Spirituality

[hiro23]

awesome, one of the metal gods, now you need pictures of Bruce Dickinson and Dio and Kotipelto up there

No problem

The HOLY Trinity!!!!
>faints<

That's awesome, hail the metal gods

[miditek]

Here is a great lesson on spirituality :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsI3aInYmOE&NR=1

Or another amazing example of just how far a flaming Peugeot can be driven off topic.

[browneyedgirl]

If those 3 Manly Metal Men are the Gods, then Marilyn must be the Fallen Angel!


I don't think Marilyn Manson should be thought of as an expert on spirituality considering..........

[icecab21]

other bands play, manowar kills, nuff said

[AGAG]

if someone says "I don't believe in ghosts" the reasoning would be stupid, but God and Ghosts are not the same thing...

It doesn't matter whether they are the same thing or not. You dismiss the idea of the existence of ghosts, but there are people who think ghosts exist. If they would ask you whether you believe in ghosts or not, you would more than probably say no. Apply your reasoning and we get to the conclusion that you believe in ghosts. I think you are looking too much into it. When they say that they don't believe in God, what most atheists are probably saying is that God doesn't exist. I can ask you right now if you believe in fairies, and in this particular case you could answer by saying "fairies don't exist", but you know very well that if we were not paying attention to the exact words we choose, you would more than probably answer with a simple "no, I don't believe in fairies". Apply your reasoning and voilà, you believe in fairies.

You missed my point, my "Reasoning" only applies ONLY when it comes to God or religious things, otherwise it's senseless as in the examples you mentioned...

Maybe people that truly doesn't believe in god are agnostics, atheists on the other hand do all they can to prove God's inexistance and you can see many internet pages for example, and, as miditek said, why should they care so much about something they don't believe in? that's where my reasoning applies.

This reasoning is incredibly flawed. Atheists talk about something they don't believe in because it's a way of exposing the flaws of religion to believers. It's also a way of seeking social change and a change in mentality and the way we perceive the world. What you are saying would be like saying "if religious people don't believe in Darwinian evolution, why do they talk about it so much?". I'm not even going to bother with a hypothetical answer because it should be self-evident and obvious.

The "Maybe" in my post states an opinion that may or may not be right...
But for the sake of my opinion :

Have you ever seen a religious blog or article that bashes and flames Darwinian evolution??
On the other hand I've seen some of these flying around...
And many religious people believe that darwinian and creationism can coexist peacefully. Then why can't atheism and religion coexist peacefully aswell? why do atheists bother so much in intelectually colonizing other people? Hypothetically (I'll bother) you may say because religions are some old fashioned ideas and that they don't let people live freely and some of them try to colonize people aswell... etc, etc. Then I would say: but that's your point of view, and if you are really sure of your ideals then no one will ever change your mind...

[Stealth]

You missed my point, my "Reasoning" only applies ONLY when it comes to God or religious things, otherwise it's senseless as in the examples you mentioned...

Here's MY point: You choose to decide where your reasoning applies. What's different about God and religion that makes your reasoning only apply to those things? We are talking about beliefs. If your reasoning is consistent, then it should apply to all beliefs. If you choose to selectively apply it to one thing without an apparent justification, then it's not reasoning at all.

Have you ever seen a religious blog or article that bashes and flames Darwinian evolution??

Yes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy0ehSwo ... re=related

And many religious people believe that darwinian and creationism can coexist peacefully. Then why can't atheism and religion coexist peacefully aswell?

Well, many people hold incredibly contradictory beliefs. Creationism and Darwinian evolution are simply incompatible. I actually have more respect for someone who believes 150% in creationism ("intelligent design", as they call it nowadays) and discards evolution than for someone who believes in both, because at least the person who only believes in creationism is more consistent with him/herself. Atheism and religion CAN coexist peacefully. Just because I'm an atheist doesn't mean I want to wipe out all religious people. It's all about "live and let live". I do think that the world would be better without religion, but that's not to say that I don't get along with religious people. What bothers me are those religious people who invade and seek to dictate other people's lives, for example, missionaries.

if you are really sure of your ideals then no one will ever change your mind...

We agree on this.

