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...The Encyclopædia Britannica says that Machiavelli “founded the science of politics for the modern world.” “Machiavellianism” is now a word meaning the political principle “that any means however lawless or unscrupulous” may be used by a ruler to maintain his power.
Such politics has plagued this 20th century. Wars, coups, corruption, horrible violence and terrorism are all manifestations of it. Politics divides the East from the West. It divides nations, cities (such as Berlin) and even families. Politics is one of the most divisive influences of mankind.
Closely related to such politics and often exploited by political leaders is the spirit of . . .
Nationalism
On this subject an amusing story is told about an army chaplain in Scotland who, at a new military camp, asked for volunteers to convert an old barn into a chapel. In the absence of the chaplain the volunteers painted in large letters above the altar: “Scotland forever and ever.” The surprised chaplain asked them to make the sign a bit more religious. They did. The inscription then read: “Scotland forever and ever. AMEN.”
Scotsmen are known for being very proud of their country. But they are not alone in this. For example, English children, especially in the days when the British Empire was dominant in the world, were fed nationalistic fervor from earliest childhood. They were taught to believe that ‘Britannia Rules the Waves,’ and that the English are a superior nation, blessed by God.
In every nation similar feelings are promoted by politicians who know that a strong nationalistic spirit serves their purposes well. But their purpose may not be in the best interest of people. In an article entitled “Nationalism Is Alien to True Patriotism,” columnist Sydney J. Harris observed: “Nationalism means ‘going along’ with a Hitler or a Stalin or any other tyrant who waves the flag, mouths obscene devotion to the Fatherland, and meanwhile tramples the rights of people.”
Too, as the story of the chapel in Scotland shows, nationalism and religion often go together. Wrote Dr. Robert L. Kahn, a rabbi: “Religion and Nationalism always tend to go hand in hand. In times of war, particularly, . . . ‘For God and Country’ becomes a sort of battle cry. This has always been so. [In World War II] one of the popular songs was the war-whoop of a chaplain, ‘Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition.”’
...
originally posted by: JimNasium
a reply to: whereislogic
Truth stands on it's own, the rest is just pushing to compete with Truth and that is falsehood.
THAT question was cynically posed to Jesus by the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. He was not interested in an answer, and Jesus did not give him one. Perhaps Pilate viewed truth as too elusive to grasp.—John 18:38.
This disdainful attitude toward truth is shared by many today, including religious leaders, educators, and politicians. They hold that truth—especially moral and spiritual truth—is not absolute but relative and ever changing. This, of course, implies that people can determine for themselves what is right and what is wrong. (Isaiah 5:20, 21) It also allows people to reject as out-of-date the values and moral standards held by past generations.
The statement that prompted Pilate’s question is worth noting. Jesus had said: “For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.” (John 18:37) Truth to Jesus was no vague, incomprehensible concept. He promised his disciples: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”—John 8:32.
Where can such truth be found? On one occasion, Jesus said in prayer to God: “Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) The Bible, written under divine inspiration, reveals truth that provides both reliable guidance and a sure hope for the future—everlasting life.—2 Timothy 3:15-17.
Pilate indifferently rejected the opportunity to learn such truth. What about you? ...
originally posted by: JimNasium
a reply to: Nothin
I'm a 'fresh Man' In these lakes if I fall out I can just stand up, plus I'm in the Manatee Breeding/Winter home so it is "No Wake". Plus with the Ranger™ bass boat when the Bass aren't biting I do an "Apocalypse Now" type thing in the canals at top speed... Win/Win
originally posted by: new_here
a reply to: Nothin
Hi Nothin!
I do feel your tree example fits in, and I incorporate it into my thoughts. Thank you!
And yes, knotted up energy is pretty much what I mean by 'tangled.' If you think of stubbing your toe, much of the force of your forward momentum (energy) gets concentrated in that single area in a moment's time, without an outlet. Or a fall or a sprain... same thing. I believe we can 'move' this tangled energy with intention, breathing, OM, sun/barefoot therapy, etc.
I love Tesla. I would love to have him over for dinner and just shoot the breeze with him. Hopefully he could gear down his amazing brain to relate on my level, lol. (His spark has returned to source, of course. Do you believe the source is accessible to us mortals? I do.)
