Religion! Now there's a sensitive topic. But if you're smart enough, you won't be at all offended by what follows. All you need is a genuine desire for freedom - and an open heart. Let me start by asking a question. How many of us are limiting our lives, because of the "religion" we have chosen? It might be an actual religion, such as Judaism. It might be the 10-step system from our favourite self-help book. It might be the general belief system of the society in which we live. We each have our own "religion." And these religions are holding us back. They provide a framework to live within. But by default, any framework keeps you packed in. Does your chosen religion hold you back? Our religions force us to do things differently. We don't take action, because it's against our religion. We don't follow our bliss, because it's against our religion. We feel unable to change, limited, bound by the system of our religion. And that stops us from truly experiencing freedom. So, this section is all about realizing that many of us use our "religions" as an excuse for not taking action. When we realize that, we can learn to disregard the religion - and do it anyway. Today's post is about realizing that there are really no rules. It's about releasing our own "religions." That's freedom. Let's start with the self-help world. Now this is an industry littered with redundant religions. The Secret. Cosmic ordering. Positive thinking. The Law of Attraction. Tarot cards. What The Bleep. These are all systems which tell you how to live. The Law of Attraction has probably received the most focus in recent years. It tells you that similar things are attracted to each other - so think rich, and you'll attract more money into your life. Some of these things can certainly help guide you toward success. However they still impose a new set of rules for you to live by, a new religion to follow. You have to make sure you "attract" correctly. You need to follow the precise seven steps for "ordering" from the universe. When you don't "manifest" the right way - you blame your negative thinking, and beat yourself up. The rules of the religion start to constrain you, and ultimately begin to lead your life. Right? Think about it. The truth is that almost 100% of all self-help systems are based on just a couple of core principles. Firstly, you get what you expect. (Rule #7 - Intention Sets Direction.) Secondly, you can let go of "bad" emotions. (Rule #2 -
Learning to Let Go.) But these simple principles are so easy, they aren't attractive enough to most people. So self-development authors surround them in hype and ritual, giving them a seeming importance. Readers follow these rituals, and limit their experience - by trying to force themselves to follow rules and principles that
are simply not important. Would you prefer to follow the rules of a self-development guru - or would you prefer to be free? You don't need to follow the crowd when it comes to success and your own freedom. To experience true freedom, you need to realize that the rules around you can all be dropped. And, if you wish, that includes this one! The same can be said about the world of real religions - systems that contain more rules than most! How many people reading this book are currently being restricted by their theistic religion? They beat themselves up for "sinning." They change their lifestyles to align themselves with their God. They don't mix with certain people because that's what is written. Let's get one thing straight here: Today, as ever, religions are being used to control people. No doubt about it. The "rules" are progressively changing, with modern day "leaders" telling the world which bits should and shouldn't be adhered to. The Book of Leviticus tells us we shouldn't eat prawns, but how many Christians adhere to that these days? How many even know about it? The rules are fluid. They're not "real." They're not Holybound. And there's no such thing as that mean, evil God sitting and judging you. (It's worth considering whether there is such a thing as God full stop. Consider reading "The God Delusion" and "The Dawkins Delusion" to make your own mind up. Remember, you can be an atheist and spiritually-developed.) Religions are just a set of rules invented to keep the masses in control. They're a form of police, with the ultimate threat: eternal damnation. Something we can neither prove nor disprove. And so the members of religion continuously live in fear. Don't. Decide right now to be free. Don't let the rules of religion hold you back, or limit your life. I guarantee you'll regret it if you do. It doesn't matter whether you're Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Islamic, or a Scientologist - if you feel limited in any way by your religion, you are NOT experiencing true freedom. If you feel you are sinning, you are NOT experiencing true freedom. And so. Every day, people use their religion - from the Law of Attraction to Christianity - to determine how they act. They change their lives to fit the rules. They limit themselves and their actions. And when they get things wrong, they feel bad and punish themselves. Long story short: Religions restrict you. Release your
religion. And the next time you feel yourself limited by religion in ANY way whatsoever, remind yourself that the real truth is quite simple. Religion forces you to adhere to man-made rules. True freedom doesn't. So - be free. Understand this section on a deep level, and you'll have taken a massive jump in your journey toward true self-development. More photos: http://flickr.com/karlblog Labels: God, inspiration, self-development
Where did the idea of a God come from? In a follow-on to my last video post, today I'm continuing to discuss evolution and religion - and how God is a natural product of human thinking. But... Is a God-less world a better world? And are you sure he doesn't exist...? How else can you explain the complex human eye? Who created the universe? What happens when you die? All of these questions - and more - answered in today's video post: (Can't see the above video? Visit www.karlblog.com to play!) Labels: God, inspiration, self-development, videos
Does God really exist? What is the meaning of life without God? Doesn't religion provide us with our morals? In today's video post, I discuss naturalism and evolution - and how an atheistic point of view could make for a happier world. (Can't view the video? Visit www.karlblog.com to watch!) Labels: God, inspiration, self-development, videos
Today, I'd like to share a fantastic little video with you, from modern Christian music band, Casting Crowns. You don't need to be a Christian to enjoy this song. It's all about courage - and it'll inspire you, I guarantee it. So, will you choose to listen - and believe the voice of truth? (Can't see the video in today's blog post? Visit www.karlblog.com to view.) Labels: God, inspiration, music, videos
In my last post, "The Teaching of an Atheist," I discussed the idea that...
