How many have actually sat down with a religious member of another religion?

I'm not talking about a different sect of your own faith (ie protestant to baptist or Sunni to Shi'ite), but to an authority of another religion. Not a member of the congregation, but to a priest, rabbi, imam, lama, or what have you.

There are a few here that I know have probably done so (the list is short, and in my head), but I'm wondering how many of you who are so sure of their own brand of religion, have actually taken the time to learn from the horses mouth, so to speak.

And, while book knowledge is important, it is equally if not more so to learn from a living breathing proponent of any subject.

I though of doing this as a poll, but it would be more informative to hear your thoughts, rather than just a yes/no response.

I never have. With most people, they keep the religion they are born with, and if they don't like it, they simply turn away from God all together.

Kind of sad really.

The above is MY opinion.

Everyone who has ever done that has either been killed, or killed the other person....


Kidding of course. But religious arguements can get pretty feisty.

Since i'm atheist i have met many from different religions and had nice conversations with them i have had some unpleasant or annoying experiences with some trying to convert me and others turning nasty when i wont convert to their cause or give my opinion of my belief. But most the time i have had friendly conversations and have learnt a lot from those conversations.

I actually believe in no god (thou i don't consider myself an aethiest) but fortunately i have grown up in a town with a very good religious community comprising of several churches, mosques and jewish temples as well as several buddhist and hindu members.

As part of my self education i made a point of contacting the various religious leaders in the area including a very intelligent catholic pastor. Among these religious leaders i discussed their religions and asked them for an explanation as to why their religion was THE religion. only in one case did an Imam resort to scripture to prove his point and the rest instead tried to demonstrate the benifits provided to man from their religions.

Today i am still very good friends with several of the religious leaders and consider my life to be better and fuller for their friendship. I considered all of their opinions and borrowed some of their views to help me in my road to enlightenment and contentment.

Later in my life during a period in which i worked in the Norther Territories of Australia for various reasons i got to know several Australian Aboriginals who explained part of their beliefs to me. i met several tribal elders. I met elders from various areas such as the Bularnu, Wakaya and Wakabunga areas. And here to i learnt a little more about the world or atleast how some people view it.

Lastly as Chaoszerg stated their are members of religious communities that try to convert me due to my belonging to a rather unorthodox belief system. (ie one i created and still am creating today)

I have. I've sat with ministers and discussed theology and spirituality. Of all the one's I've spoken with, there were but a few that made me feel concern for their congregation,having this kind of attitude at the pulpit. One imagined all the world was bound for hell, if they didn't believe his way. Another claimed the catholics were bound for hell as Idol worshipers. (religious icons ) and because they never accepted jesus ascension. (Crucifix. I.E. he said that they still had JC attached to the cross was proof they didn't believe in the ascension). Still another believed all that and that the Patriarchs of the OT were in hell because they had not been afforded the gift of salvation through jesus christ , of the New.

I've spoken with high priests of witchcraft. Those that were/are, the great pioneers of the path, that dared to tread openly and make video's and / or books, to bring the dark side of peoples fear out of the closet and into the light. Goddess Rest Lord Sylvanus (LS).

LS , before finding witchcraft, was a divinity college junior, when he dropped out (or would have been terminated) because he was "caught" in his dorm with a bottle of wine, which the schools dean claimed was against god. When LS proceeded to give a list of bible scriptures (Chapter and verse verbatim on the spot) , defending his possession of the bottle, (for a dinner with a friend), the dean told him he had far too much knowledge for his station. And as such he had a choice; leave the school or be released from the masters. So he left. In the midst of all this he found witchcraft, met and married a former Nun and they were together until he died just a few years ago. He was one of the most grounded and wise fathers of the way, I have ever met. And he shall be eternally missed by all that knew him.

I've sat with Satanic priests, that see the world as a game of idiot monkeys, scampering around and looking for the light behind their shadows. Afraid of everything that goes bump in the night and prone to prostrations and calloused knees because they are so weak they need be led by the nose even to think. The feel in the room, sitting across from these people (male and female priests) was incredible. United as they were, shoulder to shoulder around a table, looking for all intents and purposes like white collar professionals, they were a formidable force of pure ego and assurance. Like someone had unearthed the slabs of the great Henge and sat them in chairs. Rock solid and electric they were. And they knew , each one of them, backward and forward the tablets of faith that were held holy by every mainstream faith. They said they needed to so as to meet any challenge to their authority amid their own circle or those cowans outside the dark. And yet, they were at peace because to their very core, they knew who they were.

