The Experience with Steve Fox (Wicca part 1)

[DyingInTheLight]

She is very smart. I like her, even tho i'm Completely Pagan.

[NicholasBlairStudios]

Heidi is obviously a wonderful witch. Please post more videos with her. The world needs her teachings. Thank you.

[00clouds00]

Can Satan deceive you? COGLtruth

Satan's number one achievement is to deceive people and make them believe that he isn't real.

[papervampire]

I thought satan's number one achievement was making us believe that god wasn't real.

[00clouds00]

Well that is his number one achievement. If you don't believe in satan then how could you believe in God?

satan has accomplished his goal.

The devil has come to kill ,to steal and to destroy us. I see him that way, do you?

I treat him as an enemy, do you?

I defeat him through Jesus, do you?

And when we choose to follow his ways ,which are really our own selfish ways,instead of God's ways. Then we suffer the consequences.

[AtrumTentatio]

Um, well I know a lot of people that believe in God but don't believe in the devil. I personally think you should just stop preaching. It really does no good for those who have already found peace in their beliefs.

[00clouds00]

There are only 2 spirits in the world today. One spirit stands for Christ and His teachings and the other spirit is the spirit of anti-christ.

Which spirit are you from?

[AtrumTentatio]

Wow, lots of questions. Doesn't matter how I answer though. You'll just say I'm listening to the devil or something. You have been brainwashed beyond all hope of sanity.

[plimbuff]

I have extensive studies and data showing that Japan is NOT a religious country.

Just "Google" this P.E.W. Report titled:

"Among Wealthy Nations

U.S. Stands Alone in its Embrace of Religion"

Japan is one of the least religious countries in the world (12%).

Also, notice that the DEVELOPED countries are the least religious, and the poor countries are the MOST religious.

[annienam89]

wow you really care that much about whether or not japan is a religious country.

what does it matter so much?

[plimbuff]

This report shows that the Countries with the LEAST religion are actually the most developed countries in the world.

Just "Google" this P.E.W. Report titled:

"Among Wealthy Nations

U.S. Stands Alone in its Embrace of Religion"

See for yourself.

[annienam89]

this is scary!

i am currently majoring communication studies at ucla, and i was brought up catholic.

but i too believe in reincarnation because it is SERIOUSLY the only thing that makes sense!!

does this mean that i will convert to wiccan just like her? haha

[janaiyo]

Plimbuff, like you I also lived in Japan for a number of years. However, I do disagree on your comments that Japan is not religious. It is!! Maybe more so than other countries. If you'd spent as much time as you said in Japan you would have realized that Japanese culture and everything it represents is founded on Japan's two main religions; Shinto and Buddhism. "You should admit it when you're wrong. It's no big deal, we're all wrong from time to time. And this time it was you." Blessed be

[annienam89]

i am currently staying in japan for the summer, and i do agree with you that japan is quite a religious country.

there are shrines and mini temples everywhere. it could be that it's more noticable because japan is a lot dense and packed than the us, but japan is as religious, if not more than the united states

[plimbuff]

The temples were used by Monks hundreds of years ago.

But now they are mostly treated as Museums, and historical artifacts.

In Japan, the word "Tradition" has replaced the word "religious ritual".

[plimbuff]

I have extensive studies and data PROVING that Japan is NOT a religious country.

Just "Google" this P.E.W. Report titled:

"Among Wealthy Nations

U.S. Stands Alone in its Embrace of Religion"

Japan is one of the least religious countries in the world, JUST LIKE I SAID.

Also, notice that the DEVELOPED countries are the least religious, and the poor countries are the MOST religious.

[plimbuff]

Japan's Buddhism is all in it's history. Not in the present.

Japan USED to be strongly Buddhist,with many Monks, hence all the ancient temples.

It's true their is a much higher percentage of practicing Buddhists in Japan than for example Christians or Muslims. But It's still a very small amount in this day and age.

Frankly, saying Japan was founded on Shinto and Buddism is not the same as saying they ARE practicing Buddhists.

[plimbuff]

Most Japanese people don't PRACTICE Buddhism and don't take it seriously. (as opposed to Thai people for example who follow it very strictly.)

[plimbuff]

I have extensive studies and data PROVING that Japan is NOT a religious country.

Just "Google" this P.E.W. Report titled:

"Among Wealthy Nations

U.S. Stands Alone in its Embrace of Religion"

Japan is one of the least religious countries in the world, JUST LIKE I SAID.

Also, notice that the DEVELOPED countries are the least religious, and the poor countries are the MOST religious.

[plimbuff]

I have extensive studies and data PROVING that Japan is NOT a religious country.

Just "Google" this P.E.W. Report titled:

"Among Wealthy Nations

U.S. Stands Alone in its Embrace of Religion"

Japan is one of the least religious countries in the world (12%).

