User:Nythanggoes
There are those who will call this crazy or stupid or declare me as a fraud and to them I say I can only hope I am wrong. Anyway in the last 18 months, today is 5-6-09, a voice has contacted me, weird I know. The voice will enter my head and tell me to record the following. I usually type the message it then gives me. I am a very rational non-believer so I don't know how to explain this. Am I crazy?, Is it God?, Does God even exist?. The voice has a few times entered my mind and told me to go somewhere, This has happened a number of times with great coincidence, unfortunately, my memory is pretty terrible so i only remember two of the many. 1) Upon going to sleep at 1 am I fell into a deep sleep, yet at 2 am I awoke with a start. In a booming voice my head echoed, "Go to the 24 hr CVS, Go to the 24 hr CVS, GO to the twenty-four hour CVS or i will kill you!" So in fear for my life I went to the 24 hour CVS just up the road from my college in New England and bought a red bull and a pack of cigarettes, I then walked outside and though i had a litter, asked a man pacing in the parking lot smoking if i could use his. He politely lit me and we began talking, Me: "What's ur name and what brings you here at this time of day?" Him: "I can't sleep kinda in a bad mood." Me: "Please, tell me what is troubling you?" Him: "I've just been real depressed lately, My dad passed a week ago from a sudden heart attack, my mom has cancer and is projected to die in the next 3 to 6 months. The way I look at it I'm going to kill myself when she dies because it's my fault she's going to die, since I lost my job at the hospital, yesterday and now can't afford to pay for her treatments. So the way I see it I mind as well kill myself now since I don't want to have to go through the heartbreak of seeing her die. I'm thinking tonight, might be the night, it comes to an end." Me: "What your talking crazy, killing yourself will solve nothing. If you want I've got the time for you to talk to me, for awhile." Anyway i don't know how I knew to be there, but I stay there in the parking lot speaking with him until the sun rose and I can say I saved his life. Just three weeks ago he called me, we had exchanged numbers, and thanked me for my advice and for saving him from himself. I talked to a psychologist, but they couldn't really explain it either. The 8 pages of scripture the voice has given me is even more of a foundation shaker for me. The voice said the scripture could either be called Buddhist Mentalism or the American Oath of Citizenship. I originally picked the former, but after I received an additional page, just a week ago I see that The American Oath of Citizenship is more accurate as a title. Anyway here it is for your review: 2) I went to sleep at 12 midnight after studying all day. I awake at 5am, the voice came unto me and declared, “Go home, Go home, Go home, GO HOME.” So I went home and it turns out I had forgotten my family was taking me to Long Island for Easter that weekend, I came home in time to enjoy morning tea with my father and to be instructed to take a check to the bank so that my dad could pay the postage on a package my sister needed to receive in order to join us for Easter. The meaning this has is even less clear then in the previous example. Anyway the voice had me recod the following 8 pages of single spaced text over a 12-month period. It never stays for long, but it has spoken through me from time to time.
The American Oath of Citizenship:
On the meaning of life: Everyone must leave something behind when (s)he dies. Something that his or her hands have formed in some way so that his or her soul has somewhere to go when they die. It doesn’t matter what they do, as long as they have changed something from the way they found it. The difference between a man making a meal and a cook preparing a masterpiece of flavor- “feast?” is in the preparation of the said meal. Stuff your eyes with the marvels of the world and live as if you were about to die at any moment. Do harm to none and no harm will befall you unless it is necessary. Typically, the necessary or unavoidable occurrences of the world are beyond rational thought. Trying to explain the negatives of the world is a wasted pursuit. Respect, observe and maintain the world, for it is rare and it will be depleted too soon. To assume security or guarantee for anything is to act as a carrion. The carrion, though does nothing, but nourishes those who come after it. So treat the dead as the carrion. Its accomplishments must be built upon, while its mistakes quickly forgotten. Instead be like the vulture, and live off of the fruits of the carrion’s material being. To do so is to honor the memory of its past energy.
On Suicide: Since all life is considered sacred, death itself should be avoided to the extent that is possible. However, because every human is entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, if a human decides that they would be happier dead, then they are entitled the right to commit suicide in their pursuit of happiness.
