dave_a_mbs wrote on Jul 28th, 2007 at 3:27pm:Hi Boris-
I'm with you on this one. Darth Vader is doubtless right at home next to Snidely Whiplash.
I also feel that Voodoo Christianity idea is a bit heavy in the wishful thinking department. Now if I wanted to do this the old fashioned way, I'd get a black hen, and go to the omphor where I'd pray to Chango, Papa Legba, and maybe Erzulie, that mty sins might be forgiven, and laid at the feet of the chicken who could deal with them thereafter. Notice that this also clears up the idea of karmic residues, since I'm dumping it all on the chicken. And then I'd have to sacrifice the chicken and maybe bathe in its blood. And that would wash me clean as virgin's breast.
Of course this Voodoo salvation seems to have nothing at all to do with a change of intention, nor an elevation of morality, nor repentance for my habits of exploitation and degradation of others in search of more income and greater hedonic pleasures. And there's nothing done to alter my accumulation of unpleasant karmic consequences. But what the heck - nothing's perfect.
From a rational perspective, if there is no intention to change and evolve, there is no change - I might feel better, but that's a delusion. For example - The Catholic rite of confession is based on simple logic - take stock of the situation (examination of conscience), get rid of the attachment to prior misdeeds (repentance), express intent to live a better life and to do things in a better manner and to do whatever damage control we can (penance), and then go on with life (Ite - missa est). That produces real change for obvious psychological principles, as well as any spiritual value it might have. The Voodoo Christian seems to be missing the point. However, someone noticed, as Jesus is quoted as saying, "Not all those who say, 'Lord, Lord' are going to get into the kingdom of heaven."
I, for one, prefer not to make a black chicken out of Jesus. He must have been a truly remarkable individual! I respect that.
dave
True Dave...But I'm not making a 'Black Chicken' out of the Jesus character...But. All the
supposed teachings, attributed to Jesus, were around already. ..Buddha for instance taught
the same things...and the mother of all religions 'Hinduism' clearly state this....At the
supposed time of his ministry, there were no doubt countless 'holy men' wandering the
countryside in the middle east, back from their journey's and studies in India(The silk road
was a famous trade route from china to the middle east)...preaching what they were taught
from their gurus...Tell me something jesus said that was so profound and not known among
the spiritual community then?? Nothing!!...Look at us on this board!? We all know about love,
compassion, helpfulness, service to others, tolerance, etc, etc, etc...Why are we not spiritual
giants or mentors?? ...When questioned at a recent press conference, the head of our local
accident and emergency department of a large hospital in my capital city said.."Drugs account
for about 10% of admissions, Alcohol account for about 70%. If alcohol did not exit, I would
have to fire at least half my department."...Jesus, in his first miracle turned water into wine.
...Couldn't they enjoy themselves without being drunk??? After all they were in the divine
company of the "Son of God". One wave of his hand and they would be exhilarated!!? Forget
the booze...Darth. May both sides of the force be with you...ps. Laffinrain. Women are
still held as second class citizens in the christian religion...Try becoming a priest or minister
in the catholic or protestant religions...and I'm not talking about TV evangelism. And Dave,
it seems there is fear in your post...Why not call jesus a %#@*&8*&^%..After all, he'll
forgive you?....Hmmmmmm. Maybe not!!!!!