Longest Thread Ever

[babe]

Gandhi in the photographer/reporter quip was merely stating the obvious utility of publicity for any cause. . . .

 

[babe]

here is one quote that I could argue shows Gandhi as more of a worldly philosopher than an acolyte of "true religion":

“If I had no sense of humor, I would long ago have committed suicide.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

In my own cosmology, I sometimes say that if I couldn't laugh at myself I'd just go nuts. lol.

Human humor is essential to our general sanity.

In my own belief, anyone who could consider suicide is profoundly, sadly unappreciative of God. Or, maybe, in dire straights such as unimaginable insufferable pain of some kind. . . .

I was just amazed when I first realized on competent evidence that God loved me. Later on, on similar evidence, I was quite powerfully convinced of God's love for others. Originally I had just assumed God loved everyone but had some reticence for thinking I was included. I still struggle a bit sometimes over these issues, but I cannot really put a lot of credibility on the theories of God's indifference, or non-existence. I consider that this life is an opportunity to learn here under these circumstances things that we would not learn without these conditions or experiences. And the learning from these sufferings or experiences has a supreme value. . . . . well worthwhile.

I might not be able to get these ideas run out in the hearing of my wife, but actually I find that understandable considering it's just easy for me to say such things when I'm in as good shape as I am. . . . .and people whose life has been orders of magnitude more painful and trying have every right to laugh at me for what I've said above.

well, until they get through it and can reflect on it without all that pain. . . .

 

[babe]

And here is a quote from Gandhi that makes me want to move him up in my estimation on the issue of being religious. . . :

“My imperfections and failures are as much a blessing from God as my successes and my talents and I lay them both at his feet.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

 

[babe]

So here is something in line with my comments above. . . .

“I call him religious who understands the suffering of others.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

 

[babe]

More evidence of profound truths arising from serious reflections on the human condition, approached from whatever religion. . . .

“When every hope is gone, 'when helpers fail and comforts flee,' I find that help arrives somehow, from I know not where. Supplication, worship, prayer are no superstition; they are acts more real than the acts of eating, drinking, sitting or walking. It is no exaggeration to say that they alone are real, all else is unreal.”
― Mahatma Gandhi, The Story of My Experiments With Truth

 

[babe]

“Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

 

[babe]

And here's one quote I'd like to write a book on. . . . . not all positive about it for sure:

“The various religions
are like different roads
converging on the same point.
What difference does it make
if we follow different routes,
provided we arrive
at the same destination?”
― Mahatma Gandhi

This is the "All roads lead to Rome" idea I heard a million times in the Philippines from folks who could be hospitable towards anyone and not listen to the missionary message I had. When I arrived home, my dad picked me up at the Las Vegas airport and for two hours drove through the night to deliver me back to my mother. . . . all the while lecturing me on the same idea, obviously figuring I needed to be deprogrammed from the LDS missionary mindset. . . . .

 

[babe]

For the born-again Christian believer in the New Testament faith, it is the confession of faith in Christ and the complete submission of the believer to the new faith alone that can "save". Meaning, that can bring us back into the presence of God.

For those folks whose devotion and searching is directed towards merely understanding the human condition. . . yes, the search starting from various religions does lead to those universal truths about our human condition. . . . the reality of compassion, the effectiveness of prayer, and the peace of a clear conscience. . . . .the value of integrity and self-respect and love for others. . . .

what I find disquieting about the "All roads lead to Rome" idea is that it is commonly abused as a platitude for complacency or an excuse for tolerating evil. . . .

 

[babe]

while Hotttnickkk described his reaction to the common people in Thailand. . . . buddhist. . . being indifferent to moral precepts as a consequence of their beliefs. . . . I run into the same reaction in some quarters of Christianity, such as the born-again Christians who sorta take it that since they've become "Christians", Christ will forgive them whatever they do. . . . and they use that as an excuse for their continued sins. . . .

I would venture that true religion demands critical self-evaluation and a determined path away from "sin". Which I take as describing a single path no matter what religious context embraces or motivates it. . . . repentance. Truly a life process that needs to be sustained throughout life. . . . or returned to when we depart from it.

 

[ema]

@babe, one of the good things of me being back to the board, is being able to read your well thought posts again.*


*Said to be for the record.

 

[babe]

Looking at Gandhi's ideas. . . . it seems to me he was a preacher of repentance.

 

[babe]

@babe, one of the good things of me being back to the board, is being able to read your well thought posts again.*


*Said to be for the record.

And thank you for the compliment, and the contribution to the thread. Yes, it is an effort I find personally re-constructive and a benefit. I appreciate those who give me feedback because it helps move me along. Good to have people to talk to sometimes.