Weedless Wednesday and other foibles!

Here's a guy that had his weed confiscated for being high and/or stupid!

A New Zealand man had a novel idea when he found himself in a queue at a service station counter with no money, could he pay with marijuana instead?

Unfortunately he didn't get a chance to discover whether the attendant would accept his offer, as the person behind him in the queue was a police officer, the Dominion Post newspaper reported.

The man's attempt to buy two packets of M&Ms and a packet of potato chips to satisfy his "munchies" was caught short when he was arrested.

He must have been hungry, as he failed to notice the police patrol car sitting on the station forecourt being filled with petrol, the paper reported.

The 28-year old mechanic from the small North Island town of Carterton pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis in the Masterton District Court and was remanded for sentencing.

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Seems that Americans aren't the only ones who are quick to call a lawyer is they see a chance to make a buck!

A Muslim husband threatened to sue an all-female driving school in England after discovering that his wife’s driving instructor used to be a man.

Joanne Dixon, owner of the Laugh n Pass driving school which operates throughout Yorkshire, says the man telephoned to complain after his wife’s first lesson with 42-year-old Emma Sherdley – formerly a married father of two called Andrew but now legally a woman.

Mrs Dixon said that the man asked her to send a “proper woman” instructor and, later, she received a further call asking for compensation and threatening to sue, saying that she “should have known” not to send Miss Sherdley.

Mrs Dixon, who set up Laugh n Pass with all-female teachers 10 years ago, designed to put women learners at their ease, said: “Emma is a popular and very well-respected instructor. What difference should it make that his wife is Muslim?

“He said his wife had been out with a male and I said, No, she’s been with a female. Then he said, ‘Just send a proper female.’

“In my eyes we’ve done nothing wrong.”

Instructor Miss Sherdley has a birth certificate and a “gender recognition certificate” to prove her legal status as a woman, although she is still waiting for final surgery to make her transition from male to female physically complete.

She says that none of her other pupils has had a problem with her sex change and she found the man’s complaints “hurtful, offensive and deeply upsetting.”

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Astronomers have found some matter that had been missing in deep space and say it is strung along web-like filaments that form the backbone of the universe.

The ethereal strands of hydrogen and oxygen atoms could account for up to half the matter that scientists knew must be there but simply could not see, the researchers reported on Tuesday.

Scientists have long known there is far more matter in the universe than can be accounted for by visible galaxies and stars. Not only is there invisible baryonic matter -- the protons and neutrons that make up atoms -- but there also is an even larger amount of invisible "dark" matter.

Now about half of the missing baryonic matter has turned up, seen by the orbiting Hubble space telescope and NASA's Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer, or FUSE.

"We think we are seeing the strands of a web-like structure that forms the backbone of the universe," said Mike Shull of the University of Colorado, who helped lead the study published in The Astrophysical Journal.

The matter is spread as superheated oxygen and hydrogen in what looked like vast empty spaces between galaxies.

The Persective Research Department, after much effort and investigation, also found a lot of additional missing matter in our back yard behind the shed!

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Now it's the "Perspective" quiz time! Which one of these things is not like the other: Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse … Hugh Hefner?

A U.K. priest perusing the shelves at his local stationery store was shocked to find Playboy items positioned close to those of the popular Disney characters, the Daily Mail newspaper reported.

The Rev. Tim Jones, 40, has since launched a protest against what he calls the sex industry’s "institutional grooming of children for their commercial exploitation," he told the paper.

It worked.

Since he began his one-man protest at the Stationery Box in York, the store has stopped selling the merchandise.

"The long-term intention of their strategy is to encourage children to see the Playboy bunny as a friendly brand appropriate for children, preparing them for early commercial acceptance of Playboy pornographic merchandise,” said Jones, who, with the blessing of the store’s manager, began throwing the Playboy items on the floor to separate them from the children’s paper, the Mail reported.

In response to the uproar, a Playboy spokesman said the incident will be investigated.

"Playboy's target audience is 18- to 34-year-olds so we clearly did not authorize or approve the placement of our product next to such well-known children's characters,” the spokesman told the paper.

"Winnie The Poo" could not be reached for comment!

Allan W Janssen is the author of the book The Plain Truth About God (What the mainstream religions don't want you to know!) and is available at the web site www.God-101.com

Visit the blog "Perspective" at http://Allans-Perspective.blogspot.com

A Cult is a Cult, of Course, of Course!

A teenager in England is facing prosecution for using the word “cult” to describe the Church of Scientology.

The unnamed youth was served the summons by City of London police when he took part in a peaceful demonstration opposite the headquarters of the controversial religion in London.

Officers confiscated a placard with the word “cult” on it from the youth, who is under 18, and a case file has been sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Scientology has long been considered a destructive cult. Many experts, and others, (including the German government) consider it to be a commercial venture designed to separate gullible people from their money while masquerading as a religion.

The incident happened during a protest against the Church of Scientology on May 10.

Demonstrators from the anti-Scientology group Anonymous, who were outside the church’s $50m headquarters near St Paul’s Cathedral, were banned from describing Scientology as a cult by police because it was “abusive and insulting”.

Writing on an anti-Scientology website, the teenager facing court said: “I brought a sign to the May 10th protest that said: Scientology is not a religion, it is a dangerous cult.”

“‘Within five minutes of arriving I was told by a member of the police that I was not allowed to use that word, and that the final decision would be made by the inspector.”

A policewoman later read him section five of the Public Order Act and “strongly advised” him to remove the sign.

(Section five of the Public Order Act prohibits signs which have representations or words which are threatening, abusive or insulting.)

The teenager refused to back down quoting a 1984 high court ruling from Mr Justice Latey, in which he described the Church of Scientology as a “cult” which was “corrupt, sinister and dangerous”.

After the exchange, a policewoman handed him a court summons and removed his sign.

On the website he asks for advice on how to fight the charge: “What’s the likelihood I’ll need a lawyer? If I do have to get one, it’ll have to come out of my pocket money.”

Author's note; Speaking from personal experience back in the late sixties I can tell you that Scientology is both immoral and socially obnoxious…

It is corrupt sinister and dangerous.

It is corrupt because it is based on lies and deceit and has its real objective money and power for the Church.

You know, much like the Catholic Church during the "Dark Ages!"

It is sinister because it indulges in infamous practices both to its adherents who do not toe the line unquestionably and to those who criticize it or oppose it.

It is dangerous because it is out to capture people and to indoctrinate and brainwash them so they become the unquestioning captives and tools of the cult, withdrawn from ordinary thought, living, and relationships with others.

Just so you know!

Allan W Janssen is the author of the book The Plain Truth About God (What the mainstream religions don't want you to know!) and is available at the web site www.God-101.com

Visit the blog "Perspective" at http://Allans-Perspective.blogspot.com

Some People are Fucking Idiots!

I am not going to make many friends with this piece but it needs to be said.

Never mind all the arguments back and forth between the Darwinists and the Creationists! If you want a good indicator of who is right and who is wrong read this!

