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Penelope wrote:We should look after one another (not to say ‘cherish’ one another). Why? Because that is the right thing to do. We must, therefore, look after our environment. It is not about being selfless or altruistic. It’s just being humane.

Yes, I thoroughly agree. I think there are limits and degrees and so I am open to discussion on this. Most people don't feel the same sense of duty about looking after the Untouchables of India, even if they do feel that such a status is unjust. The why's and wherefore's are complicated and make for frustrating discussions, (but interesting philosophical investigations). But currently my country, the U.S., is doing approximately nothing about global warming. That is definitely not the right amount.

Penelope wrote:Oh wait!! Whoops! My Socialism is showing again.

Suspicion of Socialism is mostly a kind of paranoia. Even when Europe believed in Socialism (commanding heights of the economy, and all that) and so actually put a version of Socialism in place, it functioned quite well.

The main argument for not having socialism is that free markets innovate faster. I fear that is no longer much of an advantage.

Harry Marks, I could just kiss you!

We worship that God, The Economy! So it’s all about now, fast returns, not thinking about future consequences.

We had an excellent National Health Service in this country. It didn’t make a profit but if people were ill and suffering, they got treated and we all paid our taxes towards that. If the children from a financially poor family were ill, they got equal treatment with those from wealthy families. We were working towards equal education and I was privileged to benefit from that. But not so now...There are children who know they have no future. There was always ‘hope’ for us post war children.

Okay, end of rant.

I think it is because governments look at short-term investment. Never caring about the long term.

Once the Soul Awakens, the Search Begins
And You Can Never Go Back
From then on You are Inflamed with a Special Longing
That will Never Again let You Linger
In the Lowlands of Complacency and Partial Fulfillment
The Eternal Makes You Urgent
- John O'Donohue from "Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom"

crios wrote:Agnostic here...!

Welcome, crios. I hope you enjoy the book, and the discussion. Please continue to join in.

Hello crios,

If you are going to be completely rational then the very bright and clever atheists on here will win you over.

Some of us are believers and we have no rational arguments. Something happens to us and it changes our perception of reality. It makes us look foolish and deluded. However, I think it has made me a better person..... well, more peaceful and hopeful. And I like talking to the thinking atheists on here because they are honest and not ‘well not often ‘ rude.

A religion debate should be a positive discussion. There are a number of denominations that criticize other denominations over their beliefs. I believe in avoiding criticism. There debate here is reasonable and civilized. Keep up the good discussion.

Welcome, Lombardoguy. I hope you find more good discussion here.

Lombardoguy wrote:I believe in avoiding criticism. The debate here is reasonable and civilized. Keep up the good discussion.

You must be talking about Penelope. Don't be having unrealistic expectations for us, just because we have one contributor who is full of warmth and kindness.

Hello Lombardo,

I’m afraid I am very critical of ‘Churches’. Not the people who attend but the edifices themselves, full of gold and silver and ornate garments. The opposite of what Jesus taught.

If we try to follow the Christian way, and have faith that the spirit of Christ will be with us and help us to feed the hungry.....That is what Jesus taught. Love one another..... nothing else. No rules and laws. Great big ornamental churches and cathedrals are where they hide Jesus in my opinion. He’s not there.

I agree that churches are more corrupt than most businesses. People hide in them to appear good when really they are pure evil. The trick is creating a personal relationship with God. No church is necessary. It is about truly filling your soul with God, not appearing to love God in a church but lying behind the scenes.

Start a new debate by reading this amazing book. Open your mind and soul to the contents and start a discussion:
https://www.amazon.com/True-Meaning-Lif ... 087914833/