Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

This is all from a private message with a friend I will not name.

My message to the friend, I am showing you a picture of a group of native people. Most people don’t see what I often see and I will give you another picture so you can better understand. This is only the simple thinking I could spend time and get more but would get even more talking with them or seeing them interact with others. Now with my ideas added to give an example. “All this is relating to the children in a picture I shared with my friend.” So the child misbehaving is likely unhappy about something, I would assume it could be something long term as this allows the Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) behaviors to develop, and him doing this in the photo could be expressing an internal drive for fighting back (fight or flight amygdala response).

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)  “Even the best-behaved children can be difficult and challenging at times. But if your child or teenager has a frequent and persistent pattern of anger, irritability, arguing, defiance or vindictiveness toward you and other authority figures, he or she may have oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oppositional-defiant-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20375831

Causes???  There’s no known clear cause of oppositional defiant disorder. Contributing causes may be a combination of inherited and environmental factors, including:  Genetics — a child’s natural disposition or temperament and possibly neurobiological differences in the way nerves and the brain function Environment — problems with parenting that may involve a lack of supervision, inconsistent or harsh discipline, or abuse or neglect.  Risk factors???  Oppositional defiant disorder is a complex problem. Possible risk factors for ODD include:  Temperament — a child who has a temperament that includes difficulty regulating emotions, such as being highly emotionally reactive to situations or having trouble tolerating frustration Parenting issues — a child who experiences abuse or neglect, harsh or inconsistent discipline, or a lack of parental supervision Other family issues — a child who lives with parent or family discord or has a parent with a mental health or substance use disorder Environment — oppositional and defiant behaviors can be strengthened and reinforced through attention from peers and inconsistent discipline from other authority figures, such as teachers. I wanted you to understand I see details others look right at and miss. I only look big and stupid. lol

“Dude, I wasn’t questioning your credentials. Just was stating the approach you use does not work for me. I never said you were uneducated. Just that a lighter touch on the world works better for me. You need to breath. You keep sending me a lot of information that I didn’t ask for. Yet again, I just stated the approach to my agnostic/atheistic beliefs was different. That’s it. Breathe.” – Friend

My response, I apologize. I guess I am taking it wrong as I am still working through my mom’s death. Thanks for letting me know.

“Sorry to hear again about your Mother’s death. You don’t need to over-prove yourself to me. Focus on being ok in this moment. That’s all you can do. It’s really hard dealing with the death of a loved one and I’m sorry that you are dealing with it amidst so much chaos in the world right now.” – Friend

My response, I was trying to defend myself not as any attack to you. I how you did not feel that way and if you did I am sorry. I was not trying to do that.

“No, I did not feel attacked. Just over-barraged when I’m overtired. Just try to breathe, my friend. We are all only human.” – Friend

My response, I have been a little emotionally high-strung, even my wife said she may have to go in the other room as I am too intense for her right now.

“Don’t be afraid to cry and scream if you have to.” – Friend

My response, I am just trying to deal. Life was already about unbearable so this makes it feel like I am drowning, but I am feeling a bit better every day. I agree, I am only human.

“You are. We all are only human. And this is a collective traumatic event. And you are dealing with a family death on top of that, Breathe. And remember, you don’t have to over-defend right now. Just focus on surviving and feeling better.” – Friend

My response, I am trying, it’s all hard. And I fear a future that trump wins and more of this trump nightmare.

“Me too. Trump is horrible. Just try to focus on the right now I’m going to go. Are you going to be alright?” – Friend

My response, I am trying to post stuff and get my feelings out.

“That’s fair. Go have a great time. :)” – Friend

My response, Thanks. 🙂 Try to feel better. Maybe watch a movie and breathe. You don’t have to prove yourself right now.

———————————–

“Are you feeling any better?” – Friend

My response, Yes, I went and reread one of my books on religion in evolution. It was slower and more relaxing than chatting with people online. I felt calmer after reading.

“Good to hear!” – Friend

My response, Thanks, I have a few big boring books to read. Lol

My response, I reread some of the bottom right book. It is funny how much I forget.

“You’re human. We all have to read and reread texts to remember and memorize. That’s why studying is a thing, as you know, I usually don’t remember everything on my first read.” – Friend

My response, I was just surprised. I was thinking. I read this book, right? Lol I agree. Even sports greats practice all-day. It’s just sad how much I forget.

“I’m heading to bed but before I do, are you doing ok, dude?” – Friend

My response, Yes, I am feeling better not crying all day anymore. And I was able to start working again. I was not able until two days ago. Thanks for asking.

Good to hear! 

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My response, I kind of ran out of Archaeology Podcast Network podcasts and Wisecast Podcasts while working on lab work, so I’ve been listening to Startalk lately. At the very least Tyson and his guests are always interesting.

Will Yellowstone Supervolcano Erupt? Neil deGrasse Tyson & Volcanologist Janine Krippner Investigate” – Friend

My response, Thanks I will check it out when I get a chance.

“No problem. I kind of ran out of Archaeology Podcast Network podcasts and Wisecast Podcasts while working on lab work, so I’ve been listening to Startalk lately. At the very least Tyson and his guests are always interesting.” – Friend

My response, Right on, I like him and think I will enjoy it. I like Startalk but not as a crazy fan, just enjoied the show.

“Fair. I’ll have to actually read his books, when I’m finally done with my thesis ???? Before then, no time. Anyways, enjoy your day!” – Friend

My response, I appreciate your care and thoughtfulness. Take care. We have to look out for each other. We live in an age where politicians are literally debating whether or not to let people die for short-term profit amidst a world collapsing. Take care.

“You too. :)” – Friend

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“Happy late New Year! My apologies, I’ve been relatively absentee on LinkedIn, lately. I hope your holidays are treating you well.” – Friend

My response, Happy New Year to you as well my friend. You had asked me about the stone tools I would like replicas of. I am wanting one of each of these so three total.

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

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“Statistical assessment of the temporal and cultural relationship between the Lomekwian 3 dates to 3.3 million years ago and Oldowan 2.58 million years ago to 1.6 stone tool cultures. Results suggest the Lomekwian and Oldoan result from the same cultural process. Both should currently be considered part of the same cultural evolutionary process.”
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352409X23000093

“Thank you!” – Friend

My response, It can be in any rock you want as it does not have to look real as it is just a physical reference so people can get a feel of prehistory.

“That’s fair. Good to know! I will probably get to work on them at some point after this week. How are things going with you?” – Friend

My response, I am feeling a little better now that the political stuff seems to be getting closer to being done from right-wing terrorism. I am managing better my moms’ death. I just keep working to finish my book. It’s sad when work feels comforting.  lol

“lol It’s the reality right now. I found the moment I had time (for instance, this past week after I finished the second form of analysis) was really hard because I finally had time to process a few of my friendships that had falling apart. Know that things will improve. Keep going. But if it is all hitting you hard, please rest.” – Friend

My response, I have had to rest more, that is for sure. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and hope things for you, go great. 🙂

“Thanks. I hope things go great for you too. :)” – Friend

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“Congratulations on your work anniversary!” – Friend

My response, I appreciate your support. 🙂

“Ditto. :)” – Friend

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

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“You did a great job! I’ll have to think about whether or not I feel comfortable enough to share it on my profile later because we do have very different perspectives regarding culture. But your artwork is definitely continuing to improve. You have some good points. You are definitely doing excellent work, my friend. Keep it up!” – Friend

My response, I have another that goes with that.

My response, And also this:

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

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“Excellent job 🙂 No problem. As you say, we rise by supporting and helping each other. You’re definitely increasing those skills, my friend.” – Friend

My response, I appreciate that and I only have one more art to do and I start to finish my book. 🙂

“Awesome 🙂 That must feel nice!” – Friend

My response, Yes, over ten years, 2006 actually was the real start. Tons of research, but now I finish it off so it flows and then done. 🙂

“Wow! My friend, that is a lot of time and effort. Congratulations! Good job!” – Friend

My response, I started with actually knowing nothing about cultures or religions in the world, and have learned a little of it all now. And that is sort of the main point of my book that religions are a cultural product and were spread by people migrating and by transfer to were many crossed the globe.

“Fair. You keep doing you and keep knocking it out of the park! I will do that and I really see your improvement as well. I think you are doing great work.” – Friend

My response, Thank you! I appreciate it. Some days it feels less like it lol But that’s why we practice. And imposter syndrome isn’t always an accurate reflector of reality. And when you are focusing hard it is easy to miss the big picture and thus lack an accurate assessment.

