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Cthulhu Worship

Nakosis

Non-Binary Physicalist
Premium Member
I suppose there are folks who worship these alien Gods. There is even a Bible for purchase.
https://www.theofficialcultofcthulhu.com/product-page/the-bible-of-cthulhu

According to them, even though based on a work of fiction, to the believers this is a real belief system based on Cosmicism.

Cosmicism is a term coined by H. P. Lovecraft, the philosophy of cosmicism states "that there is no recognizable divine presence, such as a god, in the universe, and that humans are particularly insignificant in the larger scheme of intergalactic existence." The most prominent theme is humanity's fear of their insignificance in the face of an incomprehensibly large universe: a fear of the cosmic Void.

Is your belief more legitimate? More authentic? What makes it so?
Or is one belief system just as good as any other as long as you belief in something?
 
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SigurdReginson

Grēne Mann
Premium Member
While healthy respect in the face of the unknown is not inherently a negative thing, actively fearing everything outside of understanding seems like it could have a negative side effect on a person's psyche.

I like the concept of man's place being tiny in respect to the vastness of the universe, and I think that's an important thing to acknowledge, but I wouldn't let that shape my world view beyond that understanding.

I don't understand the value in regarding the universe in a fearful light - not until information shows that there are actual things worth fearing.
 

SigurdReginson

Grēne Mann
Premium Member
There. Seriously. If there can be a legitimate and recognized Jedi religion, why not?

I actually like the Lovecraft/ Cthulhu milieu.

I would agree with this, but as an actual spiritual practice, I struggle to see the value. I do love Lovecraft's mythos, though. :D

But ultimately this ain't my cup of tea.
 

SigurdReginson

Grēne Mann
Premium Member
Mine neither. But it does hath charm.

That is true! It's also a nihilistic approach to theism, which is interesting.

Besides, how cool is it to have gods that look like this?

latest
 

exchemist

Veteran Member
I suppose there are folks who worship these alien Gods. There is even a Bible for purchase.
https://www.theofficialcultofcthulhu.com/product-page/the-bible-of-cthulhu

According to them, even though based on a work of fiction, to the believers this is a real belief system based on Cosmicism.

Cosmicism is a term coined by H. P. Lovecraft, the philosophy of cosmicism states "that there is no recognizable divine presence, such as a god, in the universe, and that humans are particularly insignificant in the larger scheme of intergalactic existence." The most prominent theme is humanity's fear of their insignificance in the face of an incomprehensibly large universe: a fear of the cosmic Void.

Is your belief more legitimate? More authentic? What makes it so?
Or is one belief system just as good as any other as long as you belief in something?
Ah yes, H.P. Spacecraft. I haven't heard of him for years.;)
 

Nakosis

Non-Binary Physicalist
Premium Member
Ah yes, H.P. Spacecraft. I haven't heard of him for years.;)

I'm just wondering if the source of religion is less important than the personal benefit we gain from it?

The correct religion is the one in which the individual finds the most spiritual improvement. It's fiction or non-fiction source becoming not relevant.

The justification of any religion is self-improvement. Whether it helps you become a better person.
 

exchemist

Veteran Member
I'm just wondering if the source of religion is less important than the personal benefit we gain from it?

The correct religion is the one in which the individual finds the most spiritual improvement. It's fiction or non-fiction source becoming not relevant.

The justification of any religion is self-improvement. Whether it helps you become a better person.
There is a lot in what you say, I think. The primary role of religion is to provide a guide to help people live their lives and cope with its inevitable challenges, its moments of joy and sadness, love and loss, and how to approach their relationships with others. It doesn't start with trying to prove the existence of God or something, as if it were a cold philosophical argument. (This is where people like Dawkins screw up so badly, it seems to me.)
 

