The only baggage we all like to carry...

I think you're right on. There's NEVER one side of anything (except maybe time 'cause its one-dimensional). So, hey why not think of human suffering + God's sufficiency are two sides of the same coin. Works for me. In fact, my faith teaches the same and in my life experience so far, I've noticed that every harship of mine related to God in one way or another. Like He was there. And He had a plan for it which, curiously, at the end I found, revolved around Him with Him being the center (and here I was thinking the spotlight was on me!). But, atleast in my life, no - the spotlight inevitably went to Him and I gathered that He uses my earthly hardships for an ethereal purpose (which is a very liberating thought both in itself and also to live by).

I could do better with the personal growth though. From your words, it appears to me that you're a person with resolve. Simply because of your resolve to grow as a human being (what you said about learning humility and discovering limitations). And I could surely use more of that in my own life. Resolve is beautiful when it has a higher purpose.

Hmm, now this is could be a topic of discussion. I've been reading a book on Philosophy and the author has a whole chapter on this topic. He talks about pluralism, exclusivism and their respective validities.

I find it fascinating that you use the word "cajoling." Hmm, being "cajoled into faith." I'm sitting here trying to picture that you know, and your analogy helps. Wow. my picture of faith is sort of different its like- being pushed into faith. You gather all your guts, you trust your Guide and you take the plunge type idea. Yes, there is that everyday-faith too that keeps me going but I don't know what its called. Maybe persistence?

Because somehow this is ingrained in people's minds that WE are our own salvation. That we, can liberate ourselves. The process of going about that is different in different religions. But the underlying assumption is the same or else why try to live impeccably (which somehow people think comes from being hard on oneself)?

I see . So how do you keep track of your lessons, musings,thoughts,questions? (besides in your mind)

I see. I'm horrible with lingo. :rotfl

 

haha, like it!

 

Hi sojourner! Welcome!

I see you offer a naturalistic answer for an (ultimately) metaphysical question. I understand what you said about vestigial organs, but can you elaborate on why emotional baggage is comparable to it? I can't seem to mine the similarities myself but maybe you can help me out.

 

yeah, but I would love to hear more about this.....

While I fully understand where you're coming from and what your implying, I feel a little uncomfortable with the usage of the word "mythical". Because for some of us, our faith is more real than reality itself. And God, more involved with our lives than life itself. So with that as a backdrop, we analyze such things in the context of spirituality or meta-physicality. Just letting you know where I'm coming from...looking forward to it!

 

Lol, at the Nat Sci 114 syndrome.

Yes- the reason I posted that was to give you a glimpse of where I'm coming from since its often hard to gauge that aspect in an online setting. That said, I am very interested in what you have to say (but don't feel pressured). Do what's most comfortable for you. As for me, I am willing to come out of my comfort zone. Oh and if this is any reassurance, being a theist I've debated with evolutionists/naturalists for 3 years and have managed to emerge out of the arena sane so.....yeah. :biggrin2: Not saying that this needs to be a debate, but anyway....