What is Source? It is the Divine, and I just cannot fathom its complete nature. My human vessel keeps my perceptions too finite. But somehow my Spirit knows. I know it loves me. I know it's there. When I am still and quiet, I learn things from it.
originally posted by: Nothin
originally posted by: new_here
a reply to: Nothin
Hi Nothin!
I do feel your tree example fits in, and I incorporate it into my thoughts. Thank you!
And yes, knotted up energy is pretty much what I mean by 'tangled.' If you think of stubbing your toe, much of the force of your forward momentum (energy) gets concentrated in that single area in a moment's time, without an outlet. Or a fall or a sprain... same thing. I believe we can 'move' this tangled energy with intention, breathing, OM, sun/barefoot therapy, etc.
I love Tesla. I would love to have him over for dinner and just shoot the breeze with him. Hopefully he could gear down his amazing brain to relate on my level, lol. (His spark has returned to source, of course. Do you believe the source is accessible to us mortals? I do.)
What is Source? It is the Divine, and I just cannot fathom its complete nature. My human vessel keeps my perceptions too finite. But somehow my Spirit knows. I know it loves me. I know it's there. When I am still and quiet, I learn things from it.
It is a joy to contemplate trees. Our elegant elders.
Their 'knots' are an essential part of them. In our foolishness: we call their knots "defects".
If we exist in a perfect universe: would-not our 'tangles' be righteous, in that they seem to exist, and they are whatever they are?
Can you ponder the 'source', from a tree?
originally posted by: JimNasium
a reply to: whereislogic
You're trying to prove the point that We should read TheBible™ by using quotes from TheBible™ ?
originally posted by: JimNasium
a reply to: new_here
Here is today's dose of helpful videos:
This one has an energy bit, right 'round the 1:00 min. mark-
www.youtube.com...
And this one:
www.youtube.com...
Enjoy
Don't get Me wrong, I LOVE Jesus The Chris† and if allowed enough time, can explain how Jesus is HERE/Now but many don't get to experience/mingle/meld because their eyes/heart is buried in a book explaining what that relationship SHOULD be.
originally posted by: new_here
originally posted by: Nothin
originally posted by: new_here
a reply to: Nothin
Hi Nothin!
I do feel your tree example fits in, and I incorporate it into my thoughts. Thank you!
And yes, knotted up energy is pretty much what I mean by 'tangled.' If you think of stubbing your toe, much of the force of your forward momentum (energy) gets concentrated in that single area in a moment's time, without an outlet. Or a fall or a sprain... same thing. I believe we can 'move' this tangled energy with intention, breathing, OM, sun/barefoot therapy, etc.
I love Tesla. I would love to have him over for dinner and just shoot the breeze with him. Hopefully he could gear down his amazing brain to relate on my level, lol. (His spark has returned to source, of course. Do you believe the source is accessible to us mortals? I do.)
What is Source? It is the Divine, and I just cannot fathom its complete nature. My human vessel keeps my perceptions too finite. But somehow my Spirit knows. I know it loves me. I know it's there. When I am still and quiet, I learn things from it.
It is a joy to contemplate trees. Our elegant elders.
Their 'knots' are an essential part of them. In our foolishness: we call their knots "defects".
If we exist in a perfect universe: would-not our 'tangles' be righteous, in that they seem to exist, and they are whatever they are?
Can you ponder the 'source', from a tree?
You are wise beyond your years, Nothin!
(LoL, no clue how old you are, but still, your post brought me to ponder.)
Tangles, are messages to learn from. The crick in your neck from the way you carried your stress yesterday. To value its lesson and release the stress with the stretch that relieves the crick... when you are ready to let it go. The tree reveals its battle scars, and yet it stands tall, resilient. No shame in releasing the tangles, in shaping them and honoring their message, and no shame if they still show. We are as triumphant as the trees, because we are still here!
reply to: Nothin
Back to pondering trees: have you ever been able to contemplate a tree, until it's physical qualities largely are see beyond, and it's energy-qualities, (as we imagine them), become more primary than the physical structure?