Is God a psychotic break?

 

The old joker Osho comes across as U G Krishnamurti here. Or does he? It turns out that the content is AI-generated! Still, it *does* have a family resemblance to the real man. I wonder what the Osho Foundation will do when they discover this channel? Can they request that it be removed? Maybe you can´t copyright a dead guru. Besides, an artificially generated "Osho" speaking from beyond the grave is very much in the spirit of both UG and Osho himself!

The message (regardless of who wrote the script) reads like a psychotic break. I don´t doubt that spiritual experiences can sometimes feel like described in the video, but what exactly is being "experienced" here? God? His backside? Or something else entirely?

Maybe it´s just the ramblings of a Large Language Model...  

Another night, another cult

 

When I visited Stockholm recently, I actually spotted the Swedish office of the "Universal Church" from the bus and obviously asked the AI about it. Answer in five seconds. Sometimes all that nuclear power is well spent!

What is UCKG Universal Church?

The UCKG (Universal Church of the Kingdom of God) is a large Pentecostal / Neo-Pentecostal Christian denomination that began in Brazil in 1977. In Portuguese it’s called Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus (IURD), founded in Rio de Janeiro by Edir Macedo, who later became a billionaire media owner and one of Brazil’s most influential religious figures.

Here are the key points:

---

1. Core Identity

• Type: Neo-Pentecostal megachurch.

• Theology: Prosperity gospel, spiritual warfare, deliverance from demons, and faith healing.

• Style: Very charismatic — services are emotional, with loud preaching, exorcisms, and testimonies.

---

2. Teachings & Practices

• Prosperity Theology: God blesses true believers with financial success and health. Giving tithes and offerings is emphasized as a way to “unlock” blessings.

• Exorcism / Spiritual Warfare: A central feature. Pastors often perform public exorcisms, “casting out” evil spirits blamed for illness, addiction, poverty, or family problems.

• Faith Healing: Prayer and laying on of hands for healing physical and emotional issues.

• Strict Lifestyle: Members are discouraged from participating in Afro-Brazilian religions (like Candomblé or Umbanda), which the church frames as demonic.

---

3. Global Expansion

• Since the 1980s, UCKG has expanded massively, especially in Latin America, Africa, Europe, and North America.

• Today it claims millions of members worldwide in over 100 countries.

• Its headquarters is the colossal Temple of Solomon in São Paulo (inaugurated 2014), built as a modern replica of the biblical temple.

---

4. Controversies

• Prosperity gospel critics accuse UCKG of exploiting poor people by urging them to give money in exchange for promises of miracles.

• Exorcism practices have been controversial, sometimes staged in sensational ways.

• Founder Edir Macedo has faced accusations of fraud, money laundering, and abuse of power — though he remains highly influential in Brazilian politics and media.

• Its antagonism toward Afro-Brazilian traditions has drawn strong criticism as religious intolerance.

---

5. Sociological Role

• In Brazil, UCKG is not just a church but a cultural and political force.

• It runs TV and radio networks, publishing houses, charities, and has close ties with political parties.

• It represents the new wave of Pentecostalism that blends religion, mass media, and prosperity ideology.

---

✅ In short: The UCKG is a Brazilian-born neo-Pentecostal megachurch known for exorcisms, prosperity teaching, and massive global expansion — deeply influential but also highly controversial.

---

Would you like me to also compare UCKG’s style with traditional Catholicism and Afro-Brazilian religions, since it defines itself partly against those? 

Symbolik?

 

Händer just nu. Den blommar alltså ikväll och imorgon kväll. Enbart.

From the frying pan into the fire?

 

So Donald Trump is going to send more arms to Ukraine. Which is exactly what the European NATO partners and the EU member-states wants. Most of them, anyway.

But...Trump also threatens to sanction any nation still doing business with Russia. That presumably would include India, Brazil and similar nations. He also continues threatening the EU with steep tariffs, thereby setting the stage for a trade "war". And the only way the EU could escape such a situation would be to trade with...yes, exactly, you guessed it...Brazil, India, and so on. Exactly the nations Trump might sanction.

So it seems the economic chaos will continue. And that´s that, I suppose.

Adelskap

 

Observera Hübinettes särpräglade fixering vid den gamla adeln...

Idag sommarpratar Edward of Sillén som är adopterad från Brasilien

The second return of Napoleon?

 

I asked ChatGPT about a strange claim made in the commentary section of the YouTube video I linked to in the previous blog post. Ooookay...

Is it true that a group of Brazilian rebels wanted to free Napoleon from Saint Helena and elect him leader of their rebellion against the Portuguese monarchy?