A Vestigial Mote

Well-Known Member
It doesn't start with trying to prove the existence of God or something,
It may not start here, but a lot of people feel that they must take it here. And this for the very reason that there people for whom the poorest forms of evidence aren't going to be convincing (like myself). And many theists are very, very heart-set on doing that convincing... and not just convincing, but exercising control, and getting people to toe the line they want them to toe. You may not be one of them, and if not, good for you. But these people exist... and therefore the requests that they prove their inane stories before the rest of us toe that line are bound to be put forth.

as if it were a cold philosophical argument. (This is where people like Dawkins screw up so badly, it seems to me.)
If you want to talk to the ones who "screwed up", then take your beef to those who thrust forth their comforting stories as if they were fact, and then threatened us all (and continue to do so) for not believing them. Atheism is only ever a response to theism. No theism... no atheism.
 

exchemist

Veteran Member
It may not start here, but a lot of people feel that they must take it here. And this for the very reason that there people for whom the poorest forms of evidence aren't going to be convincing (like myself). And many theists are very, very heart-set on doing that convincing... and not just convincing, but exercising control, and getting people to toe the line they want them to toe. You may not be one of them, and if not, good for you. But these people exist... and therefore the requests that they prove their inane stories before the rest of us toe that line are bound to be put forth.

If you want to talk to the ones who "screwed up", then take your beef to those who thrust forth their comforting stories as if they were fact, and then threatened us all (and continue to do so) for not believing them. Atheism is only ever a response to theism. No theism... no atheism.
I have no "beef", particularly. In fact I'm agreeing with the poster to whom I am responding.

But you do, apparently, from the caustic nature of your reply. ;) I don't know why, but I'll leave you to it.
 

Nakosis

Non-Binary Physicalist
Premium Member
While healthy respect in the face of the unknown is not inherently a negative thing, actively fearing everything outside of understanding seems like it could have a negative side effect on a person's psyche.

I like the concept of man's place being tiny in respect to the vastness of the universe, and I think that's an important thing to acknowledge, but I wouldn't let that shape my world view beyond that understanding.

I don't understand the value in regarding the universe in a fearful light - not until information shows that there are actual things worth fearing.

I also like letting go of man's self-importance in the universe.
The universe is not man's friend. 164,000 humans die each day. Pandemics, natural disasters, climate change. Maybe we are a bit naïve not to fear all of the many ways we can die.
 

SigurdReginson

Grēne Mann
Premium Member
I also like letting go of man's self-importance in the universe.
The universe is not man's friend. 164,000 humans die each day. Pandemics, natural disasters, climate change. Maybe we are a bit naïve not to fear all of the many ways we can die.

Maybe. What does succumbing to fear do, though? I can acknowledge all those many ways to die, but in the Cthulhu mythos, that deals more with fear of the unknown, specifically. The more you learn about the unknown, the more it's supposed to burden your mind until it cracks, and there's nothing to be done once you reach that fate. You are doomed at that point.

That doesn't resonate with me, and in fact I find the opposite to be true in my life. I guess for me, I respect Odin's approach more (even if I don't agree with his methods or the extent to which he takes it). Educate myself with as much as I can, and I find that I am a more capable person for it. I respect the obstacles in life not by shrinking in fear, but in learning how to exploit their weaknesses and strike when the iron is hot. That's far more useful for me.

All that said, there is something attractive about the "us vs. the universe" world view. There might be some intrinsic value in that, though I'm weary to think about how that might manifest itself in practice.
 

A Vestigial Mote

Well-Known Member
I have no "beef", particularly. In fact I'm agreeing with the poster to whom I am responding.

But you do, apparently, from the caustic nature of your reply. ;) I don't know why, but I'll leave you to it.
Strange that you think I didn't realize you were agreeing with the poster you originally replied to. I was merely pointing out that the "fault" for whatever detriment you think someone like Dawkins brings to the table lies a little further back than you'd apparently like to place it. I understand that you don't like me pointing this out. So yes... leave me to it and go about your merry little way.
 
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