For billions of years the universe existed and I did not perceive it. It was always there, it was real, but I did not exist in a form that was capable of observation; or if I was, I do not remember it.

It is entirely possible, though improbable, that there is more that exists--other dimensions, other realities, other forms of being--that exist and are as real as the tangible universe that I in my current form cannot perceive. My current lack of ability to perceive does not disprove the unobservable any more than my previous lack of ability to perceive what I now can perceive mean that it then did not exist.

There is however a caveat. My current perception or lack of it may not disprove the existence of the inperceptable, but it also in no way proves it. And it should be noted that even with my limited current perception I am quite capable of observing now that Mormonism is not what it claims to be, nor is religion in general. On the subject of Jesus there is just enough evidence to make me suppose that there probably was a historical man, but I have no reason to presume that if he existed, that he was divine.

I think that we each of us, ought stop sending each other passive-aggressive chocolate chip cookies with little love notes and admit that we both just don't know jack. So lets sit down and all of us enjoy a sandwich with a good beverage, and give our mouths something useful to do.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/08/2012 11:06PM by The Man in Black.

The Man in Black Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
...
> my current form cannot perceive. My current lack of
> ability to perceive does not disprove the
> unobservable any more than my previous lack of
> ability to perceive what I now can perceive mean
> that it then did not exist.
...


Then there is the possibility that _you_ do not "exist" as
any sort of "thing" apart from all else that is.

Every year the arctic pack-ice melts, freezes, and melts
again. Were I to inspect it today, I might discover some
fantastic ice-forms, well worth photographing and sharing
with others. And next year they are gone -- melted back
into the basic watery substance from which they arose.

Were they ever real? Did they ever exist? Would my photos
really prove anything?

How do sentient beings differ from transitory formations
in the frozen seas?

UD

The photos would not prove anything, but might be fun to look at over a sandwich and a beer.

Je pense donc je suis.

The Man in Black Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Je pense donc je suis.

True -- but what can be said about that selfsame "I" ???
Is it part of a greater whole? Or is it uniquely independent?

Ever watch Leni Riefenstahl's "Triumph of the Will?"

UD

Funny I should bring that up.