Beliefs are very important things to people and can be the most valuable and the most dangerous things to us as well. Why? I think because beliefs are SO powerful, that it has motivated humans to kill for them, die for them, and do also number of GOOD things, like sacrificing for other people, giving without thought of a reward, many many things..
Then there are also the crazy, illogical things... just now, think about the polygamy sect in Texas and what these people believe and have acted on...and the accusations of exploitation....abuse...
The Heaven's gate cult and what they believed and did on behalf those beliefs....
Beliefs are that important because once we have accepted a belief, in a way we make it a part of our identity...for some people, insult a belief, and you insult a person...
That's why I think we have to be very careful when it comes to beliefs; once we accept them we carry them around like a ring on a finger, always with us, until we are able to change them.
And of course we all know it isn't very easy to get rid of an old belief, even if it's a disadvantage to you....
That's where I think strength of mind comes in... although everyone perceives their own reality in some way, there is also such a thing as common sense and being practical.....
We can admit everyone perceives their own reality...But having the strength of mind to say, 'that medium is a scam artist' or 'they're not really flying!!!' (lol) will save one a lot time and disappointment and will keep them from a fate like what is happening to those poor children and women in that polygamy sect..
It will also keep you in the real world, so you can see things more accurately...
And this can be applied to enlightment seeking, I.M even making money at home opportunities....
From Mercuryrising: Quote:
I think this question is fundamental. Are people who are talking to the dead really looking for the answers to the Mystery? Most likely they are looking for comfort. Even if the medium is just good at cold reading, the people are getting what they want.
Come to think of it, people tend to find what they are looking for. If they don't find it in place A, they look elsewhere. I've gone through religion after religion, philosophy after philosophy, and I always find the same thing. That could mean that there is really only one true religion universal to all. Or it could mean that I always find what I am looking for
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But in this case, the people don't know they're being fooled, and usually later on they may be the very ones to feel so disappointed to find it wasn't real...after all why DO so many people move from religion to religion after at first believing and finding comfort in those religions? Because perhaps later they discover something different that disallusions them and they feel they have no choice but to drop the religion or belief and move on.The others that don't continue to be expolited even if they're not aware they are...
For me I really prefer knowing over just believing, if it's possible.. I think there is a big difference in receiving comfort from a medium who may be cold reading and having a near death experience oneself..actual direct experience of your own...
Great debate guys, chime in, chime in, I'll be back!