Korean Job Discussion Forums

[The Cosmic Hum]

[Fox]

[Rteacher]

If one at least theoretically assumes that God is the original source of all different cultures and personalities, then a true cult of God would be truly multicultural and diverse.

Within the material world context, so many personalities, big (like Chris Christie) and small (like Sarah Palin's brain), are seen vying for temporary power, influence and followers.

The wisest among us (not that I necessarily qualify) choose to follow and canvas on behalf of the most powerful and enduring personality.

Just as there can be unity in diversity, I think that elitism is compatible with egalitarianism when the common interest of pleasing God is served - just as when water is poured on the root of a tree, all the leaves and branches are nourished...

I'm not calling for theocracy, but governments should promote universal spiritual principles in a nonsectarian way...

[Fox]

A theocracy is exactly for what you're calling, and based on your cult to boot; what you describe as non-sectarian, universal spiritual principles are really just your own religious beliefs. When you're trying to prove that you're not calling for theocracy, starting off the argument with a "theoretical assumption" which is only valid within the framework of your own religious beliefs isn't the best approach.

Besides, if God is the ultimate orginator of all cultures and personalities, and that fact makes all cultures valid and worthy of inclusion, then the same logic makes all personalities valid as well, which means that my rejection of your proposal is just as much a "manifestation of the divine" as your multicultural inclinations are. If, by contrast, you propose that some personalities can turn away from God, such that their actions cannot be taken as exemplary, then the same case could be made for cultures, undermining your defense of multiculturalism on theological grounds.

[Rteacher]

More precisely stated, if one theoretically accepts - rather than theoretically assumes - that God is the source of all different cultures than a true cult of God would foster awareness of the spiritual unity of diverse cultures...) Material differences (including race, gender, and species) are ultimately understood to be illusory on the transcendental platform.

In order to get to the transcendental platform, one needs to receive transcendental knowledge from God or a spiritual master/empowered representative of God. In the Vaishnava tradition Krishna presents essential transcendental knowledge in Bhagavad-gita , and if one at least theoretically accepts that Krishna is God then one can gradually become spiritually self-realized by reading or hearing Bhagavad-gita.

There are other conceptions of and names for God in other cultural traditions but devotional service to the Supreme is the core universal principle of every major religion and is the highest stage of the yoga system - a fact that can be ascertained by scrutinizing study of all the respective revealed scriptures. Of course, sectarian interest based on differences and motivated by material gain works against the idea of spiritual unity and lends itself to mundane political corruption.

Theocracy is not required for transmission of spiritual knowledge - just a government that allows religious freedom. The Hare Krishna movement thrived in the U.S. especially when transcendental book distribution was allowed in airports and other public and quasi-public places suitable for exercising First Amendment rights (like parking lots of malls) but severe restrictions on distributing literature at such forums has curtailed religious freedom.

Theocracy merged with nationalism won't work because of sectarian politics. However, I think I personally would be in favor of one intellectually dominant world religion - recognizing Krishna as the original source of all other incarnations and the seed-bearing father of all living entities; Bhagavad-gita as the most comprehensive and authoritative scripture; Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare as the greatest mantra; and devotional service to God (by whatever bona fide Holy Name, e.g., Christ, Allah, Yahweh) as the supreme occupation for all human beings. Other traditions (including Buddhists and atheists) would be tolerated and encouraged to follow their own ethical standards ...

Of course, that might only work if I were theoretically/actually accepted as Emperor of Planet Earth ... Here's a link to an old "Back to Godhead" magazine - which as a young devotee I used to help distribute over 30,000 of every month at street lights and parking lots around Miami, Fla. http://back2godhead.com/krishna-consciousness-the-world-religion/

[Titus]

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2014/02/gender-neutral_employee_sues_f.html

[The Cosmic Hum]

[geldedgoat]

Facebook expands gender options: transgender activists hail 'big advance'

[radcon]

Dare I ask what "gender fluid" is?

[Fox]

[geldedgoat]

Full list:

[Fox]

I was taught (very angrily) by a gender studies student on the General Forum here that there are infinite possible gender identities. 50 seems low compared to infinity. Why is Facebook so discriminatory?

[Kuros]

Oh, yeah. This mentality actually exists.

A friend of mine was griping that the ACA national website only allows two genders, and that this was oppressive. I just told him to choose female so that way he gets maternity benefits. I mean, what can one really say?

[caniff]

[Fox]

I actually like they/them as gender neutral singular pronouns. Sometimes one must refer to a person whose gender is unknown, and saying "them" seems more elegant than either "him or her," or the traditional assumption of masculinity.