I still feel compelled to write on this top pic, and yet I am so underqualified (I guess) to feel that I would have something worthy to say about this topic. I mean, not many bad, bad things have happened to me that would give great insight to empathize with those who really suffer. I have never been abused, hungry, or homeless. However, on my mind right now are people who have suffered. One is a professor that teaches at the school I attend. He had twins born to him that died, at birth! He wrote a book about his experience. Its called The Cup Of Glory. Another issue is a girl in one of my classes. Her father was diagnosed with colon cancer, and they found out that he has some in his liver as well. The gave him a 50% chance to live!
So, do you wonder why these terrible things happen. Bad choices you, or they, made? Wht about enviromental influences? Human depravity? Do you think that God really wants to make you suffer for the sins you have committed? The truth is, these things happen because this world is not a pefect place. Bad things happen because of bad decisions we (or others) make, but they also happen because this world is inhabited by harmful influences, whether those be natural or genetic.
Unfortunately, the rise of scientism has left people with a hollow foundation. On the surface, it offers truth and validity. But underneath, it stands upon the styrofaom pillars of deceit. Just add a little heat, and it will conform to whatever you need it to be.
The origin of evil (lack of good) is not because of a heavenly temperment, but of an earthly torment. Depravity breeds sin, and sin breeds suffering.
Think on That?
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Consider This?
This is not a usual post that I put up. This is a consider this, which is usually a post that I put up when things in my personal life weigh heavily on my mind. However, this post is not negative in inference or tone. I just feel that I need to share what I perceive around me in relation to the activity of God.
I have seen God, at work, in people's lives. At our church recently, I have seen people respond to God in an attempt to better their lives. What a wonderful decision. Specifically, I have noticed that many of our sermons lately have been centered on worry, perseverance, and hope. Now, these have not been specifically taught on, except for worry, but they have been very evident in each sermon and Sunday School Class meeting. I think it is obvious that God has a real message for our church body. BTW, I got to Wake Cross Roads if anybody is interested.
Also, in the blogosphere of people I know, there has been a great desire for people to have perseverance. Let me be candid, things in this world right now are not great. As a matter of fact, they are scary, burdensome, and downright cumbersome. There is no hope, no future, no money or fame that can make these problems go away, that are provided in the world. If you take a moment to look at how miserable the world is, maybe it will help you to understand how better off you are, if your a Chrsitian. Aren't you glad that in the future, you won't have to worry about that. And, even now, you don't have to worry needlessly. Did not Christ say that he will provide all our needs. Amen or Oh me!
Nevertheless, perseverance is a spiritual character trait, and it isn't built over night. I empathize with your struggles. I know many of you right now who are paddling in the seas of uncertainity. That's ok though, where there is no certainity, there can be faith upon the bedrock of the promises of God. Stay grounded in the Word, and you will weather the storm.
I understand the struggles around us as people of America. The economy is disastrous and a persons lifestyle exceeds their paycheck. Our morality is compromised because every image we see is of tight spandex, 12 pack abs, and dish-towels that became tank tops over night. Our faith is lacking because we just seem to do those things we don't want to do while we continue not doing the things we ought to do! BUT REMEMBER, NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO QUIT. THIS TOO SHALL PASS (as my wife likes to inform me of).
So, in retrospect, all I wanted to do was vent a little here, encourage a little there, and get a laugh or two from whoever may be reading this. Listen to me, brothers and sisters, now is not the time to be idle. Now is not the time to be scared. Now is the time to be thoughtful, wise, discreet, and holy in conduct and conversation. Of course, these things are always to be desired, but with the way the world is right now, especially in our country, people could do with seeing a little genuine Christainity actually lived out, and not just lied about. So, be real today. Persevere. Remember, God is still in control.
Think on That!
I have seen God, at work, in people's lives. At our church recently, I have seen people respond to God in an attempt to better their lives. What a wonderful decision. Specifically, I have noticed that many of our sermons lately have been centered on worry, perseverance, and hope. Now, these have not been specifically taught on, except for worry, but they have been very evident in each sermon and Sunday School Class meeting. I think it is obvious that God has a real message for our church body. BTW, I got to Wake Cross Roads if anybody is interested.
Also, in the blogosphere of people I know, there has been a great desire for people to have perseverance. Let me be candid, things in this world right now are not great. As a matter of fact, they are scary, burdensome, and downright cumbersome. There is no hope, no future, no money or fame that can make these problems go away, that are provided in the world. If you take a moment to look at how miserable the world is, maybe it will help you to understand how better off you are, if your a Chrsitian. Aren't you glad that in the future, you won't have to worry about that. And, even now, you don't have to worry needlessly. Did not Christ say that he will provide all our needs. Amen or Oh me!
Nevertheless, perseverance is a spiritual character trait, and it isn't built over night. I empathize with your struggles. I know many of you right now who are paddling in the seas of uncertainity. That's ok though, where there is no certainity, there can be faith upon the bedrock of the promises of God. Stay grounded in the Word, and you will weather the storm.
I understand the struggles around us as people of America. The economy is disastrous and a persons lifestyle exceeds their paycheck. Our morality is compromised because every image we see is of tight spandex, 12 pack abs, and dish-towels that became tank tops over night. Our faith is lacking because we just seem to do those things we don't want to do while we continue not doing the things we ought to do! BUT REMEMBER, NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO QUIT. THIS TOO SHALL PASS (as my wife likes to inform me of).
So, in retrospect, all I wanted to do was vent a little here, encourage a little there, and get a laugh or two from whoever may be reading this. Listen to me, brothers and sisters, now is not the time to be idle. Now is not the time to be scared. Now is the time to be thoughtful, wise, discreet, and holy in conduct and conversation. Of course, these things are always to be desired, but with the way the world is right now, especially in our country, people could do with seeing a little genuine Christainity actually lived out, and not just lied about. So, be real today. Persevere. Remember, God is still in control.
Think on That!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Searching the Seat of Suffering II
I have been thinking lately about the various forms of suffering. Now, the idea of suffering seems to infer great anguish or pain. It appears, though, that many people suffer from psychological pain and turmoil. Now, I do not mean to suggest these people are clinically insane, but they are mentally and spiritually in distress.
It is my purpose just to think through his issue. Suffering seems to me to be something that is like a weight that drags you to the bottom of the ocean. It is an anchor that is tied to your leg, pulling you down. However, it also connects greatly with your perspective. If you keep focusing on the anchor, you will probably never see or hear the helicopters and rescue boats that are searching the waterways looking for you. Because, most people who suffer have someone there to help them, albeit they just need to be looking in the right direction. However, this would really relate to those people who are dealing with usual stress symptoms from places like work, school, home, etc.... I would never dream of Saying that someone truly suffering through raw physical abuse, torture, or cruel disease would always have a form of help. To seem to say so would seem to be cruel to me.
