Richard Feynman on doubt,uncertainty and religion

Charter for Compassion

I found the ideas of Karen Armstrong on Bill Moyers Journal to be one of those gems that make searching through the world of ideas worth while. The profound philosophy of the golden rule, stepping outside oneself, seeing the value and viewpoint of other people, the destruction that comes from ego having to conquer all, and that truth is found standing in someone else's shoes.

Karen Armstrong on Bill Moyers Journal (includes video)
Karen Armstrong at the TED conference
Charter for Compassion

Osiris, Dionysus, and Jesus Similarities

Spotted a link on Wikipedia that discusses the similarities between Osiris, Dionysus, and Jesus. Regardless of how you interpret them knowing the similarities brings up allot of interesting questions.

Other Links:
Parallels between the stories of Jesus and Osiris-Dionysus
The Jesus Mysteries
The_Jesus_Mysteries (Wikipedia)
Google search for: "Osiris Dionysus Jesus"

Jonestown

PBS American Experience broadcast a story on Jonestown, the cult founded by Jim Jones. Wikipedia also has a page on Jonestown. The most amazing thing about the story is that it happened. Among the elements of politics, religion, corruption of power, the bold actions of dreamers, and Orwellian archetypes, one idea stands out, the importance of learning from history, so that it is not repeated.

Choices Present Past and Future

I stumbled on this very obvious yet profound idea. (copied from wikipedia)

Karma (Sanskrit: कर्म from the root kṛ, "to do", [meaning deed] meaning action, effect, destiny) means "(the result of) action", generally taken as a term that comprises the entire cycle of cause and effect. Karma is a sum of all that an individual has done, is currently doing and will do. Individuals go through certain processes and accompanying experiences throughout their lives which they have chosen, and those would be based on the results of their own creations: "karma". Karma is not about retribution, vengeance, punishment or reward. Karma simply deals with what is. The effects of all deeds actively create past, present and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one's own life, and the pain and joy brought to others.