The Occult

The left-hand path (LHP) and right-hand path (RHP) are two contrasting approaches to spirituality and magic, often differentiated by their focus on individualism versus conformity. The RHP generally involves following a traditional, external moral code, seeking to unite with a higher power through submission and community. Conversely, the LHP emphasizes self-empowerment and individualism, seeking self-deification by breaking taboos and integrating both the light and the dark aspects of existence.

Right-Hand Path (RHP)

• Focus: Submission to a higher power or divine source.
• Goal: Union with the divine, often through community and adherence to established religious or moral codes.
• Practices: Often involves seeking order, unity, and working towards collective spiritual goals.

Left-Hand Path (LHP)

• Focus: Individualism and self-empowerment.
• Goal: Self-deification and achieving a form of godhood, not by submission but by self-creation.
• Practices: Involves breaking rules and taboos to gain knowledge and power, and integrating both light and shadow aspects of existence.

My Twin Brother

The name Didymus Judas Thomas refers to the apostle Thomas, with "Didymus" (Greek) and "Thomas" (Aramaic) both meaning "twin". Gnostic texts, such as the Gospel of Thomas and the Acts of Thomas, present a tradition that Thomas was the identical twin brother of Jesus and give his full name as Judas Thomas. However, this is not supported by the canonical Gospels, which list Jesus's brothers as James, Joses/Joseph, Simon, and Judas, and clearly distinguish them from the Twelve Apostles.

Key details about the tradition of Thomas being Jesus's twin brother

• Twinship: The names Thomas and Didymus both mean "twin". The Gospel of Thomas suggests that Jesus and the reader are identical twins, while other texts like the Acts of Thomas and Book of Thomas the Contender explicitly state that Thomas was Jesus's twin brother.
• Full Name: Some sources, like the Gospel of Thomas, identify the apostle by the full name Judas Thomas, making him a second Judas in addition to Judas Iscariot.
• Canonical Gospels: The canonical New Testament does not mention Thomas having a twin or being Jesus's brother. It does mention Jesus had brothers named James, Joses/Joseph, Simon, and Judas, but these are presented separately from the Twelve Apostles.
• Gnostic interpretation: The idea that Thomas was Jesus's twin brother comes from later Gnostic texts, which present a different understanding of Jesus and his relationship to his followers. Some scholars suggest this was a way to elevate Thomas's status or lend authority to their writings, or it could be a symbolic representation of the earthly and spiritual sides of Jesus.

The Middle Way

"The middle way" is a concept primarily from Buddhism that advocates for a path of moderation between two extremes: asceticism (self-mortification) and sensual indulgence. This balanced approach, which also refers to the Noble Eightfold Path, serves as a guide for spiritual practice and daily life, and it has a philosophical interpretation that avoids metaphysical extremes of existence and non-existence.

In Buddhist practice

• Avoidance of extremes: The Buddha identified that both self-denial and the pursuit of pleasure were detrimental to enlightenment. He found that a balanced approach, like tuning a lute to the right tension, was the path forward.
• Noble Eightfold Path: The middle way is often synonymous with the Noble Eightfold Path, which is the practical guide for achieving liberation. This path consists of eight practices, including right view, right resolve, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
• Pleasure and pain: Instead of avoiding pleasure and pain entirely, the middle way involves using them as tools. For example, pain can be used for heedfulness, and pleasure can be used as a support for practice, but not in a way that leads to clinging or attachment.

A Father Son Disagreement

Walter Jr. (also known as Flynn) is well known in the Breaking Bad series for his significant appetite for breakfast and his frequent appearances in breakfast scenes. The focus on his breakfast consumption became a running joke among fans and a deliberate, symbolic element used by the show's creator, Vince Gilligan, to mark the passing of time and highlight the family dynamic and its eventual breakdown.

Religion For Breakfast

Religion for Breakfast is a YouTube channel dedicated to the academic study of religion. RFB’s goal is to boost religious literacy by producing high-quality educational videos.