Update, February 18 2008: Somebody at a closed forum at toysoldiersunite has opened up a discussion about this post. I welcome the visitors, but hey, I’m curious what you’re saying! I’d appreciate it if someone would let me know what’s going on there. Thanks.
You can’t help but smile when you read a Manifesto that begins,
Hello, my name is Dr. Phineas Waldolf Steel™ and I’m crazy. At least that’s what they tell me. It’s a real load off my mind too. I mean you can get away with pretty much anything if you’re bonkers.
Dr. Steel is definitely one interesting character. He has a website and apparently a company called World Domination Toys, and his two chief goals in life seem to be to have fun and to become World Emperor. A correspondent directed me to his website with questions about what he’s teaching there.
I don’t know how well-known he is. He might be just a local phenomenon in his home state of California (where else?), or he might have quite a following (did I mention he’s a musician?). I’ve been unable to track down information on his popularity, so I don’t know how to gauge how many people are paying any attention to him. (I may end up regretting giving him publicity!)
For all his affecting of goggles (apparently he’s never seen without them) and his plans to rule the world, though, Dr. Steel raises some interesting issues, and someone actually did put a question to me. He represents a fascinating eclectic, commercialized form of New Age thinking.
And besides, after all the time I’ve spent on The Golden Compass, I’m ready to work on Something Completely Different. Dr. Steel certainly qualifies.
Our Real Problem Is…?
Besides planning to rule the world, Dr. Steel claims he has the human problem solved. In his manifesto he states,
The meaning of life is… well, grim…. There is no big, important meaning. No higher purpose. All of this business about progress and advancement of the human race? It’s all just pounding the nails into our own coffins. If you wish to talk of purpose, the only real purpose humanity has is to reproduce.
There’s a Darwinian root to that. Given naturalistic (unguided, undirected) evolution, this is a sensible conclusion. All evolution cares about (I’m anthropomorphizing here) is successful reproduction, and “progress” is meaningless under Darwinian terms, and so is “purpose.” His vision of the future looks like this:
Machines will inherit the earth.
Humanity seems to be perpetually stuck in its “rebellious teenage years”. We do things just because we can and we don’t care about the outcome. We think we’re indestructible. On top of that, we don’t work correctly because we’re not designed properly and frankly shouldn’t even have been put here on this planet in the first place. So the only way that it’s going to work out is when the time comes that we are replaced by our creations. Only then will Earth become as one again. A rebirth. A sort of “Gaia 2.0″.
Dr. Steel says forming “religious clubs” is not the answer:
It doesn’t fit. It doesn’t fit because there’s nothing to fit into. As a species, we’re totally disposable…. the human race is the only species on the planet that could simply disappear off the face of the Earth and it wouldn’t affect the eco-system?
There’s some questionable biology there, but never mind. He goes on to cite “H.L. Menkin” [sic] saying that of all the animals, only mankind is unfit to survive in this world on his own. This means, then…
We’re not supposed to be here. We’re the result of genetic manipulations from an outside force.
Call the Discovery Institute! We have a convert to Intelligent Design here! (Hey, as I said, this is partly about getting a smile.)
There’s nothing ‘natural’ about us. We’re mutant lab rats, unaware of the experiment we’re in…. The Alien Illuminati doesn’t care about human rights. As far as they’re concerned, we don’t have any. They made us. They’re just waiting for the next ice age to hit.
He’s a tad short on evidence there again.
And the Solution Is…
Nevertheless his analysis leads him to a solution:
Now is the time to wake up. If we as a species, could only accept the fact that we’re completely disposable, we could begin spending our time doing what we really want to be doing. Having a good time.
Hence the toy company. He’s recruiting for an “Army of Toy Soldiers” who will join him in his “quest to build a better world.” From an interview with Jack Rawstone:
The good Doctor has two distinguishable traits from other proposed world dictators; firstly he has begun his cause for world domination through music and show, and secondly, once the world is captured, he wants nothing more than to have fun. “Indeed, my good man! After all, there is no other purpose in life. If one is not having fun then why bother?
…
“I aim to infiltrate and spread my vision of fun to all walks of life,” he says leaning forward. “To reject the fear. To reject the lies that we are being force fed and encourage the people of this world to help build a Utopian Playland where fun is the top priority. It is only through unification with a singular focused vision that we can change the world.”
Unreality Has Struck
By now you’re wondering when I’m planning to get serious with this. Let’s start here: a Utopian Playland is a great idea for the users, but doesn’t somebody have to build our toys? And grow and distribute our food? The economic unreality (not to mention the self-centeredness) of this vision is mind-boggling, unless he’s playing a very different and quite savvy economic game: selling himself.
Then there is the New Age connection in his ideas. When he speaks this (in his most impressive manner), he is borrowing concepts from New Age religion:
I will become World Emperor, even if only because I think I am World Emperor. All that we have is our perception. Whatever we perceive to be reality is in fact our reality. You want to get into quantum physics … the fact is that we as observers actually manipulate and manifest reality. We are intricately and subconsciously involved with the reality process. [Those who are in control manipulate reality, and] the more people who believe these lies, the more real these lies become. Opinions or ideas become reality; something imagined, ideas, become tangible…. With a vision, a focused vision, a unified vision, we can re-form this world into a better place!
He has his physics rather mixed up, unfortunately. There is no standard interpretation of quantum physics that says we can direct the outcome of an event by observing it. Yes, one standard interpretation says that quantum outcomes are undetermined until observed. But it does not suggest that observation can cause one outcome rather than another. It just says that the various probabilities for outcomes “collapse” upon observation: many outcomes were possible, but upon observation, just one actually happens (and this is only on a subatomic scale). So Dr. Steel is misusing quantum physics in support of his theory.
The Root of Unreality: Saner Than He Looks?
But Dr. Steel’s real problem goes back to his initial analysis of our condition. He accepts something like a Darwinian theory of mindless, purposeless origins. Then in an incongruous twist, he assumes that there actually is a purpose for humanity, but it’s not one we should like: alien experimentation. At this the mind boggles; there’s just no reason to believe it’s true. Dr. Steel says he’s bonkers; and this, I have to say, qualifies as evidence for that. We didn’t come from the Alien Illuminati.
We didn’t come from purposeless evolution, either. If either of those were in fact the case, then Dr. Steel’s answers would be as sensible as any other: Have fun! Rule the world (in your own mind, at least)! Be bonkers! And forget about any other, higher purpose for your own existence.
In long, prior discussions with atheists on this blog, Christian theists have tried to show that atheism leads logically toward conclusions like these. Given his starting assumptions, Dr. Steel is much saner than he appears.
The Better Explanation
Now, do you find that disturbingly unlikely? Recognize that I’m not suggesting that his Alien Illuminati theory makes sense under any starting assumptions. His solution to life’s problems works as well as any other, though–if atheism is true. Conversely if Christian theism is true, then you are not deceived in thinking your life has purpose and meaning, that there’s more to it than having fun while letting someone else build all your toys. Your intuitions of reality are not so far off-track after all. You matter: you matter to God, and you matter to other people who also matter. Purpose is real.