Also, notice that the DEVELOPED countries are the least religious, and the poor countries are the MOST religious.

[GaijinWizard]

This is a good video. These two people are obviously well educated and make sense when they speak.

Blessed be.

[plimbuff]

So, you don't claim your God is true in real life. That's good. So why are you arguing? Why are you ACTING as if your god is "real".

[morganika]

omg shut up already.

[ginkiba3]

You either believe in God or not! Science can't prove divinity because divinity transends our level of Intelligence, spirituality is a WHOLE lot more then Gods, it doesn't matter anyway because people will always believe in a diety.

[plimbuff]

Well, you still seem delusional to me. If it's all in your mind/head, then your beliefs are not qualified to be held as real. If you want to prove your belief to others, then you should provide EXTERNAL sources that prove it. Not statements from within your own head that make you appear insane.

[maulhoik]

I'm not trying to prove anything. Nor am I trying to convince you of anything. I'm merely saying that spiritual expirence is personal. I can't PROVE what is in my mind. But if it's inspiring does that make me insane? They are not qualified as real? THAT makes no sence. Prove everything you think right now. PROVE your dreams. Cant? you must be "insane". No offence, but youve completely missed the point. Your arrogance and shortsightedness is your delision.

[plimbuff]

Dreams are an invalid example. Scientists have solid evidence showing the existence of dreams. Plus, no SANE person would ever claim their dreams to be true to real life. Yet, you do. You claim your God is true in REAL LIFE, with no evidence to believe so. P.S>(Check out the books "Our Dreaming Mind" and "Awareness: Biorhythms, Sleep and Dreaming" for overwhelming evidence supporting dreams.

[maulhoik]

When did I claim my "god is true in real life"? Now you are putting words in my mouth and defining my beliefs, which you are way off base. Here you go again with your "evidense"thing, as if you can prove otherwise. You have a real tunnel vision 'Buff. From what I have seen, you are the only rational one here. You have written everyone off who has tried to have dialog in a paragraph. that is delusional. You look for proof, and when there is you invalidate any spiritual connotations to it.

[plimbuff]

So, you don't claim your God is true in real life. That's good. So why are you arguing? Why are you ACTING as if your god is "real".

[maulhoik]

I never said it was "real" in the literal sense. It is my own personal reality, beyond this illusion you think is so real, but is very empty. I am not arguing, I am responding to your absolutist, shortsighted name calling. and that is my fault. It's a waste of time to try conversing with your narrow views,not to mention your insulting lables and writing off people who dare open their minds to seek a higher level of awareness beyond this so called "reality".

[plimbuff]

If it's only your "own personal reality" (as you put it) then that's fine. But you shouldn't let it determine your actions in the REAL WORLD. Agree? Or do you in fact VOTE according to your personal faith?

[maulhoik]

I would hope not. The inroads the Christian right have made in the republican party and the country scare me. I do think that there are principles that we can strive for that can be considered "spiritual". But they can also be considered humanistic or progressive. I try to meditate before big decisions, so I have a clear head for a rational perspective. If that's faith, I dont know. I try to look at a bigger picture.

[plimbuff]

So, you're saying God can only be found in ones MIND. I agree. That's my point. God seems to only be in your HEAD. And that's called a delusion.

[maulhoik]

MIND and HEAD are two different things. And again, your viewing god as a mythic figure and nothing else. Don't confuse openmindedness with delusion. It's about awakening consciousness within. If you want to limit it to "God being only in your head" that's your problem. Remember, Jesus and the Budda were considered athiests in their day.

[plimbuff]

Well, you still seem delusional to me. If it's all in your mind/head, then your beliefs are not qualified to be held as real. If you want to prove your belief to others, then you should provide EXTERNAL sources that prove it. Not statements from within your own head that make you appear insane.

[plimbuff]

maulhoik, you call it courage to believe in something with no reason. I call it delusion.

[maulhoik]

Being that you seem to be a fundamentalist thinker (on the opposite side of religion, but no better) who's looking for God in the material world, I'm not suprised you would mistake my statements as dilusion. It's about the power of the mind, and personal evolution. That's the courage I'm talking about. I have no fixed beliefs.That is my courage. It's quite sad to think we have much common ground but you see only the differences.How different are you than an evangelical Christian? I see little.

[plimbuff]

So, you're saying God can only be found in ones MIND. I agree. That's my point. God seems to only be in your HEAD. And that's called a delusion.

[plimbuff]

Again maulhoik, you STILL HAVE NOT EXPLAINED why God is, "not supposed to be proven". I'm quoting YOU. Please explain. How do you know this? Explain your quote. Please stop avoiding the question. Back up your statement. Please.

