Question by Your inner Jedi. ?: What do you think of this [hypothetical] person’s beliefs (relating to spirituality)?
~90% doesn’t believe in god or a deity(s)
~Thinks that ghosts could be real, but is undecided
~Believes in Astral Projection, but isn’t sure if her own experience was purely physical or metaphysical
~Believes that there are some people with ESP, or psychic abilities, but acknowledges many are fake
~70% (or less, depending on the day) believes that there is an afterlife, but knows for certain that the heaven and hell concept are bogus. NDE’s that occur to some people have persuaded this person to believe there is a life after death, though the physical part of the occurrence can be explained, she wonders why people who have been “outside of their bodies” can see what is happening while they’re under.
~Believes that there is a good chance of the existence of extraterrestrials, because the universe is so vast.
~Has an overwhelming desire to fly (not in a machine..but super-man style 😉 And wonders if dreams or DMT in the brain is a link to a higher/metaphysical realm of endless creativity and joy. Perhaps the spirit is channeled through the brain, she wonders.
Also, what would you categorize these beliefs as?
<3
Maybe she's not so hypothetical.
Best answer:
Answer by Brian M
How could you categorize that? Where in the world do you get a percentage like 70% and how do you believe in some things that have no credible evidence while not believing in others?
I wold categorize this person as intellectually hypocritical.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
new-ager or neo-pagan perhaps. I’d encourage her to dig into it deeper and learn all she can because if what she believes brings her strength,serenity or joy then it would seem to me it is definitely the right path for her! 🙂
~90% not sure about god or a deity(s)
~Doubts that ghosts could be real.
~Curious in Astral Projections, but skeptical about her own experience was purely physical or metaphysical
~Wants to Believe that there are some people with ESP, or psychic abilities, but knows for certain that many are fake
~reluctant to fully agree or disagree that there is an afterlife, but knows wants the existence of heaven and hell concept. NDE’s that occur to some people have persuaded this person to wonder how could there be a life after death; though the physical part of the occurrence can be explained, she wonders why people who have been “outside of their bodies” can see what is happening while they’re under.
~Desires to believe that there is a good chance of the existence of extraterrestrials, under the pretext why not as the universe is so vast.
~Has an overwhelming natural desire to not only fly (not in a machine..but super-man style 😉 but also swim through ocean
And craves if dreams or DMT in the brain is a link to a higher/metaphysical realm of endless creativity and joy. Perhaps the spirit is channeled through the brain, she wonders.
Most realistic person!
Answerer 3 had it right. There is no way to classify that except as you… or ‘this person’.
Well, I like her already. Another Sister, perhaps.
It would be nice if life could be broken down into percentages. But you can’t find absolute truth in numbers alone. Numbers are a universe unto themselves.
I’d talk with her about each of the points and questions asked above, sharing my thoughts and ideas. I’d discover her thoughts and try to build on her way of thinking. I’d consider her vocation and try to relate. Using my limited knowledge I’d want to work in the idea that true religion is not the creation of mortals but the personal relationship between the individual and the object of their highest desire, their god. Doesn’t matter when or where they live. Any mortal being with survival intelligence and moral capacity IS in relationship with deity.
It takes a little adjusted thinking to understand that the religions of man are simply the scaffolding that uphold the potential of moral growth. World religions are good in the same way that a babysitter is good and appropriate in the right situation. World religions reflect truth the same way a map does in that maps define an area and provide a means of communicating with the world. Experiencing the map is not the same as experiencing the world.
The ESP concern is valid. Consider these in a balanced manner, neither pro or con. To the extent you will remain neutral you can consider these as…gifts…from a friendly universe.
Should you discover any of these gifts in your personal experience then they are true to/for you. How real is a matter of willing relationship. Gifts have a give-and-take nature about them that, when explored, draw the gifted to increasingly higher moral growth.
I’d categorize the beliefs you listed as…sincere.
Agnostic. Its quite simple when you think about it, she looks at each issue with an open mind based on the current evidence available.
I don’t think she is hypothetical at all, just very agnostic. Agnostic is not just a term for being unsure about your belief in a deity based on the evidence available, but a lot of issues that don’t have very much evidence available to support the claim.
I would have to categorize these beliefs as agnosticism mixed with a hint of atheism.
I would say she has an open mind and is willing to change it if and when it is proved one way or the other. It is always the best policy to be skeptical of claims of circumstantial ‘magic’.
OBE’s can be induced fairly easily with sound resonance and drumming, specifically at 2 beats per second. It is repeatable in the lab. You can float out of your body and look down on yourself asleep. You can also travel to anywhere instantly. 😉
Practicing Shamans…. quantum physics rocks