Don’t be a Toy Soldier. Live for what’s real. Live in the light of what is true. Live in the light of the Light personified: God revealed in Jesus Christ.
[...] Read the rest of this great post here [...]
What if he doesn’t belive any of what he espouses and this is all a show. He does have the disclaimer of being “crazy”. How do you debate a crazy guy. He doesn’t have to make sense he only need to entertain. Nothing wrong with entertainment but what if someone takes this serious??? One more road away from truth but at least you’ll be entertained.
You could be right, rkboz. It could be genuine craziness, or he could just be selling himself. It is indeed entertaining.
I tend to think he really does believe what he said about meaning and purpose, though. That’s consistent with the rest of what he says, and it’s not such an unusual position to take. And as I said, it also makes the rest of what he says almost make sense.
I know there is a school of thought that is somewhat consistent with his propaganda but it seems he has taken some aspects from a site I happened on called the “human adult”. You’d have to see it, it’s hard to explain.
Also I noticed much of his techniques comes from the “chagingminds” web site. This is a site that shows many ways to change someone mind to your way of thinking. Big businesses and advertisers use it. I think many cults also.
I’m a firm believer that truth does indeed shine through darkness. If he has truth in his message then it will shine. If truth is shone on his propaganda (he calls it that)and it doesn’t hold up then, too bad for him he will need to rethink his position.
Now……how to get started??
Unfortunately, you guys are missing the point entirely. Dr. Steel uses the words “World Domination” and “Propoganda” to poke fun at the institutions of the world. He wants people to sit back, have fun, and enjoy the ride…NOT analyze every little thing that someone says, which is exactly what you are doing in this article.
What he chooses to do does not set our agenda for what we choose to do. And his message does convey a worldview. If he just wants us to sit back, have fun and enjoy the ride, there are ideas underlying that.
You can’t escape ideas.
If you just sit back and go along for the ride you might end up in a place you didn’t want to go. Look at history. Questioning authority is what he wants us to do. But what about questioning him? Should we turn a blind eye? Should we see if he is benign or maybe a little sinister as he likes to play.
I say question everything and hold fast to what is true. I’m not paranoid, I’ve just been down that road before.
Is it still possible to hold on to what is true and still be a Toy Soldier? As for the toy soldiers its more like a club. It’s just something to do outside of your everyday boring life. To be able to gather, relax, laugh, make friends.
Ummm…he’s having fun. And having a lot of it. This is all part of an ingenious viral marketing machine.
Y’all take this far too seriously.
If Dr. Steel wants to promote his music, then why does he need to have this manifesto? It would appear to me that he does have an agenda. The manifesto does have world views and is new age. The Bible clearly states that anyone who leads his children away from the truth it would be better for him to tie a stone around his neck and be cast into the river. This is a teaching of sorts and there are people out there who are believing it! So if he wants to promote his music than do so, just leave his beliefs out of it.
Now that raises an interesting issue, Candy. I agree that Dr. Steel’s manifesto is New Age and is definitely wrong spiritual track. I’m wondering, though, what to do with “just leave his beliefs out of it.” How can any of us leave our beliefs out of anything we do that really expresses ourselves? If he really, actually believes what he says, then it wouldn’t make sense to leave his beliefs out. (If he’s just faking it for marketing, that’s another matter altogether.)
I don’t appreciate when people who disagree with my Christianity tell me to leave my beliefs out of what I do. Is it possibly better to bring the beliefs to the fore and to deal with them for what they are? They need correcting (or answering, at least), in my strong opinion, but not censoring.
Ah yes I do see your point about leaving your beliefs out of it and you are right thank you for that.
My concern is leading people away from the truth as we know it being followers of Christ, even if he just faking it. I don’t think he is I think he does believe in what he is saying.
As a mother my children,(who are old enough to be out of the house) are very much into Dr. Steel and are passing out this manifestos, they are “spreading the word”. I am concerned for them and how far they will take it. Either they are just going to enjoy the music and have fun doing it, or are they spreading something that is so wrong they will have a consequence to there actions, leading others away from the truth.
I like the man myself, but I think his manifesto is misleading people from the truth and that is important to me.
Well, I can see this is not just academic to you! It makes a huge difference when your children are involved! The truth is absolutely important!
Are they old enough to understand some of the problems with his manifesto, such as the ones I’ve written above?
Can you inform me as to what The Alien Illuminati is all about?
There is a conspiracy theory out there about the Illuminati, a group of high-powered rich people (humans, in this case) who secretly pull the strings of everything important that happens in the Western world. The theory doesn’t have a lot of credibility to it. The Alien Illuminati sounds like a new concept derived from that: like the supposed Illuminati, they’re pulling all the strings, but they’re aliens.
Other than Dr. Steel’s Manifesto, I’ve never heard of the Alien Illuminati. I think he may have made it up, in other words, although if you Google “Alien Illuminati” (with the quotation marks) you’ll get a few other hits from UFO blogs and the like.
Not only do ideas have consequences, but they can be quite insidious. What seems - or is possibly even indended as - simple fun can goad the ideological drift of society in a very particular, and sometimes dangerous, direction. “It’s all harmless fun” is a sentiment we should all be wary of.
Sorry, that should be “intended as” not “indended as”.
Now we have some good point going on in here. Should we analyze everything and see if it be good or bad.
1 John 4:1-3
4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 and every spirit that confesseth not Jesus is not of God: and this is the (spirit) of the antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it cometh; and now it is in the world already.
ASV
This does not mean we have to shun everyone that professes not that Jesus is come in the flesh but it does mean we should not believe his world view or even spread his world view to others. The Bible says you can not serve two masters. Fun is fun but when fun dips into the realm of eternal destiny then you have to draw the line. A Christian should not spend their time treasure and talent on spreading an unchristian world view. Draw a line in the sand. Then stand for Jesus. You will be rewarded for such a thing.
You ever thought that you guys are just taking him too seriously?
If you go after Dr Steel then you might as well go after Star Trek too seeing it all is entertainment with a fan following.
Well, of course I’ve thought about that! Obviously he’s trying to make himself a spectacle. But really, I’m not going after Dr. Steel the man, or Dr. Steel the musician, or Dr. Steel the toymaker or Emperor-wanna-be. As I said, I don’t have any sense here where I live on the east coast how popular or influential he is.
It’s not about Dr. Steel. It’s about the ideas he sets forth in his manifesto; not particularly because they are his, but because some of them come up in frequently, in many other places. That’s especially the case for the New Age-oriented ideas he puts forth.
If you think that we’re going after Dr. Steel, then you’ve entirely missed the point, as Tom articulated above. We are taking some of the ideas he has used to construct his grand facade very seriously, though. He’s just the springboard.
Wow, I can’t believe this. Doctor Steel is a musician, nothing more. His manifesto is just a way for fans of his music, such as myself, to spread the word through more than just iPods and such. The toy soldiers are nothing but a fan club, and the good Doctor is never going to take over the world, or revoke religion and such. He makes music, we enjoy music, we should get over it. Stop making a mountain out of a molehill.
