Anthropomorphic God

The definition in the Merriam-Webster dictionary of the word “anthropomorphic” is
"1: - described or thought of as having a human form or human attributes anthropomorphic deities
- stories involving anthropomorphic animals
2: ascribing human characteristics to non-human things
- anthropomorphic supernaturalism
-anthropomorphic beliefs about nature"

So why an “Anthropomorphic God”?

As human beings, we have a limited knowledge of the universe we find ourselves in. The limitations have one major aspect: we cannot be outside ourselves.

We cannot be something or someone else, other than ourselves. Our sense organs are our way of experiencing and making sense of the world, but we are essentially limited to what those sense organs tell us and how we interpret the messages those organs deliver to our brain. Essentially we cannot know whether another person experiences the world in the same way as oneself. Ask 10 people for a description of anything and we’ll have 10 different answers. 

And, although we see ourselves as individuals with only the tenuous connection of geography and upbringing to differentiate between us, we are in fact connected in ways we are completely unaware of. The discoveries of the micro-world of physics, demonstrate the connectivity between all things. The concept of “nothing” is just that, nothing. Nothing doesn’t exist. We may see gaps, but that is because of the limitations of our sensory organs. Physics has demonstrated that at the atomic and even molecular level, there are no gaps. It’s all connected. 

Scientific discoveries illuminate the interconnected nature of reality, revealing the intricate dance of particles and systems that make up the cosmos. Quantum entanglement, with its tantalizing implications of non-locality and instantaneous correlation, reminds me that separateness is an illusion. A consequence of this connectedness is what Lorenz was hinting at, when he described the flapping of a butterfly’s wings on one part of the planet may be the ultimate cause of a tornado in another part of the planet. Every choice we make has consequences, both seen and unseen. It would be good to be conscious of this, especially in our dealings with our fellow human beings. 

So, if everything is connected then, where does that leave what we call “God”. Most of the popular religions place this Deity somehow outside the universe. And here we have the anthropomorphic definitions of that Being. As we cannot get outside our limited senses, we cannot, by definition, describe something outside our direct experience. So we do what we have always done: we invent stuff. And that is how we end up with God as an old man who has favourites and who gets nasty with those not in favour. Ask anyone to prove what the priests tell us and all they can come up with is a book. A book is not an experience, even if it records experiences others have had. But a book is not an experience, it’s just a book: words on paper which a human being wrote. It is limited to all the boundaries listed above. 

Throughout history, there have been individuals who have understood this and have sought to communicate this fundamental truth. Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism, spoke of the Tao as the underlying principle of the universe, transcending human concepts and language. He encouraged a return to simplicity and harmony with the natural order, recognizing the interconnectedness of all things.

Similarly, the Persian mystic poets Shams and Rumi, renowned for their ecstatic poetry, celebrated the unity of existence and the divine. Their verses speak of love as the unifying force that dissolves the illusion of separateness, revealing the underlying oneness of all creation.

In Buddhism, the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, emphasize the interconnectedness of all phenomena and the impermanence of individual identity. The concept of "inter-being" underscores the interdependence of all beings, inviting practitioners to cultivate compassion and mindfulness in their interactions with the world.

Jesus, in his teachings, spoke of God as a loving and compassionate presence, inviting his followers to love one another and to recognize the divine spark within each individual. He emphasized the importance of forgiveness, humility, and service to others, embodying the interconnectedness of all humanity.

Kabir, the 15th-century Indian mystic poet, similarly emphasized the unity of all existence and the presence of the divine within each individual. His verses, filled with imagery drawn from everyday life, speak to the universal nature of spiritual truth and the futility of sectarian divisions. Kabir's teachings emphasize the importance of direct experience over dogma and ritual, inviting seekers to look within themselves for the truth that transcends religious boundaries.

In more recent times, Prem Rawat, Author and Peace Educator, has sought to communicate the message of peace and inner fulfilment through direct experience. His teachings emphasize the importance of self-awareness and appreciation of life's interconnectedness, inviting individuals to find peace within themselves and to cultivate a deeper understanding of their place in the universe.

These teachers, spanning different cultures and traditions, all point to the same fundamental truth: the interconnectedness of all things. They invite us to look beyond the limitations of our senses and concepts, to recognize the underlying unity that binds us all together. In embracing this truth, we can cultivate compassion, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the interconnected web of existence in which we are all woven.

This, of course, suggests that religious organizations, with their ideas of good and bad, have a very limited view in comparison. Instead of recognizing the interconnectedness and unity of all existence, they often propagate anthropomorphic interpretations of God, portraying the divine as a figure separate from and judgmental towards humanity. This narrow understanding of divinity can lead to divisive beliefs and behaviours, fostering a sense of exclusivity and superiority among adherents and perpetuating conflict and strife among different religious communities. By clinging to anthropomorphic conceptions of God, religious organizations risk overlooking the deeper truths of interconnectedness and love that lie at the heart of spiritual teachings. 