... Maybe, just maybe, there was no such thing as God.
And wow! What a response I received.
This morning alone, a dozen messages have popped into my Inbox -- expressing many mixed views.
Now, just to recap: if you read the post, you'll realize that my intention was to ask ourselves whether there could be real meaning behind our lives, even if there was no God?
It was supposed to be inspiring to all, atheist or otherwise.
My conclusion was that the meaning of life... is the meaning you bring to life.
And that's a conclusion outside of the realms of whether God exists or not.
But wow... What an interesting series of responses I received on the subject!
I was called an aethiest. An insulter of humanity. Told I should be ashamed of myself. Informed that I was a confused being. And numerous unsubscribe requests.
And guess what?
I'm pleased.
Because I rattled a few cages.
I questioned something that was at the very foundation of many individuals: A religious belief system.
And, in some, it was a belief system so weak it caused a riotous reaction, the moment I asked you to consider the alternative.
Now, I don't know about you -- but I find that incredibly interesting.
Of course, as it happens, I am a believer in "my version" of God. All of my regular readers know that. Heck, one of my favourite phrases is "Let Go and Let God." I even have a God section.
But I'm still open to seeing the other side of the coin.
How about you?
Is your belief system so critical and important that you can't BEAR for it to be questioned?
Does that sound like the quality of a truly spiritually-developed individual to you?
Or are you open to fresh ideas... and just happy and stable in the freedom that is inherently YOU already?
Some people bury themselves in spirituality or religion - and scream at those that dare rock the foundations of their castle.
Well, I don't wish to rock any castles.
But I do invite you to begin enjoying the freedom that you always are.
Try this if you're unsure how: http://www.karlblog.com/blog/2007/06/quietening-mind.html
Using the technique of asking yourself "Is this a limiting thought?" - you can slowly release any desperate clutch you may have on a belief system, and begin enjoy freedom again.
You are the only constant in your world.
The rest is a limiting thought.
Of course, I'm not saying to let go of your belief system. Certainly not. Just be aware that it is ultimately a limiting belief (which, yes, may serve a wonderful purpose) - smile, and move on.
Could God really define himself in words, anyway? Drop the words, the "limiting beliefs," appreciate the world around you, and move on.
And then smile.
Because life is wonderful :)Labels: God, ramblings
Sometimes, I admit, I lose faith. I lose faith in goodness. I lose faith in humanity. I lose faith in God. Sometimes, maybe, you do too. As many of you know, I love discussing the exploration of space. To gain a perspective of where you are in the universe right now, just try watching the "zoom out" introduction to Contact. But once you get beyond our current galaxy, you tend to disappear. You're lost in a silent world. A world of planets. Of mass objects obeying the laws of the universe. No emotion. No human feeling. No love. And, quite possibly, no God. As you keep going deeper and deeper and deeper, further and further away - billions of light years from earth, where mega-clusters of sub-universes tangle together like DNA strings... where the tiniest pixel on an image would represent infinite numbers of galaxies and worlds and beings and planets... Where size, as humans imagine it, really seizes to mean anything. When you're out there... looking in... seeing the crazy things that humans do, on their tiny little planet. When you're out there... in the silence, in the non-human world, devoid of contact, devoid of true life. You might... you just might... lose faith. Where is the God in this? Are we really as "special" as we think? Or could we... just could we... be a mere accident of the universe? Of no real significant meaning to anyone? American science popularist Carl Sagan, author of Contact, was a renowned atheist. He shared those exact views. The views of an atheist. This kind of thought leaves many deflated. Their whole structure of life... shattered. But does it really need to be that way? Let's consider, just for a moment, that God does not exist. That we, as humans, are just a rather splendid coincidence. And that, when we die, we just end up as a small pile of dust. Soon to be forgotten, soon to be blown away. Does that make a difference to your life? For many people, the answer is yes. But here's the crazy thing. The more you consider that as an option, the more you realize the importance of living NOW. Even if - "Heaven" forbid! - there's absolutely no God, and we're literally alone as coincidental beings in this universe... Doesn't that make it even more important to truly live your life to the full? To truly let go of your inhibitions, and begin living this life with a PASSION? To stop PROCASTINATING, as you have been - and to instead start ENJOYING your time here on earth? To begin living your life as your own God - through your own rules and standards? You see, after all that thinking... Maybe the only real meaning to life... is the meaning you bring to it. And perhaps that is the true teaching of an atheist. Labels: God, inspiration, self-development
Just FYI, here's a quick message I responded to a little earlier -- copied here for clarity.
