JediDefender.com Forums
Community => Watto's Junk Yard => Topic started by: Jesse James on February 16, 2004, 02:43 PM
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I don't usually get into deep thought, but with one class I'm taking I am somewhat forced into self-reflection and evaluation of who I am and how I behave with and to my fellow man.
I go to a private Catholic College Northeast of Pittsburgh, but relatively close to the city (like 15 minutes). As it's a Catholic school, I'm forced to take a religious studies/philosophy course as part of my curriculum. That, at first, seemed AOK by me, as I'm always open to broadening my mind to new things. No biggie, right?
Well, last semester I took "Introduction to World Religions" because I thought it'd be pretty basic, and give me some grassroots knowledge about religions that (at the time) I thought I already had at least a loose understanding of.
I found out that my instructor, a Catholic priest and a nice guy (don't let my following negative opinion sour you on the kinda guy he is), had different things in mind. The class encompassed everything from North and South American Indian religious beliefs to religions of the ancient world... And it ran right up through current religions as well.
A very difficult course ultimately, so I wound up withdrawing because my GPA has to be relatively high for some of my grants and financial aid to be approved. Better a W than an F.
So this semester I replaced the previous Rel/Phil class with "Contemporary Moral Problems in Modern Society".
Quite a mouthful.
I've found it a bit more easy to comprehend, as there's much less terminology that has words that are completely foreign to me. Literally. World Religions of course has tons of terms that are simply not easily translated to the English language so it almost felt like learning some other language necessary for theology classes last semester.
Anyway, my Morality class I'm taking this semester is still difficult because I find my instructor (same priest as last semester) is simply a tough instructor in both his pace and the material he covers.
The class though, discusses various ethical theories and ideas... Thing's like Kantian Deontologism, Ross's "Prima Facie" Deontologism, Egoism (What I've determined I practice), various forms of Utilitarianism, Libertarianism, etc...
Lots of stuff, simpler to understand though because the basic root of these terms aren't foreign to me so I can cope with this class more.
Anyway, the class makes you reflect on yourself somewhat, because we discuss various ethical situations, and how we personally would react to them.
I find that, when it comes to business (which both my majors are central to) I tend to focus on performing efficiently... As I should. To acheive the maximum benefit for the most people. This sometimes includes difficult choices though, like say cutting benefits to employees when a company is failing (a fairly simplistic example, but you get the point).
On the issue of personal ethical choices though, I find I'm much more the egoist. To those who dislike me, it's probably no surprise. To myself, I was slightly surprised to the extent it was, but overall I expected it since I like to think I know myself fairly well, and I know that I like to make myself happy foremost.
In personal decisions, few outside individuals actually ever influenced me.
So, do you ever do self-reflection and realize you're a jagoff too?
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More and more frequently I'm being remided of how horrible of an excuss for a person I am. I've done alot of bad things to alot of people and now that I try to apologize to them, they wont accept it. I'm really trying to salvage anything that I can from them, but I don't know if I can. It brings me to tears that after all the things I've evn done to some people they can still say that they love me or that they care about me. :-[
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It depends,if you're one of my uberbestfriends,I treat you like royalty and an equal.If you're anything below that,I have a certain sense of Hubris that shows,though,I'm still nice to you.
However,if you're my enemey...heheh.Well,lets just say I let my words fight for me.I find that pyscoligical warfare is quite effective.
So I suppose,I have certain wankoffy tendencies...
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I find that I'm not very easy to get along with. To most people, anyways. I tend to be stubborn and self-centered, but not too any sort of extremes. Of course, I am the baby of the family, so I guess these traits are just inherent. :P
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According to a recent exam, I'm headed for Purgatory. Not bad, considering that was the best result one could hope to receive. ;)
Check out Dante's Inferno Test here (http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-test.mv).
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8th layer of hell baby,yeah!
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i am going to the 6th level of hell...i thought i was a pretty good person
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8th layer of hell baby,yeah!
That's working it. I'd ask how you got there but the details would scare me and serve as a road map for your peers.
i am going to the 6th level of hell...i thought i was a pretty good person
Ditto.