[browneyedgirl]

THE ABSURDITY OF ATHEISM
So you're an atheist. Mazel Tov, at least you aren't wishy washy. As a former atheist myself, I won't condemn you. How could I? Some atheists think they've taken a heroic stand, but could it be that they really don't want to face up to the possibility that God is indeed there? I hope you'll be intellectually honest enough to consider what I have to say and see if it makes sense.
No one who has prejudged an issue can be convinced of anything contrary to what he wants to believe. There are still those who insist the earth is flat and no one can convince them otherwise, no matter what the evidence. There are always folks, no matter if religious or atheistic, who stubbornly believe what they prefer, no matter if reason and fact show otherwise. Someone like this has the unspoken philosophy: Don't confuse me with the facts. My mind is already made up. Ask yourself: Am I open-minded or narrow minded? Am I willing to change my mind if I can be shown atheism doesn't make sense?
You might say, If God is there, let him prove it to me. I don't want to take an irrational leap of faith. Fine. In Isaiah 2:18 God says: come let us reason together. He wants us to reason and He certainly wants us to be be rational, but He will not submit himself to human scrutiny; to do so he would need to stop being God! He will not bow to our perverse judgements. Ask yourself, Would I ever be willing to believe God is there, however strong the evidence? You see, your problem may not be in your head as much as in your heart. Perhaps you've already taken a leap of faith. To assert God cannot exist, despite the impossibility of proving that statement, is the ultimate irrational leap!1
THE IRRATIONALITY OF ATHEISM
Atheism tends to exalt reason, but it is actually irrational. Atheists tend to put a lot of stock in the emperical method and in logic. One cannot disprove God exists using the emperical method. You might reply: But I can't disprove a giant purple frog on Mars controls the universe, either. Granted, one can never disprove any given thing exists. The atheistic position denying God's existence, if based on the emperical method, is absurd. Why do I say that?  In order to prove the assertion No God exists experimentally, one would need to comprehensively know all of reality. Comprehensive knowledge of reality is called omniscience. One would need to be omniscient in order to prove there is no God, but if one were omniscient one would, by definition, already be God!  So, based on emperical methodology, the only one capable of disproving the existence of God would be God himself!  But some would say you can indeed assert something does not exist if its existence is logically self contradictory, such as a square triangle.  By definition it cannot exist.  It is illogical for something to be a square and to also be a triangle. Again, granted, but this line of reasoning assumes logic and real meaning exist and are our basis for knowledge --something an atheist has no right to assert! The existence of God is not only logically possible, it is philosophically essential. (We'll get to that more later below.) One cannot prove logic exists unless one first presupposes a God in whom reason and meaning are transcendentally rooted, otherwise these categories are mere philosphical prejuduces. Atheism is inherently self-contradictory. The evidence for the existence of God is there for all to see, only we refuse to see it. King David wrote: The fool says in his heart there is no God. (Psalm 14:1)  In other words, Atheism is irrational. Apart from God there is no basis for truth or ethics. For the sake of brevity, let's simply consider ethics.
NO PHILOSOPHICAL BASIS FOR ETHICS
Beyond dispute there are moral atheists. I ve known atheists who are more ethical than some people claiming to believe in a god. This is not the issue. The question is, why be ethical? Can an adequate basis for morality be found given atheistic premises? Think about it. Unless God exists, there is no eternal and transcendent standard for right and wrong. If God did not give the Ten Commandments to Moses at Sinai, thereby establishing a moral standard above human creation, we are merely left with humanly devised scruples. If humanity is left to create its own ethical standards, we are left with only three options to base ethics upon: 1) collective tradition, 2) human survival, or 3) personal preference.
IS COLLECTIVE TRADITION AN ETHICAL BASE?
