100 Right Answers

Illusion

A friend of mine recently related a story that I found some what interesting at many levels. He was having a discussion with his father about world matters and the role that religion has played in exacerbating many of the problems we currently see. His father went on the say that these things are all portents to the rapture and that he feels that the rapture is imminent. Concurring with this sentiment my friend then states that part of the problem is that everyone feels that their belief system is the correct one and will defend it fervently. Upon hearing this his father immediately got defensive and felt some how he was being told that he is in the latter group, despite the fact that his son repeated several times that he was in full agreement with his father’s beliefs.

What is it about these faith based systems that causes mankind to abandon rationale reasoning? I was often told to never try to argue with irrational people. Time and time again this has proved to be sound advice. Could it be that religion and faith based belief systems are irrational? That they can not be approached with logic and soundness of mind? Are the believers so forgone that they can not even begin to consider the very logical possibility that they just might be wrong?

All other things in life require supporting evidence before they are accepted as truth. Yet in faith based belief systems you just accept what has been taught for generations and never question its authenticity.

Long sigh. I give up.

It Just Does Not Add Up

Has anyone ever stopped to think about the dumb ass things people say when tragedy strikes? Perhaps I am just to disconnected from the warm and fuzzy side of my brain but this shit is really working on my nerves! You fucking spiritual zealots, especially you neo-Christians, espouse the teachings of Christ so fervently but you omit in your daily lives the one thing that was a constant under current of his teachings. Common sense. 

Tell me some one please how much sense does the following quote make. In reference to the recent death of a co-pastor a person being interviewed responded with this, “…God never makes a mistake. He needed another flower and he got one…” What the fuck is that? So what you are telling me is that the deity that you hold in such reverence, the creator of the known universe and the object of your worship could not find a more humane way to promote his servant to a more lofty position? That your god was fucking toiling in the heavenly soil and decided to pluck a bulb from mankind and transplanted it to his celestial garden. Should we thank him that he did not require a shrub or fucking tree?

You dumb ass mother fuckers need get a grip. Being spiritual minded regardless of sect or religion is not an excuse for sheer stupidity. Personally, considering that this woman died in a fucking auto accident, I would rather it be said that she caused displeasure to whatever god she worshipped and he killed her ass rather than some meaningless bullshit about god needing a flower. Lets take this back to the days of tribalism and the virgin sacrifices to appease the “fire god” (volcano). Has any one considered the fact that shit just happens? Is that to hard to deal with? What is so difficult about comprehending that shit happens and it happens to good people too? None of us are beyond its reach.

Perhaps I am being overly rational. Yet I still see the “shit happens” explanation so much easier to grasp than the “god needed a flower” or “god had a purpose” bullshit. You see with the “shit happens” explanation I find it so much easier to find the answers. To identify the events, causes and reasons behind tragedy. Shifting blame to the unknown, well thats just plane stupid. I wish George Carlin was still alive to add his commentary on this subject. Alas god needed a funny angel.

Life is precious, so when a life is lost should we not at least extend the respect of acknowledging that fact? Why is it necessary for you to try to add more of an explanation to the obvious?

My resting words, shall be “Shit happened”. Engraved for all to see and hopefully understand.

Just Because Is Not Good Enough

I have a problem with people who can not, do not or will not express their understanding of their routine, behavior or beliefs. They become robots going about their lives never understanding their own reasons for their routines. Questioning why we do the things we do, why we believe the things that we believe is tantamount to stopping and smelling the roses. Why is it acceptable to stop and admire nature and to share our thoughts and feelings about this experience yet conversely it becomes taboo to stop and think about why we behave or believe in a certain way and to share our thoughts and feelings about that? Is it to much to ask that we be able to explain our actions when considered in the context of accountability? If I am going to be held accountable for my behavior and ideals should I not at least be able to clearly define them and give reasons for adhering to them? “Just because” is not a reason. It ceased being a reason when society determined we were of the age of accountability.

Judge – “Why did you murder that man?”

Me – “Just because.”

Judge – “Well that clarifies everything. You are free to go.”

Life is about engagement. Engaging others in dialogs, even uncomfortable ones is how we enlighten each other. Even if you are not an expert or feel that you are not qualified to discuss in depth a given topic you are an expert to discuss in depth how you perceive it affects you. You are the expert when it comes to your own behavior, your ideals and convictions. You are the expert when it comes to you.

If just because is acceptable then allow me to take advantage of you, just because.

Even if the reason is not very sophisticated there should always be a reason for our actions. These cumulative reasons, when shared, are like the small sparks that collectively start a flame which in turn illuminates the dark. Could not these reasons serve as a source of enlightenment to others? Share the knowledge and wisdom you have learned with those who seek it. Be flattered that a query has been made of your reasons and that some may consider them valid. Queries come in many forms and our answers or lack there of should not be formed by preconceived notions of the motives of those that inquire. To quote a proverb from the book of the Christians, “An answer when mild turns away rage”. Share what you know and what you do not. Perhaps by doing so you will add your spark that ignites the flame.