01-27-2010, 08:13 AM
I don't think there are clear answers on this. However, STO and STS are not absolutes. A thing is STO on a level and may be STS on another level. It's never one or the other, it's always a bit of both
I usually just look at my self, my intent with the behavior, and the world around me... If it hurts none in no way I assume what I do is absolutely acceptable. If people can get hurt, I try to judge the situation from my perspective, is my behavior acceptable in my eyes. It's very subjective I know.
But like you say, it's not clear, the distinction is for purpose of guidance, not as an absolute rule, if you want absolute rules. I have a few religions for you that might serve you better.
For example Discordianism absolutely insists you eat a hot dog on Fridays. You missed a Friday? You're out... Rightly so, the Goddess Eris would never accept a non hot dog eating follower.
This, like every material should not be expected to answer all your question, and should not be expected to be literally applicable in every situation. It expresses a mode of thinking a way of dealing with things. But it does not take away the need for us to do the actual thinking.
I usually just look at my self, my intent with the behavior, and the world around me... If it hurts none in no way I assume what I do is absolutely acceptable. If people can get hurt, I try to judge the situation from my perspective, is my behavior acceptable in my eyes. It's very subjective I know.
But like you say, it's not clear, the distinction is for purpose of guidance, not as an absolute rule, if you want absolute rules. I have a few religions for you that might serve you better.
For example Discordianism absolutely insists you eat a hot dog on Fridays. You missed a Friday? You're out... Rightly so, the Goddess Eris would never accept a non hot dog eating follower.
This, like every material should not be expected to answer all your question, and should not be expected to be literally applicable in every situation. It expresses a mode of thinking a way of dealing with things. But it does not take away the need for us to do the actual thinking.