[maulhoik]

Honestly, EVERYTHING has already said clearly enough. If you can't see it your not reading between the lines. The way you appear to think, NO explanation will be satisfactory. Let go of your old ideas, be in the present moment and you may get a glimpse, then you'll know what I mean by what "can't be proven" and you'll get it. I'm guessing you haven't looked into Joseph Campbell yet. Welcome to the mysteries.

Have I confused you further?

[plimbuff]

Wow, still no answer. (What a surprise)Again maulhoik, you STILL HAVE NOT EXPLAINED why God is, "not supposed to be proven". I'm quoting YOU. Please explain. How do you know this? Explain your quote. Please stop avoiding the question. Back up your statement. Don't avoid the question.

[maulhoik]

I have explained the quote,adaquately so. Read everything again, and THINK about what is written. Your answer is there. If you had proof there would be a ratiopnal explanation. "God", or whatever is a discovery of your own personal journey. Your personal myth. So I can't explain it any further. We have been raised on religion that has to be factual and literal. But it is the metaphor in the story that speaks to the psyche. Go deep within and discover your inner archetypes. Still too vague?

[plimbuff]

Yes, still WAY to vague. But you explained to best of your ability. Also, you said, "If you had proof there would be a rational explanation." -EXACTLY. That's exactly what I want. A rational explanation. But, I see now that you can't give me one. So, I guess my search for evidence of God continues. Thanks anyway.

[maulhoik]

No problem. But thanks for what? I'm not trying to give answers. I don't bother searching for evidence of God. It's better to find evidence against dogma that religions sell as "truth". God is a discovery of the self, not a tool of manipulation. That is the real illusion. People are afraid to take a real leap of faith and instead choose what is comfortable,i.e.the bible as "God's word".It takes courage to say "I dont know what god is" as opposed to blind faith for fear of "punishment".

[plimbuff]

You call it courage to believe in something with no reason. I call it delusion.

[plimbuff]

maulhoik, you are very vague. Your own concepts of god and spirituality are so vague, flaky, and indecisive, that they could be easily accepted, even by an Atheist. I suggest you figure out what you actually believe before trying to argue.

[plimbuff]

Also, you still haven't explained why God is, "not supposed to be proven". Please explain.

[maulhoik]

Also, I explained that it can't be proven by stating it's a personal discovery. What I think "god" is can be totally different from what someone else thinks. It's a concept too big for our limited senses to grasp so we put a mask on it to comprehend. So my "proof" for myself can do you little good if your heads in a different place and you can't get it. Your looking for "proof"? Stop looking/ demanding, and something might come to you. Learn to let go.

[plimbuff]

Again maulhoik, you STILL HAVE NOT EXPLAINED why God is, "not supposed to be proven". I'm quoting YOU. Please explain. How do you know this? Explain your quote. Please stop avoiding the question. Back up your statement. Please.

[maulhoik]

First of all, I'm not arguing. Second, it's called being open minded, not indecicive.If I wanted fixed beliefs I'll choose Evangelical xianity and fear evolving. Yes, these views can be accepted by an athiest; or a non- thiest or humanist for that matter. That's the point: spirituality as opposed to religion/dogma. I suggest you study some Joseph Campbel and understand the rationale of personal/universal myth before you accuse someone else of being flaky just because they dont deal in absolutes.

[plimbuff]

I agree, but please define what you mean by "spirituality". And why is a higher power "not supposed to be proven"? I personally can only believe something if their are good reasons to believe so.

[plimbuff]

No god or goddess has been found. Wicca and other religions have NO proof about claims of "life after death either".

[maulhoik]

Gods and goddesses are merely projections of the human condition. They can only be "found" within.

[plimbuff]

Exactly. They don't really exist.

[maulhoik]

As long as you understand what an archetype can evoke, they can be "real". But it's personal.If there is a "higher Power", or consciousness or whatever, it's not supposed to be proven. Personaly I wish spirituality would become more humanist and less dogmatic. People would fear science a lot less!

[plimbuff]

I agree, but please define what you mean by "spirituality". And why is a higher power "not supposed to be proven"? I personally can only believe something if their are good reasons to believe so.

[maulhoik]

It's about a personal expirence, everyone is different. Keeping an open mind and seeking solutions on an alturistic level, knowing there is more than this illusion we call reality, is spirituality. No "god" or middle man required! Dont get me wrong, seeing patterns in chaos that can be measured scientificaly can be one's "higher power" if they choose.

[Deadbirdcheese]

plimbuff, don't waste your time. You have no beliefs, which is good for you. But some people need belief. I don't understand why you have to be such an asshole about it but you should just mind your own business. Get back to your life and enjoy it. Next time though, just shut the hell up.

[plimbuff]

So, you don't claim your God is true in real life. That's good. So why are you arguing?

[Deadbirdcheese]

To make a point that you need to get over the fact if someone believes or not. It's not your duty to rape people of their own beliefs just because you see it fit. Just go on with your life and get over it. Seriously.

