what should I call myself?

[Eddi]

Labels are important things and when it comes to my religion I am currently unsure what label to attach to myself

I have no idea but I know I want one

It's complicated, to say the least

Over the past years my beliefs and religious identity have been somewhat volatile but I think recently things have settled down...

I’d be interested in what RF thinks I could call myself

That is the purpose of this post

Allow me to explain my beliefs:

First of all, I have decided that I believe in a Supreme Being – who is all the “omnis” (omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, etc. etc.) who is the ineffable unmoved mover

I don’t see many compelling reasons to believe in this Supreme Being but I’m willing to make a leap of faith and carry on as though it/he does exist

I call this supreme being “God”

If I'm wrong I'm wrong and if I'm right I'm right...

I also believe that this reality is a computer simulation that is run on computers that exist in the universe that The Supreme Being has created

However, I believe that all the things that are supposed to have happened because of God actually happened because of The Simulation – although I do not deny that such things happened although I doubt that they did. I just don’t think they had anything to do with God:

• Jesus turning water into wine? – not a miracle, the simulation!
• Moses parting the sea? - not a miracle, the simulation!

And so on…

For me, there is therefore an extra layer of reality between our reality and the reality of The Supreme Being – a layer which separates us from it/him

I believe that the beings who built the simulation we live in are all ethical monotheists. I reckon that if God is good enough for them then he’s good enough for us - although I don't think those guys are to be worshipped or anything...

But I believe that they wanted us to acquire their God-concept - hence throughout our history they have literally played God to us

However: I believe that the world’s problems are caused by humans – not some kind of Satan

And I believe that the world’s problems will hopefully (and can only ever be) be solved by humans – without the help of any God

I don’t believe in Satan, either. There is zero evidence for him

And I don't believe there is any epic struggle between good and evil

So I don't believe in "spiritual warfare"

Also – I believe in reincarnation and karma, these are very much central to my world view

I don't believe in either Heaven or Hell but I do believe we all have immortal souls

Also, I like the moral and social teachings of Christianity – love they neighbour, do unto others: all that kind of thing!

But was Jesus Lord, Liar, or Loon? I think I'd say neither...????

So, if you were me, what would you call yourself?

 

[VoidCat]

Christian Simulationist maybe?

 

[Brickjectivity]

You mean here on RF or out there in the world? Here it can be anything. Out there it matters a little bit more whether it is odd and whether it suits you.

If I start calling myself 'Brick' out there in the job market will it help me or hinder me from getting jobs? That matters to me, so I am not taking that gamble.

 

[exchemist]

Labels are important things and when it comes to my religion I am currently unsure what label to attach to myself

I have no idea but I know I want one

It's complicated, to say the least

Over the past years my beliefs and religious identity have been somewhat volatile but I think recently things have settled down...

I’d be interested in what RF thinks I could call myself

That is the purpose of this post

Allow me to explain my beliefs:

First of all, I have decided that I believe in a Supreme Being – who is all the “omnis” (omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, etc. etc.) who is the ineffable unmoved mover

I don’t see many compelling reasons to believe in this Supreme Being but I’m willing to make a leap of faith and carry on as though it/he does exist

I call this supreme being “God”

If I'm wrong I'm wrong and if I'm right I'm right...

I also believe that this reality is a computer simulation that is run on computers that exist in the universe that The Supreme Being has created

However, I believe that all the things that are supposed to have happened because of God actually happened because of The Simulation – although I do not deny that such things happened although I doubt that they did. I just don’t think they had anything to do with God:

• Jesus turning water into wine? – not a miracle, the simulation!
• Moses parting the sea? - not a miracle, the simulation!

And so on…

For me, there is therefore an extra layer of reality between our reality and the reality of The Supreme Being – a layer which separates us from it/him

I believe that the beings who built the simulation we live in are all ethical monotheists. I reckon that if God is good enough for them then he’s good enough for us - although I don't think those guys are to be worshipped or anything...

But I believe that they wanted us to acquire their God-concept - hence throughout our history they have literally played God to us

However: I believe that the world’s problems are caused by humans – not some kind of Satan

And I believe that the world’s problems will hopefully (and can only ever be) be solved by humans – without the help of any God

I don’t believe in Satan, either. There is zero evidence for him

And I don't believe there is any epic struggle between good and evil

So I don't believe in "spiritual warfare"

Also – I believe in reincarnation and karma, these are very much central to my world view

I don't believe in either Heaven or Hell but I do believe we all have immortal souls

Also, I like the moral and social teachings of Christianity – love they neighbour, do unto others: all that kind of thing!

But was Jesus Lord, Liar, or Loon? I think I'd say neither...????

