Posted in reply to the post by Dixon:
Thanks, Sandy. Barry asked us how we're feeling about this thing, so I shared my feelings. I think it's good to be in touch with our feelings and to express them in some harmless way.
The specific issue of the Mayan prophecies and similar silly beliefs is not, in and of itself, very important. What bothers me is the underlying issue: people retreating into superstition and delusion instead of meeting our numerous serious challenges rationally. THAT's the real issue for me. If the world continues to go further and further down the tubes because of peoples' ignorance and denial, we're all screwed together.
It's not a matter of me not considering stuff. I'm willing to consider anything open-mindedly. When this issue was broached 5+ years ago here, I did a web-search and looked at several sites representing the various (contradictory) positions of "believers" on this issue. Then I practically begged the Wacco community to give me something specific enough to work with, and all I got was the usual vague, meaningless sugar-fluff. So don't characterize me as not considering this issue; I've looked hard and found nothing but bullshit.
In fairness, some of the websites made specific, testable claims, such as the idea that the Earth's magnetic poles would suddenly shift, or that we'd be hit by an asteroid (that is, a catastrophically large one), or that all our minds would be joined into a single consciousness. And if any of those things happen, I'll be the first to acknowledge it! But when they turn out to be wrong, do you imagine that the folks who sold movies, books and workshop tickets will be refunding the suckers' money? In any case, no one here on Wacco, including those making money from the claim(s), has been willing to publicly associate themselves with verifiable claims like the ones I just mentioned; they just spout the vague, unverifiable crapola. Or am I wrong? Would anyone out there like to assert a verifiable claim such as those I mention above?
Oh yeah, I share your concern about that! I used to be a fundie myself. My mom still is one. There are lots of them, and rigid, authoritarian systems such as fundamentalism of all stripes tend to attract more adherents as life feels more and more insecure. It's scary!
I forgive you for that, Sandy, since you're one of my favorite people. [/B]
I believe in sharing both. It's about being well-rounded and authentic.
Thank you for your kindness. I love you.
I can't help it!
[B]
Likewise!