The [in]compatibility of science and religion

[rrneck]

64. Fractals...

Then what do they mean? A fractal is an image generated from a mathematical matrix, really no different from a lithograph or any other type of print. They are a physical expression of a mathematical abstraction. They're just another way for humans to make an image, and they're hardly unique.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala
In various spiritual traditions mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of aspirants and adepts, as a spiritual teaching tool, for establishing a sacred space, and as an aid to meditation and trance nduction.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fractal

A fractal has been defined as "a rough or fragmented geometric shape that can be split into parts, each of which is (at least approximately)a reduced-size copy of the whole," a property called self-similarity.
...

Because they appear similar at al evels of magnification, fractals are often considered to be infinitely complex (in informal terms).

A fractal is just another type of Mandala used to express visually the infinite regression that is not really different from the objective of a meditative state. I don't see much difference between enlightenment and infinity.

Liberal nationalism is just another ism that defines a collection of people as a distinct group based on an abstraction no more concrete than that of a deity. There is no difference between a naturalized citizen and a religious convert.