Those who argue that morality is properly based upon what society as a whole deems moral have a big problem. What one society says is moral another says is immoral. Nazi Germany held that it was morally good and beneficial to exterminate the Jewish people. The Allies saw the Nazis as evil and fought against them. Who was right?  If one believes God gave the law You shall not murder, the answer is obvious. Any society that advocates murder is evil. How can an atheist respond? Most would admit the Nazis were evil, but according to what standard? Were the Nazis evil just because the Allies said they were evil or were they in fact evil? One can try to argue that it isn't just what a few societies say that matters, but what the majority of human societies agree upon. This does provide a better basis, since God has given us a conscience, but it has been corrupted by rebellion. At one time most human societies placed less value on female offspring than on males. In many societies female infants were left to die. In some places this exists today. This is morally wrong, no matter if the whole of human society were to say otherwise! Basing morality on human society does not provide an adequate answer.
WHAT ABOUT HUMAN SURVIVAL
What of an evolutionary model for morality? Why not posit that whatever benefits human survival is moral? To some this may be appealing, but first ask some questions. Why, based upon atheistic assumptions, should we logically value human survival? What difference does it all make? Why is life valuable? Isn't belief in human survival itself a moral assumption, a value judgement that has no basis in an atheistic world view? Furthermore, consider what an ethic based solely on survival could lead to: the elimination of those perceived to have less survival value. The Nazi movement, based upon an evolutionary eugenic ideal of developing a super race, destroyed those deemed by them inferior or unsuitable. Reproduction was to be limited to those deemed most fit. Mankind, when left to its own devices to develop its moral basis, commits systemized murder and oppression. Consider the atrocities of Stalin, Pol Pot, Hitler, and the horrible situations we have witnessed in Rwanda and Bosnia. Both atheists and religious people so easily justify murder. Just because we have also seen horrors committed by those claiming to believe in some sort of god doesn't disprove my point. I'm not advocating just any old god! It is still true that when any society abandons the God-given law, You shall not murder, horror results.
FEELINGS, NOTHING MORE THAN FEELINGS...
What of basing morality on one's personal preferences? What of just saying you can know what is wrong by following your heart? What a dippy idea this is! Jeffrey Dahmer's heart led him to murder and cannibalize his fellow humans! Basing morality on feelings is the ultimate in irrationality. This puts moral judgement on the level of personal taste. Dahmer might have thought you suitable to his taste!
I've met many atheists who are judgmental of religious people who have committed great atrocities, but upon what basis? Does this make any sense? Atheistic assumptions irresistibly lead to the conclusion that morality is nothing more than a matter of personal or societal preference. Based upon an atheistic philosophy, the very appropriate disdain for the despicable murderers of humanity makes about as much sense as a dog lover's disdain of those who prefer cats! How silly. Unless there is a moral standard beyond individual or societal preference, there is no logical basis for condemning atrocity. I challenge any atheist to give me a basis for ethics beyond mere personal preference, social custom, or survival. They simply cannot do it. Post-modern philosophers have come to the conclusion that there is no hope of finding morality or meaning based on materialistic presuppositions. They are quite right. It is a good thing that many atheists are too decent and too inconsistent to live out the irresistible moral conclusions of their philosophy!
Another thought: we even transgress the scruples we ourselves invent. Is this logical? No, but this is consistent with the Biblical view of mankind, which says we are by our nature law-breakers and rebels who don't want to believe in the true God. Thank God there is an amnesty program for rebels and atheists! (More on that later.)
SUPPRESSING THE TRUTH
A wise rabbi, the Apostle Paul, wrote:
The anger of God is being revealed from heaven against all the Godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise they became fools2...
God's existence is clearly seen in what He has made. The intricate brilliance of the created order reveals the mind of an infinitely intelligent Designer just as surely as a great work of architecture or a complex piece of technology reveals the mind of its designer. Furthermore, our own consciences and sense of justice, though corrupted by our rebellion, still tell us there is right and wrong and a God who has a perfect moral standard. The truth is, if you are an atheist, it is not because it makes sense, it is because you don't want to face up to the fact that there is a God out there to whom you are accountable. You don't like God and are trying to hide from Him. You need not feel this way. God has provided a way back for you.
