If you are going to tell me that there is religiosity in everyone's life, fine. There is. But if you want to monopolize faith and claim that it has to do with religion alone, I can't buy it. Faith in the senses is another possibility. And it has absolutely nothing to do with the famous religious tenet that faith is the evidence of things unseen. As far as I am concerned, faith was, is, and will always occur as the evidence of things seen.
Last edited by cafolini; 11-23-2011 at 03:36 PM.
We have discussed about seeing and not seening anyway.
It is hard to find within this ‘religion’ a moral essence originating from a sublime source. It feels man-made. This is not the religion of which I speak. Those who say they reject religion are merely expressing their disgust with man-made religion, which is filtered through closed minds. Few make an exerted effort to distinguish this artificial religion from that which comes directly from God. Out of ignorance they reject both. They seek to replace one flawed system concocted by the mind of Man with another of the same ilk. The ethical system promoted by humanist and secularist thinkers is unsustainable, inconsistent and invariable. There is no consensus amongst mankind of it. It is a product of humanity’s psychological tension as it promotes the lesser of two evils. On the surface, this system appears to support human society. In reality, the gulf between theory and practice is so vast that, if allowed to run its natural course, this system of morality would destroy contemporary human civilization, transforming it into the ruins of Pompeii, Mohenjo Daro, Harrapa, Aad and Thamud. Turning a blind eye is not an option. Burying its head in the sand cannot protect the ostrich from being ripped apart by savage, determined-to-kill, bloodthirsty wolves.
An alien observer would struggle to say that as a species we are civilized, caring and with a bright future ahead of us. The world population is brimming with creatures that have a human form, but real human being living the ideals of humanity is rare to find. The wild animal instincts within mankind blind them from seeing reality as it is. Their prestigious institutions of learning mourn the loss of deep understanding. Like the silent, mute statues of Ancient Greece, scholars are only interested in self-worship. Intellectual activity is a prisoner to facts and figures and the domination of physical phenomena. The egotistical nature of education has erected new idols in the East and the West. Knowledge, in the form of research institutes and research fellows, has slowly been led up a blind path, not even the stumbling footsteps of a forlorn traveler can now tread on the road of true knowledge.
Religion and secularism are such close neighbors that each is ready to take the possessions of the other by force. What has gone wrong? How did human thinking get derailed? Are we experiencing a crisis in the concepts of reward and sin, requital and punishment? Has humanity foolishly vowed to struggle against the suppression of a system of tyranny, which it can never resist? Has the prospect of a transient life and a temporary world numbed our minds and senses, or are all these diversions a protest against a short and limited life, an acknowledgement of humanity’s insignificance in a terrifying, uncaring and unresponsive universe?
The human soul is full of whisperings: murmurings of fear and hope fill every moment. Like a small, unknown and insignificant star in an infinite universe, the solitary, small individual human being feels helpless - without a destination, without a reality. Yet this feeling of insignificance is real and powerful, leading him to search for some consolation or distraction. He falls prey to the growing industry of deception. Illusion upon illusion of ignorance is marketed in the form of wisdom. Humankind’s vision is in the grip of an optical illusion that witnesses a plethora of dazzling things: skyscraper, escalators, powerful computers; modes of transport which rip through the skies, travelling at incredible speeds; missiles, space shuttles, the possibility of colonizing Mars; the hope of discovering the gene for longevity, eradication disease, pills for overcoming hepatitis, AIDS and cancer; instruments and machines to reduce the pain of manual labor; the discovery of quantum physics and Relativity; modern concepts of living; the explanation of the Cosmos; and the dream of controlling and subjugating the Universe. We observe a great many things. Can anyone question the progress that Humankind has made? 2/2
• History shows that other civilization also made unprecedented advances when measured against the standards of their time. They all went through the cycle of rise, decline and destruction. If what they achieved was truly progress and greatness why, then, did they disappear into nothingness???
