gad-fly wrote: ↑November 8th, 2020, 10:58 pm
Newme wrote: ↑November 8th, 2020, 3:18 pm
Well, it’s suggested (not sure about the studies etc) that up to 80% of mental illness is rooted in dysfunctional interpretation of religious dogma. So ironically, religion tends to move people away (rather than toward) God/Highest GOoD. So, I wouldn’t jump right to suggest a religious God - but I wouldn’t conclude a materialist stand either.
How we see the world (inherently subjective) affects all we deem as true, good, bad etc. Materialism supports this but I disagree that it’s all in the brain or matter. I believe that consciousness is energy and energy - even after the brain dies - isn’t destroyed, but changes form. And as Jung said a belief in an afterlife is psychologically hygienic.
Correction in what I have said previously. God must be taken in the religious context. The religious aspect is inherent in God. "Your God is Rolls Royce since you cannot focus on anything else." That statement is no more than a metaphor. You can also say "my hero is . . .", "my idol is . . .","my baby is . . .", "my wife is . . ." In this respect, the term "God" is borrowed to emphasize the desired effect. You should know better than to fool yourself, or be fooled by whoever.
I imagine only one who thinks in terms of literal superficiality would consider the possibility of a car, relationship etc., to be an objective deity. Of course not! To suggest one’s car is one’s ultimate concern is not objective. It’s a subjective claim that whatever you prioritize above all (is worship AS IF it were God), is in fact, your highest priority no matter if you claim it’s some dogmatic idea of Jesus, Allah, Buddha or Darwin
etc.
If you take the idea of God (or Force or whatever highest GOoD) seriously, and not just whatever is regurgitated religiously, then you’d reject superficial dogmatic explanations of God. Religion, in my experience is in many ways anti-God because it tends to demand people look to the religion over truth & the higher GOoD. And they tend to deceive & distract people away from God - pretending if you pay them tithes, & jump through other of their hoops, you can be ok with God. When really, “the kingdom (realm/experience) of God is within you.”
I coulda sworn I explained this before - maybe to someone else.
“Empty is the argument of the philosopher which does not relieve any human suffering.” - Epicurus