I've walked a zen garden with a Buddhist monk, and it felt as if I was walking beside gossamer and light. He was what I would quite simply describe as, peace. Large boned, solidly muscled, shaved head, yellow robes. His voice was soft and one might think it would be drowned out by even the rustle of the weeping willows that lined the drive to the temple. But when he spoke to me, I could hear him inside myself. Even though he was walking right beside, it was a resonance that is hard to describe. As if he had witnessed the soul of the universe and spoke from there , guiding me to see.

I attended a gathering led by the Wiccan high priestess Starhawk. A womans only gathering in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. We cast the circle, called the watchers and then in that world between the worlds, we split off. 4 women teams sitting among themselves and learning of each other. We introduced ourselves to one another, by singing our name and letting the last note of the last part of our name, fade away with our breath. And then the next sister would sing her first name, and so on. Over 300 women attended this university gymnasium that day. And as I sat there I was overcome with the emotion of the community 300 strangers could invoke with just the music of her hello.

If one has ever dared venture into mid-afternoon Philadelphia traffic, they know what I mean when I say there are many a half moon in the steering wheel, as one grips that control and attempts to navigate through pure rolling stress. Because Philly is always in some manner of road construction and the traffic patterns , the lack of signs telling out of towner's like myself at the time, where to go are few and far between. But that day, after the gathering, I was cut off, flipped off, nearly side swiped on the Istate, and all the while I was 3 inches off the seat, and just that above the ground when I walked to my car. Buoyed by the energy I'd felt and taken with me, from that soulful union of woman power.

If you ever have the opportunity to attend a Starhawk gathering for women, do it. You will see yourself in a way you never thought possible and perhaps realize what it means when I say; female is the power.

I've spoken to Rabbi's, and walked in their temple and opened the great cupboard behind the altar, and looked upon their sacred scrolls contained there. The writing is beautiful and the faith of many hands reaching in to those ancient guides of life, left a feeling in the room that one was being watched as they did so.

"We're all here, making our way the best we can. It's the boxes, the order , that we make for ourselves and expect all people to follow, that make for the conflicts the world over." One Rabbi told me, over a cup of Earl Grey tea. Even the Muslims seek in their own way, to make sense of the journey." Which shocked me because this particular Rabbi had lived in Haifa most of his life.

I've met many "leaders" of the faithful that tread many paths. Pagan and otherwise. And , aside from the fanatics, they all hold one common accord. They all believe "something" is alive behind the veil of this reality. They believe that we need guidance, even from fallible others like ourselves, because there are too many questions to the "why" of it all and far too much stress , as we obsess with getting it right. And while, they told me, no one truly knows if their philosophy is the one true answer to that shadow behind the scenes, they figured guidance on the journey, by clergy, minister, monk, etc... was necessary to keep us grounded, and let us to know we were not alone on the way. And because , regardless of the vested authority of a religious office, we all, believer and cleric etc... learned from one another and that in itself wrote the next chapter in the next holy book, scroll, grimoire, and so on.

When I left my meetings with these wise souls, not a meeting all at once, but throughout time, I'll say the analogy that best fits the impression I received is best described as that old, "Light Brite" toy. A battery powered panel wherein one could place tiny light sticks in holes all over the board, and make a picture . I felt like that peg board, having been infused by the insight of so many spirits guiding the lives of so many other spirits, that called them; priest, rabbi, preacher, etc...

Imaginary, that is impressive.

You said that all but a few of what I assume were the representatives of various Christian sects/denominations made you fear for their congregations, but then you only spoke of the ones which left you with a negative impression. What of the few that didn't? What were your impressions of them? Did you learn anything from them?

Also, (just really curious) how did you manage to attend a female-only wiccan event?