The Next Chapter: The Cycles of History 0/3
The Cycles of History 1/3
Modern Man has made technological progress. This is undeniable and equally unremarkable. History shows that other civilization also made unprecedented advances when measured against the standards of their time. They all went through the cycle of rise, decline and destruction. If what they achieved was truly progress and greatness why, then, did they disappear into nothingness? These were not random events, since history follows a pattern that continuously repeats itself. The task of humankind is to study the cycles of history in order to avoid getting caught in the snares that earlier nations became trapped in. The fact that they are able to keep alive the lessons of the past and learn from their mistakes is what gives human beings superiority over Angels. We are able to use the capacity to better our present situation and leave signposts for the future. Despite this, as a species we have developed collective amnesia with regards to learning lessons from history.
History is also the disastrous lesson which has never been able to guide tyrants and despots. Every dictator ignores the lesson of history and portrays himself as the maker of history. He does not seek guidance from events of the past. If he did, he would notice that time and again the worship of God is cast aside in favor of devotion to idols and heroes. This is the first step towards destruction. How many conquerors fell into the same trap as those before them? The philosophers of Greece and the democracy of Athens were wiped from existence. Even Cicero and Plutarch could not save the gods of Rome. History has failed in restraining the negative aspects of Man that ultimately lead to his downfall. Yet it is full of interest and contains within it the social, economic, and religious values of ancient and medieval times. History is never completely faithful to actual events as it is told through the mouths of critics and opinion makers who come later. But those who will heed the lessons of history are rare to find. Fighting in the thick of the battle and talking about the battle from a comfortable chair in a lecture hall are two different things.
Fossils allow us to establish the chronology of human life and history keeps alive the past achievements of individuals and nations like a blazing star, visible from a distance through the pitch darkness of the past. The distance between the Earth and space seems insignificant, perhaps, because of the numerous stars that shine in the night. Sometimes the recall of a single word or a phrase brings back to life the forgotten lessons of the past. The sense of distance diminishes like each passing milestone. But history is no longer the story of facts. We are keen to give our opinions and totally ignore the lessons of history. The madness of today seems like an embodiment of the mistakes of the past. Before their final demise, few display sings of remorse or regret. Decline is the philosophy that underpins existence. Where are the Kings and Emperors of the past? To many intellectuals, both Hussain and Yazid were victims. There are even some critics of the Holy Prophet who see these blazing Suns of the human Galaxy as dictators who lusted after power!
To be continued ..
Last edited by usman.khawar; 11-28-2011 at 10:10 AM. Reason: Editing
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Is this the best their highly developed intelligence can come up with? How can such historians express opinions on history, when humanity has not yet been able to figure out the reasons for the study of history? Is it to have wonderful exhibitions of ancient artifacts in museums? Taking lessons from history is seen as a sign of being old fashioned. Buddha did not mention the name of God out of fear that the name he used would only end up as an extra stone idol in the temple of Brahman. But Ashok, who should have learnt the lesson of history, made Buddha into a stone instead. In places of learning, the teachings of Buddha were replaced with the tradition of rehearsing in detail the works of the enslaved makers of Buddha’s statues.
History demonstrates that not a single nation perished under the cloud of poverty. It was decadence that led to their ultimate downfall. Is it not strange that past nations suffered from unforeseen tragedies only when they were at the height of their progress, glory and quality of life? History has sorted out the facts. But history does not record the fact that a particular nation was destroyed because of their excesses and rebellion against God and human nature. No historian has explained that the earlier and later nations of Aad were destroyed because of their inhumane and corrupt practices. Even if this had been written down the civilized nations today would not have regarded it as worthy of any attention. Have they not given legal protection to explicitly immoral practices? The superficial rationalists have paved the way for the perversion of the natural instincts of Man.
