Religion is surrendering one's responsibility of self-thought in favor of pre-packaged ideologies.
I don't think one has to hate Jesus, or the idea of Buddha, to be non-religious. I am very inspired by these characters. To be religious (dogmatic) one must be thinking in terms of silencing thoughts that "don't line up" with the party line, and amplifying thoughts that do.
You will know a true "born again" human by how unfazed they are by anything, and how comfortable they remain in all types of certain circumstances. Just mention sex and you'll turn a religious person red. You could talk about hermaphrodite blow jobs in a bondage basement in the Church of Satan in San Fran, and the mystic would not be fazed in the least.
What is the dead giveaway someone has achieved enlightenment?
They are inimitably and unapologetically themselves. This is why Jesus said "to such as these belong the kingdom of heaven" when speaking of children, in the Bible. Kids are unapologetically themselves, for "better" or for "worse."
When we grow up, we forget this, and try to play the game. We try to fit in. In a word, we become religious. What's your religion? Your job? Your car? Your trophy wife? Your punctuality? Sex? Drugs? Abstinence? Christianity? Buddhism? Anything can become a religion.
The born again individual has none.
He has seen the dead ends. He has seen the crashed cars, the bankruptcies, the lives wasted in cubicles.
Shredding some keytar in my one-man band.
He has been to several different churches and each pastor proclaims that their church follows the Bible and the spirit, whilst simultaneously claiming that different things are "right" and "wrong." If there truly was "one spirit" guiding all of these folks as they say there is, wouldn't their message at least be somewhat consistent?
Now that I know Jesus, the Christians reject me. Now that I can see the beauty of Zen, the dedicated, self-proclaimed "monks" from the west, hate me.
Just keep your beginner's mind. Love is truly real.
How to break free from religion? It is really simple:
Think for yourself, and be aware.
(But then again, that's just another program, isn't it? :))
~KafkA
Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan. Graham runs the "Voluntary Japan" online initiative with a presence here on Steem, as well as Facebook and Twitter. (Hit me up so I can stop talking about myself in the third person!)
This is the most confusing thought which often grow in my mind. Is really God have or not. Some fear for ghost I have in my heart, so some time I think yes, but sometimes I think life is only one time offer, after death nothing. Yes I agree with you love is truely real because I can feel it. Thanks for sharing such a valuable lesson. Happy Friendship Day to you friend.
Symbolism of these figures, believe every tale or not, is philosophically important. Jesus is known as the truth and the light. His story is of telling the truth he knew and rising against the state. He came from humble beggining, did not live by extravagance, spoke to the poor and wretched, and upturned the state control grid. Jesus' story is so misconstrued nowadays. He was the original truther, anarchist. Read through it again with that in mind and I promise weather you believe in the divinity or not, it will blow your socks off. What is truly being told to the reader. These organized churches do not represent what Jesus stood for. Look at tithing alone, a required 10% to be in good standing with the church who states you must be in good standing with them to be close to god. Wasn't it Jesus who literally flipped over the money changer's tables at Herod's temple? Exploitation of parishioners is a sin! Jesus states "I am the straight and narrow path, no one goes to the father but through me" not through a church, but by following the prescribed practices Jesus laid out. I am a christian, but probably will never adopt myself to an organization who claims to have it all sorted out. I listen to a diversity of people looking for understanding and self reflect upon my actions. To be truly enlightened is not to have knowledge of all things, but to detach yourself from preconceptions and look inward.
I guess this post didn't really provide a glimpse into my inner life...but bro. it has already blown my socks off. I didn't understand nearly as deeply what most of Christ's words meant--what his life meant--until I left religion.
Ironically, once I really accepted and understood these words, the church called me "lost." HAhahahahahahahaah!
If we met face to face, I am sure we probably agree on most things. I just don't share it all with just anyone, anymore, as it is deeply personal to me.
Amen, brother Americana.
Haha, that's awesome man. These guys are more focused on outwardly noticible gains. Most of these blowhards never even read the bible or expect anyone to do so themselves. It is such a farce. I know "religious" people who get extremely agitated with me because I self study and contradict the crap they've been "taught". Oh I bet we would agree a ton, just bring a couple of Chu-Hi's and I'm in ;). Amen to you man and keep up the interesting work!
I have nothing against religions or any other form of organized-dogma-based- ideology, provided they are humble enough to realize that their dogmas are not absolute truth, they are only speculations and that they can be wrong. In summary, it is all a matter of humility and intellectual honesty.
Brief but excellent post.
The easiest way to identify a born again being. It is rare to find such a human being but when you find him/her you will know it instantly.
Simply because they have reached a level where they don't need to be anybody else.
Just be yourself - stop being someone else.
This is profound thoughts, which many who ain't open minded, may see you like a heretic who is suddenly unleashed on them:) Very enlightening post I must say. Thanks for sharing
it mean GOD is perfect no doubt in gods work who can made us in 1st time when nothing in world of us that make us again and again when we have everthing us...this is the system of god that make us from a buble,,,and it can impossible from everyone and god tel us i m the great so prayer me and thanx me and do good works that is our paper in world and its result will show us a day like our every work that show us a result after complete
To be or not to be religious is not about right and wrong, in every human gene has kindnes that we need religion as a path to maximize it
i think religion is mandy importand in our life to remind that god who is the great always
@kafkanarchy84 so thankful for your insight here - I would agree with
"Religion is surrendering one's responsibility of self-thought in favor of pre-packaged ideologies."
I experienced many different religious pre packages...all strangely void of self thought...I of course was unaware until I vacated indoctrination camps...
one thing I would add to your idea of being born again is not only that you have the ability to self-think but you have the ability to choose to love. We are the only creatures that have logical thought and choice...even looking at the beginning of the Bible where Adam and Even were given a choice by their God. God was the one that put the tree in the garden...
thanks for your thoughts -
A lot of "religious Christians" never open their bible to find out who Jesus really actually is or what he taught!
Even by opening the bible at most they will find what someone else said about Jesus. Can't know for sure which is true or not.
Interesting post! Thanks for sharing
Such a nicely done post.
Thank you for sharing you thoughts with us.
Always think for yourself but have an open mind on any subject, as the reality we see is true for us, for others is not true because they have different thoughts and different habits.
Followed for some more great posts like this one.
I agree with you, but what do you mean with "born again"? Is it some kind of a reference?
Yes, it is a term Christianity uses for someone who is "saved" according to their religion.
Nice post!