Posts by SPAZnik

Based on the glaring opposition in an otherwise peaceful coexistence, it appears to me that the two sides of the human brain are naturally "compartmentalized" for good reason. I sometimes wonder if they will evolve to unify or if "good fences" will always be necessary on this particular front.

28

True & purposeful belief.. from within or without ? Your answer please !

by caliber in

this is an off shoot from loubelle's thread .. i did not wish to steal it.

here are some quotes i wish to explore.

it's the inherent weakness of belief that comes from outside of a person.

SPAZnik

So what are you guyz saying; that there's nothing new under the sun? :O)

27

How stupid do I think I am?

by AK - Jeff in

today, as i wait for the grout on the kitchen floor to dry, i began to ponder...... i wonder looking back just how insensitive to reality i could have been to have spent the vastness of my youth and midlife believing the obvious lies of jehovah's witnesses.

though i enjoy my freedom, i have no foundational background upon which to prop it.

though having a sense of being reborn, that rebirth has taken place late in life, and has left me feeling somewhat empty.

SPAZnik

"One hour of freedom is to be cherished as much as a lifetime." I like that.

28

True & purposeful belief.. from within or without ? Your answer please !

by caliber in

this is an off shoot from loubelle's thread .. i did not wish to steal it.

here are some quotes i wish to explore.

it's the inherent weakness of belief that comes from outside of a person.

SPAZnik

So, Six, are you trying to say that belief coming 'from within' is tantamount to the immaculate conception? =)

28

True & purposeful belief.. from within or without ? Your answer please !

by caliber in

this is an off shoot from loubelle's thread .. i did not wish to steal it.

here are some quotes i wish to explore.

it's the inherent weakness of belief that comes from outside of a person.

SPAZnik

Hmmm, THE CONCEPTION OF BELIEF; where from? I would suggest that beliefs, like babies, are conceived of by forces both within and without. >>>---> I read somewhere recently that BELIEFS ARE SIMPLY THOUGHTS THAT WE ARE EMOTIONALLY ATTACHED TO (OR INVESTED IN). This made sense to me when I read it, so I adopted it. >>>---> >>>---> I guess I could postulate that such thought itself can originate from within or without (and often a combo of the two) but it seems to me that it must resonate within to be turned into a "belief". So I'd say FROM WITHIN because that is where the thought resonates with me emotionally and/or rationally in order to "conceive" of a belief. I'd also say FROM WITHOUT because much of the hard data and/or evidence often comes from without to inform my thoughts, resonate with my emotions, and mingle with my experiences to end up shaped into a "belief". Also from WITHOUT because it seems it is often mainly in the actual exercising or testing of the belief that it's 'truth' will be ultimately verified or otherwise informed or further shaped. Then again, all of this is recognized from WITHIN. >>>---> >>>---> >>>---> WHETHER A BELIEF IS TRUE & PURPOSEFUL seems to establish itself over time, generally; the TRUTH of a belief, simplistically put, is a very basic cause and effect, verifiable 'without', type thing. (I am reminded of the "by their fruits you will know them" script.) As for the PURPOSE a belief serves? Beliefs seem to me a bit like tools that can be utilized for countless purposes. --- Am I mixing my metaphors here? :O) --- Anyway, I guess it's ultimately up to our individual and collective consciences how we use belief and what consequences result, thereby informing future beliefs. >>>---> >>>---> >>>---> >>>---> On a more personal note, the further away from JW grooming I venture, the more 'okay' I feel about simply allowing my beliefs to ebb and flow and evolve "naturally" over time, WITHIN ME, rather than being 'dictated' from without. But as I mature I'm learning more and more about evidence and I'm hopeful this will reduce the number of times I am bamboozled. I still like hearing about others' relevant beliefs AT TIMES. Again, a script comes to mind: There is wisdom in many counsellors. :) Oh and by the way, I believe there are some great thoughts on this thread. Thanks for sharing, ppl.

27

How stupid do I think I am?

by AK - Jeff in

today, as i wait for the grout on the kitchen floor to dry, i began to ponder...... i wonder looking back just how insensitive to reality i could have been to have spent the vastness of my youth and midlife believing the obvious lies of jehovah's witnesses.

though i enjoy my freedom, i have no foundational background upon which to prop it.

though having a sense of being reborn, that rebirth has taken place late in life, and has left me feeling somewhat empty.

SPAZnik

P.S. >>>---> hindsight = nature's university. =)

27

How stupid do I think I am?

by AK - Jeff in

today, as i wait for the grout on the kitchen floor to dry, i began to ponder...... i wonder looking back just how insensitive to reality i could have been to have spent the vastness of my youth and midlife believing the obvious lies of jehovah's witnesses.

though i enjoy my freedom, i have no foundational background upon which to prop it.

though having a sense of being reborn, that rebirth has taken place late in life, and has left me feeling somewhat empty.

SPAZnik

I hear ya. And for what it's worth, ya seem pretty smart from where I sit. :O)

20

I'm Glad Some of Us Never Gave Up This Place!!!

by minimus in

jw
friends

you can change the letters but i just want to say, there's no place like home.

SPAZnik

Is it Dec 31st that it ends or ... ? For some reason I don't know the day or the hour. :O)