“Very true. I was born missing the three middle fingers on my left hand. And I have occasionally been harassed on and off the field about it. I recently came forward about it to a lot of people which was difficult because admitting something that makes you different in the eyes of others can feel like admitting defeat. But the reality is most people, including fellow archaeologists, didn’t see it as making me lesser when I came forward about it. In fact, a lot of them showed me direct support. It’s that reminder that sometimes we see ourselves as less worthy because we beat ourselves up and/or some toxic people do it for us. But when we keep going, and occasionally when we take a moment to be honest with ourselves and breath, we realize we are actually farther ahead than we thought.” – Friend

“I feel for you that you experienced abuse. And I admire your bravery in talking out. I also used to be much heavier and still have some pudge. Unfortunately, some archaeologists can be very cruel about these things. Academics included. Thank you!” – Friend

“It is difficult to talk about these things.” – Friend

My response, I relate with you. I have had weight issues only later in life. Like ever since a big rig accident and my losing my ability to work and I have times I can’t even walk and have gotten fat due to being depressed about all that. That was like 12 years ago it helped give me time to do my book though…. 🙂 I was not heavy in school though:

My response, Look at me at 14, such a sweet and loving child… WELL And, yes, I do think I have improved in my art, we improve what we work to improve I guess. lol But seriously, I care that you are doing good and enjoy your furthered success. 

“I care that you are doing good and enjoy your success too.” – Friend

My response, Thanks. And you shouldn’t feel bad about your weight. Weight fluctuates. It’s a normal part of life. It’s bigots and bullies that try to frame it differently.

“I hope you feel good and confident in who you are.” – Friend

My response, I try hard not to bully others.

“Well, it’s something we all need to work on. I may be a “nice” and “good person”. But sometimes even I get carried away trying to make a point. It’s balancing being assertive and confident while not perpetuating toxicity that is important.” – Friend

My response,I have also lost about 100 lbs, since the lockdowns.

“It’s tricky, Good job, Damien!” – Friend

My response, Do what makes you happy. Don’t focus on what others think any more than we have to (and yes on LinkedIn we have to slightly care what others think lol)

“I agree.” – Friend

My response, I have been trying to not take things as personal and just focus on improving myself.

“Good on you. Me too. I think coming forward about my left hand to a lot of people recently helped give me a lot more insight and confidence. I was tempted to make a post about it on LinkedIn today but I do have to be careful; if I make it sound like I’m calling out specific individuals and companies on a professional format then my career could be over even sooner. So it’s being strategic about it.” – Friend

My response, You are smart.

“I have my moments. You are smart too, Damien!” – Friend

My response, Thanks.

“Again about your latest artwork, it is some more excellent work, btw!” – Friend

My response, I am glad you like it.

“Oh, btw, I got in a fight, well, something, because I brought up unfulfilled promises and their response was to try to manipulate me, mock me, and disregard me. And when that didn’t work, they tried to publicly write me off as crazy.” – Friend

My response, I feel for you. I admire you and what you do. I also appreciate your perspectives. I am sorry you were treated wrong.

“Same to you, my friend. Same to you. And Thank you. Their responses definitely were not appropriate for bringing up concerns.” – Friend

My response, People need to not attack the people, when what they don’t like is just different. People are too often uncomfortable with accepting differences and what we don’t understand we too often can come to fear it things we fear we to often come to hate and that which we hate we are compelled to want to destroy. So we need to welcome differences and strive not to hate.

“Truth. Honestly, I miss living in the other place I lived. Since moving, the narcissist problem is way more apparent and much more aggressive.” – Friend

My response, How unfortunate, I am sick of mean people. I am trying to inspire people to care more with lots of my work. We as a humanity need to be better.

“Agreed!” – Friend

My response, By the way, I explain now on my website front page that even though I believe animism is the oldest religious liked of thinking (likely 100,000 years old) it is not less than other religions nor is it primitive in its culture thinking, in fact, to me, the last pure animists in South Central Africa are so progressive they sound like revolutionary anarchist humanist socialist just like me. It is so awesome, to me, if I had to choose a religion it would be the oldest seeming religion still alive today as it is brimming with deep humanity. Though I am still fully atheist, I fully welcome support for humanity. I say this so people stop thinking I mean first as not as developed and I don’t.

“Fair. I have to walk home from the lab now but I’ll ttyl. Have a good night :)” – Friend

My response, Take care.

“You too. I don’t know enough about animism, to comment. Plus I’m tired. But very good viewpoint that just because a religion is ancient doesn’t make it lesser.” – Friend

My response, That is a point we agreed but you reminded me I needed to make it clearer. I could get you my info on animism if ever interested as I have a few blog posts that compiled so great research explaining it. Truly to me to fully grasp all religions one must understand animism. All religions have animism in them to so point, to me. Some not soooo much, as others, or arranged differently, but still there like a ball floating to the top even if hidden way blow… Lol, I am tired too.

“Lol Fair. Have a good night!” – Friend

My response, Thanks.

“Do you actually like the Neolithic spearhead?” – Friend

My response, Yes, I am an artist, so aesthetic things appeal to me.

“That’s fair. Tbh, a lot of my more intrinsic stone tools are from Indigenous cultures, of which I’m trying to avoid making for cultural appropriation reasons.” – Friend

My response, I already thought you were doing that for that reason. I like them all as they are artistic and skill.

“Thank you, my friend. And yeah I may have mentioned that multiple times before lol Flintknapping is a tricky thing because of the current political climate we live in. Which is fair.” – Friend

My response, I also get that your first message is to show respect and walk thoughtfully striving to protect indigenous cultures and offend none.

“Absolutely. Archaeology is in the process of changing, as are many disciplines/fields that have involved studying Indigenous populations in the past. It’s important to get with that movement. Does that mean I think archaeology should just be done by Indigenous individuals? No. But they definitely will be more in control of these things.” – Friend

My response, My first message is to destroy outdated thinking, to make way for what is needed, and new.

“That’s cool!” – Friend

My response, I and you both deeply value indigenous people and want kindness and humanity for all across the earth. We just are on different paths. 🙂

“Very true :)” – Friend

My response, I wrote a thing about giving all the Americas back to indigenous control. I got some negative responses as you would guess.

“Of course. The thing is we are all complicit in the system that still has Indigenous populations marginalized and suffering. It’s a fine line to walk when it comes to being a good ally to them because at the end of the day none of us are pure regarding the current issues. And some people still deny the Indigenous populations’ sufferings and still believe that they should “move on, it’s in the past”. But the impacts of marginalization due to colonization are still alive to this day.” – Friend

My response, You are wise.

“Thank you. You are wise too.” – Friend

My response, I would be ok, voting to give back the entire united states to the native peoples, this land was taken from. I even 

That is usually very true.” – Friend

“It’s important as allies to make sure we’re not over-generalizing. Which is difficult since sometimes the general Indigenous title fits the more broad application of a concept, like Indigenous Archaeology. But at the end of the day, Indigenous groups and individuals are very different. One Indigenous person’s opinion on something may be completely different than an Indigenous person’s opinion in the same group or in a different group.” – Friend

My response, Yes, I do realize there is always the individual (with their own experiences, past, support, supplies, or needs) and even the ideas of the group, family, of brothers and sisters are cultural labels to connect but the individual is the only real thing the entire time just with different shared experiences that themselves contain individual, not an actual group experience.

“I wasn’t accusing you. Just pointing it out. I feel like so many allies don’t realize that generalization in and of itself doesn’t always help. But it’s difficult when the system itself has often generalized.” – Friend

“Thank you. I understand your passion too.” – Friend

My response, I appreciate that. I understand you act out of care. So do I, we just are different. This is generalizing like me because we have to put the needed knowledge in the fewest words to make the most impact on thinking.

“Very true.” – Friend

My response, I am a revolutionary, we do tend to offend a few people now and then. But I strive to hate none.

“Fair. Alright, I’m going to eat, then try to be productive. I hope you have a great day!” – Friend

My response, People have even been offended by my pushing kindness so often. One person demanded I stop posting cat pictures and just focus on atheism, only! I just keep doing what is right as best as I can regardless of anything. I see my very life thus far as an act of freedom revolution!

