Reply #32: Thank you all. I should have written that ASPECTS [View All]

[Cetacea]

of the OT bother me. I was sleep-deprived when I OPed. Perhaps what I really dislike are the fundies' tendency to ignore the often symbolic nature of the writings and convert those writings into vehicles for behavior and thought control. As the Aramaic meaning of the word "sin" is to miss the point I can hardly believe in a vengeful god who is so prominent in the old writings.

I believe that Christ was one with God and that part of his teachings suggest that everyone is capable of experiencing god in this lifetime, ie, "The Kingdom is within you" and The Sermon on the Mount, etc...There are many well-documented cases of mystical/religious experiences that transcend knowledge and training.
Based on the volumes "The Variety of Religious Experience" and "Cosmic Consciousness"
the experiences happen to people from all walks of life irregardless of prior educational status or spiritual practice (grace?) In all cases the recipients were/are transformed and their lives forever changed, notably instantly developing a heightened moral sense and a "KNOWING" that life is eternal and that god is everywhere and in everything.

So I think that the answer to my own question is I am probably somewhere between being a pantheist and Mystical Theologist.

Thanks again for your generous responses. Happy Holidays.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystical_theology