I guess what burdens me the most is seeing people who suffer and knowing that they can overcome their pain, but with plenty of time, hard work, and commitment. Unfortunately, most people would opt for psychiatric therapy and happy pills from the bottle. How sad, it seems, to enslave yourself to a false form of happiness instead of feeling the true joys of deliverance. I guess some people feel that honest request fro help infers individual weakness. To that idea, I say how sad.
Think on That!
It is my purpose just to think through his issue. Suffering seems to me to be something that is like a weight that drags you to the bottom of the ocean. It is an anchor that is tied to your leg, pulling you down. However, it also connects greatly with your perspective. If you keep focusing on the anchor, you will probably never see or hear the helicopters and rescue boats that are searching the waterways looking for you. Because, most people who suffer have someone there to help them, albeit they just need to be looking in the right direction. However, this would really relate to those people who are dealing with usual stress symptoms from places like work, school, home, etc.... I would never dream of Saying that someone truly suffering through raw physical abuse, torture, or cruel disease would always have a form of help. To seem to say so would seem to be cruel to me.
I guess what burdens me the most is seeing people who suffer and knowing that they can overcome their pain, but with plenty of time, hard work, and commitment. Unfortunately, most people would opt for psychiatric therapy and happy pills from the bottle. How sad, it seems, to enslave yourself to a false form of happiness instead of feeling the true joys of deliverance. I guess some people feel that honest request fro help infers individual weakness. To that idea, I say how sad.
Think on That!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Quick note on the Poll
Just some instruction.
When I ask if you would rather suffer by choice or incident, I am referring to voluntary choice or involuntary. Some people choose to suffer pain or discomfort to reach a goal (diet, exercise, spiritual instruction, or personal sacrifice). Others, however, suffer involuntarily by being hit by a car, being robbed, facing natural disaster, or finding out they have cancer.
The design of the poll is to measure your view of suffering, not your experience. And, by default, knowing that all of you will suffer, would you rather put yourself into a position of suffering or would you rather experience suffering without personally instigating it. Hopefully, I asked the right question and this brings some clarity. If not, then give me a suggestion.
Thanks!
When I ask if you would rather suffer by choice or incident, I am referring to voluntary choice or involuntary. Some people choose to suffer pain or discomfort to reach a goal (diet, exercise, spiritual instruction, or personal sacrifice). Others, however, suffer involuntarily by being hit by a car, being robbed, facing natural disaster, or finding out they have cancer.
The design of the poll is to measure your view of suffering, not your experience. And, by default, knowing that all of you will suffer, would you rather put yourself into a position of suffering or would you rather experience suffering without personally instigating it. Hopefully, I asked the right question and this brings some clarity. If not, then give me a suggestion.
Thanks!
Searching the seat of suffering I
It is with somber, and somewhat eager anticipation, that I begin this series. I will give credence at the beginning that this issue, at least in my mind, is serious and thought-provoking. Over the last month, I have seen and experienced pain in different forms and fashions. From a young couple who lost their new born baby (only a few minutes old), to hurricane victims who have lost their homes, and some, their lives. To a family who lost their adopted daughter to accident. I have seen people choked by financial struggle, teenagers gripped by a confusion of purpose and family dysfunction. I have heard of young girls, forced into prostitution, young men forced into violence. I have considered the loss of close family and friends. I have seen anguish, frustration, anger, disposition, violence, pain, and death. I have reflected on the way of life, the way of wisdom, the way of confusion. Religious strife, political ignorance, media frenzy, human injustice and indecency, are just some factors of this overwhelming experience.
Needless to say, this is an inexhaustible subject in which everyone is its object. Next to death and taxes, it is an inevitable problem. However, for most people, existence consist of life, suffering, and death. There is no opportunity, no hope, no peace. For someone, somewhere, this has to be their reality. For everyone, everywhere, suffering and pain are their reality. Rich or poor, ignorant or educated, Christian or Atheist, Republican or Democrat, Prostitute or beauty queen, football star or Foosball star, man or women, children of America or Africa, every person in every class, faces pain and suffering.
Now, I know that philosophically this would deal with the problem of evil. However, as I am always inclined to discuss those matters that are relevant to philosophy (which is usually everything), I am not as interested in the philosophical argument (Problem of evil) as I am in the empathetic attempt to relate to you as a human being. I am not going to argue for the need for suffering, but only for the capacity to discuss its effect on you and I. So, please comment for me. Talk to me. Let me know your views. This series is more about the experience of suffering as opposed to the existence of it. Oh, and on another note, please answer my poll. It would be greatly appreciated.
And remember, life is never as exciting as when you are discussing a new idea. And in this case, life may never be more important.
Think on That!
Needless to say, this is an inexhaustible subject in which everyone is its object. Next to death and taxes, it is an inevitable problem. However, for most people, existence consist of life, suffering, and death. There is no opportunity, no hope, no peace. For someone, somewhere, this has to be their reality. For everyone, everywhere, suffering and pain are their reality. Rich or poor, ignorant or educated, Christian or Atheist, Republican or Democrat, Prostitute or beauty queen, football star or Foosball star, man or women, children of America or Africa, every person in every class, faces pain and suffering.
Now, I know that philosophically this would deal with the problem of evil. However, as I am always inclined to discuss those matters that are relevant to philosophy (which is usually everything), I am not as interested in the philosophical argument (Problem of evil) as I am in the empathetic attempt to relate to you as a human being. I am not going to argue for the need for suffering, but only for the capacity to discuss its effect on you and I. So, please comment for me. Talk to me. Let me know your views. This series is more about the experience of suffering as opposed to the existence of it. Oh, and on another note, please answer my poll. It would be greatly appreciated.
And remember, life is never as exciting as when you are discussing a new idea. And in this case, life may never be more important.
Think on That!
Note to readers
My apologies for being so absent in posting on my blog. If you were a faithful reader, you have probable decided to stop checking for a new post. If you have come across this blog from another site, then stick around and let me know what you think.
Honestly, I have not written for two reasons. One, I have been very busy with family matters and school. As you probably know, August is a difficult month to accomplish anything other than adjustment and new beginnings. For me personally, it means a new semester, another year of marriage (just celebrated 3 years Aug. 20), new employees who start at work, and a host of other minor details. Needless to say, things mount up quickly. The other reason I have not written is because I was thinking of some topics to discuss. I now have some topics that should keep me, and hopefully you, busy for the month of September and October. Soooo, if you have waited, then wait no further. I am ready once again to take up my sword (keyboard) and deliver my thoughts to you.
So, as always, Think on That!
Honestly, I have not written for two reasons. One, I have been very busy with family matters and school. As you probably know, August is a difficult month to accomplish anything other than adjustment and new beginnings. For me personally, it means a new semester, another year of marriage (just celebrated 3 years Aug. 20), new employees who start at work, and a host of other minor details. Needless to say, things mount up quickly. The other reason I have not written is because I was thinking of some topics to discuss. I now have some topics that should keep me, and hopefully you, busy for the month of September and October. Soooo, if you have waited, then wait no further. I am ready once again to take up my sword (keyboard) and deliver my thoughts to you.
