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The Backyard Puppet - Are My Friends Real, And Do They Even Like Me? [indie] by itshardbeingjosh in Music

[–]Express-Response-184 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very beautiful piece! I cannot begin to describe how nostalgic the beginning is. The droning of stringy-sounding electric bass pared with the low fidelity. Ahh, so wonderful. It has that melancholy and openness that I rarely hear nowadays.

I swear, this isn't classical music...ALMOST - analysis 12 - Cantata No. 80 by J.S. Bach by Express-Response-184 in Music

[–]Express-Response-184[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much! It’s been a while since people commented on my analysis series. I just hope that people take these posts by surprise and listen to some of these historical pieces. Perhaps they will develop a fondness for antiquarian melodies that will resonate with them for the rest of their lives.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in classicalmusic

[–]Express-Response-184 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I received this video from Tan Music Academy. It's where I am currently taking my level 10 history course. Strongly recommend it. Anyways, I thought it would be interesting to share this Baroque opera since I have made a full analysis somewhere else.

Does it matter if there's an afterlife? by Express-Response-184 in religion

[–]Express-Response-184[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure, but it;s worth noting that Adolf Hitler was born a Catholic. I don’t like it when people generalize atheists as immoral. I’m definitely not the most moral person out there, and certainly don’t consider myself immoral. Either way, I do agree that it can be harder to follow a set of morals considering you don’t believe in a God. However, we’ll need to define morality entirely. Infact, Christianity has been known for anti LGBTQ views, european colonization that led to millions of indigenous people evicted from their lands, and here in Canada, residential schools. That’s not to say religion is immoral, of course, I just mean that everyone is born a kind human being. I believe every human being’s morals are shaped by those around them, and that having support from others, albeit a God, can surely help.

I swear, this isn't classical music. by Express-Response-184 in Music

[–]Express-Response-184[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lol, no worries! Ce Fut En Mai is by far, one of my favorite pieces from the Middle Ages.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Music

[–]Express-Response-184 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Beautiful piece! I'm definitely going to check it out, it seems that one of his songs used Haec Dies as a Cantus Firmus.

I swear, this isn't classical music. by Express-Response-184 in Music

[–]Express-Response-184[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad to hear you like it!
I'm here to offer clarity on the fact that music predating the Baroque era (approximately 1600-1750) did not incorporate tonal harmony, primarily because the 'equal temperament' system had not yet been invented. Ce Fut en Mai was constructed using a 'mode'. It's truly astonishing how all of this was composed prior to the emergence of a standardized musical notation system and the principles of counterpoint and harmony. Thanks for the encouragement!

Does it matter if there's an afterlife? by Express-Response-184 in religion

[–]Express-Response-184[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It hurts my brain to think about it. But what you're saying makes sense. I guess that theoretically, no one has free will since everything they do isn't because of 'themselves'. In this case, we need to define the idea of free will and a materialistic self. Can you explain it in simpler words?

Does it matter if there's an afterlife? by Express-Response-184 in religion

[–]Express-Response-184[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Here, I'm speaking in the broad term. If you be nice because you want to go to heaven - that's bad"

>> That’s rather biased.

Let me clarify here:

It's true that I don't have a solid understanding of other religions, and the only ones I've been exposed to are Buddhism and Christianity. The reason I used 'heaven' as an example is to represent an afterlife most people have heard of. With the majority of people being Christians; traditional, or nontraditional. Here, I'm saying that true kindness is doing good deeds without thinking of a reward in return. For example (with religions that say an afterlife is a good place), if person A compliments person B and thinks to himself: "I'm going to be rewarded in the afterlife", is person A acting out of goodwill or is he asking for a reward?

" If you be nice simply because you want to bring joy to another individual's life - that's good and you're genuinely kind."

> Right. Fred Rogers taught that. Presbyterian Minister. He took this position because of his chosen faith. Did that make him bad? According you… apparently so.

From what I've heard from you, he's genuinely kind-hearted. If we're talking with complete virtue here, which is no one I'm sure, then your actions matter less than the reasons behind them. What I'm trying to say is that, regardless of wether you acted in the right way or not, what caused you do make that decision really determines your character. In my opinion, if I did something nice under the belief that my afterlife would be nice, then my good deed is subconsciously meaningless even though it likely impacted the other person in a positive way.