“Some people will get offended, no matter what you do. Some people will think little of you because you don’t fit into their box of expectations. Just keep being you. Be kind, of course. But if you’re going to annoy some people, either way, might as well just keep being true to yourself.” – Friend

My response, I say, may the song of my life, I have never really fit in, I am just a weirdo, I don’t really even fit in the Atheist movement like you would think with all my atheist activism. Some people like me and it feels or seems to now still hold value in different kinds of people than me. It also seems lots favor meanness or at least coldness of destroying others mentally as an enjoyed fantasy rather than being a supporter of kindness. Some are also kindness champions like me, don’t get it wrong, I am not acting as if I do everything, nor that only I have good answers or god thinking. I admire most of the atheists I have encountered in the so-called atheist movement, regardless if they are famous or not, to me they all inspire me to do more. All my life I have had people genuinely like me, and also often I have jealous of this, “Jellysickling” and thus, don’t see the real value in me, no matter how much evidence they receive. I guess people like strong and mean I am strong and kind, I see it central to all I do as my way of life, kindness. I am still going to just be me trying to help others in need.

“Honestly, I don’t really fit in in most situations. I have often felt like an outsider of an archaeologist. And with the recent shitstorm with my last employer, it’s added some fire to that feeling. It’s important to remember that you have worth and value. And go to those that appreciate you for who you are. The jerks? Most of the time you don’t need them so why bother to win them over.” – Friend

“Very true.” – Friend

My response, I feel for you as well.

“Thank you. I feel for you too. Please try to have a good day.” – Friend

It feels as if some people will support me if my book makes me famous, not because they actually see my value. Too many people favor fame, I favor making the most difference. Have a great day.

“Fame is overrated and for the phonies. Fuck em.” – Friend

  • I want to make something clear as I can, as simple as I can, even though I classify Animism (animated and alive from Latin: anima, ‘breathspiritlife‘ or peoples’ “spiritual” or “supernatural” perspectives. Potentially, in some animism perceives, all things may relate to some spiritual/supernatural/non-natural inclinations, even a possible belief that objects, places, and/or creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence, and/or thinking  things like all things—animals, plants, rocks, rivers, weather systems, human handiwork, and perhaps even words— could be as animated and alive ref) as the first expression of religious thinking or religion, it is not less than, nor is it not equal to any other religion or religious thinking. I see all religious people as at least animists any way, so everyone is at least animist, how could it be less than. Animism, +? is what I think about all that say they are spiritual or religious in thinking. Regardless if they know it, understand it, or claim it, they all, to me , an animistic-thinker, plus a paganistic, totemistic, and shamanistic-monotheist, calling themselves a Christian, Jew, or Muslim, as an example of my thinking. Animism (is the other-then-reality thinking relates to, thus is is in all such non-reality thinking generally.
  • Furthermore, I actually am impressed by animist cultures in Africa, others have seen them as primitive or something, help with that, they are revolutionaries with women’s rights, child rights. I mean if I had to choose a religion it would be animism only like in Africa so I don’t look down on them nor any indigenous peoples, who I care about, as well as I am for humanity for all. I challenge religious Ideas and this is not meant to be an attack on people, but rather a challenge to think or rethink ideas, I want what is actually true. May we all desire a truly honest search for what is true even if we have to update what we believe or know.
  • I class religious thinking in “time of origin” not somehow that any are better or worse or more reasoned than others. No, I am trying to help others understand how things happened, so they understand, and for themselves can finally think does the religion they say they believe in, still seems true, as they believed before learning my information and art. I am hoping I inspire freedom of thought and development of heart as well as mind as we need such a holistic approach in our quest for a humanity free for all and supportive of all. Until then, train your brain to think ethically. We are responsible for the future, we are the future living in the present soon to be past so we must act with passion as life is over just like that. I am just another fellow dignity being.

Here are a few of what I see as “Animist only” Cultures:

“Aka people” Central African nomadic Mbenga pygmy people. PRONUNCIATION: AH-kah

“The Aka people are very warm and hospitable. Relationships between men and women are extremely egalitarian. Men and women contribute equally to a household’s diet, either a husband or wife can initiate divorce, and violence against women is very rare. No cases of rape have been reported. The Aka people are fiercely egalitarian and independent. No individual has the right to force or order another individual to perform an activity against his or her will. Aka people have a number of informal methods for maintaining their egalitarianism. First, they practice “prestige avoidance”; no one draws attention to his or her own abilities. Individuals play down their achievements.” ref

“Mbuti People”

“The Mbuti people are generally hunter-gatherers who commonly are in the Congo’s Ituri Forest have traditionally lived in stateless communities with gift economies and largely egalitarian gender relations. They were a people who had found in the forest something that made life more than just worth living, something that made it, with all its hardships and problems and tragedies, a wonderful thing full of joy and happiness and free of care. Pygmies, like the Inuit, minimize discrimination based upon sex and age differences. Adults of all genders make communal decisions at public assemblies. The Mbuti people do not have a state, or chiefs or councils.” ref

“Hadza people”

“The Hadza people of Tanzania in East Africa are egalitarian, meaning there are no real status differences between individuals. While the elderly receive slightly more respect, within groups of age and sex all individuals are equal, and compared to strictly stratified societies, women are considered fairly equal. This egalitarianism results in high levels of freedom and self-dependency. When conflict does arise, it may be resolved by one of the parties voluntarily moving to another camp. Ernst Fehr and Urs Fischbacher point out that the Hadza people “exhibit a considerable amount of altruistic punishment” to organize these tribes. The Hadza people live in a communal setting and engage in cooperative child-rearing, where many individuals (both related and unrelated) provide high-quality care for children. Having no tribal or governing hierarchy, the Hadza people trace descent bilaterally (through paternal and maternal lines), and almost all Hadza people can trace some kin tie to all other Hadza people.” ref

Can we do better?

Reparations for Slavery, American Terrorism?

Reparations for Jim Crow, American Terrorism?

Reparations for Red Lining, American Terrorism?

Reparations for Lynchings, American Terrorism?

Reparations for Unarmed Shootings, American Terrorism?

Yes, I believe we should!

A Study Finds 4,000 Lynchings in Jim Crow South, Will U.S. Address Legacy of Racial Terrorism?

Such vile American-Terrorism, So horrific, I totally support reparations.

I am a writer working on a book studying/researching the prehistory of the evolution of religion through archaeology and anthropology. Which to me starts back to at least 300,000 years ago with pre-animism, then 100,000 years ago for animism, 50,000 years ago for totemism, 30,000 years ago for shamanism, 12,000 years ago for paganism, 5,000 years ago for progressed organized religion (like that in Egypt) and under 4,000 years ago for all current world religions with most around or after 2,000 years ago.

What if the so-called indigenous peoples/First people/native Americans/Aboriginal peoples’ friend, governments, calling for changes, claiming to truly care, created a tax that added some amount to every state/country and went 100% to all native American tribal peoples as a start towards change, we can be better and we have too.

Who’s America, is This?

I have an easy start to give reparations, how about making exempt from all draft or forced military service of African-Americans, if they so wish, that is. I am not speaking for them, just trying to offer a helpful idea. We can figure this out together, I mean we made it to the moon, so I am hopeful.

Why would you even want Traditional America, back?

Racism is traditional in America it was the democrat’s first, that was more racist but after the move, to civil rights, things changed, and ever since then republicans but for some seem to resist racism not many openly but some like bush jr. even though I still don’t like him.  The right wants Tradicional America and that was when sexism, racism, and homophobia were terrorizing others most strongly. They look for a future of white Christian theocratic subjugation of America. I just want equality and freedom.

Proud to be Native?

I would be ok, voting to give back the entire united states to the native peoples, this land was taken from. I even look forward to it as they are way cooler than the shit show that is the American government. I know, I scared you, again. But why the indigenous peoples of this land are pretty great. I mean do you think they would have started two world wars or promote scum the likes of Trump?

“So, if we give them back the entire US, where do we go?” – Questioner

  • Damien Marie Athope “I think I am good, maybe others should start supporting, our native brothers and sisters. Or maybe, Onto reservations. Let’s hope they treat us better than we have treated them.”

“So, when we say “Land Back”, we mean returning the land to indigenous care, and to abolish extractive economies that harm the land and the people. We have seen the destruction capitalism allows when extractive markets go unchecked on indigenous lands. We’ve seen what happens when indigenous methods of land management that have been practiced for millennia are ignored.” – Questioner z

“I’ll be willing to give “reparations” when you show me someone who was a slave in the 1860s and is alive today.” – Questioner x

  • Damien Marie Athope “Well, after we give it all back to the native peoples, you can ask them.”