So, as always, Think on That!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
A Mind on a Mission
Recently, my wife and I returned from visiting her parents in Tennessee. It was a great trip, both relaxing and refreshing. But, even while I was physically on vacation, my mind was still very active at every turn (well, for the most part, HA HA). Now, what intrigues me in hindsight is that being a good steward of your ‘mind’ not only means training your ‘mind’, but also sharing your ‘mind’. When you share your ‘mind’, you’re not only sharing ideas and opinions, you are sharing yourself. You are sharing an intricate, intimate part of who you are. In essence, when you share your ‘mind’, you are showing someone that you love them. If you think about it, sharing your ‘mind’ is one way in which you can love your neighbor (as Christ commanded). Sharing the Christian Faith in a rational way (sharing your mind) is, in fact, loving God with your mind and loving your neighbor as yourself!
Let me qualify my term of ‘the mind’ more succinctly. What I mean by ‘the mind’ is simply the realm of knowledge that you posses. So, your ‘mind’, in my terminology for this blog, is the knowledge you have on any given subject.
Now, in regard to the Christian perspective, sharing your ‘mind’ is sharing Christ because Christ is the seat of all knowledge. Thus, you glorify God and illustrate what being a proper Christian is when you seek to edify others with your ‘mind’ (what you know).
So… let me encourage you to USE THAT BRAIN! Don’t let your fear of the unknown or the Secular Academy frighten you. If you don’t understand a concept, get educated. If you don’t know how to articulate yourself, start a blog or better yet, listen to others articulate ideas similar to your own (preachers, professors, or friends). The fact is, find a way to get your ‘mind’ out there. For you, it will be the greatest thing you ever did. For God, it will be what he was expecting you to do all along. So, go ahead, get yourself out there in the world intellectually. I don’t think you will ever regret that you did. And, if you need some help, let me know. That’s what friends or fellow bloggers are for, right?
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Nit-picking the Nerds
Do you ever hear a statement or phrase that immediately conjures a mind-travelling journey down an ideological road that you have crafted for yourself? Do you hear words or phrases that lead you to analyze and explore, to intemplate, a fact and its relation to you. Do you read books, listen to morning shows or talk shows, or watch the news and find your mind exploring the ideas that they present, under your own terms. I hope you do! This is what I call nit-picking the nerds.
Nit-picking is when you hear a phrase or read a portion of some literature, only to immediately take that information, and the moments of enlightenment or curiosity, and analyze and explore their every facet. In a way, I guess it is accustomed to analytical reading. But, it is more than just reading to learn. Nit-picking is analyzing, but also exploring, discovering, and understanding. In short, it is introspective interaction with information you come in contact with, both printed literature and audio/visual sources. Nit-picking is Intemplation! Nit-picking is fun!
But, you may be asking, how do I do that? How do I nit-pick? Here is my suggestion.
1) Analyze: Read, watch, or listen with an engaged mind to whatever mode of information is available. Interact with that information at your own pace, and explore the sudden burst of inspiration (thoughts) you receive. In short, these are seed thoughts. And, with a little water and the proper care, they could turn into all sorts of beautiful things (poems, journal entries, and books, recordings, maybe even teaching lessons or sermons).
2) Explore: Once you have received a seed thought of inspiration and enlightenment, explore it. DO NOT LET IT GO! That means, do not continue watching or reading and tell yourself that you will come back to it later. You won’t! You will FORGET it! WRITE IT DOWN or talk it out into a voice recorder. Do something so you don’t lose it. Then, once you have written it down, think about it. Turn it over. Look underneath it. Poke it, rub it, and hold it. In short, get to know the idea. (Intemplate) Why did I think of this? What should I do with it? How does this relate to me? Can I help other people with this?
3) Discover: I have already alluded to this. Try and discern what you can do with this thought you have. For some of you, you might want to keep it for yourself. Maybe a journal entry or poem. For others, you want to share it with someone so you write a song, a blog, maybe even a book! Do what you want to with it. Be productive. So… if that means that you do nothing other than think more critically about how this idea has affected you, that’s OK. You may find that in discovering what to do with this information, you yourself have become a better person for it.
4) Understand: This is the crucial part of the exercise. At this juncture, you should have some idea of what prompted you to think the thought/s that you did. Maybe you have been studying philosophy and a certain thought alerted you to an undertone in a TV show. Perhaps you are an artist, and you saw something in the world in a different way for the first time which left you inspired and excited. Possibly, you are getting older and life seems to be different now than it ever has been before. In other words, you have made an effort to understand the idea you had and its effect upon you. At this point, you have successfully nit-picked your mode of information.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Ideological Buffets
This post comes after a mind-engaging, rigorous visit to a local bookstore that I previously made. I am always intrigued when I visit any bookstore, particularly because I know that there is an idea hiding around every corner, or shelf! Bookstores excite me, they challenge me, sometimes intimidate, but never bore. They are my playground, albeit the equipment (books) can sometimes lead to personal injury. It all depends on how adapted I am to processing the ideologies that are presented in each book.
So, why are bookstores so enthralling to some, boring to others, and supposedly 'user-friendly' to many. Is it the coffee shop, or the music. Is it the ambiance of the store. Maybe its a place to see what the current affairs are, or the latest comic book craze. Maybe, its just a nice place to be.
Just think, hundreds of people will visit every day: perusing, exploring, engaging, or posing. Do the people you see really understand? Do I understand? Do you? Are they there to engage the ideas of history, or seek guidance on current affairs. Or, do they peruse, overloading there brain with words they don't understand and ideas they can't assimilate through a pre-suppositional framework that looks dangerously like the great wave of pop-culture, and less like a decent college education. Do they understand the concepts around them. Do they see the delicate rhetoric, calculated logic, or philosophical tones of every piece of literature. Is the ideological buffet before them relevant to their education and knowledge, or only to their stereotype and self-esteem.
And, you may ask, why does it matter? Who cares, right? Well, hopefully someone! Our country has too many people who receive a six-figure education, and still graduate college with a 6th grade reading level. I don't know, but maybe if they spent more time on education and less time on entertainment, they could understand the basic vocabulary of a popular fiction novel, let alone a famous piece of literature. Indeed, bookstores, next to libraries, are the great halls of ideas. I guess the question is, which one do you visit more, and why? I'm sure that answer will be relative to your situation, or education!
Think on That!
P.S. Please feel free to comment. This post was meant convey introspection. All replies on this post are eagerly anticipated. Also, I do not mean to infer that people who visit bookstores are less intelligent than those who do not.
BTW: Are you a library-goer or a bookstore show-er?
So, why are bookstores so enthralling to some, boring to others, and supposedly 'user-friendly' to many. Is it the coffee shop, or the music. Is it the ambiance of the store. Maybe its a place to see what the current affairs are, or the latest comic book craze. Maybe, its just a nice place to be.