Yes, it’s true! There was a remarkable but somewhat obscure incident in Brazilian history involving a rebellion and Napoleon Bonaparte that ties into your question. Here's the story:

The Napoleon in Brazil Rebellion (1809-1810):

In the early 19th century, after Napoleon's defeat and exile to the island of Saint Helena in 1815, a group of Brazilian rebels did indeed have plans to free him and install him as a leader to challenge the Portuguese monarchy in Brazil.

The main figure behind this scheme was General José da Costa Carvalho, a former Portuguese army officer who had fled to Brazil after Napoleon’s forces were driven out of Portugal. Along with a group of other discontented Portuguese and Brazilian officers, they believed that the emperor of Brazil at the time, Dom João VI, who had moved the Portuguese court to Rio de Janeiro in 1808, was not a strong enough leader to inspire and unite the growing Brazilian independence movement. They believed that Napoleon Bonaparte, who was still a figure of admiration and romanticism for some in Brazil, could be a powerful symbolic leader for their cause.

The Plot:

• The group of rebels thought that if they could somehow free Napoleon from Saint Helena, he would lead a revolution in Brazil against the Portuguese crown.

• Their plan was to rally support for Napoleon's return to power and have him take leadership in a revolt against the ruling Portuguese forces. They intended to use Napoleon's influence to legitimize their revolt and, in turn, gain a new direction for Brazil's independence.

The Scheme’s Collapse:

• The plot to rescue Napoleon from Saint Helena was never executed, and it was eventually discovered by the Portuguese authorities.

• Most of the conspirators were arrested, and the idea of having Napoleon as a figurehead for Brazilian independence was quickly abandoned.

The Larger Context:

• This event happened at a time when Brazil was on the brink of significant political and social change. The Portuguese monarchy had been established in Brazil after Napoleon’s occupation of Portugal, but there was significant resentment from Brazilian elites about the dominance of the Portuguese court and its influence in Brazilian affairs.

• While the Napoleon plot failed, it was just one part of the larger independence movement that would culminate in Brazilian independence in 1822, under the leadership of Dom Pedro I, the son of Dom João VI.

Why Was This So Fascinating?

The idea of Napoleon Bonaparte, a leader whose empire had once stretched across Europe, being resurrected as a leader for Brazilian rebels shows the degree to which Napoleon's charisma and reputation persisted long after his fall from power. Even as he was in exile, Napoleon was still seen by some as a potential rallying point for anti-monarchical and nationalist movements.

Conclusion:

Yes, a group of Brazilian rebels did, at one point, entertain the idea of freeing Napoleon from his exile on Saint Helena and having him lead their rebellion against the Brazilian emperor, Dom João VI. However, the plot never materialized, and the rebels were ultimately caught and punished. Nonetheless, it remains a fascinating and odd episode in the history of Brazil's struggle for independence.

Would you like to know more about this period in Brazilian history or the larger context of Napoleon’s influence in South America?

The larger context.

The larger context surrounding the attempt to free Napoleon and install him as a leader of Brazilian rebels is deeply tied to the broader political and social upheavals of the early 19th century, including the Napoleonic Wars, Portuguese monarchy’s shift to Brazil, and the emerging movements for Brazilian independence. Here’s a breakdown of these interconnected historical events:

1. The Napoleonic Wars and the Fall of Portugal

The Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815) were a series of conflicts involving Napoleonic France against various European coalitions. In the early 19th century, Napoleon’s conquests significantly reshaped the political landscape of Europe.

• In 1807, Napoleon’s forces invaded Portugal. Faced with the imminent threat of occupation, the Portuguese royal family, led by Prince Regent João VI (later Dom João VI), fled to Brazil, which was then a colony of Portugal. The royal court set up its capital in Rio de Janeiro, turning the Brazilian colony into the seat of the Portuguese Empire.

• This move was highly symbolic: Brazil was no longer just a colony; it became the heart of the Portuguese monarchy, making Rio de Janeiro a major political, cultural, and administrative hub.

2. The Rise of Brazilian Nationalism

As the Portuguese court established itself in Rio de Janeiro, tensions began to rise between the Portuguese authorities and the Brazilian elite. The long-standing inequalities and colonial status of Brazil were no longer acceptable to many Brazilians, especially those who had grown accustomed to seeing their country as the center of the empire, not just a backwater colony.

• In 1820, the Portuguese Revolution broke out, which demanded a return to a constitutional monarchy and limited the power of the king. This put significant pressure on Dom João VI, who was forced to return to Portugal in 1821, leaving his son Dom Pedro I behind as the regent of Brazil.