The use of an anthropomorphic concept of God by religious organizations to perpetuate exclusivity and accumulate wealth is a complex and multifaceted issue that touches on various aspects of human behaviour, power dynamics, and institutional structures. 

Portraying God in anthropomorphic terms can serve to reinforce the authority and legitimacy of religious institutions. By presenting God as a figure with human-like characteristics, desires, and preferences, these organizations establish themselves as intermediaries between humanity and the divine, thereby consolidating their control over religious narratives, rituals, and practices. This hierarchical structure allows religious leaders to wield considerable influence over their followers, dictating moral codes, interpreting sacred texts, and determining the parameters of acceptable belief and behaviour. 

Furthermore, the anthropomorphic portrayal of God can be used to justify and perpetuate exclusivity within religious communities. Belief in a deity who favours certain individuals or groups over others can lead to the establishment of hierarchies based on perceived religious superiority or divine favour. This exclusivity can manifest in various forms, including religious elitism, sectarianism, and discrimination against those deemed to be outside the fold of acceptable belief. By promoting an "us versus them" mentality, religious organizations may seek to strengthen internal cohesion and identity at the expense of external inclusion and diversity. 

The accumulation of wealth by religious organizations is often justified in the name of serving God's will or advancing religious objectives. However, the pursuit of material wealth and worldly power can overshadow the spiritual mission and ethical principles espoused by religious teachings. This results in a disconnect between the professed values of a religious organization and its actual practices, leading to hypocrisy, corruption, and exploitation. As we have seen over the past few years both among the Christian (e.g. sexual abuse), the Moslem (e.g. Ayatollah) and the Jewish (e.g. Israel) religious hierarchies. 

The desire to protect accumulated wealth and maintain institutional power can lead religious organizations to engage in self-preservation tactics, including efforts to suppress dissent, silence critics, and resist change. This defensive posture can hinder progress, innovation, and adaptation within religious communities, ultimately undermining their ability to respond effectively to the evolving needs and challenges of society. 

Religious organisations could and should play an important role in providing spiritual guidance, community support, and moral leadership, To achieve this, it is essential that they remain accountable, transparent, and true to the core values of compassion, justice, and inclusivity that lie at the heart of all genuine religious traditions.

Celebrating Mass Murder

It seems very bizarre to me, that in general, murder is condemned, when perpetrated on individuals, but mass-murder appears to have been accepted and approved, if not celebrated all over the world. 

 The most obvious example is war. Once hostilities have ended, we celebrate "our Heroes, the fallen who gave their lives for the rest of us". This is something to mourn. It should be the spur to not repeat it, but instead it is used to remind recruits that it is their heroic effort and lives that are put at the disposal of the state. Reading some of the accounts of various wars, the descriptions are all the same: horrific! So why do we carry on?

There are other mass murders, on a scale so vast it is hard to grasp. That caused by greed.

For example, smoking. It's always been clear that smoke is not good for our lungs. But ever since people have been around, it seems that addictive drugs have been used, often for religious/shamanic purposes. But when I think about cigarettes, pipes, cigars, etc., these have been mass-produced although known to kill in a variety of unpleasant was, such as emphysema and lung cancer. Almost since the beginnings of manufacture of tobacco/nicotine products, it's been known to kill. But it is not only allowed to continue with this kind of mass-murder, but it is even encouraged by states and companies, through advertising. Why, well, killing people earns somebody money - the state in the form of taxes and the shareholders of the companies involved. What strange thinking encourages people to support this kind of mass murder? I'm talking about the state and shareholders, not the poor mugs who have to do the paying and suffering.

 Big businesses, including the tobacco industry, have been linked to many deaths due to their products and practices. For instance, the tobacco industry has been associated with millions of deaths worldwide due to smoking-related illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disorders. Additionally, many pharmaceutical companies have faced scrutiny for their role in the opioid crisis, which has led to countless deaths from addiction and overdose. Industrial pollution from corporations has also been linked to respiratory illnesses and other health problems, particularly in communities near manufacturing plants.

More examples:

1. Pharmaceutical Industry: Apart from the opioid crisis, pharmaceutical companies have faced criticism for marketing practices that may have led to inappropriate prescribing and adverse drug reactions. Some drugs have been withdrawn from the market due to unforeseen side effects, resulting in fatalities.

2. Food and Beverage Industry: Excessive consumption of unhealthy foods and sugary beverages has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, leading to millions of deaths globally each year. Additionally, foodborne illnesses from contamination or improper handling of food products have caused fatalities.