Future historians will record that modern Man did not steer clear from the gross and foolish practices in history and failed to discover the foundations of a better society. History shows that the human race has never united, and harmony of values has never occurred. The sons and daughter of Adam and Eve did not use reason. They divided the earth and parceled out the sky. They shared out bodies, and distributed blood. They fought wars for power and control. They made claims of sovereignty over time and space. With speed they tried to rush towards their ultimate outcome, and this outcome is no different from that of previous nations. I belong to this age (70 years) and can say without hesitation that history shows that sooner or later humanity will find itself on the verge of annihilation. The whole of history is a testament that all the visible evidence is pointing in the direction. This is not a prophecy. It is a historical fact and only a few moments of time remain between now and the final outcome. This is also not despair. It is the same reality that turns away from the concept of miracles. Is it not mythical make-believe to imagine that this time history will not repeat itself? What miracle are you waiting for and whom do you expect this miracle from? Those who seek guidance from Maths, Physics and Geometry cannot accept reality. Think of how many scientific facts have become old fictions, and how many modern scientific concepts have become the subjects of speculations, and the number of ‘settled’ scientific conclusions that have had to be re-evaluated.
History is also a science which has unceasingly repeated its conclusions in time and space, and continues to do so. There is no change in its practice. The same events always lead to the same outcomes. Do you not observe in history the law that if all the conditions and relationships stay the same as they were, then the outcome will be exactly the same as it was before? Is it not clear who is backward and against progress? If the use of reason is the way forward, then the reptilian instincts prefers to go backwards in time when humans were indistinguishable from animals. But is the conduct of backwardness displayed through things or values? Travelling to and from work by car, bus or train cannot be regarded as opposing development. Is reverting to ancient values what is meant by ‘regressive’? Nobody these days will travel a hundred miles on a donkey or horse instead of bus, car or plane. So in the realm of physical facts and objects nobody is against advancement. Maybe the revival of old prejudices is backwardness. Some return to the concept of God, and others turn back to the norms of Sparta and Lesbos. The regression of the East to the time of the Prophet is not doo distance in time. But the relapse of the West is to the lifestyles of Aad and Thamud, which is even more backward!
The primates have clearly begun to take a step towards curiosity and thought. But we, the humans of the present age, want to go back to the age of Zeus. The men want to become Satyrs, Greed Deities of the mountains and woods who spent their time drinking, dancing and partaking in sexual pleasures, and the females aspire to become Nymphs, paragons of feminine beauty. It is astonishing that appliances are the mark of progress, machines dependant on a flick of your finger before they can bring themselves into motion! If instruments alone are progress then there is much truth in what Abraham said. The biggest idol must be the one which annihilates the smaller ones.
Last edited by usman.khawar; 11-29-2011 at 09:07 AM.
Quran,surah 2:verse 106 is what the earlier poster was alluding to. The quran claims it abrogates or wipes out any contradictions from previous books. Pretty convenient that hey! The quran is basically muhammeds metaphysical and political poetry composed over 20 years. A seething mass of dogma and psychological misunderstandings,but it rhymes well!
Chapter 2 verse.126.refers as " And remember Abraham said: "My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its people with fruits,-such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day." He said: "(Yea), and such as reject Faith,-for a while will I grant them their pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of Fire,- an evil destination (indeed)!" "Originally Posted by Theunderground
anyone can check anytime online anywhere like http://www.harunyahya.com/Quran_tran...tion_index.php as well about the verse and chapter u mentioned and i clarified. think, research before u speak.
may b u just hear something in which allah referes in quran that the books before quran has been alluded by human mixing so if u like to read the words of God u should consult to quran only and another place God promise that He will protect each word of quran till dooms day.. i have opened this point very brielfly in my another posts about when quran is translated into anyother language.
Last edited by usman.khawar; 11-29-2011 at 09:27 AM.
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What is the ultimate goal that Man can single out in the name of freedom? What does he want? The consequences of some these personal freedoms are apparent in several societies. But other societies have restrained themselves from these freedoms, perhaps because they are ‘backward’. When you think about it, if it were not for this old fashioned self-control then the ultimate notion of freedom to indulge in reptilian instincts would be the death knell of mankind. The Pagans gods Laat, Habal and Mannat are still present today. Circling the Kaaba while naked is ignorance. But how can cultural nudity and striptease be thought of as universal virtues? Today we do not find the statue of Habal, but the statue of Liberty. We seek ‘Liberation’ from our real nature and our creator. The historical form may have changed but the values are the same.
