It's been real...it's been interesting just.,,,

agreed.

jimcode3 wrote: It would be nice if that change was made; it's more welcoming to self-discovery if we know we're free to "free think."

That's all well and good, and on the surface I would agree with you, but let me ask you this...

If you're not "free to free-think"...regardless of what's posted as "canon" (or not)...would you really want to be a member of that organization? I believe, and please understand I mean no offense in this (and I'm not really name-calling...just trying to make a point), that new people shouldn't be such cowards. Come in and examine the learning materials, if you don't agree with it, say so, refute it as a matter of your own personal faith and understanding. You may not hold that opinion for ever, but you should never be afraid to speak your mind. If I had been booted for believing that Campbell is witless and boring, then I would know that this organization is not for me...there are other fish in the sea, so to speak.

In summation, I believe that new people should be more steadfast in their beliefs, and that no one should wait to be given permission to have an opinion before expressing one. Especially with regard to our individual spiritualities.

Too in depth...

In my opinion...

Look, overall at what he is saying...

He talks about the hero, why? Because we are all 'heros' in the story of our lives, which interact with the 'heros' in the stories of others...

Myths? Whats the point?

Stories that teach... If I tell you how I dropped my toothbrush this morning and bonked my head to grab it, I just passed along at least two pieces of info.... 1. my toothbrush needs rinsed, and 2. watch what you are doing when you bend down to pick up a toothbrush...

Love and the Goddess?

There are many types of love, right? Paternal love, platonic love, sexual love (lol, is that what I mean to say?)...

And, the lines that tie these types of love together are thin, but exist...


How is Picasso? Do you like his paintings? He is considered a Master painter, so we all must love him, right? Every person in the art community must agree his work is brilliant?

No, he is brilliant because he took chance, made stands, that no one else would make...

Instead of seeing where you differ with Campbell, Watts, McTaggart, see where the commonalities lie...

Are we not divided enough?

lol, isnt the point of all of this to find common ground?

Do I agree with all he says? No, but the overall theme of what he says is true for me...

Much of what he says i see as the evolution of our existence...

Again, just my opinion...lol...


As long as conversation is civil, who can complain? Even in a Catholic Church, I can voice my opinion there is no god...

I do it politely, people will engage me in a conversation, and we will discuss...

I walk in there all belligerent, and obnoxious, close minded, then I will prolly be shown the door...

Even the Pope has changed stances in my life time...

Well Said Jestor,

I really think we are lucky to be able to say "You know I really didn't like that" but then explain why. That's what the core program allows us to do is critically think for ourselves upon what is being presented.

Don't give up because you disagree, Continue because there is a greater learning to comprehend.

That would be like watching someone prepare a huge magnificent dinner, your mouth waters as you see the table being set, you have been hungry all day and are waiting for that delicious meal, but then you see that one of the courses is turkey and you HATE turkey, you know the person who made the food knows you hate turkey and now you don't want to eat anymore....gave up because of one bad dish....what about the sweet potatoes, the pie, the cranberries, that amazing gravy the ham on the other side....etc....

Use it as a learning opportunity to understand why you don't like it and use the exercises to help explore that idea/concept. Perhaps by "slaying your dragon" you might come to a new understanding. And try the ham...it too is really tasty...

MTFBWY

As long as conversation is civil, who can complain? Even in a Catholic Church, I can voice my opinion there is no god...

At the right time in the right place with the right people you might be able to... Rest of the time not so much...

Ok, not in the middle of a ceremony...

You are right...

Right time, right place...

Alluvius wrote: If I had been booted for believing that Campbell is witless and boring, then I would know that this organization is not for me...there are other fish in the sea, so to speak.

He hates Campbell! Quick! Boot him! (joking)

We are not above criticism and we are open to change. Most people wouldn't challenge because they might not be used to that...

Sometimes people are too quick to make a decision. They don't ask so they don't know and are left with what they think is the case... when actually it isn't...

I know someone who did a computer programming course. They had to make a certain computer programme. They failed. But they still passed the course because they explained why they failed...

There is more to being a Jedi here than reading a bunch of bits of material and agreeing with it... or even disagreeing with it...

I'm beginning to like Jestor.

Alluvius: My point was actually: many religions (faith != religion) require an inflexible adherence to church dogma. Nowadays, it's becoming more lenient, but yet: it's still out there. I think it's safe to say: people believe it to be in place by default. Therefore, by posting that it is NOT, it would help people feel freer. After all, we don't know how many people read a little bit, were afraid of (insert "OMG, it's a Star Wars fan club: you gotta be all this-and-that or they'll ban you!" eye roll here) and left. I don't see why it's a problem to add one sentence just to clarify the openness that exists here. It may be a make-or-break for those who are "wandering in faith" (such as me).

jimcode3 wrote:
Alluvius: My point was actually: many religions (faith != religion) require an inflexible adherence to church dogma. Nowadays, it's becoming more lenient, but yet: it's still out there. I think it's safe to say: people believe it to be in place by default. Therefore, by posting that it is NOT, it would help people feel freer. After all, we don't know how many people read a little bit, were afraid of (insert "OMG, it's a Star Wars fan club: you gotta be all this-and-that or they'll ban you!" eye roll here) and left. I don't see why it's a problem to add one sentence just to clarify the openness that exists here. It may be a make-or-break for those who are "wandering in faith" (such as me).

It was under consideration...

Our 'wordsmith' will need to present us with a wording on which we can approve...

But, its under way...

I'm beginning to like Jestor.

1. Wait, youve just met me...

2. Aw, shucks!:blush:

3. I wouldnt go bragging about it... lololol....:lol:

Maybe it's just a matter of "He don't know better, do he?" (read as Bugs Bunny)