The previous article was a spoof on the evolution - creation debate called "People are not Animals." (Which of course we are!)

I distributed this piece to my two blogs, God-101/Perspective and Allans-Perspective plus to My Space, My Yahoo and Gather. From the large amount of mail I got back something came to light which both disturbed and saddened me.

Almost without exception every person who knew that Evolution/Darwinism was real recognized the article as "satire" and "sarcasm" and treated it as such. O.K.?

Now, EVERY person who BELIEVED in CREATIONISM, (without exception) thought the article was supporting their point of view and congratulated me on setting the record straight.

In other words they were too fucking stupid to realize they were getting their leg pulled!

But then again if they believed in Creationism in the first place what more could we expect from them!

What a shame!

(I will reproduce it here one more time! Special thanks to Edward Current for this!)



AND JUST FOR GOOD MEASURE, LET'S THROW THIS ONE IN AS WELL!



Allan W Janssen is the author of the book The Plain Truth About God (What the mainstream religions don't want you to know!) and is available at the web site www.God-101.com

AND FINALY, LET'S CONVERT TO EVERY RELIGION! (Just in case!)



Visit the blog "Perspective" at http://allans-perspective.blogspot.com

The Ultimate and Final Explanation of God!

Richard Dawkins has got a lot to say, and I have to admit I agree with most of it!

As a matter of fact I quote him extensively in my book "The Plain Truth About God!"

But, in spite of his rail's against the Creationists, and his disparagement of Intelligent Design, he is no better nor worse than the people he tries to discredit!

Don't get me wrong, Dr. Dawkins in one hell of a smart guy and I don't ever hope to equal him in the intelligence or education area.

But, I sure can and will take him on in the common sense field, and any day of the week too!

Here's why!

Any form of Athiesm is a belief system the same as religious conviction is.

You can believe that there is absolutely no God the same as you can believe that God made the world in seven days. No difference, because neither can actually be proven.

It's what you believe that counts!

Yes bunky, Richard Dawkins and Pat Robertson are two sides to the same coin!

But an agnostic (like me) on the other hand is a whole different kettle of fish! We don't know and say so.

And for that reason we are 100% correct!

I don't have the answer to the afterlife like Pat Robertson or Billy Graham or Dr. Dawkins or Isaac Asimov or Newton or Jim and Tammy Baker or Arthur C Clarke or Germain Greer or George Carlin or The Pope or Ghandi or Stalin or Lennon. (Vlad, not John)

I could keep going with the list but you get the idea. These people are all percieved to be a lot smarter than I, but they still base their ideas on a belief system which means they have a 50% chance of being right.

Stupid me, on the other hand, appears to be 100% right and I don't have to start following somebody that is long on faith and short on logic and only has a 50% chance of being right anyway. (This is even before we get into all the differnt types of religion that claim they are right and the others wrong, right!)

While there is no solution to this dilema I think that we have to take it upon ourselves to reach our potential as a people. We need to do the best we can with a bit of style, grace and maturity.

We can't keep running to God for help OR use God as an excuse for our actions. We have to grow up and become responsible for ourselves.!

Until God actually shows up on my doorstep I will try to keep an open mind, because if we strictly use logic and look at the world around us, then I have to conclude that there is no God.

But, if I look at nature and the universe in general with all its complexities and wonders, I have to conclude that there is a God.

Quite a conundrum, eh?

The safest course seems to be some sort of middle ground that is supported by what makes sense.

That seems to be why "The Universe" must have been started by something, but sure doesn't interfere with us in any way as far as our day to day living goes.

Intelligent Design (Not the I.D. the fundamentalists are trying to slip in the back door of religion!) or First Cause? Seems so!!!!

But then again, I could be wrong.

Your humble scribe;
Allan W Janssen

Allan W Janssen is the author of the book The Plain Truth About God (What the mainstream religions don't want you to know!) and is available at the web site www.God-101.com

Visit the blog "Perspective" at http://Allans-Perspective.blogspot.com

A voice of reason and sanity!

Guest Post by Kat Curtis;

Well, AT LAST, a reasonable human being who can put things into "Perspective."

I am always reading things that are written by people who live in philosophical boxes and who are seemingly unaware of that fact while they opine heavily about what's "True" and what is not, most of what they say has more to do with how they'd like to be The Ones In The Know, the standard bearers, than with whether what they're spouting has any merit as a reflection of actuality.

Egotistical extremism, Proud To Be In The Box thinking, is probably the greatest element behind the disappointing displays by people throughout our motley history as a species on this planet.

Wherever there are individual failures to live up to even the basic rules of civility or there are massive conflagrations of hostility perpetrated in the name of Me First-ism, it's always some manufactured, lame, self-serving philosophical support offered as the banner these fools march behind.

Putting a deity on the banner (doesn't much matter which one) make it all seem so much more twistedly valid, relieving the marchers of the stain of having no good reason for doing what they're doing, which is putting themselves at the center of everything and pushing everyone else out to the edges.

If you start doing any real investigation into pre-adolescent psychology, this is how it plays out with little kids who have yet to develop mature thinking skills.

The self-righteous group mentality of aggression is also self-perpetuating because the individuals see their compatriots behaving as abysmally as themselves, making it appear to be an OK thing to continue.

"WE" are doing this (whatever "this" is) because "WE" determined we had the right to do it and because "WE" know that "OUR DEITY" has pre-ordained it to be the proper course of action. WE WE WE, me me me. This is a dumb box to be in, when you think about it objectively.

I appreciate your understanding of the issue of a higher spiritual power and how that is interpreted and embodied, as understood by those who really, for all intents and purposes, are largely incapable of grasping what they're so hungry to have be the Truth.

The question in the back of most of our minds, whether we admit it or not, is not whether there is a "God" (of any description or name) to be there to hold our hand in the dark times we face, but is more likely to be "Who Am I and Why Am I Here?" (Wherever Here is.)

Looking below the surface of most of humankind's unresolved hostility and it's enactment against the neighbors reveals a lack of understanding of this very basic information, identity.

Identity seems to be one of the banners people want to march behind, whether it is racial (the surface features are easy to see and therefore an easy target to conflict over if one is in the mood to insist on conflict over something) or it's economic (an empty belly is less complacent than a full one) or even if it's philosophical. (The ME ME ME aspect of human psychology played out at is most unnecessarily complex)

What many folks do is elevate their decision to misbehave by associating themselves with the Deity of their choice, thereby putting themselves on said Banner under which they march, making themselves over in their god's image into something other than the vaingloriously obnoxious, scruffy rabble they actually are.

If their deity stands for things they themselves would like to perpetrate, then so much the better, which is why there are so many names and definitions of deities floating through the social strata of societies worldwide.

Nobody seems to notice (it would be inconvenient to do so) that having more than one "God" makes them all logically invalid.

Semantics is very disturbing at times.

But having a designer deity is the fashion these days and all the days previous to this and so people prefer to get excited by what they determine to be The Cosmic Rationale for their very un-spiritual behaviors.

