Charles,
My point is that everyone on this public forum is stating their opinion and beliefs. There is no proof. No one can offer proof only thier experiences; and if someone could offer proof would we belive it? I am not saying we can not, or should not use our rational mind to make sense of our beliefs and opinions, but arguing or trying to disprove anothers beliefs is not, in my opinion, going to get you closer to the truth. If a piece of information resonates then we challange it within ourselves and come to our own conclusions. If there is no proof of the kind of experiences and beliefs that are spoken about on this thread, then how are we to deny they are real? I just don't see how anyone can claim they have the ultimate grasp of truth, or that this person or that has all the inside knowledge of truth.
To many of us on John Lears thread we have been following his thoughts for a long time and have come to respect and understand where he is comming from. Do we blindly follow him and everything he says? Quite the opposit.
Debate to understand is one thing, and debate to prove yourself right is another.
Just my thoughts.