What's it all about?

How is the world put together?

For what it is worth, I believe our values are derived directly from our view of the the world. Our belief structure depends directly on how we see the way the cogs of the universe churning together. Never talk about religion or politics is a credo for those faint of heart, that are unwilling to open their inner most beliefs to others. I personal think someone's deepest beliefs are the most interesting topic to discuss. I greatly value those conversations, whether through some drug or alcohol induced state, or whether coming from being with trusted friends in a congenial setting.

Regardless --- for the moment let's pretend that several of us are sitting together at twilight in front of warm stone hearth after a wonderful day of outdoor activity. In my case, this would have been skiing deep fresh powder on a bright winter's day... you can fill in your own activity for the day. We are sipping warm beverages and just finished a wonderful evening meal. The stage is set. The conversation bobs and weaves through any number of topics. We are enjoying and very engaged in what everyone is saying. Finally the questions comes up; "So, how do you believe the universe is put together?"

So here's how I might answer:

First of all, I would like to make it clear that these are my beliefs and one of my first and foremost beliefs is that none of us should impose our beliefs on other people. This is a bit of a oxymoron, in that I do want you to consider that each of us is entitled to our own set of beliefs regardless of how good or bad we might judge them to be. So I do want to impose this belief into the conversation before we really get started.

I belief, we as individuals, are more then the sum of our parts. That is to say, there is more to us then what meets the eye. At death, I believe something will transcend the physical body. For lax of better words, we will move to another state of consciousness. Most people label this thing soul. I'm not concerned really what label we use. I just belief there is something more. Something eternal or longer lasting then the actual physical body. So this brings us to; "OK, so where does the soul go after death?"

That's all I am going to write for the moment...