thoughts and musings, deep and shallow

[_The Nehor]

I think reincarnation and the Christian concept of an afterlife both have their roots in the same fear: is this all there is? and in the same desire for more... more than the few years we know we have because we're still living them.

I'm not sure this fits. The main reincarnation religions (Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism) hold that the goal of mortality is to get OUT of the cycle of reincarnation. They don't want to come back. In many ways they are seeking eternal death in a state of contented and unthinking bliss as existence is painful. Reincarnation has been altered and presented to the west in a more appealing package to us but I do think that eastern and western religions are based more on escape and hope, respectively. I don't think they spring from a common human sentiment.

[_Gazelam]

I've been put off from that by the attitude and actions of some of the Staunch Defenders who've taken to posting here, unfortunately, and have never been able to shake the impression that anything I say here can and will be used against me at some later point--both online and off.

I hope this isn't in reference to me.

[_harmony]

I hope this isn't in reference to me.

Could be. I'm not saying it definitively is you, but it could be. You aren't exactly the most tolerant TBM on the board. You'd probably haul me into the bishop's office for noticing that Mr Melted Butta's voice is sexy.

[_Roger Morrison]

Hi Harmony, appreciate your OP, have enjoyed & speculated upon much that followed. You said:

So... I'm home, tired, grumpy, a bit under the weather. And I start to thinking... if this life is all there is (and it's certainly all that can be verified), if religion doesn't matter, if this is the one chance I'm going to get to do whatever it is I hope to accomplish... how am I doing? Am I satisfied with my life? Is this what I would be doing, if I knew I'd be gone within a specified period of time?

I hope you're better rested, less grumpy, & out from under the weather. You asked, (of yourself) "How am i doing?" I warmly suggest, "Yer doin' great! Ya got my respect! And that ain't jus' butta..."

You probably know already my opinions and sentiments on the points you touched. Anyway I'll reiterate them cuz they weren't quickly, or painlessly arrived at. However, I do now enjoy a surety and comfort that grows constantly in MY life.

"...this life all..." I could not ask for more! Has it been easy? No. Ease is not the purpose of life. Have I been challenged? VERY! By others, & mostly by myself. (learning how to deal with those "others" ;-) "I" now see no reason to imagine/hope-for/believe-in another life. Other than that of absolutely knowing my biodegradeable body will go back to the elements from which it came to nourish new life. To ME that is most comforting cuz we all are equal in so doing. As in fetus; so in death. As THE designer--imagine yer own--intends.

"...if religion doesn't matter..." It does! When one interprets the word correctly:-) Let me suggest "religion" has been erroniously limited, generally speaking, to a religious application in the past. How about we think in terms of "religion" simply being a-way, or the-way one lives? Then it means everything.

Try it this way, "...if 'the-way-you-live' doesn't matter..." No sane mature person could conclude that the way you live (your religion) doesn't matter. Nothing matters more, IMSCO.

"...one chance..." No! A zillion chances. We wake up every morning to opportunities/chances that can be taken. The great blessing is ya don't have to take them all. Seek/Find and take the one(s) that fit YOU the best. Letting/helping others do the same.

Sounds like you've done pretty good: Family love! Job satisfaction! Involved with folks who obviously appreciate you--like here. Flirting is wonderful, pleasant and harmless. Not the same as coming-on. It validates one as, "gee, someone thinks I'm nice. I MUST be.WOW!"

"...life satisfaction..." is subjective and in the hands of each individual. Don't find it satisfying? Then adjust/fine-tune it. We're lucky today with a longevity that opportunes more than ever before. Enjoy life don't lament, or waste it.

OK... As for THE church, or any CHURCH. Take it for what IT offers not for what IT demands. Believe what you want. BUT live with compassion and integrity. Be assured, after one learns the basics of human relations, and other than mixing with the group of your choice, church is simply a traditional story-telling, meeting place. Go where you want, when you want, if you want... "The sabbath was made for man..."