So, if you were me, what would you call yourself?

Some kind of Deist, by the sound of it.

But I am baffled by the simulation idea. If everything is a simulation, what can it be a simulation of, when there is nothing else - apart from the computers - to "simulate"? Are you not saying that the simulation is reality? In which case it isn't in any useful sense a simulation, surely? But I realise this is slightly off-topic.

 

[Eddi]

Some kind of Deist, by the sound of it.

But I am baffled by the simulation idea. If everything is a simulation, what can it be a simulation of, when there is nothing else - apart from the computers - to "simulate"? Are you not saying that the simulation is reality? In which case it isn't in any useful sense a simulation, surely? But I realise this is slightly off-topic.

This is what I believe:

That the world within The Simulation - the world that is being simulated - is based on the reality that exists outside of the simulation, in "base reality"

That is what it's a simulation of

I'm not saying that there's nothing else apart from computers in base reality

I believe there is a whole world out there, full of interesting and amazing things and interesting and amazing beings

I believe that the world within The Simulation is a "simulated dimension of reality"

I hope this has made you less baffled?

 

[Neuropteron]

Labels are important things and when it comes to my religion I am currently unsure what label to attach to myself

I have no idea but I know I want one

It's complicated, to say the least

Over the past years my beliefs and religious identity have been somewhat volatile but I think recently things have settled down...

I’d be interested in what RF thinks I could call myself

That is the purpose of this post

Allow me to explain my beliefs:

First of all, I have decided that I believe in a Supreme Being – who is all the “omnis” (omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, etc. etc.) who is the ineffable unmoved mover

I don’t see many compelling reasons to believe in this Supreme Being but I’m willing to make a leap of faith and carry on as though it/he does exist

I call this supreme being “God”

If I'm wrong I'm wrong and if I'm right I'm right...

I also believe that this reality is a computer simulation that is run on computers that exist in the universe that The Supreme Being has created

However, I believe that all the things that are supposed to have happened because of God actually happened because of The Simulation – although I do not deny that such things happened although I doubt that they did. I just don’t think they had anything to do with God:

• Jesus turning water into wine? – not a miracle, the simulation!
• Moses parting the sea? - not a miracle, the simulation!

And so on…

For me, there is therefore an extra layer of reality between our reality and the reality of The Supreme Being – a layer which separates us from it/him

I believe that the beings who built the simulation we live in are all ethical monotheists. I reckon that if God is good enough for them then he’s good enough for us - although I don't think those guys are to be worshipped or anything...

But I believe that they wanted us to acquire their God-concept - hence throughout our history they have literally played God to us

However: I believe that the world’s problems are caused by humans – not some kind of Satan

And I believe that the world’s problems will hopefully (and can only ever be) be solved by humans – without the help of any God

I don’t believe in Satan, either. There is zero evidence for him

And I don't believe there is any epic struggle between good and evil

So I don't believe in "spiritual warfare"

Also – I believe in reincarnation and karma, these are very much central to my world view

I don't believe in either Heaven or Hell but I do believe we all have immortal souls

Also, I like the moral and social teachings of Christianity – love they neighbour, do unto others: all that kind of thing!

But was Jesus Lord, Liar, or Loon? I think I'd say neither...????

So, if you were me, what would you call yourself?

Hi,

If I may suggest, don't let anyone put a label on you, even the well intentioned people of RF.

Perhaps the words of Jesus might help " This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge..."Joh 17:3

Let's hope we can find the fabric we'r made of in due time, because we certainly wouldn't want confusion to define us.

 

[F1fan]

This is what I believe:

That the world within The Simulation - the world that is being simulated - is based on the reality that exists outside of the simulation, in "base reality"

That is what it's a simulation of

I'm not saying that there's nothing else apart from computers in base reality

I believe there is a whole world out there, full of interesting and amazing things and interesting and amazing beings

I believe that the world within The Simulation is a "simulated dimension of reality"

I hope this has made you less baffled?

This is a good idea for a major potion picture. Could even become a series of blockbusters.

 

[mangalavara]

So, if you were me, what would you call yourself?

Unitarian Simulationist.

 

[Valjean]

Morpheus?