I’m glad to hear that, Siin. On a Thinking Christian blog, though, with the message you’re trying to tell us, your pen name is more than a little ironic.
But Aaron’s comment just above yours expresses it well: this is a springboard to discuss his ideas. It’s not about Dr. Steel. It’s about the ideas.
I’m with tom on this one. and other out there, that its not about whether Dr. Steel is crazy or not, its about his idea for a world not about working your self to death. But about having fun before we run this world into the ground. Look at the idea not the man. For a perfect example people thought that Christopher Columbus was insane for thinking the earth was round. But they gave him a boat or two and let him prove it. So you can deny his views, or you can join the revolution in his utopian playland!
I appreciate your being with me on this–but I have to make sure we know that Christopher Columbus round-world analogy won’t float. Educated people of that day all knew the world is round. That they thought it was flat is a fairly modern myth. But most educated people today don’t know that was true about educated people of that day, so it’s an understandable mistake.
Ideas conquer nations. They are not innocent. Steels movement is growing quite fast. Here is a quote I’d like someone to tell me the author if they can.
“The National Government will regard it as its first and foremost duty to revive in the nation the spirit of unity and cooperation. It will preserve and defend those basic principles on which our nation has been built. It regards Christianity as the foundation of our national morality, and the family as the basis of national life.”
The point is that all may not be what it seems.
I guess I might be over reacting but I have seen many get involved with something that turned up bad for them. I think if you don’t take a world view as serious you don’t know what a world view is. As a Christian we believe that what you hold dear can make an eternal differnce. The previous quote on my previous post was by hitler. Here’s another.
“If positive Christianity means love of one’s neighbour, i.e. the tending of the sick, the clothing of the poor, the feeding of the hungry, the giving of drink to those who are thirsty, then it is we who are the more positive Christians. For in these spheres the community of the people of National Socialist Germany has accomplished a prodigious work.”
So do we just go along for the ride cause it’s fun or do we have fun but stop short of propagating an antichristian world view???
On behalf of the Army of Toy Soldiers, I would like to thank you for writing such a huge piece on our future World Emperor and helping to spread the awareness. Be it negative or positive, all publicity just puts us one step closer to building our Utopian Playland.
TO WORLD DOMINATION!
~Sgt. Kato
Founder of ToySoldiersUnite.com
The fatal flaw in this article is the assumption that Dr. Steel as a person, not a character, actually believes fully in everything that he’s saying, complete with Alien Illuminati. Personally, I think it’s rather foolish to assume that, as to me it’s fairly evident that Dr. Steel is (no offense to him of course) nothing but an entertainer. The whole would-be World Emperor persona is just a vehicle for his music. A theme, if you will.
I very much doubt that any of the Toy Soldiers truly believe in the Alien Illuminati, and I would wager that none of them think that Dr. Steel could ever possibly be World Emperor. Certainly, some of us share his beliefs when taken down to the most basic level, but in the end, Dr. Steel is just plain fun.
We do not opress other religions. We don’t descriminate. We love all people…even though they can be a little stupid, but nonetheless we accept them. We accept all religions in all forms, whether they be christian, muslim, or daoist. Our army is not a bad thing. We’ve done many great things that have helped people. Donating toys to needy families, raised funds for charity organizations, cleaning highways, and even donating to some of your christian charities. How can you say that this is not a good thing? Can we not help our fellow man, my dear friends?
Lighten up and have fun! Because I know you guys are having fun debating this totally insane idea of world domination.
Bee happy!
“We do not opress other religions. We don’t descriminate. We love all people…even though they can be a little stupid, but nonetheless we accept”
What in the world? Did you not just descriminate against stupid people?
If you’ve noticed in his music scheme, steampunk, it represends the Golden Age, the time where steam was the main energy source, before diesel and gasoline became our main sources of fuel. It was not a time of peace, but it certainly had much less violence and corruption than what we live in now. I my self am a toy soldier. The word soldier is a little strong. It does come off like we are some insurgents in this country. I do abide by the laws of this state, I pay my taxes like everybody else. Imagination is the beggining of creation. You have to admit the society we live in could use quite a few changes. We’re just doing our part to promote the change, much like someone would to encourage recycling or carpooling. I assure you it is impossible for some people to be happy, but by making life a little simpler, by lending a hand, or opening a door for someone will help us enjoy this world which we have inherited from our four fathers whomever they may be. Just try not to look into it too hard. Dr. Steel means no harm at all.
You have to admit at this point any one can do a better job than the leader we have now.
email me if you have questions.
Thanks for all the comments, toy soldiers.
Recall what I said above: this is not about the man but about the ideas he has published.
There is a division that has be concerned it’s called the
Counsel Arcanum
Counsel Arcanum is a Special Ops unit doing research and development in the field of the Occult and the Paranormal to further aid the cause of Dr. Phineas Waldolf Steel. Using knowledge and experience we have gained through devotion in our chosen paths we will use everything within our abilities to help to bring about a Utopian Playland all the sooner.
Now why does this division need to include with all the fun? There are people out there looking for happiness in all the wrong places. I my self love Dr. Steel very much but by having this division it way off track for me. My personal opinion mind you. I am not attacking them I just have absolutely idea how this falls into the army of toy soldiers
But there are so many people out there who live by this belief of other gods, many gods and rituals in order to make changes in there lives, to manipulate situations. When one finds God there is no need for any of that, for God in all you need.
As a practicing and very much a believing Christian, I both agree and disagree on many points in this article, but for now I’ll just say:
Doctor Steel is not about telling us what to believe. He tells us what *he* believes, surely, but that is not to say to appreciate his music or his vision one must believe everything he does.
For me, Doctor Steel has very much been an inspiration for helping to bring about his vision of a Utopian Playland through active participation in such things as the Adopt-A-Highway program, recycling, reducing waste, and spreading happiness.
You had a valid point. Who cleans up the world for this Utopian Playland? Who plants the food?
WE DO.
Because it’s not about not working - it’s about working at what you love. And for some of us, farming or gardening, cleaning up roadways, making recycled paper at home, even spinning your own yarn - IS what makes us happy.
So for me, Doctor Steel isn’t about not believing in G-d. Rather, it’s about living life to the fullest, about living every minute with the understanding that this minute will never come again, it’s about making the world a better place for all the people around me, and through that, making the world a better place for me, also.
I find that a common theme lacking in many Churches today (and I say many based on fellow Christians I speak with) is the lack of any sense of Stewardship for the Earth!
Doctor Steel may not be a Christian, but he is doing what we should be doing.
COME THE UTOPIAN PLAYLAND - by whatever means!
Baruch ata Ad-nai vyeeshmrecha
Yasar Ad-nai panav alecha vehunecha
Ya’ar Ad-nai panav alecha v’yasame l’cha shalom.
Miss Zahrah
#11 Cascadian Militia Division
3R-Green Beret Utopian Playland Maintenance Division
Exactly. Dr. Steel is about having fun. I, as a Toy Soldier, have fun, and thusly his mission is accomplished. Furthermore, (though I loathe to say it) Dr. Steel has made no REAL effort to take over the world. He’s a musician.
