Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I don't think we'll have to worry about it soon- the government wants to irradiate all of our food so it will be sterile and I don't just mean free from harmful bacteria- it also won't grow.
In regards to the Great Flood, there are myths as far away as the American Indians and there is evidence of a global flood in the layers of rock around the globe. I have always believed that science and religion only lightly touch each other on some subjects but one day the two will mesh as neatly as folding a pair of hands.

http://science.howstuffworks.com/great-flood1.htm
Hundreds of myths from around the world suggest there was a great flood -- possibly local or­ possibly global, depending on the story. Christians generally believe that this is Noah's flood, a global event brought on by God to cleanse the world of wickedness.­
The scientific community doesn't wholly doubt the possibility of a great flood, but it has yet to answer the questions of where and when it might have happened.
There are two scientific theories in existence, one suggesting flooding around the area that is now the Black Sea and the other attributing devastating floods to a comet that struck the Earth.

In regards to religion, I wasn't taught religion- my father was Atheist and my mother was a non-practicing Catholic. We didn't pray, go to church, no theology discussions- in fact quite the opposite, it was more or less a taboo subject- the only exposure to any thing religious in my life was watching Charleston Heston part the waves on "The Ten Commandments". Yet, from as far back as I can remember I always felt something- can't explain it and I don't need to justify it either- it just is. When I was seven, my brother was killed in Viet Nam, came back in a box- too mutilated to see and my mother died five months later from a long term illness. I've always been scientific by nature- I always asked questions- why did the sun feel warm on my skin, what made clouds, what are stars made out of- most things I found in a book and there was logic and reasoning to the answers I recieved. When these things happened, I instinctively knew they were somewhere else but no one could tell me where and I wanted to know- the only book that tells what happens afer death is the Bible.
Before you put this down to childhood fantasies, scientifically, energy can not be destroyed, only transformed and our bodies, especially the brain is a powerhouse of energy.
One other thing- there is energy that leaves the body, the moment it dies-I know from personal experience because it freaked me out. My son found an injured pigeon and brought it home in a shoe box. Being an animal lover, I picked it up. It fluttered for a moment and then seemed to calm down, then it's eye constricted. That's when I felt it- first in my hands, then rising further into my forearms before the tingling feeling disappaited. It felt almost like a low grade electric shock- that's the only way I can explain it. The bird died right then and there in my hands. I had never had anything die in my arms literally and I hope to never experience that strange sensation. I not saying that this is the soul because according to the bible, only humans have souls and can be resurrected but not animals- no, I believe that this was just energy transforming but to what I don't know.
Believe what you will, in the end we'll all know.

Craziness. How did this become a christianity is dumb thread. I read the first part about the swat raid and was like wow crazy. So I skipped to the end and found everyone giving their versions of why religion is dumb because of the dumb people involved in it. Unfortunately there are dumb people who believe in everything even aquaponics and breathing air. They are just like you and me and just as capable of calling what we do and believe dumb.
As far as the revelatory findings about the flood and the immaculate conception of saviours it is common knowledge that all religions, including christianity, incorporate the religious practices of the converted in order to ease their transitions. Is it right, no. Does it work, yes. Christmas day was chosen by Constantine because it was the birhtday of Mithras and of the celebration of natalis solis invicti (the Roman "birth of the unconquered sun"). His roman soldiers (the source of his power) were less likely to revolt if they could still celebrate when they were used to it. Now what does this mean for all the athiests and non believers. Absolutely nothing except that people use power in any form to control other people.
I do believe in God and Jesus Christ. However I do not subscribe to all the institutions that have evolved from this man's beliefs. What I do believe in is that there lived a man over 2000 years ago with such a profound message that it influenced those around him to spread the words he had said to every corner of the known world and this in turn influenced others to do the same up until this modern age. He didn't want your money. He didn't want a building to house his splendour. He didn't want a country to run. He just wanted to tell you what he was sent to say. Some heard it and many didn't. Please don't let another person or institution's past mistakes influence you. Find the truth for yourself. Recognizing the history of everything (not just religion) will make you better informed at the very least.
As far as religion is concerned I wonder why if you don't believe in God you don't just take everything that is beneficial for you and those you love. I've heard it's not right, or moral, or fair when it hurts others but really in a darwinian sense of reality what is stopping you. This belief is exactly what those in power believe in. They have assembled people who share their beliefs and together they utilize whatever means necessary to take what they want, whenever and from whomever they want it. Those who have found themselves in control of "christian" monarchies or governments have used the faith of their followers to control them. I have always heard how unfair religion is/ has been and how it has persecuted so many but any form of government/control (whatever you want to call it) requires persecution to maintain power. After all Communism hasn't created pacifists in China, Korea, or Russia with through their lack of religion.
Didn't mean to come off preaching but I hate how people nowadays don't believe in anything but themselves and money. Even if you believe in only science you have to admit (as physicists and anyone who has studied quantum mechanics has) that there is a bigger force than just the individual. Look into string theory or "m" theory or even quantum buddhism if you like. We are apart of something greater than us. Now I won't be the one to kill another person because they don't believe my version of what that greatness may be. But I am not so egomaniacal as to believe I am the culmination of all this earth has to offer. Through aquaponics we should learn at least that. The fish is not greater than the vegetables or the water.