Allan, say what you can, do what you can, to remind folks they've still got some maturation to do in their efforts to graduate from The Box.

Whatever progress you've helped them make is all to our good.

I appreciate your efforts.

I've made it my life's work just to be aware of Boxes and their effects and to avoid them whenever possible.

It's not probable that I will ever know a world without them in my lifetime, but life has a way of working these things out over the long stretch.

There's a reason we, as humans, are called the Hand of God.

God being God, having no names or edges or simple definitions, works through these rudimentary hearts and minds to create effects and needs us as Hands to do the manual labor of building.

We build for better or worse but we do build.

That is our Identity.

If we were all to understand that, really understand that, then the reasoning for the hostility clouding our thinking would lose it's place in our actions and maybe then we'd actually start to feel valid without doing harm.

Freedom means living without Boxes, a heavy responsibility and a delicate operation to perform.

God lives in in total freedom. Do we not want to emulate that which we profess to revere?

Maybe, when we're wiser.

It's a long march to maturity, isn't it?

Kat (Who likes dogs.) Curtis

Well, there you have it. A little ponderouse and heavy at times, but all in all he tells it like he sees it!

Your humble scribe;
Allan W Janssen

Allan W Janssen is the author of the book The Plain Truth About God (What the mainstream religions don't want you to know!) and is available at the web site www.God-101.com

Visit the blog "Perspective" at http://God-101.blogspot.com

Letters, we get letters!!!

Hi, Allan.

Nice to hear the word of common sense.

In my recent studies in Humanities, I've become more aware of how people 'argue' in a Philosophical sense, that is, wholey impartial and objective, not the 'blood and guts' type of argument; there are Valid Arguments and Sound Arguments; they are different.

The trouble is, you cannot have, I find, a meaningful argument, a Sound Argument, when the discussion is linked with faith. Faith seems to be all things to all people, no matter how passionately they each fight their corners.

Much of the discussion and disagreement involving religion gets linked with territory, land or country; all the same thing really. Then, people who hold the same beliefs and follow the same doctrines begin to feel threatened.

That's when they start to forget the principles of their religion; peace, love and tolerance.

I should like to know some of the sources of your wisdom, so I can refer to them when I'm getting into the Religion part of my Humanities. We never know enough, but we never know it all! I look forward to more of your articles, my friend.

Peace.
jerome k.,

Jerome go H E R E and get the paperback of "The Plain Truth About God!"

It will tell you everything you need to know about religion.

Allan W Janssen is the author of the book The Plain Truth About God (What the mainstream religions don't want you to know!) and is available at the web site www.God-101.com

Visit the blog "Perspective" at http://God-101.blogspot.com

Living goddess wanted in Nepal:

Religious leaders in a town near Nepal's capital are searching for a young girl to worship as a living goddess because the incumbent has just got married to a fruit, officials said Monday.

"We have started the process to find a new Kumari for Bhaktapur," Jaya Prasad Regmi, the head of the committee which manages the centuries-old Hindu tradition, told AFP.

"We are holding meetings with locals and people from (the) Shakya cast."

Three medieval towns in the Kathmandu valley worship pre-pubescent girls as the living embodiment of the goddess Taleju.

Eleven-year-old Sajani Shakya had served in the post for nine years in the town of Bhaktapur, but is now obliged to retire following her symbolic wedding.

Sajani's family caused controversy last year when they travelled with the girl to the United States to publicise a documentary that had been made about her role.

Traditionalists were angry that her family had not sought prior permission for the trip, arguing that a Kumari loses divine status by leaving the country.

Nhuchhe Shakya, Sajani's father, who also works for the committee in charge of finding a replacement for his daughter, said the trip had not caused her to retire early.

"In Bhaktapur, we have a tradition to get our girls married to a Bael (Aegle marmelos), a fruit dedicated to Lord Shiva, around the age of 10 or 11," Shakya said told AFP.

Sajani was symbolically married to the fruit last month and "there were no other specific reasons for her retirement," he said from the town 15 kilometres (nine miles) east of Kathmandu.

The best known of such goddesses is the "Royal Kumari" who blesses Nepal's king once a year and is confined to a crumbling, ornate palace in the historic heart of old Kathmandu.

Human rights groups say the practice abuses the rights of the young girl selected from the Newar Shakya ethnic caste.

But in Bhaktapur, the local Kumari lives with her family, goes to school and is paraded for worship just once a year during the festival of Dasain.

Sajani's father predicted his daughter would have no difficulty adjusting to life after serving as a living goddess.

"She knew that she was not going to remain a Kumari all her life, so she is mentally prepared. I think she will handle it well," said Shakya.

Meanwhile, bride and fruit are said to be doing well!

Allan W Janssen is the author of the book The Plain Truth About God (What the mainstream religions don't want you to know!) and is available at the web site www.God-101.com

Visit the blog "Perspective" at http://God-101.blogspot.com

The Church of Allan - The Plain Truth About God

A serialization of the book, The Plain Truth About God.

Chapter 7. Have I got a deal for you!

Zoroastrianism

There has been a lot of debate about the origin of what we could call modern day Western Religion, as compared to early Hindu, pagan and tribal sects.

It is believed the concept of Monotheism, as it is practiced now, began in ancient Sumeria with the teachings of Zarathustra.

Although personally never claiming to be a prophet and only being elevated to that position many years later by his followers, his teachings were finally written down (650-700 B.C.E.) and gained wide acceptance about a thousand years after his death.

They not only had a profound influence on religion in general, but also are actually considered by some to be the foundation for Judaism, and then by default, Christianity and Islam.

** The historical Zarathustra, by some accounts, lived somewhere between 1500-2000 B.C.E., although it could even have been as late as about 800-600 B.C.E., since this is when his religion became mainstream and popular amongst the masses.

His followers, of course, attribute many wonders and miracles to him that never really happened and also claim he lived about 10,000 years ago (8000 BCE) right after the end of the last ice age.

Zarathustra, after much debate and conjecture about the duality of good and evil finally decided that there was only one God, “Ahzura Mazda” and that life in the physical world was a battle between good and evil.

As per a man’s actions, he would either cross the “sword bridge” after death, and reach Heaven, or fall and go to the abode of evil.

In the “final days,” there would be a battle between good and evil.

Evil would be vanquished and the world would be purified by a bath of fire. God would then judge the world, resurrect the dead, and His kingdom would be established on earth. (Sound Familiar?)

Zarathustra was convinced that all events of the world are based on cause and effect. He therefore based his teachings on three principles:

“Good reflection.”
“Good Word.”
“Good Deed.”

The creed recognized that all motives of human beings are based on action and reaction. So in the realm of human intercourse, when people act favorably, they receive a favorable reaction. (As in today’s Modern Age “Law of Attraction.”)

Zarathustra never assumed prophet-hood. He never claimed to be associated with God, and never ordered his followers to perform certain rituals. Rather, he urged them to try to know God and Heaven and adopt a good manner.

