Is the end of the space shuttle program a victory for Satan?

[EternalOptimist]

Dimensions even?

I heard that SasGurus head existed in 4 dimensions because it was too big for 3,
but that might have been a nasty rumour

as far as NASA is concerned, the last I heard was that their efforts have been diluted, because they are now tasked with managing other areas of science.

which is a pity

[mudskipper]

We haven't had an argument about religion for a while, so here's a thought. Maybe if there is a creator he is interested in our progress as a species, not in us as individuals.

There is no sound evidence whatever that god is concerned about us as individuals. People cite scripture but when you look at sacred texts they are a confusing mass of contradictions and the ones we know today have often survived others only because they suited a political purpose. Any god truly interested in our personal salvation would have ensured the message was a bit clearer.

On the other hand, we could argue he is interested in our species because every natural quality we have, those he presumably gave us, is geared to our survival and dominance over other species. The "awful" things men do are entirely in keeping with what we observe in other social animals like chimps, meerkats or lions. Maybe paradise is the prize for winning in a team sport. We are competing against sentient beings from other worlds to see which makes the most progress in dominating the universe.

By spending on what many think of as more worthy things instead of the space program have we just dropped the baton?

Satan is pretty well documented as targetting individuals. So if god is concerned with the species, is it a case of pennies and pounds and which you should look after? God watching the pounds, but Satan nicking pennies in their hundreds?

[Jog On]

I'm seriously thinking about going on one of these after this gig finishes and if I have a break in between.

This non-sectarian technique aims for the total eradication of mental impurities and the resultant highest happiness of full liberation. Healing, not merely the curing of diseases, but the essential healing of human suffering, is its purpose.

Vipassana is a way of self-transformation through self-observation. It focuses on the deep interconnection between mind and body, which can be experienced directly by disciplined attention to the physical sensations that form the life of the body, and that continuously interconnect and condition the life of the mind. It is this observation-based, self-exploratory journey to the common root of mind and body that dissolves mental impurity, resulting in a balanced mind full of love and compassion.

That to me is what "religion" is trying to promote and the core original message that each one has in common. Not worshipping/fearing some supernatural entity or getting wound up in dogma. Just unconditional natural happiness through merely existing. Finding the pause button for the mind and seeing what happens when thoughts stop wizzing around it.

[Zippy]

Goodbye little shuttles. I enjoyed your adventures.

For those of you who believe - you won't find God or Satan by looking up (or down)

[Zippy]

Every time I see your avatar, it reminds me of Fortune Green.

We all miss him (and others).

[Jog On]

Every time I see your avatar, it reminds me of Fortune Green.

We all miss him (and others).

I'm sure he's off posting one a day somewhere

[MarillionFan]

We all miss him (and others).

[EternalOptimist]

We all miss him (and others).

Aye.

maybe we should have a day , in November, to remember the fallen

[MarillionFan]

Aye.

maybe we should have a day , in November, to remember the fallen

Excellent Idea.

I suggest we call it 'Tay Day'

[wobbegong]

Excellent Idea.

I suggest we call it 'Tay Day'

Wasn't that Larry Grayson's catch phrase?