Showing posts with label Community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Community. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Comment On- Sex and marriage - things you didn't know about Sharia

Faith Central - Times Online - WBLG: Sex and marriage - things you didn't know about Sharia

Reading these comments, I am struck by the common denominator, which goes beyond cultures. This is in the fact that all the people speaking are doing so in attempts to improve the human rights situation. The cases where people are abused or neglected, especially women, the 'fairer sex' are seen as the most exploitative.

Each legal system, in terms of their fair-minded proponents, evolved to do just that. The relative ease of divorce in the West is seen as a guarantee of women's safety, a kind of 'right to veto' the marriage. Yet, there is still abuse of women, when men feel insecure or threatened. In the Islamic model, divorce is harder, but there is pressure to provide for multiple wives and treat them equally. Whether this is really possible or not is hard to know, but it seems to be a solution to the same problem- in which the ideal of monogamy is hard to fully live up to.

In each culture, there is the idea that a man who plays around is 'a stud' and a woman who does so is 'a slut'. This is pretty widespread as a notion- in a post-feminist world, this needs to be questioned and it seems to be based around biological assumptions of the male as more the 'hunter', which may or may not be true.

The answer to this is, variously, multiple marriage or serial monogamy. Man is unable to be faithful to the monogamous ideals. We face the great gap between reality and ideals- surely this is an essential part of the human condition.

To simply import the legal system that has evolved under the name of 'sharia' would be horrendous. Partly because in the areas of personal freedom, freedom of religion, freedom for women, it is light-years behind the western ideals. but in the areas of family relationships, respect for the bonds of mothers and their children, I suggest that, whilst importing may be a bad idea, there are lessons to be learnt.

Why do I say this? Because at this juncture in time the Western countries really do have terrible social problems- problems with broken families, delinquent youths, street gangs, drugs, abusive employers, poverty, crime. how can anyone in good conscious deny these failings, or the moral decline that has lead to them. People are losing their sense of community responsibility and caring for one another. The deification of profit (mammon) that capitalism teaches has been allowed to spread from the free-market into areas where it no longer belongs.

Whilst I am firmly against the specter of introducing Sharia laws because of their human rights failings, I am very much in favour of the West learning from Asia's close family structures and the sense of community to be found there, whilst the Eastern countries learn Western technology and of the respect for individual rights.

We need to learn from one another and try and make a peaceful place, whilst also guarding the evolution of the UK's own 'common law' for all. Attitudes should be the focus, as should education. This, to my mind, is the progressive path.

Comment On- Sharia in Britain? We think not..

Faith Central - Times Online - WBLG: Sharia in Britain? We think not..

(The Archbishop of Canterbury recently called for some accommodation of Sharia law in Britain in an ill-advised lecture, which caused an uproar of condemnation. Trying to make sense of his presumably good intentions, this was my commentary on a Times Blog)

I'm pretty sure the archbishop just mainly referring to efforts to accommodate civil things like marriage customs, that the Muslim/Asian population will follow anyway and to help them do so legally. Civil courts to arrange such matters so that the minority can feel safe and that their personal preferences are legalised could, in such personal matters, be a good and progressive thing.

Yet this is a far cry from trying to be an apologist for even a small-scale implementation of 'Sharia Law'. The problem is that the 'Sharia' is not something to be trifled with, as overwhelming evidence from the Islamic world shows. Even allowing the traditional marriage styles opens up the problem of inbreeding causing birth defects, unreasonable welfare requirements for multiple wives and so on. Yet there needs to be some kind of accommodation in a multicultural world and the messenger who reminded us of this should not be shot, but rather thanked. In fact, he is really just explaining a process that will happen regardless of what anyone says.

On the one hand I am glad that so many people know how dangerous the notions of 'Sharia' law actually are and how antithetical they are to Jesus' teachings of forgiveness and love. I hope this never takes root in our free country as it clearly leads to unimaginable suffering. Yet I am saddened that his thoughtful attempts at commentary, even if seen as misguided, can be attacked so viscously. Perhaps the instinct to protect ourselves and the children in those communities from such dangers was awoken. He should make clear the civil and limited nature of his proposals and that they are for reasons of multicultural harmony. He should criticise the breaches of human rights in 'Islamic countries' and show his credentials as a supporter of human rights. Otherwise, he should probably resign.

