Atheists and Agnostics

If you read the About Me section of the web site, I state; "I don't care whether you believe in God or not." And I don't. God is an arbitrary term. The etymology of the word can be reduced to "invoke." If the term "grace" (as in Gift-Gratitude-Grace) works for you, it works for me. Here I speak of grace more specifically as, "a state of grace." Stripped of religious connotations, I imagine a state of grace  to be similar to an athlete, musician, or dancer's virtuoso performance. Or an individuals ability to meet circumstances with a level of intelligence and poise that manifests an unconscious competence.

One of the cornerstones of G-G-G is "inclusion." We allow everyone the freedom to demonstrate and speak to their truth. This does not mean we support or endorse their truth. Someone who identifies themselves as a Ku Klux Klan member, or a neo-Nazi, doesn't allow for inclusion and invalidates themselves. Basing an opinion of another human being simply by the color of their skin or religious affiliation is toxic. It breeds intolerance, hatred and violence. While I allow you the right to hold your own opinions, I allow myself the freedom to oppose them.

Atheists and agnostics are a whole other kettle of fish. They either don't believe in God, or aren't sure. In no way do I find this offensive. Actually, I am of the opinion that the onus lies with God. Show them! Demonstrate your power! And I believe He does. One way is through the process of G-G-G. There is enough evidence "linked" on this web site to support a SCIENTIFIC evaluation that the process works. What I ask of you atheists and agnostics is to try it out. Look on Life as a Gift, for which you could be Grateful under any circumstances, and see if this doesn't lead to a state of Grace.

Be advised though, I have no problem with you reverting to the use of the word God. As this article in the Journal for Scientific Exploration reveals, you won't be the first in you efforts to reclaim it.

http://henry.pha.jhu.edu/haisch.html

Conundrum

"You are a teacher of Israel, yet you do not understand this? Truly I tell you, we speak only of what we know and testify only to what we have seen, yet you people reject our testimony."  John 3:10-11

The dynamic at plays seems to be the 3rd paragraph in the God section. I find myself repeatedly referencing it of late. Here is one more example (albeit Biblical) of our experience being our reality, our reality being our perception of life, and our perception of life being our truth. As important is the acknowledgment that "our truth isn't your truth." This is the point of divergence between Christianity and G-G-G (or any religion for that matter). I am of the mind Life (God) is so diverse, intelligent, and creative, it will provide a personal revelation. As intoxicating as that may be, remember too "neither does it take precedence over your truth."

Shared experiences can be as instructive as they are informative. I am not suggesting that they are off-limits. Only the understanding that they aren't (necessarily) universal. This seems obvious to me. Yet how much of our interaction with others consist of us ramming our beliefs down someone else's throat? And growing indignant if they aren't convinced? Watch the next time an argument sprouts up around you. Marvel at the importance people place on being "right."

My truth is the Bible isn't to be taken literally. The conundrum is, I often use it as an example to amplify the message I am trying to impart. Some might find that hypocritical or inconsistent. Be that as it may, the larger truth is I'm in some pretty good company.

See Luke 5:37

Any Questions?

The time will come and you will scream; "enough is enough!" Your distress will be so great you will be ready (finally) to surrender. "What must I do," you whisper. Life, as it always does, responds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4Qm9cGRub0

Of course, this isn't new. We have covered this ground before...

http://wpgrogan.blogspot.com/2012/11/im-hurtin.html

http://wpgrogan.blogspot.com/2012/10/not-good-enough.html

This time though, it was said a new way, by a different speaker. This time, the moment was ripe. This time, circumstances conspired to create a willingness in you to listen. This time, you don't give a good goddamn what the ego is saying. This time it will be different...and you know, you are right. Welcome to the Kingdom.

Can I Get a Witness

One might think I financed this video, it is so in line with what I promote. It does meander a bit but the voice of Patrick Willis is so hypnotic, one doesn't mind. (or at least I didn't) Enjoy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEjEX9Cp1-g

Heading into the weekend, may blessings infuse your activities and your leisure.

