What is it about the phrase “Why look ye into heaven?” that ties together a Bible Truth Camp, an opera, a telescope, the progress of science, and humanity’s place in the universe?
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What is "the third group rule"? The Ex-CD Facebook group asks this question when granting membership. I don't know what they are talking about....despite being a CD for decades. Are they referring to the rejection of the Trinity?
ReplyDeleteI'm not an admin for that group, but if I were to guess I'd guess the third group rule is "The 3rd rule for the Ex-CD Facebook group".
DeleteIs it "No Hate Speech or Bullying"?
DeleteYou are both geniuses. The answer was commonsensical. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI`ve always known that I was a genius -- but you are the first person who has recognised it.
DeleteI’ve discovered a philosophy that I find more grounded and insightful than traditional religion or spirituality. It’s an ancient school of thought that was once marginalized and even persecuted by early Christianity. This philosophy is called **Epicureanism**, founded by the Greek philosopher **Epicurus**.
ReplyDeleteEpicurus was a **materialist** who based his understanding of the world on observation, reason, and natural science. He delved deeply into the **science of happiness**, exploring how humans could attain lasting peace and freedom from fear. He taught that true happiness comes from simple pleasures, meaningful friendships, and living a life free from unnecessary desires and superstitions.
One of the most revolutionary aspects of Epicurus’ thought was his **rejection of metaphysical and religious doctrines**, especially those rooted in **Platonism**. He denied the notion of an **immortal soul**, arguing instead that what people called the "soul" was a collection of **atoms** dispersed throughout the body. For Epicurus, the soul did not survive death; when the body dies, its atoms disperse, and consciousness ceases.
This perspective removed the fear of death and divine punishment, which Epicurus believed were among the greatest obstacles to human happiness. His philosophy offered a rational, ethical, and naturalistic way of life, grounded in **empirical knowledge and personal well-being**.
Though often misunderstood and misrepresented—especially by religious authorities—Epicureanism was never about hedonistic excess. Instead, it advocated for a life of moderation, wisdom, and inner tranquility.
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The Folly of Gazing Upward
ReplyDeleteTo the Epicurean, the heavens are not the dwelling place of divine overseers but the domain of natural phenomena—stars, planets, and atmospheric patterns. To look to the sky for divine intervention or to await the return of a savior is to mistake poetry for reality. It is to surrender the mind to fear and fantasy.
The Epicurean way is not to gaze upward, longing for a metaphysical answer, but to look clearly at the world as it is, to understand nature, and to seek peace in this life—not the next. Religion, especially when fused with political power, has often manipulated humanity with the promise of heaven and the terror of hell. Epicurus exposed this manipulation for what it was: a tool of control that exploits ignorance and fear.
My philosophy, exactly. It has inherent wisdom. Wisdom brings peace. This is all we have; Heaven and Hell are both here. Choose whichever one you like.
ReplyDeleteAnon, the Christadelphians deny both the existence of hell, and the existence of heaven. They chose instead to invent "the kingdom", as a place that they will inhabit, after death, ruling over the rest of us, or whatever still exists of the rest of us (and after living on their index linked pensions, enjoying luxury cruises, Disneyland holidays, luxury cars, etc, etc,). Busying themselves with hymn singing, animal sacrifices, smoke, etc (as Mancott once described it, I think, as an "eternal fraternal").
DeletePretty much any philosophy is an acceptable alternative.
Yes, I did, when thinking with horror of eternal life in the Kingdom, think of it as an eternal fraternal. There was a time when I enjoyed "Frats", it was a time to meet friends from different areas of the English midlands, though the content of the unconnected content in rambling addresses often left me wondering what on earth the brother was going on about. Even living eternally unconnected with any religious aspect (though "eternal" is something I find impossible to understand - like looking at the sky and wondering what is beyond the beyond), would not be, for me, something to look forward to. I do wonder how many Christadelphians have really contemplated eternal life. I think it`s attraction is more to do with the unpleasant thought of dying.
DeleteThey don't deny the existence of Heaven. They believe you don't go there when you die.
ReplyDeleteThat seems like splitting hairs to me. They deny the common / conventional / orthodox interpretation (call it what you will) of both heaven and hell viz. heaven as a place of eternal reward, and hell as a place of eternal punishment.
DeleteI never really thought about it as a believer, but given at the end of the Revelation the Holy City comes out of heaven to Earth and God is said to dwell among them, maybe Heaven is shut up and left empty? It's certainly no longer the dwelling of God as it has been in the rest of the Bible, right?