BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Atheist A different perspective

There are times when I get tired of hearing about an ancient text that dictates how I live. A little variety would be nice now and again, you know? I'm still reeling that a cookie sheet with a burn mark that appears to look like Mary was reported on the NEWS last night. (I don't even want to think about the cookie sheet shrine people are visiting....) When I start to lose my humor about the whole thing I often wonder where I could go for a vacation.

My current pick is hanging out with the Yanomamo Indians in Brazil. The social hierarchy leaves a bit to be desired, but they have some interesting religious beliefs and rituals (can we say hallucinogenic drugs). They are also endo cannibals which would definitely be a change of pace. Besides, can't beat the scenery - it's in the Amazon.

Yes, some people's immaturity about their religion can be a bit frustrating. However, I always try to suspend my judgment about these people because their life situation may have pushed them to believe in things that may seem silly.

Buddhists mught be termed as 'Atheists' as we don't subscribe to the 'God' idea... and our texts (sutras) are ancient...but the thing that attracts me to this specific Discipline, is that there is nothing which dictates 'thou shalt' or 'thou shalt not'.... It gives directives and reasonings, but every person is charged with deciding for themselves whether what they are thinking, saying or doing is Mindful and skilful.... There's no 'Right' or 'Wrong' in the strictest sense....

I just thought I'd post the passage below, as it's a post from Theistic fora, but everyone is quite welcome to attend....

"I made a promise some time ago to the Bible Basics Moderator that I would treat her forum with respect. She requested (even in her forum rules) that she did not wish to see arguments or contradictions to the Bible arising here, and requested that the book not be challenged or disputed. All well and good....

I promised her I would evaluate my words and discussions accordingly.

What I am about to say is purely as a comment, it's not intended to be defamatory or argumentative.

A great many threads in the Christianity and Bible Basics forum are either started by, or greatly contributed to, by Non-Christians (be they atheist, agnostic or of another following) and this is how discussion is generated. That's essentially what a forum is for. Discussion, verbal engagement and debate. Without these kinds of exchanges, discussion and debate on a forum whittles away to nothing. if everyone on a forum is of a like mind, then the conversation very quickly degenerates and dwindles away to nothing....

I would be very happy to transfer this discussion to the Buddhist forum, but there's a catch: Those wishing to continue this discussion would have to be as informed and cognisant of Buddhist doctrine as I am of the Christian Bible, (or at least, open to the suggestion and broad-minded enough to just appraise them....)

And that's where the problem arises.

The Buddhist forum is not much frequented by such discussions, because it seems to me (and this is only my perception - inform me if you think I am mistaken) many Christians either shy away from learning more about Buddhism, or prefer not to, intent instead, on just receiving all of their religious and/or spiritual knowledge and instruction, from one source.

But the Buddhist doctrine thrives on discussion and debate. Buddhism refuses to rely on faith or belief, prefering instead to recommend that all teachings - notwithstanding their origin or provenance - be subjected to the highest and most detailed scrutiny possible. so in Buddhism, it's not a case of have faith - it's a question of find indisputable proof and enhance your knowledge....

I would be pleased to open up a new thread in Buddhism to continue the above discussion, but only as long as those engaging in this discussion would be able to appraise the discussion as much from a Buddhist perspective as from a Christian one.

The same rules of respect, rudeness, courtesy, insults, poor language, politeness, etc.. apply on the Buddhist forum, as much as they do on any other forum. It's a question of acceptable constructive and positive social interaction - it has nothing to do with a person's belief or faith, religion or dogma.....

But I will create a 'transfer' thread to the Buddhist forum now, and hopefully continue this discussion there.

I am also posting this message on other Bible basics/Christian threads, where my participation has entailed lively discussion on theological matters....."
I would welcome visitors, as it were, to enjoy discussion - from all sides, with a simple view of broadening our minds and font of knowledge and information....

I was actually trying to provoke discussion on any other religion than Christianity through some humor.

It is believed that Jesus the Essene spent many of his "lost" years in India studying Buddhism. As I recall from my reading when he brought back Buddha's teachings to the Middle East they basically laughed and continued using current religious doctrine to keep the population sexually and socially repressed. The religion has continued to be repressive and aggressive. I doubt that anyone wants to enter that particular debate (Buddhism/Christianity) because it would spawn all sorts of interesting discussion like Jesus as a student, Buddha's teachings having merit, etc. It just doesn't fit in with the whole by-the-book mentality.

Anyone want to chat about the James Cameron documentary on finding a burial box allegedly belonging to Jesus?