“uh-huh… Sure. So where are you going to move when you get your wish? And again, you’re pushing the “sins of the father” bullshit that Christians roll out when it is convenient.”  – Questioner x

  • Damien Marie Athope “You may want to bring this up, after the native peoples get the land.”

“You still haven’t answered my question. Where are you going to go? I can say I’ve been adopted into a few native families. And I’ve experienced blatant racism coming from natives as well. So you’re going to have to elaborate a little more than “give it back.”  – Questioner x

  • Damien Marie Athope “I am hoping, they let me stay and give me a better deal on rent than the capitalists but I often want the best of humanity to always shine.”

“Those who survived the internment camps during WW2, sure. But I don’t see a reason for paying people money based on their skin color. Maybe you’d prefer that line in the Bible about the sins of the father and mother passing to their children.”  – Questioner x

  • Damien Marie Athope “Great, so you agree to give back the land. I am so happy to hear this.”

“Sure. Show me a native person who was roaming the continent in the last 100 years as their ancestors did. Keep in mind that horses are an imported species. Not to mention the numerous court cases that various tribes have won over the years that we are already paying billions for. And again, you’re pushing the “sins of the father” line.”  – Questioner x

  • Damien Marie AthopeTim Cooper “You should bring this up with them I bet they will give you a fair chance. But if not, I am thinking of going to Siberia those people are cool and I think we may get along well. Where are you planning on going if you get labeled an illegal alien?”

“An again, I wish you the best of luck.”  – Questioner x

  • Damien Marie Athope “I appreciate your support. We rise by helping each other. I also think it is good that we think about hard questions.”

Ps. While I realize that we can’t just give it “all back”, our hearts should be willing to give back all we can or at least do all we can to support the indigenous people of the Americas. And this is a moral duty to me, that we have to actively work to challenge past, current, and future harms to change this continuing shame of inhumanity. We are all responsible to be better than how we were raised, especially if we live here in America.

I was born in Long Beach, southern California in 1971

I would take on the emotional weight of the world, just to save one child from abuse.

If the only rights you fight for are your own then you have a lot to learn about the value of rights. Be a good human who is kind! We need you…

America cannot be great again for African Americans because it has yet to be great for them in America, to begin with.

Cops ARE just administrating the Pistol Politics of RIGHTISM! Rightist Racism!

What if the so-called indigenous peoples/First people/native Americans/Aboriginal peoples’ friend, governments, calling for changes, claiming to truly care, created a tax that added some amount to every state/country and went 100% to all indigenous peoples/First people/native Americans/Aboriginal peoples as a start towards change, we can be better and we have too.

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

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Animism: Respecting the Living World by Graham Harvey 

“How have human cultures engaged with and thought about animals, plants, rocks, clouds, and other elements in their natural surroundings? Do animals and other natural objects have a spirit or soul? What is their relationship to humans? In this new study, Graham Harvey explores current and past animistic beliefs and practices of Native Americans, Maori, Aboriginal Australians, and eco-pagans. He considers the varieties of animism found in these cultures as well as their shared desire to live respectfully within larger natural communities. Drawing on his extensive casework, Harvey also considers the linguistic, performative, ecological, and activist implications of these different animisms.” ref

My thoughts on Religion Evolution with external links for more info:

“Religion is an Evolved Product” and Yes, Religion is Like Fear Given Wings…

Atheists talk about gods and religions for the same reason doctors talk about cancer, they are looking for a cure, or a firefighter talks about fires because they burn people and they care to stop them. We atheists too often feel a need to help the victims of mental slavery, held in the bondage that is the false beliefs of gods and the conspiracy theories of reality found in religions.

“Understanding Religion Evolution: Animism, Totemism, Shamanism, Paganism & Progressed organized religion”

Understanding Religion Evolution:

“An Archaeological/Anthropological Understanding of Religion Evolution”

It seems ancient peoples had to survived amazing threats in a “dangerous universe (by superstition perceived as good and evil),” and human “immorality or imperfection of the soul” which was thought to affect the still living, leading to ancestor worship. This ancestor worship presumably led to the belief in supernatural beings, and then some of these were turned into the belief in gods. This feeble myth called gods were just a human conceived “made from nothing into something over and over, changing, again and again, taking on more as they evolve, all the while they are thought to be special,” but it is just supernatural animistic spirit-belief perceived as sacred.

 

Quick Evolution of Religion?

Pre-Animism (at least 300,000 years ago) pre-religion is a beginning that evolves into later Animism. So, Religion as we think of it, to me, all starts in a general way with Animism (Africa: 100,000 years ago) (theoretical belief in supernatural powers/spirits), then this is physically expressed in or with Totemism (Europe: 50,000 years ago) (theoretical belief in mythical relationship with powers/spirits through a totem item), which then enlists a full-time specific person to do this worship and believed interacting Shamanism (Siberia/Russia: 30,000 years ago) (theoretical belief in access and influence with spirits through ritual), and then there is the further employment of myths and gods added to all the above giving you Paganism (Turkey: 12,000 years ago) (often a lot more nature-based than most current top world religions, thus hinting to their close link to more ancient religious thinking it stems from). My hypothesis is expressed with an explanation of the building of a theatrical house (modern religions development). Progressed organized religion (Egypt: 5,000 years ago)  with CURRENT “World” RELIGIONS (after 4,000 years ago).

Historically, in large city-state societies (such as Egypt or Iraq) starting around 5,000 years ago culminated to make religion something kind of new, a sociocultural-governmental-religious monarchy, where all or at least many of the people of such large city-state societies seem familiar with and committed to the existence of “religion” as the integrated life identity package of control dynamics with a fixed closed magical doctrine, but this juggernaut integrated religion identity package of Dogmatic-Propaganda certainly did not exist or if developed to an extent it was highly limited in most smaller prehistoric societies as they seem to lack most of the strong control dynamics with a fixed closed magical doctrine (magical beliefs could be at times be added or removed). Many people just want to see developed religious dynamics everywhere even if it is not. Instead, all that is found is largely fragments until the domestication of religion.

Religions, as we think of them today, are a new fad, even if they go back to around 6,000 years in the timeline of human existence, this amounts to almost nothing when seen in the long slow evolution of religion at least around 70,000 years ago with one of the oldest ritual worship. Stone Snake of South Africa: “first human worship” 70,000 years ago. This message of how religion and gods among them are clearly a man-made thing that was developed slowly as it was invented and then implemented peace by peace discrediting them all. Which seems to be a simple point some are just not grasping how devastating to any claims of truth when we can see the lie clearly in the archeological sites.

I wish people fought as hard for the actual values as they fight for the group/clan names political or otherwise they think support values. Every amount spent on war is theft to children in need of food or the homeless kept from shelter.

Here are several of my blog posts on history:

I am not an academic. I am a revolutionary that teaches in public, in places like social media, and in the streets. I am not a leader by some title given but from my commanding leadership style of simply to start teaching everywhere to everyone, all manner of positive education. 

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

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Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

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Low Gods “Earth” or Tutelary deity and High Gods “Sky” or Supreme deity

“An Earth goddess is a deification of the Earth. Earth goddesses are often associated with the “chthonic” deities of the underworldKi and Ninhursag are Mesopotamian earth goddesses. In Greek mythology, the Earth is personified as Gaia, corresponding to Roman Terra, Indic Prithvi/Bhūmi, etc. traced to an “Earth Mother” complementary to the “Sky Father” in Proto-Indo-European religionEgyptian mythology exceptionally has a sky goddess and an Earth god.” ref

“A mother goddess is a goddess who represents or is a personification of naturemotherhoodfertilitycreationdestruction or who embodies the bounty of the Earth. When equated with the Earth or the natural world, such goddesses are sometimes referred to as Mother Earth or as the Earth Mother. In some religious traditions or movements, Heavenly Mother (also referred to as Mother in Heaven or Sky Mother) is the wife or feminine counterpart of the Sky father or God the Father.” ref

Any masculine sky god is often also king of the gods, taking the position of patriarch within a pantheon. Such king gods are collectively categorized as “sky father” deities, with a polarity between sky and earth often being expressed by pairing a “sky father” god with an “earth mother” goddess (pairings of a sky mother with an earth father are less frequent). A main sky goddess is often the queen of the gods and may be an air/sky goddess in her own right, though she usually has other functions as well with “sky” not being her main. In antiquity, several sky goddesses in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Near East were called Queen of Heaven. Neopagans often apply it with impunity to sky goddesses from other regions who were never associated with the term historically. The sky often has important religious significance. Many religions, both polytheistic and monotheistic, have deities associated with the sky.” ref