 

[Eddi]

This is a good idea for a major potion picture. Could even become a series of blockbusters.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaah, yes…

You are of course referring to The Matrix films…

Well, I have a theory about those

I think those films are a part of a campaign of “soft disclosure” orchestrated by The Establishment (who know reality is simulated) – the purpose of this is to prepare the masses for news that they are simulated

Because of these films the public are:

a) Aware of the notion we are simulated
b) But regard it as far-fetched and fanciful

They are thus prepared for news they are simulated but are programmed to dismiss it…

On what grounds? – because the reality of The Simulation has inspired some films

Which I have to say, is quite shoddy

And the good thing is, it works! – mention Sim Theory to anyone and they’ll say “ooooh, like in The Matrix” – and the conversation is instantly shut down and the notion dismissed

Funnily enough, on the whole The Matrix films function to inhibit Sim Theory rather than promote it

And the thing is, when I talk about Sim Theory I don’t imagine people plugged into a virtual reality, I think of people being computer programs – which is different to the world portrayed in The Matrix films

Your post is proof that the system works

 

[loverofhumanity]

Labels are important things and when it comes to my religion I am currently unsure what label to attach to myself

I have no idea but I know I want one

It's complicated, to say the least

Over the past years my beliefs and religious identity have been somewhat volatile but I think recently things have settled down...

I’d be interested in what RF thinks I could call myself

That is the purpose of this post

Allow me to explain my beliefs:

First of all, I have decided that I believe in a Supreme Being – who is all the “omnis” (omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, etc. etc.) who is the ineffable unmoved mover

I don’t see many compelling reasons to believe in this Supreme Being but I’m willing to make a leap of faith and carry on as though it/he does exist

I call this supreme being “God”

If I'm wrong I'm wrong and if I'm right I'm right...

I also believe that this reality is a computer simulation that is run on computers that exist in the universe that The Supreme Being has created

However, I believe that all the things that are supposed to have happened because of God actually happened because of The Simulation – although I do not deny that such things happened although I doubt that they did. I just don’t think they had anything to do with God:

• Jesus turning water into wine? – not a miracle, the simulation!
• Moses parting the sea? - not a miracle, the simulation!

And so on…

For me, there is therefore an extra layer of reality between our reality and the reality of The Supreme Being – a layer which separates us from it/him

I believe that the beings who built the simulation we live in are all ethical monotheists. I reckon that if God is good enough for them then he’s good enough for us - although I don't think those guys are to be worshipped or anything...

But I believe that they wanted us to acquire their God-concept - hence throughout our history they have literally played God to us

However: I believe that the world’s problems are caused by humans – not some kind of Satan

And I believe that the world’s problems will hopefully (and can only ever be) be solved by humans – without the help of any God

I don’t believe in Satan, either. There is zero evidence for him

And I don't believe there is any epic struggle between good and evil

So I don't believe in "spiritual warfare"

Also – I believe in reincarnation and karma, these are very much central to my world view

I don't believe in either Heaven or Hell but I do believe we all have immortal souls

Also, I like the moral and social teachings of Christianity – love they neighbour, do unto others: all that kind of thing!

But was Jesus Lord, Liar, or Loon? I think I'd say neither...????

So, if you were me, what would you call yourself?

You seem to believe in Hinduism. You believe in no violence which is Ahimsa and reincarnation which is a Hindu belief. Hindus believe in love one another too.

 

[mangalavara]

You seem to believe in Hinduism. You believe in no violence which is Ahimsa and reincarnation which is a Hindu belief. Hindus believe in love one another too.

Just to provide some clarification, ahiṃsā or 'non-injury' in Hinduism means doing the least harm to all other beings. One can be a warrior, for instance, and there is no problem in that. The warrior just should not do things such as intentionally kill civilians. We can pull fruit from trees so that we may eat, but we should not uproot plants just for 'fun.'

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Just to provide some clarification, ahiṃsā or 'non-injury' in Hinduism means doing the least harm to all other beings. One can be a warrior, for instance, and there is no problem in that. The warrior just should not do things such as intentionally kill civilians. We can pull fruit from trees so that we may eat, but we should not uproot plants just for 'fun.'

Good point. When it comes to Christianity, they really didn't become soldiers until the Roman Empire became Christianized. Until then, they were martyrs and renegades. The Christian soldiers beforehand, like St. Sebastian, we're killed due to their conversions. Even St. Joan of Arc, who did go into battle and was wounded, didn't ever kill anyone and was known to weep over the bodies of the French and the English. Christians are really called to be pacifists, it seems, with some exceptions for fighting great evils to protect the innocent (just war theory). Just putting that out there.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Labels are important things and when it comes to my religion I am currently unsure what label to attach to myself

I have no idea but I know I want one

It's complicated, to say the least

Over the past years my beliefs and religious identity have been somewhat volatile but I think recently things have settled down...