However, reality does not change. The constellation of stars appears the same as they did then, even though our instruments of observation have changed. People ridiculed the message of the Prophets by creating stereotypes. This is true today and many such clichés have become part of modern discourse. They are part of satirical speech. It is said that they break the power of dogma. Thus you are outdated, uncivilized and backward, not fit to be part of the modern age. You are a follower of a pointless religion. You are the victim of low intellectual capacity and are not yet fully refined. Your outward hijab is in reality veiling your intellect. If you were to leave your top button undone then you would feel a fresh breeze. If your eyes are not made up and the locks of your hair are not visible then you will be laughed at. Your language should show your status. Crows and imitation should always follow the lead of the swan. Your speech is balanced and courteous, but such a speech does not possess international prestige. Real conversation should be peppered with broken phrases of foreign tongues and monkey-like gestures. This is a sign of progress and civilization.
You can be a ‘nice’ person, but not a modern one. The clear sparkling waters of a river end up mingling with the rough, murky and hideous waters of the sea. Modernity is like an ocean. Wave after wave, from its deep, dark depths up to its surface, are a perpetual spread of darkness. Not even the clouds of kindness and generosity with their crystal pure, distilled and life-giving rain can purify its water. For thousands of years the efforts of the Prophets could not turn the direction of the decaying and decomposing mentality of Man. The standard of fairness of modern Man is such that even the benchmark of justice of primates such as Capuchin Monkeys is far superior to that of Bush and Blair.
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The next chapter will be: Humanity Let Down by the Gatekeepers of the Knowledge.
Humanity Let Down by the Gatekeepers of the Knowledge.
The nature of human intelligence is a subject which has fascinated me for many years. Early in my life I began to explore questions of epistemology. What is knowledge? What is the nature of the intellect? How can I acquire true knowledge? Who should I regard as intelligent? Who can I take as authority? Such questions are the key to true knowledge. They enable us to understand the means by which we acquire knowledge, how to evaluate its reliability, and more importantly, how to differentiate between real knowledge and mere speculation.
My search has led me to explore the history of human thought from Socrates to Bertrand Russell, to the complex and intricate ideas of the post modern era. I have been left with a sense that all these thinkers have relied on artifice and fabrication, promoting partial and subjective viewpoints, which did not grapple with the core issues of human existence. They succeeded in diverting people away from the fundamental priorities of humanity. Not having attained the full potential of the human mind, these ‘thinkers’ collectively exploited the suggestive nature of ordinary people and established a hierarchy of secondary priorities. Through mutual praise and admiration of each other they ensured that limited models of thought were regarded as the mark of human progress.
Intelligence is the ability to identify appropriate priorities. All these thinkers failed to focus on the fundamental human priorities that would ensure the future of all humanity, enabling it to realize its full potential. Let us take a simple comparison. Prehistoric Man was illiterate and unsophisticated, with few means of survival. His existence was threatened from all sides. In these early stages of human life, the cave dweller who first perceived these dangers to human existence and made them his priority was a genius of his time. Possessing the most basic resources, this ‘uneducated’ and ‘unintelligent’ human being made an accurate assessment of his priorities, ensuring that mankind and the ‘gift of life’ was passed on to future generations. The tree of life, its consciousness dripping in blood, had to endure unimaginable loss and suffering to survive. Our human ancestors endeavored to leave each succeeding generation in a safe environment, the safe guarding of life, the gift of speech and communication, the use of experience and experimentation, living in social communities: these are some of the greatest treasures which early Man passed on to future generations.
Millennia later we witness the devastating effects of the achievements of the educated and all-wise gatekeepers of human life, who belong to the most ‘advanced’ and ‘civilized’ societies known to Man. Knowledge, technology and status have become the tools for exploiting and devaluing people. The duty of safeguarding life has been replaced with the impulse for destruction. On what basis can contemporary, sophisticated society claim superiority over the ‘uncivilized’, backward and simple ancestors of the human race? Pre-historic Man fought and struggled against the grip of his reptilian instincts, trying to collect every grain and drop of wisdom to guide him. Yet modern Man, blinded by his arts and sciences and proud of his inventions and discoveries, is striving to strengthen and spread the self-destructive instincts that early Man was trying to subjugate.
