Posted by:
SusieQ#1
(
)
Date: December 31, 2010 01:21PM
loveismyreligion Wrote:
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> Just was wondering what you thought about my views
> - but now, rereading what I wrote, I guess I don't
> really have any views for you to respond to! It's
> nice to have the freedom to explore different
> views though, isn't it?
Some specifics re: My World View.
The whole point of using the terms Eccentric Eclectic at the time, was to keep my World View open to new ideas. It sets the core of my thinking scripts.
That leaves me open to add and subtract notions, ideas, theories, beliefs. I can create a mixture from many sources. I can try them on, use them as my thinking mantra for awhile and see how it fits. How does it help me make peace with my life, all of it: before, during and after my membership in the LDS Church.
It's a common theme on RFM: after Mormonism what?
There are a large number of posters over the years that have not just left Mormonism, but have left all religion. They let go of the whole huge package of ideas around a deity and a savior, and the organizational construction of authority, and controls which will bring a reward or punishment in an afterlife.
In my case, I have found that after over 50 some years, I have no need for religion, generally. I like some of the universal truths, ideas for living from religion, but I have no need or desire to subscribe to any organized religion or live it's rules and regulations in an effort to please a deity. Pleasing a deity is as old as human have been creating a deity.
Been there done that, now I am done. :-)
I recognize that most people who ever lived or will live believe in a deity. Some of them believe in a savior also. Today, that's predominately Christianity in it's many forms.
Human beings have been creating deities in their own image since recorded history. Female deities long predate male ones.
It's one of the characteristics of how societies, large and small, are held together throughout history.
I can, now, as an observer enjoy the pageantry, rituals, music, buildings and edifices, traditions, dance, etc. without being a believer in any of it other than it's importance to those that hold those ideas dear. The generational traditions of religion are long standing. They are the core of many governments, also, on some level.
I take a positive view of other people's rights to their religious choices. That is an important part of my World View.
In general, it's a positive part of people's lives. It gives them purpose and community that they are looking for.
I was not dumb, pathetic, stupid, duped, brainwashed, cultist or any of those things when I was a member, neither are others that remain. (There are some extreme cases, of course,) They are exercising their rights to their belief systems, which is as old as humanity.
I think it's very important to remember that to believe in a God Myth (in any form) is a normal and natural part of being human in a familial society always has been and always will be.
There are a small percentage of people who won't go along with the tribe, so to speak.
As human beings we have the ability to exercise a wide range of feelings/emotions. Some negative, some positive. I prefer to stick to those that are positive and constructive (as much as possible), such as: love, gratitude, forgiveness, tolerance, respect, etc., as they are the most conducive to maintaining peace of mind. That is where, in my experience, joy and beauty resides.
I have learned a few things in my personal experiences: negative energy/feelings/emotions will sabotage that. Angry ranting, spewing hateful speech, etc. is harmful to the person (physically, as well as emotionally), as well as those that are in the line of fire.
How I view the world, in my New World View, has a lot to do with my state of mind. The more positive it is, the more fun, and laughter, the more enjoyable life is. That is the kind of life I prefer, although, it's not generally possible ever minute of the day. But, I'm working on it as it is much preferable to negativity.