3. Chemical Industry: Chemical spills, leaks, and pollution from industrial activities have resulted in environmental contamination and health hazards for nearby communities. Exposure to toxic chemicals has been linked to various illnesses, including cancer and neurological disorders.

4. Automotive Industry: Road traffic accidents are a significant cause of death worldwide, and the automotive industry plays a role through factors like vehicle design, safety standards, and marketing of potentially dangerous features (e.g., distractions from in-car technology).

5. Firearms Industry: Gun violence is a leading cause of death in some countries, with firearms manufacturers facing scrutiny over their marketing practices, distribution channels, and lobbying efforts against gun control measures.

6. Mining Industry: Accidents, collapses, and exposure to hazardous substances in mines have resulted in numerous fatalities among miners worldwide. Additionally, environmental damage from mining operations can have indirect health consequences for nearby communities.

7. Alcohol Industry: Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to various health problems, including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and accidents resulting in fatalities. The alcohol industry's marketing practices and lobbying efforts have also been criticized for contributing to harmful drinking behaviours.

8. 1. The Oil Industry

   2. Oil Spills: Major oil spills, whether from offshore drilling rigs, tanker accidents, or pipeline leaks, have devastating effects on marine ecosystems and coastal communities. These spills can result in the death of marine life, damage to habitats, and long-term health consequences for humans who rely on affected waterways for food and livelihoods.

   3. Air Pollution: The extraction, refining, and burning of fossil fuels contribute to air pollution, which is linked to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and premature death. Communities living near oil refineries or heavy traffic corridors often bear the brunt of this pollution, experiencing higher rates of respiratory problems and other health issues.

   4. Climate Change: The burning of fossil fuels is a major contributor to climate change, which has far-reaching impacts on human health and well-being. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems can lead to increased heat-related illnesses, food and water shortages, displacement of populations, and conflicts over resources, all of which can result in loss of life.

   5. Industrial Accidents: Oil refineries, drilling platforms, and other facilities within the oil industry pose risks of accidents such as explosions, fires, and toxic releases. These incidents can cause fatalities among workers, nearby residents, and emergency responders, as well as long-term health effects for those exposed to hazardous substances.

   6. Conflict and Instability: The oil industry is often linked to geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, and human rights abuses in regions where oil reserves are located. Wars over control of oil resources have led to countless deaths, displacement of populations, and humanitarian crises, particularly in countries with fragile political systems and weak governance.

9. 1. Agricultural industry

   2. Pesticide Use: Agricultural pesticides are designed to control pests and increase crop yields, but they can also have adverse effects on human health and the environment. Exposure to pesticides has been linked to acute poisoning, chronic illnesses like cancer and neurological disorders, and developmental abnormalities. Additionally, pesticide run-off contaminates water sources, affecting aquatic ecosystems and potentially leading to long-term health risks for humans and wildlife.

   3. Antibiotic Resistance: In animal agriculture, antibiotics are commonly used for disease prevention and growth promotion. However, this overuse contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can cause infections that are difficult to treat and may lead to increased mortality rates among humans and animals.

   4. Foodborne Illnesses: Contamination of food products with pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria can result in foodborne illnesses, which can be severe and sometimes fatal, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Factors contributing to foodborne outbreaks include inadequate sanitation practices, improper handling of food, and contamination during production, processing, or distribution.

   5. Environmental Degradation: Intensive agricultural practices, including monoculture farming, deforestation for expansion of farmland, and excessive use of fertilizers and irrigation, contribute to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and degradation of ecosystems. These environmental impacts can have indirect health consequences, such as reduced availability of clean water, loss of natural habitats that provide ecosystem services, and increased vulnerability to climate change-related disasters.

   6. Occupational Hazards: farmworkers face various occupational hazards, including exposure to pesticides, hazardous machinery, extreme weather conditions, and musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive tasks. These hazards can lead to injuries, illnesses, and fatalities among agricultural workers, particularly in regions with limited labour protections and access to healthcare.

All of these industries combined have been responsible for a vast number of deaths just within the last century or more. Add to that their responsibility for climate change and their continued lack of reducing risks, and we arrive at the conclusion, that governments everywhere put profit and income before the welfare of their own people/voters. 

So we can all celebrate mass-murder, by continuing to support all of these activities! After all, none of the industry leaders are ever condemned to jail-terms for the killing of millions, probably billions of people world-wide.

History is useless

Wikipedia defines it as "History (derived from Ancient Greek ἱστορία (historía) 'inquiry; knowledge acquired by investigation') is the systematic study and documentation of the human past."

I understand that. I understand that it is the study of the past. What I question is the purpose of that study. Simply put, does history help me become a better person? It can do that, I suppose, if I can learn the lessons the past can teach me.