All this aside, if he actually does have aspirations of World Domination, he has some good ideas. Do they need a little editing? Sure. But, as TS CDR.GW DFD#301 Lead pointed out, the Toy Soldiers, under the good Doctor’s instruction, have set out to make the world a better place by helping the needy.
Lastly, being a Toy Soldier is something that fulfills the basic human need of belonging to a larger group. Certainly, some people can find that in various forms of religion, but none have appealed to me as of yet, and most forms of Christianity don’t want me/can’t just accept me the way I am, so I’m really not inclined to bother with it. We still do things to help those less fortunate, but the major difference (to me, at least) is that no one’s telling me that I’m going to hell based on the way I dress and live (yes, it has happened). There are certainly some reasonable Christians out there, but none of them are in charge. Dr. Steel isn’t leading a cult, rather a nice group of individuals who appreciate acceptance and good music.
When dealing with Dr. Steel, one must learn to separate the method from the madness. He is not the most straightforward man out there. For instance, there is little doubt in my mind that he does not truly believe in the Alien Illuminati. He says many things which are merely part of his character–and many things that may be interpreted in more than one way. For instance, he insists that humans have no place in the world. That we are wrecking it, and eventually only machines will be fit to live here. Well, you can take that at face value. Go nuts! It’s too late for humanity! Just have fun! Don’t worry about the environment!
Or, you can look deeper. Realize that there is truth in his words–and then ask yourself if this is the future you really want to see. Humans are many things. We are stupid, we are wasteful, we are brilliant, and we can do practically anything we set our minds to. If we truly wish to save this planet… we will.
Another one of his talking points is making fun the first priority. Once again, this can be taken at face value, and you’ll realize that this will very quickly fall apart.
But look deeper. Dr. Steel as a character espouses this view that fun is the only thing that matters. But Dr. Steel the character is ALSO a very hard worker. As one of his more popular songs states, he spends all his time “building the robots.” Or designing toys. Sure, he likes slip and slides and other games as much as the next guy, but he ALSO works–the key is that he does things he enjoys. Now, the real Dr. Steel undoubtedly is NOT out there building robots. But he IS putting on quite a show, and using his talents to create lots of great art and music. He is working. But he is having fun doing it. And therein lies the key.
Do what you love, and love what you do. The rest will take care of itself.
Of course, that’s just one man’s opinion.
–Timzor, Loyal Toy Soldier.
Remember, Toy Soldiers, its a world MAKEOVER not a world TAKEOVER.
To those above talking of dangerous ideas of the good Dr. Steel, ponder this quote by Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)–Irish Poet, Novelist, Dramatist and Critic.
“An idea that is not dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea at all.”
Loyal Toy Soldier,
Alice.
Why is it that simply categorizing Dr. Steel’s thinking as New Age makes him a villain?
I am a Christian and a follower of Dr. Steel. Do these people (Jesus Christ and Dr. Steel) have differing views on things? Sure they do. But then again Dr. Steel talks of free thinking and making reality our own.
So, by this, the decision’s of our faith is left to us.
It’s all in good fun, for fun!
To a Utopian Playland! (Until I die and go to Heaven.)
~Toy Soldier phinrott
YJMUM responded on 19 Feb 2008 at 3:23 pm #
“’We do not opress other religions. We don’t descriminate. We love all people…even though they can be a little stupid, but nonetheless we accept’
What in the world? Did you not just descriminate against stupid people?”
No, why? Do you feel like you’ve been discriminated against?
The HUMAN RACE as a whole can be very stupid at times. Just look at the state of the world the environment, overly-excessive political corruption and war for unjustified reasons.
rkboz responded on 01 Jan 2008 at 12:44 pm #
an ‘unchristian world view’?
there is no such idea in any point of the utopian playland.
a man with a good idea about how the world could be better is not necessarily one’s “master” in the use of the word above.
to take the word master so lightly in the context which it appears and then to apply it so to compare Dr. Steel to Allah is to say one can not follow the rules of a government and be christian at the same time.
Finally, there is nothing “un-christian” about a world that differs from ours in the sense that there is no force making us unhappy.
By all means, Dr. Steel encourages you to keep your personal beliefs as dear to you as you wish, for without opinion, (based on sufficient background knowledge) the world is blind. And taking lessons of philosophers, as well as any other teacher without thinking about what the deep meaning could be is not religion. in fact it is a state i which one is incredibly easy to control
John and Phinrott
I don’t think rkboz was necessarily saying the Dr. Steel himself was taking a position as master in the sense he was using the word. Rather–if I understand correctly–he was talking about having any other person, principle, or idea than Christ being our master, in the sense of being our rule of life. I say this because of what I know about the context of the Biblical passage he was drawing from.
But apart from that, I am wondering what “un-christian” means in your view. What would it take for an idea or a principle to be “un-christian” as you see it? And is it possible to accept what Dr. Steel encourages one to think and believe, and also to “keep your personal beliefs as dear to you,” if those beliefs are that Jesus Christ is Lord of all?
I, for one, am glad to see that the good Doctor has not been painted a bad image. As many other Toy Soldiers have stated, Dr. Steel is about fun. We all have our responsibilities, our duties and honor to uphold…but too many times I see people that live to work instead of the other way around.
We must all have our jobs and careers, but let’s not forget the big picture! We only live for so long. Steel’s main message is to enjoy it while we have it. The rest can be seen as a bit of colorful dialog.
Peace on earth and goodwill towards men can only be achieved when we cast away the small hates and bigotries and injustices of the world. Living life in a more positive way will benefit us all more than the inherent hate we see from people of other countries or radical religious sects.
Only you can help Dr. Steel take over the world. That, my friends, is by taking just a little bit of time and dusting off your old Transformers, or jigsaw puzzle, and remembering what is was like when you were a child.
Danny the Mad
Div. 487
But also you must remember that he even tells you that he is CRAZY and therefore one shouldn’t believe the ramblings of a crazy man.
I am a TS and a devout Christian. I like Dr. Steel’s music — which he is all about. His ideals are about fun. His “New Age” beliefs are to espouse his “crazy” demeanor. He is not preaching, he is CRAZY and admits it
ITS ALL PART OF THE ACT
IT just for fun people you really need to get a hobby all he wants to do is have a good time find a life and stop harrassing a good guy trying to make a living
At least is saner than believing in a invisible all mighty god, that has nothing better to do than see us every day. But strange if there is a God and if he is all mighty, if he does what he/she wantes why constantly needs our money to build churches and enrich the coffers of a elite???
“but doesn’t somebody have to build our toys? And grow and distribute our food?”
Technology is the answer. You will see when the Governments stop the budges to make weapons and new and better ways to torture us, you will see how much money we will have to to stop all diseases in planet, famine, improve technology and robotics (no, that’s not a dream, in a country far far away, called Japan, robots are being improved and every day they have a bigger roll in helping people)
“stop the budgets”
belief that humans are out of place on this planet versus worshipping a 2000 year old zombie jewish carpenter by symbolically cannibilising his flesh via bread and wine
Perhaps that last would have been a better fit on the thread, Jesus: Who Was He, Really? The sentiments echo some of those referred to in the Dallas Willard quote.