The responsibility for this lies with the long list of scholars and thinkers who deliberately deceived the human race. Diverting people from the basic priorities, they lured them towards glittering, inconsequential theories. Philosophers, sages, politicians and military commanders became the victims of personal pride, driven be the desire for status and glory. Was this as expression of dislike for ethical teachings of the Prophets? Who is more intelligent, those who invite mankind to address their fundamental priorities, or those intellectual hypocrites who have entangled humanity in the complexities of tertiary? The issue is not about religion - whether it is true or even necessary. It is about a basic question that has plagued humanity. What is the purpose of human existence? Why did Fichte and Nietchse not provide a solution to it? Why did the investigations of Wittgenstein and Russell not focus on this most natural of questions?
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I wouldn’t say that it is intelligence but it is wisdom to identify priorities and set up own course of life.Originally posted by usman.khawar
Intelligence is the ability to identify appropriate priorities
Hm…..everybody is unique and realizing full potential is diferent for every individual. You can’t blame thinkers for all problem that humanity face. They were seeking own answers and shared it with us but we can reject or accept it. I think that it is more important question we need to ask. Why people follow authority without questioning as any theory is just educated guesswork.All these thinkers failed to focus on the fundamental human priorities that would ensure the future of all humanity, enabling it to realize its full potential.
Yes, we may say if we give up using our minds and.......if we want to cultivate a victim mentality. You may say that thinkers deceived human race but don’t you think that human beings have minds to discern and reject theories that don’t work for them. I agree that we have pseudo scientists and pseudo thinkers and it is time consuming and frustrating to identify false theories. But in the end of the day, it is a good mental exercise to do so. As old proverb says, "if we don't use, we loose it".The responsibility for this lies with the long list of scholars and thinkers who deliberately deceived the human race.
It is a question that humans have asked for ages. But why people look outside of themselves for the answers. Do philosophers, guru, or spiritual teachers know all the answers? I doubt. They also seek and it may work for them. I think that the issues is the fact that many people have external locus of control. Only the small percentage of people have internal locus of control and are principle oriented. So, it is not about holding thinkers to be responsible for humanity and deceptions but about taking responsibility for our lives into our hands.What is the purpose of human existence?
I quoted chapter 2 verse 106,not 126. Are you trying to mislead or something?
you are liberal to say anything but what i can smell is the prejudice against Muhammad in ur heart.
Ch 2. 106. "None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar: Knowest thou not that Allah Hath power over all things?"
wts wrong if God clean His teachings from human mixing before Quran? Before Muahmmad there were many prophets like Moses, Jesus Christ etc..and promise to prevent quran for further dare to change it. ...and about this verse, this is very simple to understand. if u consider it again. well u know about degrees ? good better best like.. anyway every person has his own mind and way to take the things. after completion of quran, there is no chance to delete or add somthing in it. its impossible. if someone wish to dare, still then its impossible u know why? no1 its God's Promissed. no2. 14 hundred years passed and there is no change even a single word.
Last edited by usman.khawar; 12-01-2011 at 10:28 AM.
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Humanity Let Down by the Gatekeepers of the Knowledge.
The answer is simple - they did not possess integrating, holistic intellects. Their minds were not developed to a degree that would enable them to identify the priorities of life linked to the purpose of human existence. They possessed inferior and limited thinking which could not go beyond the intellectual confines of society. That is why they focused on mundane matters. The driving force behind their intellectual pursuits was not to discover the truth, but the desire to attain status and glory. They worshiped the splendor of their own intelligence. Consider the cosmologist who investigates the origins of the universe but completely overlooks the fundamental question of human purpose. Even Einstein in his preoccupation with the theory of Relativity ignores the fundamental point of human purpose on Earth.
I have been unable to find an explanation for the total self-disregard shown by these individuals, irrespective of time and place, in dealing with the basic question of purpose. With regret, I have arrived at the conclusion that these big names of human thought appear to be entangled in the spider’s web of intellectual deception. They colluded with each other to deceive the entire human race. Perhaps, these self-deceived individuals insisted on limiting the intellectual capacity of mankind in order to prevent them from using their intellects in an objective manner. Had their followers used their intellect objectively the limited intelligence of these thinkers would have been exposed. Instead, this long line of shallow-minded, unintelligent ‘thinkers’ glorified fundamental human flaws by portraying them as the product of intellect and insight. They led their fellow humans to the point where they do not know who they are, or their true identity as human beings, living aimless, meaningless lives with no destination, and a non-existent future.