Warm regards, Roger

[_harmony]

As for THE church, or any CHURCH. Take it for what IT offers not for what IT demands. Believe what you want. BUT live with compassion and integrity. Be assured, after one learns the basics of human relations, and other than mixing with the group of your choice, church is simply a traditional story-telling, meeting place. Go where you want, when you want, if you want... "The sabbath was made for man..."

Warm regards, Roger

You sound so much like Uncle Jim. Gosh, how I love that man. He is truly the only Saint I know, and he turns 70 this year. We won't have him for much longer.

I'm not sure the church, with it's trumpeted truth and "authority" claims, would agree with your assessment of their importance in the grand scheme of things.

Some days, like today, I'm grateful for the church. I've had to call a family meeting for tonight to discuss a painful subject (self neglect by our most precious family elder) that threatens her independence, and her bishop is a necessary and important part of that discussion. And bless his heart, he is equal to the task. He is a good man. I find fewer and fewer of them, as I age. Would that the leaders in Salt Lake Central were as compassionate and humble as this man is. Unfortunately, they are not... and we all suffer because of their pride and arrogance.

[_Roger Morrison]

Some days, like today, I'm grateful for the church. I've had to call a family meeting for tonight to discuss a painful subject (self neglect by our most precious family elder) that threatens her independence, and her bishop is a necessary and important part of that discussion. And bless his heart, he is equal to the task. He is a good man. I find fewer and fewer of them, as I age. Would that the leaders in Salt Lake Central were as compassionate and humble as this man is. Unfortunately, they are not... and we all suffer because of their pride and arrogance.

How fortunate for your ailing-elder that you have the Family Dynamic that you do. And how lucky your family is to have you as an initiative taker. Harmony you illustrate so well a community that works. A traditional caring community that has since the beginning of time taken responsibility for, and provided compassionate-service to, its members.

Traditionally centred by a church of any number of denominations/sects with a Minister/Pastor/Priest/Bishop much as you describe your good Bishop. I know the comfort they provide(d).

In my childhood it exuded from The United Church Of Canada in which my saintly Mother was a soloist and a most faithful member; an abstainer as one expected of the times, who never raised her voice nor uttered a profane or mean word. Yet she graciously, along with my mother-in-law, sat in The Visitors' Centre while her three Granchildren were married in the Washington Temple. After the third such experience the scales fell from my eyes, my vision cleared and I saw the Mormon CHURCH for what it was/is. That is, something seperate from the goodness, and well-meaning, of its Members. (I digressed :-)

Might as well continue to, eh: For the last 15 years or so my wife (of 56 years :-) and I have attended MANY churches, not searching--more as researching ;-)--and have found happy folks and welcome in most of them. This in both Canada & Florida where we were blown away by their number AND size! From UU, First Methodist that are less Evangelical to Baptist and Pentecostal who are more so. The coldest, most austere seeming was The Church Of Christ, a LDS break-away I think. LDS being the most conservative and back-dated into the '50s. Except for the cars they drive ;-)

Compassionate Service seemed to be front and centre in most congregations. Their programs listed support groups for every personal & social need imaginable. I would say their members are well served. Community Out-Reach programs are wide open to everyone.

My personal concern in all of this goodness is the faultsified 'truth' of Genesis, and the primitive theology they expound. Which of course doesn't have to be believed to enjoy the show... Right :-)

I do hope your Family Council resolves you concerns. And as suggested, enjoy what can be enjoyed on the "trip" and sleep when needful, until yer ready to get off...

Warm regards, Roger

[_Yoda]

I've been put off from that by the attitude and actions of some of the Staunch Defenders who've taken to posting here, unfortunately, and have never been able to shake the impression that anything I say here can and will be used against me at some later point--both online and off.

I hope this isn't in reference to me.

I actually think that Blixa was referring to Bob Crockett.