I looked trough the text and I can not agree with it. I mean just like the candidate Obama said, we need a change. But what change? The whole world appeares to get wrong.
I give my support to Dr. Steel and help changeing the world into a better one.
And I’m proud of beeing a member of the ToySoldierUnite, which got members over the whole wide world.
-Toy Soldier Lena.
“’We do not opress other religions. We don’t descriminate. We love all people…even though they can be a little stupid, but nonetheless we accept’
What in the world? Did you not just descriminate against stupid people?”
People are stupid…extremely stupid. I work retail and see them everyday. They do not question authority but take price gouging with little if no complaint. They take pills that the doctor tells them to take, maybe 5 or 6 different doctors tell them to take and these doctors do not talk to the other doctors and they are getting medications for the symptoms caused by the other medications. Now, if that isn’t stupid, I really do not know what is.
Dr. Steel in himself is not the answer. He says that he wants us to be creative and use our minds. He wants us to think and question authority, question reality and remake reality to fit our means. He also says that he can only take over the world with our help.
As a toy soldier in Dr. Steels army, I feel responsible to try to help my fellow man, toy soldiers and civilians. We are looking at ways to produce affordable housing. We are looking at alternative energy and solving other crisis that the government has ignored.
You want to talk Christian, look at the book of Revelations. Dr. Steel has 10,000 toy soldiers. We are true believers in a vision of a new world where there is no more pain and suffering and we are paving the way for that world to come about.
10,000 is mentioned in the book of Revelations. We are 10,000 strong who believe in various religions and are united by a singular vision. If it takes a mad man to show us the way to enlightenment, then so be it. It doesn’t mean we don’t believe in G-d it means we believe we DO have a purpose in life and that is to build the Utopian Playland where we can all live together in peace and harmony.
I can’t think of a more Christian idea.
freqgirl, I applaud your work on affordable housing, alternative energy, and other social/economic needs.
I’m intrigued by your closing sentence, though. How do you define a “Christian” idea?
This is the problem with Christians and most other religions. Who are you to judge Dr. Steel with your biased Christian opinions? Dr. Steel’s “teachings” promote equality for everyone. Regardless of their belief in a god or not.
I think that your comment, Elepski, displays a biased opinion, and that you are being judgmental toward Christian opinions.
Well..Praise God that you are trying to the best of your ability to help people.
I think, being alarmed over Dr Steel, and worrying a good deal about his brain wash cookies, is perhaps fruitless. I think if you had a good grasp of Parody, you’d better understand what the Good Doctor is really trying to do.
Even if he is strongly behind his message (I do think allot of it is fitting into his mad scientist role, you know, crazy ideas…) I don’t see how that effects one being a Christian or not. Certainly not all of the Toy Solders are Christians, but they also don’t discriminate against Christians. If you are worried about Doctor Steel’s vision leading people away from the truth, I think maybe, that’s like worrying playing baseball on weekends with a team put together from your neighborhood is distracting you from God. And everyone else.
God leads people to him, and all the Doctor Steels of the world won’t hide you from him when he makes himself apparent. Also remember, God does work in very mysterious ways…
It’s up to each of us to listen when the time comes. and I don’t think Doctor Steel is trying to stand in the way of that, at least not anymore so then every aspect of your daily life does.
If you listen to Dr Steels music it dosen’t actually contain curse words, they edit bad words and inappropriate content out on his message board, and his people are very active in being respectful and understanding to the people around them. I’m proud to be a part of his “Utopian Playground” because mostly it’s full of a family friendly light hearted laughter and fun you don’t see out and about “in the world” all that often.
So I’m going to just thank God for that and move on now.
I’m encouraged to hear that, Vanessa.
I did begin this post with, “You can’t help but smile when you read a Manifesto that begins….” I realize there’s some parody involved here, and I did say Dr. Steel is “saner than he looks.”
Somebody actually cued me to Dr. Steel, by email, asking me to take a look at his writings and respond from my perspective, which is what I did. I’ve never heard his music, and I’m not on the discussion board, so I was unaware of what you said here about him making sure it stays clean.
His parody of “world domination” commercialism is plain to see. If he’s also parodying scientific materialism and Darwinism, I missed that in the material I saw on the web. It looked to me like that part was genuine. But I could have misinterpreted his intent there.
As a Toy Scout in Dr. Steel’s Army of Toy Soldiers, I have to say… Over analyzing things is what leads to conflict. Dr. Steel does not wish to go against anyone at all. It even states in the FAQ of the Toy Soldiers that he openly accepts anyone of any religion, ethnicity or gender or anything else you can think of. Looking too hard at something like this is what leads to misunderstanding. Steel does what he does to put himself out there and make himself known. The idea of a Utopian Playland is a vision for a better world, not to shut down religions. Keep an open mind on anything and everything that you see and don’t just look to a book for your answers. You won’t always get them. Look to people, too.
What indeed leads to conflict? Just over-analyzing? It has been said on the contrary that it is misunderstanding that leads to conflict. Examples could also be generated by the dozens where conflict actually reflected a proper understanding (where real disagreements or conflicting goals existed). So I think this idea that over-analyzing leads to conflict is only partially and occasionally true.
I’m sure Dr. Steel will accept persons of any religion, and that he doesn’t want to shut down religions. Yet he makes statements that contradict what Christians understand to be true, and that is what I have discussed here.
haha i think the worst thing I’ve heard in one of his songs is “pop rocks and jolt cola are getting me high” And I’m sure as a fellow college student you’d ingested your fair share of highly caffeinated drinks while cramming..oh and the words “fat bastard” not so nice, but yeah..”
let me share a couple of cute videos with you, just for laughs. I think you can see where most musicians would drop a dirty word in their, he refrains.:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0YT_J5HRsIY
your about says you’re involved in science, you might like the Fibonacci Sequence song:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qCr2pIhQhig
and an idea of his character more, live show
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cIVXlOxZedQ
anyways enjoy. Dr Steel Loves you. *winks*
ok, as a christian, i believe in the trinity. i believe in the inherent goodness of people. i believe in peace. sadly, this world has entered a period of chaos, war, and disillusionment. Doctor Phineas Waldolf Steel offers a way of ending this. he offers order, peace, and happiness. Doctor Steel is, in my opinion, paving the way to a better tomorrow through whatever means necessary. Lets look at some of history’s great peacemakers.
Ramses the second. famed for making a peace treaty with the Hittite empire. know what he was famous for before that? his bloodthirsty military conquests. he is a prime example of people who may have had violent pasts, like Dr Steel, but went on to do great peace works.
on the converse, look at Fridtjof Nansen. who is he? you might ask. he is the man who single handedly prevented a war. he stoped a looming war between Sweden and Norway, then went on to create special id cards, which he petitioned for and got made valid in 50 countries, for all the freed prisoners after world war one. he gave them their lives.
