Friday, August 1, 2008
Darwin's DNA - Andrea Diem Lane
Genomes or human beings are merely copies of their paternal and maternal parents DNA. Darwin suggests that through this replication of DNA strands one's biological information is formulated. This gives reason to why a child may have its father's eyes and humor and the mother's feet and hair color. The more dominant gene will result in the offspring's characteristic. It is quite astonishing to ponder on the notion of just how many potential offspring go unfertilized. I suppose it really is a blessing or a gift to be born into this world, not natural selection as Darwin would suggest.Which brings me to that first breath of air, is it these same strands of DNA that allow our bodies and minds to operate on a daily basis. The conscious is actually responsible for paving the way for each Individual. Our minds are such a powerful entity with many capabilities. Deception takes the extensive capacity of the brain. Humans tend to believe more nonsense than truth because it is easier to deal with. People tend to take fact more gingerly than simple issues.Darwin's DNA has left me quite bewildered; the correlation between humans and chimpanzees is astonishing. The amount of DNA that coexists among us really makes me wonder as to the extent of truth that lies within Darwin's theory. Are we merely evolved intelligent animals?
Sir John Polkinghorne - Interview
After retiring as a professor of mathematical physics, Sir John Polkinghorne veered toward his faith in Christianity and became a Priest in 1979. Utilizing his scientific knowledge he was set on proving the existence of the Divinity and how both science and religion can correlate in this world. He questions the Big Bang theory, stating that this miraculous event could not be a mere scientific accident. The beauty of it all must be the creation of a higher being. This order to the world and rational beauty are very important in suggesting the presence of a divine being. Polkinghorne also believes that a division must be set in distinguishing the Creator and the Creation, the mind and purpose so to speak. It seems to me that Sir John Polkinghorne was blessed with the intellect needed to unveil the age old mystery of a Divine Being. The idea Sir John provides of God being a puppeteer is quite interesting. According to believers of Christian faith, God controls all and is the director of all thought and emotion. This is not the case at all; we were given a very precious gift of free will which enables us to make choices. My opinion is that it is an individual preference when it comes to the creation of humanity. John Polkinghorne is should be an inspiration to all that are torn between the two sects.
Philosophy in Five Minutes
Five minutes of five films that fuses together and deciphers philosophy to an elementary level. Richard Feynman's resolution of atomic physics is so simple; he states that "things are made of littler things that jiggle". This is such a great interpretation of the creation of all things. From these basic understandings have we been able to move forward in humanity and technology. This leads to that glorious piece of meat, our brains. It is here that our consciousness deciphers all that surrounds us.Humans tend to believe that we are in control of all our intellect, emotions, and functions. However, we are merely editors in the body writing a journal of this life. This is a splendid analogy of mankind, it differentiates the body and the soul yet explains their correlation. I only hope that my personal editor and chief (God) takes a close review when it comes to my journal entry.
PHIL8 - Summer 08 Final
Nicole M. Diaz
PHIL8 – Final
August 1, 2008
Nickki53
Nickki53@yahoo.com
Mystical Life
http://nikkid76.blogspot.com
All the assigned readings were completed and all required films have been viewed.
Midterm: C+ at http://nikkid76.blogspot.com
12. Due to the cancellation on Google, I was unable to view the interview on Professor Mark Juergensmeyer. I did however; research his work on religious terrorism. Mark Juergensmeyer; a Professor of sociology and religious studies, has written countless books and articles in the realm of religious terrorism. In his book; Terror in the Mind of God”, Juergensmeyer explores the violence that occurs amongst the elite religions. He is concerned with the holy justifications that these groups contain as their given right or authority. The most obvious examples of this type of behavior are the attacks on the Twin Towers and the suicide bombings that occur daily in the Middle East. It seems to me that these religious disciples are trying to seek acknowledgement from the world and acceptance from their God. This is a suggestion that Mark shares as well in his book. Professor Juergensmeyer proposes that the remedy for religious violence lies in the appreciation of it and a renewed affirmation of the various religions in our world.