Anyone else with me in Purgatory? Will it be lonely at the top?
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Sixth Level of Hell - The City of Dis. 8) You are not alone! ;D
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Damn,I didn't know I was that bad!Everyone goes to the sixth layer of hell but me!
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Anyone else with me in Purgatory? Will it be lonely at the top?
Purgatory :D
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Third Level.
I dont trust this things judgement.
Kevin
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Woo! Purgatory for me! ;D
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I'm not sure how I'm suppose to take this. I'm going to the 8th level of hell. Damn...........
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Welcome to the club,help yourself to chips and soda.
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Wow, surprisingly - I'm only headed to the THIRD level of hell... Not bad! 8) My favorite question (true/false) was:
A pimp is a good thing to be. :P
As for Jesse's original thoughts here, I really think I'm both - good and bad. It fluctuates at different times, and definitely at different periods in my life. I know in recent years I've become much more jaded and cautious/skeptical towards others, whereas I used to be the jolliest dude around, the life of the party, and everybody's best bud. Not anymore though really... Much more protective and "sheltered" now that I'm older. I wouldn't necessarily say that I'm "bad" now, as much as I would say that someone else has to prove to me that they're "good" before I'm accepting of them.
I guess it's just a natural progression into adulthood, and probably a direct result of living in Los Angeles for the past 7 years as well... Not a real good place sometimes, if you get my drift. So you've gotta keep on your toes and protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property. Didn't always used to be that way though... :-\ I certainly wouldn't mind going back to my younger and happier days, when I didn't have a care in the world, and was totally fearless. But you live and learn, and adapt I guess.
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Wow, surprisingly - I'm only headed to the THIRD level of hell... Not bad!
Ill bring the Nachos.
You bring the toys.
Kevin
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Sorry Kev, but my disgusting greediness over the toys is a big part of what dropped me all the way down to the third level here, so I'll be leaving all of those behind. I'm definitely up for some of your nachos though... Thanks! 8)
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Third level too. I believe I have been judged too kindly.
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I'm head for the first level of hell or limbo. I wonder what I would have to answer to get into Haven.
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Is it bad when, after taking the test, you're told that you aren't desired within hell due to the fear of your taking over the joint?
If that is bad, ignore what I just said and don't bother me for a while.
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The sweet light no longer strikes against your eyes. Your shade has been banished to... the Third Level of Hell!
Well at least I won't be lonely. ;)
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Is it bad when, after taking the test, you're told that you aren't desired within hell due to the fear of your taking over the joint?
If that is bad, ignore what I just said and don't bother me for a while.
;D
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Second Level of Hell...The Lustful...
Oooohhh Riiiight! 8)
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So only three of us are bad ?
C'mon,c'mon!
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Hey Lando, wanna beer?
Purgatory Repenting Believers Low
Level 1 - Limbo Virtuous Non-Believers Moderate
Level 2 Lustful Very High
Level 3 Gluttonous Moderate
Level 4 Prodigal and Avaricious Low
Level 5 Wrathful and Gloomy Low
Level 6 - The City of Dis Heretics Low
Level 7 Violent Moderate
Level 8- the Malebolge Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers High
Level 9 - Cocytus Treacherous Low
Nice to see I'm lustful but the malicious description from level 8 is fairly accurate. To be somewhat biblical, I have the patience of Job but don't piss me off or break what I consider to be rules, you will fall very quickly and I will act or wish things maliciously.
FWIW and it may be age related I often re-evaluate where I am and what I'm doing. I try very, very hard to evaluate all sides and put aside my own personal biases. I fail at that and am hypocritical often. That, I think, is simply human nature (the hypocrisy). I think relatively few people examine their actions and certainly it is not that common in the younger folks. No malice intended there, more a reflection of what I and my peers were like during our teen years. Self indulgence tends to be more prevalent. Simple fact. Those that rise above that at that age are to be congratulated. Those that do not should be tolerated as best as can be, given that they may be headed for change without realizing it.
I am tolerant but arrogant. I am cynical but optimistic. I am kind but protective of those I care about to the point of malice. I am often wrong and recognize and try to correct that. I try to be a kid and have fun, lest work drag me to where I seem destined.
