Originally posted by bbarrI just might do that.
On the basis of certain experiences resulting from meditation, and abductive inference based on the teachings of mystics across times and cultures. You should read Aldous Huxley's The Perennial Philosophy.
Is this any good for information on PP http://radicalacademy.com/philsummary.htm
Originally posted by ColettiIf by "consistently" you meant "every single moment of every single day" then I suppose you are right. I think most people would use consistently to mean "most or a large amount of the time". By that definition, I think many, if not most, people are "consistently peaceful and loving".
You actually know people who have never been sad or mean? You know people who have never said a cross word to anyone???
I think since you keep bringing it up - it is you who is brooding over the issue. I don't have any problems with it. I wonder if we checked the frequency you have posted on the issue, if it would be 1 or 2 out of 3 posts?
I post in a lot of places and in other Forums, too; it keeps me busy waiting for my sluggard opponents to move. I do think that your and the other "Christians" view that the human race's nature is "vile" "evil" and "depraved" is the key to your belief systems.
As such, I was wondering why you would believe such a thing since it seems unlikely that you see much evidence of such in your daily lives (at least I hope you don't; I know I don't). The only answer I've got is 'cuz the Bible says so. I guess that's good enough for you guys. Interesting.
Originally posted by DarfiusHow is that? By attaining peace, love etc? I thought you glorified God by being a Born Again Christian?
That's how we glorify God while we're on Earth.
Either the meaning of life is glorifying God, and these nice things are just pleasant side effects of attaining the meaning, or the meaning is peace, security, etc, and glorifying God is a side effect. Right? Which one is the actual meaning?
Originally posted by AThousandYoungThe former. The meaning of our lives is to glorify God and those are pleasant side effects.
How is that? By attaining peace, love etc? I thought you glorified God by being a Born Again Christian?
Either the meaning of life is glorifying God, and these nice things are just pleasant side effects of attaining the meaning, or the meaning is peace, security, etc, and glorifying God is a side effect. Right? Which one is the actual meaning?
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Originally posted by DarfiusSo I guess you made an error with your earlier post then?
The former. The meaning of our lives is to glorify God and those are pleasant side effects.
I don't think glorifying anyone or anything is a worthy "meaning of life". I prefer your earlier answer. I think happiness, security, pleasure, love, and such things are a worthy "meaning of life" and I don't believe you that one must be a Born Again to attain these things.
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Originally posted by AThousandYoungTrue happiness, security, pleasure, love, can only be obtained from God. Sure you can experience happiness, pleasure, love etc, if you are not a Born Again. But the problem is that it is only fleeting and temporary. You can never be truely satisfied. You always crave more but you are never filled. The difference is that when you become a born again believer, God fills the empty vacuum inside you and by glorifying God with your life you obtain true happiness, security, pleasure, love, etc. and thus true "meaning in life".
So I guess you made an error with your earlier post then?
I don't think glorifying anyone or anything is a worthy "meaning of life". I prefer your earlier answer. I think happiness, security, pleasure, love, and such things are a worthy "meaning of life" and I don't believe you that one must be a Born Again to attain these things.
Originally posted by dj2beckerHow do you know this happiness is fleeting and temporary? What makes you so sure that it cannot be permanent?
True happiness, security, pleasure, love, can only be obtained from God. Sure you can experience happiness, pleasure, love etc, if you are not a Born Again. But the problem is that it is only fleeting and temporary. You can never be truely satisfied. You always crave more but you are never filled. The difference is that when you become a born again believe ...[text shortened]... ife you obtain true happiness, security, pleasure, love, etc. and thus true "meaning in life".
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Originally posted by dj2beckerBuddhist teaching disputes your claim.
True happiness, security, pleasure, love, can only be obtained from God. Sure you can experience happiness, pleasure, love etc, if you are not a Born Again. But the problem is that it is only fleeting and temporary. You can never be truel ...[text shortened]... security, pleasure, love, etc. and thus true "meaning in life".
The qualities of compassion, kindness, love, and the wisdom of insight are inherent in our being. The strong disturbing emotions of fundamental ignorance, greed, anger, pride and envy cloud our perception of our pure nature. These qualities are not fleeting when fully realized.
How can you make such claims when you don't know the nature of your own mind, that which is the basis for all happiness and unhappiness? It's equivalent to claiming you can't reach the shore of the far side of the river, yet a boat is available for the traversing but you won't use it.