Who said Christianity is dumb? /sigh

okay, remember we are being civil to each other here

Hey. I think it is great that everyone has an opinion and feels free to air it. Welcome Lucero808. Nice to have you on board! If you go back and track every posting you will see it is a very broad debate with many views in the mix. I love it that it gets real. Love it too that you have such clearly defined thoughts. Found your posting worthwhile reading. Always nice to be in agreement with someone!

I love God with my whole heart but have to say that it is so true. More atrocities have been committed in the name of religion or anti-religion than anything else. God forgive us for the presumption of doing such things in His Name. It had nothing to do with Him at all but just power-hungry people using man's desire toward the supernatural to manipulate towards a selfish agenda. Doesn't Jesus Himself say that there will be MANY who will say.... Lord, Lord we healed the sick and cast out demons in Your Name.... but He will say.... get you from Me for I never knew you. Religion has nothing to do with relationship and that is what many don't see.

A religious spirit that tries to make me do what it wants has nothing to do with God. I have seen how God dignifies man by giving a free will to choose or reject what He has to offer. He wants no robots. Love only has meaning when freely given.

I have been in .... and left .....churches that were more like court-rooms than hospitals to the hurting. Such harsh judging and insular rulership when I needed somewhere that demonstrated the love of God. I have just come to the conclusion over time that they didn't really know the heart of God and as a result did more harm than good.

But I have found some who really cared. Not a majority. I think our culture in the west is so geared to recognition and status that the simple message of love your neighbour seems to have been turned to... I am more important than you so you better serve me well so you can get noticed by me. Do not think they would give up their life as the Great Shepherd did to protect their sheep. More hirelings than shepherds around IMO.

But there are still shepherds with a heart for the people. Not perfect people. Just people who really care. Less in the west than in the east. Persecution seems to cut away all the garbage. I dislike hypocrisy. This is really the issue being raised. So much hypocrisy around. It always brings harm. Preach and no practice in the church. Say and no do outside the church. So I have noticed that you get hypocrisy both in the proponents of the spiritual and those who attack what is spiritual. It is that selfish agenda that cares for nothing but me, myself and I; trashing what is precious to some in a casual game of ego..... setting themselves up as superior by knocking others for what they believe. It is possible to make space for everyone.... and so healthy. What is contra to us makes us think and grow.

Traditional religion is something to steer clear of IMO. It was the religious people of His day that Jesus had the most trouble with and they hated Him for His honesty and set out to kill Him. But spiritual matters seem to draw or repel us because we seem to have a real need to find a reason greater than ourselves for being alive. That endless question: Am I just an accident suspended between 2 accidents.... birth and death? Or am I meaningfully made with a masterplan and a purpose. I admit to needing the latter. I want to matter to a Higher Being. But this is not for everyone because then we suddenly become accountable for our actions.

This agenda that seems to be shaping to herd mankind into tiny parameters is actually a new religion starting. A one world government with a one world religion. Scary stuff. There is going to rise one man who will convince the world he is the saviour .... that he will bring peace and prosperity to a desperate world. Anyone who doesn't fit exactly will have their heads lopped off. Those concentration camps are not there for nothing.

I still struggle to understand why we as homosapians can be considered any different to any other animal on this earth. Why are we more special than any dog or insect or any other animal...?

We are not herded into anything at all, we do it ourselves, knowingly. Be yourself, go outside and feel the sun on your face. It is what it is, a billion year old sun burning away, giving life to us and everything on this planet. Enjoy it....... Revel in it....... Why be afraid of what some other mortal being writes in a book or preaches that may happen?

Be yourself, be happy. Why does there have to be more than what we have right here, right now? Purely because we have consciousness? No....

A new religion? So what? There have been many new religions over the millennium, and I'm sure there will be many more to come. Just as I'm sure there will be many more people who will be searching for a reason as to why they are here.

I have no reason to strive for any greater purpose than the fact that I am here... Hello..... Trillions of people have passed before me, and they have left this planet in pretty good shape. I hope to leave it in reasonable shape for those that pass after me.
I am accountable for my own actions, I don't need to feel that there is a higher being, to feel responsible for my own actions, I AM responsible for my actions. I matter to me and to those around me, I'm not an accident. Birth is incredibly special, just as death is, and generally we need to try and become more in tune and in touch with death, rather than fear it, because there is nothing more certain that the fact that we will all die...

And me personally ? Hey I'm happy, I'm gunna die one day, but shit, I've done some good along the way, and after I die, I'll be just another part of the same world I'm involved in now, but hopefully I'll be helping a fruit tree produce some damn sweet fruit..