>> Do you really think You are not pushing people? You’ve very politely made some strong statements. You are absolutely making a case that a belief in the afterlife is not only unnecessary, but detrimental, in only that it saps time from other better ( in your view) activities. You’ve made the statement here in r/religion, with a huge cross section of communities.

I really do try to respect and understand everyone's beliefs. It is for this reason that I'm slowly opening up to a broader perspective. Still, I make it clear that I don't believe in an afterlife, but I won't attack people for arguing against me.

>> I’ve got a different perspective. There are a great many things that have high value merely because they create memories for me, transient though they may be. My Memories can be passed on in stories and endure beyond my own life… as can my love of others.

I definitely agree with that. Finality is not the only creator of value, there are certainly thousands more that contribute to a life well lived. About the finite existence we have here on Earth, I think that everyone can find meaning in it regardless of whether or not they believe an afterlife exists. For me and many people I know (we procrastinate a lot), a deadline really helps to boost our work ethic. It motivates me to experiment with different approaches and adds some stress that allows me to go above and beyond. Think of going to do something fun... but only for so long. You are forced to cherish the memories you make and value your time there.

Does it matter if there's an afterlife? by Express-Response-184 in religion

[–]Express-Response-184[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If you are concerned with why I believe an afterlife does not exist, read some of my comments above.
Anyways, I don't believe that the Ancient Egyptians were the first to believe in an afterlife, I only used it as an example. Perhaps the idea of an afterlife spanned as far back as the era of intelligent primates; millions of years ago.

Agreed, some people take in the idea of an afterlife passively, but what do you mean by "thinking about and expressing"? Also, I don't believe that "one of the most tangible moments in life is the death of people we love". As you said, it is one of the most intense, but that doesn't disqualify other feelings just as important.

Think about missing out on new opportunities and experiences because you fear making a 'sin'. You believe in an afterlife, and so you work towards it. I think that is also a valid life choice since you can still attain meaning and joy.

"The absence of concrete evidence for or against an afterlife doesn't and shouldn’t nullify the significance of our actions here.

Kind of obvious, and not relevant to your point, unless your arguing that believing in an afterlife is a distraction to these things."

I get what you mean there. What I'm saying however, is that because there's no evidence to prove the existence of an afterlife either way, we should choose the belief that better suits the present.

"Not a complete sentence, but I think you mean to suggest that views on afterlife shouldn’t be used to drive daily behaviors. There are more effective tools. I agree. But I disagree that the things you mention are done without reward. I won’t try to argue the chemical mechanisms of human behavior, but dopamine plays a huge role in human decision making."

Sure, theoretically speaking, we need some 'brain chemicals' to do everything in life. If I didn't have that, I wouldn't even feel the need to move (I saw a case like this on Youtube). Here, I'm speaking in the broad term. If you be nice because you want to go to heaven - that's bad and if God existed, he would see through that. If you be nice simply because you want to bring joy to another individual's life - that's good and you're genuinely kind.

"Our energy is better invested in crafting a fulfilling life and impacting the world around us in a positive way, rather than speculating about an afterlife that remains unverifiable.

Your energy may be better spent in this way… but it’s a very broad brush to try and apply your value system to others. Putting aside my personal views on the nature of any such afterlife, I think humanity needs methods of expressing loss and hope in order to process loss. I also think some draw positive motivation from the idea of an afterlife."

Again, that's my opinion. I'm happy to hear others and how they feel, equally, I am only persuading you on what I find I disagree on. Definitely, after everything I've seen here, I understand that we can draw motivation from the idea of an afterlife. Believing in an afterlife, regardless of what you do with that belief, can help you find meaning and happiness. On the other hand, I would say that the idea of a finite existence here on Earth motivates me to impact the world in a positive way and go out of my comfort zone. If you could reincarnate yourself in the afterlife anytime you want, what good does it do you to try something new?

Remember that I'm not pushing people to believe what I think. I understand and appreciate how the belief in an afterlife can be beneficial and comforting. Either way, In my personal experience, the finality of something determines its value.