“In comparative mythology, sky father is a term for a recurring concept in polytheistic religions of a sky god who is addressed as a “father”, often the father of a pantheon and is often either a reigning or former King of the Gods. The concept of “sky father” may also be taken to include Sun gods with similar characteristics, such as Ra. The concept is complementary to an “earth mother“. “Sky Father” is a direct translation of the Vedic Dyaus Pita, etymologically descended from the same Proto-Indo-European deity name as the Greek Zeûs Pater and Roman Jupiter and Germanic Týr, Tir or Tiwaz, all of which are reflexes of the same Proto-Indo-European deity’s name, *Dyēus Ph₂tḗr. While there are numerous parallels adduced from outside of Indo-European mythology, there are exceptions (e.g. In Egyptian mythology, Nut is the sky mother and Geb is the earth father).” ref

Tutelary deity

“A tutelary (also tutelar) is a deity or spirit who is a guardian, patron, or protector of a particular place, geographic feature, person, lineage, nation, culture, or occupation. The etymology of “tutelary” expresses the concept of safety and thus of guardianship. In late Greek and Roman religion, one type of tutelary deity, the genius, functions as the personal deity or daimon of an individual from birth to death. Another form of personal tutelary spirit is the familiar spirit of European folklore.” ref

“A tutelary (also tutelar) iKorean shamanismjangseung and sotdae were placed at the edge of villages to frighten off demons. They were also worshiped as deities. Seonangshin is the patron deity of the village in Korean tradition and was believed to embody the SeonangdangIn Philippine animism, Diwata or Lambana are deities or spirits that inhabit sacred places like mountains and mounds and serve as guardians. Such as: Maria Makiling is the deity who guards Mt. Makiling and Maria Cacao and Maria Sinukuan. In Shinto, the spirits, or kami, which give life to human bodies come from nature and return to it after death. Ancestors are therefore themselves tutelaries to be worshiped. And similarly, Native American beliefs such as Tonás, tutelary animal spirit among the Zapotec and Totems, familial or clan spirits among the Ojibwe, can be animals.” ref

“A tutelary (also tutelar) in Austronesian beliefs such as: Atua (gods and spirits of the Polynesian peoples such as the Māori or the Hawaiians), Hanitu (Bunun of Taiwan‘s term for spirit), Hyang (KawiSundaneseJavanese, and Balinese Supreme Being, in ancient Java and Bali mythology and this spiritual entity, can be either divine or ancestral), Kaitiaki (New Zealand Māori term used for the concept of guardianship, for the sky, the sea, and the land), Kawas (mythology) (divided into 6 groups: gods, ancestors, souls of the living, spirits of living things, spirits of lifeless objects, and ghosts), Tiki (Māori mythologyTiki is the first man created by either Tūmatauenga or Tāne and represents deified ancestors found in most Polynesian cultures). ” ref, ref, ref, ref, ref, ref, ref

Mesopotamian Tutelary Deities can be seen as ones related to City-States 

“Historical city-states included Sumerian cities such as Uruk and UrAncient Egyptian city-states, such as Thebes and Memphis; the Phoenician cities (such as Tyre and Sidon); the five Philistine city-states; the Berber city-states of the Garamantes; the city-states of ancient Greece (the poleis such as AthensSpartaThebes, and Corinth); the Roman Republic (which grew from a city-state into a vast empire); the Italian city-states from the Middle Ages to the early modern period, such as FlorenceSienaFerraraMilan (which as they grew in power began to dominate neighboring cities) and Genoa and Venice, which became powerful thalassocracies; the Mayan and other cultures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica (including cities such as Chichen ItzaTikalCopán and Monte Albán); the central Asian cities along the Silk Road; the city-states of the Swahili coastRagusa; states of the medieval Russian lands such as Novgorod and Pskov; and many others.” ref

“The Uruk period (ca. 4000 to 3100 BCE; also known as Protoliterate period) of Mesopotamia, named after the Sumerian city of Uruk, this period saw the emergence of urban life in Mesopotamia and the Sumerian civilization. City-States like Uruk and others had a patron tutelary City Deity along with a Priest-King.” ref

Chinese folk religion, both past, and present, includes myriad tutelary deities. Exceptional individuals, highly cultivated sages, and prominent ancestors can be deified and honored after death. Lord Guan is the patron of military personnel and police, while Mazu is the patron of fishermen and sailors. Such as Tu Di Gong (Earth Deity) is the tutelary deity of a locality, and each individual locality has its own Earth Deity and Cheng Huang Gong (City God) is the guardian deity of an individual city, worshipped by local officials and locals since imperial times.” ref

“A tutelary (also tutelar) in Hinduism, personal tutelary deities are known as ishta-devata, while family tutelary deities are known as Kuladevata. Gramadevata are guardian deities of villages. Devas can also be seen as tutelary. Shiva is the patron of yogis and renunciants. City goddesses include: Mumbadevi (Mumbai), Sachchika (Osian); Kuladevis include: Ambika (Porwad), and Mahalakshmi. In NorthEast India Meitei mythology and religion (Sanamahism) of Manipur, there are various types of tutelary deities, among which Lam Lais are the most predominant ones. Tibetan Buddhism has Yidam as a tutelary deity. Dakini is the patron of those who seek knowledge.” ref

“A tutelary (also tutelar) The Greeks also thought deities guarded specific places: for instance, Athena was the patron goddess of the city of Athens. Socrates spoke of hearing the voice of his personal spirit or daimonion:

You have often heard me speak of an oracle or sign which comes to me … . This sign I have had ever since I was a child. The sign is a voice which comes to me and always forbids me to do something which I am going to do, but never commands me to do anything, and this is what stands in the way of my being a politician.” ref

“Tutelary deities who guard and preserve a place or a person are fundamental to ancient Roman religion. The tutelary deity of a man was his Genius, that of a woman her Juno. In the Imperial era, the Genius of the Emperor was a focus of Imperial cult. An emperor might also adopt a major deity as his personal patron or tutelary, as Augustus did Apollo. Precedents for claiming the personal protection of a deity were established in the Republican era, when for instance the Roman dictator Sulla advertised the goddess Victory as his tutelary by holding public games (ludi) in her honor.” ref

“Each town or city had one or more tutelary deities, whose protection was considered particularly vital in time of war and siege. Rome itself was protected by a goddess whose name was to be kept ritually secret on pain of death (for a supposed case, see Quintus Valerius Soranus). The Capitoline Triad of Juno, Jupiter, and Minerva were also tutelaries of Rome. The Italic towns had their own tutelary deities. Juno often had this function, as at the Latin town of Lanuvium and the Etruscan city of Veii, and was often housed in an especially grand temple on the arx (citadel) or other prominent or central location. The tutelary deity of Praeneste was Fortuna, whose oracle was renowned.” ref

“The Roman ritual of evocatio was premised on the belief that a town could be made vulnerable to military defeat if the power of its tutelary deity were diverted outside the city, perhaps by the offer of superior cult at Rome. The depiction of some goddesses such as the Magna Mater (Great Mother, or Cybele) as “tower-crowned” represents their capacity to preserve the city. A town in the provinces might adopt a deity from within the Roman religious sphere to serve as its guardian, or syncretize its own tutelary with such; for instance, a community within the civitas of the Remi in Gaul adopted Apollo as its tutelary, and at the capital of the Remi (present-day Rheims), the tutelary was Mars Camulus.” ref 

Household deity (a kind of or related to a Tutelary deity)

“A household deity is a deity or spirit that protects the home, looking after the entire household or certain key members. It has been a common belief in paganism as well as in folklore across many parts of the world. Household deities fit into two types; firstly, a specific deity – typically a goddess – often referred to as a hearth goddess or domestic goddess who is associated with the home and hearth, such as the ancient Greek Hestia.” ref

“The second type of household deities are those that are not one singular deity, but a type, or species of animistic deity, who usually have lesser powers than major deities. This type was common in the religions of antiquity, such as the Lares of ancient Roman religion, the Gashin of Korean shamanism, and Cofgodas of Anglo-Saxon paganism. These survived Christianisation as fairy-like creatures existing in folklore, such as the Anglo-Scottish Brownie and Slavic Domovoy.” ref