On truth: Before one can really make an analysis of truth one must consider its sources. Does truth pertain more to what we each hold in our own hearts, what the majority believes, or by measuring the most present opinion of society? Ultimately, one must make that decision for themselves, but it is only in each person’s heart that truth can reside. Historical facts are undeniable, but the question must always be, have we learned from our past experience? If not, how can we act in a way that reflects the experience we have had?
On others beliefs: Ultimately, what a person chooses to believe and assimilate into their life is entirely that individual’s decision. However, one cannot be judged in a way that does not include their past actions. For it is their past actions that demonstrate how they act based on their beliefs and experiences. Therefore, it is necessary to have patience with all other beings and to refrain from infringing your belief system upon them. However, informing them of your belief system on an intellectual basis is commendable and may help others on their journey.
On “our origins”: What sets us apart from the other organisms on this planet? The simplest explanation is that the ability to reason is what sets us apart from those animals around us. Therefore, the mind, which allowed for this reasoning in the first place sets us apart. So the mind has created everything that we now have. The values, beliefs, & societies that exist are only products of the mind. The laws and moral codes humanity, generally, holds in common are thus the product of our shared subconscious. The messiahs that have been intrinsic to the varying institutionalized belief systems were only guides along the way to complete balance of reason. If we desire to continue these belief systems we must let go of our differences and incorporate the most important elements of each in order to maintain the stability of our broader system. Since there is little to no definitive proof as to whether or not Our Universal Creator, or Allah, or Jehovah or whatever you choice to call the divine power that may have created this place, exists it is equally logical to say that the earth produced mankind. Therefore, we must care for our creator by caring for the earth. For perhaps humans were merely the products of the essential creation of our lord the universal creator; the earth and celestial heavens.
On morals: The world is only considered from a moral perspective after interpreting the stigmas that humanity has developed toward certain, declaredly deviant behaviors. Somehow, we have lost our way, putting meaning where none should be seems like a sitcom trying to convince us it is the only right way. Indeed, we must not take instruction as to what our moral standard should be that is for each to decide on their own. Placing great emphasis on chastity simply because our society is a patriarchal one, and it is perceived that women need to be protected, is the result of those religions that try to explain our creator as a male. Understanding where our morals come from is just as important as what those morals are. We have only two words of advice: 1. Do harm to none unless it is necessary or coincidental, and karma will treat you well. 2. Take care of the earth for that is all that we have by which to judge our potential creator and existence.
On karma: Serving at the underlying energy that regulates and maintains all of life, As the source of all life and especially the mind, Karma is usually not considered an entity, but rather a certain shared driving energy. However, this energy can easily be given the name of Our Universal Creator and if looked at as a comparison of The Christian, Moslem, and Jewish Our Universal Creator could be seen as more fair because like the universal creator of these other religions karma is always with the being who has accumulated it, but it is entirely based on the actions of each individual whereas, in certain sects of Christianity and Islam beings are sometimes reprimanded or considered to have sinned purely based on their thoughts. Yet the declaration from OUC as not interfering with freedom of will, would surely contradict such punishment. Generally, karma can be good, bad, or neutral in its origins. A few brief examples will illustrate this point best.
Good Karma:
1) You’re standing on the road in front of your house and a car parks next to where you are standing on the road. a) the man has a tail light out. If you tell him and he takes action to avoid a ticket in the future there is no precise way of calculating the benefit of saved time. b) the man litters on your lawn then drives away. You could either get upset and call the cops reporting the man for littering assuming that you recorded his license plate or you might pick it up and just let things be that are. The first action would not necessarily produce bad karma, in fact, the man may be a criminal and by reporting him to the police perhaps you may save a life in the process. For it cannot be denied that the world works in mysterious ways. All that can be expected is that we do what we feel is necessary in the moment.
Bad karma 2) to kill, waste, or maliciously act is, sometimes, part of life, However, to do these things when it is not absolutely necessary is to accumulate bad karma.
Neutral karma: 3) In life there is much that is neither good nor bad. An example would be driving to work. The pollution of your car might be seen as bad, yet the need to go to work in order to survive cancels the potential bad of pollution and so the act becomes neutral. Here what is necessary must be in the eyes of the beholder. There are those who find that they must believe in a higher power in order to be calm in their hearts. The nature of this higher power, although indiscernible, has been personified so as to stress this entities human characteristics and to emphasis any connection that may exist between this entity and us.