Not everyone is happy to have their steadfast beliefs questioned.
Are you?
Also, thank you very much to the lady that sent the below message, as it allowed me time to respond -- and perhaps clear up a point that others have questioned.
My message was intended to be one of inspiration and hope to individuals that didn't believe in God, as opposed to a message to those that did.
* * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: **********
Sent: 07 February 2008 02:23
To: ****@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [Karl Blog] The Teaching of an Atheist
Had no idea you are an aetheist!! It goes against all science - QuantumPhysics -all the latest findings( and realizing all the ancient truths are viable)To lose faith in God is to discount the very you - your soul! And a spiritual person lives in the "now", creating his/her life daily with their high vibrations. Reading what you just wrote is the greatest insult to all humanity & God - we are contiunually evolving. I receive many emails ot the spiritual nature of all life and have no space and no desire to read what you just presented. I choose to let you go to wallow in your misery - therefore goodbye now and forever more. Remove me from your list now!
Thank you and Blessings (for you really need them and they are sincere)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My response:
I am not an aethiest :)
You may wish to re-read my post.
However it is acceptable, surely, to humour those thoughts.
To analyze life and our beliefs, and to understand the value in life *even if there wasn't a God*.
This, if anything, gives hope to the atheist -- who may be disheartened with life.
To simply believe something because we've been told it is not really a sensible way to live.
As an aside, I do believe in "my version" of God -- and spend much of my time wallowing in happiness :)
I hope my blog posts are testimony to that.
Love, Karlos Labels: God, ramblings
"Talent is God given. Be humble.
Fame is man-given. Be grateful.
Conceit is self-given. Be careful."
-- John Wooden, famed US basketball coachLabels: God, quotes
Albert Einstein once said....
"I want to know God's thoughts. The rest are details!"
How often do we get caught up in the tangled mess of our daily lives?
The he-said-she-said. The idea that the system isn't fair. The bickering. The arguments. The details.
I used to play a game when I in my teens. I'd walk around town and pretend that I was God.
My mind would instantly shift to a much higher level, where I was instantly forgiving. My heart would open up completely. I'd smile knowingly at my bretheren. It was a real mindset shift - and it felt great!
These days, I still play the game.
But now I call it my mindset!
You see, we're all capable of God-like thought. Of instant forgiveness. Of an instantly enlightened mind. Of spiritual development.
We're just trapped by our limiting beliefs.
So, just for today, try being the God you are.
Allow yourself to access that higher state of your being, and drop the details that only limited human beings concern themselves with.
Think high level. And watch your perspective change.
Enjoy :)Labels: God, inspiration, quotes, self-development
If there's one mindset I particularly dislike, it's the APATHY mindset.
That's when someone believes that it's useless taking action, and they're unable to do anything. They're a victim of circumstance. They believe they don't have any control - and are being forced down the negative route life has planned for them.
Aye curumba!
I disagree with apathy (Sigh. What else can I do about it? ;)
I think that we always have the ability to help ourselves.
And so today, I'd like to share a rather relevant joke...
* * *
A flood takes over the valley and a man is forced to climb up his house, onto the roof. As the waters rise, a neighbour in a rowing boat appears and tells him to get in.
"No," replies the man on the roof. "God will save me!"
Then a firefighter stops by in a speedboat. "Climb in!" shouts the firefighter.
"No," replies the man on the roof. "God will save me!"