“Household deities were usually worshipped not in temples but in the home, where they would be represented by small idols (such as the teraphim of the Bible, often translated as “household gods” in Genesis 31:19 for example), amulets, paintings, or reliefs. They could also be found on domestic objects, such as cosmetic articles in the case of Tawaret. The more prosperous houses might have a small shrine to the household god(s); the lararium served this purpose in the case of the Romans. The gods would be treated as members of the family and invited to join in meals, or be given offerings of food and drink.” ref

“In many religions, both ancient and modern, a god would preside over the home. Certain species, or types, of household deities, existed. An example of this was the Roman Lares. Many European cultures retained house spirits into the modern period. Some examples of these include:

“Although the cosmic status of household deities was not as lofty as that of the Twelve Olympians or the Aesir, they were also jealous of their dignity and also had to be appeased with shrines and offerings, however humble. Because of their immediacy they had arguably more influence on the day-to-day affairs of men than the remote gods did. Vestiges of their worship persisted long after Christianity and other major religions extirpated nearly every trace of the major pagan pantheons. Elements of the practice can be seen even today, with Christian accretions, where statues to various saints (such as St. Francis) protect gardens and grottos. Even the gargoyles found on older churches, could be viewed as guardians partitioning a sacred space.” ref

“For centuries, Christianity fought a mop-up war against these lingering minor pagan deities, but they proved tenacious. For example, Martin Luther‘s Tischreden have numerous – quite serious – references to dealing with kobolds. Eventually, rationalism and the Industrial Revolution threatened to erase most of these minor deities, until the advent of romantic nationalism rehabilitated them and embellished them into objects of literary curiosity in the 19th century. Since the 20th century this literature has been mined for characters for role-playing games, video games, and other fantasy personae, not infrequently invested with invented traits and hierarchies somewhat different from their mythological and folkloric roots.” ref

“In contradistinction to both Herbert Spencer and Edward Burnett Tylor, who defended theories of animistic origins of ancestor worship, Émile Durkheim saw its origin in totemism. In reality, this distinction is somewhat academic, since totemism may be regarded as a particularized manifestation of animism, and something of a synthesis of the two positions was attempted by Sigmund Freud. In Freud’s Totem and Taboo, both totem and taboo are outward expressions or manifestations of the same psychological tendency, a concept which is complementary to, or which rather reconciles, the apparent conflict. Freud preferred to emphasize the psychoanalytic implications of the reification of metaphysical forces, but with particular emphasis on its familial nature. This emphasis underscores, rather than weakens, the ancestral component.” ref

William Edward Hearn, a noted classicist, and jurist, traced the origin of domestic deities from the earliest stages as an expression of animism, a belief system thought to have existed also in the neolithic, and the forerunner of Indo-European religion. In his analysis of the Indo-European household, in Chapter II “The House Spirit”, Section 1, he states:

The belief which guided the conduct of our forefathers was … the spirit rule of dead ancestors.” ref

“In Section 2 he proceeds to elaborate:

It is thus certain that the worship of deceased ancestors is a vera causa, and not a mere hypothesis. …

In the other European nations, the Slavs, the Teutons, and the Kelts, the House Spirit appears with no less distinctness. … [T]he existence of that worship does not admit of doubt. … The House Spirits had a multitude of other names which it is needless here to enumerate, but all of which are more or less expressive of their friendly relations with man. … In [England] … [h]e is the Brownie. … In Scotland this same Brownie is well known. He is usually described as attached to particular families, with whom he has been known to reside for centuries, threshing the corn, cleaning the house, and performing similar household tasks. His favorite gratification was milk and honey.” ref

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

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“These ideas are my speculations from the evidence.”

I am still researching the “god‘s origins” all over the world. So you know, it is very complicated but I am smart and willing to look, DEEP, if necessary, which going very deep does seem to be needed here, when trying to actually understand the evolution of gods and goddesses. I am sure of a few things and less sure of others, but even in stuff I am not fully grasping I still am slowly figuring it out, to explain it to others. But as I research more I am understanding things a little better, though I am still working on understanding it all or something close and thus always figuring out more. 

Sky Father/Sky God?

“Egyptian: (Nut) Sky Mother and (Geb) Earth Father” (Egypt is different but similar)

Turkic/Mongolic: (Tengri/Tenger Etseg) Sky Father and (Eje/Gazar Eej) Earth Mother *Transeurasian*

Hawaiian: (Wākea) Sky Father and (Papahānaumoku) Earth Mother *Austronesian*

New Zealand/ Māori: (Ranginui) Sky Father and (Papatūānuku) Earth Mother *Austronesian*

Proto-Indo-European: (Dyus/Dyus phtr) Sky Father and (Dʰéǵʰōm/Plethwih) Earth Mother

Indo-Aryan: (Dyaus Pita) Sky Father and (Prithvi Mata) Earth Mother *Indo-European*

Italic: (Jupiter) Sky Father and (Juno) Sky Mother *Indo-European*

Etruscan: (Tinia) Sky Father and (Uni) Sky Mother *Tyrsenian/Italy Pre–Indo-European*

Hellenic/Greek: (Zeus) Sky Father and (Hera) Sky Mother who started as an “Earth Goddess” *Indo-European*

Nordic: (Dagr) Sky Father and (Nótt) Sky Mother *Indo-European*

Slavic: (Perun) Sky Father and (Mokosh) Earth Mother *Indo-European*

Illyrian: (Deipaturos) Sky Father and (Messapic Damatura’s “earth-mother” maybe) Earth Mother *Indo-European*

Albanian: (Zojz) Sky Father and (?) *Indo-European*

Baltic: (Perkūnas) Sky Father and (Saulė) Sky Mother *Indo-European*

Germanic: (Týr) Sky Father and (?) *Indo-European*

Colombian-Muisca: (Bochica) Sky Father and (Huythaca) Sky Mother *Chibchan*

Aztec: (Quetzalcoatl) Sky Father and (Xochiquetzal) Sky Mother *Uto-Aztecan*

Incan: (Viracocha) Sky Father and (Mama Runtucaya) Sky Mother *Quechuan*

China: (Tian/Shangdi) Sky Father and (Dì) Earth Mother *Sino-Tibetan*

Sumerian, Assyrian and Babylonian: (An/Anu) Sky Father and (Ki) Earth Mother

Finnish: (Ukko) Sky Father and (Akka) Earth Mother *Finno-Ugric*

Sami: (Horagalles) Sky Father and (Ravdna) Earth Mother *Finno-Ugric*

Puebloan-Zuni: (Ápoyan Ta’chu) Sky Father and (Áwitelin Tsíta) Earth Mother

Puebloan-Hopi: (Tawa) Sky Father and (Kokyangwuti/Spider Woman/Grandmother) Earth Mother *Uto-Aztecan*

Puebloan-Navajo: (Tsohanoai) Sky Father and (Estsanatlehi) Earth Mother *Na-Dene*

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Sky Father/Sky Mother “High Gods” or similar gods/goddesses of the sky more loosely connected, seeming arcane mythology across the earth seen in Siberia, China, Europe, Native Americans/First Nations People and Mesopotamia, etc.

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

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Hinduism around 3,700 to 3,500 years old. ref

 Judaism around 3,450 or 3,250 years old. (The first writing in the bible was “Paleo-Hebrew” dated to around 3,000 years ago Khirbet Qeiyafa is the site of an ancient fortress city overlooking the Elah Valley. And many believe the religious Jewish texts were completed around 2,500) ref, ref

Judaism is around 3,450 or 3,250 years old. (“Paleo-Hebrew” 3,000 years ago and Torah 2,500 years ago)

“Judaism is an Abrahamic, its roots as an organized religion in the Middle East during the Bronze Age. Some scholars argue that modern Judaism evolved from Yahwism, the religion of ancient Israel and Judah, by the late 6th century BCE, and is thus considered to be one of the oldest monotheistic religions.” ref

“Yahwism is the name given by modern scholars to the religion of ancient Israel, essentially polytheistic, with a plethora of gods and goddesses. Heading the pantheon was Yahweh, the national god of the Israelite kingdoms of Israel and Judah, with his consort, the goddess Asherah; below them were second-tier gods and goddesses such as Baal, Shamash, Yarikh, Mot, and Astarte, all of whom had their own priests and prophets and numbered royalty among their devotees, and a third and fourth tier of minor divine beings, including the mal’ak, the messengers of the higher gods, who in later times became the angels of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Yahweh, however, was not the ‘original’ god of Israel “Isra-El”; it is El, the head of the Canaanite pantheon, whose name forms the basis of the name “Israel”, and none of the Old Testament patriarchs, the tribes of Israel, the Judges, or the earliest monarchs, have a Yahwistic theophoric name (i.e., one incorporating the name of Yahweh).” ref