How do we know God exists? Unless we begin with the assumption that he does, we can't know anything else exists! Unless we presuppose that God created us with the ability to know things through sensory experience and reason, we have no philosophical basis for trusting either. Philosophically speaking, unless we know a wise God gave us our senses, how can we know everything isn't an illusion? As for reason, we can't prove the validity of reason without using reason! We must assume what we are trying to prove in order to prove it. All human reasoning is circular, but when we leave God out of the circle we are left like a dog chasing its tail without any hope of catching it! Without beginning with the philosophical presupposition that a God who has spoken to mankind exists, we are doomed to reason in circles with no way of knowing how to discern truth.
As for positive proof, there is the communication of God to mankind. Moses received the Law at Sinai. This was attested by great miracles witnessed by millions. The Hebrew prophets foretold the rise and fall of nations and spoke of the coming of a Messiah. Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Jewish Bible.3 His resurrection is historically documented, having been witnessed by the early Messianic Jewish believers who recorded their testimonies and were willing to die for what they knew to be true.4
Many have asked: Does life have meaning? Why do I exist? There is abundant meaning to life when we know the Living God. Frankly, atheism is boring, but knowing, enjoying, and serving God gives life purpose and excitement. On what basis does human life have value? Each of us was created in God's image and therefore each individual is of great value.
AMNESTY FOR ATHEISTS
Good news! There is hope for atheists! After the Vietnam War there were many expatriate Americans living in Canada and other places. An amnesty program was established to welcome these people home. The message was: Come back home. All is forgiven. You will be received back with open arms. God also has an amnesty program. The true God is both just and loving. His justice demands that our rebellion be punished. His love provided a means to fulfill this justice and restore us to a right relationship with him. This is where the Messiah comes in. Out of love for us, God took on a human nature and visited earth to take upon himself the punishment we deserve for our lawbreaking. Jesus died as a substitute for rebels to pay the penalty of those who deserve it, whether religious or atheistic. There is a judgement day coming, and God has proven this to us by raising Jesus from the dead. You have this choice: let the Messiah take your punishment or take it yourself. The choice seems obvious to me! Why turn down a free gift? What a great amnesty program! God wants each of us to admit we are wrong, receive the payment He has provided, and come in with our hands up letting Him rule over our lives. He promises to renew us, to enable us to live a new life in His service, and to let us experience His presence forever. God calls atheists to come back home, spiritually speaking. All can be forgiven, even atheism. God calls atheists to turn from their rebellion and to trust the Living God through his Messiah, Jesus.
STILL NOT CONVINCED?
If you persist in your atheism, one day you will stand before God and you will have no doubt in your mind concerning His existence. His awesome reality will be undeniable to you, even though you won't want to believe it! Are you still open-minded enough for more information? Click here for a well done off site article on Atheism.
By the way, I do understand there are so called "Hard Atheists" and "Soft Atheists."  It has been pointed out to me that while Hard Atheists say :"There is no God;" Soft Atheists say: "We simply do not believe in any God."  Part of what I am saying only speaks to Hard Atheism, but much also speaks to so-called "Soft"Atheism."  Atheist friends, if you don't like the popular understanding of atheism, perhaps you need to get the best known atheist organization first to change their definition!  I found this statement by Madalyn Murray O'Hair on the American Atheists web page: "Atheism is based upon a materialist philosophy, which holds that nothing exists but natural phenomena. There are no supernatural forces or entities, nor can there be any." (Emphasis mine.) Quoted from:  http://www.atheists.org/Atheism/atheism.html
Rom. 1:18-22
Isaiah 53, Micah 5:1, Jeremiah 31:31-34