Just think, hundreds of people will visit every day: perusing, exploring, engaging, or posing. Do the people you see really understand? Do I understand? Do you? Are they there to engage the ideas of history, or seek guidance on current affairs. Or, do they peruse, overloading there brain with words they don't understand and ideas they can't assimilate through a pre-suppositional framework that looks dangerously like the great wave of pop-culture, and less like a decent college education. Do they understand the concepts around them. Do they see the delicate rhetoric, calculated logic, or philosophical tones of every piece of literature. Is the ideological buffet before them relevant to their education and knowledge, or only to their stereotype and self-esteem.
And, you may ask, why does it matter? Who cares, right? Well, hopefully someone! Our country has too many people who receive a six-figure education, and still graduate college with a 6th grade reading level. I don't know, but maybe if they spent more time on education and less time on entertainment, they could understand the basic vocabulary of a popular fiction novel, let alone a famous piece of literature. Indeed, bookstores, next to libraries, are the great halls of ideas. I guess the question is, which one do you visit more, and why? I'm sure that answer will be relative to your situation, or education!
Think on That!
P.S. Please feel free to comment. This post was meant convey introspection. All replies on this post are eagerly anticipated. Also, I do not mean to infer that people who visit bookstores are less intelligent than those who do not.
BTW: Are you a library-goer or a bookstore show-er?
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Hypocrites and Helium Balloons
Who am I? Have you ever thought about that question? Undoubtedly, you probably have. Who hasn't thought about themselves. What I deserve. What I desire. What I know. What I don't know. Who am I, and where I am going. But really, what about me? That question probably echoes in the recesses of your mind the epitome of why you exist. Who am I and what is the meaning of my life. For most of us, the question is simplified to, where am I going?
If you are athletic, maybe you'll go to the NFL. Dramatic, a movie star. Intelligent, a doctor. Good looking, a model. Funny, a comedian. You get the point. But more fundamental is the question, who are you and where are you going? The underlying premise is that who you are is much more than what talent/characteristic you have. Who you are is mostly centered in what you believe about the world around you, and your place in that world. Also, who you are and where you are going finds its origin in where you have come from. Lets think about this ontologically.
If you came from a single-celled organism, one that has evolved over millions of years, then you are presently in a world of billions of people who are also in the same category. The meaning for your existence can only come from your circumstances. Only the strong survive.
If your existence derives from outside yourself, where does that come from and what impact does that have on the meaning for your life. Are you measuring yourself against the teachings of Muhammad. Maybe you see the world as god. God is in everything. Maybe the world is supernatural itself. Their are certain fairies, or demigods, that we must respect in order to have harmony. Maybe you rely upon the teachings of Jesus, found in the Bible.
I don't know where you stand. However, it seems apparent that what you think about yourself inevitably begins with what you think about the natural or supernatural. Inevitably, you will live what you believe. The problem is that most people do not live what they profess to believe, thus, they do not know who they really are because they have deceived themselves. Its like breathing in air from a helium balloon. You breathe in the world around you, only to expel it in a way contrary to how you usually do. Thus, your profession is changed because your source is not substantive, or solid. You become a hypocrite.
So, what source are you drawing from. And more importantly, is the source you draw from consistent with who you truly are. If not, maybe you should look at your source more carefully. Helium can only last so long before it disappears.
Think on That!
If you are athletic, maybe you'll go to the NFL. Dramatic, a movie star. Intelligent, a doctor. Good looking, a model. Funny, a comedian. You get the point. But more fundamental is the question, who are you and where are you going? The underlying premise is that who you are is much more than what talent/characteristic you have. Who you are is mostly centered in what you believe about the world around you, and your place in that world. Also, who you are and where you are going finds its origin in where you have come from. Lets think about this ontologically.
If you came from a single-celled organism, one that has evolved over millions of years, then you are presently in a world of billions of people who are also in the same category. The meaning for your existence can only come from your circumstances. Only the strong survive.
If your existence derives from outside yourself, where does that come from and what impact does that have on the meaning for your life. Are you measuring yourself against the teachings of Muhammad. Maybe you see the world as god. God is in everything. Maybe the world is supernatural itself. Their are certain fairies, or demigods, that we must respect in order to have harmony. Maybe you rely upon the teachings of Jesus, found in the Bible.
I don't know where you stand. However, it seems apparent that what you think about yourself inevitably begins with what you think about the natural or supernatural. Inevitably, you will live what you believe. The problem is that most people do not live what they profess to believe, thus, they do not know who they really are because they have deceived themselves. Its like breathing in air from a helium balloon. You breathe in the world around you, only to expel it in a way contrary to how you usually do. Thus, your profession is changed because your source is not substantive, or solid. You become a hypocrite.
So, what source are you drawing from. And more importantly, is the source you draw from consistent with who you truly are. If not, maybe you should look at your source more carefully. Helium can only last so long before it disappears.
Think on That!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
My bread and butter.
As promised, this is a post on my reading involving education and the Christian. This post comes by way of the book I am currently reading, Habits of the Mind: Intellectual Life as a Christian Calling. It is authored by James Sire.
The portion of this book that struck a chord in my mind is under a heading labeled, The Intellect as Battlefield. Sire claims that Intellectuals "watch ideas clash, pick up the pieces and start over again." Now, let it be known initially that Sire notes the difference between those who are intellectuals seeking after ideas compared to those who are intellectuals seeking after truth. This should clarify the inherent purpose that each category reflects.
What I like about this section is that Sire denotes that ideas, and the apprehension of those ideas in the university, are flawed and even re-worked. They are not absolute, like say, truth. They are more flexible, like butter spread over too much bread. There is plenty to go around, but the farther it goes, the more shallow and less rich it becomes. To prove this point, listen to Sire's point. His comment will end the blog for today.
"Philosophies lie like dying soldiers on the pages of history. Aristotle bests Plato; Plotinus leapfrogs Aristotle to save Plato by transforming him. Augustine raids the neo-Platonic Plotinus and Manicheans, then rejects the latter and transforms the former. Aquinas raids Aristotle and transforms his philosophy. These are not the sounds of ignorant armies clashing by night; they are the sounds of ideas launched by bows and cannons and missile launchers, fended off by shields and bucklers and pillboxes, or detected by radar and destroyed midair. The intellectual battlefield is strewn with corpses. Then out of the barracks of the universities come new heroes, young intellectuals. Each one surveys the filed, spies a corpse or perhaps a battalion of corpses, breathes new life into the bodies, and a new army forms. So arise the neo-Aristotelians, the neo-neo-Platonists, the neo-gnostics, the neo-scholastics. Freedom fighters or guerrillas - take your pick - from the ranks of the pseudo-intellectuals join the fray - the deconstructionists, the mere sociologists of knowledge, the postmodern brokers of power."
Thus, ideas are shaped and changed, usually by those who received their education in the university. But who cares, right? We will always have the butter of different ideas. To that I say you may be right. But be careful! Your excitement over the butter may leave you with little, or no, bread. And, by the way, no one can live on butter forever.