The amount of knowledge available in the world about the past is enormous. Check out any library. There are tomes written on every conceivable aspect of what human beings have done in the past, but the lessons are never learnt.

 Why do I say that? Well, the most obvious clue is the current state of world affairs. We have always discovered that war is shit. Its advantages are vastly overshadowed by the disadvantages. The endless destruction, the many lives wasted, the pain and agony of those deaths and the survivors. Not once have humans stopped that behaviour. Incited by greed and fear, we mark boundaries and claim ownership of bits of earth. Earth, which is our individual temporary abode and knows no boundaries. Yet we kill to defend the bit of ground to which we will eventually be returned to when dead. 

We haven't even learnt that we are individuals yet! Instead, we try and force people into moulds with our rules and regulations, although clearly they don't fit, as there are always exceptions which don't fit. We could be proud of being a unique individual and rejoice in the uniqueness of each person, but instead we compare ourselves to someone we consider to be better than we are. There is no one better than us. That is the definition of uniqueness. But we compare and judge and so conclude that there are those are superior or inferior to ourselves. So incredibly obtuse and stupid. And then we have to prove it, by putting others down.

We may learn something about technology from the past, but about behaviour and living together on one planet, we have learnt nothing at all. Hence, my contention that history is a meaningless subject to spend time on, as we don't apply the lessons it can and should be teaching us.

Classic example: in 1947 the British and American governments decided that it would be a good idea to give those Jews who wanted it, a country of their own, to hold and to have. It was just unfortunate, that the land chosen was already being lived in by many who called themselves Palestinians. No problem: these governments gave them enough arms and ammunition to kill tens of thousands and drive the rest away, so that the land can be occupied by the Jews, largely from Eastern Europe. Like the rest of us, the Palestinians are not happy at being slaughtered and driven from their homes. So they fight back. Inevitable. The history of colonisation shows how those with the bigger weapons can do what they want and that the indigenous people have to take it or lump it. Palestine and Israel are no different.

I would recommend that history be scrapped as a subject for study, as it demonstrates on an almost daily basis that human beings are not capable of learning any lessons from it. Our "glorious" past is completely inglorious. Let's not pretend otherwise.

Only love makes me cry

I don't watch much TV these days - there is so much dross around. I can't stand reality shows; I used to like action films, but I can't cope with the violence any more. I tend to watch documentaries. I especially like watching shows which demonstrate the wonderful work done by so many for so many others. I'm talking about those people who demonstrate their humanity by giving their time and often their money and their skills to help others who really need help and support.

One of the UK programmes I like to watch, is called "The Woodland Workshop", where amazingly skilled people are asked to create a gift for someone who has done a lot for others. The person asking is usually a recipient of the love and care and enthusiasm of the person, whom they wish to thank with a personalised gift. And the stories are so varied: some work with the homeless, some with veterans, some with victims of disease, some with migrants and asylum seekers. In just about every case, they are individuals who don't think of themselves as special: they just see a problem, and they just help. It's never about greed or money or fame. Just doing what's needed.

Here in Switzerland, there is a show called "Happy Day", which showcases some of the those in need and provides them with help and support, even to building interior work. This, of course, is a public programme, but nevertheless, people are being helped. My lovely lady friend, Regula, started a charity, initially to help and support the female asylum seekers, who are the most vulnerable. 10 years on, it now has a café, offers language courses, a men's group is now added as well as writing service, a clothing exchange and food kiosk. All, run by volunteers.

All these stories are wonderful. Look around you, and you'll see what some of your neighbours are involved in, or friends and relatives. It's actually quite staggering. All the parents offering a home to other children, all those looking after someone in the home who is too old, too sick or damaged to manage by themselves. All those helping neighbours out, granny's looking after the grandchildren. Just so much is done. For no financial return.

And then, there are the charities! So much help again offered by volunteers. Watching "Comic Relief", the UK show where comedians donate their time to raise funds. The show shows many of the charities they support: those finding food for hungry families, getting winter clothes for those who don't have any, running homeless shelters, cleaning up rivers and beaches, etc., etc. Filling the huge gaps which governments don't cover. Without them, every country in the world would collapse into disarray.

It's what makes me cry, when I see the love expressed by those people helping and the wonderful thankfulness of those receiving the help. It is the only thing that makes me cry. Love. And there is so much around, being expressed through a thousand kindnesses every day.

When I compare those selfless people with that which politics offers, the gap is so much greater. Civil Servants, who are largely (depending on the department) neither civil nor do they serve. They have forgotten that they are paid by the taxpayer and employed to help them, not look for every possible means to not do something. In the UK, the so-called "Horizon Case" where thousands of sub-post office people were prosecuted and persecuted for accounting mistakes caused by the software used by the post office in the UK.

Kindness, selfless help, so often seen at the individual level and so seldom at the macro politics level.