I say yes, you say no, OR People are Strange

I find, myself, uncertain as to belief, which is why I remain a hopeful Jewish agnostic. I find many things to admire in different belief systems, but despite periodic moments of what have seemed to be deeply spiritual experiences, I remain open to the possibility and the non-possibility of God.

Ok, so I just wimp out. 

Hey, one of my favorite jokes: what happens when you mix together an agnostic, an insomniac, and a dyslectic?  Someone who stays up all night, wondering if there is a dog.

Scoot - I'd send extra Sorts if I had any.  In lieu of that, I wish you - and everyone - peaceful dreams. 

Alexandria, I thought it was something like that, but wasn't sure. LOL on the shrimp, although one of my friends considers shell fish OK as long as she only consumes it at the country club and not at home.



Britney! She studied kabbala. She said it was, like, you know, totally, like, enlightening, like you could almost feel the light coming off the page when you read the kabbala book, although, of course, she didn't actually understand any of the words (said so herself) A Baptist Kabbalist, yee-haw!

Scoot, you are not alone in your puzzlement. I do not get people like the Duggars, for example, I just do not.

Alexandria, I'm in your camp. My mother was raised in a plain vanilla Protestant denomination (I can never remember which one) but studied Judaism all her life. We had bookcases full of books on Judaism - Martin Buber, Abraham Heschel, Theodore Herzel ... She never converted (fearing non-acceptance). She did not raise her children in a religion, but we were raised by a woman with a Jewish outlook on life, so Jewish thought and philosophy and believ is very comfortable and natural for me. I played with the daughter of the Unitarian minister down the street, so I went to that church for a few months when I was young, but I am not a joiner and can't bring myself to become one. I lasted about 6 weeks in the Girl Scouts when I was 9. I don't know if there is a Supreme Being -- I think probably not, or not as we understand the concept of an entity. But I think that the universe is a closed system and nothing ever disappears -- it only changes form. And in the interest of thrift and conservation, I can't help but wonder if our souls (essence, animating force) are recycled. But since I don't know, I believe that one should live this life as if it is the only one you get, and one should strive to make it matter and to "heal the world" (tikkun olam) with your works in this life, not for a reward in the afterlife but because this is the only one you get. Hmmm. Long explanation for "I don't know, so be a good person and do good now and don't worry about later.". :-)

Since I explained it on the other thread (SCOTUS) but not here, Jewish with an explanation is a quote from Woody Allen who when asked his religion, would say, well i was raised Jewish, but I don't really practice, and I'm really an agnostic.  That was too long, so he shortened it to Jewish with an explanation.

Yep, Alexandria -- I think that's what I am.  Jewish with a lengthy and convoluted explanation and some asterisks!

Or, as one of the choices for relationship status on Facebook says - "It's complicated."

Notself, have you read anything about near death experiences? During the transition between life and death that is what appears to happen. Souls see the "God" of their earthly belief systems, and/or deceased relatives. While most souls have incredibly joyous and blissful experiences, some actually find themselves in "hell." These phenomenon supposedly happen before reaching the point of no return, and our spiritual Home.

None of us can really know what happens until we die. I've had a lot of experienes that have led me to my beliefs, but I can't offer up any scientific proof. Ultimately, it just is what it is, and I'm ok with that. 

Lol, alexandria! Yep, no body = no more fat! YAY!! But, wait, doesn't that also mean no more ice cream? Bummer.

Tea baggies just make it up as they go. Don't confuse the poor dears with facts!

Poor doctors, graduating with a big debt - and an assured upper middle class income.  All those liberal arts majors and even graduating attorneys with >$100,000 in debt and no job prospects sure wouldn't want to be in the position that doctors find themselves.

Oh now that's just ridiculous. Those doctors surveyed (teanuts themselves) are not going to quit their porfessions. Blowing smoke just to let the nuts say, "See?? See??" Many doctors are not happy with the ACA, but I really doubt it will change much. And if they don't think they can see more patients now that more will have insurance, then they better get busy supporting nurse practitioners who are willing to do the work.

Hey Bluester if you pooch was actually a Swiffer Duster maybe she could handle a RAW bone..............

Mamalioness don't try and charm me.........remember I have an offspring just like you.........and we all know that British humour (spelled so Blue can read it) is demented and disturbing..........I know an insult dressed up like a compliment when I see it...........

 Have a free weekend to get rid all the Critical Thinking literature from my home...........(finally)

 Ok you liberal tree huggers off to help my 87 year old Madre buy a car which by the way requires no critical thinking just a Prozac.........

 shokk

Well, there are a lot of lies about the ACA out there.  

Some doctor running for office posted a YouTube video showing him "explaining" the ACA at a town hall meeting.  Did you know that if that doctor doesn't get permission from The Government prior to treatment, he'll be fined $10,000?  Yep, he has to carry a little computer pad thingy around with him and send info to The Government so they can tell him how to treat a patient.  And that $10,000 fine is just for the first offense.  I think after that it went to $100,000, then JAIL time. 

People believe what they want to believe regardless of how ridiculous it is.

Thanks for the sorts, Athena!  I'm still low on them, but not completely out.  :-)

Scooooot 

Good - I'm glad you have some back.

Shokk - I meant it as a compliment. When you say you have an offspring like me you mean cubs, lionesses, liberals or nutcases?

Good luck with your madre. Are you joking? Buying a car is harder than writing a book, IMO. Unless you are getting a Bentley or a Mercedes, its a calculation of which company and seller is out to sell you the less bad lemon that will take the most amount of months to break down. Worst investment ever. I'd rather negotiate an armistice.