I believe we discovered this in a past thread. I see certain states of consciousness as consistently positive {facilitating goodness} while others are consistently negative. In my own terms the positive are those things that promote and recognize the unity of mankind and creation. Kindness, patience, consideration, and others under the umbrella of love. More than that it’s a recognition of reality. We are connected and ultimately harm ourselves when we live as if we aren’t. Another essential part is truthfulness. Sometimes the truth is painful and in the moment it may not seem to be kind, but IMO truth tempered with compassion is consistently positive. In my job that means occasionally people get fired after several warnings.
There’s these
and other passages about nothing remaining hidden and everything will be revealed. IMO these relate to looking within. How can we be truly moral unless we are consciously aware of what choices we are making and why?
Concerning your mention of homosexuality. I have an old friend who belongs to a conservative church that condemns homosexuality as a sin. We were talking one day about God looking into our hearts to judge our true intent and how different that can be from outward appearances.
My question was; If we accept that as true, then how can any physical act be a sin in and of itself?
But I digress. To put it another way. IMHO morality relates to states of consciousness that reflect reality or deny it.
Cosmosdan, I hope that we can meet one day, and discuss these matters over a game of chess. Or while feeding the koi and watching the cardinals bathe. Or while sitting on the porch rockers or swing. Or while walking around. It is good to have a soulmate. Are you anywhere near the Southern US?
Originally from the sturdy northeast woods of Maine I now reside in Nashville TN.
I don’t think you’d find lots of agreement from others as well on the principles. Sometimes it’s just the terminology that confuses people but with a little communication they discover they’re in agreement. At least that’s been my experience.
I was under the impression that the unrighteous do indeed spend all eternity wailing, teeth gnashing, and otherwise expressing their agony of repentence. The thing is, it’s too late for it to do any good. God is no longer listening.
To me, discussion of Heaven or Hell and the eternal fate of souls is similar to counting the angels dancing on a pin head. It’s quibbling over details that are unimportant. I believe we should focus on doing God’s will in the here and now.