Since I spent a quarter of a century as a member of the Military, I made a point of befriending members of each religion of the nation I was in. I have had friends that were Shinto priests, Buddhist monks, Wiccans, etc....I find all religions fascinating...

I have too. I think it's fascinating to learn other people's beliefs and religions and culture. I had a close friend who converted Muslim, she became so at peace after she did, like she had found herself.
I also have a friend who is Buddhist. I have a Wiccan friend who teaches me so much about Nature and it's energies.
In general I love learning about people from all over the world.

Starhawk's gathering, the female only wiccan event, was dedicated to female power. Thus it was for women only. Starhawk's path is the Faery Wicca Tradition.

As for the other christian ministers that I spoke with, they were what I call, by the book. The bible is god's irrefutable word, jesus was the prince of the new generation of covenant , etc... There was one minister that I spoke with that reminded me of what one would think an old time movie minister would look like. Very quiet, boy next door looks, who's energy was as gentle as a puppy. He spoke softly and clasped his hands in a prayer like fashion before him when we sat in this gazebo on the lawn of a monastery in Ohio. *Not his monastery, rather we were all guests on the property*
I remember him because he was what one would want in a emissary of god. Quiet, assured, very wise for his age (32) and open minded, believe it or not. The gathering we attended was only for a weekend in the spring, so I didn't have much time to meet with him , as he was one of the speakers on the roster , for both days. However, in the time we did have together I found him to be very peaceful and easy to be around. He was pagan and christian, because he was very keenly attuned to nature and I remember him saying that he kept certain secrets to himself, (the pagan side) because in that way he could serve god and all people, because his heart was free.

After the gathering, I think it was in the autumn and just before the holidays, a buddy of mine that had caught the last half of the last days schedule with me, Emailed me to say Daniel (the pagan/reverend) had been excommunicated because he had refused to agree with the ecclesiastical authority of his church that the "unrepentant" gay community/parishoners, where their church was situated, were damned . He had refused and the church fathers evicted him from his office and the faith he had dedicated his life to for more than 10 years. I never saw him again and didn't know him that well in the two days we had to share, however unless there was an appeals process to which he could attempt to get back into the good graces of the faith and church authority, I can say that christendom lost , in the spirit of that man, one of the greatest assets they could ask for that truly represented everything we are told was alive in the spirit of the christ. "Daniel" was simply; peace and I believe he believed he walked with the god he felt alive in his heart. He was truly a good man and would have been an asset to any community for that trait, even if he had worked in a mini-market. The church truly did not know what they did, when they sent this child of god away because he refused to see people as damned because they chose to fall in love.

Thanks for your response Imaginary.

I think because of the blind trust Christians place on their leaders, forgetting they are also only forgiven sinners, it is easy for denominational leaders to become trapped by the human desire for power and control.

Although, I must admit, homosexuality is just another sin to me, and condoning such a relationship to me is the same as condoning any other sin. What I think some Christians forget is that, "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Rom 5:8 What this means to me is that although I cannot condone their sin, I am required to love them. We also forget that we do not have the right to judge anyone: "1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Mat 7:1-2 I'm part of a nondenominational Bible church, I do not see us "condemning" anyone, although we would pray for their salvation (I know this is just as bad in some peoples eyes, but we would do it out of love and concern for their eternal situation).

Jm what an excellent question ...I actually have many times how do we ever understand others or embrace diversity if we don't , I have a very public career and I have meet so many people and have had the amazing good fortune to rap with so many religions and have grown so much and have learned alot but most importantly I am a bridge not a wall, My good freind is mormon we talk alot, my folks are Catholic, i hang around with a a great person who is a christian and we rap about it . i've sat on a beach and rapped with a priest yes i have probably conversed with many faiths a muslim a buddist....Jewish, Pagan , diest.......i'd like to think it makes a bit of difference that you can be who you are with me and i will listen and someone once told me the more you undersatnd others the more peace you create and I agree......I actually love hearing of ones religous journey when you sit with others one and one and you share your love of life and you see the love pour out of somene you get that we are all meant to love and embrace each other and I would say open your heart to all people and all paths and create a better world and one sharing their religious or spiritual journey is actually giving a gift of themselves....JM this is such an important topic and I commend you for bringing it up......

