Abstraction

I awoke this morning with the most amazing thought about religion. As always I
still maintain that organized religion is unnecessary and more problematic than
what it is worth however my view on it has changed ever so slightly. I think
religion is an abstraction for the life-cycle of energy.

Even just trying to explain this theory of mine
shows the purpose that religion has served throughout the ages. Let me re-start
by saying this; we, in our physical form, are a manifestation of energy. Our
entire being is dedicated to maintaining the structure that the energy inhabits.
Once that structure is exhausted the energy within it is free from a physical
manifestation. It is my belief that religion’s purpose was to give meaning to
this process. To provide structure around a nebulous and uncertain concept.
At its core the process of our lives is very simple. There is no need to
explain much of what, how or why we do the things we do. Often what people want
to know, ultimately, is what is their purpose in life. How should they expend
their energy while it is in this physical form? Religion to some degree answers
that question. It gives rules and principles on how one should use their
physical being. Religion has made tangible what to some is intangible.

By using the expression “physical form” it allows me to adequately describe
what I perceive to be a state of being and not so much as a time of existence.
The rules of Physics states that energy is neither created or destroyed. It just
changes state.

Like all things in the known universe, energy has properties. What religion and
spirituality in particular does is provide a way to enhance or influence our
energy. When we change state I think that our energetic-self might just be a
reflection of the effort we put forth to maintain it when it was housed in our
physical form. Again, enter religion. There is not a religion that does not
teach peace, connecting with a source greater than ourselves, and living a
balanced life. This is where I make the separation between religon and spirituality.
Religion is about adhering to dogma, rules and structure. Whereas spirituality
is about applying the principles that allow us to have those greater connections.

I think I have rambled on enough.

Spy vs Spy

A very interesting article over on MSNBC about the NYPD spying, or should I say “gathering intelligence” on Muslims in the NYC area. NYPD went so far as to place informants in mosques, cataloged license plate numbers of vehicles parked in or near mosques,  cataloged sermons and used surveillance cameras to record the traffic in and out of the mosques.

Sounds like the did a very thorough job. What is interesting though is  that folks are complaining that the NYPD overstepped their bounds. They went to far some are saying. I disagree. If these people were gang bangers and doing drive-bys and gange bangers are known to frequent Weight Watchers meetings you bet your rosy ass NYPD would have informants at a Weight Watchers meeting!

I really hate that we live in a world where stereotyping and profiling (which is what I would  consider this to be) are necessary. It is sad that things are this way but it is our reality. Muslims, at least here in the U.S. will constantly say that the Muslim terrorists are extremist. Much like the Christians who feel bombing doctors offices that perform abortions are extremist. I say investigate them too. What is their Church teaching them? If you believe that God is  the almighty then you should also be able to figure out that he does not need your dumb ass to right wrongs. God is a big boy and can handle his business by himself.

As the article mentions, “there is no universally agreed upon warning sign for terrorism.” The only thing the authorities have to go on is what they know these terrorist have in common. They are Muslim. Where do you find Muslims? In the Mosque. So what are they supposed to say, oh no it is a mosque we cannot gather information there. Fuck that! They did the right thing. NYPD did not stop or interfere with the worshipers. No one was harassed by “the man”. No reports of midnight abductions by uniformed men. Until the report came out these people probably did not even know that intelligence gathering was being done. In today’s climate law enforcement would be hell-pressed to assume that these Muslims were benevolent. The could not assume that there was not a sleeper cell embedded in one of these mosques.

One something that should normally bring delight and empowerment to you is corrupted and perverted it gets more scrutiny. It gets cast in a doubtful shadow. The police did what they needed to do. They did it thoroughly. I do not like the fact that it had to be done but I also do not like getting blown up so some horny dude can collect his virginal harem. Collecting information is not a crime. Collect and protect.

 

Burn This Mutha Sucka

Come’on son! This is some crazy shit. Are you going to tell me that to the followers of Islam, it makes
perfectly good sense to merk someone becasue they burned the Koran? Really? I am not here to dispute whether or not the Koran is the inspired word of Allah. Nor do I wish to entertain arguments about respecting things that are sacred. What I do want to point out though is that the Koran, Torah, Bible, the name of the Hindu text alludes me at the moment and any other religious holy text in of themselves have no special power.

The words contained within these texts were penned by men. Blokes, dudes, mates, homies and regular folk that
are just like you and I. There is no text in those books that is worth killing another human being for regardless
of how they express their contempt for the text. Those muthafuckas that killed those men need to be apologizing to the families of those men. So what that they burned your fucking book. It is nothing more than paper and ink. All your actions did was confirm what most people believe about your religion anyway. That it is an ass-backward, archaic, extremeist way of life.

Again let me reiterate this. The book only has as much value as you assign to it. The alleged source of the text
has nothing to do with its value. Your response was way over the top. Perhaps you need to read another book. A book that will help you with your anger management issues. Obviously the one you are defending is not working. Assalamu alaikum.

