New spirituality?

[dissolved]

Love reading your posts Joe, you seem to see spiritual matters the same way I do.

And the story you posted, I believe things like that do in fact happen. It can be either possession, or oppression (lot of people don't know about oppression). I personally believe a lot of things labelled as psychiatric issues are actually spiritual attacks, but I digress.

And there are ways that people can pick that story apart. They could say it was a stunt, a con, a psychotic woman, etc. But I believe these things do happen.

And tbh, I've seriously wondered about Mayhem's church episodes, and his subsequent....oddness. He could in fact be under spiritual attack. Say what you will people, but imo there IS a spiritual realm, and we need to learn more about it.

Thanks man, i enjoy your posts as well!

I am %100 positive it wasn't a stunt or con - if it was, it'd be an academy award-worthy performance for everyone involved. It came across a bit like a stumbling and bumbling conflict. And the woman's actions were nothing short of surreal, terrifying.

Regarding Mayhem's antics . . . I actually haven't read up on what happened much. I'll have to do that (I just have a very cursory knowledge).

 

[Honestnathaniel]

Lots of really, really convenient coincidences. The subject matter of the sermon was key - one of the most fundamental topics in Christianity. The woman falling down and thrashing around to the words of Precious, Precious Blood of Jesus (key in exorcisms and warring against darkness).

I guess I didn't mention it in my post, but there was no history of "mental illness" with the woman - at least what was read from her mail apology. Also, apart from her out-of-place attire, she didn't appear disturbed (ie. like some raving street person). I think this was why it took awhile for all pastors involved to even react/confront the woman. And, for what it's worth, there was a presence/feeling of evil in what transpired.

I personally think it would be as/or more difficult to explain the woman coming to a church 30 miles away unaware of her actions and do what she did to mental illness than it is to consider the likelihood of possession.

The only logical explanation I can think of beside her being a plant of somekind is her being a szchizophrenic with amnesia or some kind of selective memory/psychotic.

 

[dissolved]

The only logical explanation I can think of beside her being a plant of somekind is her being a szchizophrenic with amnesia or some kind of selective memory/psychotic.

I'm sure that would be the conclusion of many irreligious, but, like I said, the number of key ingredients that happened make me believe that what I saw was a genuine spiritual conflict between "light" and "darkness."

Have you ever seen "An American Haunting?" Anyway, purportedly it was based on a true story. Our family had a neighbour who Im convinced had a similar demonic oppression or possession. She'd come over to our place often and would scare the crap out of us with her "episodes." Her family called it a mental illness, but believe me, some of the things she'd do were terrifying to behold.

 

[jmag]

There are a couple of things I can think of that may imply objectively the existence of subtle energies that may be called spiritual, if you like.

Acupuncture/acupressure is used by millions of people I assume, and gives positive results involving health and so on. It is based on the subtle channels of energy, meridians and chi.

Another more compelling, observable phenomena is known as kriya. It is involuntary movement during meditation usually after one has been initiated into certain meditative paths. It is said to be action of purification. The movements vary from rocking back and forth or even assuming different yogic postures, all involuntarily. What about experiencing physical pressure at the chakra centers with meditative practice? These are beyond imagination. (I am only saying something like 'physical pressure' and not something like 'seeing light' because I am trying to distinguish from that which could be said to be subjective or imagination.)

btw, about thread title, nothing new about any of this.

 

[PhantomNugget**]

Who is to say that negative spirits don't influence, cause or exacerbate certain mental conditions.

Nowadays people say "oh well depression is caused by chemical imbalances blah blah." Well what causes the chemical imbalances? My theory is that certain negative mindsets, modes of thinking, influences the chemicals. Doctors are looking at a symptom, not the root cause.

And the negative mindsets/thoughts that snowball and build into depression, anxiety, etc., are influenced by these enemy spirits. It's spiritual warfare. If you've seen Revolver, the way they portray the "ego" as the only, greatest enemy we have ever had...well why can't "ego" be just another name for "demon?" It's that negative, alien voice in your head that tells you "you can't handle this, you're not good enough, you're weak, you're ugly, you're a loser." That voice is NOT YOU! So WHO is it? When you "talk to yourself," WHO is that self that you are talking to?

 

[AgeofEmpires2**]

It's good to be spiritual. Beiing spiritual connects your soul with the environment around you and allows outlets for emotions. Also it is a great tool to find a deeper understanding of ones self. Living completely in the physical or the mental while neglecting the soul can make many of us cynical and drone like. Some people use religion to feed their soul, others use meditation, yoga, runs on the beach, preserving nature, etc.

Essentially spirituality is acknowledging the soul and spending time with it. When I'm feeling spiritual I have my runes and my Gods. Primarily Odin, Thor, Tyr. My spirituality that I sometimes connect with has helped me in various trials. It brings me closure when I seek it, understanding when I need it, and an outlet when I can't find any other way. (Don't people see though that our gods resemble who we are? The Gods are within us, just as our soul is. Gods that represent wisdom, sacrifice, strength, anger, joy, sorrow, healing, etc. Being spiritual allows you to tap into yourself and feed the soul.)

Also have a buddy who is in to the whole 'flower of life'. Seems cool.

