god created us with free will. otherwise the universe would simply be a clockwork mechanism running on the laws of physics. it would be dead, a machine. the only way there can be "life" is for free will to exist as a pre-condition. god had to grant this to us, otherwise he is alone in his creation. he gave us freedom. He needed to. god needs us.
oh, and is there a god?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
why I like Judaism
1. straightforward One God. No sons, moms, saints, mangods, etc.
2. family focused. monastic life not encouraged.
3. here-and-now focused. not so pre-occupied with heavens and hells, afterlifes and rewards and punishments.
4. Complex book (Bible). Beware of simple answers! Life is rich and varied.
5. Long Tradition. Beware of flash-in-the-pan cults. Judaism stands the test of time. Survived heavy persecutions and the Holocaust.
2. family focused. monastic life not encouraged.
3. here-and-now focused. not so pre-occupied with heavens and hells, afterlifes and rewards and punishments.
4. Complex book (Bible). Beware of simple answers! Life is rich and varied.
5. Long Tradition. Beware of flash-in-the-pan cults. Judaism stands the test of time. Survived heavy persecutions and the Holocaust.
Monday, January 5, 2009
the Trinity - good thinking or not?
Even if the trinity is an intellectual hack, I want to know how it was devised and what arguments are used to justify it. My friend Quixote is working on this issue too. I don't want to dismiss it lightly -- I want to dismiss it after careful thought! Not that I've pre-judged the situation, but it's well known that the Trinity concept depends on the sense of a "mystery beyond understanding" to work. In other words, it doesn't make sense, but we're supposed to ignore that, and to in fact embrace that as evidence to justify the concept. Not likely!
Still, when looking at religion as a social activity, the details of theology are not so important. What's more important are the organized meetings (masses, services, etc.) and the activities therein, and how they affect people. Kind of the "if it feels good, do it!" approach.
Still, when looking at religion as a social activity, the details of theology are not so important. What's more important are the organized meetings (masses, services, etc.) and the activities therein, and how they affect people. Kind of the "if it feels good, do it!" approach.
religion as social activity
I'm starting to think more about the sociological side of religion. Maybe issues of belief can be set aside and religion can be viewed as a social activity. In that case something like going to church is a social activity equivalent to other activities, in the sense that "belief" as a mental state is unobservable.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Paper Rock Scissor
Today I taught Skye how to play Paper Rock Scissors. We were in the parking lot of Mitsua, waiting for Judy. It's a great game for a 5 year old! So much fun. I'm glad she's at the level that we can play simple games together. Paper Rock Scissors!!!!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
any good catholic blogs out there?
oh, i lost the entry with an errant keystroke!!! arrrghh!!!
OK, here's the basics: I'm having trouble finding a catholic blog to read that satisfies my desire to think more about G-d. Instead, I find more insight and wisdom in Jewish blogs. Blogs from orthodox Jews, Chabad blogs, and Rabbi Ginsburg's blogs and youtube channel.
I'm looking for insights on G-d, not Jesus or Mary or the Pope. Remember, Unity: the Divine is One.
What kind of lapsed Catholic am I? A unitarian.
OK, here's the basics: I'm having trouble finding a catholic blog to read that satisfies my desire to think more about G-d. Instead, I find more insight and wisdom in Jewish blogs. Blogs from orthodox Jews, Chabad blogs, and Rabbi Ginsburg's blogs and youtube channel.
I'm looking for insights on G-d, not Jesus or Mary or the Pope. Remember, Unity: the Divine is One.
What kind of lapsed Catholic am I? A unitarian.
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