated plan of different actions aiming at the destruction of essential foundations of the life of national groups, with the aim of annihilating the groups themselves. (Wikipedia)

Seriously people, listen up. In 1994, in a hundred days, up to 800,000 Rwandans were clubbed and machete-ed to death. A good 'kill day' equaled 10,000 human-beings slaughtered --in their own country. Six million Jews in Germany exterminated? A number some people have the flippin' nerve to dispute. What if it were three million? One? Wouldn't that be enough, for Christ sake?!

Genocide Watch, The International Alliance to End Genocide, keeps a mindful eye on the countries in current crisis. The website has a downloadable list of the peoples in danger. 

Genocide is ugly. Nobody wants to look. Do it ANYWAY. Let it move you. Feel disgust with your privileged life as you complain about how difficult it is here in fat, first world. 

Shame on us all for letting this happen again and again and again. 


[I invite you to LIKE our Tibetan Independence Facebook page. Our goal is to connect with other legitimate organizations and movements to end genocide world-wide, permanently. Thank you for checking it out.]

Go Ahead: Believe yourself right out of existence

The spirit searches for structure, expression, and meaning

Whatever we put our intense focus upon increases our belief that the experience exists. 'What you think about you bring about.' 'Thought creates form.' [reference]

The word and meaning of belief is a topic unto its own. For this discussion, however, I boldly assert that belief is so powerful that one can believe itself right out of existence. 
How's that? 

Black Hole

The best example is Atheism, the belief in no deities.

Many atheists believe in nothing eternal. When life is over it's over. You're dead. You're nothing. As limiting as that sounds, it's what they believe; it's how they see the world, and act upon it. To them, it is real.

Of course not all atheists "believe" the above statement is accurate. Nevertheless, those who call themselves atheists, wearing it like a badge, I find equally as obnoxious as any other extreme. The views they share vary, making sense, since it is still just another belief. It holds no value, no proof, no reason, except to the individual believing it. Not believing is equal to any other type of belief --with one striking difference. 

The difference between atheists and non atheists is the certainty of nothingness in the future for the Self; a finite existence.

Muggles

Like Muggles (non-magic folk) who don't believe in magic, so are atheists doomed to their own fate: a finite existence. Wizards and witches, like believers in faith, have magic-like abilities. They believe in eternity; in unlimited creative potential to problem-solve. Infinite existence. Life everlasting. It's what they believe and how they act upon the world. (Of course not ALL believers would agree with the my analogy.) 

To those who believe in nothingness I say, "Yes, I think you are right. For you there is, and will be forever and ever, nothing". Even if you don't think you believe in anything, those non-beliefs are so powerful you could believe yourself right out of existence. It's your view of the world, and how you act upon it. 

Crazy? From a 'survival of the fittest' Social Darwinist (Herbert Spencer) view, it is in humanity's best interest for the weaker of the species to die off; to not procreate, reincarnate, regenerate... It's like waiting for those Grand Old Party (GOP) folks to kick it, so we can start building a better life on Earth for all Humanity. They won't live forever because their proclaimed faith is null and void. 

Herbert Spencer

Moral of the story: Belief is a choice. We have freewill to do as we please; to think as we like. However, every choice has a consequence, an outcome. 

imzwei.deviantart

Living life believing that it is finite is a limiting perception; likely, not the most evolved way to live. 

Interdependence on a belief system that provides structure, hope and everlasting life... well that's something worth believing. Belief has value, longevity, and it demonstrates its power through those who knowingly use it.

I suppose the only real "rub" is with respect for what to believe...? For me, that is a personal matter; a life journey. A choice so powerful, It creates the future. 

Belief Itself Creates

Assertion: To say you believe in nothingness is still saying you believe in something. One belief is superior to the other --depending on your value for spiritual longevity.


Related post: Intent of Discussion on Belief

My Personal Conviction To Tibetan Independence

Perhaps I am over protective of the Dalai Lama and Tibet's anguish for liberation from China. Probably because the battle has raged on for my entire life. Shocking devastation to an ancient, peaceful culture for more than fifty years. Tibet requires minimal resources to sustain itself and asks for nothing. Tibetan culture is non-materialist, therefore consumes fewer products. Humble people experiencing a Oneness of Being as their reality. It's how they view the world.

Perhaps I am a little too sentimental.