I have...but all forms of modern religion are too similar that it wouldn't sway my beliefs.

I've spoken to many people with many different beliefs. "Leaders" though, I cannot pinpoint a great number. I've spoken with Buddhist Monks, Hare Krishna's, Catholics, Christians, wiccans and a more that I can't recall at this point.

I went to a meeting of witches and warlocks a couple of times a few years ago, even participated in one of their rituals (it was a basic chant, as we visualised our chakras being manipulated by light). It took about 40 minutes and when I stood up, I fell down because my left leg had gone numb . They were ok guys, but very elitist and as dogmatic as any extremist you could meet. Their way was the only way. Doing a spell any other way was wrong. They didn't accept anyone who wasn't completely dedicated to their way of doing things.

I've met other wiccans and pagans though who have been far from elitist, and have been great people. Some of them did have a habit of "communing with nature" by smoking that green stuff while brewing a pot of mulled wine, which played right up to my stereotype (no offense to them, they were awesome people).

I've met Hare Krishna's (they make great food by the way). One of them was trying to tell me about the healing properties of yoga. I totally agreed, but I'm not the Yoga kind of guy. Then I asked him what Yoga had to do with Lord Krishna. He told me that it would bring me closer to the divine. Since we were actually discussing what it was to be a Hare Krishna, it was surprising that he never actually told me anything about the Bhagavad-gita, which I learnt a little about later through my own reading when I went to a Krishna-run food-outlet where they gave food out to any who came in (suggested donation $5, but pay what you can) and picked up a copy of their text which was sitting on the walls, freely available.

I've met various Christian pastors in my time. The most recent is one of teh most knowledgeable men I have ever met, and the insights into the Bible that he's provided when we've discussed together have been quite remarkable. However, he is very intolerant of any other belief. He seems to have a series of one-liners and jokes set aside in his memory to rubbish any other Faith if the topic crops up. I was in a conversation with him and a couple of other people, and someone mentioned that they worked with a Hindu. After a short discussion on what Hindu's believe (the Hindu belief is very very varied), the pastor quipped (and I quote - this burnt into my memory when he said it) "It continuously amazes me that people can be so passionate about a belief that pretty much tells you that you can believe whatever you want". While not directly insulting, I thought back to discussions on other Faiths, and this pastor has one-liner jokes (that everyone seems to laugh at also, btw) that show why any other belief except Christianity is stupid.

Anywho, every other Christian minister I have met have been wonderful, and truly (imo)godly people. One had a very specific view of certain points of doctrine that he rabidly followed and refused to see any other way, but as a person, he was lovely.

I had a Jewish friend that I used to talk with all the time (he since moved away from Sydney, probably to get away from me, lol). He was a great guy, though a little selfish.

I've spoken with Buddhist monks, who simply spoke about life. There was nothing overt to what they were saying and they were very peaceful, which was a great contrast to the busy weekday home-time rush hour that was going on as I walked alongside him.

I've also spoken with Mormon missionaries. They seemed nice. After speaking to them for a few weeks, they asked me to kneel down and pray silently with them for a sign from God of the truth. After 5 minutes of silence, I was getting sore knees and getting rather annoyed. Then one of them started singing. Deep barotone, don't know the tune, but it was soothing. After the song, they asked me how I feel - I told them I felt peaceful (it was the music). They said "Me too, it's a sign from GOd. We'll arrange your baptism for tomorrow, ok". Wha--? I hadn't even said I believed in any of what they were saying. I'd read maybe 2 pages of the book of Mormon. They seemed very eagre to get me baptized (and sign that contract taht makes me give 10% of my income to them), and that really put me off what they had to say.

I'm sure I've missed one or two, but these are the main events that stick out.

Regards, PA

Just to clarify:

I am NOT talking about looking for a new faith, just learning about OTHER's faiths.

Oftentimes, we assume we 'know' what the other guy's faith is all about without taking the time to properly examine it.

Raised a RC myself, before stepping away from it, I have had long spirited discussions with rabbis, buddhist priest, a shaman ,orthodox Greek, hindu priests, and come away richer in knowledge. I still look for leaders of faiths to chat with to increase my knowledge of different faiths.