I see Doctor Steel as a blending between these two great, mostly forgotten men. He may have had a violent past, but he will unite our world, give it peace, and give us all a place and identity in that world.
Chief Inspector Teddybear
Well, I must say that I am severely proud of everyone, both Soldiers and not for being so respectful toward everyone else. I also can’t believe that I seriously just read most of the comments in one sitting. I guess I should put in my two cents?
Yes, Doctor Steel has beliefs that may not really coincide with everyone else’s beliefs, but nowhere does he state that you also must believe them. I see a lot of talk about a Utopian Playland being against “Christian Beliefs,” when in reality, it is oddly similar. Not exact, but similar. A world where you want everyone to be happy or at least content. Some point out that there are flaws in this theory, which may be true, but look closely at the wording. “Where fun is the top priority.” Not “the only thing,” just high up on the list. Meaning people will still work and do things that need to be done, but it won’t be boring and the like, as jobs so often are now due to “company policies” and “political correctness.”
One thing that did happen to quirk my eyebrow a bit is someone’s comment on the Counsel Arcanum. I am a member of the Counsel Arcanum and should probably state now that I am not a Christian, but a traditional Druid. The comment maker stated that if the object is to have fun, then why is this Special Operations needed?
A valid point, actually, due to the fact that some would actually be offended by the thought of an all pagan Special Operations. One must look at it this way, though. What is it that brings the most fun into a persons life besides humor? It’s passion. Something that you are passionate about would obviously be something that is quite enjoyable to you. There is a wrestling division, a baking division, a knitting/quilting division and many others. Most people of pagan beliefs are very passionate about their beliefs and truly, honestly believe that through their will and work, they can receive assistance from whatever higher power they may believe in (The exact same thing praying does).
The major point to make here is that even with a Counsel Arcanum, no Toy Soldier presses his or her beliefs onto anyone else and is, in fact, encouraged against it. Even our belief that Doctor Steel will become World Emperor is not pushed. We inform and encourage people to get into his music and his (and everyone on the planet’s) belief that the world should be a better place, but if they are disinterested, we wish them a good, fun filled day and move on.
You close your post with: “Don’t be a Toy Soldier. Live for what’s real. Live in the light of what is true. Live in the light of the Light personified: God revealed in Jesus Christ.”
First and foremost. “Live for what’s real.” I can prove Dr. Steel is real, can you prove God is real? I do not mean that to tear down your religious beliefs, in fact I respect them and do believe that there is a ‘god’ out there. (I do not consider myself Christian anymore, which is an entirely different and 100% unrelated matter)
Dr. Steel doesn’t tell us what to think. He doesn’t tell us that there is no God. He encourages us to all think for our selves, and to find our own beliefs. That’s why we’re a group 10,000+ strong, with Christians, Jews, Athiests, Pagans, Bhudists, Browncoats (.. hey they worship Joss Whedon). Not to mention people from dozens of countries, every political standpoint, from all walks of life and social castes.
We Toy Soldiers DO live for what is real. We only have one world, and we are trying to make that a better place, where we can all exist in harmony.
Isn’t that what Christians want, too? The problem is, no one religion will ever manage that, because religions tend to be mutually exclusive. Or even if they’re not, people feel they are.
Our views may be a bit skewed, our methods may be somewhat unorthodox, but… we’re trying to bring about a positive change in this world. A positive change for everyone, even the people who outright hate us. (Except the Wikipedia admins, we have a special place for them.)
We’re just trying to have fun while doing so.
Zolgar,
I don’t think… he was attacking as much as you think..maybe this is just a “best move on” kind of deal at this point.
Zolgar. please. stop immediately. please refer to YOUR thread.
http://toysoldiersunite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4024
Zolgar is my hero!
I’m sorry if I am a little (or a-lot) hard on you, I am angry at religion (in general) for what it’s been causing over the years.
”Don’t be a Toy Soldier. Live for what’s real. Live in the light of what is true. Live in the light of the Light personified: God revealed in Jesus Christ.” That first line hit me hard, just because a man with spiffy goggles has an idea to make the world more enjoyable place for everyone, including you and I, he isn’t forcing his idea upon you, he’s telling you his idea, you made it sound like he’s rejecting everyone’s ideas on human purpose, and replacing it with a shiny new idea with leather upholstery and Kung-Fu Grip. He is doing quite the opposite my friend, he is trying to UNITE the world, not throw you out and replace you with a mindless-zombie to obey his every command, (getting into a bit of a rant here, I apologize) you don’t like his Alien Illuminati idea, good for you, he isn’t pressuring you not to believe in God or another omnipotent God-like higher power that you have faith in, he’s just telling you what HE thinks (I may have said this before but I am too lazy to get rid of it) for example, it’s like a hot-dog, some people like it plain (an Atheist), some like it with ketchup (Toy Soldiers) [I hope you like mustard, Tom :)], some like it with mustard (Christians), some with relish (fill in the blank, I’m tired) and finally, some like it with blasphemy (scientology)
I had to, I’m sorry… also, I see people turning being a Toy Soldier into a religion, such as this “This is a teaching of sorts and there are people out there who are believing it! So if he wants to promote his music than do so, just leave his beliefs out of it.” from, Candy. We are a group of people who want to make the world better! I can never stress this enough! (Again, sorry for the rant)
Alright, like Leviathan, After reading through these posts, I too feel like I should leave my pennies on the table here. (and also like Leviathan, I am a member of the Consul Arcanum, but it’s only because I think Occult/ Paranormal research is FUN. So there, that’s why it exists!)
Now, I myself am a thinking person, and even though I used to be christian, (baptized at birth as Catholic) I never felt obligated or faithful towards God. I mean, I never could wrap my head around there being an all supreme being. It just Never worked very well.
I apologize right there for all I might have offended, but I’m coming to my point soon.
Naturally, I’ve always kept an open mind, and Paganism, Atheism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and even Christianity all have an equal point in my book.
Hinduism and Buddhism (as well as Taoism, forgot that one) are all philosophies, and from what I hear, Druism (act of being a druid [?]) are all (at least partially) more philosophies than religions. They’re all about being a better person, so to speak.
Now, of course, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are the same way, just broken into a more specific branch of Monotheism, and more “technicalities” are involved.
Paganism is the closest religion/ philosophy that I’ve ever heard of to Environmentalism, and I love it for that (though I am not one)
Finally, I find Atheism very immature (You arguing Christians can take this logic to the bank). For one, they claim no belief in deities. Okay, I’ll grant you that, but when one argues they have no beliefs in religion at all, I have to doubt them; don’t they believe that the ground beneath their feet is real?
My point being, is that for some time, I didn’t. The way everything was drawn tight, the world seemed more like a soap opera than something to be valued at all. Something completely cold, that had nothing in it for anyone but to spit you right back in the face for every triumph you ever made.