Think on That!
BTW: A big thanks to Bilbo Baggins for the butter and bread illustration.
The portion of this book that struck a chord in my mind is under a heading labeled, The Intellect as Battlefield. Sire claims that Intellectuals "watch ideas clash, pick up the pieces and start over again." Now, let it be known initially that Sire notes the difference between those who are intellectuals seeking after ideas compared to those who are intellectuals seeking after truth. This should clarify the inherent purpose that each category reflects.
What I like about this section is that Sire denotes that ideas, and the apprehension of those ideas in the university, are flawed and even re-worked. They are not absolute, like say, truth. They are more flexible, like butter spread over too much bread. There is plenty to go around, but the farther it goes, the more shallow and less rich it becomes. To prove this point, listen to Sire's point. His comment will end the blog for today.
"Philosophies lie like dying soldiers on the pages of history. Aristotle bests Plato; Plotinus leapfrogs Aristotle to save Plato by transforming him. Augustine raids the neo-Platonic Plotinus and Manicheans, then rejects the latter and transforms the former. Aquinas raids Aristotle and transforms his philosophy. These are not the sounds of ignorant armies clashing by night; they are the sounds of ideas launched by bows and cannons and missile launchers, fended off by shields and bucklers and pillboxes, or detected by radar and destroyed midair. The intellectual battlefield is strewn with corpses. Then out of the barracks of the universities come new heroes, young intellectuals. Each one surveys the filed, spies a corpse or perhaps a battalion of corpses, breathes new life into the bodies, and a new army forms. So arise the neo-Aristotelians, the neo-neo-Platonists, the neo-gnostics, the neo-scholastics. Freedom fighters or guerrillas - take your pick - from the ranks of the pseudo-intellectuals join the fray - the deconstructionists, the mere sociologists of knowledge, the postmodern brokers of power."
Thus, ideas are shaped and changed, usually by those who received their education in the university. But who cares, right? We will always have the butter of different ideas. To that I say you may be right. But be careful! Your excitement over the butter may leave you with little, or no, bread. And, by the way, no one can live on butter forever.
Think on That!
BTW: A big thanks to Bilbo Baggins for the butter and bread illustration.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Philosophy: My faithful friend and educated counselor
Philosophy. What does that word strike into your mind. Do you think of meaningless prattle. How about noble ambitions. Do you feel disgusted or excited. Is it boring or thrilling. Is it meaningful or bland. I would submit that philosophy is, in essence, an intemplation (my own word) of reality. It is discovery, experience, deduction, inference, discussion, and validity all mixed together.
In an abstract sense, philosophy is the beat that ideologies dance too. In a concrete manner, philosophy is the discipline that complements all other disciplines. It is the discipline that gives validity, and clear meaning to the primary discipline. Philosophy is a second-order discipline with a first order punch. But the most exciting thing about philosophy to me is that it is endless. It seems to go on forever, and yet their is a rhythm to its truths. Philosophy is, for me, one of the most challenging and freeing things I have ever encountered. What about you? Are you enthralled too?
Think on That!
In an abstract sense, philosophy is the beat that ideologies dance too. In a concrete manner, philosophy is the discipline that complements all other disciplines. It is the discipline that gives validity, and clear meaning to the primary discipline. Philosophy is a second-order discipline with a first order punch. But the most exciting thing about philosophy to me is that it is endless. It seems to go on forever, and yet their is a rhythm to its truths. Philosophy is, for me, one of the most challenging and freeing things I have ever encountered. What about you? Are you enthralled too?
Think on That!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
The Golden Compass: Rehashed
After a brutal day at work last week, I stopped by the local movie store to rent some movies for a surprise movie night with the wife. I picked up The Golden Compass and Atonement. Needless to say, neither movie left us feeling exhilarated, interested, or even excited. Inherently, they left us empty, as meaning was apparently aloof. However, it did leave one desirable point of compensation. It engaged my mind to think of the inherent emptiness that life has within an Atheistic/Naturalistic world view.
Can this be true? Is Atheism meaningless? From an experiential side, I don't know! I have never been an Atheist. I can only comment subjectively. However, the strength of meaningless Atheism does not come from those who have never experienced it, but from those who have experienced it, and are continuing to live in it. Inevitably, Atheism brings to my mind anger, intoleration, deception, justifiable interest, and aggression. I don't mean to imply that people who are Atheist act like this, but it seems apparent that many do (e.g. Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, etc...) Now, while these men are labeled the "New Atheist", they share these condescending flaws with everyone else, supposedly, who is a practicing Atheist.
What does this have to do with the movies previously mentioned. Well, for Atonement there is not a whole lot. However, for the Golden Compass, everything. For those of you who have training in the liberal arts, you will immediately be able to see trends that are very common in our world today. Intolerance, Feminism (as the girl winds the heart of the boy in this movie), Vigilant Justice , Anti-Authoritarianism (Since the Magisterium, the version of Christianity in their world, are deceptive and intolerant), Tyranny of the Majority, Torture, Rebellion, etc.... Needless to say, most of these concepts propose might, power, and chaos. There is nothing that proposes meaning for the betterment of society. This movie, from my observation, promotes humanistic existentialism, laced with Atheism, that encourages children to change the world and authority structure to the way they want it if things seem to be 'unfair'! In other words, challenge your authority and change the world! That may be true. The question is, What authority, if any, should be challenged?
Also, if you have children, PLEASE DO NOT LET THEM WATCH THIS MOVIE. I am not saying that because I am a Christian, and I think that everything NOT CHRISTIANIZED (YES, THERE IS AN -ed) is bad. I am saying it because there is nothing heroic, noble, or just in this movie that seeks to serve a greater purpose.
Think on That!
P.S. All comments desired and appreciated. Tell me what you think, and if you have seen the movie.
Can this be true? Is Atheism meaningless? From an experiential side, I don't know! I have never been an Atheist. I can only comment subjectively. However, the strength of meaningless Atheism does not come from those who have never experienced it, but from those who have experienced it, and are continuing to live in it. Inevitably, Atheism brings to my mind anger, intoleration, deception, justifiable interest, and aggression. I don't mean to imply that people who are Atheist act like this, but it seems apparent that many do (e.g. Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, etc...) Now, while these men are labeled the "New Atheist", they share these condescending flaws with everyone else, supposedly, who is a practicing Atheist.
What does this have to do with the movies previously mentioned. Well, for Atonement there is not a whole lot. However, for the Golden Compass, everything. For those of you who have training in the liberal arts, you will immediately be able to see trends that are very common in our world today. Intolerance, Feminism (as the girl winds the heart of the boy in this movie), Vigilant Justice , Anti-Authoritarianism (Since the Magisterium, the version of Christianity in their world, are deceptive and intolerant), Tyranny of the Majority, Torture, Rebellion, etc.... Needless to say, most of these concepts propose might, power, and chaos. There is nothing that proposes meaning for the betterment of society. This movie, from my observation, promotes humanistic existentialism, laced with Atheism, that encourages children to change the world and authority structure to the way they want it if things seem to be 'unfair'! In other words, challenge your authority and change the world! That may be true. The question is, What authority, if any, should be challenged?