[AGAG]

You missed my point, my "Reasoning" only applies ONLY when it comes to God or religious things, otherwise it's senseless as in the examples you mentioned...

Here's MY point: You choose to decide where your reasoning applies. What's different about God and religion that makes your reasoning only apply to those things? We are talking about beliefs. If your reasoning is consistent, then it should apply to all beliefs. If you choose to selectively apply it to one thing without an apparent justification, then it's not reasoning at all.

Ok, so we're not getting anywhere... that little reasoning it's just to make a little difference between "Atheism" and "agnosticism" because many atheists that I've known (Not everyone, that's for sure) have tried to dictate me on how to live and what to believe in... but well...

Let me say that I like the diversity in the world when it comes to thoughts, religions and beliefs because for many people these are ways to live and reasons to die sometimes, because of this I like to know what these thoughts are based in. One of the main beliefs in religions is that we'll get to heaven or hell after this life depending on how we did in this world, what is after life for an atheist then?

Have you ever seen a religious blog or article that bashes and flames Darwinian evolution??

Yes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy0ehSwo ... re=related

Ok, that's new for me. It's rather unknown... but it's based on the same point, that an ideology can be used to justify evil, and I agree that some religions have been used for these purposes in the past and nowadays too. Every ideology could be used to do this. They're right on what they said about Hitler too...

And many religious people believe that darwinian and creationism can coexist peacefully. Then why can't atheism and religion coexist peacefully aswell?

Well, many people hold incredibly contradictory beliefs. Creationism and Darwinian evolution are simply incompatible. I actually have more respect for someone who believes 150% in creationism ("intelligent design", as they call it nowadays) and discards evolution than for someone who believes in both, because at least the person who only believes in creationism is more consistent with him/herself. Atheism and religion CAN coexist peacefully. Just because I'm an atheist doesn't mean I want to wipe out all religious people. It's all about "live and let live". I do think that the world would be better without religion, but that's not to say that I don't get along with religious people. What bothers me are those religious people who invade and seek to dictate other people's lives, for example, missionaries.

There we agree. I don't like people that believe to be superior just because of their beliefs, and maybe because I have seen many atheist that believe to be superior just because they don't believe in God I have misunderstood their ideology.

if you are really sure of your ideals then no one will ever change your mind...

We agree on this.

And if we agree on this, why to keep arguing about it?
Nothing friendly can come out of this.

[miditek]

other bands play, manowar kills, nuff said

Quite enough, indeed.

And what does this have to do with spirituality? God is not mocked- perhaps you should pay closer attention to some of Manowar's lyrics- before spamming a thread with off-topic idolatry-

Revelation Death's Angel

Above the wreckage of your mortal world I stand
Judgement passed delivered by his hand
Now clear the smoke, there the ashes stand
A fitting tribute to mortality and man.

What was written foretold in dreams,
in visions apocalypse now seen.
And all self-righteous fools who lived and blasphemed
Drink the wine of his anger
Die with the beast

Vindication, he is coming on the clouds
See his angels, hear their trumpets sound.
The day of anger when the stars fall from the sky
The moon turns red, the sun turns black as night.

Know the end is coming, heed this sign
By the morning star the four horsemen ride.
Revelation, the chosen saved
Earth be cleansed in a blaze
Armageddon, the first trumpet blows
Hail, fire and blood fall on Satan's throne.

His hair as white as wool, his eyes like burning flame
He is the first and last, he brings the seven plagues
Seven stars of seven cities in his hand
He holds the keys of death for the underworld and man

Know the end is coming, heed this sign
By the morning star he four horsemen ride
Revelation, the chosen saved
Earth be cleansed in a blaze
Armageddon, the first trumpet blows
Hail, fire and blood fall on Satan's throne.

Revelation, the chosen saved
Earth be cleansed in a blaze
Armageddon, the first trumpet blows
Hail, fire and blood fall on Satan's throne.

St. Michael-
* Replaced Lucifer as Archangel
* Commands the Hosts of Heaven- God's Army
* Is the protector of Israel
* Will seize and imprison Satan on Judgment Day

[icecab21]

Would not whole a concept album about the gods of war be blasphemy to those Christians that call any non-Christian societies primitive and barbaric societies? (I posted that quote here earlier from a Russian Christian who talks about how rock and metal is blasphemy and satins work). Manowar has plenty of lyrics about non Christian themes and "blasphamy " lyrics

Spirit Horse Of The Cherokee
Guyana - The Cult Of The Damned
Gates Of Valhalla
Achilles, Agony And Ecstasy In Eight Parts
Bridge Of Death
The Oath
Master Of The Wind
Number 1
Holy War
and more

Tons of spiritual relevance

and since this song has importance because there are cultures that actualy have followd this.

