Rocky

Isn't there something in PFLAP about changing a word? I didn't say (and I didn't mean) "people like a story." Humans (and humanity) NEED stories.

The social sciences very much intrigue me. The nitpicky things on which you want to split hairs above are so inconsequential. That you believe you can prove anything about TWI, PFLAP and Dictor is a fool's errend. BUT... I don't see how it would be less noble than many other pursuits.

Here's my latest insight on Mike and his irrational devotion to the Orange Book, PFLAP and Dictor. (Disclaimer: who says I know any better than anyone else about Mike, or about anything related to twi?) Kurt Andersen, in 2017, published Fantasyland: How America Went Haywire -- A 500-year history. It's a recollection of history, dealing with our obsession with freedom to believe whatever the hell we want to believe about any and every subject. "In this sweeping, eloquent history of America, Kurt Andersen demonstrates that what’s happening in our country today—this strange, post-factual, “fake news” moment we’re all living through—is not something entirely new, but rather the ultimate expression of our national character and path. America was founded by wishful dreamers, magical thinkers, and true believers, by impresarios and their audiences, by hucksters and their suckers. Believe-whatever-you-want fantasy is deeply embedded in our DNA." This book appears to take Maria Konnakova's The Confidence Game (an exposition about how all of us as individuals are subject to deception, getting conned) and project the concepts out to religion and culture in general. It seems apparent to me that many (most) of us here believe Mike is delusional regarding his stated intent to demonstrate to us that certain writings of VeePee were and are God-breathed. It's not something that's possible to prove logically... because it's not logical to begin with. It's irrational. But Mike has dedicated years of his life to cementing his belief. Bully for him. The reality is that humans NEED stories. Mike has struggled to clearly articulate one that we all have some background understanding, even though nobody admits (on this website) to accepting along side him. He cannot and will not prove anything along the lines he has so long and so emphatically claimed. Yet, neither can we disprove it rationally or logically (I think).

How do you know it was caused by "100% PFAL" and not a larger, Body of Christ movement inspired by the actual bible?

The first episode (or two) of The Path are now available on HULU. https://www.hulu.com/watch/1206287

I guess it could be worse.

Not to use the figure of speech that our good friend from across the pond did (changing the M to N), but perhaps her point is still valid. "Just DO it."

I will never be verified because I have never been verified. -- The Tweet of God (@TheTweetofGod)

If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough. -- Albert Einstein

Mike, until you stop posting and work on your thesis, you'll never get it done. As you must be aware, most GSC posters don't believe you'll ever get it done anyway. Being a pinball just plays into those expectations. It doesn't matter what you are proposing. It will only matter if you ever get to doing it. Your rationalizations of clarifiers and small talk simply reveal your personal excuses for never getting it done.

I would add the qualifier that Wierwille likely BELIEVED that at least some of his writings were God-breathed...

It illustrates Ephesians 4:14 in terms of this thread. The lyrics are all included in the 20th post on page 10 on this topic. It's not a triviality. It's what's keeping you from developing your thesis.

Really? Don't continue in the role of pinball, Mike.

Really, Mike? Sure, you'd appreciate it, but should you really expect it? Pinball Wizard, Mike. Until you become like the Pinball Wizard instead of the pinball, it just ain't gonna happen.

Ephesians 4:14... Mike, your writing (at GSC) suggests you emulate the pinball. Unless you take the time to emulate the Pinball Wizard, you'll never accomplish your claimed goal.

Do you believe Mike has any idea WHY he might be thusly committed? I'm not even sure Mike knows.

I went one semester to college after high school then dropped out to enlist in the USAF at age 18. IOW, I didn't accomplish much before TWIt. But after leaving, I finished college have had a career or two and am now retired (not living lavishly). But I'm comfortable with my lot in life... raised a daughter and now have two lovely grandchildren.

I'm confident Skyrider would NOT look that good in a miniskirt... then or now.

I drove a '58 Ford... best friend had a '63 buick convertable.

SMH. Mike, whether or not YOU should take a break from posting (and reading) GSC is NOT dependent on what others post about you. It's about whether or not you are able to focus on your stated goal. THIS is further indication (as in Eph 4:14) that you are tossed about with all sorts of distraction. It also lends credence to my suggestion that you seek to be approved to people here, on some level even if not consciously. The sentence I highlighted is in YOUR words indicating that you were responding to people here rather than focused on your stated intent. Perhaps you might reflect on your intentions more to be sure you're clear on what you want to accomplish... oh and btw, if you really do want to stop getting distracted, you're going to need to sign out, ignore notifications and stop reading posts here... for (substantially) MORE than 24 hours.

"By emphasizing shared symbolism, religious teachings and practices help promote social cohesion. An example is the Christian ritual of communion, which not only commemorates a historical event but also allows followers to participate in the unity ('continuum") of themselves with other believers (McGuire, 2002). All religions have some form of shared experience that rekindles the group's consciousness of its own unity. Religion has played an important part in helping members of subordinate groups develop a sense of social cohesion and belonging even when they are the objects of prejudice and discrimination by dominant group members..." From sociologyassignments.com It's pretty basic.

Seems to me the only way you're going to get that calm is to step away from posting.

Not guessing. Just READING your typed comments. Mike said: you might feel is a better answer. It wont be a proof that can force anyone to believe, but it will show you that it’s NOT been an irrational, delusional, stupid, unprofitable, and degrading path to PFAL that I've been on. Self-awareness is key to recognizing your task. "you might feel is a better answer" and "it will show you that it's NOT been..." those are words that give away your intent.

Mike, Why do you feel you must show yourself approved before GSC? I've not been suggesting things so that you can be approved before me, but rather to give you ideas that relate to your stated intent.