Sorry, but in a general malaise of late. Collecting has been tough lately. Great folks helping out left, right and center but geez, I'd just like to find something on the pegs at retail price. Whoulda thunk that toys could become so serious. Loser.
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I would be headed for the 3rd level... if I wasn't Catholic. A couple of Hail Mary's and I'll be in the clear. :-*
Be sure to pack warmly, folks. :P
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I would be headed for the 3rd level... if I wasn't Catholic. A couple of Hail Mary's and I'll be in the clear. :-*
Be sure to pack warmly, folks. :P
Ill see you there. Im a renegade catholic, and hail marys and and our father arent gonna help us at all. :-\
Kevin
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I'll probably be joining somewhere between the 4th and 6th levels.
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Is it bad when, after taking the test, you're told that you aren't desired within hell due to the fear of your taking over the joint?
If that is bad, ignore what I just said and don't bother me for a while.
Don't sweat it JJ, the test said I'm cruel, vindictive, and hateful and as such I'm headed for the 5th level of hell along the river styx where the wrathful and gloomy go. Kinda funny, I thought I would be more gloomy than wrathful, but the test says otherwise and who am I to disagree with the internet. ;) Well at least it makes my avatar more apt. :P
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And I've been through New Jersey and it's not a far cry from the 5th level of hell. It all gels when you think about it.
I can't take credit for the test though. I actually just posted a topic about self-reflection. Something I had to do a **** load of tonight. ::) I came to few conclusions.
Aww crap, I used a roll-eyes smiley. I have caught something from going to Scum too often. GNT and his devout following of mimicing maroons have somehow infected me!
Epiphanies?
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Level 3.
I'd say I'm a relatively moral person, despite my Level 3 score. Sometimes I'll get in the mood to be down on myself and say I'm so terrible and this and that... but realistically, I'm a decent person. I just hate everyone here.
:-\
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Level 3.
I'd say I'm a relatively moral person, despite my Level 3 score. Sometimes I'll get in the mood to be down on myself and say I'm so terrible and this and that... but realistically, I'm a decent person. I just hate everyone here.
:-\
You bring soda?
I have morals, its just that sometimes, I chose to ignore them, and do whats wrong, knowing what I am about to do is wrong.
Kevin
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Much like everything else, I think being a "bad person" is relative to each individual's definition of what "bad" is. I've always tried to follow the Golden Rule -- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (or something like that ;)) It's tough, but I think I've basically adhered to it my whole life...so far. However, as JediMac confessed, I too have become more and more pessimistic and mistrustful of others...basically as a defense mechanism to what others have done to me. This makes following the Golden Rule all the more difficult. Now, instead of being very outgoing and friendly, I'm more apt to just be quiet and reserved; waiting for others to show friendliness first. This is something I know I have to work on (admitting you have a problem is the first step...).
And as far as that Dante test, I wonder how the hell ;) I'm going to the 2nd level of Hell! For crying out loud, I'm a moral vegetarian and I've never even been pulled over for a traffic offense in 19 years of driving! What's the goddamn probl...Ohhhhh...okay. Nevermind. ;)
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I just hate everyone here.
:-\
Even me? Shocked, I am. To say the least.
That quiz was pretty easy to figure out. Try to be a good Catholic (I am not, btw) and you end up in Purgatory. Anything less and you are going down baby.
Remember the following:
You will go blind. ;)
You are not entitled to want.
Sex is for procreation, nothing more, nothing less. And don't you dare enjoy it (why, oh why am I thinking Monty Python right now? ::))
If you make it big, give it to the church. All of it.
I did like the tidbits of pro-environmentalism in there. Since when did vehicle type become a consideration of Catholicism??? SUV's are indeed the anti-Christ? And here I thought minivans were.
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Ill see you there. Im a renegade catholic, and hail marys and and our father arent gonna help us at all. :-\
Kevin
Dear Kevin,
We're sorry that our belief system no longer meets your spiritual needs. As such, we are relinquishing you from your contract without penalty. For your convenience, we have made arrangements for your long-term stay at another establishment upon your earthly demise. Furthermore, just for trying Catholicism, we have upgraded your accomodations to the 9th level of Hotel Hell. They'll leave the light on for you.