She is waiting to kiss my hand
But she will wait for my command
My chains and collar brought her to her knees
She now is free to please

Woman, be my slave
That's your reason to live
Woman, be my slave
The greatest gift I can give
Woman, be my slave

Before her surrender she had no life
Now she's a slave, not a wife
Her only sorrow is for women who live with lies
She's taken off her disguise

Woman, be my slave
That's your reason to live
Woman, be my slave
The greatest gift I can give
Woman, be my slave

Your body belongs to me

Woman, come here
Remove your garments
Kneel before me
Please me

Woman, be my slave
That's your reason to live
Woman, be my slave
The greatest gift I can give
Woman, be my slave

[browneyedgirl]

Would not whole a concept album about the gods of war be blasphemy to those Christians that call any non-Christian societies primitive and barbaric societies? (I posted that quote here earlier from a Russian Christian who talks about how rock and metal is blasphemy and satins work). Manowar has plenty of lyrics about non Christian themes and "blasphamy " lyrics

Spirit Horse Of The Cherokee
Guyana - The Cult Of The Damned
Gates Of Valhalla
Achilles, Agony And Ecstasy In Eight Parts
Bridge Of Death
The Oath
Master Of The Wind
Number 1
Holy War
and more

Tons of spiritual relevance

and since this song has importance because there are cultures that actualy have followd this.

She is waiting to kiss my hand
But she will wait for my command
My chains and collar brought her to her knees
She now is free to please

Woman, be my slave
That's your reason to live
Woman, be my slave
The greatest gift I can give
Woman, be my slave

Before her surrender she had no life
Now she's a slave, not a wife
Her only sorrow is for women who live with lies
She's taken off her disguise

Woman, be my slave
That's your reason to live
Woman, be my slave
The greatest gift I can give
Woman, be my slave

Your body belongs to me

Woman, come here
Remove your garments
Kneel before me
Please me

Woman, be my slave
That's your reason to live
Woman, be my slave
The greatest gift I can give
Woman, be my slave

You mean STILL follow.
In 99% of all societies, even with Christians, when all is said&done, all that matters with guys is if a woman/female is "hot". If she ain't "hot" she won't get got. If she ain't "hot" she is worthless.
Actions speak louder than words.
Its like that saying, "Charles Manson said he chose his wives based on their spirituality. I guess it was just a coincidence that they all were very young, attractive, and rich." Or, you can substitute "blonde, blue-eyed&busty" for the adjectives, it all means the same.

Thank God, for 99% of us on the Judgment Day, God is one being who is not going to give a fuck what we look like.....He will look inside us to our soul, our works, how we treated people, whether we really loved people for their heart&soul, not whether they gave the guys an erection or not. Does that scare anyone? It should,because God is one being that WILL NOT play favorites.... yet, that ultimate fairness gives the people who have been wounded spiritually&emotionally by society's bullshit that they will have hope for true happiness someday.

[hiro23]

I guess the difference is how you view it

Some people get spiritual experiences through music and others get it through fixing a car, some get it by going to church every sunday.

Some feel better when they don't have to believe in a god at all, whatever your preference as long as you don't judge others harshly because they have a different belief then you, I've got no problem.

[icecab21]

Unfortunately there are so much of people in power deciding to limit the abilities and options of those without power. I think people are better of to look for partners that they can connect with physically, mentally and spiritually and should be friends with those that they can't connect with physically if they choose so. Beauty should be subjective and I think it’s wrong to try and force a code on others. As long as each person is free to make their consensual choices (meaning not free to violate others of course) than that is one part of moral behavior to me. finite resources is the unsolvable problem.

I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an' pretend
'cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again

CHORUS
Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman

You can bend but never break me
'cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
'cause you've deepened the conviction in my soul

CHORUS

I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin' arms across the land
But I'm still an embryo
With a long long way to go
Until I make my brother understand

Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to I can face anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman
Oh, I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong

FADE
I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong
I am woman

while some would just focus on the bending a woman over and making her roar part, there are plenty of people that can work with more than that.