When I was much younger I had the honor of meeting the Dalai Lama. I received a blessing from Him along with several tens of others at the Madre Grande Monastery, in the mountains of eastern San Diego, CA (a Paracelsian Order tolerant of all faiths and cultural traditions).

Madre Grande Monastery grounds
Dulzura, CA Photo

In the summer of 1989, the Dalai Lama made his second visit to the United States. At that time few understood the circumstances of his exile from Tibet. Mostly, people thought he and his culture were curious; different from us. I listened carefully as he spoke, communicating through a young Tibetan monk who translated for him.

I did not understand much about the details explained, as the translator struggled with the language barrier. However, what I did know for certain was this monk, from a faraway place, was truly Good. Good to the core of His Being. On that day I learned firsthand of the suffering, torture and genocide of the Tibetan people.

The Dalai Lama of Tibet has a similar juxtaposition to Buddhists, as the Pope of the Vatican has to Catholics. The Dalai Lama is a pillar of grace and wisdom for his people. And like the Pope, he is admired and respected across cultures and religions.
 

Pope John Paul II

On that hot July afternoon in 1989, I did not have the perspective I have today about the Dalai Lama's cultural relevance. But I did however experience the majesty of His presence. And, I gratefully received His personal blessing at a time in my life when I would have stood in line for any kind of human connection with God. 

Since that day I remain loyal to Tibetan liberty. I made a promise 22 years ago to do whatever was in my power to right this wrong. I was deeply moved by my experience and concluded that a culture with so much to offer the world must be preserved to flourish, for the greater good. 

Naturally, there is a religious and political spin on Tibet, which is significant. However, what is most important to understand, in today's context, is our misconceptions about religion affecting government.

1. Do not assume China's cruelty is a consequence of godless communism.
2. Do not fool yourself thinking a godless-world would be cruelty-free, or somehow more righteous; more fair. China has already proven you wrong.
   

Religion and government are political. But each has its own life, independent of each other. For comparative purposes, Cuba is a religious, communist country while China is a godless communist country. Everything else being equal, would you rather be oppressed in Cuba or Tibet? I rest my case.

China is the same old story of Imperialism all over again. It wants what Tibet has and will not stop until it gets it. That's just old-fashion imperialism. Except with China it's godless communists instead of Western Christian Crusaders! One seems no better than the other. 

After thousands of years of documented genocide, worldwide, we still turn a blind eye. The systematic annihilation of an entire people has gone undeterred for generations in Tibet. China is wiping out a culture. Why are we letting this happen? Shame on you! Every world nation that looks away from these human rights crimes of torture and killing, SHAME ON YOU. 

How many civilizations will be destroyed before we determine an acceptable loss? When will we make it stop? By 'we' I mean a collective body of humanity. 
Where is our humanity? We, the people, are responsible for this existence. We have the capacity to affect change in our world. How can anyone rest in comfort knowing the horrific 'evil' of genocide persists today in the 21st century? Especially deplorable is having a written history to reference and still allowing genocide to continue.

Western history, anthropology, journalists, authors and clergy have documented hundreds of years of genocide. From Native Americans, the Maya and other indigenous people of Mexico and Central America to Serbia, Bosnia, Armenia, Darfur, Sudan, South Africa, Uganda, Congo, Cambodia. 

Generally speaking, genocide does not necessarily mean the immediate destruction of a nation, except when accomplished by mass killings of all members of a nation. It is intended rather to signify a coordinated plan of different actions aiming at the destruction of essential foundations of the life of national groups, with the aim of annihilating the groups themselves. (Wikipedia) 

Seriously people, listen up. In 1994, for a hundred days, up to 800,000 Rwandans were clubbed and machete-ed to death. A good 'kill day' equaled 10,000 human-beings slaughtered --in their own country. Six million Jews in Germany exterminated? A number some people have the flippin' nerve to dispute. What if it were three million? One? Wouldn't that be enough, for Christ sake?! 

Genocide Watch, The International Alliance to End Genocide, keeps a mindful eye on the countries in current crisis. The website has a downloadable list of the peoples in danger. 

Genocide is ugly. Nobody wants to look at it. Do it ANYWAY. Let it move you. Feel disgust with your privileged life as you complain about how difficult life is here in fat, first world.
 

Shame on us all for letting this happen again and again and again.