Holy Ground

"And he said, Draw not nigh hither; put off thy shoes from thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." (Exodus 3:5 KJV)

I use this quote to acknowledge the respect and reverence I hold for the subject matter I am about to discuss. It is the tragedy one family faced losing their 20 year old son. The family was devoutly Christian, the son gay. I will allow the mother (Linda Robertson) to tell the story herself.

http://justbecausehebreathes.com/

The courage and vulnerability of this mother (and family) amaze me. As with Damien Mander (Yes or No 5-30-13) it is obvious no punches are being pulled and we are getting the straight, unabridged truth. That it is heartbreaking deepens the impact and increases our compassion. We ache for and with the family.

That said, what is the lesson we can benefit from? Isn't it the complications Christian fundamentalist create when they insist on a literal interpretation of scripture? That they are convinced they know the will of God based on the Bible? Isn't a segment of the United States resisting the recent Supreme Court decision to permit gay marriage based solely on the bible? This very minute, aren't Christians politically active enacting legislation at the state level (Texas, North Carolina and Ohio) to remove a woman's right to chose?

The question is, why? Why isn't your belief sufficient to you? Why do you insist on making it my belief? Why do you wish to impose your morality on me? The argument seems to be (always) biblically based. The problem is, the Bible can't be literally read. It is too full of contradictions and counter commands to be interpreted in that fashion. And it is not a matter of me saying that it is contradictory, READ IT! Simply start at the beginning of Genesis chapter 1. Chapter 2 of Genesis contradicts chapter 1. As to the typical semantics Christians (at this point) start to employ, I ask you go to Genesis chapter 5 and read the first two verses. It is your text, it is either "literal" or its not.

Understand it isn't just Genesis...its the entire Bible. The first book of the New Testament (Matthew) flatly contradicts the third book (Luke) as to where Mary and Joseph lived prior to the birth of Jesus. All four gospels have different stories surrounding the resurrection and one would think that they would have gotten that right. I could go on and on, but it isn't my aim to ridicule Christians. I am simply trying to create a context where they will allow and respect MY choices.

I shared Linda's story today because it underlines the point of this website. It is our experience which makes up our reality. (see God section, second half of paragraph 3) You can be as well intentioned as can be, but once you start imposing ethics or morality on others, you diverge from the path. The path is self discovery. The goal is understanding your relationship with Life (God). The fulfillment is granting this privilege to others. Then, and only then, will you be standing on holy ground.

Summer Solstice

Ancient powers will be readily available today. Though called by a thousand different names, the essence is simply a reflection of imagination unfettered. Let Life call to you, beckon you, seduce you. Fall freely into the unknown...

http://www.bard.org/education/studyguides/Midsummer/midsummermyths.html#.UcSZ39zn_cs

Myth is the mind, the very dreams of the Creator. Intensely intimate and powerfully sublime, know that God cannot, will not be restricted by our limitations. Even if that means being put to the torch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mnY-lWpstw

Evora was one of the main Inquisition centers in Portugal. Women inspired to demonstrate their harmony with nature were often denounced as witches and burned at the stake. This, the reaction from the wisest of the Church, the ultimate powers within the religious hierarchy, couldn't have been more demonic. Consider whether your own opinions and judgments may mirror similar, albeit less overt, prejudices.

Do yourself a favor tonight and spend a few minutes admiring the moon. I promise it will be glorious! Perhaps even you will be caught up in the magic...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5JqPxmYhlo

FWIW

Because I began this silliness, I feel compelled to complete the circle. Friday the 14th, a lone, single, solitary Aussie wandered in (apparently from the Outback---dazed and dehydrated) to G-G-G. The desire to have at least one visitor from every continent (Post: "G'Day Mate" May 29th) has been fulfilled.

How often have your heard, "I want a June wedding." June seems to be the most popular month for weddings. To celebrate all newlyweds everywhere, my tribute to you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjIE_F8PmUU

Make sure you check out Couples Therapy posts (10-19-12 and 3-18-13) if things ever get rough.

It's Father's Day, so lets go ahead with an over-the-top sentimental tribute to our fathers, living and passed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-vYuV3OmhE

Enjoy the day, your fathers, and all Life has to offer.