Steve - need some help with this....

[Funguy]

I seem to have a small problem with the word "Universe" and the concept that the word brings up for me so - could you suggest a replacement

Let me explain my dilemma

In my weird reality, the universe is a collection of galaxies - orbiting pieces of rock and water in various "states". My difficulty is to imagine how you can ask the rocks/water/gases for what you desire and you will receive it.

By the same way I have the same problem with any representation of a God, as the thought of a creator/deity that could create the universe(s) (as vast as they are) and would be even vaguely interested in some offshoot of his creation (if it could be created) that had ascended to having whims and desires. At that level, our Earth would be no bigger than a bacteria, and we would be undefinable.
I hope you see the struggle I'm having here ......


Anything that smacks of Creationism or Intelligent Design where the human being is elevated to a point of recognition of a Deity gives me difficulty.

If I must categorise myself, I would have to be a Humanist, so a word that would fit into a Humanist environment would be good - if you could spare the time I would appreciate it

Many thanks
Fungi

[Steve Pavlina]

Feel free to ask your subconscious mind instead of God or the Universe if those labels don't fit your belief system. To me the Universe includes everything that exists, including thought itself. But a humanist would likely regard thought as being something that resides within the mind (and perhaps within the physical brain itself).

[Gary]

Perhaps you would consider the word Life if it suits your needs. Life is both an active force and a physical manifestation in forms of human, animal, and plant. It exists in the DNA of every cell of every being so it is both inside of you, and outside. It exists in atoms, and the not so empty space between atoms. It makes up the stars and the not so empty space between the stars. By using the term Life, it brings your attention to the world as a much more active and dynamic experience.