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.

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

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.