tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post5512200331041999786..comments2024-03-28T20:04:20.286-07:00Comments on One Cʘsmos: God's Eternal CalculusGagdad Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14249005793605006679noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-15920133183705494102009-06-05T23:02:48.368-07:002009-06-05T23:02:48.368-07:00Thanks, Van!
Good answer. Makes sense to me, and ...Thanks, Van!<br /><br />Good answer. Makes sense to me, and answers some questions to boot. :^)USS Ben USN (Ret)https://www.blogger.com/profile/07492369604790651538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-6577088472525599622009-06-04T05:33:17.426-07:002009-06-04T05:33:17.426-07:00Ben said "Doesn't abstract principles set...Ben said "Doesn't abstract principles set the stage?"<br /><br />They help us see the stage and understand that it has been set.<br /><br />Probably a good point to note, that when you view a good drama, you will not see any abstract principles, nothing visibly marked 'Plot' or 'Theme' or 'Script', during the drama, though if you grasp those principles, you will know that they are there. Those abstract principles are just what we discern in good drama. They are formed from what it and they enable us to better perceive and understand in the drama. It is One. And while they don't literally exist in it, they are not artificial.<br /><br />When the Author conceived the theme and plot, with them he produced the script, but neither of them can be found in the drama, save through those abstract principles which allow us to divine them.<br /><br />And when the players perform the drama, if they have learned their lines, and understand the theme and plot, they are free to bring the drama to life, and in doing so they all participate in that part of the authors mind which created it, they embody the script and theme and plot, but even so, while watching them perform, seeing their actions, neither they, nor the other three are separable from the drama, it just IS... and by learning and applying abstract principles, the players and the audience are able to discern them and apply them in better understanding, appreciating and/or performing the play.<br /><br />They are not any less valuable or ennobling for lacking physical and separate existence, not as long as they are true principles. On the contrary, because they don't exist in that way, they enable you to enter into the mind of the author, and to better understand the drama and yourself and your place in the wider drama.<br /><br />Just gotta remember that their value is in recognizing them and applying them, not just listing them.Van Harveyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08470413719262297062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-43831646822554176092009-06-03T18:46:20.059-07:002009-06-03T18:46:20.059-07:00"Again, the question I admittedly can't h..."Again, the question I admittedly can't help asking myself is, is the Christian theo-drama superimposed on these more abstract principles? Or is it the "thing itself," about which it is improper to look for abstract principles?"<br /><br />Doesn't abstract principles set the stage? I believe that's also what Van is alluding to (correct me if I'm wrong, Van).<br /><br />Abstract principles are an integral part of the theo-drama, IMO. Like the "boundaries" a musician must adhere to in order to create (and/or sing/play) a great song.<br /><br />Neither the musician (nor the actor) wants to sing or act off key, for example. The key bein' one of the abstract principles in theo-drama and theo-music (or soundtrack of the theo-drama. Available now on OMazon!).<br /><br />Or am I waaayyyy off base here? Be honest now, I'm due onstage...well, right now!<br /><br />Dougman-<br />"To me, Jesus on the cross is a manyfold symbol.<br />One being a representation of the spiritual state of Israel at the time. <br />Much like the spiritual state of the Christian denominations of today. The body is there but the spirit, or light has gone out."<br /><br />Well, I'n not so sure the dimming light of most Christian Churches<br />representsa Christ on the cross, but rather the state of those Christians who have led so many astray and Christians who have chosen to be like Christ in name only (CINO's).<br /><br />However, there is ALWAYS a remnant, and I do believe the remnany represents Christ on the cross. There are still martyrs bein' imprisoned, tortured and murdered in todays world.<br />And not only martyrs but individuals who are slacking their hearts out to cultivate and show the light of Christ or God.<br /><br />I could go on, because that is an interesting idea, Dougman, but I gotta walk the dogs.USS Ben USN (Ret)https://www.blogger.com/profile/07492369604790651538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-68646135681323915532009-06-03T16:40:17.173-07:002009-06-03T16:40:17.173-07:00To me, Jesus on the cross is a manyfold symbol.
On...To me, Jesus on the cross is a manyfold symbol.<br />One being a representation of the spiritual state of Israel at the time. <br />Much like the spiritual state of the Christian denominations of today. The body is there but the spirit, or light has gone out.<br /><br />I could be wrong though. It helps when everyone in the comments <i>ways</i> in tho. <br />Like the spirit coming together.Dougmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08468871451814828157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-37807848198063386552009-06-03T16:08:12.778-07:002009-06-03T16:08:12.778-07:00I should point out the new Goliath is Mohammad (Pe...I should point out the new Goliath is Mohammad (Peanut Butter Upon Him). <br />He held the second sword.Dougmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08468871451814828157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-87214672037235283282009-06-03T15:30:26.338-07:002009-06-03T15:30:26.338-07:00I think he's talking about the "nothing&q...I think he's talking about the "nothing" Jesus had to become on the cross in order to be the new beginning.Gagdad Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14249005793605006679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-81310419168205432662009-06-03T15:15:50.261-07:002009-06-03T15:15:50.261-07:00So many questions in this post.