• Dom Pedro I, while maintaining loyalty to his father, became increasingly sympathetic to Brazilian aspirations. By 1822, after much political turmoil, Dom Pedro I declared Brazil’s independence from Portugal and became its first emperor. This act marked the end of colonial rule, but it also highlighted the growing tensions between Brazilian nationalists and the Portuguese monarchy.

3. The Role of Napoleon’s Legacy

Despite his fall from power and his exile to Saint Helena after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Napoleon’s reputation and influence did not disappear. In fact, his legacy became a symbol of revolution, nationalism, and anti-monarchism for many in Europe and the Americas.

• Napoleon Bonaparte, as a former emperor and revolutionary figure, symbolized the overthrow of old monarchies and the rise of new, nationalist and republican ideologies. Even though his empire had collapsed, many people still saw him as a leader who could challenge the old order, particularly monarchies like the one in Portugal.

• Napoleon's supporters in Brazil and elsewhere were disillusioned with monarchies. The Napoleonic legend inspired romantic visions of freedom and national greatness, especially among people who opposed the Portuguese monarchy and felt Brazil deserved greater independence and sovereignty.

4. Brazilian Rebellion and Napoleon’s Appeal

The group of Brazilian rebels who wanted to free Napoleon and install him as a leader against the Portuguese monarchy were motivated by these anti-monarchical and nationalistic ideals. By this point, Napoleon was more of a symbol than a practical leader, but his influence was strong among revolutionaries, especially in the context of Brazil’s growing desire for autonomy.

• The Brazilian elites had growing frustrations with the Portuguese court and felt that Dom João VI’s rule was overly dependent on Portuguese interests. Some saw Napoleon as a possible alternative who could rally Brazilians against the monarchy and, more importantly, against Portuguese dominance.

• The idea of Napoleon’s return would have been seen as an attempt to break free from the old colonial structure and create a new political order that was more independent and more in line with nationalist sentiments in Brazil. Napoleon’s military prowess and authoritarian rule made him an attractive figure for people seeking a decisive leader.

5. The Larger Impact of the Napoleonic Wars on Latin America

The Napoleonic Wars, and especially Napoleon’s invasion of Spain and Portugal, had a profound effect on the independence movements in Latin America. His rise and fall disrupted traditional European power structures and weakened Spain and Portugal's ability to control their colonies.

• The Spanish colonies in Latin America had already begun to rebel in the early 1800s, with independence movements in places like Argentina, Chile, and Mexico gaining traction.

• In Brazil, the shift of the Portuguese monarchy to Rio de Janeiro accelerated the desire for self-rule, and Napoleon’s legacy became a powerful symbol for those pushing for Brazilian independence.

6. Failed Rebellion and Long-Term Outcomes

While the Brazilian plot to free Napoleon failed, it was part of a broader pattern of nationalist movements and revolutionary ideas spreading across Latin America. Despite this failure, Brazilian independence was eventually achieved in 1822 with the declaration of independence by Dom Pedro I.

• The Napoleonic influence was not the sole reason for Brazil’s independence, but it played a role in shaping the political climate of the time, and Napoleon’s revolutionary and anti-monarchical spirit resonated with many rebels.

Conclusion:

The plot to free Napoleon from Saint Helena and use him as a figurehead for Brazilian rebellion reflects the intertwining of Napoleon’s legacy with the rising nationalist movements in Latin America. Napoleon represented an alternative to European monarchies, and his influence continued to shape revolutionary thinking in the Americas, even after his downfall. While the plot failed, it was part of a broader wave of independence across the continent, and Brazil’s eventual independence in 1822 marked the end of colonial rule in the region.

Would you like more details on Brazil’s independence movement or Napoleon’s broader impact on the Americas?

The wrath of the world

 

 

I can´t let this go. The final scenes from Werner Herzog´s films "Aguirre: The Wrath of God" and "Cobra Verde" are disturbing allegories of the end of the world. Or humanity. Or - at a minimum - modern civilization. Especially the last minute or so of the "Aguirre" climax, where the sun (God?) looks down on the pathetic raft of the mad conquistador (Earth? Homo sapiens?) as it´s invaded by monkeys in the middle of a completely indifferent wilderness. Note also the sharp contrast between his hubris and the actual state of affairs. What kind of vibes I got from the ending of "Cobra Verde", I won´t even tell you...