“El is a Northwest Semitic word meaning “god” or “deity“, or referring (as a proper name) to any one of multiple major ancient Near Eastern deities. A rarer form, ‘ila, represents the predicate form in Old Akkadian and in Amorite. The word is derived from the Proto-Semitic *ʔil-, meaning “god”. Specific deities known as ‘El or ‘Il include the supreme god of the ancient Canaanite religion and the supreme god of East Semitic speakers in Mesopotamia’s Early Dynastic Period. ʼĒl is listed at the head of many pantheons. In some Canaanite and Ugaritic sources, ʼĒl played a role as father of the gods, of creation, or both. For example, in the Ugaritic texts, ʾil mlk is understood to mean “ʼĒl the King” but ʾil hd as “the god Hadad“. The Semitic root ʾlh (Arabic ʾilāh, Aramaic ʾAlāh, ʾElāh, Hebrew ʾelōah) may be ʾl with a parasitic h, and ʾl may be an abbreviated form of ʾlh. In Ugaritic the plural form meaning “gods” is ʾilhm, equivalent to Hebrew ʾelōhîm “powers”. In the Hebrew texts this word is interpreted as being semantically singular for “god” by biblical commentators. However the documentary hypothesis for the Old Testament (corresponds to the Jewish Torah) developed originally in the 1870s, identifies these that different authors – the Jahwist, Elohist, Deuteronomist, and the Priestly source – were responsible for editing stories from a polytheistic religion into those of a monotheistic religion. Inconsistencies that arise between monotheism and polytheism in the texts are reflective of this hypothesis.” ref

 

Jainism around 2,599 – 2,527 years old. ref

Confucianism around 2,600 – 2,551 years old. ref

Buddhism around 2,563/2,480 – 2,483/2,400 years old. ref

Christianity around 2,o00 years old. ref

Shinto around 1,305 years old. ref

Islam around 1407–1385 years old. ref

Sikhism around 548–478 years old. ref

Bahá’í around 200–125 years old. ref

Knowledge to Ponder: 

Stars/Astrology:

  • Possibly, around 30,000 years ago (in simpler form) to 6,000 years ago, Stars/Astrology are connected to Ancestors, Spirit Animals, and Deities.
  • The star also seems to be a possible proto-star for Star of Ishtar, Star of Inanna, or Star of Venus.
  • Around 7,000 to 6,000 years ago, Star Constellations/Astrology have connections to the “Kurgan phenomenon” of below-ground “mound” stone/wood burial structures and “Dolmen phenomenon” of above-ground stone burial structures.
  • Around 6,500–5,800 years ago, The Northern Levant migrations into Jordon and Israel in the Southern Levant brought new cultural and religious transfer from Turkey and Iran.
  • “The Ghassulian Star,” a mysterious 6,000-year-old mural from Jordan may have connections to the European paganstic kurgan/dolmens phenomenon.

“Astrology is a range of divinatory practices, recognized as pseudoscientific since the 18th century, that claim to discern information about human affairs and terrestrial events by studying the apparent positions of celestial objects. Different cultures have employed forms of astrology since at least the 2nd millennium BCE, these practices having originated in calendrical systems used to predict seasonal shifts and to interpret celestial cycles as signs of divine communications. Most, if not all, cultures have attached importance to what they observed in the sky, and some—such as the HindusChinese, and the Maya—developed elaborate systems for predicting terrestrial events from celestial observations. Western astrology, one of the oldest astrological systems still in use, can trace its roots to 19th–17th century BCE Mesopotamia, from where it spread to Ancient GreeceRome, the Islamicate world and eventually Central and Western Europe. Contemporary Western astrology is often associated with systems of horoscopes that purport to explain aspects of a person’s personality and predict significant events in their lives based on the positions of celestial objects; the majority of professional astrologers rely on such systems.” ref 

Around 5,500 years ago, Science evolves, The first evidence of science was 5,500 years ago and was demonstrated by a body of empirical, theoretical, and practical knowledge about the natural world. ref

Around 5,000 years ago, Origin of Logics is a Naturalistic Observation (principles of valid reasoning, inference, & demonstration) ref

Around 4,150 to 4,000 years ago: The earliest surviving versions of the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh, which was originally titled “He who Saw the Deep” (Sha naqba īmuru) or “Surpassing All Other Kings” (Shūtur eli sharrī) were written. ref

Hinduism:

  • 3,700 years ago or so, the oldest of the Hindu Vedas (scriptures), the Rig Veda was composed.
  • 3,500 years ago or so, the Vedic Age began in India after the collapse of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Judaism:

  • around 3,000 years ago, the first writing in the bible was “Paleo-Hebrew”
  • around 2,500 years ago, many believe the religious Jewish texts were completed

Myths: The bible inspired religion is not just one religion or one myth but a grouping of several religions and myths

  • Around 3,450 or 3,250 years ago, according to legend, is the traditionally accepted period in which the Israelite lawgiver, Moses, provided the Ten Commandments.
  • Around 2,500 to 2,400 years ago, a collection of ancient religious writings by the Israelites based primarily upon the Hebrew Bible, Tanakh, or Old Testament is the first part of Christianity’s bible.
  • Around 2,400 years ago, the most accepted hypothesis is that the canon was formed in stages, first the Pentateuch (Torah).
  • Around 2,140 to 2,116 years ago, the Prophets was written during the Hasmonean dynasty, and finally the remaining books.
  • Christians traditionally divide the Old Testament into four sections:
  • The first five books or Pentateuch (Torah).
  • The proposed history books telling the history of the Israelites from their conquest of Canaan to their defeat and exile in Babylon.
  • The poetic and proposed “Wisdom books” dealing, in various forms, with questions of good and evil in the world.
  • The books of the biblical prophets, warning of the consequences of turning away from God:
  • Henotheism:
  • Exodus 20:23 “You shall not make other gods besides Me (not saying there are no other gods just not to worship them); gods of silver or gods of gold, you shall not make for yourselves.”
  • Polytheism:
  • Judges 10:6 “Then the sons of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, served the Baals and the Ashtaroth, the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the sons of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines; thus they forsook the LORD and did not serve Him.”
  • 1 Corinthians 8:5 “For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords.”
  • Monotheism:
  • Isaiah 43:10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.

Around 2,570 to 2,270 Years Ago, there is a confirmation of atheistic doubting as well as atheistic thinking, mainly by Greek philosophers. However, doubting gods is likely as old as the invention of gods and should destroy the thinking that belief in god(s) is the “default belief”. The Greek word is apistos (a “not” and pistos “faithful,”), thus not faithful or faithless because one is unpersuaded and unconvinced by a god(s) claim. Short Definition: unbelieving, unbeliever, or unbelief.

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

Expressions of Atheistic Thinking:

  • Around 2,600 years ago, Ajita Kesakambali, ancient Indian philosopher, who is the first known proponent of Indian materialism. ref
  • Around 2,535 to 2,475 years ago, Heraclitus, Greek pre-Socratic philosopher, a native of the Greek city Ephesus, Ionia, on the coast of Anatolia, also known as Asia Minor or modern Turkey. ref
  • Around 2,500 to 2,400 years ago, according to The Story of Civilization book series certain African pygmy tribes have no identifiable gods, spirits, or religious beliefs or rituals, and even what burials accrue are without ceremony. ref
  • Around 2,490 to 2,430 years ago, Empedocles, Greek pre-Socratic philosopher and a citizen of Agrigentum, a Greek city in Sicily. ref
  • Around 2,460 to 2,370 years ago, Democritus, Greek pre-Socratic philosopher considered to be the “father of modern science” possibly had some disbelief amounting to atheism. ref
  • Around 2,399 years ago or so, Socrates, a famous Greek philosopher was tried for sinfulness by teaching doubt of state gods. ref
  • Around 2,341 to 2,270 years ago, Epicurus, a Greek philosopher known for composing atheistic critics and famously stated, “Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him god?” ref

This last expression by Epicurus, seems to be an expression of Axiological Atheism. To understand and utilize value or actually possess “Value Conscious/Consciousness” to both give a strong moral “axiological” argument (the problem of evil) as well as use it to fortify humanism and positive ethical persuasion of human helping and care responsibilities. Because value-blindness gives rise to sociopathic/psychopathic evil.

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

While hallucinogens are associated with shamanism, it is alcohol that is associated with paganism.