However- this will not change anything, as ideas are more powerful than positions. It is quite possible that his deeper intention is to make sure that people can follow civil laws in a slightly exceptionalistic way, so as to be true to their religious beliefs, as some other posters have indicated. Now, this may be unpopular with the majority, especially if they feel that their values are accurately reflected by our secular society.

But democracy is all about protecting the rights of minorities, each person being in a sense a minority inasmuch as they are an individual. So there needs to be some conscientious opt-outs to be negotiated. Yet they need to be very limited in nature and not at all infringe on the rights of the majority, or of the innocent inside such communities.

Friday, April 20, 2007

The Starfire Foundation- The Knights of Goodwill

More details are emerging as to the structure of The Foundation. It has a structure, yet it needs to be remembered that, rather than being a traditional heirarchy, it is more of a family, bound together by a loving acceptance of the roles given.

The leader is the Guru/teacher, who inspires and guides the entire community. In time, he can be replaced by a chosen successor, who will be similarly inspired. Under him are the teachers, a kind of priesthood, but very much not seen as having an exclusive power or privilege. they are inspired teachers, equal to other members. Then, slightly below, perhaps, but more alongside these teachers, are the Knights of Goodwill.

They are an order of knights, blessed by the Guru, who are committed to fighting evil by doing good wherever they do. Quite unlike orders of Knights in the dark ages preceding them, they are to fulfill the promises of chivalry by helping the needy, not just as a polite extra, but as their main role. They'll be kind to neighbours, they'll help the homeless, they'll stand beside people, with all the strength of everything the archetype conveys, but without the previous errors.

Below (or, again, really beside) them are the laymen. They are the ordinary members of the organisation, who don't quite have the level of commitment to be in the other roles, or perhaps are too busy with other concerns to sincerely fulfil them. Yet, they benefit from the examples of the teachers and knights and therefor give them moral and even financial; support. The laymen make possible the entire structure and in fact this structure exists to serve them, the majority, by making possible the existance of the 'higher orders'- in reality the more commited servants- that embody it.

A structure is only as good as the people who form it. By having relevant and inspiring ideas, not to mention a strong desire to make the world a better place and one more in harmony with the worlds of the higher spheres- to make Earth more like Heaven, no less- this Foundation will bring an aura of peace and happiness to all whom it touches. Sure, at some point it's ideals may become so outdated as to be no more than obscure sayings and it's structure so riddled with corruption as to be meaningless. Yet, with a approach that is dynamic and fresh, with the ever-renewed bond between the laymen and their protector-servants, such a decay can be put off indefinitely. Religions don't get corrupt- people get corrupt. With ever-renewed inspiration, even that need never take place.

Monday, November 13, 2006

The Starfire Community (in Detail)

The Starfire Foundation is something that has been prophesied for hundreds, even thousands of years and has existed in the minds of the Creators for literally millions of years. It's coming manifestation is something to truly celebrate with open arms and hearts. With it comes the fulfillment of dreams of understanding, justice, togetherness- the realisation of true values within the protective aura of this wondrous vehicle. Let us shout for joy together at it's coming arrival!

Nevertheless, many organisational details need to be established so that it's unveiling can be safely accomplished. As one of it's primary purposes is the opening of links to Higher beings and the channeling of messages from them to a wider humanity, it needs to be a safe, yet open-minded environment. Such safety is predicated by good hearts and intentions, but in the real world of human behaviour we need to be ready for when people get confused and act from less than their best instincts. By wisely anticipating possible problems, we can safely avoid them, without losing the sense of loving freedom which is the very essence of our lives.