A helicopter flies by next, and the pilot shouts that he's about to lower a rope for the man to be rescued.
"No," replied the man on the roof. "God will save me!"
Eventually the man drowns and goes to Heaven, where he asks God why He hadn't helped him.
"I sent a neighbour, a firefighter, and helicopter," replies God. "What more do you want?"
* * *
It was Benjamin Franklin in 1736 that said "God helps those that help themselves."
I'm sure you're not stuck in a place of apathy.
So let me ask...
What dreams are YOU helping yourself achieve today?Labels: God, inspiration
In the tech industry, Moore's Law is a well known concept.
It has, I'm afraid to say, nothing to do with me.
Its creator was 77-year old Intel co-founder Gordon Moore, who predicted that the number of transistors on a circuit board, at minimum cost, can double every 24 months.
His predictions have stood the test of time -- and this exponential growth in tech-capability is one of the reasons the world today is moving at a pace never seen before.
And doesn't that just remind you that these days.... life is all about speed.
Drive-thru, Microwave, Buy It Now, Miles Per Hour, Instant Access...
Let me ask you...
When was the last time you actually sat back and took a little of what I call "Me Time?"
When did you last invest a few minutes... in yourself?
What is so important... that it can't wait for five minutes... while you sit back and enjoy watching God in motion?
Mahatma Gandhi said: "There is more to life than increasing its speed."
Do you believe that?
And, more importantly - Do you live it?
Think about it. Then grab yourself a cup of tea - and get ready to enjoy the day!Labels: God, inspiration, quotes, ramblings, technology
There's one powerful Disney orchestral ensemble I could listen to over and over again.
It's from the "Fantasmic!" show at Walt Disney World, and the lyrics are simple yet profound...
Imagination... Dream of fantastic dreams.
See it in your mind,
And you can find
In your imagination
Mysteries and magic,
Visions fantastic,
Leading to strange and wondrous dreams.
Einstein said that imagination is more important than knowledge.
So, what are YOU imagining right now?
Could you increase it's brightness... it's happiness... it's intensity?
There's an old Latin proverb that goes: "Believe that you have it, and you have it."
The Bible says something similar...
"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
- Mark,11:22-24
So, ask yourself...
What do you BELIEVE right now?
And could you IMAGINE something better?
And could you BELIEVE in that imagination?
And if so, could you change your Disney ending?
Think about it. It might just happen!Labels: God, inspiration
Here's something I received just today, and simply had to share.
* * *
I dreamed I had an interview with God.
"So you would like to interview me?" God asked.
"If you have the time" I said.
God smiled. "My time is eternity. What questions do you have in mind for me?"
"What surprises you most about humankind?"
God answered...
"That they get bored with childhood, they rush to grow up, and then long to be children again.
"That they lose their health to make money... and then lose their money to restore their health.
"That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live in neither the present nor the future.
"That they live as if they will never die, and die as though they had never lived."
God's hand took mine and we were silent for a while.
And then I asked...
"As a parent, what are some of life's lessons you want your children to learn?"
"To learn they cannot make anyone love them. All they can do is let themselves be loved.
"To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others.
"To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.
"To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in those they love, and it can take many years to heal them.
"To learn that a rich person is not one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.
"To learn that there are people who love them dearly, but simply have not yet learned how to express or show their feelings.
"To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it differently.
"To learn that it is not enough that they forgive one another, but they must also forgive themselves."
"Thank you for your time," I said humbly.
"Is there anything else you would like your children to know?"
God smiled and said...
"Just know that I am here... always."
* * * And if you haven't yet done it today... remember to " Let Go and Let God". Enjoy our day! :) Labels: God, inspiration
I received an e-mail this morning posing a very serious question.
"So, I'm guessing you're a Christian. Right, Karl?"
Well, the answer might just surprise you.
You see, although I may post regularly on the subject of "God," I'm not a fan of organized religion.
To me, the freedom that comes from religion is with us here, right now.
It requires no churches. No prayer service. No collection box.
It needs no walls to worship against. No gurus to praise. No rituals to follow.
I'm fantastically proud to live near Durham, home to what Bill Bryson calls the world's most magnificent cathedral.
But am I equally as fanatical about what it stands for?
That is... power?
No, I'm not a Christian. I'm a "free thinker."
I believe that we -- that is, you, me and everything -- are "God in motion."
It's the power that is present all around us -- and what we are all living in and through.
