THE THOUGHT OCCURED..RE THE SYMBOL/somnambulism-embolism..
Inherent,..in [FUN-ETHEREAL]..FUNERALS..you know the sign..by desIGN

http://www.prisonplanet.com/the-strange-fear-of-symbols.html

There are people who will argue that some symbols have “inherent meaning.” As if “the universe” sits around and writes down descriptions in a book, which is irrefutable.

Even if this were true, why do people have to accept those meanings?

Some symbols point to things that actually exist. Other symbols are fabricated with the intent of referring to fictions as if they were real. In both cases, the symbols are cooked and plumped up with meanings to impart a reaction.

I suppose God is the most widespread symbol on Earth. But instead of standing back and allowing the individual to decide what, if anything, it means to him, priest classes move in and organize religions to tell their stories, to embellish and codify the meaning of that symbol. And then to fight and kill to defend it.

Here is the symbol-maker’s proposition: “I’ll give you a symbol and tell you what it means and what it refers to. Then I want you to accept it, yes, but also to imbue it with feeling and awe and power. Give that power to the symbol. Make that investment. It’s your duty. Don’t vary or quibble.”

This is how humans are made into ciphers. This is mind control.

This post originally appeared at www.nomorefakenews.com

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What does it take to be a Christian ?

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I was circumcised and baptised shortly after birth. At the age of ten, I was enrolled into catechism classes, confessed my sins and received the sacrament of confirmation. The circumcision took place at the bush hospital, the rest in what was then called the Church of England in Australia.

I understand that these initiation rites label me as a Christian.

As Christianity has been doing fine for the past 2000 years, despite the fact that there is no god, I see no reason why my becoming aware of the fact that there is no god should change anything, either for Christianity or for me. My relation with Christianity has never been based on belief or faith but rather on curiosity and interest and a desire to get to know the truth. I consider myself no less Christian now than I was before (presuming I was, indeed, Christian).

It is interesting to note that according to the latest Harris poll in the US, only 54% of Americans are “absolutely certain” there is a god (down 12 percentage points from 2003 testing). While 68% indicate being either absolutely or somewhat certain that there is a God.

I interpret this to mean that the “possibility” of a god is important to people, even though there is no god.

As regards my current status, my guess is that I am still labelled as a Christian but I should welcome the considered opinion of anyone who wishes to express one. Personally, if I have any choice in the matter, I should prefer to avoid being labelled an “atheist” - simply because I find it a bit silly for anyone to define himself in relation to something (a god) which does not exist.

"Just a very ordinary person" would suit me fine.

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The Light came into the world but men still love the darkness. No wonder most choose moral relativism and are foolish enough to deny their Creator. You still can,t find teachings any more profound or practical as that of th e Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear Banjo,

I agree that nobody should be labeled “atheist” if he/she does not like it. The same with Christian, except that there is a formal definition of a Christian as a baptised person, which does not say anything about that person’s worldview. A better definition of a Christian, and perhaps also atheist, is according to what the person himself/herself would put down in a census or poll.

>>I interpret this to mean that the “possibility” of a god is important to people, even though there is no god.<<

Of course, you are entitled to your interpretation, except for the formulation which assumes “the fact that there is no god”, although there is no universal consensus on that. It would sound fairer if it ended with “even though I am convinced (or the majority of us, scientists, Australians etc are convinced) that there is no god”. Otherwise you sound like a fundamentalist Christian who will present the “fact” that God exists as a prerequisite for all discussion.

Dear Banjo,

<<What does it take to be a Christian?>>

To know thyself. Once you know that you are not separate from others, you will have no hesitation going on the cross if that's what it takes to help them.

The desire to have oneself labelled is unhealthy.

YOU ARE - then rejoice!
What else is there besides?

Just wake up and recognise thyself whom no label can match. You are the same you that you were before being baptised and circumcised. You were never anyone else, not even before your body was born nor after it dies - Thou art perfect and eternal.

At least you don't call yourself "atheist" = one who does not believe in himself!

You wish to be referred to as "Just a very ordinary person" - "Just a very ordinary God" would be more appropriate!

<<As Christianity has been doing fine for the past 2000 years,>>

Is that so? What about the crusades; burning of witches; murder of Galileo; ignorance of the masses; persecution of Jews and American Indians; corruption, secular power, wealth, wars and illegitimate children of popes; hatred and wars between Catholics and Protestants; the recent spate of paedophilia; and your own genital-mutilation to name a few? I don't think Jesus would be happy about that!

<<My relation with Christianity has never been based on belief or faith but rather on curiosity and interest and a desire to get to know the truth.>>

Now this is healthier than the attitudes of most people who call themselves "Christians". Keep on your curiosity, interest and desire to know the Truth, thus you will find God within you!

<<I consider myself no less Christian now than I was before (presuming I was, indeed, Christian).>>

Indeed, no church has a right to tell you what you are. Keep using your curiosity, interest and desire to know so you come to know thyself as the source of Christianity, as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit - come to know your own glory and power, come to know that your human limitations are but an illusion.

I find a lot of these OLO stupid, I am an Atheist and proud of it, it does not concern me day in and day out, and never think of it until I meet some overbearing religious person and inform them what I am, the way some write as though this is a cause for concern, I am happy being what I am, so please do not and I repeat do not go on with all the crap that is being written on here, we are what we all are, if you do not want to be an Atheist, that is your decision, makes no difference to me, if you want to put your bum in the air, makes no difference to me, if you want to believe in a God that their is no proof exists oe exits that is ok by me, so please stop analizing with crap everyone else's decision one way or the other, it is their decision not yours or mine.