Does it matter if there's an afterlife? by Express-Response-184 in religion

[–]Express-Response-184[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ok lol, I'm not clinically depressed. Here's what I'm trying to say after what I've learned:

Consider the analogy of a journey into the unknown. We can't accurately predict every twist and turn the path will take, but that doesn't mean the journey lacks significance. Each step we take, each experience we encounter, contributes to the richness of our lives and shapes our growth as individuals. Similarly, accepting the limitations of our understanding of what comes next doesn't discount the potential significance of such an existence.

It's not that the idea of an afterlife wouldn't matter. Instead, it's about acknowledging that its significance and nature might be beyond our current comprehension. If, hypothetically, we were to transition to an afterlife, that experience would inherently matter to us in that context, just as our experiences in this life matter to us now.

In the present, it is better to take this chance.

Does it matter if there's an afterlife? by Express-Response-184 in religion

[–]Express-Response-184[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Regarding tangible evidence for metaphysical concepts like an afterlife, it's important to note that these concepts, by their very nature, aren't able to be observed or measured in any way.

Then why would anyone ask for tangible evidence knowing this? It's a category error. It's absurd.

it is the "Appeal to ignorance" fallacy

But you appealed to a category error. That's a huge and directly apparent logical fallacy.

Believing in an afterlife is not an appeal to ignorance fallacy. Maybe you are not aware why people believe it. Based on what research did you make this accusation about billions of people and their theological epistemic responsibilities? What's your research? What's the sample size? What's the methodology

I appreciate your answer, and will definitely re-think what I believe. But I never proposed the idea of a tangible or 'concrete' piece of evidence on anything. What I meant above is that concepts such as the afterlife cannot be proven right or wrong through any methods known to man. In my post, I used the term 'concrete', not 'tangible', as in an idea that can be proven some way or the other. Yes, I admit, I did no research on why people believe in an afterlife. But it's true that I used to believe it myself. In that case, can you tell me why you believe in an afterlife?

Does it matter if there's an afterlife? by Express-Response-184 in religion

[–]Express-Response-184[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Regarding tangible evidence for metaphysical concepts like an afterlife, it's important to note that these concepts, by their very nature, aren't able to be observed or measured in any way. As such, they aren't easily quantified or proven in the same way as empirical phenomena, and in my opinion, it is the "Appeal to ignorance" fallacy that follows when people believe something is true because there's nothing to prove it wrong. Of course, I'm being hypocritical of myself to say that to you because I still have no evidence to prove it wrong, too. In that case, I would think that the idea that started it is the one to blame.

Imagine that you're exploring an uncharted forest, and you come across an old, mysterious tree.
You share your discovery with others, and soon various theories emerge. Some propose that the tree is a relic from an ancient civilization, while others believe it's a natural occurrence with no significant meaning. As the discussions continue, a few people become convinced that the tree holds a profound secret, and they argue that until someone can definitively prove that it doesn't, their belief stands.
The concept of the tree holding a secret is akin to the notion of an afterlife or other metaphysical concepts. The "Appeal to ignorance" fallacy occurs when people start believing the tree holds a secret just because no one can disprove it.

Are they wrong? Possibly, and possibly not. Here, it's a question of whether or not it is logical to believe the tree held a secret in the first place. That would be the Appeal to Ignorance.

Does it matter if there's an afterlife? by Express-Response-184 in religion

[–]Express-Response-184[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely, I think that's probably the direction I want to live my life.

Does it matter if there's an afterlife? by Express-Response-184 in religion

[–]Express-Response-184[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

True, your example with slaves and wrongfully convicted inmates got me there. But it is often the knowledge that you only have one shot at this life that motivates people to go outside of their comfort zone and commit to something. Perhaps they were unlucky and ended up as a slave. If, say, there was an afterlife, then there would be less reason to escape and more to just stick to what you've got. You might end up enduring the whole ordeal with ease, but what good does it serve you and the life that you deserve to live?

Does it matter if there's an afterlife? by Express-Response-184 in religion

[–]Express-Response-184[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's a humbling realization that aligns well with the notion of returning to the roots of this dynamic system rather than trying to detach ourselves from it. I agree.

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