The Atheist-Humanist-Leftist Revolutionaries Shows in the prehistory series:

Show one: Prehistory: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” the division of labor, power, rights, and recourses.

Show two: Pre-animism 300,000 years old and animism 100,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”

Show tree: Totemism 50,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”

Show four: Shamanism 30,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”

Show five: Paganism 12,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”

Show six: Emergence of hierarchy, sexism, slavery, and the new male god dominance: Paganism 7,000-5,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (Capitalism) (World War 0) Elite and their slaves!

Show seven: Paganism 5,000 years old: progressed organized religion and the state: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (Kings and the Rise of the State)

Show eight: Paganism 4,000 years old: Moralistic gods after the rise of Statism and often support Statism/Kings: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (First Moralistic gods, then the Origin time of Monotheism)

Prehistory: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” the division of labor, power, rights, and recourses: VIDEO

Pre-animism 300,000 years old and animism 100,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”: VIDEO

Totemism 50,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”: VIDEO

Shamanism 30,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”: VIDEO

Paganism 12,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (Pre-Capitalism): VIDEO

Paganism 7,000-5,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (Capitalism) (World War 0) Elite and their slaves: VIEDO

Paganism 5,000 years old: progressed organized religion and the state: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (Kings and the Rise of the State): VIEDO

Paganism 4,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (First Moralistic gods, then the Origin time of Monotheism): VIEDO

I do not hate simply because I challenge and expose myths or lies any more than others being thought of as loving simply because of the protection and hiding from challenge their favored myths or lies.

The truth is best championed in the sunlight of challenge.

An archaeologist once said to me “Damien religion and culture are very different”

My response, So are you saying that was always that way, such as would you say Native Americans’ cultures are separate from their religions? And do you think it always was the way you believe?

I had said that religion was a cultural product. That is still how I see it and there are other archaeologists that think close to me as well. Gods too are the myths of cultures that did not understand science or the world around them, seeing magic/supernatural everywhere.

I personally think there is a goddess and not enough evidence to support a male god at Çatalhöyük but if there was both a male and female god and goddess then I know the kind of gods they were like Proto-Indo-European mythology.

This series idea was addressed in, Anarchist Teaching as Free Public Education or Free Education in the Public: VIDEO

Our 12 video series: Organized Oppression: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of power (9,000-4,000 years ago), is adapted from: The Complete and Concise History of the Sumerians and Early Bronze Age Mesopotamia (7000-2000 BC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szFjxmY7jQA by “History with Cy

Show #1: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Samarra, Halaf, Ubaid)

Show #2: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Eridu: First City of Power)

Show #3: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Uruk and the First Cities)

Show #4: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (First Kings)

Show #5: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Early Dynastic Period)

Show #6: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (King Lugalzagesi and the First Empire)

Show #7: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Sargon and Akkadian Rule)

Show #8: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Naram-Sin, Post-Akkadian Rule, and the Gutians)

Show #9: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Gudea of Lagash and Utu-hegal)

Show #10: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Third Dynasty of Ur / Neo-Sumerian Empire)

Show #11: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Amorites, Elamites, and the End of an Era)

Show #12: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Aftermath and Legacy of Sumer)

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

The “Atheist-Humanist-Leftist Revolutionaries”

Cory Johnston ☭ Ⓐ Atheist Leftist @Skepticallefty & I (Damien Marie AtHope) @AthopeMarie (my YouTube & related blog) are working jointly in atheist, antitheist, antireligionist, antifascist, anarchist, socialist, and humanist endeavors in our videos together, generally, every other Saturday.

Why Does Power Bring Responsibility?

Think, how often is it the powerless that start wars, oppress others, or commit genocide? So, I guess the question is to us all, to ask, how can power not carry responsibility in a humanity concept? I know I see the deep ethical responsibility that if there is power their must be a humanistic responsibility of ethical and empathic stewardship of that power. Will I be brave enough to be kind? Will I possess enough courage to be compassionate? Will my valor reach its height of empathy? I as everyone, earns our justified respect by our actions, that are good, ethical, just, protecting, and kind. Do I have enough self-respect to put my love for humanity’s flushing, over being brought down by some of its bad actors? May we all be the ones doing good actions in the world, to help human flourishing.

I create the world I want to live in, striving for flourishing. Which is not a place but a positive potential involvement and promotion; a life of humanist goal precision. To master oneself, also means mastering positive prosocial behaviors needed for human flourishing. I may have lost a god myth as an atheist, but I am happy to tell you, my friend, it is exactly because of that, leaving the mental terrorizer, god belief, that I truly regained my connected ethical as well as kind humanity.

Cory and I will talk about prehistory and theism, addressing the relevance to atheism, anarchism, and socialism.

At the same time as the rise of the male god, 7,000 years ago, there was also the very time there was the rise of violence, war, and clans to kingdoms, then empires, then states. It is all connected back to 7,000 years ago, and it moved across the world.

Cory Johnston: https://damienmarieathope.com/2021/04/cory-johnston-mind-of-a-skeptical-leftist/?v=32aec8db952d  

The Mind of a Skeptical Leftist (YouTube)

Cory Johnston: Mind of a Skeptical Leftist @Skepticallefty

The Mind of a Skeptical Leftist By Cory Johnston: “Promoting critical thinking, social justice, and left-wing politics by covering current events and talking to a variety of people. Cory Johnston has been thoughtfully talking to people and attempting to promote critical thinking, social justice, and left-wing politics.” http://anchor.fm/skepticalleft

Cory needs our support. We rise by helping each other.

Cory Johnston ☭ Ⓐ @Skepticallefty Evidence-based atheist leftist (he/him) Producer, host, and co-host of 4 podcasts @skeptarchy @skpoliticspod and @AthopeMarie

Damien Marie AtHope (“At Hope”) Axiological Atheist, Anti-theist, Anti-religionist, Secular Humanist. Rationalist, Writer, Artist, Poet, Philosopher, Advocate, Activist, Psychology, and Armchair Archaeology/Anthropology/Historian.

Damien is interested in: Freedom, Liberty, Justice, Equality, Ethics, Humanism, Science, Atheism, Antiteism, Antireligionism, Ignosticism, Left-Libertarianism, Anarchism, Socialism, Mutualism, Axiology, Metaphysics, LGBTQI, Philosophy, Advocacy, Activism, Mental Health, Psychology, Archaeology, Social Work, Sexual Rights, Marriage Rights, Woman’s Rights, Gender Rights, Child Rights, Secular Rights, Race Equality, Ageism/Disability Equality, Etc. And a far-leftist, “Anarcho-Humanist.”

I am not a good fit in the atheist movement that is mostly pro-capitalist, I am anti-capitalist. Mostly pro-skeptic, I am a rationalist not valuing skepticism. Mostly pro-agnostic, I am anti-agnostic. Mostly limited to anti-Abrahamic religions, I am an anti-religionist. 

To me, the “male god” seems to have either emerged or become prominent around 7,000 years ago, whereas the now favored monotheism “male god” is more like 4,000 years ago or so. To me, the “female goddess” seems to have either emerged or become prominent around 11,000-10,000 years ago or so, losing the majority of its once prominence around 2,000 years ago due largely to the now favored monotheism “male god” that grow in prominence after 4,000 years ago or so. 

My Thought on the Evolution of Gods?

Animal protector deities from old totems/spirit animal beliefs come first to me, 13,000/12,000 years ago, then women as deities 11,000/10,000 years ago, then male gods around 7,000/8,000 years ago. Moralistic gods around 5,000/4,000 years ago, and monotheistic gods around 4,000/3,000 years ago. 

Gods?
 
“Animism” is needed to begin supernatural thinking.
“Totemism” is needed for supernatural thinking connecting human actions & related to clan/tribe.
“Shamanism” is needed for supernatural thinking to be controllable/changeable by special persons.
 
Together = Gods/paganism

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

Damien Marie AtHope (Said as “At” “Hope”)/(Autodidact Polymath but not good at math):

Axiological Atheist, Anti-theist, Anti-religionist, Secular Humanist, Rationalist, Writer, Artist, Jeweler, Poet, “autodidact” Philosopher, schooled in Psychology, and “autodidact” Armchair Archaeology/Anthropology/Pre-Historian (Knowledgeable in the range of: 1 million to 5,000/4,000 years ago). I am an anarchist socialist politically. Reasons for or Types of Atheism

My Website, My Blog, & Short-writing or QuotesMy YouTube, Twitter: @AthopeMarie, and My Email: damien.marie.athope@gmail.com

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