Also, if you have children, PLEASE DO NOT LET THEM WATCH THIS MOVIE. I am not saying that because I am a Christian, and I think that everything NOT CHRISTIANIZED (YES, THERE IS AN -ed) is bad. I am saying it because there is nothing heroic, noble, or just in this movie that seeks to serve a greater purpose.
Think on That!
P.S. All comments desired and appreciated. Tell me what you think, and if you have seen the movie.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Announcement
I am back! For any of you (friends, readers, co-workers, etc...) that were reading my blog, I am now back, making a triumphant return here on June 1. My apologies for not writing in the month of May. If you are or have been a student, you understand that term papers, finals, and a 30 hr a week job do not mesh well with blogging (or anything else for that matter).
I have not forgotten that I have scheduled some writing events for the next couple of months. While I intend to cover some of those areas, I do not know how concretely I can explore them. Currently, I am working about 40 hrs a week, with about 30 hrs of training to complete for my job over the next two months. I also have a steady reading plan laid out, so some of my blog's may come from insights gleaned from these readings. These readings include:
Philosophical Foundations for a Christian World View; Decision Making and the Will of God; Guide us, Guard us; Consensus and Renewal; Renewing Minds; Reasonable Faith, A Theology for the Church, Kingdom Triangle, and a few others.
I highly doubt that I will be able to read all of these by the end of the summer, but I should get to them all by the end of the year. Anyway, I am back and my next post will be on the topic of Atheism and the Movies. I look to do that tomorrow evening, probably late after work. I hope to hear from you who are reading my blog, and I will continue to write as best I can. Remember, "Life is never as exciting as when you are exploring a new idea!" Think on that.
I have not forgotten that I have scheduled some writing events for the next couple of months. While I intend to cover some of those areas, I do not know how concretely I can explore them. Currently, I am working about 40 hrs a week, with about 30 hrs of training to complete for my job over the next two months. I also have a steady reading plan laid out, so some of my blog's may come from insights gleaned from these readings. These readings include:
Philosophical Foundations for a Christian World View; Decision Making and the Will of God; Guide us, Guard us; Consensus and Renewal; Renewing Minds; Reasonable Faith, A Theology for the Church, Kingdom Triangle, and a few others.
I highly doubt that I will be able to read all of these by the end of the summer, but I should get to them all by the end of the year. Anyway, I am back and my next post will be on the topic of Atheism and the Movies. I look to do that tomorrow evening, probably late after work. I hope to hear from you who are reading my blog, and I will continue to write as best I can. Remember, "Life is never as exciting as when you are exploring a new idea!" Think on that.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Subjective Science II
This post comes after a few days of contemplation. Albeit, I have been busy with other things so that this post is shorter than the usual 1 page that I try to submit. The question is: Will Science become the epistemology (how you know something is true) for objective truth. Have we seen the beginning insights into an academic world that relies upon science for its truth claims (sounds like an old aspect of post modernism to me) OR will we see science become the center of epistemology for objective truth (as stated above). I think we have seen the attempt that scientist have made to push their discipline to be the objective test for what is true. However, I do not think we will ever see 'Science' become the foundation for objective truth.
My objection is that there are still too many people who hold a worldview that is consistent with the metaphysical. It is also my contention that there will probably always be a majority of the world population that will hold a metaphysical foundation for what they think is true. The problem is: most of these people (pre-disposed to the metaphysical) will not be in the university and will not be teaching your children. However, the people teaching your children will probably be the ones who have a false presupposition for Science as the true test for objective truth.
Think on that!
My objection is that there are still too many people who hold a worldview that is consistent with the metaphysical. It is also my contention that there will probably always be a majority of the world population that will hold a metaphysical foundation for what they think is true. The problem is: most of these people (pre-disposed to the metaphysical) will not be in the university and will not be teaching your children. However, the people teaching your children will probably be the ones who have a false presupposition for Science as the true test for objective truth.
Think on that!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Subjective Science
Science is vogue for reality!
Science! What do you think of? Those weird shaped glasses with the different colored liquids. How about a big snake in a container that is fed the next unfortunate mouse!. Do you think of the skeleton hanging on the door? What about Spider man. Yeah, all you comic book geeks know what I am talking about. Better yet, you think of the microscope that can show you the smallest details of any substance you place under the lens. While these images are a good concomitant to the term of science, they do not define it.
Science, from a standard high school biology book, is defined as the investigation and understanding of nature. It is the observation, discovery, and interaction with the world. Please understand, the definition clearly states that science is the investigation and understanding of THIS (physical) world. Why then, do some scientists believe that they have a right, in the name of science, to investigate that which is other than the physical? Why do scientists think they can examine the metaphysical? Actually, it may be fairer to ask; why do some scientists think they can denounce the metaphysical? Have they ever been there? Do they know what it looks like? How about what it smells like. Is it dark, hot, cold? How do we get there? In all actuality, I think some scientists believe they have the right to denounce the metaphysical because they are pre-disposed, even indoctrinated (thank you Darwinian ideology), into thinking that this physical world is all there is.
The Darwinian theory (yes, it is theory and not fact) has been used as an ideological weapon by intellectual assassins and cultural elitist ever since The Origin of Species was published. The idea broke down barriers, permeated university campuses, and even challenged (possibly changed) the idea of objective truth and reality (Check out Nietzsche and the Darwinian undertones that permeate his writing). The point is that science is no longer seen as a route to discovery, investigation, and understanding. Science is vogue for reality.
Nietzsche said, “God is dead”. Man in the sixties said, “I am God”. Scientists today might say, “God? We have moved past that concept. Didn’t you get the memo? We learned how to clone him too!” Thus, the apostle Paul would claim, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man…. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator….” (Rom. 1: 22-23, 25)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Nietzsche and a arrogant generation
This post comes from a recent insight that I have had in reading Nietzsche and contemplating the rise of the New Atheism. For a background to this post, I refer you to my friend's blog at academicchristianity.blogspot.com. Here you will find background to this post and be able to view a comment left by me under his heading, "Consider This".
I start with this question. Is the modern generation so arrogant as to think that they have 'evolved' and 'moved beyond' the heritage of their intellectual forefathers. Did the rise of the enlightenment accentuate the reality of the human reason or only the shallowness? It seems to me that with the rise of Darwinian motifs and the post-modern movement, God is all but dead for the man who is not looking for him. In fact, for the man or woman who holds to the naturalist worldview, for the man or woman who is a secular humanist, for the man or woman who believes in their capacity to reason, 'God' is not a viable option. In fact, 'God' is a weak option for a person who is weak (Darwinian intellectual selection at its best).