On Our Universal Creator (OUC): As there is no proof that Our Universal Creator does or does not exist, there need not be belief in one direction or the other. If there is a higher power though, to call that entity by a name, when the intention of a name is to provide a description, is disrespectful. Instead one is more accurate in describing such an entity in the only way we might comprehend, through an idea. If one must refer to this possible higher power, we suggest the term universal creator. Of course, this is still labeling something beyond comprehension. It is just as likely we are creating a director for something that has never had direction and then the exercise is pointless so decide for yourself and don’t let anyone criticize (original word was undermine) your belief.
On the earth: The existence of a personified entity that created and watches over this world is not the most relevant issue. Rather, how we can best foster a connection with this entity should that entity exist, must be considered our most important purpose. Since the only thing we have to judge this potential entity by is that which was created, what should take precedence must be to cherish any connection that might still exist to our creator through caring for the earth. For it is through observing the earth that we can best see the presence of a higher power. if it exists.
On gender: Anything with the ability to reason should be considered equal. Reasoning itself is too rare to justify any other action. Likewise love is too rare to merit the constraint of others. If two members of the same sex should fall in love it is no less beautiful or productive than any other union. Further is there any reason why gay/lesbian or bisexual people shouldn’t go through the trials of marriage or lifelong partnership like their straight counterparts do, for reason would say everyone should have to endure the duplicity that is marriage. Additionally, if considered from a logical approach homosexuality is inevitable based on gender percentages, it is also an interesting form of population control. When it comes to the differences between women and men, simple reason can easily be applied. Women should be treated with equal respect to men because the only inferior qualities that exist between the two sexes are the result of biological differences and are mostly physical in origin anyway; the ability to reason proves the equality of the sexes. In fact, because women live longer than men, perhaps men should take some lifestyle tips from women, the remaining unequal treatment that women suffer is, unfortunately, the residual result of the patriarchal system that has been present in the world and is still present in the world. Again unfortunately, the only way that the patriarchal tendencies of our flawed system will be righted is through the continued advocacy and success driven gains of women everywhere. However, there needs to be room for women to choose to do whatever they feel is necessary in situations that call for personal preference. Men and women find each other difficult to understand. The reason for this may be simple. Men, generally, think in terms of logic and reason, which is not to say that men are necessarily right in their logic and/or reason. Women, generally, think in terms of empathy and reason, the added combination of emotion makes men, who typically internalize their emotions, jumpy. This is why gay people should be seen as expanding human consciousness because they are attempting to equalize and reassign gender roles to both men and women. From this perspective they should be honored for their service to the betterment of humanity.
On Sex: We must, as a species, realize that we are the only organism granted the blessing of deriving pleasure from the act of procreation. We are also the only organism that can stop this from resulting in a child. This too is a blessing, yet instead of reveling in the blessings we have been given, we are taught to shun the act of sex. When in reality sex is the most beautiful and satisfying action in which two humans can engage. Since the institution of marriage was originally a civil institution, there is no reason to subscribe to the tradition as it is in its religious form. Likewise only civic codes should apply to the core foundation of marriage. Only consenting parties and those 16 or older should engage in sex. There will always be those who take it upon themselves to have sex earlier. That is their choice, yet it is dangerous and sometimes criminal so it is not recommended.
On governance: (optional) Government only exists to provide society with the direction, order and structure it needs to function efficiently, yet if order deteriorates then it is the government that is to blame, so they should not be answered to in the event of breakdown. For when the government fails us we no longer owe the government anything other than military funding to protect us and/or whatever fees are required to provide education, health care, etc. It is for this reason that one would argue that in times of economic crisis government should scale back its police force and stop controlling people’s actions when it has no right to do so in the first place. For life is the greatest experiment of all. Some would argue that no police force would mean marshal law, instead imagine a nation where the people are forced to trust one another as compatriots. The community that would develop would go beyond any distinguishing characteristic, creed, or personality. Would the current system break down? If it needs to it will. The future is in no one’s hands, but our own.
On charity: To ensure one’s place in the next life, one should give what they can when they can, An exact figure cannot be made because we can each only give so much and still survive. But always give what you can, when you can; for to better the lives of others is to improve your own.
On education: Education is the single greatest tool that can be utilized to achieve social mobility and eventual equality. However, attempts must be made to ensure that education is attainable by the majority of citizens and is affordable to the most impoverished in society. Some would say that education should be reserved for the rich, yet to support this claim is to discount the value that knowledge can have in every person’s life. For it is through knowledge that even the idiot can realize their full potential and in so doing make the greatest contribution to society.