[plimbuff]

I'm arguing for rationality. Religion is dangerous, and unnecessary. I lived in Japan for years, and I made many friends their. They are not the slightest bit religious, and are one of the most developed countries in the world (education level, life expectancy, sovereignty, etc), and they are the most courteous culture I've ever met. Religion is bad for humanity, and not necessary. Frankly, why you care about ME so much? Don't worry, I don't "Rape people of their beliefs". I only use words.

[Deadbirdcheese]

This isn't harming anyone, and I don't see why you should care? Some people need religion and it'd be best if we'd all respect that instead of acting like pompous, idiotic assholes.

[plimbuff]

NO ONE NEEDS RELIGION. JAPAN IS DOING GREAT WITHOUT IT. Research it yourself. Stop being ignorant.

[plimbuff]

Did you even read my last post? Here it is again: "I lived in Japan for years, and I made many friends their. They are not the slightest bit religious, and are one of the most developed countries in the world (education level, life expectancy, sovereignty, etc), and they are the most courteous culture I've ever met."

[Deadbirdcheese]

So?

[plimbuff]

(So), I'm right, and your wrong. People don't need religion, just look at Japan. I win. And your only responce is to say, "So?". Deadbirdcheese, you should admit it when you're wrong. It's no big deal, we're all wrong from time to time. And this time it was you.

[plimbuff]

My problem is not with Wicca specifically. My problem is with ALL irrationality, and THEISM NOT BASED ON EVIDENCE. Just type in "SAM HARRIS" and watch a couple short videos. He explains why faith without evidence is dangerous. and does so in great detail.

[weholdparties]

Why is faith exclusive to religion? You don't think scientists have faith in anything? And Japan is full of people who practice a religion. Does Buddhism ring any bells? In any case, considering Japan has a suicide rate of 40% within all deaths, I would hazard a guess and say that they aren't doing alright.

[plimbuff]

Japanese people do not believe in any "Creator". Because they know there is no proof.

My wife is Japanese and she was told by Japanese teachers, and other exchange students that if any American ever asks her, "what religion are you?" Her safest response should be, "I'm a Buddist"

Even though she, and almost every japanese person she's EVER met are actually Atheists, NOT a practicing Buddists.

You see, Japanese people will lie to avoid confrontation.

[plimbuff]

There a weird sort of "Honer" in associated with suicide in Japan which should definitely be looked into.

But they also LIVE longer than ANY other country. Japan is the #1 nation in life expectency. (U.S. is currently ranked #44)

But these small points are irrelevant.

I'm talking about overall.

[plimbuff]

There are two kinds of faith.

1)faith based on evidence

2)blind faith

Scientists base their faith on sufficient evidence, (gravity for example has sufficient evidence).

THEISTS, (NOT BUDDHISTS) have no evidence, but still choose to have faith.

[weholdparties]

Atoms, electrons, neutrons &c., the earth's molten core, the existence of other planets in other galaxies, evolution, none of these things have evidence to suggest to exist. Their speculated, they are believed to exist by many scientists, but there is no proof. There is no evidence to suggest dinosaur fossils are as old as we say they are. Carbon dating only works because we say it does. Can you give me evidence to suggest that I can't turn a handsaw into a raven?

Zen Buddhism has many gods.

[weholdparties]

*they're speculated.

How do you know how many people were asked in Japan about what their religion is. Or how religious they are. Can you tell me you personally have talked extensively to every Japanese person (both inside and outside Japan) about their religion? And just so you know, atheism IS a religion. That handy little suffix there says so. Religion denotes belief, atheism is the belief there is no god. Saying you are atheist does not mean that you do not believe in religion.

[plimbuff]

Well I'm an agnostic, not an atheist. Sorry to disappoint you.

[weholdparties]

If you were an agnostic then you would question science aswell. Agnosticism only finds truth in concrete statements, such as "all bachelors are unmarried." Agnosticism doubts everything and so to say that science trumps religion is rediculous because there is not certainty to anything, not even that the sun will rise tomorrow.

[plimbuff]

That's the great thing about science.

Scientists constantly doubt and question each other to look for consistent results.

[plimbuff]

PEW is well known for providing extensive information on it's research methods, and how many people it polls for each study.

If your actually interested then start by reading the methodology section.

[plimbuff]

"Can you give me evidence to suggest that I can't turn a handsaw into a raven?"

Well, I'm actually open to the possibility that you CAN turn a handsaw into a raven.

But I won't believe it until you can prove it under scientific conditions.

[plimbuff]

(So), I'm right, and your wrong. People don't need religion, just look at Japan. I win. And your only responce is to say, "So?". Deadbirdcheese, you should admit it when you're wrong. It's no big deal, we're all wrong from time to time. And this time it was you.