Think like The Fa...So many questions in this post.<br /><br />Think like The Father, and you would have much of them answered, and a sword.<br /><br /><i>A nameless thing, more solitary than God, it emerges out of pure emptiness. It is no one. It is anterior to everything. Is it the beginning?</i> --Balthasar<br /><br />Oh Baldy, you forget, he <i>has</i> a name. Were you <i>not</i> diligent with the word?<br /><br />If you remember how David first knocked Goliath out and then slew him, you could do the same with the new <i>abstract</i> Goliath.Dougmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08468871451814828157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-75503756188561922452009-06-03T12:50:10.230-07:002009-06-03T12:50:10.230-07:00This just in…
OT, but not really, if we are still...This just in…<br /><br />OT, but not really, if we are still talking about the Big Drama:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.marinelog.com/DOCS/NEWSMMIX/2009jun00014.html" rel="nofollow">Congressman wants Navy shipbuilding plan, now</a> <br /><br />“Rep. Randy Forbes, R-Va., Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Readiness subcommittee, is not pleased that when the Obama Administration produced the FY 2010 defense budget it was not accompanied by a 30 year shipbuilding plan...<br /><br />In a statement on May 22 he noted that "Title 10, Chapter 9, Section 231 U.S.C. specifically mandated that the Secretary of Defense include with the defense budget a 30-year shipbuilding plan for the Navy and a certification that 'both the budget for that fiscal year and the future-years defense program' would be sufficient to meet the plan. If the budget could not meet the plan, the Secretary is required by statute to describe and discuss 'the risks associated with the reduced force structure of naval vessels that will result' The Secretary submitted none of this information with his budget."<br /> <br />“At a time when China is rapidly closing the 23-ship gap between their navy and ours, and at a time when our Navy is operating with $4.6 billion in unmet requirements," said Rep. Forbes in a statement issued today, "Americans would be shocked to know that the Department of Defense cannot or will not produce a key plan for the future of our naval fleet."”<br /><br />Hmmmm… maybe that is the plan…Rickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10589423819039764711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-55631518177883612612009-06-03T10:45:28.058-07:002009-06-03T10:45:28.058-07:00"Again, the question I admittedly can't h..."Again, the question I admittedly can't help asking myself is, is the Christian theo-drama superimposed on these more abstract principles? Or is it the "thing itself," about which it is improper to look for abstract principles?"<br /><br />Or the theo-drama is the "thing itself", and abstract principles are our way of deiscribing it, they illuminate for us stage directions and commentary which help us to join in and better act our part in the play? <br /><br />Abstract principles drawn from observing the drama aren't the problem, abstract principles drawn as modern art, with no reference to reality, contradicting what is good, beautiful and true, in place of observations about reality - that's a problem.<br /><br />I suppose what you observe to be abstract principles, depend on whether you think the play is a theo-drama with a classical Author, plot and theme... or mere sound and fury, signifying nothing to be shuffled through while waiting for godot.Van Harveyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08470413719262297062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-9957614697112077782009-06-03T10:21:42.341-07:002009-06-03T10:21:42.341-07:00Well, I'd say that stepping outside the Drama,...Well, I'd say that stepping outside the Drama, courtesy the distancing of self-awareness, is a graduation. Then it's on to the Advanced Studies of Theo-Drama. And so on and so on, forever and a day.<br /><br />I think that if our advance toward God is an eternal process, then the Drama never really ends. Here on this earth, in this general millennial timeframe, the spiritual process is that of Innocence/Unconscious Wholeness ->Loss of Innocence/Alienation -> Redemption In Self-Consciousness/Return to Wholeness. Fulfillment of the last phase collapses the Drama; its purpose has been served. I think, however, that the process is then replicated at a higher level and we enter a brave new Drama as Innocents. <br /><br />Of course, it will take many more millennia (as we now count linear time) for us to discover in just what manner we were innocents back when we graduated from the first School of Theo-Drama.willnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-37975039467426001212009-06-03T08:47:48.431-07:002009-06-03T08:47:48.431-07:00In order to keep Love first, you must place Truth ...In order to keep Love first, you must place Truth first.<br />In other words, in order to feed my family, I need to get back to work. Now.<br />- Rick@work<br /><br />PS Great post Bob.<br />Scipio wants his title back.<br />I added that part. It’s not true.<br />:-)Rickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10589423819039764711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-80293544106998239002009-06-03T08:33:48.525-07:002009-06-03T08:33:48.525-07:00Bob Questioned:
"Is the Christian theo-drama...Bob Questioned:<br /><br />"Is the Christian theo-drama superimposed on...abstract principles? Or is it the "thing itself," about which it is improper to look for abstract principles?"<br /><br />I wouldn't say it is improper to look for abstract principes so much as it is not a good use of one's time.<br /><br />Once awakened from immersion from the drama, you are no longer just an actor, you are now audience as well. You can see it from a remove, so to speak.<br /><br />Once this awakening is a done deal, one must move to the "military service" model.<br /><br />Once you have the perspective on the drama you must simply stop where you are and listen, look, listen, for what your next move should be. You can't go on pretending there are 'abstract principles' at work here. There are no abstract principles. There is only the Master and yourself, and ultimately you are combined. <br /><br />You must "report for Karmic duty," as you put it. <br /><br />The chief difficulty is discharging your duty correctly. Love should be the guiding principle, which is like a 'standing order' or template to start with.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-58537995511587147842009-06-03T08:29:47.310-07:002009-06-03T08:29:47.310-07:00Again, the question I admittedly can't help as...<i>Again, the question I admittedly can't help asking myself is, is the Christian theo-drama superimposed on these more abstract principles? Or is it the "thing itself," about which it is improper to look for abstract principles?</i> <br /><br />Good questions.<br /><br /><i>Or, it's like evolution become conscious of itself.</i> <br /><br />Is not the "return trip" made with eyes wide open? How could it be otherwise?walthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01388218390016612051noreply@blogger.com