Regards,
St. Peter
Heaven
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I'll be on the 2nd layer of hell, with all the other horny bastards around here. :)
It was that or level 3 . I guess I'm a horny, greedy bastard because I have sex and don't give money to the church.
Of course, if I did....they'd use it to settle lawsuits with the parents of the little boys the priests raped, so you're kind of damned if you do and damned if you don't.
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:o
Oh sure, I thought about saying it, but...
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It's those damned sex questions that sctrewed me over, no pun intended. ;)
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I don't know what I said that was that bad,though?The money ones probably.
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Dear Kevin,
We're sorry that our belief system no longer meets your spiritual needs. As such, we are relinquishing you from your contract without penalty. For your convenience, we have made arrangements for your long-term stay at another establishment upon your earthly demise. Furthermore, just for trying Catholicism, we have upgraded your accomodations to the 9th level of Hotel Hell. They'll leave the light on for you.
Regards,
St. Peter
Heaven
I look at it this way, with an angle pulled from the movie Dogma, suprisingly, that its better to have an idea, than a belief. You can change your ideas.
I still go to church every sunday, btu I cant understand why the church wants to mourn the death of Christ, instead of celebrating the fact that we get eternal life.
Kevin
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gong to hell. Oh yeah baby. Going to hell. Chalk another one up for people who hate me and can make me cry. Kerry Baxter, you are satan.
I like the version of hell in the movie HE double hockey sticks just because it portrays hell as a business and you can work your way up the ranks if you work hard enough. "I'ts not the heat, it's the humidity"
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I look at it this way, with an angle pulled from the movie Dogma, suprisingly, that its better to have an idea, than a belief. You can change your ideas.
I still go to church every sunday, btu I cant understand why the church wants to mourn the death of Christ, instead of celebrating the fact that we get eternal life.
Kevin
Not ragging on you, Kevin; just having a little fun. You said you were a renegade Catholic. Truth is, I'm more removed from the processions than you. You go to church weekly. I pass by church... on my way to look for toys.
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Well, with the church thing, Im forced to go. Try skipping church in my house, and you might catch a bullet in the kneecaps.
Kevin
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No. I am not a nice guy. I get very violent, even on medicine to help me. I get stubburned for no reason. You put me w/ kids and i will get on the floor w/ them. The worse of the worst are child molesters and rapists w/o a doubt. What should happen to them i don't wish on anyone else. And yes, I Am Hell Bound and in time i will either show them hell or take them there w/ me. Fk 'm !! >:(
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I took the test and apparently I'm a 'lustful heretic'. It stuck me in the 6th level though, even though the lustful only to go level 2. I guess I'm a worse person than greedy or glutonous people. **** that.
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As Stormie said.
Much like everything else, I think being a "bad person" is relative to each individual's definition of what "bad" is. I've always tried to follow the Golden Rule -- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (or something like that ) It's tough, but I think I've basically adhered to it my whole life...so far. However, as JediMac confessed, I too have become more and more pessimistic and mistrustful of others...basically as a defense mechanism to what others have done to me. This makes following the Golden Rule all the more difficult. Now, instead of being very outgoing and friendly, I'm more apt to just be quiet and reserved; waiting for others to show friendliness first. This is something I know I have to work on (admitting you have a problem is the first step...).
It is all true to myself as well.
Now for my results... I do not agree with them. Like many of you I thought I was a better person. According to this test I am one bad person. :'(
On the good side it is Lucky #7! :D
Seventh Level of Hell
Guarded by the Minotaur, who snarls in fury, and encircled within the river Phlegethon, filled with boiling blood, is the Seventh Level of Hell. The violent, the assasins, the tyrants, and the war-mongers lament their pitiless mischiefs in the river, while centaurs armed with bows and arrows shoot those who try to escape their punishment. The stench here is overpowering. This level is also home to the wood of the suicides- stunted and gnarled trees with twisting branches and poisoned fruit. At the time of final judgement, their bodies will hang from their branches. In those branches the Harpies, foul birdlike creatures with human faces, make their nests. Beyond the wood is scorching sand where those who committed violence against God and nature are showered with flakes of fire that rain down against their naked bodies. Blasphemers and sodomites writhe in pain, their tongues more loosed to lamentation, and out of their eyes gushes forth their woe. Usurers, who followed neither nature nor art, also share company in the Seventh Level.
