[analog]

The purpose of this thread is to explore our function in this world, whereby perhaps we can better understand our needed form.

I am of the opinion that all things here have a purpose and that form follows function. I am a realist and I believe the biggest mysteries to life are hidden in the one place we neglect/refuse to look; right in front of our blind eyes. It would seem that many of us get so caught up digging through the layers of existence trying to find some precious gem of spiritual meaning that we neglect to keep our thoughts above the ground and realize the amount of obviously needed work that we do here every day. In my opinion, we don’t have to dig any further than everyday life to find our ultimate purpose here. I think it’s all summed up by our daily actions and is very apparent if we merely stop trying to make the sun go around the Earth. We may argue over the meaning/cause of life, but how can we argue about the effects of life; we know they are real.

Some would say that we are harming our planet, but if we don’t understand the universal direction that things must go in, how can we be sure that we are harming anything? Just because we may or may not be sending our planet in a direction which seems contradictive to sustaining life doesn’t mean that it isn’t necessary. For all we know, our next stage of evolution could require the planet to be in its next stage of evolution. Perhaps, we will get to work on another planet next. Maybe we're just the maintenance crew. Who’s to say?

I am more of the opinion that our existence isn’t an eternal give and take with the Earth, but rather an eternal give and take with the entire universal framework. It provides the stage for life, and we keep the stage swept off. Many here preach equality, but true equality means accepting our own equally important position in the whole. If we choose to be arrogant enough to exalt ourselves above everything else within the universal system that gives us life, then we are truly not equal; we are greater. I truly believe that all things are equally important. Our planet is merely equally as important as the others around us that don’t maintain life; the hypothetical sinner is just as important as the hypocritical saint; and your opinions are just as important as mine. In my opinion, the beauty of our framework is such that even our inability to agree on such things as religion, science, life, etc. is also a needed and equal aspect. Our seemingly personal inequalities only allow us to take different individual positions in society; whereby those individual positions then become a needed equal part of the whole also. Diversity helps the world go around.

It would seem as though we all have an opinion on how others should live and what they should do, but it is my opinion that to give direction without defining what it is we are actually here for is perhaps misguided. Are we here to do work? Are we here to eternally admire a creator? Is everything else here because of us? Is it even possible to do harm against the system that brings you forth, or is apparent harm actually necessity hidden behind the veil of an equally needed confusion?

I leave these questions up to you. All scientific and religious beliefs are welcomed and encouraged, but if you post here, be prepared to be challenged about your views. Let’s not jump in with phrases of so called enlightenment and then get offended when others question your posts. Also, let us refrain from never ending posts of achieving such enlightenment. This thread is to discuss our views on why we are here. Perhaps if we find the truth to that, the path to enlightenment will become much easier to travel.

The floor is open.

[mkirkpatrick]

The role of mankind is very simple at its basic cycle,it is to find itself,then by doing that very thing man will find everything,and he will see the unity and inclusivity within that
beautiful diamond.



regards michael.

[analog]

Thanks Michael,

How about a little further explaination, just to clarify your views? What is the framework that provides for something to loose itself; whereby it need be found?

If the final outcome is an eternal existence of celebration due to having been found, why not just not allow yourself to get lost in the first place? In your opinion, is it all about the search?

"Often times, it isn't until we are found, that we find we were lost." -analog

[dleviwing]

The simplest idea is to ask yourself why do we need a mirror? The universe also needs a mirror to see itself; we are probably only one of many such mirrors throughout the universe.

Even with all the fastidious philosophies that we create attempting to justify our existence or objectives, the facts are clear, we don’t comprehend and quite likely can never grasp a true concept; some people have a problem accepting such limitations so they also invent a god and create religions to scare the hell out of little children and gullible adults.

[analog]

Hey Dave,

I'm glad to see you join us. Perhaps, we will never understand. Who's to say? Thus, our eternal ignorance would be the necessity.

As far as religion goes, here's an excerpt from my blog representing my views of why some choose to believe in such things, and why others choose to exploit those beliefs:

"All and all, I think God is needed by the individual who needs comfort within a world which offers none, and I think religion is needed by the establishment who needs us all to get along, whereby societies are maintained and economies can thrive. There’s nothing like a common bond of peace and love to keep us all from killing each other and working as we should, within a single government/economy, but our group can kill another group if they don’t conform to our views; just as long as the rich stay rich; the poor stay poor; and most importantly, the working keep their asses working."

My only question is: Are the religious truly concerned about our souls, or are they more concerned about our opinions? It seems that it's in our nature to want others to agree with us.

Regards,

Tim

P.S. There is an obvious logical design (ToE) behind our world allowing it to function, and that's probably the closest to a god that I will ever know.

[dleviwing]

The only religion that deals with piece and love is the koma-sutra; all the others seem to deal with fear and finance.

Societies thrive on order and respect for the rights of individuals; religions thrive on the emotional fears of insecure and desperate people. If a society is in proper order these problems have human solutions. The ultimate goal of any organized religion or government however, is power and control of the masses; the individual dissipates into the chaos of oblivion. Our species becomes like any other virus to the universe.

In reality I find anything that helps to stem the absurdity of humans preying upon humans is worthwhile to a society; so as an atheist, “god bless you all”, even if you didn’t sneeze.

[austintorn@aol.com]

We have to live by what is known, that is, we are thrust into this reality with the ability to perceive and enjoy it through our cognition. Some have angst at this existential situation, but this need not be, for we feel free to be.

We know not much more than the details that seem to have led to us, but, as Analog suggests, it is the here and now in which we operate; so, it is that our existence takes priority over the unknown unmattering essence of our beginnings.

— Black-Out —

In the darkness I alit from the "Wiz",
And tried to make sense of this world of His.
Now I’ve found the answer to life’s dark quiz:
One must live this life by what light there is.

Even our enemies apparent—the mosquitos—may have a crucial role in the food chain.

[analog]

Dave,

I'm not religious either. I assume you caught the sarcasm in my post on religion. It's the governments attempt at power and control of the masses that I was referring to; and the god of most is the individuals attempt at being favored by the one they view as having power and control; whereby when they're lying there taking their last breath, they will feel as though they know where they are going, and won't be afraid. I was one of those children being scared to death with the thought of going to hell. It took me a long time to reprogram myself. From my blog: Religion.

My only god is logic and that's what I search for. I agree with your views.

It would seem religion presents itself as though to love, hiding behind the veil of peace, but it leaves the world loveless and in pieces.



Austin,

Thanks for joining. I see wisdom within your words also, and I agree.

BTW: This thread is partly due to you suggestion, so I encourage your further participation.


Thanks,

Tim

[Profpat]

I don't believe in organized religion either, but I am a Theist, and I dare say David, I have no more proof in God's existence as you have proof in God's non existence, being an Atheist. Agnostics are probably the most honest in their confession that they don't know.

Best to all,

Pat

P.S. Did you mean Kama Sutra, or is there a coma sutra also where you are in a coma while doing it?

[analog]

hello Pat,

Good point. So, what do you think is our function here? What is the role of mankind?


Glad to hear from you,

Tim