It’s the way the doctor revealed his performance to me, whether he knew of me or not, that I found myself with a kindred spirit. The way his performance continued after the show, with the imagery and the character, with the blatant materialistic advertising, and the purely insane rantings (yet extremely logical) of Alien Intelligent Design (though his source is already well researched; Zacharia Sitchen (spelling?)).
This was a man who brilliantly orchestrated an image, music, performance, marketing scheme, and even threw in several sub-cultures, underground/ new-wave themes, and philosophy to boot.
In my eyes, whether his ideals are earnest or not, he has a point. Whether he truly means what he’s saying, even through the almost under handed sales pitch, His theories are sound. Whether he truly is an insane ex-toy maker turned world emperor hopeful, he’s having fun.
Now all one has to do to join us (whether officially or not is up to you) is ask yourself, “why am I not having fun, and what’s stopping everyone else from doing the same?”
That is what we toy soldiers are about. Through Doctor Steel, we found an overly acceptable group of individuals who’s intent is to have fun, and be happy, no matter what happens to them.
It’s more precise for me to say, My faith lays in people. Not a supreme being. Not the world in of itself. But that for some reason, people want to be with one another and to have fun. And Doctor Steel’s “army” of toy soldiers is all about having fun, no matter what “madness” or “terrifying” setting your world might be on. (thus reality engineering)
(apologies for the drawn out conclusion, I really didn’t think it felt complete)
Well, it’s clear that this blog post got a lot of attention again on a Dr. Steel forum.
Here’s what I’ve learned from your comments:
1. Dr. Steel really is devoted to fun, and clean fun at that. I’m glad you’re all having fun with him.
2. A person can be a Toy Soldier and a Christian at the same time. I offer my apologies to Toy Soldier Legally Insane. (That is not a concession that Dr. Steel’s philosophy agrees with Christian teaching, however. More on that at the end of this comment.)
3. There is still some unrealistic idealism there:
And then there is the dispute about beliefs. This is the very interesting part. Let me open it with a quote from Toy Soldier Leviathan:
(Toy Soldier Legally Insane said the same sort of thing at greater length.)
He would have a hard time saying that even if he wanted to, since he doesn’t have much power to ensure it happens. But I’m confident he doesn’t want to, so don’t take that wrong. The same is actually true for me. I’m not insisting you believe what I believe, either. Jesus Christ didn’t either. Look at how he let the crowds just walk away in John 6, and was willing even to see his closest followers walk off with them.
What Jesus did was teach the truth, and explain what would happen if you rejected it (for example, Matthew 7:24-27). That’s the example I’m trying to follow, with the huge difference being that while Jesus taught on his own authority, I’m pointing toward him as my source.
Zolgar wrote,
Christians want the world to be a better place, but we look to the One who can make it better by changing people on the inside, not just on the outside. There is tons of evidence that Christianity has indeed made the world a better place. Reaching a final Utopian destination is not within our power, however, nor is it in anyone else’s on earth.
Finally, back to whether Dr. Steel’s teaching agrees with Christian teaching: on some points, it doesn’t. I’ve already said that, and I don’t think you all disagree. So then, does it matter that some of what he teaches is out of sync with Christian teaching?
Even in a fun world you have to decide what you think is real and what is not. If Dr. Steel’s philosophy defines reality for you, and that definition misses the truth about reality, then it seems you would want to go deeper and higher and get to the real thing. Make no mistake: the Christian life is about joy, too–joy that does not contradict fun, but goes deeper into the heart, and sustains even when life’s circumstances seem truly rotten. That’s my encouragement to you: don’t stay on the surface of reality but follow the greatest teacher in all of human history, Jesus Christ, into the greatest depths.
There’s a lot of points I was considering making. But, in the interest of civility and avoiding a religious argument, I’ll not. As I’m not trying to tear down your religion at all, but it would come off as such. (It’s the kind of person I am. I like to question, to argue. I find it interesting, especially with those who seem both inteligent and knowledgeable on the subject.)
Instead, I am just going to say one thing:
“That’s my encouragement to you: don’t stay on the surface of reality but follow the greatest teacher in all of human history, Jesus Christ, into the greatest depths.”
But never follow blindly. Question your teachers. It’s the only way to truly learn, and to separate the teachers who teach the truth, and those that teach their own agenda.
And follow, because your heart tells you to.
(And Teddybear, I did show tact. I brought my points out in polite and non confrontational means. My point on that post was not that we shouldn’t engage in discussions with those who ‘oppose’ Steel, but that we shouldn’t go off half cocked and rant and flame.)
Thanks again for your example, Tom, as I headed out into the world this morning.
I read the comments and the blog article, and while I understand and respect the points you make, I suppose I just do not understand what is wrong with Doctor Steel.
Yes, he says things that are a bit…unorthodox, but it’s all in fun, really. He is not, as far as I know, for or against any religion; I don’t belive anybody even knows what religion he is. In fact, I know you haven’t seen the toysoldiersunite.com forums, but I assure you that they are the one of the most tolerant places on the internet that I have ever found. They all are genuinely nice people, from all religions and backgrounds, who respect eachother and simply also think Doctor Steel’s character and music are imaginative and brilliant. After all, in a world of cookie-cutter musicians, it’s refreshing to find someone as original as Doctor Steel.
Yes, he is a bit…different. Yes, he likes robots and UFOs. Sure, he talks about being world emporor. He is a “mad scientist” guy, after all. That’s what mad scientists do. But he never insults anybody, he never tells anybody to question religious beliefs. He only suggests that we try to have more fun. Innocent, childish fun.
And really, what is wrong with that? In a world that is too serious, is it really all that bad to suggest that someone take some time to enjoy a toy once in a while?
I suppose the only thing I don’t understand is…With all of the christianity-hating websites out there, the one that is comdemned is doctorsteel.com . I assure you, it does not seek to replace the teachings of Jesus. It’s just a fun and enthusiastic fan club on the internet.
Rebekah, I’m very encouraged to hear what you say about the forums, and I’m hearing from more of you that this is really all in fun. Please understand that I did not single out Dr. Steel in lieu of “all of the Christianity-hating websites out there.” I responded to a request from someone who emailed me about this, asking questions—someone who has actually been somewhat close to Dr. Steel’s activities. I answered that request; I wrote a response to what I was able to get to on the Web at the time. I stand by my opinions relative to what I saw and responded to at the time, because I still think ideas and beliefs matter. But I hope that at least helps you better understand why I wrote what I wrote.
“I responded to a request from someone who emailed me about this, asking questions—someone who has actually been somewhat close to Dr. Steel’s activities. I answered that request; I wrote a response to what I was able to get to on the Web at the time. I stand by my opinions relative to what I saw and responded to at the time, because I still think ideas and beliefs matter.”
Tis true I am the one who contacted Tom! I stumbled upon his site after searching “The Human Condition” It shed plenty of light to my questions. I began to question more, just like Steels says reveal who is really pulling the strings behind the curtain.
Now that being said Tom did a wonderful job with his blog I do believe and in there no where do I read he has it out for Dr. Steel. Acutely we all know his brilliant marketing plan is working! The gig is awesome!