I for one would find it very hard to except someone getting up and saying .. "I'm the saviour... bow down before me.."

Not even if his name was Malcom Turnball ...

So I think would most Australians... the standard response would probably be... f'off ya *sigh*...

And I would hope that as a whole... the world had learnt enough from history to recognise another meglamanic...

Sorry Cyara, but I just can't see the world falling under the spell of a single man or woman for any reason... let alone someone that proclaims... "I'm the one... I really am" ...

I want to be more important than an insect EB! But cool.... you don't. And we are both happy!

Am myself. Am happy. Have the capacity for more.... so believe there is more than right here, right now........

We just see life very differently EB. Is OK. Is a free world......... well supposed to be anyway. Plenty of space for all perspectives. Not so?

LOL....... who would!!! .... accept that?!!

Watch Obama. A nation in pain. Many promises he can't possibly fulfill. What a following! Life is not obvious as it unfolds.....

And hey! Don't say now that I am saying Obama is the guy setting himself up as saviour........... Just an interesting example of the power of a politician who tells the people what they want to hear when life gets painful. You think life is not shaping to get more painful?

You think? You really think? Nah!

LOL!!! That be pretty dumb! Real subtle. Use more imagination Rupe!!

How did the world economy get into such a mess? By people getting up and shouting what they were going to do to take control?

One thing for sure. Time will tell all.

Time will..........love it

Animals do have spirit. There are many unexplained aspects of spirit. There is man who can light a LED light with a touch simply by focusing his 'energy and breath' from below his navel to the light, for example.

There is in interesting statement in the bible:


So here animals are getting a place "forever." I guess that means animals are important if the, like us, will get such a gift. Are we better than animals? Id hope so, there many many differences that set us apart. But few people act like it. Either way, while religion places us above animals because we are made in the image of "god", we do depend on them in many ways and they are as important as us for physical life.


Dont fill me with famaldihide to keep me from rotting. Dont even put me in a box. Dig a hole drop me in, fill it with compost, plant a fruit tree that will live for generations for other to enjoy(if a business does not bulldoze it for profit). Then throw a month long party for me because Im out of here! Thats my "last will" anyway...

You getting AP out in your area and making a living at it is a greater purpose Im sure you have strived for somewhat. We have to believe in something or we would do nothing but feed ourselves and breed If you can honestly live with a clear conscience then your good Either way, eat drink, and be happy for tomorrow we die. Nothing we do down here matters anyway (Im being facetious).

Be yourself. That is so true! Religion is often nothing more than hiding your self from others (perhaps even yourself).

You know I dont know why I get involved with these types of discussions. Isn't it weird how every one feels the need to share what drives them and brings themselves joy? One things for sure backyardaquaponics introduced me to AP and it has been a great joy in my life sense! Thank You EB!

I gotta stop rambling on.. Im starting be like granddad...

Guess you can either take the red pill... or the blue pill....

The greatest succour to the ascendancy of some kind of delusional messiach figure ... would be the mindless and unquestioning "faith" of those within a quasi-spiritual matrix...

could the red pill be pain relief???
Geez I could do with some

hey tell me more about this guy who is touching LEDs and making them light.

Hey All,
This is a great thread! Back to the flood thing...

1) In the book of Genesis in the Christian Bible, for whatever reasons (believe it or not), people lived hundreds of years. I don't think this is so crazy to believe that the World was new, no polution, until the flood it is supposed that the atmosphere was different- possibly blocking more unltraviolet, foods were pure, blood lines (genetics/geneologies) were less complex, (and no I can't exactly tell you where Cain got his wife, but have an idea)... anyway, because of the age of people they were able to effect more generations by passing on information through stories. I figured (using the ages given in the Bible) one time that... I think it was Noah's father could have known Adam.

2) The flood story was orginally an oral tradition. Many thank Moses (or a peer) for writing the "old" stories down, Genesis; creation, Cain/Able, flood, but my point is that these were ancient stories prior to them being written stories.

3) The story of the The Tower of Babel was chronolgoically after the flood story. The story tells that all the people were one for a time. So after the flood the people stayed in one area, built cities, married, had children, etc. Then God scattered them around the World, again I don't know how but this is the story.

4) So isn't it conceivable that all these newly formed people groups (after the scattering) had the same story?

I say all this to suggest that just because 'all cultures' have a flood story doesn't discredit it (as some people and TV shows have suggested), and as far as some of the "scientific" TV shows I've seen... When one speaks on faith-based issues, one cannot remove FAITH from the equation. If the stories speak about an entity able to create the complexity of the World and all in it, and not just that that but the complexity that are the interlocking systems, from nothing, then holding a wooden ark together for a few days is really nothing, parting a sea-Child's play, turning the river to blood- don't embarass me.

It is the same nature in man- that trys to give intellectual answers to faith issues- that tempted him to take the apple, which has now given us an addiction to knowledge and usually with little regard for the truely needed wisdom component, but that's another rant!

Regards
Tony