13. The sleeping prophet; Edgar Cacey, was a spiritual man with psychological insight. Through scientific investigation one can decipher the accuracy of Mr. Cacey’s claims of foretelling. The basis of investigation would be to distinguish the truly paranormal from any logic and analyzing his followers. Sadly Edgar Cacey’s prophecies have been proven invalid, yet he still contained a vase fan base. It is my opinion that the hope that his visions brought to the individual is what triggers the mind to accept these intuitions.
14. The immense deception that occurs within many religious cults is the motivation behind Professor David Lane’s criticism. These quasi religious leaders will create groups that prey on the weak minded and gullible in hopes of obtaining omnipotence and wealth. The promises of benediction, the elaborate showcases of worship are really quite ridiculous in their demeanor. Mr. Lane portrays a detective in the philosophical world to reveal the truth and protect the nieve from being victimized by these phony religious deities.
15. Caught on tape, film is the one form of evidence that is difficult to falsify. It is notably apparent that Sai Baba has no inclination of any mystical, paranormal power. He is merely a magician trying to deceive his followers with the oldest trick in the book. It is with much uncertainty as to what is more pathetic; the fact that he is so horrible at the slip of the hand trick or the people that actually accept this ludicrous form of preaching. Apparently the more astounding and elaborate the setting is the easier it is to exploit.
16. According to the Guru Thakar Singh, the human soul must be cleansed of its impurities. Children from birth to age five are blindfolded as part of a meditation process in an attempt at bringing them closer to God. Through this cleansing Thakar believes the children are not blinded by any external influences that could possibly contaminate their young souls. When it comes to religion many people are either coached in a certain belief
or are so desperate for a spiritual self they will accept anything as truth. Our minds are so dominating and are apt to being deceived by ridiculous declarations.
17. John Polkinghorne is an extraordinary man that is quite influential to my thoughts. As a Professor of Mathematical Physics, John is knowledgeable in the scientific processes of our world. He spent many years investigating and asking why things are what they are. Yet being the spiritual believer he is, Sir Polkinghorne resolved to follow his heart and veered towards Priesthood. He feels that although there can possibly be an explanation for many events in our world. The true magnificence and beauty is a mystery. Even the smallest molecular ion could only be the creation of a higher being. John Polkinghorne finds simplicity in allowing reason and spirituality to coexist in his world.
18. The collation of differences that exist between good and evil is Nietzsche’s way of critiquing religion. He explains how the Christian church is so pharisaic in its descriptions of God and many other supposed miraculous events. Nietzsche was so critical in regards to this topic that he was accused as being a German. He could not comprehend how a divine God and its disciples could cause such havoc on society and use such extreme scare tactics to gain their trust in them. Yet they spoke of a God that was all loving and forgiving.
20. Intelligent Design does not stem from a scientific background. It is for these reasons many evolutionists consider intelligent design to be nothing more than scientific waste. For many years Christians have tried aimlessly to have the ID theory taught in the classroom in place of Darwin’s Evolutionary Theory. The evolutionary biologists argue that this concept of intelligent design does not teach students any truth in regards to the creation of mankind. It is purely speculation and a disguised attempt to admitting religion into the schools. On a personal level I am empathic to intelligent design, as a spiritual person I can conceive the beauty of this theory. Yet there is no educational thought to it that would constitute it being part of any curriculum.
21. The Zahir piggy backs off the old Twilight Zone premise of strange unexplainable mysteries and phenomena. The Rod Sterling impersonator at the carnival (a place of mystic wonder) depicts the enigma of labyrinths and the mythical Zahir. The Zahir is said to be an entity or object that has the capacity to cause memory loss when mused consistently and can eventually lead to insanity. It is no wonder the director choose a Carnival scenery in his decision to express his vision. He wants to portray the eerie, ominous phantasm of the Zahir.
22. Atoms of varying forms and sizes formulate all things around us. This infinitesimal matter creates larger objects that become mobile. According to Richard Feynman there are four main forces that can construe the Universe: gravity and the surrounding nuclear forces guide these objects, the nuclear interactions have the capacity to create or destroy any matter, while electromagnetism releases any stored energy triggering the item to move or “jiggle”.