I haven't had much luck finding wiccan or other pagan teachers though. Most in my area are the children who THINK they are wiccan.......

I have only sat down with a minister...to talk about my lil one getting baptized..

I have never sat down with a man of any religious faith..I never really cared to do that

However I wouldnt mind speaking to a Buddhist Leader.....From what I have heard it is the MOST spiritual & most PEACFUL religion there is

edited to remove unsuitable link; please do not link to photos like that. This is a forum for younger folks too and pics like that are not something they need to see

Warning- Graphic

It figures.

The most innocuous question around here seems to draw contraversy.

If you are speaking of the edit to BA's post, I concur with the decision. Savage sexual violation images are inappropriate for this forum and this thread.

It was not an innocuous link, trust me.

LOL of course not Fluffy. I was refering to my original post. A simple inquiry into whether or not anyone has actually taken time to learn others ways.

Shame on ya Bella

Back on topic...Jm who was your most inspirational conversation and what have you learned that stands out to you the most the wisdom accrued through communing with others...

for myself I have a catholic preist as a client and he truly is a very interesting deep and open man,nothing is off limits to ask or discuss...he has lost much to be a catholic priest his family was shattered, his mother crys when she sees him the few times he does...i have come to admire this guy for following what he beleives to be his purpose....

I also worked for a woman who gave me a 50,000 dollar buisness a hair salon as a gift she loved me as a daughter.... Catholic and one of the most beautifu people have ever known, her embracing others and honoring others paths taught me much, she was inrtrumental in supporting my phases as i searched for truth and encouraged I learn it all understand it all never close myself off to anyone.........I don't beleive in angels but if I did she is one........

Due to my academic course of study, I've interacted with the virtual rainbow of religious and cultural figures: Tibetan monks and Belgian orthodox rabbis, Catholic bishops and Protestant ministers (male and female; old and young), Sikhs, Taoists, and more...

And it reflects in your posts me..[attachmentid=27110]

Honestly, I've never sat down with representatives of any religion, though my friends are of different faiths. I knew at a very young age that I did not believe in God, so I never felt the need to talk with people I was probably only going to get in an argument with.

For my self, I have talked to, and learned from Catholic priests, Jewish rabbi's, several Buddhist monks (btw, I just recently found out that there is a Buddhist monastary nearby. Can't wait to see it!), a Baptist minister and a 7th day adventist. I have met 'pseudo-witches and pagans", but for the most part, I beleive them to be posers and wannabes, rather than true adherents of the Way.

I have also engaged in discussion with 'common' practictioners of several faiths such as Protestants, "born agains", and Native Americans.

Speaking of Native Americans, I once worked at a company that employed a shaman. I happened to find his medicine bag one day, picked it up and searced through the entire complex until I found him. I returned the bag, and told him that I did not open it (although I was dying of curiosity). His gratitude was heartfelt and sincere, and he said that he would ask the Great Spirit to watch out for me. That gave me more comfort that all the "I'll pray for you's" I have ever heard.

Some of the richest convos I've had were with the rabbi's and the RCC Jesuit priests. Jesuits are famed for their logical discourse and a rabbi (who knows his stuff ) can make you question the existance of your own head.

The most serene convos were with the Buddhists. They seem to radiate calm and self assuarance that 'everything is as it should be'.

The most interactive were the native Americans. The Great Spirit embodies much of what I believe a deity should be.

Some of the most frustrating, and yet entertaining convos were with the common believers: many of them have NO sense of humor, and a few were downright insulting and surprised when I could throw their own theological beliefs back at them.

Of course, any group is a cross section of society, and while I am polite to all, some deserve a swift kick in the behind.

I am even patient with the JW's that occasionally come aknockin.

In all, the diversity of belief is what makes us a special species in the cosmos. We are all seeking the path to higher consciousness, who is to say which one, if any, is the correct one.

Yes, I know, each proponent of each theological doctrine will loudly proclaim that their way is the ONLY way, but I have yet to find a faith, or follower of a faith who says "well, we know we are wrong, but what the heck".

Each religion and the followers of them all, BELEIVE they have the answers, and all others are wrong. But just because you beleive something, does not necessarily make it so.

