I agree that communication has developed over time, but the methods you outlined are tangible and available to everyone and can be verified by anyone.
You mentioned communicating via your soul and 'conscious' - that's what I'm interested in. How do you do it and how is it a verifiable means of...
Thanks for that info, Kathryn. I had a look on their website and it's available. I don't know if we have a Pier One here in Scotland, but I'll check. You have excellent taste....!
Hi Kathryn
That's an amazing tree picture you have above your mantle (on the 'Weather' thread). Who did it and where did you get it, if I may ask? I really like it. The deer statue is amazing, too.
Snowy and icy here in the Western Isles. Almost freezing in my house - my thermometer tells me it's 5.9 degrees C in the bedroom. I can see my breath condense in front of me.
Well, you posted this in the religious debates section.....
So what is the position of Islam on the points you raised in your OP? Do they differ from the customs you speak of?
Good point. Many shamanic cultures use substances (mainly plant-based, but also animal) to achieve an altered state of consciousness for healing and meditation. The use of certain substances in that context is totally different from getting wasted on booze and coke on a Friday night for fun.
We...
Yes, I suppose it is. It can be overcome, so it irks me that many religions adopt it within their doctrines rather than discarding it for a more equitable view of women. I'm amazed at how women can sign up for these basically mysogynistic religions.
Why is so much emphasis placed on female chastity? Why are women so reviled for not being virgins? Every one of your points point to shame, disrespect, dishonour, uncleanliness etc because of a basic biological urge being fulfilled.
Sadly, your religion is not unique in this view of women.
Last night's programme on this was shocking. Personally, I feel ALL religion should be removed from schools - other than teaching it within a cultural or historical context. Teaching pupils about stoning, amputation and how Jews look like pigs and monkeys is not education.
Perhaps people worship in order to get something in return. By worshipping a god, they are seeking its protection or approval. Maybe worship is inherently selfish. We all want to feel loved and cared for.
This is an interesting question. Many are quick to acknowledge a god's greatness and love when good things happen, but are curiously silent about that same god when the bad stuff happens.
Where do we draw the line regarding a god's involvement? We don't. We acknowledge that good and bad stuff...
Evolution can explain the personal and societal advantages in believing in a god, but as the concept of god is not uniform, then no, science can't even begin to test for its existence or non-existence.
Best leave it out of the equation.