General church news

this is a pretty big deal.  they will likely get some good dollars for their arbutus property.

Saanich congregations amalgamate to form largest United Church on Vancouver Island

St. Aidan’s and Cadboro Bay United Churches vote to amalgamate

https://www.vicnews....ncouver-island/

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Edited by Victoria Watcher, 04 December 2019 - 04:13 AM.

Everybody is born an atheist until some adult starts telling them lies. 

Or is it the other way around?

Everybody is born an atheist until some adult starts telling them lies.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 06 December 2019 - 09:06 PM.

Why wonder when government and Hollywood and big corporations have figured it out for you?

The main point here is, you shouldn't wonder. Just keep on working, shopping, paying your taxes, and watching the news. That's what your life is about. And if anybody tells you otherwise they're just trying to control you.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 06 December 2019 - 09:15 PM.

It's funny, long before anyone had ever heard of Elon Musk that's what I used to say. The system tries to convince you that all the other people you see are just video game characters.

 

Why wonder when government and Hollywood and big corporations have figured it out for you?

I'm wary of all religions, but especially the really big ones that don't brand themselves as such.

Anyway, if we all endeavour to post deft rejoinders over the course of the weekend then I'm cautiously optimistic that we can have this whole "meaning of life" thing neatly sorted out by Monday morning.

Life is pain, highness. Anyone who tells you differently is selling something.

...the princess bride

(why do you think babies are born crying?)

The main point here is, you shouldn't wonder. Just keep on working, shopping, paying your taxes, and watching the news. That's what your life is about. And if anybody tells you otherwise they're just trying to control you.

That's what life is about?  I'd feel better slogging through this if I thought there was something better waiting for me, that I would have to behave to achieve of course.

St Aidan's was our old church where I went to Sunday school. Not really surprised at this amalgamation as many of the umbrella faiths under the general Protestant label are struggling with attendance. The Anglicans in particular have really imploded in recent years due to infighting among various factions of that church.

The Catholics from my observation are really the only mainstream Western faith that seems to be holding its own if not thriving - its well organized and their congregations are involved and dedicated to their faith generally. I married one and have always been impressed with their social and other activities which seems to keep the faithful engaged. Their Christmas services especially are modern. contemporary and not of the old school 'fire and brimstone' or 'Thou shalt not....!" from the pulpit variety.

As far as what lies beyond the great veil one of the aspects of Freemasonry that attracted me initially, aside from deep familial ties to the brotherhood, was the notion that charity, giving to community and improving one's self as a person and as a man, were the goals to which a mason should dedicate his life ultimately in deference to and under the ever watchful gaze of our "Grand Architect" (God). Therefore I would hope 'shopping' would be slightly further down the list, heh.

That all said far be it from me to not hit up Costco or others places if there is a good deal to be had...!

Edited by AllseeingEye, 07 December 2019 - 06:30 PM.

St Aidan's was our old church where I went to Sunday school. Not really surprised at this amalgamation as many of the umbrella faiths under the general Protestant label are struggling with attendance. The Anglicans in particular have really imploded in recent years due to infighting among various factions of that church.

 

The Catholics from my observation are really the only mainstream Western faith that seems to be holding its own if not thriving - its well organized and their congregations are involved and dedicated to their faith generally. I married one and have always been impressed with their social and other activities which seems to keep the faithful engaged. Their Christmas services especially are modern. contemporary and not of the old school 'fire and brimstone' or 'Thou shalt not....!" from the pulpit variety.

 

As far as what lies beyond the great veil one of the aspects of Freemasonry that attracted me initially, aside from deep familial ties to the brotherhood, was the notion that charity, giving to community and improving one's self as a person and as a man, were the goals to which a mason should dedicate his life ultimately in deference to and under the ever watchful gaze of our "Grand Architect" (God). Therefore I would hope 'shopping' would be slightly further down the list, heh.

 

That all said far be it from me to not hit up Costco or others places if there is a good deal to be had...!

The Scientologists seem to be doing ok as well. Not mainstream enough? 

The Scientologists seem to be doing ok as well. Not mainstream enough? 

Naw....a niche belief system that doesn't permit critical thinking, that exerts inordinate control over the lives of its members and promotes inordinate veneration of its leader/founders doesn't really qualify IMO. Besides....you know.....the "Cruise" thing. Phhhht.

Edited by todd, 09 December 2019 - 11:31 AM.

Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Insofar as a 'belief structure' it requires only of its members a belief in God/Supreme Being/Grand Architect as part of the obligation of every responsible member of the craft, but it advocates no sectarian faith or practice per se. Masonic ceremonies include prayers, both traditional and extempore, to re-affirm each individual's dependence on God and to seek divine guidance on the path to becoming a better man/husband/member of the community etc. While freemasonry is open to men of any faith, "religion" like politics may not be discussed at Masonic meetings.