(01-03-2009, 09:57 PM)Bring4th_Steve Wrote: For me, ever since I boiled down the LOO material as being a basic unit of love and truth, I've always compared religions and dogmas to the LOO, instead of adhering a religion to the LOO. I feel that if someone really resonates with the LOO, it is likely they are using religion for other purposes. Perhaps someone enjoys the social aspect of religion. Or another may enjoy the ceremony protocol. For others it could very well be a type of "comfort food" that strikes a chord with childhood.
I have just never run into anyone who is a devout [name your religion], but also a scholor or enthusiast of the LOO principles. That's why I think many people equate the LOO material to something like a dogma, even though most of us realize it's not.
Steve
Hmmmm...interesting.
If, by 'devout' you mean 'adhering steadfastly to established doctrine' of said religion, then I would agree.
I think the difference lies in the use of the terms 'dogma' (belief) vs 'doctrine' (set of rules one must abide by, to be considered a part of that faith).
The LOO certainly could be said to have dogma, though not in the rigid sense, and certainly not in the doctrinal sense.
I was thinking more in terms with finding an enhanced understanding of the essence of that religion, such as what our own dear Carla has done with Christianity. I don't want to speak for Carla, of course, but I had gotten the impression from her that her Christian faith had been enhanced by the LOO, rather than replaced by it.
I recently met someone who follows a very strict adherence to the letter of his chosen doctrine, to the point of looking up words in the original language, etc., and he seemed to me to embody the principles of the LOO more beautifully than just about anyone I'd ever met...somehow he was able to find the love in his religion, not because of the doctrine, but despite it.
Of course, this was only my own observation, and he had never heard of the LOO. But it was interesting to see the very same principles in action, but with a different flavor.
(01-03-2009, 09:57 PM)Bring4th_Steve Wrote: For me, ever since I boiled down the LOO material as being a basic unit of love and truth, I've always compared religions and dogmas to the LOO, instead of adhering a religion to the LOO.
I have found that adherence to a particular religion has lost its appeal for me. I had already discarded my childhood religion, so there was no longer any involvement for social reasons. I now find that I can participate in the spiritual practices of various religions as an occasional guest, and am better able to see the common thread thru them all. But I have no interest in belonging to any religion. I'm extremely excited to now have other seekers with whom to share and discuss the teachings.