Zarathustra, during his lifetime, was never officially a prophet, nor can we call his spiritual path an actual “religion.”

He was a thoughtful man who recognized God because of his wisdom and never said he had been conscripted or chosen to bring any special message from God to humanity.

Zarathustra never imagined praising a God who is bribed by worship, and then rewards his worshiper with a promise of paradise.

God, to him, was not a deal maker. He was neither a buyer nor a seller, and did not need be flattered.

**“You cannot petition the Lord with prayer!” - Jim Morrison - The Doors

The God of Zarathustra was the initiator of justice, kindness, and truthfulness and guided his flock to the same principles.

Zarathustra based his philosophy on good reflection, good word, and good deed. Everyone had the liberty to choose the right way. (Free will!)

According to tradition, Zoroastrianism had only one symbol of note. “Faravahar” is the human spirit that existed before our birth and will continue to exist after our death.

Faravahar should not be confused or replaced with God, but rather looked upon as our soul!

Zarathustra also never believed in anthropomorphism of any feature of God. In no way was there any mention of the “Face of God,” or any reference to a Divine figure in a material form.

Zarathustra was reputed to have said, “God, when I was looking for you, I recognized that you are the starter and the end of everything. You are the source of wisdom and reflection. You are the creator of truthfulness and purity, and the judge for the behavior of all human beings.”

Zarathustra was against bartering to gaining power through the name of God. In other words, he did not teach any form of ritualized religion.

He was also against the needless sacrificing of animals, which was a common practice and lucrative source of income for religious leaders of that day.

Zarathustra’s philosophy frequently indicated that the three principles of good reflection, good words and good deeds lead to human enlightenment.

Therefore, there was no need for religious leaders to assume the role of mediators between God and his people. (The priesthood did not exist.)

Although Alexander the Great destroyed most of the teachings of Zoroastrian concepts and ideals, surprisingly, many survived down through the years to become Christian, Judaic, and Islamic dogma.

** Concepts such as heaven and hell, good and evil, the coming of the Savior, born of a virgin, the end-time purge of the world by fire, followed by the resurrection of the dead, and the final battle between good and evil.

These beliefs filtered down to Judaism and from there they came to Christianity and finally Islam.

There are scholars who consider Zoroastrianism to be the mother religion of all the present day Western World’s faiths.

It is probable that the Jews were influenced by the Zoroastrian faith in those days -and originally took on the concepts of heaven and hell, God’s evil adversary Satan, the resurrection and the final purification of the world, the virgin birth, any many others, and adapted them as their own.

There are other similarities too. Certain purification observances such as the impurity of menstruation etc. are found in our modern faiths.

** Indeed, the very idea of the “Messiah” could well be Zoroastrian in origin.

Zarathustra’s religion was the prominent one in Iran until the conquest by Arabs around 1300 years ago.

To preserve the Zoroastrian faith, a band of Zarathushtrians sailed to India about 1300 years ago and settled in the now familiar Indus Valley where they were, and are now, called the Parsees (from “Pars” i.e. Iran).

Although one of the oldest of religions, Zoroastrians have been decimated over the centuries, first by Alexander the Great, and then by everybody else who happened to come along.

At last count, the total world population of the followers of Zarathustra numbered around 150,000.

Buddhism:

**Q: What did a Buddhist say to the hot dog vendor?
A: “Make me one with everything.”
The vendor prepares the hot dog and gives it to the monk.
The monk pays him and asks for the change.
The hot dog vendor says, “Change comes from within.” :-)

**“Buddhism has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for the future: it transcends a personal God, avoids dogmas and theology, and covers both the natural and spiritual.” “It is based on a religious sense aspiring from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity!” - Albert Einstein

Although Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world after Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, it is difficult to imagine a religion that would be much closer in spirit (no pun intended!) to the views of an agnostic or atheist. Nonetheless, a spiritual leader who now has some 350 million adherents throughout the world started it.

The Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, founded it in Northern India.

He was born in what is now Nepal in 563 B.C.E. Although leading a privileged life that was pre-determined for him, he followed the practice of the time and left his wife and children to lead the life of an ascetic.

First, he studied Brahmanism, but rejected its tenets.

He did acknowledge that the basis of Hinduism was correct in declaring that “suffering” was the basis for all of humanities ills and foibles.

This concept of suffering will be addressed in detail later on in the book, along with its parallels to other religions, and theologies.

Through his insights, Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment in 535 B.C.E. and assumed the title Buddha.

Siddhartha Gautama’s story is one of rejection and then acceptance.

He became disillusioned with Hindu teachings concerning creation and the self, but remained close to Hinduism in his acceptance of the belief that existence continues through many lives and controlled by the laws of Karma.

He rejected useless speculations that go beyond human experience, such as creation, God and the nature of a future life.

He urged a pattern of conduct and meditation leading to enlightenment and freedom from sorrow.

His belief was that man has no soul but is only a combination of elements controlled by Karma!

He taught that when man is free from the illusory attachment to this world he becomes free from rebirth and attains “Nirvana” or nothingness.

What happens then is beyond our powers to know so it is not worth idle speculation.

*”All that we are - is the result of what we have thought.”—Buddha

Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism is simpler and more direct in its approach to the correct way to lead your life.

It begins with the “Eightfold Path” which is a combination of three qualities that lead to eight courses of action in the quest for “Nirvana.”

** The first is “Wisdom” that is achieved through the right view and right thought.

** The next is “Morality” which is practiced by right speech, right action and right livelihood.

** Finally there is “Meditation.” It depends on right effort, right mindfulness and right contemplation.

According to the Buddha’s way, our lives of transience, sorrow and selfishness can be helped by the “Four Boundless States” of loving kindness, compassion, The five hindrances to a life well lived almost sound like the “seven deadly sins” of the West.

They are:

1- Aversion and ill will

2- Sloth and torpor

3- Restlessness and worry

4- Skeptical pride.

5- Sensuous lust

When this is followed with devotion and dedication, we achieve a state of grace, which we call the “Ten Perfection’s,” as opposed to the “Ten Fetters.”
“Ten Perfection’s” “Ten Fetters to Existence”

1. Generosity 1. Self-delusion

2. Morality 2. Doubt

3. Renunciation 3. Clinging to Ritual

4. Wisdom 4. Sensuous Lust

5. Energy 5. Ill Will

6. Patience 6. Greed-for material existence

7. Truthfulness 7. Greed-for immaterial existence

8. Resolution 8. Conceit

9. Loving-Kindness 9. Restlessness

10. Equanimity 10. Ignorance

Just as in Zen Buddhism, when all these practices are followed the enlightenment that comes might not do much for the next life but it sure will make the adherent grounded and stable in this existence.

Probably one of the best examples of this way of life is the serenity and peace that surrounds the “Dali Lama” of Tibet.

A few brief notes on Sikhism, Taoism, and Confucianism:

**Historians and specialist in Eastern religions believe Sikhism is a syncretistic religion, taking its roots from not only Hinduism, but also the Sufi movement of Islam.