As for the other level listings... wow I am a bad person.
Level Who are sent there? Score
Purgatory Repenting Believers Very Low
Level 1 - Limbo Virtuous Non-Believers High
Level 2 Lustful High
Level 3 Gluttonous Moderate
Level 4 Prodigal and Avaricious Very Low
Level 5 Wrathful and Gloomy Moderate
Level 6 - The City of Dis Heretics High
Level 7 Violent Very High
Level 8- the Malebolge Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers Moderate
Level 9 - Cocytus Treacherous Moderate
Raised as a Catholic trying to do well in life, I have always put others before myself which has done some harm to my well being. I am just stubborn when it comes to me. I would rather help out others in life before I take care and help myself.
In my life I have been all the way to the top down to the bottom and back. I have learned from my mistakes to make life better. I have succeeded more times that I thought I could and failed more times than I can remember. It is life. Not too long ago in my life things were not looking good for me and I had a serious self reflection time. I was heading down the wrong path and I was builiding walls up all around me. There were things in my life that I had to come to realize and deal with instead of trying to be something that I was not. I hurt many people who were close to me and for that I have said I am sorry more times than I can remeber. Due to my fall in life I have lost many friends who I know will never forgive me. I have accepted that they are now no longer part of my life. I have torn down the walls that I have built up. It is sad that many of those walls still haunt me from time to time. No one is perfect we all fail from time to time.
I have moved on with my life and have accepted who, what, type of person I am. I hate labels of any kind for a person. We are all human of all types. Though I was raised a Catholic I do not believe that any religion in the world is totally correct. They all have their Pros and Cons. I feel that if you are just good to your fellow person and just live life and be there for others that makes you a good person. The definition of "bad" is what you personally make of it. If the world does not want to accept me for who I am. Then I have learned to say "F-It" and go on with my life. You cannot please everyone.
Wow. Self Reflection... try not to dwell on it to much. It will only make you feel worse than things really are. Everyone here is A GOOD PERSON. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
Now Group Hug! :-*
Well if anyone is going to be joining me in the 7th Level of Hell I have the drinks (the good kind)! ;)
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I'll drink w/ ya and break any rules that that need apply !
"....forget about the check, we'll get Hell to pay, Have A Drink On Me... !!" - AC/DC
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I dont belive in Hell, but if I had to choose what the most bogus part of the survey was, it'd be the questions. They give you like 20 questions to sum yourself up.
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I hear ya. I just came on and liked the subject and added my own answers. I do have to go back and see what's up?
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Level 5.
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Level 5.
Ha Ha welcome to Hell.
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As Stormie said. Much like everything else, I think being a "bad person" is relative to each individual's definition of what "bad" is. I've always tried to follow the Golden Rule -- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (or something like that ) It's tough, but I think I've basically adhered to it my whole life...so far. However, as JediMac confessed, I too have become more and more pessimistic and mistrustful of others...basically as a defense mechanism to what others have done to me. This makes following the Golden Rule all the more difficult. Now, instead of being very outgoing and friendly, I'm more apt to just be quiet and reserved; waiting for others to show friendliness first. This is something I know I have to work on (admitting you have a problem is the first step...).
It is all true to myself as well.