Organized Spirituality

Commerce + Organized spirituality = Religion.

As soon as you bring people together of similar spiritual backgrounds you have the first part of an equation that has plagued mankind for millennia. The factor that completes this equation is commerce. As soon as you suggest and make available any artifact for sale that aids in one’s quest for achieving a connection between oneself and a higher state of being you have created religion.

Spirituality is free, unbounded and unregulated. It is unique from person to person. That is what is so truly beautiful about it. Religion is bound by a pseudo understanding of spirituality. Whereas spirituality is the acceptance of it’s dynamic nature. Like a wild mustang spirituality is not tamed.

The Path

I was enjoying the gentle breeze, clear blue skies and sunny weather when a song by Matishayu, “A King With No Crown”, came on. This lyric; “With these, demons surround all around to bring me down to negativity” ignited a thought. As I’ve written before I am no fan of organized religions but I do fully advocate spirituality. It occurred to me that all religions do share another common theme; the struggle to be spiritual, to follow a peaceable path in the face of chaos and disorder. Am I wrong?

Yet many of us find it difficult to pursue peace outside of the constraints of a sanctioned institution. We like belonging to a larger group. Having our ideals and beliefs defined by quantity. I’m guilty of this myself. Looking for affirmation, a literal show of hands, that my path is correct. Is this really necessary?

If the path does not trespass, harm or infringe on another it does not require affirmation from others. It already has the golden seal of approval from the highest authority. You.

We are free to walk alone or to move with the herd.

He’s Baaaaaack vs

Connect by Underestimated

“Many people spend more time developing their excuses than developing themselves.  Would you like successful excuses or a successful self?” Jihan Thomas

Quickly, folks. That’s how I feel about religions and their followers. They spend more time focusing on what not to do than actually doing something worth while. Religion is an obstacle to spirituality and humanity. Being spiritual has nothing to do with what arcane laws you choose to follow because you feel that is how your salvation is secured. Spirituality is the process by which you connect with and better the lives of the people around you.

Nuff said. Peace!

Bullshizzle For the Uninspired

I have to bang this one out before my fingers go numb. I can not afford to turn the heat up since home heating oil is now well over $3.00 a gallon. So between the hoody and the coffee I should be warm enough to pass these uninspired words to you, my faithful flock.

Recently some one had the nerve, unmitigated gall and audacity to attempt to save my soul! Go figure. I did not know it needed saving. Typically when the firemen, police hell even the armed forces are dispatched there is a clear indication of what is threatening the lives of those they are sworn to protect. What are the indicators that I am in need of saving? Am I a drug addict? No. Am I promiscuous? No. (That that copious amounts of sex is a bad thing) Am I a theif, murderer or other sort of criminal. No. Am I a lazy person that neglects my responsibilities? No. Am I a hateful person who looks to inflict pain and hurt on others? Typically no. Only during a full moon when the Saturn is aligned with Mercury and the day of the week ends with the letter ‘y’. Seriously though, by all means I am what most people consider to be a ‘nice’ person. Nice being a generality to succinctly summarize the attributes that allow others to tolerate me for periods longer than the initial introduction.

For you see my faithful, God has spoken to me. Which makes me a prophet. I wish to tell you what God said but I forgot my Batman Decoder ring so you will have to wait.

However I can tell you this. It seems that prayer and meditation is an integral part of all religions. Do not take my word for it, however if you do not take my word for it I can assure you a fate worst than death. Prayer has been defined as worshipful address as well as the act of communicating with a deity especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving. OK lets accept that. Meditation is defined as continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature. I know I am not providing a lot by way of connective tissue here but bare with me. When one prays one can be in a meditative state. However one does not have to pray in order to meditate. The point is this. That practitioners of religions, especially the Christians, are so adamant about the “Lord” answering their prayers that they fail to realize that the same results that they attribute to God are really nothing more than them working towards their goals through visualization or if you prefer try guided imagery. Why do I say this, you ask. Well simply put, because it makes sense. We have more to do with the outcome of our lives than we are willing to admit. We truly are a self determining species.

This is not to say that we, humanity, do not need guidance. More times than not we ignore practical guidance. Take responsibility for your actions people. If your plan failed it is not because “It was not Gods will” it is because you f’ed them up. If you succeed it is because you worked hard or were fortunate enough to have good timing or perhaps both. Once again, “Gods will” had nothing to do with it. God could care less about your stupid ass plan to be an entertainer or to succeed in some business venture or the other trivial matters in your life that you think are part of his grand plan for you. Hence why I am only a prophet and not God. You see if I were God I would not concern myself with your petty petitions for success and wealth (should you ask). I’d probably disconnect my put myself on the national do not call registry. You people are worse that telemarketers calling at dinner time. Sorry I digress. All the religions encourage hard work, dedication and a thoughtful existence. So why are you so quick to think that the outcome of your life has more to do with a grander purpose than it does the effort you put into it?