ORIGINAL SIN

Adder wrote: Historically it seem's that downwards and falling was like being consumed, perhaps by dull monotonous chaos that has to rely on unpredictability to generate the character or attribute of 'complexity', versus the 'creation' of controlled complexity. Complexity in those old context's being seen as more useful, smarter, higher, and less animal and more god like. It probably emerged as humanity developed the tools to allow brains to start to win over brawn. Sinking, versus flying.

So I think my opinion on 'sin' might be anything counter-productive to this 'spiritual' growth.

But 'original' sin? I'd take the particular functional approach having the god/s/ess exist in 3 domains; within one self (known known, ie 'knowing'), within all things we can see/hear/feel/directly perceive that is not self (known unknown), and within all things (unknown unknown).

Firstly, this gives me some import into different states of information across those domains and therefore ways to work on progress in each without getting too mixed up, but without necessarily sinking the belief of them all being one in the same thing anyway.

Secondly, it might allow the distinction of the 4th inclusive domain of all domains, to define what original represents. If there was a primordial timeless monism type of thing we might call the Force then it could be useful to think an original sin is one which extends through all 3 domains mentioned. Which is not really that difficult to understand.... perhaps.

I think its important to note the approach used to work with unknown unknowns might be less about asserting existence and more about the intrapsychic implications of decision making when working with a network of processors. How we exist rather then where we exist. But then, I'm a bit stuck on the entire consicous mind child to subconscious mind/s parent/s relationship (in networking terms, not familial).
:S

OB1Shinobi wrote: i dont have a link to anyone explicitly associating brain development with "eden" existence, but this book seems imo to suggest that modern culture is going to promote that idea soon

and if you click the spoiler you will get a summary of the function of the pre-frontal cortex from: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-functions-of-the-prefrontal-cortex.htm

Warning: Spoiler!

Primary functions of the prefrontal cortex involve planning a person's response to complex and difficult problems. The prefrontal cortex resides at the front of the brain, and it is subdivided by the brain's right and left hemispheres. It acts as an "executive" for the decision making process, weaving past events to present experiences in order to make the best choices. The cortex develops slowly, finally reaching maturity in a person's early to mid-20s. Medical conditions that affect the prefrontal cortex can have a profound effect on decision making and even personality.

The prefrontal cortex is a large area of the brain that takes up most of the frontal lobes in the right and left hemispheres. Like the rest of the cerebrum, the outer 0.07 to 0.19 inches (2 to 5 millimeters) of brain tissue are gray matter, specialized neurons that can send neural impulses at a much faster rate than the underlying white matter. The complex functions of the prefrontal cortex would be impossible without this large amount of gray matter.

This part of the brain gives human beings much of their intelligence and problem solving ability. The prefrontal cortex has the ability to process both the current environment and past memories. This ability likely helped early humans by allowing them to apply memories to new situations. What was once an evolutionary advantage for survival still plays a role in 21st century human development.

Though most humans no longer face constant threats to their survival, the functions of the prefrontal cortex are still applicable in 21st century life. It acts as a voice of reason, guiding human beings to make rational decisions over impulsive ones. Recent advances into neurology have explained how human behavior is affected by this part of the brain. Young adults whose prefrontal cortex is still developing, for example, participate in more risky activities and make less rational choices than adults. Teenage fatalities due to drunk driving are a key example of this poor ability to make rational decisions.

For adults, damage to the prefrontal cortex can impair a person's decision making abilities. The most famous historical case occurred in 1848 when an American named Phineas Gage had a railroad spike shot through his skull during a work accident. Though Gage survived and lived another 12 years, the damage to his left prefrontal cortex made him impulsive and caused other personality changes. Besides severe physical trauma, milder events such as concussions from sports and falling can have a similar effect on the brain.

rugadd wrote: Edan: If you take the time to write up things you will not do, and then you do them. I found it humbling. It is the first lesson in "There is no black and white".

Something like "I will never lie." and then you find yourself in a situation where not only are you willing, but it would be best for all involved that you DID lie.

TheDude wrote: I don't think there's any "sin" in the Force. There may or may not be "right" and "wrong", but it's not anything like sin. I don't think original sin could be justified. I don't want to get all argumentative, but I think there are a few existing ethical systems which would deem any idea of "original sin" immoral.

Locksley wrote: "Original Sin" is one of the most socially-irresponsible and personally damaging concepts to come out of Christianity. It's preposterous, and serves absolutely no positive purpose what so ever.