A few of my favorite Religionators… Volume 02… a 2nd collection of memes, images, and commentaries that shed great Lightupon the Bible, the development & modern-day manifestation of the Christianchurch, and indeed the nature of religion in general – showing subtly yet clearlyhow we humans need no longer be subservient in any way to man-made creeds orchurch-made dogmas in order to live full & even fully spiritual lives.via Scaughdtan (i)am publication1
NOTE: This work is Purpose-fully non-copyrighted, and may therefore be copied, reprinted, forwarded &/or gifted onward in whatever ways any of its readers deem fit. That having been said, the author would alsolike to remind anyone so doing that he has no claim of legal ownership over the images used herein. Of equal importance, it is the author’s intent that -- just as they have been given to all for free herein, so too should these entries be freely given onward to others; fully profitless to the giver; without any additional costs or conditions attached for the recipients thereof … Thank you.2
An Introduction to what Follows …In a similar vein to what was introduced at the outset of Volume 01 of this compendium, it is initially important for you the reader to understand the difference between religion (which I consistently & humbly denounce herein) and spirituality (which I unconditionally & wholeheartedly affirm). For purposes of deeper understanding, the former (religion) can best be defined as the still smoothly ubiquitous & highly institutionalizedsystems of attitudes, beliefs, practices, andrituals centered around the worship &/oradoration of an extra-material &/orsupernatural godhead(s). The latter(spirituality), on the other hand, is simply auniquely personalized belief in anunquantifiable “supernatural” connectionbetween one’s internal conscious essenceand the seemingly conscious (or at the veryleast intimately interactive) energies thatseem to permeate all other beings (if not allother material entities – i.e. Nature itself).Whereas the former (religion) has empirically inspired massive amounts of suffering (via wars, colonial conquests, inquisitions, crusades, slavery and other torturous persecutions), the latter (spirituality) continues to encourage & inspire great & humble acts of Kindness, Generosity, Respect & Self-sacrifice … Whereas the former (religion) entrenches tribalist division & discord (us vs them; believers vs non-believers etc), supports the persecution of minorities (based on race &/or gender &/or sexual orientation), encourages the hindrance of intellectual advancement, supports the abject rejection of reason & rationality, and weakens our innate impulse to actively & selflessly help others (often replacing the same with either meek acts of tithing &/or hollow acts of mere prayer), the latter (spirituality) innately encourages unity, acceptance, scientific advancement, moral evolution, and communal fellowship founded in deeds of service and generosity. Keeping this important distinction in mind will help you enjoy the contents of this collection.Also, please NOTE that even though most of these memes & images are directly related in one way or another to the religion of Christianity, the wisdom within them all relates equally well to most otherreligious beliefs, tenets, &/or practices.And with this all in mind, I wish you all a Joy-full & Insight-filled perusal of the same … Scaughdt (December 2022)3
“I think it's perfectly possible to explain how the Universe came about without bringing God into it, but I don't know everything, and there may well be a God somewhere, hiding away. Actually, ifIt (or He or She) is keeping out of sight, it's because It is ashamedof Its followers and all the cruelty and ignorance they're responsible for promoting in Its name. In truth, if I were It, I'd want nothing to do with them either.” ~ via Philip Pullman “God has no religion.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi4
various Points of Interest ...POI 01) more thoughts on God & “the gays” … page 009POI 02) getting to Know the Love of GOD … page 014POI 03) on the arrogance of Man … page 024POI 04) the Power of GOD and Church … page 045POI 05) the dance of Jesus & Paul … page 055POI 06) that blasted book, the Bible … page 063POI 07) the science of Salvation & Satan … page 068POI 08) a few more words about Jesus … page 104POI 09) not apologizing for Anti-theism … page 117POI 10) on war and other Blasphemies … page 152POI 11) some greater thoughts on Grace … page 211POI 12) the demonic in “the Divine” … page 226POI 13) the deeper nature of Religion … page 233POI 14) on the sins of Homophobia … page 254POI 15) more thoughts on Heaven & Hell … page 261POI 16) so much more on Jesus Christ … page 275POI 17) the greater Ten Commandments … page 287POI 18) some finer thoughts on Faith … page 296POI 19) 1st Amendments & Founding Fathers … page 316POI 20) rediscovering the Will of GOD … page 3465
“Religion gives people hope, in a world that has been torn apart by religion.” ~ via Jon Stewart “Do not wait for the Final Judgment. Indeed, it arrives every single day.” ~ via Albert Camus “Human decency is not derived from religion. Rather, it supersedes it.” ~ via Christopher Hitchens6
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POI 01) more thoughts on God & “the gays”9
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POI 02) getting to know the Love of GOD14
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POI 03) On the arrogance of Man24
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POI 04) the Power of God & Church45
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