181 replies to this topic

[jpjoe]

There are many other ways of earning money without harming, or better yet, deceiving other people.

I'd only do what Ken did, assuming it's all true, if it was a life and death situation or something similar and there is absolutely no other way to go around it besides performing the job.

I wouldn’t do it even for $1B, honestly. I've turned down many similar offers that could've made my life a breeze. Call it stupid, but I'd rather be an asset to the whole community rather than to be its deceiver.  Doing such things just for the sake of money is kind of shallow if you ask me.  Besides, I have enough financial provisions -no need to be greedy.

Though I wonder what Ken's real intention is in writing this article...

Edited by jpjoe, 18 March 2008 - 01:29 AM.

[The Mule]

I think the point of the thread has completely derailed. It's not about the money or deception - it's the idea that a fictional religion is being BELIEVED by so many people!

[IronGhost]

Wow -- so many interesting and provocative comments!  I'll have much to say soon .... I'm extremely busy with some projects at the moment, but I'll get back shortly.  Thanks, everyone, for your very direct comments.

I will say briefly that the comments of Irish reminds me of when I was growing up a Catholic little boy, and when I would get in trouble -- frequently -- with our wonderful priest, Father Montgomery.  

Ah, well -- more later.

Edited by IronGhost, 18 March 2008 - 02:11 AM.

[The Mule]

Hey is that a Stones quote under your avi? Monkey Man?

[IronGhost]

The Mule on Mar 18 2008, 03:12 AM, said:

Hey is that a Stones quote under your avi? Monkey Man?

YES!!  Finally, after more than two years, someone finally got that!!!!!!!!!   NICE!

As another line in that song, Monkey Man, goes, which is suddenly appropriate to this thread:

"I hope we're not to messianic or a trifle to Satanic..."

[Irish]

IronGhost on Mar 17 2008, 08:10 PM, said:

Wow -- so many interesting and provocative comments!  I'll have much to say soon .... I'm extremely busy with some projects at the moment, but I'll get back shortly.  Thanks, everyone, for your very direct comments.

I will say briefly that the comments of Irish reminds me of when I was growing up a Catholic little boy, and when I would get in trouble -- frequently -- with our wonderful priest, Father Montgomery.  

Ah, well -- more later.

What you have done Mr Ken Korczak is unethical as a professional writer as well as immoral and illegal in most countries. I am asking you to step forward and reply to my rebuttal  And by the way I am not even Catholic so you may be caught with your pants down but you have no fear from this father.

[jpjoe]

The Mule on Mar 18 2008, 09:59 AM, said:

I think the point of the thread has completely derailed. It's not about the money or deception - it's the idea that a fictional religion is being BELIEVED by so many people!

As to any story, there are many sides to discuss.  In the case of the article, money-deception and fictional religion are just a few parts.

[primordial]

6,602,224,175 ppl on earth..so many religions and this one of them

[(Moonlight)]

Whether true or not, I did enjoy reading the article.

By the way... I think... that maybe this made-up religion is a lot better than others.

Whether or not it is a bad thing to create a new religion, I think it is good that he at least created a nice religion. Not one of those ones that are... just plain horrible. It doesn't promote fighting or anything like that, and doesn't have a God. It's neutral.

And you people can argue with me all you want, but I think that neutral is good. I mean, from what you said in the article... it didn't promote horrible things and such. Or (I'm not quite sure on this)promise that you're bad and you go to hell, good and you go to heaven. The heaven/hell concept is ridiculous, in my opinion, and assuming one day I have a religion, I will not worship someone who puts his own creations on earth and sends them to hell when they've done things wrong... for eternity.

That's why I like this religion, made up or not. However... I'm not too sure I like the deception part of it.

Well, whether it's just the religion that's a lie or the entire article, good job on writing it. I want to be an author myself... so I take inspiration from wherever I can get it. Some of your articles (especially the Ouija Board ones) really got me interested. I hope one day when I'm old enough to start that I can keep people going like that too. Loved the article. (though again, not to sure I like the deception for money part of it though)
Please write more soon!

Peace,
(Moonlight)

[Leonardo]

An interesting story, IronGhost.  

Did you ever watch "The Truman Show"?

Did you think the premise ethical?

Edited by Leonardo, 18 March 2008 - 08:00 AM.

[Moon Demon]

People believe this? Scary at how some people can be so gullible.

[goalienan]

Moon Demon on Mar 18 2008, 02:14 PM, said:

People believe this? Scary at how some people can be so gullible.

Hi Moon Demon, you look fairly new here so welcome to UM....I don't think it's a matter of members being gullible, more so intrigued...And whether the story is true or not it's a good read..Iron Ghost has been postiing stories of his experiences with the ouiji board for sometime now....You can check out the seach if your interested...He always wrote under the "paranormal" forum....

[bee]

Irish on Mar 17 2008, 06:56 PM, said:

[There are many false religions out there and quite possibly only one that is right. Most were created because the founder truly believed he/her was spreading the truth and believed that what they were doing for the betterment of mankind.

Anyone is at liberty to talk about.....and spread around what they believe the truth to be.....so maybe
the responsibility is on the receiver to be careful what they believe.....rather than the 'spreader'...who's
motives we can never be 100% sure about.....and in the case of old religions...are lost in the mists of
time.....

Although IronGhost was paid and freely admits this....this might not be his only motive....and anyone
taking his new religion to heart....might gain something. We don't know. From reading other posts by
IronGhost....I don't think he would deliberately set out to hurt or harm....we don't know the level of
deception because we don't know what the 'religion' says or teaches.

[Irish]

The interesting thing about deception is that it is a revolving door. If the story is as good as you believe and attracts thousands of followers willing to pay good money, you can expect a return visit from your banana eating friends.
Because then you will be a liability to them. If they are willing to pay good money for deception don’t expect them to have the morals not to turn it against you. Remember you are the millstone of this religion and the only one who can expose them, better hope that they aren’t successful with it.

Irish

[DigitalSentinal]

Well hell - if it's all just a weed trip, then nice job, Iron! I personally doubted you would be allowed to even mention your part in such an adventure if anyone had truly commissioned you to create a world religion. You would be held on a very tight leash. I personally doubted even more that anyone would be able to create one that did not include any elements from existing philosophies (I still don't. Some archetypes are simply too ancient and powerful for the human psyche to forget). But hey - if you like to make random phone calls to the Universe and see who responds, then good on ya. You had me fooled there for a while.