I do not know what liberation for Tibet will look like. I only know our collective efforts must make it happen. We cannot knowingly allow China, big as it is, to wipe out an entire culture. Simple people whom we can learn a great deal, tirelessly and against their will, fighting for their lives with almost no help at all. This is wrong.

Universal standards are already in place for human rights. What good is the United Nations if they are not going to uphold their own criteria for fair, humane treatment. There can be no fair treatment of any people when one group seeks to oppress and dominate another.

Wrapping this up, I'd like to request that we not call ourselves civilized, progressive, modern or, God forbid--Christian, when we continue to look away from the human horror of genocide. Don't think about the children who are enslaved and violated, who starve to dead and suffer of curable disease. Just turn away and go on with your day. What else can you do?

TIBETANS

You can do the right thing. Be a human-being and care. Do everything you can to bring about equality in all aspects of your life, and let your efforts extent outward. Support people and organizations that are doing the dirty work, and be grateful it's not you. Make it your mission in life not to rest until these human atrocities are no more.

This existence is our responsibility. We are the miracle. We are the way.

One mind changing at a time, evolving to a higher mind; a better quality of life. A life with far less focus on the material, and intense focus on loving, giving, and healing ourselves and each other.

Be the change. Be the example. Be the Good. Shout out for Tibet. Free Tibet on Facebook

Please note disclaimer: I have no ill feelings toward the Chinese people. Governments are not people. Chinese culture is rich and long-standing in the world. Inventions, ingenuity, cultural cohesiveness all commend respect. Their problems-solving skills have developed an efficient system for their way of life. They are not at all intimidated by outside influence. Efficient, however, does not mean effective. The world has something to teach China. We want them to participate in a global community. It serves the greater good. Peace will prevail.

Intention for Discussing Belief

Related post, Go Ahead: Believe yourself right out of existence
In my tweets and blog postings I often discuss the topic of belief. Use of the word 'belief' has caused some disturbance among those who misinterpret my intention with this topic. Hopefully, this posting will clarify my intentions.

In my world I stand between two radically opposing views. Passionate views involving religion and politics. They are both wrong. They are both right.

Perception and semantics are grounds for war. My purpose here is to seek harmony between these two groups by attempting to bridge a gap in understanding regarding the emotional discussion of religion and belief.

First, I'll set the record straight. I am not religious. Not about anything. I am not suggesting this is the best way to live your life. I could, for example, stand to be more religious about brushing my teeth.

I think it is important to distinguish between what it means to be religious verses having religious beliefs, or having any other beliefs about existence. For example, would it be accurate to postulate that atheists are religious about spreading their point of view? Some are and some aren't, like any other population. Equally true, possessing beliefs does not make you religious by default. What's the point? We all believe, even if we don't admit it. Belief is the glue that holds our physical universe in tact.

Whichever your perception, or wherever you stand on the controversial subject of belief, I respect all points of view... as long as those views are not being shoved down my throat attempting to restructure my universe!

In addition to the sticky subjects of belief and religion, I enjoy a variety of controversial and problematic topics. My intention for discussing belief is to continue developing a fresh life perspective while preserving the continuity or overlap of existing concepts and theories, which I highly value. A spiritual perspective or a balanced world-view is being attempted.

As a rule, I make an effort to value the opinions of others. I reject the hurtful limitation of labels and withhold judgment as much as possible... considering my own shortcomings.

Identification with any specific group is for practical purposes only; typically to breakdown barriers and seek common ground. I am complimented that my assertions are equally unpopular with both believers and non-believers.

Adequately knowledgeable about world religions, belief systems, culture and linguistics, I have a passion for pushing boundaries and a gift for thinking abstractly.

Most of all I recognize and acknowledge the creative power of belief.

Photo by Holly

All that said, hopefully less misunderstandings will ensue so as not to distract focus from my intent. My intention being 1) to rationally discuss sensitive topics that limit human potential; and 2) to radically affect change in collective consciousness.

(Surely, I am not the only one weary of the hostel, unproductive arguments of what is considered right or wrong, good or bad... answers to which are limited by human judgement.)

I hope to affect change by communicating concepts that connect collective ideas in an effort to broaden human awareness. I value inclusive, creative, expansive thought intended to evolve the human spirit, potential and condition.

That is what I am about. Any questions?
Related post, 'Go Ahead: Believe yourself right out of existence'
Top photo: My daughter bouldering in Bishop, CA (June 2011). Photo by Leo.