Dear Fred,
Thanks for your email.
Among the oriental gurus with whom I familiarized myself as a young man, the one whose teaching appealed most was Korean Zen master Seung Sahn. His path to realization emphasized "Don't know mind." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seungsahn (Although drawn to Seung Sahn's focus on "the unknown and the unknowable," I also acknowledge the man's personal shortcomings.)
Later, when I discovered the Christian "tradition" of Magnum Mysterium I came to prefer "not knowing" at the highest and deepest level(s) of religion and spirituality.
My view does not deny the role of faith.
But as Unamuno taught, it is a poor faith that is not cross-fertilized by doubt. http://en.wikipedia.
If you do not know Unamuno, here is a revelatory anecdote: http://en.wikipedia.
"Not knowing" in face of The Whole (which is always greater than the sum of its parts) is intrinsically awe-ful and reverential.
When we get beyond "the knowable," "not knowing" (supported by the many working hypotheses of faith... praestat fides supplementum...) seems the only honest approach.
As a tool for advancement on any path where "things" can be known, love is key.
Augustine astutely noted: "We know to the extent we love." Epistemology worthy of the name!
"The Death of Epistemology"
On the other hand, I contemplate the three Abrahamic religions and see that all of them are determined (overtly, covertly, explicitly, implicitly) to exterminate their fellows because "they and only they" are RIGHT.
In their absolutism they must see others as absolutely wrong and therefore deserving annihilation because wrongness makes them satanic idolaters in an inter-related complex of religions where Monotheism Rules. (At least in theory The Trinity offers "escape" from ruthless monotheism since, as Chesterton pointed out, "three persons in one God" recognizes an interpersonal society within Godhead "itself.")
Of course "Abrahamics" do not use the word "annihilation."
They much prefer "purgation." (Keep things clean and neat!)
They much prefer "purgation." (Keep things clean and neat!)
I suspect Semitic obsession with dietary (and other forms of ritual) purity makes infidels "unclean in the sight of God" and thus "true believers" -- fill in "the believing blank" as you see fit -- are obliged to rescue God from The Shithole of Sacrilege by destroying any who befoul Him.
I know you have already read Emo Philips' shtick on sectarianism but it bears repetition:
"I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. So I ran over and said "Stop! Don't do it!" "Why shouldn't I?" he said. "Well, there's so much to live for!" "Like what?" "Well... are you religious?" He said yes. I said, "Me too! Are you Christian or Buddhist?" "Christian." "Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant ? "Protestant." "Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?" "Baptist" "Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?" "Baptist Church of God!" "Me too! Are you original Baptist Church of God, or are you reformed Baptist Church of God?" "Reformed Baptist Church of God!" "Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1879, or Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915?" He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915!" I said, "Die, heretic scum", and pushed him off.
Pax tecum
Alan
On Fri, Sep 19, 2014 at 2:05 PM, Fred Owens <froghospital911@gmail.com> wrote:
The US Government Never Understood Afghanistan and Still Doesn't
By that standard, I should avoid any contact with women.--
My writing blog is Frog Hospital
send mail to:
Fred Owens
35 West Main St Suite B #391
Ventura CA 93001
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