The Sikh Holy Texts consist of hymns and writings by the 10 Gurus (all regarded as re-incarnations of the first, Guru Nanak) attempting to build a close, loving relationship with God, who is a single formless God with many names.

This belief is similar to the followers of Islam who also believe in a single God with 99 names, and only He can be worshipped.

They follow the Hindu religion in the belief of re-incarnation but at the same time reject the “caste system” and regard everyone as having equal status.

Devout Sikhs, aside from not cutting their hair and wearing it rolled up and covered on their head, wear the ceremonial dagger called the “Kirpan.”

**Back around 500 BCE the Chinese philosopher “Lao-Tzu” wrote the “Tao Te Ching” (or “The Way and its Power” / I-Ching) and laid the groundwork for Taoism in the Far East.

This is a philosophy and religion that must have inspired filmmaker George Lucas since “The Way” is the natural order of the universe, or the “Force” that flows through all living things.

*Duct Tape: It’s like the force, one side is dark, the other light, but together, they bind the universe. - Lao-Red Green

“Tao” is less a Deity than a transcendent reality however, since Taoists seek equilibrium above all else.

Many traditional practices such as acupuncture and “Chinese Medicine” are founded on this principal.

It is no wonder the Tao symbol is the Yin/Yang circle divided into equal areas of light and darkness, symbolizing equilibrium and the harmony of opposites.

**Although Confucianism is more of a philosophy than a religion, to many people, Confucius (or Kung-fu-tzu) is no more than a one-line joke.

Few have heard or read any of his teachings yet the truth and importance of his words still resonate today.

Confucius’ teachings developed according to times that are common to us all.
According to his writings, the days in which he lived were a time of moral chaos in which common values were widely rejected or simply disregarded.

Crime was on the rise, the gulf between rich and poor was broad and growing. Government was corrupt and distrusted by the people and a general feeling of apathy and suspicion pervaded society.

Confucius can perhaps best be termed the greatest “poet” of all time since his sayings and gems of wisdom not only caught on, but have been passed on to us over these thousands of years!

**Baha’i

Our newest, and by far the most progressive of the major world religions, started in Persia/Iran when Siyyid Ali-Muhammad (1819-1850 C.E.) assumed the title Bab, which means the Gate.

In May 1844, he announced the “Declaration of the Bab.” He explained that the purpose of his mission was to herald the arrival of “One greater than himself,” who would fulfill the prophetic expectations of all the great religions.

This date is regarded as the founding of the Baha’i Faith. His followers became known as Babis and right from the start, 20,000 were martyred for their beliefs.

His movement caused religious unrest and led to his execution in 1850 by order of the Shah’s chief minister and at the instigation of Muslim clerics.

In 1863, one of the Bab’s followers, Mirza Husayn-‘Ali-i-Nuri (18171892), a prominent follower of the Bab to whom he had given several indications of his future station, confided to some of his followers that he was the manifestation predicted.

In April 1863, he began proclaiming his station openly and publicly to the world at large. He assumed title became Baha’u’llah by which he was generally known.

Baha’i beliefs promoted major social changes when originated in the 19th century. They supported gender and race equality, world government, freedom of expression and assembly and world peace. In many ways, they were a century of more ahead of many other faiths and followers are heavily involved in promoting theses concepts today.

In addition, unlike many other religions, Baha’i views scientific inquiry as essential to expand human knowledge and deepen their member’s faith. They do feel that science needs to be guided by spiritual principles so that its applications are beneficial to all of humanity.

The Baha’i teachings promote the elimination of all forms of prejudice and uphold equal dignity and respect for all peoples. This, regardless of their racial, religious or national background.

It advocates the equality of men and women, the elimination of extremes of poverty and wealth and economic justice for all peoples. Universal education and the dignity of the individual are also central Baha’i principals.

Allan W Janssen is the author of the book The Plain Truth About God (What the mainstream religions don't want you to know!) and is available at the web site www.God-101.com

Visit the blog "Perspective" at http://God-101.blogspot.com

The Church of Allan. The evolution of religion. Part 3

A serialization of the Book; The Plain Truth About God! @2002

We now believe that cultural and sociological factors play a much bigger role in defining who we are, and where we are headed, than any other single factor.

For example, Tarzan was the king of the jungle. Unfortunately that was the only place he could have been anything since he was raised without any human contact or guidance.

The movies are fine for entertainment. In real life, sociologists tell us that a person growing up without the social and cultural interaction of other human beings would be more animal-like than human in spite of their modern brain.

The process for which we are biologically programmed by nature cannot take place unless subjected to the social and linguistic forces of human culture. Thus, the lack of contact with other members of our species prohibits the onset of logical thinking and reasoning.

It is a widely accepted fact that infants depend on the care and example of adults much more, and for a longer period than any other species. Without the influence of other human beings to help them form a coherent thought processes and personality development in the early stages of life, these children are unable to relate to anyone at all.

They will always behave in a sub-human way.

There are documented cases, some quite recently, where these “feral children,” who had been bereft of any human contact, used primarily the right half of their brains to function. The lack of interaction with other people and the development of language was necessary for the left (or logical) side of the brain to develop.

Early man had a much simpler way of life than that of people living today.

Modern relationships are more complex than those of thousands, or even hundreds of years ago. Our ancestors lived much as their forbearers did through many generations. Things did not change appreciably over the years and certain rules of conduct were worked out that slowly formed the basis for social interaction.

It was only the increasing rate of change over the last few millennia that started us on the road to being fully human in action as well as appearance.

There are many and varied characteristics that have been proposed over the years for the difference between humankind and the other species. Some might argue it is the use of fire, which separates us from our worldly co-inhabitants.

Others propose the influence of religion in our lives, and still more say it is almost certainly the fact that we have a soul and none of the other living things on this earth are so endowed.

Although the reasons for our differentiation from the “lower” animals are varied, we can go by some basic guidelines. One of the things that seem to be unique among humans is the ability to mentally travel outside of ourselves. To view our surroundings from a perspective other that what we actually see with our eyes.

We seem able to mentally check-up on others and ourselves.

We are not only the product of our feelings, moods and thoughts, but to a great degree we constantly do a “reality check” on how we present ourselves to others.

Then, (here is the good part) how they might see and think of us!

Actually, unless we take “how” we see ourselves into account, we are unable to understand how others see and feel about themselves, or even more importantly, how they feel about us!

Because of our unique human capacity for self-awareness, we not only live in this world, but can also transcend it!

The nature of humans seems to be controlled by three social factors. Independently or in combination, they explain how we relate to the world.

1. Genetic determinism holds that the actions and ways of our ancestors influence our behavior to a large extent.

In other words, if I have a temper, and also my great grandfather, my grandfather and my father all had a temper; it must be hereditary and passed down through the generations.

2. Psychic determinism is based loosely on the theories of Freud, in that “what we are” has a lot to do with how we were brought up.