Mr. Feynman’s paradigm of the universe and how we fit into it was entertaining and very absolute. The animated electrons and such reminded me of The School House Rock series. We should return this simplicity back to the classroom; it makes for a better understanding of the universe we inhabit.
23. Fundamentalists have been contaminated with the intelligent design theory. These folks believe that God is the sole designer of mankind and the worlds that surrounds us. The film shows the contrast between evolution and creationism and suggests that cellular level of mankind is far too intricate to be an accident of mere odds. The narrator states how ridiculous this form of reasoning can very easily be considered an ailment of the mind.
27. In the beginning, religion was said to be established to help humans apprehend “why” humans have a thought process. Darwin predicted that with every new generation, science would also establish their own theory or psychology. Evolutionary philosophy would eventually come into play with its preeminent focus on interpreting how we are capable of thought and reason. It is really alarming that we can accept Darwin’s theory of evolution of the conscious mind. I can envision that this miraculous process would be a gift of a Divine Being.
PHIL8 – Final
August 1, 2008
Nickki53
Nickki53@yahoo.com
Mystical Life
http://nikkid76.blogspot.com
All the assigned readings were completed and all required films have been viewed.
Midterm: C+ at http://nikkid76.blogspot.com
12. Due to the cancellation on Google, I was unable to view the interview on Professor Mark Juergensmeyer. I did however; research his work on religious terrorism. Mark Juergensmeyer; a Professor of sociology and religious studies, has written countless books and articles in the realm of religious terrorism. In his book; Terror in the Mind of God”, Juergensmeyer explores the violence that occurs amongst the elite religions. He is concerned with the holy justifications that these groups contain as their given right or authority. The most obvious examples of this type of behavior are the attacks on the Twin Towers and the suicide bombings that occur daily in the Middle East. It seems to me that these religious disciples are trying to seek acknowledgement from the world and acceptance from their God. This is a suggestion that Mark shares as well in his book. Professor Juergensmeyer proposes that the remedy for religious violence lies in the appreciation of it and a renewed affirmation of the various religions in our world.
13. The sleeping prophet; Edgar Cacey, was a spiritual man with psychological insight. Through scientific investigation one can decipher the accuracy of Mr. Cacey’s claims of foretelling. The basis of investigation would be to distinguish the truly paranormal from any logic and analyzing his followers. Sadly Edgar Cacey’s prophecies have been proven invalid, yet he still contained a vase fan base. It is my opinion that the hope that his visions brought to the individual is what triggers the mind to accept these intuitions.
14. The immense deception that occurs within many religious cults is the motivation behind Professor David Lane’s criticism. These quasi religious leaders will create groups that prey on the weak minded and gullible in hopes of obtaining omnipotence and wealth. The promises of benediction, the elaborate showcases of worship are really quite ridiculous in their demeanor. Mr. Lane portrays a detective in the philosophical world to reveal the truth and protect the nieve from being victimized by these phony religious deities.
15. Caught on tape, film is the one form of evidence that is difficult to falsify. It is notably apparent that Sai Baba has no inclination of any mystical, paranormal power. He is merely a magician trying to deceive his followers with the oldest trick in the book. It is with much uncertainty as to what is more pathetic; the fact that he is so horrible at the slip of the hand trick or the people that actually accept this ludicrous form of preaching. Apparently the more astounding and elaborate the setting is the easier it is to exploit.
16. According to the Guru Thakar Singh, the human soul must be cleansed of its impurities. Children from birth to age five are blindfolded as part of a meditation process in an attempt at bringing them closer to God. Through this cleansing Thakar believes the children are not blinded by any external influences that could possibly contaminate their young souls. When it comes to religion many people are either coached in a certain belief
or are so desperate for a spiritual self they will accept anything as truth. Our minds are so dominating and are apt to being deceived by ridiculous declarations.