The analysis I have presented above has been motivated by the desire to understand the human condition in an impartial manner. By natural disposition I am not a skeptical or a confrontational person. Nor has it been my habit to be envious of the achievements of others. Every step of human progress awakens within me a shared feeling of human greatness. However, the question that has troubled me since my youth is not specific to me. It is impossible for anyone to live a purposeful life without finding an answer to this question: what is the point of an exam in which your answers are not related to the questions?
Next chapter will be: Is Personal Freedom Absolute?
yes you r right
Is Personal Freedom Absolute? 1/4
This short life, beginning with birth and culminating in death can be divided into periods. We are all bound by the human life cycle. Those who regard themselves as different and unique are also governed by the phases of the same life cycle. From the temporal to the spiritual, everyone and everything falls within this spectrum. For instance, the pleasure of the flesh and the delights of the mind may seem totally apart but in essence are similar. Even positive and negative responses may seem different but in the final analysis both are the same.
The most widespread division of the stages of life is the Hindu Ashram system, which divides life into four phases. The first twenty-one years is called the Brahmacharya Ashram, the stage of youth. The second twenty one years, from twenty one to forty two is called the Grihastha Ashram or householder phase during which one focuses on family and work. The third phase of twenty one years, from ages forty two to sixty is the Vanaprastha or the hermitage phase where one gradually withdraws from others for contemplation. The fourth and final section from above sixty is the Sannyasa or renunciation phase in which one withdraws completely from the world and dedicates himself to the pursuit of spiritual truths.
This view of the stages of life has influenced almost every society in the world. The outcome of this is that we allocate the last period of our lives to focus on the fundamental and ultimate reality of existence, a stage of life which cannot be guaranteed that we will reach. How can someone who sets aside the final years of his life ( when his sensory faculties become weak and his mental faculties debilitated) to solve the ultimate priority of life claim he is intelligent? Is it not incumbent on the human race to find out how and in which capacity they should live their lives? Instead of focusing on this core question, contemporary thought has become self-absorbed. In this expansive universe we notice only ourselves. We claim that there is no firm evidence pointing to a power greater than Man, a force that could have brought this cosmos into being. We alone matter: everything else is irrelevant!
Our knowledge of the universe is extremely limited and rudimentary. Leaving aside the entire cosmos, we have not even mastered the understanding of phenomena which exist upon Earth and within its atmosphere. But this does not stop us from acting as though we are the inheritors of the universe. Without observing reality in an objective manner, the blind intellectuals of secularism refuse to accept the possibility of a reality lying beyond physical matter, or hints of life beyond the grave. This denial is based on the fact we cannot observe such a reality, therefore it does not exist. However, is it the case that thoughts, ideas and imaginations etc are all based on visible evidence? If it were so, the novelist would not be able to produce a new line of literature, nor could the poet create flights of fancy. The scientist studies the relationships between things. He is totally unaware of the reality of things. Clutching a few facts and figures, like Shylock, Man writes off all metaphysical facts as presumptions. Despite this, he is compelled to accept the noblest qualities of Man, his creative capacities and intellectual ideals, but declares that they have no basis in reality. Secular Man has developed an intellectual schizophrenic disorder that convinces him of his own greatness. He wants to be the final authority on deciding on matters of life and how it should be lived.
However, the credentials of the secular scientific community in fulfilling this role are open to question. There are many whose intellectual standard is below average. Their approach to a range of issues pertinent to life is dismissive, ignores the facts and is at times absurd. No scientist has to this day answered the fundamental question relating to human life: do we possess absolute freedom or are we subject to a higher authority? Consider for yourself, is this not an investigation of vital importance, with major implications for the human race. It is a question of human freedom or servitude. Do we control our entry and exit into life or are these governed by some force external to us?
To be continued... 1/4
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