Now for my results... I do not agree with them. Like many of you I thought I was a better person. According to this test I am one bad person. :'(
On the good side it is Lucky #7! :D
Seventh Level of Hell
Guarded by the Minotaur, who snarls in fury, and encircled within the river Phlegethon, filled with boiling blood, is the Seventh Level of Hell. The violent, the assasins, the tyrants, and the war-mongers lament their pitiless mischiefs in the river, while centaurs armed with bows and arrows shoot those who try to escape their punishment. The stench here is overpowering. This level is also home to the wood of the suicides- stunted and gnarled trees with twisting branches and poisoned fruit. At the time of final judgement, their bodies will hang from their branches. In those branches the Harpies, foul birdlike creatures with human faces, make their nests. Beyond the wood is scorching sand where those who committed violence against God and nature are showered with flakes of fire that rain down against their naked bodies. Blasphemers and sodomites writhe in pain, their tongues more loosed to lamentation, and out of their eyes gushes forth their woe. Usurers, who followed neither nature nor art, also share company in the Seventh Level.
As for the other level listings... wow I am a bad person.
Level Who are sent there? Score
Purgatory Repenting Believers Very Low
Level 1 - Limbo Virtuous Non-Believers High
Level 2 Lustful High
Level 3 Gluttonous Moderate
Level 4 Prodigal and Avaricious Very Low
Level 5 Wrathful and Gloomy Moderate
Level 6 - The City of Dis Heretics High
Level 7 Violent Very High
Level 8- the Malebolge Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers Moderate
Level 9 - Cocytus Treacherous Moderate
Raised as a Catholic trying to do well in life, I have always put others before myself which has done some harm to my well being. I am just stubborn when it comes to me. I would rather help out others in life before I take care and help myself.
In my life I have been all the way to the top down to the bottom and back. I have learned from my mistakes to make life better. I have succeeded more times that I thought I could and failed more times than I can remember. It is life. Not too long ago in my life things were not looking good for me and I had a serious self reflection time. I was heading down the wrong path and I was builiding walls up all around me. There were things in my life that I had to come to realize and deal with instead of trying to be something that I was not. I hurt many people who were close to me and for that I have said I am sorry more times than I can remeber. Due to my fall in life I have lost many friends who I know will never forgive me. I have accepted that they are now no longer part of my life. I have torn down the walls that I have built up. It is sad that many of those walls still haunt me from time to time. No one is perfect we all fail from time to time.
I have moved on with my life and have accepted who, what, type of person I am. I hate labels of any kind for a person. We are all human of all types. Though I was raised a Catholic I do not believe that any religion in the world is totally correct. They all have their Pros and Cons. I feel that if you are just good to your fellow person and just live life and be there for others that makes you a good person. The definition of "bad" is what you personally make of it. If the world does not want to accept me for who I am. Then I have learned to say "F-It" and go on with my life. You cannot please everyone.
Wow. Self Reflection... try not to dwell on it to much. It will only make you feel worse than things really are. Everyone here is A GOOD PERSON. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
Now Group Hug! :-*
Well if anyone is going to be joining me in the 7th Level of Hell I have the drinks (the good kind)! ;)
Ah boba Binks are you infringing on my territory Do you know what that minotaurs name is? I'll give you a hint look at my screen name
for the record I'm not a bad person...I'm not exactly human though so F off all of you
by the Way I don't see anyone giving Dante' credit for his divine comedy ....i may have to put you all in the inferno for the non credited references.
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Purgatory: You have escaped damnation and made it to Purgatory, a place where the dew of repentance washes off the stain of sin and girds the spirit with humility. Through contrition, confession, and satisfaction by works of righteousness, you must make your way up the mountain. As the sins are cleansed from your soul, you will be illuminated by the Sun of Divine Grace, and you will join other souls, smiling and happy, upon the summit of this mountain. Before long you will know the joys of Paradise as you ascend to the ethereal realm of Heaven.
And I'm not even Catholic, so I guess that boots me down to Level 1. :P
Purgatory Repenting Believers High
Level 1 - Limbo Virtuous Non-Believers Low
Level 2 Lustful Low
Level 3 Gluttonous Moderate
Level 4 Prodigal and Avaricious Low
Level 5 Wrathful and Gloomy Moderate
Level 6 - The City of Dis Heretics Very Low
Level 7 Violent Low
Level 8- the Malebolge Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers Moderate
Level 9 - Cocytus Treacherous Low
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Well they threw me onto level 2 - the lustful. I'm glad all that time I spent studying Dante has finally paid off.
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Level 2... I guess if I'm going to hell anyway, might as well start being worse.
:P