Ok. I was asked about what my post covered by an adult so here is a better way to do it, with an introduction.

It is common belief among many that Buddhism is the most peaceful of religions.
The point of my post is that large groups of people of any type can walk through the ceremonies, talk the talk, and still be monsters under any religion or any ideology.
The quest for power that includes dehumanizing people to make it possible is something that every type of large group is susceptible too.
It is thrist for power over others that is the true root of all evil.

FOR ADULTS who do not know about the horrors done by many members of Buddhism, you can learn by putting in Google

Rape of Nanking

Bela: Religion in Japan

Please note I am not trying to deflect what you are pointing out.

I understand. However, the militerism of WW2 Japan was strongly the product of the Samurai. Many of the officers of the Japanese military were from old Samurai families.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Buddhism is linked to Japanese culture at many points: through the traditional way of the Samurai, generally known as bushido.
source

While Buddhism is about peace and serenity, historically speaking they have their fair share of wars, intolerance, hatred and violence. The killing and murdering done in the name of Buddhism, or in the name of a Temple Founder, is not insubstantial. Some Temple's were completely intolerant of any Buddhist sect other than their own, and took radical steps to eradicate all others.

It must be noted that this is not normal Buddhist behaviour. It is not an indictment against Buddhists, and modern-day Buddhists should not be pointed at and scrutinized because of these groups. Like every other religion/Faith in existence, it has its share of extremists and power-hungry individuals. And more often than not, like the wars and violence of every other Faith/belief, these wars were not based on religion, but based on politics.

As I said, one of the Buddhist monks I've met was calm as you could be, walking unhurriedly, unconcernedly through busy rush-hour Sydney, serene and peaceful......

Regards, PA

trying to find a "good " religion ? man thats going to be a tough go.

i suppose i'm a babtist of sorts. i've been to every part of the world over the last 27 years . i know lots of buddists, muslims , jews , catholics and others.

one othe things i find stupidly odd is all this "christians are this--and christians are that!" well -- christens are as different as different groups/teachings as moslems or jews. people say that my native american ancestry conflicts with being a babtist ? maybe-- maybe not so much .

people join a religious group more because it's telling them what they want to hear more than anything else-- "such and such their infidels-"-"kill them and take their land " and so forth --"we are the chosen ones--we go to heaven, valhalla --ect--everybody else gets hell"--LOL

my GF says i'm some sort of a sith/babtist?--LOL everybody wants to sanitize their past-- but i see a bit of pride in my collective savage ancestry. i consider myself christen--although other's would say i'm a pagen heathen.

the sad truth is--in a war --you really don't care. if they fill the gunsight--you pull the trigger. it don't matter what their beliefs are --or even what yours are. it's just that simple.

a strange thing to note--theres a group of monks in iraq that have satan as a minor saint !

if you think babtists are merciful saint like people--just stay in a babtist hospital for a few days--and see if they have any mercy when the hospital bill arrives !

Reading both of our links I get an impression that Shinto was the strongest influence on the Japanese culture.

But then that is just my opinion.

Bella, there is no other religion that I know of that embraces the peace thing as well as the buddhist and I have great resepect for the religion and have adopted some of its philosophys into my own life such as the practice of Ahimsa which is living in non-violence....Myself as an individual has had moments in her life that were violent and i learned from them, that is the point Bella no one is saying that we don't try to do our best at the awareness we are but its observably so that buddism 's core messge is peace, to self and to others...As far as christianity is concerned i do think this is the first time in history that many are really looking at it and questioning it and talking about it and deciding if this is the humanity we want to be, or do we want to redefine our beleif structures , even those that are devout to their relgion are saying it could use some work IMO it is too violenent and too fear based at this point to be maybe wht we are defining ourselves by as a humanity..........No one is saying you can't honor your 'chosen' path we are asking you how to transcend this violence as a solution and how to choose love a whole lot more......
It seems you are always on the defense and this is just a rap session with people who care including you.......

1 down, 6.5 billion left to go. Only if everyone did that, but apparently, alot of problems can be solved using violence.

It is something that will never be changed...ever

Bushido - Worship and revere the emporer as a living god.
It had everything to do with WW2.