Hear the call of the wild in us all
It waits for the night to fall
I'm getting hot, I'm ready for the night
No holding back, let's
I'm gonna give all you can take all night
And leave you in the morning feeling right

I'm an animal, there's an animal in me
Gonna set it free
I'm an animal, there's an animal in me
Gonna set it free

I've been looking, you've been watching from the side
Tere's somethings you just can't hide
Oh, you're getting wet, you're working up a sweat
Your hair's standing up on end
Your skin is screaming, glad we met?
Tonight's one night you won't forget

for another one of manowars social commentary songs

[browneyedgirl]

Personally, I think the holiest, and most spiritual people in the world are those monks which seperate themselves from society&its "corruption", and live to serve God. I think these people will probably go to Heaven. But, 99% of people that among society and all just does not have the strength to be totally holy&righteous to live the way God wants. Nobody is perfect, and people were not meant to be perfect, and God does forgive us for our sins. But, we are supposed to live as near to perfect/sinless as we can, to do the best we can.
I know I fall way short of that goal, and I know probably Heaven is unattainable for me given my personality, lifestyle, and past "baggage" I have.
In my opinion, The Golden Rule is the best gospel a person can live, and give as an example to others. And, its really hard in this society, in this day&age to live up to that ideal.

[icecab21]

Since unfortunately actions can’t automatically be limited to choices that produce love and closeness with god and each other, the option we have is to take the good and the bad and try and learn them to create ideas to help out ourselves and others in the present and future. The sequence of events in the past has led us to now and all we can do is choose what direction to go in. baggage can be dropped or used in ways that help out. It seems there are similarities between the closer to god people and the personal evolution people in that both try to find ways to be at peace with self and learn how to connect with others in consensual ways that bring support and love to each other. It also might be that I am a melting pot and think there are ingredients from all over the world that can be used to help us live lives us win win connection. Just exploring the different types of music out there is fascinating for me and seeing how cultures have used music for various tasks. Music is pure power that can destroy or heal and everything inbetween.

[NeonVomit]

THE ABSURDITY OF ATHEISM

Atheism is a lot less absurd than believing someone came back from the dead, or that 2 of every single land species on planet earth managed to fit into a wooden boat, without a shred of hard evidence

Anyway, it's difficult to take an argument seriously when someone keeps referring to a tome which has been written, edited, re-edited and re-drafted countless times over the last 2000 years.

Not convinced. And I don't even consider myself an atheist to begin with.

[CottonCandy]

THE ABSURDITY OF ATHEISM

Atheism is a lot less absurd than believing someone came back from the dead, or that 2 of every single land species on planet earth managed to fit into a wooden boat, without a shred of hard evidence

Anyway, it's difficult to take an argument seriously when someone keeps referring to a tome which has been written, edited, re-edited and re-drafted countless times over the last 2000 years.

Not convinced. And I don't even consider myself an atheist to begin with.

It is also difficult for lots of people to believe a woman can have a baby without being fucked, but just remember with God all things are possible.......even the Cubs winning the World Series.

[miditek]

One of the true definitions of Spirituality- and one of the greatest of all acts that a person can do- glorifying God-

Here is an excellent example of this-

Mormon Tabernacle Choir- "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw6H3crL ... re=related

How anyone could listen to this and not be completely blown away by the sheer spirituality and enthusiasm of this choir is completely beyond my comprehension.

I can remember singing this in church as a child, and there was a massive pipe organ and choir there as well, although not quite to the scale of the one in this video. Even over thirty years later, I still remember it very well. In fact, it was inspiration such as this that convinced me to "come forward" and accept Christ as Lord when I was very young- at the age of six to be precise.

[browneyedgirl]

LOL! Yeah, in 2005 after a century of failure&ridicule the White Sox won the World series, and fans carried signs that read, "THERE IS A GOD!" "WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE" and "NEVER GIVE UP HOPE".
One day when that bearded guy comes in the clouds amid the sounds of trumpets&thunders, and within a blinding light many millions of people will be convinced.

[icecab21]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jyNUr4W ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToGexWYmrbI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caPKZz8w ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VUAUQaW ... re=related

[AGAG]

LOL! Yeah, in 2005 after a century of failure&ridicule the White Sox won the World series, and fans carried signs that read, "THERE IS A GOD!" "WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE" and "NEVER GIVE UP HOPE".
One day when that bearded guy comes in the clouds amid the sounds of trumpets&thunders, and within a blinding light many millions of people will be convinced.

... beards are cool....