However as a Christian I have learned not to lose myself to Dr. Steel, he is not a god nor does he claim to, but we must not in my opinion make him the center of our eternal life, that is the most important question. Those christian Dr. Steel fans out there do not stray away form the truth.
That all I have to say
As A Toy Soldier We are all giving the opportunity to take things as far as each would personally like to, I for one take an Active part into his spreading of Manifesto’s and propaganda, where as some people choose to do nothing at all. One does not simply make him center of their world or “eternal life” we just want to raise awareness about the Issues he is trying to tackle through his music and Propaganda
Lt. Liam, well said soldier. Thank you for that
Greetings!
I agree, Christianity has indeed made this world a better place. And it’s more than good that you look to see a positive change on the inside and the outside for people. I too want to see this world be a better place. Which is why I do the things that I do. Yeah, I cannot change everyone for the better, and no, anything I say will not rid this world of hate, war, fear, and disease. I do, however, want to see the little changes I can make.
I like to see the look people give me when I clean up sidewalks of litter.
I like the feeling I have when I help an elderly woman bring her groceries from her car to her home.
I like the sound of laughter, and people having fun.
I like the idea that although I cannot stop all the evils in this world, that I did my minor part.
Sure, I can’t change everything. But I can approach anything with whatever attitude I chose. When Doctor Steel says that “Fun is the top priority”, perhaps he just wants to see a world where everyone approaches their problems with a better attitude?
To me, Doctor Steel is entertainment. He’s fun, and his music is rather happening.
Whether he believes what he says or not, it’s all the same to me. I learned a lot from Doctor Steel. I’m accepting of what anyone believes in, and I feel I can walk away from anyone with something positive. The soldiers in his army helped me through a lot of problems I was having, and can never thank them enough.
When I read
I am a little hurt.
These toy soldiers are among the people who helped me better myself as a person. They helped me through a lot of problems, and I feel that it is unfair that you say such harsh things about them.
Yes, this world takes turns that make it rather ugly.
A lot of the problems in this world should not be.
But what the world needs right now is more acceptance of one another.
Thank you for posting an article on this.
Have a beautiful day.
Ry Ry
hhmm, might I post a bit of a joke I heard only yesterday?
A farmer buys a plot of land from an auction. He spends 8 months clearing out the trees and brush, tilling the land, sewing the seeds, and finally has his crops planted and growing. A nearby preacher walking down the road smiles at the farmer as he walks by. “What a wonderful job you and the lord have done, my good son!”, he says cheerfully. The farmer retorts” Yes, but you should have seen it when he had it all to himself!”
My point here, is regardless of what you believe in, the work you put into it is what matters. We do not try to make peoples’ lives better because a higher power wishes it. We do it because we THINK that’s how it should be. We, as toy soldiers, recreate our world in order to strike out the ugliness of yours, and continue our endeavor in hopes that you will eventually see things our way. We do not require you to join us; just see our point of view: that nothing should be taken without some humor!!
Who really wants their lives to be stressful?
“I agree that Dr. Steel’s manifesto is New Age and is definitely wrong spiritual track.”
I apologize, sir, but how do you know that his “track” is wrong? How do we know what or who created us? Of course, sir, there is the Bible, but then again, there is the Torah, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, etc, and they, too, believe that they have the right track. Who is correct? Try to be unbiased, my friend, instead of ignorant.
Sincerely,
Dr. J.M. Renfield, Loyal Toy Soldier
Dr. Renfield,
Indeed, how do you or I know anything at all? Speaking for myself, I perceive with my senses, I apply rational thought, I compare competing interpretations of evidences and inferences, and I form opinions/conclusions according to the weight and the quality of the evidence and logic.
If you were to actually talk to any given Toy Soldier in a genuine, in-depth discussion (something not infrequent on our forums), you would quickly realize that we are not required or even expected to follow every word of this manifesto to the letter. In fact, we’re encouraged to think for ourselves, thinking of and sharing our own ideas and philosophies. Out of every group I’ve ever connected with, the Toy Soldiers are also the most respectful of the beliefs of others, and many of us are Christians as well. Because the manifesto is not absolute doctrine, we’re pretty much free to think what we want. That’s made so clear, that anyone who tries to take it all literally would be an anomaly. I’ve only heard of one person to do so, and he was shunned by all other soldiers for being utilitarian and making events less fun. At the end of the day, it’s just a fun activity to do and a way to meet like-minded people- at least for me. For others, it’s more, but those others don’t think any less of me for the difference.
Does being allowed to think for yourself include being allowed to do as I have done here? I’ve noted what I appreciate and what I disagree with. It sounds like you’re saying that’s just what he encourages.
Life shouldnt be a constant drag! He is wanting to spread joy, I have my douts on what ive read being so called the truth but he has a good point. Enjoy your life don’t let it pull you down, everyone has had their share of bad days and good days. He is just saying in a newer intresting trying to catch your eye to use your brain and try to at least understand what the message is about. You can take it or leave it he is as I read earler “entertainment” (happieness and joy).
Stop questioning everything in life and just let it happen, lifes to short to constantly worry whats going to happen next.
“MAKE LOVE_ NOT WAR”
To answer your questions about Doctor Steel, you are taking things too literally.
We Toy Soldiers support each other with fun and positivity, helping to encourage each person to be their best.
No offense, Sir or Ma’am, but your way hasn’t worked. The governments’ ways haven’t worked, and the world is extremely miserable on many levels. If you doubt this, turn on any news program…
Through the good Doctor, we TS’s not only enjoy some groovalicious music, but also get to meet one another and have a fun outlet. Creativity and diversity are celebrated, not castrated, as with many religions. Fun and happiness, and a sense of both self and community are promoted, not bashed because someone doesn’t do things in a manner someone else doesn’t agree with.
We have people from all walks of life, all religions, all sexual orientations, creeds, races, members of both genders, happy people, sad people, and wonderfully nutty people. We do not war, we accept and help others strive to achieve their goals, even if we do not personally share in those goals.
This is who TS’s are, this is what we do.
More pointedly Sir or Ma’am, do you really think a man (albeit a rather striking one) in a lab coat and goggles is really going to take over the world?
If so, the Kiss Army is long over due for their invasion.
You have picked apart many parts of the good Doctors speeches, keeping only those things that supports your statements and your views…
Tell me Sir or Ma’am, can you PROVE your deity exists? Can you prove that the god you worship is the only god, or has authority over all other gods?
No Sir, you can not…
Unlike Doctor Steel, your views cause harm, you seek to force people to conform. We seek to embrace people as they are, and to perhaps show them a better way– one where they can accept and love themselves for who and what they are.
I ask you Sir (or Ma’am) who is right?
As for me, I will follow Doctor Steel. Seeing your way here, your half truths and partially stated facts…, at least he admits to being insane up front.
Hail Steel! (And a huge jello to all the other TS’s here! *huge glomping wave*)
Wonderfully put TS Lyssa.
Though I must point out you didn’t warn them that the robots are real…
Anyone who really wished to know of Doctor Steel should visit DoctorSteel.com or