Whatever happens to you in infancy and childhood governs your personality and character from then on. It regulates things such as our value systems, judgment, and work ethic, or lack thereof!

3. Environmental determinism is the effect of the world around us on our psyche!
What sort of day you will have is a result of the everyday joys and aggravations of living!

The three factors of Genetic, Psychic, and Environmental determinism are the stimuli that govern how we respond to the world.

The lower animals will almost always have the exact same response to certain stimuli.

It is the human trait of having the freedom to choose our response to it by the use of self-awareness that makes people more flexible and unpredictable. Here within this freedom of choice are the endowments that make us uniquely human.

We judge and shade our response to life and living with the implementation of a “conscience.” A sense of right and wrong governed by the principals that shape our behavior.

We also employ “imagination” to step outside the confines of here and now, and a healthy dose of “independent will” so that we can act free of outside influences.

Animals have none of these parameters. Their response to outside stimuli is on a basic level. They are like a pre-programmed computer that relies on instinct and training. They cannot change their programming to any degree because they are not even aware of it.

At the same time, history shows the greatest influences on us are the events and forces that have produced the ever-increasing complexity of modern society. This ability to make change occur is at the heart of humanities long struggle up the evolutionary ladder.

The recent leap to a new and different kind of evolution, life and intelligence, is a road that began many thousands of years ago. It has now turned into something of which our distant ancestors were only dimly aware!

The mere fact that evolution favors the many and is hard on the individual also led to the first human cries of Lebenschmerz…………. or why me!

Since the dawn of our existence, it is this cry in the wilderness and the wonder and mystery of the human condition that eventually led to the advent of self-awareness and free will!

It is no wonder humanity’s united cry is; “Why me!”

To which God answers:

“Because!”

Allan W Janssen is the author of the book The Plain Truth About God (What the mainstream religions don't want you to know!) and is available at the web site www.God-101.com

Visit the blog "Perspective" at http://God-101.blogspot.com

The Church of Allan. Reflections on the Human Condition!

A serialization of the Book; The Plain Truth About God! @2002

Humanity is on an incredible journey of which we are only now slowly becoming aware.

Whether our universe has been around for seven thousand or more than ten billion years is not relevant to this journey, this book, or people in general.

Let me explain; the common thinking now is that our universe is some ten to fifteen billion years old, with the most likely figure somewhere around thirteen and a half billion.

Meanwhile, the thought, (sorry, the belief) among some North American Fundamentalist Christians is that we are some seven thousand years on this planet and no more!

Although this line of thinking is patently absurd, it really has nothing to do with the basic reason we are here. Or, why so many people devote so much of their time to wondering about it.

It is the mere fact that we can, and do wonder about it, that sets us apart from all the other creatures of this planet.

As far as we know, not even the great apes, dolphins, whales, dogs, cats, or any other living thing has ever given even the slightest thought to our reason for being!

** You will never hear fido say to you, “What’s it all about - Alfie?”

People, on the other hand, spend an inordinate amount of time and effort on the question of purpose. So much so, that it seems to influence almost every aspect of not only our lives, but also everything around us.

It is a feeling everyone has felt at some time or other, to a greater or lesser degree. These are but small examples of the Divine spirit of God that is within us all.

There are many grand and spectacular wonders to be seen no matter where we look.

Nevertheless, it is the quiet affirmation of a loving God, and that sense of peace and tranquility, that is a constant reminder that we are not alone!

After all is said and done, the crux of the matter is that we do not want to be alone with the knowledge of our own mortality.

There is a basic human belief that is a common denominator among every culture and group on this planet. It is a sense that in a universe this grand, and even overpowering, there is a purpose to it all. We cannot imagine that we are here by random chance or luck and that our existence is dependant upon a simple roll of the dice!

**”God not only plays dice with the universe, He sometimes throws the dice where they cannot be seen.” - Steven Hawking

When viewed from space our planet is in stark contrast with everything else we have so far observed. Yes, we are minuscule in comparison to the rest of the universe, and no, we are not at the physical centre of things as was once believed.

We are however, central to creation in a very special way.

We, alone as human beings, are able to look out at the rest of creation and reflect upon it.

Whether anyone else on some other planet is in the position to observe and reflect upon this majestic universe is unimportant in the grand scheme of things.

Sure, it would make it a little less lonely if there were other intelligences' out there, but the mere fact that our planet Terra is a harbor of self-awareness makes us a very rare and precious jewel in the vast empty reaches of the universe.

** “I AM.” – GOD”
**” I Think, Therefore I am.” -Descartes
**” I yam what I yam, and that’s all what I yam.” – PopeyeAll the different worlds we have studied seem bereft of life. Terra, on the other hand, is recognized as something quite different and out of the ordinary, no matter from what distance it is viewed from.

Terra, through incredible luck or Divine intervention, is not only just the right distance from the Sun, but has an amazing list of fortunate events that led up to our development. It is beyond imagination, let alone comprehension. It is a list far too long to have happened merely by chance.

Does this mean that we are unique in the universe? No! We are however, certainly so rare that when life does occur, it is to be cherished and celebrated.

There is a feeling of purpose that seems to pervade all of creation.

It is a feeling of connection felt by everyone who has ever lived. It is a feeling that will continue to carry us down through the ages and is a need that is inherent in all of humanity. It is the basis of all our religious beliefs and superstitions.

Since our ancestors first huddled together around a fire so many hundreds of thousands of years ago, we collectively tried to protect ourselves against the dangers and terrors of the world.

Then, with the advent of a rudimentary language, blind acceptance of our lot in life gradually gave way to questioning the meaning to all of the suffering that fell upon us. With the gift of awareness however, also came the curse of knowledge.

The knowledge of our own fate!

By taking the responsibility for life’s hardships from our own shoulders and putting it onto some Higher Power, Humanity’s misfortunes became easier to accept. “It’s not our fault,” became the haunting cry of humanity as it echoed down through the millennia!

The concept of a Supreme Being, whose pleasure / displeasure could influence how life treated us, was a thought that gradually evolved over time. When we had a feeling that we were being punished for some presumed misdeed, like a small child that was being admonished, we could make it right again with the proper thought or attitude!

If this great God, or many gods for that matter, could be appeased, then it put us into a position where we finally had some measure of control over the worst that life could throw at us.

Sure life was tough. Our fate hinged on the whim of a Deity we could never really know or understand. But, if we followed some simple rules and kept our nose clean, then we would at least have some hope that the human condition would eventually improve. If not in this life, then certainly in the next!

Naturally, our lot in life usually stayed the same, or if anything got even worse! In the natural order of things, events always seemed to go from bad to worse.

If, despite the constant homage and sacrifices made to the Great Spirits, things did not improve, then a crisis of confidence would develop.

This meant some other means of comfort was required and this is where early humans developed one of the most remarkable and insightful theories about how the world works.

By showing how well we could suffer and still carry on, we showed the gods our courage, tenacity, --- and above all, our Faith!