Nietzsche claimed, God is dead! There may be truth to that. At least for the man not looking for God, God is not relevant to him. However, can you see the metaphysical to know if he is really there? The irony is that the modern academic believes that his reason trumps the necessity of God for the whole world. Does this person think that everyone is ignorant, or only those who have not found salvation in the recesses of their own mental faculties. Do they think that they are above the intellectual tradition of the great statesman, philosophers, scientist, and theologians. Do they think that within one century, if it took that long, they have amassed enough insight with their reason to surpass the whole intellectual tradition of the known world. Maybe!
What seems blatant to me is not the question of the existence of God, although that s certainly important. Nor is it the Darwinian undertones that supplement the world view of many people. The grievance I have is with the person who is so arrogant to believe that their ability to reason actually nullifies the intellectual tradition of the past centuries. This person may answer that they have learned from the past intellectuals. To that I humbly submit, prove it!
I start with this question. Is the modern generation so arrogant as to think that they have 'evolved' and 'moved beyond' the heritage of their intellectual forefathers. Did the rise of the enlightenment accentuate the reality of the human reason or only the shallowness? It seems to me that with the rise of Darwinian motifs and the post-modern movement, God is all but dead for the man who is not looking for him. In fact, for the man or woman who holds to the naturalist worldview, for the man or woman who is a secular humanist, for the man or woman who believes in their capacity to reason, 'God' is not a viable option. In fact, 'God' is a weak option for a person who is weak (Darwinian intellectual selection at its best).
Nietzsche claimed, God is dead! There may be truth to that. At least for the man not looking for God, God is not relevant to him. However, can you see the metaphysical to know if he is really there? The irony is that the modern academic believes that his reason trumps the necessity of God for the whole world. Does this person think that everyone is ignorant, or only those who have not found salvation in the recesses of their own mental faculties. Do they think that they are above the intellectual tradition of the great statesman, philosophers, scientist, and theologians. Do they think that within one century, if it took that long, they have amassed enough insight with their reason to surpass the whole intellectual tradition of the known world. Maybe!
What seems blatant to me is not the question of the existence of God, although that s certainly important. Nor is it the Darwinian undertones that supplement the world view of many people. The grievance I have is with the person who is so arrogant to believe that their ability to reason actually nullifies the intellectual tradition of the past centuries. This person may answer that they have learned from the past intellectuals. To that I humbly submit, prove it!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Contemplative
Have you ever wondered about your friend. How are they doing? Do you find yourself so enmeshed in your own 'reality' that you forget other people are present. Do you look at people as mere objects that should do the bidding of your every whim. Think 'be gone' and they leave. Or run when they walk into a room.
Selfish, does that describe you. It describes me. Maybe the principle is in the perspective. Try thinking of others in relation to how they think of you. Be careful though, you may get angry. However, you also might surprise yourself.
Do something extraordinary today. Show your friend that you are actually their friend and that they are not just a social wall that you bounce your ideas off of. Be a friend. Sadly, there are not enough of those in the world. Maybe you should change that!
Think on That!
Selfish, does that describe you. It describes me. Maybe the principle is in the perspective. Try thinking of others in relation to how they think of you. Be careful though, you may get angry. However, you also might surprise yourself.
Do something extraordinary today. Show your friend that you are actually their friend and that they are not just a social wall that you bounce your ideas off of. Be a friend. Sadly, there are not enough of those in the world. Maybe you should change that!
Think on That!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Think Tank
I am posting to let everyone know of my current status. As of the moment, my computer has been fried (lightning does terrible things to a person). Nevertheless, the posts shall continue as I finish up this semester. To let you know what will be happening from now until the summer, I am listing for you the topics that will be under consideration tentatively from now until around October.
The remainder of April: Moral Degradation of Civilization
There will be post inspired by Nietzsche, Camus, and the book of Proverbs.
May: This whole month will be dedicated to Nietzsche. Posts will come from the book The Portable Nietzsche. Discussion will be based upon Western Civilization, God, and other scintillating topics.
June: This month will be dedicated to the philosophers. Specifically, it will entail the wisdom of various philosophers with a focus upon their solutions for a life that is well lived.
July-August: These months will focus upon the "Foundation of Education, Insufficiency of Indoctrination". I will be reading throughout the summer various scholars on the idea of education and the life of the mind. Specifically, I will address topics relating to Finding, Funding, and Finessing the Life of the Mind.
Finding: Discovering the Mind
Funding: Dedicating the Mind
Finessing: Distributing the Mind
September-October: [Tentative] Various treatises on my Systematic Apologetic
I know this seems like a lot, but I am excited about the possibilities of putting forth some of my ideas on these crucial and timely issues. I hope that you are as excited as I am about these upcoming series. Life never seems as invigorating than when you are discussing a new idea. Think On That!
The remainder of April: Moral Degradation of Civilization
There will be post inspired by Nietzsche, Camus, and the book of Proverbs.
May: This whole month will be dedicated to Nietzsche. Posts will come from the book The Portable Nietzsche. Discussion will be based upon Western Civilization, God, and other scintillating topics.
June: This month will be dedicated to the philosophers. Specifically, it will entail the wisdom of various philosophers with a focus upon their solutions for a life that is well lived.
July-August: These months will focus upon the "Foundation of Education, Insufficiency of Indoctrination". I will be reading throughout the summer various scholars on the idea of education and the life of the mind. Specifically, I will address topics relating to Finding, Funding, and Finessing the Life of the Mind.
Finding: Discovering the Mind
Funding: Dedicating the Mind
Finessing: Distributing the Mind
September-October: [Tentative] Various treatises on my Systematic Apologetic
I know this seems like a lot, but I am excited about the possibilities of putting forth some of my ideas on these crucial and timely issues. I hope that you are as excited as I am about these upcoming series. Life never seems as invigorating than when you are discussing a new idea. Think On That!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Decline of the Modern Generation Part III
This is the follow-up of the last blog entry that I posted concerning the issue of reasons for our moral decline. In review, the previous reasons were individualism and misapprehension of the truth. The third reason for the moral decline of the modern generation is the foundation of the family.
The Family, by definition, is: a group of individuals living under one roof with one head. Our current day understanding of a family to the extreme is the homosexual couple that cohabitates together with adopted children OR single-parent mothers OR fathers who work two jobs to support the children that were left to them when the other 'significant other' left to try and 'find themselves'. Now, I understand that these are stereotypical cases, but they are the immediate context in which we find ourselves living in. What you will find is that the definition of the family affirms the mroal decline of the modern generation because it hold the ideology of all three symptoms within its definition. There is individualism, misapprenhension of the truth( the definition itself implies that), and it does not even entail the proper idea of the family.
Now, the purpose of this blog is not to engage in a long discourse upon the definition of the family. Rather, it is to illustrate one vital point. People get their morality from their family. Other than the fact that they have certain understandable views of morality that they are pre-disposed too, they learn their moral values from their family. Thus, this modern generation has declined in its morality because the definition of a family, both etymologically and experientially, are completely false. Instead of building a morality under a two-parent home, consisting of a man and a women, they have learned and constructed a morality that was built, at best, by parents who built their morality upon a foundation that was not much better than their current child's is.