I understand the core of the Buddhist faith is peace.
The core of the Christian faith is peace also.

Neither religion has a mandate to kill those whose faiths are different from those of its followers.

Once religion is misused it's name becomes tainted. The true core of most religions is peace. But then Man intervenes and decides to use it to manipulate and abuse.

That's why I prefer the philosophies of Buddhism, Taoism, but so far, my favorite is the Toltec. It's pure and has never been used to justify war or violence, only enlightenment.

I am missing the core of christianity being peace Bella can you elaboate??????

Its up to us exe to be the difference even in our own religion, i am an optimist naturally and do beleive it all counts and those that chose love and peace...Gosh i can't tell you the times in my life i have seen another chose love as the solution that it didn't touch people and make a huge difference.... how about you?????

thanks for the encourageemnt its always appreciated.....

i to have lived in a way that i feel promotes non-violence. I don't agree with much of what Buddhism says (for instance i feel that people are created to be omnivourous not herbivorous) but the concept of non-violence is one of the greatest that can exist.

Unfortunately the easiest way to create power is thru the use of violence and as such it is hard to envision a world without it.......

i think it has much to do with how one defines power.....We are a humanity with a very limited undersanding on life and its workings, yet we create systems that proclaim to know it all....by default growth fails and humanity goes in a vicious circle...

i love the philosophy of buddhism along with may other philosphys you do not have to embrace the philosophy to derive merit and value from it......may i ask how old you are?????

Can't tell ya how many times I've seen violence as the solution.

most of the time nothing else is tryed so how does one measure and by solution do you mean the issue is no more gone never to be seen again.....violence isn't a solution if somewhere down the road the problem resurfaces, ...key point to ponder....

That is certainly true. There are good points to ALL religions that i have studied for the vast majority of them are started in an attempt to help people. However over time many progress to a stage that those whose purpose was once to help now have as a purpose only increasing and consolidating their own wordly power and wealth.

For an example see the incredible architecture of many churches whos construction fees would have been more then enough to feed many people for a very long time.

Near my home town is a very small town called Seven Hll. The church their is incredibly large and beautiful. Particularly considering that at its largest Seven Hill boasted a population of less then a thousand.

The funds needed for such a church could have fed the entire town of Seven Hill for many years and the wood and stone needed for the construction could have housed many.






19 years old. However i would like to point out that i have quite a wide variety of experience and that my age alone MUST not be reason enough to judge the veracity of my beliefs

You are incredibly versed and wise for your years , i sensed the spirit of youth but the wisdom of a well traveled person, you should be very proud of yourself you are a joy to read....thankyou for answering it will only lend tto the wow factor...lol....i'm amazed at the youth of today far wiser that we were .....

I certainly know better then to ask a lady her age however i truly doubt whether the youth of today is particularly smarter then those of your youth.

Perhaps it is only a greater ability to speak openly coupled with better communication and media methods that allow for a clearer mind then might have existed in an earlier era.

However i do realise that while i am capable of speaking as such i still have much to learn before i reach a plateau.

If you continue to read my posts i predict that you will note my constant asking for advice from those that i do not consider wiser only further along the road.

My thanks for your very kind words and i must say that your writing is also often very educational and interesting.

Lastly i will point out for the beinifit of all that i have a very hard time accepting any pregidism as i have seen first hand what can happen when it gets out of hand.

One of the most important things that is taught by the Christians is that all men are created equal.

It is a shame that many of them do not believe it....

ooollldd i'm 39 so i'm eons older lol I am glad to see the youth of our culture cares so much and are interested in things we werent' truly you are wise....I think wisdom lies in the next question and value is derived from anything if one is really looking but i'm not telling you anything you don't already know....
thankyou for the equally kind words and i will look forward to learning from you..i always say my kids have taught me far more than i have taught them...

I have a very good friend who is studying to become a Mathematics Teacher who says many similar things. When a person realises that education is a two way path that is the mark of the truly great teacher.

anyway my thanks for the conversation but i must depart for a lecture in the incredibly fun and amazing field of Project Management.

Nice talking and i hope this conversation can be continued at a later date.

I look forward to it.....