And if we'd learn to sit back and accept the fact a little more, we might just realize that religion is really just an "extra layer" that doesn't need to be there in the first place.
I'm certainly NOT shouting out against Christianity, or any other group.
At the heart of all true religions is a teaching of goodness. But perhaps the power and ritual behind such religions is distracting from the REAL MESSAGE.
Maybe it's time just to let go of our attachment to limitations on our freedom.
And maybe it's time to begin living in this joyous moment.
By doing so, we might just get a little closer to that universal happiness all religions once aimed to guide us toward.Labels: God
Albert Einstein once said:
"I want to know God's thoughts; the rest are details"
What do you think he meant?
Are you thinking with your "Godhead"?
And if not, what positive things would happen if you did?
And what if everyone was thinking with their Godhead?
How would YOU change?
How would the WORLD change?
And what's the difference?Labels: God, inspiration, quotes
During one of my early blog posts, I mentioned God.
A dreaded word, that: "God".
One very good friend of mine commented: "I love the blog, but sheesh, weren't you going a bit far by mentioning 'God?'"
Well, possibly. But it really depends on what your definition of God really is.
Maybe God... is You!
Now there's a mind-expanding thought, at least for some.
Let me explain what I mean.
Organized religion can be a very restrictive force. It provides imagery of a God to be feared -- and the religions tell you how to live in response. They preach: "You need to seek the approval of God -- and shun anything that He may see as betrayal".
But let's think about that.
The concepts of "wanting approval", "desiring vengeance" and "feeling betrayed" are just limiting feelings, created by man. Just like good, bad, hope and fear... they're man-created emotions driven by limited thinking.
Expand your mind... and ask yourself...
Do you think that God could even feel betrayed?
Do you think God would be LIMITED by such feelings?
Or do you think He may be way beyond all of those human emotions?
Do you think He'd see a difference between good and bad? Or do you think He'd simply be aware of an experience?
Remember, the Bible didn't say that God was made in man's image.
What a presumption!
It said that man was made in God's image.
So what if WE'RE all Gods? (Or, at least, part of one big "beingness" that may be God?)
And we're currently limiting ourselves by imposing these feelings on our mindset?
Scary concept? Maybe.
But what if we each hold the power to create our own reality, to mould our experiences of the world as we encounter it?
The intention of this blog is not to preach, nor deny anyone's belief system. No sound-minded Englishman would ever do such a thing. Tsk. The very notion.
Rather, my intention here is to stimulate thought.
In one popular episode of Fawlty Towers, hotel "boss" Basil hilariously warns his staff about the German guests: "Don't mention the war!!!" -- and then finds himself barely able to contain the topic! Basil mentioned the war. And by mentioning God, am I going just a bit too far?
For some, maybe. But have you ever sat down and thought -- seriously -- "What is God?"
And if you haven't, maybe it's about time you did.
Maybe you have preconceived ideas that are holding you back. Maybe "it" is not a separate being at all. Maybe God is simply the life that is inside and all around you.
Maybe in trying to describe God, you'll find yourself like a fish trying to describe the water it swims in.
Contemplate it. The answer, if you find it, just might surprise you.
Good night! Labels: God, ramblings
Those were the words I read while sitting by the pool yesterday.
"Let Go and Let God"
They came from "Happiness is Free" by Lester Levenson. And if you really think about them, you'll find these five simple words can have a powerful impact on your life.
So let me ask you...
How many times have you resisted against the flow of life?
If you're like most people, you resist against practically everything!
You resist against the chatty check-out clerk. Against the aggressive driver behind you. Against taxes. Against anger. Against emotions. Against feeling "stuck".
But when was the last time you lived "in the flow"... in "The Zone"... letting life just handle itself?
And when you lived like that, did you find it more empowering... more exciting... more enjoyable?
Maybe you even realized that more synchronicities were occuring to help move your life forward?
Life shouldn't be difficult. If it is, then letting go and letting God is the solution.
So take a few minutes out today and think to yourself... can I "let go" of worrying, of wanting to change the current situation... can I live in the moment, knowing that everything is just perfect as it is... and can I "let God" handle life for me?
It's not as New Age, "hippie"-like or passive as it may sound. And it doesn't matter what religion you may subscribe to.
The word "God" here represents the universal energy that we are all part of. And by surrendering ourselves to that energy, we can enjoy a much more empowering life.
So... Let Go and Let God.
Try it. You might just surprise yourself.Labels: God, inspiration, lester levenson
|
|
|
Subscribe