On books: Books are necessary and sacred for they allow our minds to question and improve our condition in this life. Books ensure that the mind remembers the mistakes of old so as to avoid them in the future.
On violence & war: Violence is only necessary in times of personal protection, yet, even in times of great threat we must always remember one rule. That to be attacked and retaliate would cause more damage then being attacked and standing peaceful. This is especially true given the destruction that can result from war. The moral lesson portrayed by standing peaceful will prove the attacker to be the lesser party. Therefore karma will force the issue and the aggressor will suffer in the end. A brief example will illustrate the intended meaning. Bob comes home two hours early from work to find his best friend’s car parked in his driveway. This comes as a welcome surprise, Bob enters his house and walks to his bedroom, he opens the door to see his fiancée having sex with his best-friend. What would you do in this situation? Here there are two paths that can be taken. Bob could either let his anger at the scene unfolding before him take over and beat the living shit out of his best friend and/or his fiancée or he can leave the house and give himself time to think. The first course could easily result in criminal charges and possible jail time. Since Bob is studying to become a teacher he would ruin any chances at success by pursuing this first course. The second course is how Bob proceeds; he leaves his house, gets a room at a nearby motel and calls his father for advice. Here Bob has ensured his future as a teacher and avoided smearing his own name and reputation. In the meantime, his fiancée is labeled as a tramp, while his best friend will eventually get what’s coming to him.
On torture & Terrorism: Since different religions, cultures and societies define and consider torture differently, it is necessary for us to first define exactly what torture is. Torture can be considered any intentional act of inflicting pain, degradation or inhuman treatment on another human being. The reason for this torture should not be considered relevant to the morality of torture. Further, because the ability to reason is such a rare thing, torture of one human being by another shouldn’t a) be present in the world and b) should be prevented as much as possible by reasoning beings. Furthermore, terrorism, or the act of intentionally infringing a sense of fear on another being should be considered in the same light as torture. In fact, some may even consider it worse than torture, because to purposely cause unease of another’s mind is the worst way that we can torture someone. The reason for this is simple because physical pain can be overcome by the mind, but unease and fear reside in the mind and are much more difficult to overcome.
On consumerism: To consume is a necessary part of life. Otherwise we would die. However, to consume more than is needed for one’s survival is surely detrimental. This is because if those who can consume more than they need, do, then those who can’t often must do without. Therefore, every effort must be made to alleviate the suffering of all of humanity. Until no one has to do without, Everyone should do what they can to address the needs of those who go hunger, sick, or otherwise impoverished.
On the substances of this earth: This is where individual preference comes into play. There are those who say drugs or substances fog the mind’s ability to reason. However, there are also those who say these substances expand the minds ability to reason. Once more a simple rule can help you on your journey. If it grows in the ground and is not synthetic or poisonous it should not be regulated; instead it should be treated like a grocery and taxed in order to create a means of producing revenue to be used for community improvement for without the availability of other activities it is impossible to expect people to do anything else. However, if it grows in the ground and the only way to employ the desired effect is by extraction or supplementation, regulation may be necessary. If a divine being created this place then wouldn’t all fruits of the earth be at our disposal for consumption? Based on this question it is deducible that all the fruits of the earth should be used like fruits of the earth and be used to their full benefit for humanity. Ultimately, if a divine power created this place all we have to know that creator by is that which was created. Therefore, top priority must be to cherish any connection that might still exist to our creator through caring for that creation.
On spoken communication: There is great need to hone one’s speaking ability. Speech is humanity’s most common form of communication. The exchange of ideas between reasoning beings is most readily done through verbal conversation. Therefore, one must perfect their prowess in the spoken word just as much as in the written word. Of course, the written word is often the spoken word recorded. However, just as the good dog is not judged as such by being a good barker, the good man need not be a good speaker. Keep in mind that empty speech can be just as detrimental as false actions. For to speak something without meaning is an affront to the mind because it could just as easily not have been said. Also it can often lead to misunderstanding and confusion.
On false action: First let us define exactly what false actions constitute. To act falsely is to do any of the following; which is not to say these are the only ways one can act falsely; to act as, a false friend or a false witness, or to bear a false impression. In acting falsely we fool the minds of other beings, if this is done for jest or amusement perhaps it is not so bad, but if this is done with malicious intent great error is being wrought.