17. John Polkinghorne is an extraordinary man that is quite influential to my thoughts. As a Professor of Mathematical Physics, John is knowledgeable in the scientific processes of our world. He spent many years investigating and asking why things are what they are. Yet being the spiritual believer he is, Sir Polkinghorne resolved to follow his heart and veered towards Priesthood. He feels that although there can possibly be an explanation for many events in our world. The true magnificence and beauty is a mystery. Even the smallest molecular ion could only be the creation of a higher being. John Polkinghorne finds simplicity in allowing reason and spirituality to coexist in his world.
18. The collation of differences that exist between good and evil is Nietzsche’s way of critiquing religion. He explains how the Christian church is so pharisaic in its descriptions of God and many other supposed miraculous events. Nietzsche was so critical in regards to this topic that he was accused as being a German. He could not comprehend how a divine God and its disciples could cause such havoc on society and use such extreme scare tactics to gain their trust in them. Yet they spoke of a God that was all loving and forgiving.
20. Intelligent Design does not stem from a scientific background. It is for these reasons many evolutionists consider intelligent design to be nothing more than scientific waste. For many years Christians have tried aimlessly to have the ID theory taught in the classroom in place of Darwin’s Evolutionary Theory. The evolutionary biologists argue that this concept of intelligent design does not teach students any truth in regards to the creation of mankind. It is purely speculation and a disguised attempt to admitting religion into the schools. On a personal level I am empathic to intelligent design, as a spiritual person I can conceive the beauty of this theory. Yet there is no educational thought to it that would constitute it being part of any curriculum.
21. The Zahir piggy backs off the old Twilight Zone premise of strange unexplainable mysteries and phenomena. The Rod Sterling impersonator at the carnival (a place of mystic wonder) depicts the enigma of labyrinths and the mythical Zahir. The Zahir is said to be an entity or object that has the capacity to cause memory loss when mused consistently and can eventually lead to insanity. It is no wonder the director choose a Carnival scenery in his decision to express his vision. He wants to portray the eerie, ominous phantasm of the Zahir.
22. Atoms of varying forms and sizes formulate all things around us. This infinitesimal matter creates larger objects that become mobile. According to Richard Feynman there are four main forces that can construe the Universe: gravity and the surrounding nuclear forces guide these objects, the nuclear interactions have the capacity to create or destroy any matter, while electromagnetism releases any stored energy triggering the item to move or “jiggle”.
Mr. Feynman’s paradigm of the universe and how we fit into it was entertaining and very absolute. The animated electrons and such reminded me of The School House Rock series. We should return this simplicity back to the classroom; it makes for a better understanding of the universe we inhabit.
23. Fundamentalists have been contaminated with the intelligent design theory. These folks believe that God is the sole designer of mankind and the worlds that surrounds us. The film shows the contrast between evolution and creationism and suggests that cellular level of mankind is far too intricate to be an accident of mere odds. The narrator states how ridiculous this form of reasoning can very easily be considered an ailment of the mind.
27. In the beginning, religion was said to be established to help humans apprehend “why” humans have a thought process. Darwin predicted that with every new generation, science would also establish their own theory or psychology. Evolutionary philosophy would eventually come into play with its preeminent focus on interpreting how we are capable of thought and reason. It is really alarming that we can accept Darwin’s theory of evolution of the conscious mind. I can envision that this miraculous process would be a gift of a Divine Being.
Friday, July 18, 2008
The Guru File - Video Clip 2
Thakar Singh; a retired engineer, claims that he is a Master of the cult group Science of the Soul. His whole premise is to rid the soul of ill entities through various forms of cleansings. It is these cleansings that have triggered mass concern for the welfare of the followers of Science of the Soul. A Canadian News Channel broadcasted a report of allegations brought forth by former members of abuse among the women and children in the group.