Cobra Verde

 

I haven´t seen Werner Herzog´s "Cobra Verde" (featuring Klaus Kinski as some crazy guy - as usual), but the ending is just as bizarre and disturbing as the climactic scene of "Aguirre: The Wrath of God"...

Recursion

 

Does an obscure Amazonian language called Piraha disprove Noam Chomsky´s Universal Grammar? No idea, as I hardly understand the topic! Me not grok. Still, interesting after a fashion. Tie-in to the idea that the way we look at the world is (strongly) caused by our language.

Aside from lacking "recursion", Piraha seem to have other unique or unusual features. For instance, no numerals, verb tenses or color words. When anthropologist Daniel Everett and his wife tried to teach the Piraha basic arithmetic, the natives gave up after eight months of study. They simply couldn´t grasp the concept.

My wild guess is that the Piraha people are a relict population of a previously complex culture rather than true primitives, and that this somehow explains why their language is so impoverished. They are "devolving". But then, nobody seems to have made evolutionary claims about their lingo, so maybe this observation is irrelevant to the current conflict...    

Methane disco

 

My reaction to the methane surge and the fact that it will fuck up the Paris Agreement. KIDDING!!! 

Surge

 

More bad news, this time about methane!  

Methane surges from tropical wetlands, threatening climate plans

Samtal med Wolodarski

 

Det här är ju inte en skvallerblogg. Utom när så är fallet. Titta vad jag skrev i augusti 2019. Ett lustigt litet utbrott, med tanke på...vissa saker. If you know, you know.

Presidenten DN störtade

Amazon rite

 

Breitbart News continues their tradCath LARP. Maybe somebody should tell them that Peter was married, and so were the "bishops" of the New Testament house churches. The Eastern Churches always had married clergy, too, including Eastern Churches in union with Rome. 

But sure, I suppose the "Amazon rite" could be seen as heretical...but the underlaying idea was introduced by the Jesuits already 400 years ago. The crafty modernists!

Maybe it´s time for the American Indians to actually go back to their beloved Pachamama.  

Amazon liturgy, married clergy

Just blame it on Bolsonaro

 

What a pity Bolsonaro isn´t president, then we could blame this on him somehow. But I´m sure the international media have reported this anyway, constantly for 20 days straight. 

Or no?

Record-breaking fires engulf South America

Taxonomic vandalism (and then some)

 

Never heard of this matie before, but he is apparently some kind of local celebrity in Australia. 

Science blogger Darren Naish isn´t impressed, and charges free-wheeling herpetologist Ray Hoser with "taxonomic vandalism" and "nomenclatural harvesting". 

Or, not to put too fine spin on it, of being a real pain the ass! Apparently, the unhinged mate has named snakes after his pet dogs, when not busy running a snake-related road show, unsuccesfully running for office, and accusing other scientists of being rapists, thieves, and what not...    

Ray Hoser: Number 1 Taxonomic Vandal

Lesser known erythristic cats

 

"Good day, dear Sir"

I just learned a new word: "erythristic". Almost a crypto-word! 

Two lesser known Brazilian mystery cats 

Many are called

 

This is ridiculous...

Go home to Murica!

 

The Catholic fanatics of TFP (Tradition Family Property) are on a "crusade" in Germany against something called the Synodal Way or Synodal Path, apparently a "woke" group within the Catholic Church in that particular nation.

The ultra-conservative, anti-Communist and "pro-upper class" TFP (originally a Brazilian group) is widely regarded as a cult, and its crusade does trigger some people. 

Somewhat ironically, one of the angry gentlemen seems to be a German nationalist incensed by the presence of foreigners (probably Americans) in the TFP crowd. In Munich, the fanaticos are challenged by a faux Satanist court jester. Some feminist Catholics (?) also argue with the TFP-ers. Note that the "crusaders" even go to Augsburg, an important center of the Protestant Reformation back in the 16th century!

If these little stunts can stop the German Catholic Church from going woke remains to be seen...

But of course not.  

Folkfront med förhinder

"Tack för stödet, din jävla polack"
Credit: Xinhua

Är tillräckligt gammal för att komma ihåg hur högerliberalen Peter Wolodarski stödde det vänsterradikala Arbetarpartiet i Brasse mot "fascisten" Bolsonaro. Sedan kom kallduschen...

HA HA HA HA.

"Lula says Putin can attend next year´s G20 in Brazil without fear of arrest"

The Nagas of Brazil

Credit: Dick Culbert 

I´ve heard of the Pachamama, but never the Sachamama. Any connection? Note the claims that this is an actual unknown animal! Rather than, say, a very angry nature spirit come to life...

Sachamama

Minhocao