 

[peytonlucy]

There is a set of beliefs and viewpoints which seem to be increasingly common in these times. Many of these ideas have been floating around the intellectual/religious underground for years but it seems that in this age of zeitgeist and information overload it has become much more acceptable to express them openly. Things like auras, chakras, spirit guides, shamanism, mediumship, various alternative healing methods, premonitions, channelling, kirilian photography, crystals etc.
There are many,many more im sure im forgetting here but you get the idea. So where do you stand on these or any others you can think of? Is your mind open to the idea of any of them? If so why? And if not, why not?

I'm not open to them but if that is your thing that's your right.

 

[J_C]

There is no denying the triumph of science but if you close your mind to only things proven, you have zero chance for new discovery and the world becomes boring

 

[ThinkGreen]

There is no denying the triumph of science but if you close your mind to only things proven, you have zero chance for new discovery and the world becomes boring

Good point.

 

[tkotom]

There is no denying the triumph of science but if you close your mind to only things proven, you have zero chance for new discovery and the world becomes boring

But that's not what science is about at all... what a gross misconception.

Science is exactly the opposite of what you described.

 

[PhantomNugget**]

But that's not what science is about at all... what a gross misconception.

Science is exactly the opposite of what you described.

Bro, science is one way to observe and interpret reality. But there ARE others. If you look at things only scientifically, you're gonna miss out on a lot.

Open your mind. Just a little.

 

[PhantomNugget**]

But that's not what science is about at all... what a gross misconception.

Science is exactly the opposite of what you described.

You remind me of the old tma instructors, claiming that their martial art is the best and only way, and that it's all you need.

 

[J_C]

But that's not what science is about at all... what a gross misconception.

Science is exactly the opposite of what you described.

I agree, science is the opposite. My point is what is scientifically proven does not account for our entire reality, in fact probably a small fraction of it. There are forces at work immeasurable/ things yet to be logically understood/ things we can not detect with our technology.

 

[DoctorTaco]

Bunch of post modern, hippy dippy bullcrap.

Sorry I didn't read 8 pages of posts to get a better feel for where we are in this discussion, but I didn't feel like it, man!

 

[tkotom]

Bro, science is one way to observe and interpret reality. But there ARE others. If you look at things only scientifically, you're gonna miss out on a lot.

Open your mind. Just a little.

I take offense to that.

Having grown up in a highly religious family, trust me when I say I've heard it all.

I've enjoyed my life so much ever since I let go of hocus pocus bullshit as a teen.

Let's not pretend that entertaining the idea of lakes of lava and bearded men in clouds is some kind of fashionable and brave notion. (im aware that people have a lot of.different beliefs like god as an energy or whatever)..

Enlightenment is one thing and if yoga helps you that's fine but stop trying to pass these weird beliefs as fact.

 

[tkotom]

You remind me of the old tma instructors, claiming that their martial art is the best and only way, and that it's all you need.

Garbage.

Science is the only way to interpret fact.

Plain and simple.

 

[DoctorTaco]

I agree, science is the opposite. My point is what is scientifically proven does not account for our entire reality, in fact probably a small fraction of it. There are forces at work immeasurable/ things yet to be logically understood/ things we can not detect with our technology.

If these Things can't be measured, discovered, understood, or detected, what makes you so sure they're out there?

 

[tkotom]

I agree, science is the opposite. My point is what is scientifically proven does not account for our entire reality, in fact probably a small fraction of it. There are forces at work immeasurable/ things yet to be logically understood/ things we can not detect with our technology.

I never claimed otherwise. There are so many things that we cannot explain but we can explain a hell of s lot more than we could 100 years ago due to science.

Super natural beliefs have never led to discoveries that benefit humanity. At least directly.

Philosophy is a different matter and people shoildnt confuse that with religion.

 

[AgeofEmpires2**]

I take offense to that.

Having grown up in a highly religious family, trust me when I say I've heard it all.

I've enjoyed my life so much ever since I let go of hocus pocus bullshit as a teen.

Let's not pretend that entertaining the idea of lakes of lava and bearded men in clouds is some kind of fashionable and brave notion. (im aware that people have a lot of.different beliefs like god as an energy or whatever)..

Enlightenment is one thing and if yoga helps you that's fine but stop trying to pass these weird beliefs as fact.

Where do you find your spirituality now that you have the freedom to choose for yourself? I don't believe in all that hocus pocus surrounding religion either, but I enjoy Norse Mythology for my spirituality much like a reader has his favorite novel. Churches and crosses never did it for me, I find beer drinking gods slaying frost giants and the fantasy of Asgard and Valhalla much more entertaining. Might as well make spirituality fun lol!

 

[tkotom]

Where do you find your spirituality now that you have the freedom to choose for yourself? I don't believe in all that hocus pocus surrounding religion either, but I enjoy Norse Mythology for my spirituality much like a reader has his favorite novel. Churches and crosses never did it for me, I find gods slaying giants and the fantasy of Asgard much more entertaining. Might as well make spirituality fun lol!

And that's fine. If it makes you a better person and you treat others around you better as a result then all the power to you!

I read a lot of philosophy and gain perspecrive generally through a collation of beliefs from many different systems that benefit myself and others. Enlightenment.