[MD] Metaphysics

[markhsmit]

Hi Mary,

Thank you for the below.  I certainly do not want to drag you
into any testosterone enabled discussion, but you echo
my sentiments about metaphysics and religion.  It is 
impossible to differentiate between them, unless one applies
strict rules as to what they mean semantically.  The problem is
that religion has a bad rap, and perhaps rightfully so
with lots of unquestioning individuals forcing others
to do their bidding. 

Where I would disagree with you is that a belief in a
primary source means that worshiping is necessary.
If we truly believe in something we do not question it.
If we do not question it we do not worship it.
I believe the sun will come up tomorrow.  This doesn't
mean that I need to worship the sun (although I do here
in California).  In fact such worship is counterproductive
in the sense that the object replaces the feeling.  The
belief is objectified.  This is one of the SOM pitfalls
that Quality seems to get into sometimes.  Quality as
an object rather than an essence.

This may be why many religions warn against worshipping
false idols.  It diminishes, and leaves one less satisfied, having
to find other ways to fill their pyramid.  Some only need one
thing to do the satisfying, if done properly.

Cheers,
Mark

On Jan 16, 2010, at 5:21:20 PM, Mary <marysonthego at gmail.com> wrote:
Hello Ham,

Ham:
Everything has a cause except the uncreated Source. This concept is not "an
SOM staple".

Mary replies:
If there is a perfect, "uncreated Source", then, Ham, you better be
worshiping it. You would have no choice and neither would I. If you are
right, I better go buy a new Sunday dress. 

Ham:
We all "require a primary source" just to exist. Now, you can disregard
this axiom in your belief system, in which case your philosophy is not
metaphysical.

Mary Replies:
I reject the assertion that this is an "axiom" of metaphysics. People who
believe in god find the "primary source" in her. I was not brainwashed into
that when young, and I'm too old to take it up now, but I don't see that
this POV is "not metaphysical". You say you reject religion, but this all
sounds very familiar.