Category: Freak Religion

Curiositys, Freak Religion, Metaphysics, Philosophy, PsychologyLeave a comment

What are the chances that God is actually good?

Fernando Kaskais

Philosophy professor James Sterba revives a very old argument. by Derek Beres  In his book, Is a Good God Logically Possible?, James Sterba investigates the role of evil. Sterba contends that if God is all-powerful then he’d be able to stop evil from occurring in the world. God’s inability (or unwillingness) to stop evil should make us question his role, or even his existence. Why does God allow evil to happen? This question has been at the heart of Western religious philosophy since the dawn of monotheism. The very term and concept of God has long divided humans. Is he the … Continue reading What are the chances that God is actually good?

Freak Religion, Media&Culture, Philosophy, ScienceLeave a comment

Science + religion

Fernando Kaskais

The science-versus-religion opposition is a barrier to thought. Each one is a gift, rather than a threat, to the other Tom McLeish is a professor of natural philosophy in the Department of Physics at the University of York in the UK. He is the author of Faith and Wisdom in Science (2014), Let There Be Science (2016) and The Poetry and Music of Science (2019). Edited by Nigel Warburton To riff on the opening lines of Steven Shapin’s book The Scientific Revolution (1996), there is no such thing as a science-religion conflict, and this is an essay about it. It is not, however, another rebuttal of the ‘conflict narrative’ – … Continue reading Science + religion

Curiositys, Drugs, Freak Religion, PsychologyLeave a comment

Was Moses tripping when he saw the burning bush? Should you try?

Fernando Kaskais

A growing number of Jews are using psychedelics to reach spiritual highs, and you might be surprised to learn some Orthodox don’t frown upon the practice By MADISON MARGOLIN NEW YORK — Spiritual leader Ram Dass was born Richard Alpert, a nice Jewish boy from Boston. But in 1963, the former psychology professor was expelled from Harvard, along with his colleague Timothy Leary, for experimenting too liberally with psychedelics. He says, however, that through psychedelics, he has found God. Dass recounts to The Times of Israel a particular acid trip he took exploring his Jewish roots: “I remember taking LSD with … Continue reading Was Moses tripping when he saw the burning bush? Should you try?

Drugs, Freak Religion, Islam, Psychology, UKLeave a comment

DROPPING ACID FOR ALLAH WITH THE MUSLIM PSYCHONAUTS

Fernando Kaskais

Was a tab of LSD all I needed to see my faith more clearly? by Hussein Kesvani  It’s late on a recent Wednesday night when I find the gates of heaven. They’re not at all like I was told they would be at madrassa. For starters, they’re more like a fantastical, multicolor elevator than a classic gate of any kind. Moreover, instead of Jerusalem, I find them inside a concrete block apartment in Brixton, South London. In fairness, I am tripping balls. For a night at least, I’ve become a “psychonaut.” Other, more experienced psychonauts surround me as we embark upon … Continue reading DROPPING ACID FOR ALLAH WITH THE MUSLIM PSYCHONAUTS

Curiositys, Freak Religion, History, Media&CultureLeave a comment

That Time the Virgin Mary Went to Hell

Fernando Kaskais

by Candida Moss It’s not your average posthumous tale, but it’s one of a number of things you might not know about history’s most famous woman. Jesus may be the reason for the season, but as with most births, it’s his mother who’s the real hero of the Christmas story. Having undergone a lengthy and dangerous journey to Bethlehem, the teenage Mary gives birth in uncomfortable conditions and without the support of her immediate family. After the nativity, Mary only makes a few cameos in the Gospels; we hear almost nothing about Jesus’s upbringing and Jesus is dismissive of her … Continue reading That Time the Virgin Mary Went to Hell

Freak Religion, Freak U.S.A, Hypocrisy, Manipulation, MoneyLeave a comment

Mormon Church accused of stockpiling billions, avoiding paying taxes

Fernando Kaskais

By Cheri Mossburg and Stephanie Becker, CNN (CNN)The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon Church, responded Tuesday to a recently-filed whistleblower complaint that accuses the church of stockpiling $100 billion in accounts intended for charitable works, misleading members and avoiding paying taxes.A whistleblower alleges in the complaint, filed with the IRS, that billions of dollars collected in tithes — mandatory donations by members — were invested in an investment arm of the church — Ensign Peak Advisors — but in 22 years, has not been distributed to charitable causes in accordance with IRS rules, … Continue reading Mormon Church accused of stockpiling billions, avoiding paying taxes

Freak Religion, History, Literature, Philosophy, PsychologyLeave a comment

And Then Job Said Unto the Lord: You Can’t Be Serious

Fernando Kaskais

OLIVER MUNDAY; MUSEO NACIONAL DE ARTE In a new translation of the Book of Job, the famously repentant hero gives God a piece of his mind. by JAMES PARKER Job: A New Translation BY EDWARD L. GREENSTEIN YALE UNIVERSITY PRESS So god says to Satan, “You there, what have you been up to?” And Satan says, “Oh, you know, just hanging around, minding my own business.” And God says, “Well, take a look at my man Job over there. He worships me. He does exactly what I tell him. He thinks I’m the greatest.” “Job?” says Satan. “The rich, happy, healthy guy? The … Continue reading And Then Job Said Unto the Lord: You Can’t Be Serious