Have you ever thought about a personal relationship with Jesus? You can pray to Jesus --hooberus
hoob...I appreciate your comments. Yes, I have thought about Jesus. But, praying to him would require that I believed He is God. I investigated this...got to the point where I could 'prove' Jesus was God AND Jesus wasn't God from the same Bible! I am open to the idea of Christianity, but I still would like to investigate other non-Christian paths. At one time, I even began to doubt the Bible and the existence of God. However, my gut instincts tell me there is a Supreme Being...how far and where this takes me I am willing to journey.
Anyhow... that is just my advice... to keep reading, researching and asking! Also... PLEASE let us know how that meeting go attended went! I'm very interested! Jbean
Jbean...thanks for your advice...well taken. I think I will take my researching slowly at first. I do not want to discount anything without giving it needed thought.
Well, as asked...here's my experience lol:
The Ad said: Metaphysical Society meeting no fee 7:30 p.m.
My niece (raised as a JW), her friend and I attended. When we walked in I immediately recognized the host. He was a college professor that I had met on a couple of occasions over the years...he also was the son of an older JW couple who were good friends with my parents! I thought how small my world really was. An ExJW was the president of the local Metaphysical Society!
I don't know what I was expecting...a group of long haired people sharing a bong and talking about levitation I suppose. It wasn't like that at all (too bad! lol) The topic I read on the door was "New World Order" which surprised me of course. The small group of eight people started out talking about Alternative Health,
Alternative News Items and then instead of the intended topic of "New World Order"...we talked about Jehovah's Witnesses and the Basics of Metaphysics.
The two hour meeting was quite enlightening. This is how The College of Metaphysical Studies defines Metaphysics:
What is Metaphysics? Metaphysics is the science or philosophy which systematically investigates the nature of first causes or principles of all existence, ultimate reality, knowledge, being and the nature of the universe. It is a philosophical doctrine that all things are a part of one main source, and that each thing, animate or inanimate, should be respected for its particular form of this one main source; therefore each thing has an independent function and is dependent on every other thing, and all are contributing to the main source. Metaphysics is a belief system. It covers a broad spectrum of ideas and concepts as well as providing a mental discipline we commonly refer to as The Science of Being. The old dictate of "know thyself" is apropos for a person practicing metaphysics. Metaphysics is the way to interpret and understand life on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual planes. The division of psychology dealing with metaphysical concepts is called parapsychology as it deals with things that go beyond the five senses. Metaphysics is seen as a Science because our belief system is demonstrated and manifested in concrete terms, a philosophy since it helps us to understand life and for many it serves as a Religion because it teaches us our relationship with God. We firmly believe that the wisdom of humanity is within. No topic is too much or too little to consider in metaphysical terms. It is truly an all-encompassing belief system. The emphasis is on the exploration of reality and how our level of consciousness determines the quality of life. While metaphysics is practiced by many as a religion, it is basically a belief system. Unity, Science of Mind and Religious Science are examples of Metaphysical religions. There are many who consider themselves metaphysicians but attend no worship services. However, they live their lives everyday in a metaphysical pattern. There is a great comfort in belonging to a group of people who think as you do but metaphysics makes no requirements for membership in any organization.
Beliefs that I liked about Metaphysics were: That there was a Supreme Force in Nature. It didn't matter what you called that force or how you even viewed it. I liked the fact that there was no organization you had to be a part of to believe. Your path is individual rather than part of an organization. All religions are Metaphysical...meaning they believe in a Supreme being behind nature. You do not have to accept a dogma. As a JW, you accept that a man "Charles T. Russell" was chosen by God to receive divine inspiration. He and later a group of men defined the belief structure or dogma that makes up Jehovah's Witnesses theology. In order for a person to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses they have to fully accept the entire belief system set out by these men. If a person doubts even one part of that belief system, they are no longer considered a Jehovah's Witness. The belief system of Metaphysics is quite broad. Basically, the thought is that we are all one with the Ultimate Energy. Our path is to continually strive to move forward. As long as we are moving forward, we are on the right path. In Metaphysics, you do not impose your thoughts or beliefs on others. (I thought that was very cool)
Well, that was my meeting. I'm not sure if I'm going to attend next week. I might. I would like another chance to talk to the ExJW who hosts the meetings. It looked like we had similar backgrounds and ideas. Anyway, it was good to finally get out of my shell and meet real live "worldly" people. I know I have a lot more to learn, and I can't wait.
"God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh." ~Voltaire
