RE: Logic tells me God doesn't exist but my heart says otherwise.
October 15, 2014 at 9:52 pm
(This post was last modified: October 15, 2014 at 10:13 pm by The Grand Nudger.)
A qualitative experience common to many is what the maori would have felt when they were -really- into gnawing on their enemies bones. The initiating event is different, the framework is different, the experience - likely- the same as communion, or drawing down the goddess.
I suspect that those who have a religious experience centered around the notion of total interconnectedness (or anything) do a fair amount of mythicizing. Honestly, the minute we say "religious experience" we're beyond the point of strongly held philosophical opinions, aren't we? It can also yield control and coercion on others. What do you think honor killings are about (it's not just the girl who's honor is in danger, we're all connected, especially family)? Hamingja, largely the same. It doesn't have to, obviously. But that strong emotional connection is a motivator, as you've said, and I'd have to call it a neutral motivator. Whatever the idea, noble or shitty - it's going to motivate. I think the whole thing is interesting, but, ultimately - nothing I'd condone as a method of setting ones opinions or even buttressing an otherwise arguable position. Far better, I think, to accept these experiences for what they are and acknowledge that they impart no added significance to the concept/object in reality, and no knowledge to the participant either (and that seems to be what often rubs up against what we know of reality, a person who has a "religious experience" doesn't seem to think that their position is just as true after the experience as it was before, generally much more so). The ability of those experiences to alter our worldview is -precisely why- we ought to take them with a grain (or truckload) of salt, don't you think?
(I've had an experience like this, btw, big - knock you on your ass, new eyes, never happen again one - but I'd never tie it to any truth I'd like to hold or use it as a support for the same. Wouldn't do me any good....but that might just be me.)
I suspect that those who have a religious experience centered around the notion of total interconnectedness (or anything) do a fair amount of mythicizing. Honestly, the minute we say "religious experience" we're beyond the point of strongly held philosophical opinions, aren't we? It can also yield control and coercion on others. What do you think honor killings are about (it's not just the girl who's honor is in danger, we're all connected, especially family)? Hamingja, largely the same. It doesn't have to, obviously. But that strong emotional connection is a motivator, as you've said, and I'd have to call it a neutral motivator. Whatever the idea, noble or shitty - it's going to motivate. I think the whole thing is interesting, but, ultimately - nothing I'd condone as a method of setting ones opinions or even buttressing an otherwise arguable position. Far better, I think, to accept these experiences for what they are and acknowledge that they impart no added significance to the concept/object in reality, and no knowledge to the participant either (and that seems to be what often rubs up against what we know of reality, a person who has a "religious experience" doesn't seem to think that their position is just as true after the experience as it was before, generally much more so). The ability of those experiences to alter our worldview is -precisely why- we ought to take them with a grain (or truckload) of salt, don't you think?
(I've had an experience like this, btw, big - knock you on your ass, new eyes, never happen again one - but I'd never tie it to any truth I'd like to hold or use it as a support for the same. Wouldn't do me any good....but that might just be me.)
I am the Infantry. I am my country’s strength in war, her deterrent in peace. I am the heart of the fight… wherever, whenever. I carry America’s faith and honor against her enemies. I am the Queen of Battle. I am what my country expects me to be, the best trained Soldier in the world. In the race for victory, I am swift, determined, and courageous, armed with a fierce will to win. Never will I fail my country’s trust. Always I fight on…through the foe, to the objective, to triumph overall. If necessary, I will fight to my death. By my steadfast courage, I have won more than 200 years of freedom. I yield not to weakness, to hunger, to cowardice, to fatigue, to superior odds, For I am mentally tough, physically strong, and morally straight. I forsake not, my country, my mission, my comrades, my sacred duty. I am relentless. I am always there, now and forever. I AM THE INFANTRY! FOLLOW ME!