[browneyedgirl]

LOL! Yeah, in 2005 after a century of failure&ridicule the White Sox won the World series, and fans carried signs that read, "THERE IS A GOD!" "WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE" and "NEVER GIVE UP HOPE".
One day when that bearded guy comes in the clouds amid the sounds of trumpets&thunders, and within a blinding light many millions of people will be convinced.

... beards are cool....

Actually, it is not known if Jesus even had a beard!

When Christian Bale played Jesus, he only had a 5 o'clock shadow!
Jesus as a bearded man is a stereotype.

[icecab21]

half beard half shaven

[NeonVomit]

LOL! Yeah, in 2005 after a century of failure&ridicule the White Sox won the World series, and fans carried signs that read, "THERE IS A GOD!" "WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE" and "NEVER GIVE UP HOPE".
One day when that bearded guy comes in the clouds amid the sounds of trumpets&thunders, and within a blinding light many millions of people will be convinced.

Did you just reply to yourself?

[browneyedgirl]

LOL! Yeah, in 2005 after a century of failure&ridicule the White Sox won the World series, and fans carried signs that read, "THERE IS A GOD!" "WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE" and "NEVER GIVE UP HOPE".
One day when that bearded guy comes in the clouds amid the sounds of trumpets&thunders, and within a blinding light many millions of people will be convinced.

Did you just reply to yourself?

No, I just thought of something else I wanted to say.
When I get the Moderating bug again I will delete the other one, if its such a goddamn big deal.

[browneyedgirl]

One of the true definitions of Spirituality- and one of the greatest of all acts that a person can do- glorifying God-

Here is an excellent example of this-

Mormon Tabernacle Choir- "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw6H3crL ... re=related

How anyone could listen to this and not be completely blown away by the sheer spirituality and enthusiasm of this choir is completely beyond my comprehension.

I can remember singing this in church as a child, and there was a massive pipe organ and choir there as well, although not quite to the scale of the one in this video. Even over thirty years later, I still remember it very well. In fact, it was inspiration such as this that convinced me to "come forward" and accept Christ as Lord when I was very young- at the age of six to be precise.

Music such as this is a beautiful inspiration. I think in Heaven however, the majestic chorus there will be so spiritually uplifting and glorious its beyond mankinds comphrehension.

[NeonVomit]

LOL! Yeah, in 2005 after a century of failure&ridicule the White Sox won the World series, and fans carried signs that read, "THERE IS A GOD!" "WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE" and "NEVER GIVE UP HOPE".
One day when that bearded guy comes in the clouds amid the sounds of trumpets&thunders, and within a blinding light many millions of people will be convinced.

Did you just reply to yourself?

No, I just thought of something else I wanted to say.
When I get the Moderating bug again I will delete the other one, if its such a goddamn big deal.

It just gets confusing at times, that's all. I never understoond the whole 2 accounts thing, really.

[NeonVomit]

How anyone could listen to this and not be completely blown away by the sheer spirituality and enthusiasm of this choir is completely beyond my comprehension.

I can remember singing this in church as a child, and there was a massive pipe organ and choir there as well, although not quite to the scale of the one in this video. Even over thirty years later, I still remember it very well. In fact, it was inspiration such as this that convinced me to "come forward" and accept Christ as Lord when I was very young- at the age of six to be precise.

I really do like the large-scale Baroque works. The first movement of the Messiah is really incredible, I love the fugue entry. The first Kyrie of JS Bach's Mass in B Minor is probably my favourite Baroque orchestral work, though.

I can understand why some people can't be moved by the enthusiasm and spirituality of the choir though... in the same way that West Javanese Gamelan didn't really move or inspire me in any way, other than academically. Analytically, it was quite interesting to listen to and examine, but I suppose since I didn't grow up in that environment, their music lacks the same effect it would have otherwise. Just like those unaccustomed to Western tonality would probably be left feeling like they're missing out.

[AGAG]

Well, it may be a stereotype but I still like it:



And how to forget the other famous historical beards:

[NeonVomit]

You forgot Freud's famous fuzz!

Also, George Bernard Shaw is worth mentioning.

Any other great scientists of questionable mental stability sporting legendary beards?