Children are said to be blindfolded from birth to five years of age. These children are blindfolded and sat in a room for up to six hours at a time to meditate. A process that Thakar states is done in the name of God to rid the child’s soul of any evil. One woman claims that the supposed cleansings were quit physical and at times of a sexual nature. Yet another member compared these same cleansings to a massage or acupuncture therapy. Seems to me as though this retiree just had too much free time and decided to pick up a hobby. The pathetic thing is that people actually believe this kind of non sense and allow the abuse to occur.
Children are said to be blindfolded from birth to five years of age. These children are blindfolded and sat in a room for up to six hours at a time to meditate. A process that Thakar states is done in the name of God to rid the child’s soul of any evil. One woman claims that the supposed cleansings were quit physical and at times of a sexual nature. Yet another member compared these same cleansings to a massage or acupuncture therapy. Seems to me as though this retiree just had too much free time and decided to pick up a hobby. The pathetic thing is that people actually believe this kind of non sense and allow the abuse to occur.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Eckankar: Former Member Revisits
Dodie Bellamy; a journalist and former member of Eckankar narrates his San Diego rendezvous with David Lane. A free spirited philosophy professor that preys himself on exposing the truth behind the mass religious groups and spiritual cults of the world. Dodie recalls the apprehension he felt prior to them meeting. For it was David Lane’s unveiling of Eckankar’s fraudulent ways that persuade him into leaving the group. It seemed fitting to interview the professor. Mr. Lane had made a gruesome discovery while investigating the religious movement Eckankar. The founder Paul Twitchell had been plagiarizing the beliefs and writings of Radhasoami (a 19th Century form of yoga, founded in India) and accrediting them as his own. He went so far as to rename various religious masters of the past to justify the validity of his movement. Lane thought it his duty to disclose the information he had fallen upon in a term paper, which led to much hatred and harassment towards him that he decided to publish a second paper. The Making of a Spiritual Movement: The Untold Story of Paul Twitchell and Eckankar later becomes a book of much controversy.
In the end of the article, Lane is questioned about the simplicity of founding a religious cult and if he has ever considered doing so. His description of the group he would organize seems so absurd and ridiculous; however, it seems to me as though he is only being descriptive of his observations over the years. David Lane is like the Steve McGarrett (Hawaii Five-O for those youngsters) of the philosophy world. The thick skinned, laid back detective out to protect the gullible from being victimized by religious deities.
In the end of the article, Lane is questioned about the simplicity of founding a religious cult and if he has ever considered doing so. His description of the group he would organize seems so absurd and ridiculous; however, it seems to me as though he is only being descriptive of his observations over the years. David Lane is like the Steve McGarrett (Hawaii Five-O for those youngsters) of the philosophy world. The thick skinned, laid back detective out to protect the gullible from being victimized by religious deities.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Edgar Cayce and the Skeptic
Edgar Cayce; the sleeping prophet, has become somewhat of a religious figure to his followers. His visions and claims of psychic abilities have been confirmed to be inaccurate. So why is it that he remains to be such an idolized prophet of our time? K. Paul Johnson; a historian of esotericism decided to dissect Mr. Cayce’s claims in an attempt at discovering the truth. To do this Johnson divided Cayce’s phenomenon into two possible solutions. He inquired if the claims were really paranormal from a scientific foundation. This form of investigation is needed to avoid being deceived into blind faith not logical reason. Johnson also wanted a deeper understanding of Cayce’s followers. What was the motivation behind them, Cayce’s prophecies have been proven to be invalid, yet he has a tremendous group of believers.
Johnson incorporates critical judgment and a profound spiritual sense to uncover the mystery of Edgar Cayce. Although Cayce was determined to be a fake and his claims invalid, Johnson reveals a man. A man with a spiritual sincerity about him, a man with such persuasive psychological views. It seems to me that Johnson may have revealed the missing link behind the claims of divinity in many prophets and gurus.
Johnson incorporates critical judgment and a profound spiritual sense to uncover the mystery of Edgar Cayce. Although Cayce was determined to be a fake and his claims invalid, Johnson reveals a man. A man with a spiritual sincerity about him, a man with such persuasive psychological views. It seems to me that Johnson may have revealed the missing link behind the claims of divinity in many prophets and gurus.
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