I

The model for such arrangements has to be the wise, loosely federal order of the USA and more recently, of the EU. Whilst the lead teacher and guide, myself (or whoever should one day replace me) may have many good qualities, he is still merely a human being. "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely". There needs top be a dispersal, a division of power, such that will also ensure the smooth running of the Foundation's various activities and the stability of any communities that may arise in the warmth of it's light. Consultation with heavenly powers will help to finalise and customise such arrangements, but even now their form can be dimly viewed-

The Guide (approved by the Arrangers)
The Panel of Arrangers (elected by the council)
The Legislative and Representative Council (elected by the community)

All branches of this 'divinely inspired government' will need to be in accord for important decisions and moments of policy. The democratic element ensures that there is a break on any rampant exhibition of power-tripping in any of the other branches, yet the existence of the other branches ensures that there is a divinely-inspired aspect to this government that might otherwise be left to chance or faith alone, with no clearly manifested presence. Note that there is here a distinction between 'church and state' (the elected branch being more closely 'The State'), yet there is no longer the secular separation of the two. This separation, so necessary during the dark ages in which Religion sought to suppress the emerging sciences, is held to no longer be necessary and hence is softened if not entirely eliminated by a mere 'distinction' of the two.


II

Some glimpses into the type of arrangements to be expected can be presented here. In it's daily workings, the guide is open to questions from all and can offer illuminating responses to the questions posed by the community, who arrange appointments to visit him or her. It should be remembered that this is something of a monastic community, predicated upon the search for truth and one which may in fact take millenia to accommodate the desires of humanity as a whole, desires which should grow closer to those of the community rather than the community conforming in any essential way to the surrounding society's mores.

In the community voting will be a common practice, often in the style of referendums. Despite the emphasis on divine guidance, it is very much an expression of both individual and collective free-will, however paradoxical that may at first appear. The divine guidance is sought to be followed freely, openly, with a loving heart- just as it is so offered. With certain issues, children will have a far greater say than is to be expected conventionally. The reason being that their future is also affected and that on these certain issues the children may even be more aware than certain adults of the right path to be taken.

The community shall have a rich cultural life. Music is something central to the life of the community, as it stimulates emotional warmth and the appreciation of what life itself is about- and the community is seeking ways to enjoy this adventure in a spirit of togetherness. Spiritual or deeply emotional music is emphasised, yet there is room for all genres.

Periodically, group meditations shall pool our spiritual energies in an openness to God's will and to better facilitate our harmony with the universe. Those who are ready will participate in sessions seeking to contact higher beings, with the purpose of loving communication though not worship of them- such worship being only directed towards God, a rule that all authentic ascendant lifeforms respect.


III

The presence of rules and decrees is to protect all from dangers, dangers that might not be immediately apparent. Yet in both the worldly and spiritual spheres they exist and would snare the unaware, were it not for protective legislation. People will freely join the community and equally freely participate, but severely anti-social behaviour, behaviour exhibiting a contempt for others, will not be tolerated.

The community will tolerate and even embrace all sorts of ethnic, religious and individual differences, but the one thing it will not tolerate is intolerance itself. This includes any form of harassment, bullying, cruelty, discrimination or other similarly ill-intentioned behaviour. Such disputes will be resolved as often as possible with patience, prayer and mediation, yet in extreme cases preventative punishments may be necessary, as proscribed by the legislative council. In certain cases outside legal intervention may even prove necessary, if the laws of the land are violated. the 'liberal' nature of the Foundation's endeavours should not be confused with vulnerability or any softness with evil. The rights and feelings of the innocent are what we gather together to cherish and protect. Together, in a spirit of charity, we shall do just that.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

The Starfire Community


In order to fully realise the Starfire Foundation's ideals, assembling a full and varied community of persons may be necessary- the Starfire Community. They shall come from all walks of life, from all avenues of experience, sharing amongst them a common goal, a common set of ideals. The community will be funded primarily by the richest members, yet proportionate contributions will be sought from all the members, if only as a gesture of commitment. Free and blameless passage in and out of the community shall be assured, as it is a community freely attended, yet such freedom is the mother of much responsibility- this will be made very much clear.

Teachers, Economists, Professors, Doctors, Lawyers, Carpenters, Bus Drivers, Farmers- all shall have a part to play in this vast vision and the learning of each and every member is of instrumental benefit to the community as a whole. Variety and a unity of diversity is it's touch-stone. We shall not be conformists to anything other than or highest ideals. We will live seeking the highest truths in each moment, and make the most of everyday life thereby. We shall find truth in the most mundane of daily tasks. We shall just as passionately seek truth in the finest of arts.