I understand that there is a lot more that can be said. What about parents who are single that teach proper moral values? Can't a homosexual couple divulge proper values to the children they rear? Isn't a family more about cultivating love and self-respect anyway? I do see the importance and necessity to answer these questions, but my point is that because the family has been identified incorrectly and lived out miseraby, our modern generation believes that they are morally accountable to no one and they can do anything. However, if you would like to know more about my views on the family then e-mail me a question or post a question in your comment box. Until next time, think on that!
The Family, by definition, is: a group of individuals living under one roof with one head. Our current day understanding of a family to the extreme is the homosexual couple that cohabitates together with adopted children OR single-parent mothers OR fathers who work two jobs to support the children that were left to them when the other 'significant other' left to try and 'find themselves'. Now, I understand that these are stereotypical cases, but they are the immediate context in which we find ourselves living in. What you will find is that the definition of the family affirms the mroal decline of the modern generation because it hold the ideology of all three symptoms within its definition. There is individualism, misapprenhension of the truth( the definition itself implies that), and it does not even entail the proper idea of the family.
Now, the purpose of this blog is not to engage in a long discourse upon the definition of the family. Rather, it is to illustrate one vital point. People get their morality from their family. Other than the fact that they have certain understandable views of morality that they are pre-disposed too, they learn their moral values from their family. Thus, this modern generation has declined in its morality because the definition of a family, both etymologically and experientially, are completely false. Instead of building a morality under a two-parent home, consisting of a man and a women, they have learned and constructed a morality that was built, at best, by parents who built their morality upon a foundation that was not much better than their current child's is.
I understand that there is a lot more that can be said. What about parents who are single that teach proper moral values? Can't a homosexual couple divulge proper values to the children they rear? Isn't a family more about cultivating love and self-respect anyway? I do see the importance and necessity to answer these questions, but my point is that because the family has been identified incorrectly and lived out miseraby, our modern generation believes that they are morally accountable to no one and they can do anything. However, if you would like to know more about my views on the family then e-mail me a question or post a question in your comment box. Until next time, think on that!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Last time, which was yesterday, I published an entry on the 'Decline of the Modern Generation'. This is the follow up to that post. The purpose of this entry for today is on what I believe are the symptoms of the moral decline in our generation
The first symptom of our generations' moral decline is individualism. Now, I understand that individualism can be a good thing. Even people who have a communal perspective have the tendency to decline in their morality. However, in America the idea of individualism has become even greater. It pushes the envelope upon the smaller man. It forces us to say, "If your in my way, then get out of the way". Individualism leads to self-centerdness, which leads to arrogance, that in tail leads to pride, and finally will end up in destruction. Individualism is not a bad thing IF you let it produce in you an understanding that you are unique as a person. However, if you think your uniqueness entitles you to bigger and greater things in life, you have been sorely mistaken.
Another symptom is our generation's sense of truth. Truth, if that is even a proper concept for some people, is about as real to some people as flying pigs. Truth is a concept that has become relative to people today. Some claim that since nothing can be known for sure, then truth must be relative to the situation and the person in that situation. Others may say that truth is a waste of time! What matters is progress. Economical progress, national progress, world progress become the rallying cry for those disinterested in the 'petty things of life'. Of course, they are petty until you are sued and find yourself in a courtroom wondering if all the money you have would be expendable for one inkling of truth. And yet, another group of people may say, 'whats true for me may not be exactly true for you'. I would then ask, what's true for you? I think that if they admit that something is true, at least they are claiming that some truth exist. The problem would be to determine if what they hold to be true is actually true, or mere opinion. I could even put their truth to test to see if it is true. However, I am afraid that what will inevitably happen is that the person will be convinced that their truth is real. Thus, they will exchange in pride and arrogance a position they really hold in ignorance. And then they have their reward. What they believe is true because of their pride is actually false because of their stupidity. Therefore, they contribute to moral decline because they hold false ideals to be true and spread their ignorance throughout the world.
That is enough for today. I hope I have given you some things to chew on. I will post a conclusion to this entry tomorrow.
The first symptom of our generations' moral decline is individualism. Now, I understand that individualism can be a good thing. Even people who have a communal perspective have the tendency to decline in their morality. However, in America the idea of individualism has become even greater. It pushes the envelope upon the smaller man. It forces us to say, "If your in my way, then get out of the way". Individualism leads to self-centerdness, which leads to arrogance, that in tail leads to pride, and finally will end up in destruction. Individualism is not a bad thing IF you let it produce in you an understanding that you are unique as a person. However, if you think your uniqueness entitles you to bigger and greater things in life, you have been sorely mistaken.
Another symptom is our generation's sense of truth. Truth, if that is even a proper concept for some people, is about as real to some people as flying pigs. Truth is a concept that has become relative to people today. Some claim that since nothing can be known for sure, then truth must be relative to the situation and the person in that situation. Others may say that truth is a waste of time! What matters is progress. Economical progress, national progress, world progress become the rallying cry for those disinterested in the 'petty things of life'. Of course, they are petty until you are sued and find yourself in a courtroom wondering if all the money you have would be expendable for one inkling of truth. And yet, another group of people may say, 'whats true for me may not be exactly true for you'. I would then ask, what's true for you? I think that if they admit that something is true, at least they are claiming that some truth exist. The problem would be to determine if what they hold to be true is actually true, or mere opinion. I could even put their truth to test to see if it is true. However, I am afraid that what will inevitably happen is that the person will be convinced that their truth is real. Thus, they will exchange in pride and arrogance a position they really hold in ignorance. And then they have their reward. What they believe is true because of their pride is actually false because of their stupidity. Therefore, they contribute to moral decline because they hold false ideals to be true and spread their ignorance throughout the world.
That is enough for today. I hope I have given you some things to chew on. I will post a conclusion to this entry tomorrow.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Decline of the Modern Generation
I am amazed at the moral decline in which this previous generation has ascended too. In the name of freedom and equality, individualism rears its ugly head. Usually, this is the symptom of Western thinking. However, haven't these ideas always been present within the human race? What then, is the cause of moral decline in the Modern Generation? The answer to that would seem to have various answers. Maybe even different facets of one foundational proposition. I would equate the decline of the modern generation to the smorgasboard of idealism. What I mean is that the foundation of truth, that which is objective based on revelation and reason has been substituted for subjective ideologies that are based within reason and emotionalism. Thus, people base their morality upon what makes sense to them. However, usually what makes sense to people is what makes them feel good. Our world is quickly becoming a cess-pool of relativism where the going trend's (yes, it is plural) of truth last about as long as a Hollywood marriage or a lever pull at a slot machine in Vegas. Therefore, what is right, good, and true is relative to every individual in any situation based upon emotion, subjective justice, and chance. But what, you might ask, is your answer to this 'Decline of the Modern Generation'. That answer shall be put on the next post.
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