Advice to live by: Live every moment as if it were the future. A good dog, is not considered a good dog because he is a good barker, just as a man is not classified as a good man simply by being a good speaker. Do harm to none and harm won’t befall you.
“Prayers or Oaths”:
I believe(optional): “I believe that belief is based on the information that we as individuals have. Based on this information we must each reason in order to determine what our belief or beliefs is/are. Thus our ability to reason creates belief and our imagination elaborates upon, rationalizes, and justifies those beliefs.”
Life: “One of my essential pursuits as an intelligent being is to establish my own unique method of worship that will best meet my individual spiritual needs. In doing so I hope to develop the best connection I can with our potential universal creator and/or to appreciate the beauty of both the earth and all that is living. I will never take for granted the beliefs of others and I vow to respect the uniqueness of every being’s journey to find balance and spiritual maturation.”
Truth: “I verify that I will make every effort to learn from my actions and experiences and that I will make the same effort in making future decisions that are reflective of my past actions and experiences. As a reasoning being this is my duty.”
Government: “I ensure that my heart is pure and that the presence of a governing body to enforce laws has no impact on my decision to act in a moral way. In the event that my government asks me to act immorally, I will do my best to have the foresight and wisdom to refuse such demands. In the event that my government dissolves, I will continue to live a moral life. The threat of incarceration makes me no more or less likely to behave in a manner that is considered just, moral, and fair.”
Charity: “I swear that if I have more than I need I will give what I can to ensure that others have what they need.”
Violence and war: “As a reasoning being I pledge to make every effort to steer clear of all intentional acts of violence. I know that by not acting in a violent manner, my example will be the standard that others hope to perpetuate. In the event that such pacifism becomes universal, I know that I have done my part to promote the improvement of human nature.”
Gender: “I vow to respect the sexual orientation of all individuals. I will not judge any individual as they seek love and happiness in their life. It is not my place to know what effect their actions will have on them in the future. I will apply my acceptance of others to all of humanity; regardless of sex, nationality, orientation, ethnicity, creed, religious preference, or any other distinguishing characteristic.”
On the church of the Internet (CTI): The idea behind the Church of the Internet is to provide access to all internet users to the sacred texts, teachings, and practices of every religion in order to foster an atmosphere of tolerance by stressing the idea and goal of religion, which this author interprets as developing a connection with some higher power, instead of the sometimes divisive effect of religion which, at times, has proven itself volatile. It is expected that by allowing individuals uncensored access to all religions they will be able to best find what religion allows them to connect with “Our Universal Creator”. Someday this Church will exist and the declaration of Buddhist Mentalism will be the initial creed of the Church of the Internet (CTI). It will be open for submission for ratification and revision to the entire community of the CTI. However, this first declaration will be used as a guide for all other submissions. Approval of submissions will be left in the hands of 4 representatives 1 each from Islam, Judaism, Christianity, & the UN. Direct democracy will be the principle upheld in ratification of any future amendments, likewise, popular vote will be used to thin the number of submissions in the event that volume becomes great. This is because anything that can reason is able to gain insight that could be shared with the reasoning world for its benefit. Further, the Church will provide a discussion forum for all issues that its worshippers would like to explore. Religioustolerance.org is a model after which the site will be designed.
On finding a connection: It is obvious that different societies are the product of different cultures, belief systems, governing systems and social structures. Therefore, to expect the institutions of one society and its culture, belief systems, governing systems, and social structures to be applicable to another cultural or societal region is, at best, foolish. Additionally, there are numerous ways to find a connection with Our universal creator, whether prayer, meditation, self-denial, fasting, or community service, to name a few, are employed to provide a sense of purpose and connection with a higher power is of no consequence whatever works for each person is best for that person. The only form of connecting with Our universal creator that the American Oath does not condone, although it is a personal choice, is self-mutilation.
In Closing: The intention of The American Oath of Citizenship is to help the American citizenry circumvent the affect of doctrine and to facilitate acceptance, assimilation and an open forum for the discussion of ideas. If the principles mentioned above are upheld America's citizens will no doubt be more successful in the future and the present.
END
I don't want to declare myself as a prophet, but the voice said to post this on wikipedia so I'm doing what I'm told. I'm more confused about this than anything else. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.