The spiritual food of the community will come from lectures and question and answer sessions with the spiritual leaders of the group, primarily Starfire, with his ability to find a spiritual interpretation to even the most troubling of matters. His appointed dispensers of wisdom (DOWs) will aid in this task, seeking advice from him and from God so as to spread rightful teachings far and deep within the community and even beyond it. People will chose to be members when they see the advantages of being so- they will be guided to ways with which to find the truth within themselves, they will be empowered and freed from the various delusions hoisted upon them by our materialistic society. This will not be a 'negative cult' that people are forced to join.

What it will be is the most perfect manifestation possible of the Universal Teachings, divinely inspired as they are, in our current time frame, on the world we currently inhabit. A living community devoted to truth, laying further foundations towards an even brighter future beyond. Such a community will create situations which Starfire can preach about, teach about, gently and lovingly guide the members through. The community's variety of age-groups, occupations and even personality-types make not only for a cohesive society, but together form a greater harmony, a chemical reaction (another word here) which makes truth-seeking ever-more a realised ideal. As such a community is exploring the wonderful adventure of our time that we call Life!

Saturday, April 22, 2006

The Virtual Monastery

The idea of evolution, even beyond the norms of a society, is nothing new. In older times, the cream of a society could be seen in the beauty of the aristocratic lifestyle and in their charitable gifts to the poor; without which there would be precious little of former times worth seeing today. There have always been people and groups of people who seek to rise beyond the norm, to be lights of illumination for those around them.

If aristocracies with all their traditions were a project humanity embarked on in the past, what kind of projects are possible in today’s world? What now can aid in the evolution of humanity and the liberation of individuals from the chains of dense matter and towards more heavenly modes of being? How can we today be such dancing, laughing gods who are an inspiration to those around us and rather than becoming lost with them in the mire provide a light of inspiration, to ascend from it, on the wings of angels? Well there must be as many ways as there are people, but one I would suggest is to reach out to others through the 'airwaves' of the internet, to share inspiring stories, images and sensations (when the technology evolves with which to do this) and aid spiritual evolution together this way.

Fantastic, virtual communities, growing from wonderful actual ones, though the virtual ones will be totally without limit of spaces or geography or work politics. What a wonderful opportunity! Another globalization, of and for the people, to share with one another and establish spiritual friendships as a prelude to the coming intergalactic friendships the space age will bring us.

For we have a paradox here. We have to change from deep inside- yet we cannot live alone while doing so. We need a society of solitudes- which perhaps makes this project more similar to the monastic communities of the past than to the aristocratic ones- though the indulgence of the latter is needed, for the space and time with which to accomplish this project. This project could well be called ‘The Virtual Monastery’- the peace and safety in which to grow that a monastery afforded, yet transposed to our cultural times.

A Society of Solitudes



One has to change the system rather than simply adapt to it. For the system itself has a kind of craziness built into it- a manic quality that has for so long not just impeded progress but also made life miserable for large swaths of humanity. Is it truly humane to simply conform to such a thing, just to keep on the good side of people? Or is it better to evolve, as individuals, beyond it and hope the rest of society can some time gather the courage and the will to follow us on this golden path.

We simply can't change society- endless revolutions have taken place and whilst they may have dealt with some of the more pressing and radical problems, such as despotic and tyrannous governments, they have never reached the depths of the human heart and so corruption has remained. Nor can we hope to really achieve too much through reforms (which I outlined a process for in my previous post), however necessary they may be in the context of a particular situation. These are all medicines which deal with the symptoms, yet the patient must ultimately summon up the healing energies from within themselves if they are to really get better. To heal.

Hence a new subculture is gathering momentum and it is one which I fully support- one with an emphasis on healing- healing music (new age music), healing incense, healing massages- all methods to draw out the warm and nourishing, even holy energy from within us so as to make life a better thing to experience. All this will help as well and should by now be a part of the life of any sensible and sane individual living in today's modern world, with all the stresses and strains it inevitably brings due to the very nature of contemporary lifestyles and technologies.

A deeper change is called for, a deeper questioning and inner liberation is required. This can only take place within ourselves- and thereby influence society as a whole. The Universe is nothing but an abstract visualisation of the trillions of individual beings in the cosmos- the billions in our world, the millions in our countries, the thousands in our towns and the smaller groups in our families. Yet this whole universe-society can only change by the means of one individual at a time. The individual's happiness and progress is the society's happiness and progress.