I’d be interested in what RF thinks I could call myself

That is the purpose of this post

Allow me to explain my beliefs:

First of all, I have decided that I believe in a Supreme Being – who is all the “omnis” (omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, etc. etc.) who is the ineffable unmoved mover

I don’t see many compelling reasons to believe in this Supreme Being but I’m willing to make a leap of faith and carry on as though it/he does exist

I call this supreme being “God”

If I'm wrong I'm wrong and if I'm right I'm right...

I also believe that this reality is a computer simulation that is run on computers that exist in the universe that The Supreme Being has created

However, I believe that all the things that are supposed to have happened because of God actually happened because of The Simulation – although I do not deny that such things happened although I doubt that they did. I just don’t think they had anything to do with God:

• Jesus turning water into wine? – not a miracle, the simulation!
• Moses parting the sea? - not a miracle, the simulation!

And so on…

For me, there is therefore an extra layer of reality between our reality and the reality of The Supreme Being – a layer which separates us from it/him

I believe that the beings who built the simulation we live in are all ethical monotheists. I reckon that if God is good enough for them then he’s good enough for us - although I don't think those guys are to be worshipped or anything...

But I believe that they wanted us to acquire their God-concept - hence throughout our history they have literally played God to us

However: I believe that the world’s problems are caused by humans – not some kind of Satan

And I believe that the world’s problems will hopefully (and can only ever be) be solved by humans – without the help of any God

I don’t believe in Satan, either. There is zero evidence for him

And I don't believe there is any epic struggle between good and evil

So I don't believe in "spiritual warfare"

Also – I believe in reincarnation and karma, these are very much central to my world view

I don't believe in either Heaven or Hell but I do believe we all have immortal souls

Also, I like the moral and social teachings of Christianity – love they neighbour, do unto others: all that kind of thing!

But was Jesus Lord, Liar, or Loon? I think I'd say neither...????

So, if you were me, what would you call yourself?

Sounds like a form of neo-Gnosticism with some Christian leanings. I used to be into the whole Matrixism idea due to an obsession with the original theory of Matrix films in my early teens (among other things), myself. But I ended up dropping them due to philosophical differences. It's like not those films created those ideas in the first place, anyway. They were biting their substance and style from earlier '90s sci-fi films (like Dark City and the Thirteenth Floor), even.

 

[loverofhumanity]

Just to provide some clarification, ahiṃsā or 'non-injury' in Hinduism means doing the least harm to all other beings. One can be a warrior, for instance, and there is no problem in that. The warrior just should not do things such as intentionally kill civilians. We can pull fruit from trees so that we may eat, but we should not uproot plants just for 'fun.'

I really like that explanation. Puts it in context. Thanks!

 

[mangalavara]

Good point. When it comes to Christianity, they really didn't become soldiers until the Roman Empire became Christianized. Until then, they were martyrs and renegades. The Christian soldiers beforehand, like St. Sebastian, we're killed due to their conversions. Even St. Joan of Arc, who did go into battle and was wounded, didn't ever kill anyone and was known to weep over the bodies of the French and the English. Christians are really called to be pacifists, it seems, with some exceptions for fighting great evils to protect the innocent (just war theory). Just putting that out there.

This is good stuff, bro. I recall St. George refusing to fight, but I might not remember that correctly. I admire the obvious practice of agapē in the authentic Christian way of life.

I really like that explanation. Puts it in context. Thanks!

You're certainly welcome.

God bless you guys!

 

[syo]

No need for God???
Atheist.

 

[Ella S.]

That sounds a lot like Valentinianism, right down to the reincarnation. They even saw the Archons (the creators of this simulated reality) as genuinely trying to be good, and the God of most religions as being one of these Archons rather than the transcendent God above the simulation.

They also emphasized the ethical teachings of Jesus and didn't believe in Satan.

You might not buy into all of Valentinianism, but it could be worth looking into.

 

[Kenny]

• Jesus turning water into wine? – not a miracle, the simulation!

• Moses parting the sea? - not a miracle, the simulation!

I think an apple is an apple no matter what you want to call it, a rose is a rose, and a miracle is still a miracle.

 

[HonestJoe]

Labels are important things...

I strongly disagree and I think you demonstrate why very clearly here.

There is no singular label that can completely, uniquely and exclusively describe the long list of different beliefs, ideas and concepts you list here. It just simply isn't possible.

My main question would be why do you even want or need a singular label to describe all of your beliefs? When would you even use it for any practical purpose? Even on each of the individual points you list here, in any situation where they're relevant, you'd need to expand the specific belief anyway. A singular label wouldn't really progress any given discussion or situation.

Labels are mostly used for negative reasons, dividing people or discriminating against others. I think we'd all be better off with many less rather than coming up with even more.

So I wouldn't worry about labels. Just be who you are, and then the only label you'll need is Eddi.