Everyone soon realized that our willingness to suffer for a higher cause was all that was required of us to gain the promise of reward at some time in the future.

“Voila,” the afterlife was born.

Allan W Janssen is the author of the book The Plain Truth About God (What the mainstream religions don't want you to know!) and is available at the web site www.God-101.com

Visit the blog "Perspective" at http://God-101.blogspot.com

THE CHURCH OF ALLAN

A few brief thoughts on the philosophy behind the creed of The Church of Allan!

First of all we have to have a formal name for members of "The Church of Allan," such as Christians for followers of the creed of Christ, or Muslims for the followers of Islam, etc.

After much thought, the only name I could come up with would be "Allanists," although if you have a better idea please let me know. I am also working on a secret handshake, but nothing has come of it yet!

Now, about the creed. We talked the last time, you know, about revering Howard but not trying to figure Howard out, and I found a good example.

This is a picture of us, a bunch of chickens clucking and scratching around in the barnyard. (A lot of chickens with their heads cut off too!)

Once we start to take a broader view than our own it becomes apparent that things are not as they seem.

Follow the pictures as they take an ever bigger view and I will have a few words at the end.





























Yes boys and girls we are pretty small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things and our view of the Universe is very different than the reality of it!

But! We are slowly starting to realize the world outside our own barnyard and gain an ever widening viewpoint about how things work.

Sure we have a long way to go but that is no reason to despair.

HERE IT COMES! It's not our job to figure out Howard or even other people. Our job is to try and be the best we can with what we are given, and then try and live our lives with a bit of dignity and grace.

We, as a race, have to learn the lessons of love and comnpassion taught by all the great prophets. (Including the Dali Lama) Only then will we start down the road to expanding our potential!

It's time for humanity to leave it's infancy behind and start to grow up a bit. Just as an baby only knows its crib, so we only know our barnyard.

BUT, as we grow and gain wisdom and maturity as people and a race, so will our outlook and vision broaden and become more aware and closer to Howard.

THIS, MY FRIENDS, IS WHAT I SUSPECT HOWARD HAS IN STORE FOR US. (At least I would like to thnks so!)

Allan W Janssen is the author of the book The Plain Truth About God (What the mainstream religions don't want you to know!) and is available at the web site www.God-101.com

Visit the blog "Perspective" at http://God-101.blogspot.com

Letters, we get lots and lots of letters!

Here at the Perspective mailbox we get letters, we get lots and lots of letters, and I have to tell you that they have been keeping the staff working overtime for the past few days.

(So just like any other church, we have bills to pay and any offering or donation you could make through PayPal would be most appreciated. Otherwise I’m afraid we are going to have to lay off a few people....! See, We're getting just like the big time churches already)

But, down to business. The first item on the agenda today is that there is a new Quotation box to the immediate left and it is there for a reason.

Here at The Church of Allan we realized that God couldn’t really be a Him or a Her simply because of God’s non-corporal nature. (Part of our doctrine is that it is impossible to categorize or objectify God by God’s very unknown nature.)

But, we get a clue that makes God more personal and thereby familiar by Jesus himself when he said; (And this is one of the few things we know actually came from Jesus and not someone attributing it to him..... We will get into that “authentic says” thing at a later date!) He said; “Our father who art in Heaven, HOWARD be thy name!”

I love this quote from Jesus because it take an unimaginable being or force and describes it in such a way as to make it easier for us to put God into perspective!

(Get it: “Perspective” I didn’t pick that name for nothing.)

SO, FROM NOW ON IT’S CHURCH DOCTORINE THAT GOD WILL BE REFERRED TO AS HOWARD! (With all due reverence, of course!).

Anyway, back to the letters……... Remember I mentioned letters?.

I though it would be nice if you knew what a few of the people who read Perspective, (outside of myself and my staff of course) are saying.

First of all, Merry Johnson said; “Can't say I blame you for starting a common sense revolution! The world religious situation is getting pretty disgusting!”

Lesli B said; You're serious, aren't you! (Damn right I am.)

Janet H. had a more pragmatic thought; “I think I'll stick with my Baptist religion.” (Oh well, can’t win em all!).

Jesse J said... “You could do like Peter Griffin on "Family Guy" and start the "Church of the Fonz". (There’s always one in the crowd, isn’t there!)

Opps, I guess there’s two in the crowd, Michelle W. said; "I personally am a founding member of The Church of the Latter Day Cynics!" : ) peace

Then we get a little more serious and I have to start answering questions. From Maureen N. I'm interested...haven't read all of what you said but have questions already…….(The following is a quote from your humble author.) "We can look with awe and reverence upon God but the minute we put ourselves into the position of interpreters of "Gods Will" it seems to suggest a plot to twist all that is holy into a perversion of God's works."

"How can we revere God and not want to strive to do is will? How can we do his will if we don't try to interpret it?"

Maureen you have asked a question that goes to the heart of The Church of Allan’s doctrine.

Of course we can and should revere Howard.

BUT, because of Howard’s very nature, Howard would be unknowable. So there is no way to know Howard’s will. (And if you’re tempted to tell me “Because the bible tells me so,” then you should stop reading right now and go back to Sunday school.)

All we have had so far from religion are other humans having the arrogance and audacity to tell us that they know what Howard’s will is, and we had better listen to them! Or else!

And finally for today, we get this from Joseph R. "What’s your churches position on descent with modification by natural selection?"

Joseph is, of course, using fancy words to say “evolution.”

We have to start out with “First Cause” which is of course the big bang.

This did not just happen by itself since the Universe can’t appear through spontaneous combustion now, can it? Howard must have had a hand in that somehow. (The “laws of nature” were ingrained into the fabric of reality and evolution is certainly one of them SINCE IT HAS BEEN PROVEN, DAMN IT.)

Since then anything is up for grabs until we learn more about what’s going on with things, but I can tell you for sure Howard doesn’t interfere in the daily lives of humanity otherwise everything would be peachy keen..

(Like it or not that’s the way it is. Just like that old saying; “You cannot petition the Lord…… with prayer!” [Jim Morrison-The Doors]

I guess I have ranted enough for today so I will say “Goodnight.”

Allan W Janssen is the author of the book The Plain Truth About God (What the mainstream religions don't want you to know!) and is available at the web site www.God-101.com

Visit the blog "Perspective" at http://God-101.blogspot.com

THE CHURCH OF ALLAN

As an introduction to this church, I will have to get a bit on the lengthly side but feel it is rather necessary for a good understanding of it. Later installments will not be as windy.

1.
In The Church of Allan, (Or a better name if you can think of one!)our doctrine will look at the great truths and also the myths and legends that have shaped our lives.

We will examine the story of Jesus and Muhammad, the rise of Christianity and Islam, and the forces that have shaped our religions (Both East and West) over the centuries.

First, I would like to say that this religion (Or Belief) is not in any way against God, or for that matter really about God at all, since that it a subject that everyone professes to be an expert in while in reality knowing nothing for sure.

