Originally posted by robbie carrobieI am not sure how this analogy works with a believer no longer believing because he or she thinks hard about the claims surrounding scripture and then finally reaches the conclusion that they are not credible.
Like a plant, it needs to be nourished from the soil. If the soil is depleted and minerals are scant, the plant will surely wither and die.
So, this instead: I am the plant, having discovered that I was growing in poor soil augmented by artificial chemicals, I have moved to good soil and the artificial chemicals are no longer necessary. I can spend my time cogitating the soil rather than the chemicals. Life has come up roses and, free of the smell of those chemicals, I send out my most fragrant wishes to all other plants, whether they be users of artificial chemicals or not.
Originally posted by FMFsome plants require specific conditions to flourish, Azaleas, Rhododendrons etc all prefer ericaceous (acidic soil) some plants do better in chalk (alkaline) never the less, if you do not tend your garden weeds grow and soon they will overtake your garden due to neglect. Of course the garden is the mind and is sensitive to what is spread upon it. What are we to say, that the soil is poor and the nutrients artificial if we do not flourish in it? or we let it become overrun and weeds take hold? Hardly for there may be demonstrably many others who are doing rather well in the garden and who draw spiritual sustenance from the very same soil, who love life and are resplendent, whether a humble snowdrop or a thorny yet enchanting rose.
I am not sure how this analogy works with a believer no longer believing because he or she thinks hard about the claims surrounding scripture and then finally reaches the conclusion that they are not credible.
So, this instead: I am the plant, having discovered that I was growing in poor soil augmented by artificial chemicals, I have moved to good soil and t ...[text shortened]... most fragrant wishes to all other plants, whether they be users of artificial chemicals or not.
Originally posted by robbie carrobieI am growing in good soil without chemicals. In my version of the analogy, the bible is the chemicals. If you need chemicals to get through life, then good for you.
some plants require specific conditions to flourish, Azaleas, Rhododendrons etc all prefer ericaceous (acidic soil) some plants do better in chalk (alkaline) never the less, if you do not tend your garden weeds grow and soon they will overtake your garden due to neglect. Of course the garden is the mind and is sensitive to what is spread upon it. ...[text shortened]... l, who love life and are resplendent, whether a humble snowdrop or a thorny yet enchanting rose.
Originally posted by FMFIf we take the analogy of the garden and liken it to the mind, two things become apparent, one must plant something or weeds will take hold and that the soil needs to be replenished from time to time. Its neither artificial nor contrived to say so, in fact, its perfectly natural.
I am growing in good soil without chemicals. In my version of the analogy, the bible is the chemicals. If you need chemicals to get through life, then good for you.
Originally posted by FMFso you are the spiritual equivalent of organic? even plants that are grown organically need the soil to be replenished.
I am growing in good soil without chemicals. In my version of the analogy, the bible is the chemicals. If you need chemicals to get through life, then good for you.
Originally posted by robbie carrobieChemicals are artificial. I have found a way to grow without them. Just me and the soil. My soil is "replenished" by the droppings of fauna and flora dropping! You use the chemicals [as they are framed in my analogy] if you want to. Or if you need them to cope with life and survive.
If we take the analogy of the garden and liken it to the mind, two things become apparent, one must plant something or weeds will take hold and that the soil needs to be replenished from time to time. Its neither artificial nor contrived to say so, in fact, its perfectly natural.
Originally posted by robbie carrobieIf you are addicted to artificial chemicals, robbie my flower, maybe you lose all perspective on what "the soil being replenished" without chemicals means or entails.
so you are the spiritual equivalent of organic? even plants that are grown organically need the soil to be replenished.
Originally posted by FMFoh dear FMF there is nothing artificial about tending the garden of the mind and making sure that the soil is replenished! all soil needs to be replenished, even yours, otherwise we run the risk of a garden full of weeds 😀
If you think you can't grow without artificial chemicals, just use them. Don't worry about what the flowers that don't need them think.
Originally posted by robbie carrobieThe mind's soil can and is replenished without having to resort to the use of artificial chemicals. And there is something artificial about using artificial chemicals, for sure. Maybe you're one of those flowers that just can't grow without chemical replenishment. But I'm not the sort of flower to judge.
oh dear FMF there is nothing artificial about tending the garden of the mind and making sure that the soil is replenished! 😀
Originally posted by FMFEach one must see to his own garden FMF and what you term 'artificial', may in fact be entirely natural, wholesome and beneficial for someone else. To state that one is artificial and another natural has been to have already made a judgement, for the soil cares not whether it receives nitrogen from cow manure or from chemical pellets.
The mind's soil can and is replenished without having to resort to the use of artificial chemicals. And there is something artificial about using artificial chemicals, for sure. Maybe you're one of those flowers that just can't grow without chemical replenishment. But I'm not the sort of flower to judge.
Originally posted by robbie carrobieYou sound like a shill for Monsanto. 😛
Each one must see to his own garden FMF and what you term 'artificial', may in fact be entirely natural, wholesome and beneficial for someone else. To state that one is artificial and another natural has been to have already made a judgement.