Rather it is about the human experience concerning God, and how we have taken the Divine and used it for our own ends.

Within The Church of Allan, as part of our doctrine, we will look at how we as a civilization got to where we are now in both our physical and spiritual development.

It's catechism will give a history of Humanities development of religion and spirituality.

It will also allow us to take a long look at ourselves as a people and a civilization.

Plus, we will examine our religious beliefs and how practices of the “priesthood” have made our world here in the twenty first century the way it is!

There now seems to be as many different types of spiritual beliefs and practices as there are groups or tribes in the world, yet in spite of this diversity of belief systems, there is an underlying commonality present in every practitioner of every belief!

This common denominator is very simply the overwhelming need to have that belief system in the first place.

2.
There are so many types of belief’s present in the world today that naturally they cannot all be right. It seems logical that only one of them could be the “True” religion.

This by default means that all the rest are wrong.

Actually, in the light of day, they are probably all wrong to a greater or lesser degree.

However, in spite of this, the universality of our common craving for a belief system makes a very convincing argument for a Higher Power.

Remember the old saying “If there was no God, man would have to invent one.”

The only real question is how do we separate the fact of a “God” with the myths of man that have so shaped our lives?

For this, we will attempt to find some answers.

3.
My hope in starting this religion is to have people come back to God without the trappings and false impressions that have been fostered on us by organized religion and the "Priesthood" over the centuries.

Spirituality is what brings us closer to the Divine while the practices of the “priest-hood” or “priest-craft” leads us in the opposite direction and could even be called the devils work.

What I object to is the human trait of forming special interest groups whose purpose is to give only their explanation of God, and making proclamations and laws in God’s name.

This to me is the height of human arrogance and self-deception.

We can look with awe and reverence upon God but the minute we put ourselves into the position of interpreters of “Gods Will” it seems to suggest a plot to twist all that is holy into a perversion of God’s works.

Probably the best example of this is the fact that some of the greatest wars and atrocities in humanity’s history have been perpetrated in the name of “religion!”

4.
Historically, the study of religion was central to the discipline of sociology, with early figures such as Durkheim and Max Weber writing extensively on the role and function of religion in human society.

Social scientists who study religion perform a vital function in helping journalists and the general public make sense of religious themes. They study how religion influences television, political conflicts, personal issues such as abortion and homosexuality, and highly publicized “cult” tragedies.

They also examine the collision course that Christianity and Islam seems to be on!

The discipline of sociology of religion has much to teach about how religion functions for the individual and in society. Unfortunately, research done by sociologists of religion seldom filters out of the “ivory towers” to those “in the trenches.”

I would like to thank Burton L. Mack for his insightful work in “The Lost Gospel- The book of Q,” and I would also like to thank James Breech for his work “The Silence of Jesus” and Tom Harpur with “For Christ’s Sake” and now “The Pagan Christ.”

Richard Dawkins and Susan Blackmore also bear special mention for their work in “Memics.” Especially for “Viruses of the Mind” and “The Selfish Gene - the Study of Meme’s.”

The same goes for Max Weber, Carl Jung, Descartes, Nietzsche, Durkheim, and a host of others.

5.
An old story here that we probably all know by heart. It is said that once upon a time a king gathered a few men who had been born blind.

They were asked to describe an elephant, but each one was presented with only a certain part of it.

To one was presented the head of the elephant, to another the trunk, to another its ears, to another the leg, the body, the tail, tuft of the tail, etc.

The one presented with the head said, “The elephant is like a pot!”

The one who was presented the trunk answered, “The elephant is like a hose.”

The one who touched only the ears thought that the elephant was a fan, and the others said that it was a pillar, a wall, a rope, a brush, etc.

Then they quarreled among themselves, each thinking that he was the only one right and the others were wrong.

The obvious truth is that the elephant is a unity of many parts, a unity that they could not grasp in their ignorance.

Christianity, Judaism and Islam (as well as their individual sects) claim to be the only right path to God and although this vision arouses a lot of enthusiasm amongst it's adherents, it is important to know that these are not the only views.

We need only look at the Eastern religions.

According to the pattern suggested by this tale of the elephant, it is often said that world religions form a unity, and only this total unity provides the right perspective on ultimate truth.

6.
Theoretically, two possibilities exist!

If the first is true (all religions lead us to the same goal), and we choose the second (only one of them is right), we have not lost anything.

Despite our ignorance, we will arrive at the same happy end as the other travelers who have chosen different spiritual paths.

A less happy situation would be given by the second possibility, that a single spiritual path is valid and we have chosen the wrong one. In this case, we are courting a spiritual disaster.

(A third possibility, that all spiritual paths are wrong, is denied by the very nature of our spiritual quest itself.

This search demands a real fulfillment, otherwise our hunger for ultimate truth could not be justified, and all religions would be nothing but fantasy.)

By default then, because one option is so unpalatable, (that there is nothing after life) we would have to choose the view that all religions lead us to the same goal, it is just their method that is wrong!

The following pages are not meant merely to generate rational proofs for justifying one or another alternative.

No matter how complex and logical the proofs of one or the other causes might be, it is possible to find counterpoints of the same nature. At a rational level, these disputes could fill many books with no benefit to anyone.

No one can be persuaded or converted to another religious perspective only through rational proof and logic. This may be possible in science, but not in religion. Otherwise, everyone would already be of one faith!

However, rational proofs have to be considered because we are rational beings.
Reason should not be rejected and belief proclaimed the only way of knowing truth.

No divorce between reason and belief should be accepted because they are complementary and work together. Neither should exclude the other.

7.
We do not have to reject the proof of reason in our spiritual quests, whatever their nature might be. Rather than generating sterile debates, the information presented here should help you clarify your own views toward comparative religion and develop a critical ability to analyze today’s spiritual market.

The analysis that will be presented here focuses on Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and the major Eastern Religions because they play the biggest role in defining today’s world spirituality from a Western viewpoint.

Some believe that a comparative analysis like this may fuel religious hatred and intolerance, but this is wrong. Religious tolerance and freedom cannot be built on ignorance, but rather should be built on the understanding of commonalities.

Therefore, as Jesus said: “Loving the person is possible even if one rejects his or her religious convictions!”

** This doctrine after all is said and done, will not have “The meaning of life” or anything closely resembling it! After reading these pages, we might not find out what God or religion is, but we might have a better understanding of what God and religion is not!

This is approaching the whole subject matter through the back door, but at our present level of understanding of the Divine, maybe it is the best we can do!

** “The world of poetry, mythology, and religion represents the world as a man would like to have it, while science represents the world as he gradually comes to discover it.” ---Joseph Wood Krutch

**”Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” - -Kahlil Gibran

Taken from the book, "The Plain Truth About God" (what the church doesn't want you to know!)

To be continued now and then!

Allan W Janssen is the author of the book The Plain Truth About God (What the mainstream religions don't want you to know!) and is available at the web site www.God-101.com

Visit the blog "Perspective" at http://God-101.blogspot.com