Our world is plagued with distractions. Our technological advancement and personal aspirations for success has far surpassed our minds ability to process and absorb all the information that bombards us on a daily basis.
There are fundamental problems with this existence; as an already 'stressed out' society, this additional 'mass information pipeline' in the form of text messages, emails, 24 hour news feeds, 1000 channels of television, etc etc. only serves to add to to stress through what I like to call an 'Obligation to Connection'. Though we enjoy the ability to feel 'connected' in a virtual environment, we have grown increasingly dependant on these services to the point of obsession. The obsession with feeling 'connected' to this virtual world has a synergy with our 'real' lives, and co-exists in a away that masks the stress and anxiety that comes with being 'connected'.
Not that it's all bad, being connected to former high-school friends and family through the virtual world has a huge benefit, but drawing the lines of distinction between been connected to loved ones in a healthy and productive way, and really just being distracted is a very important one.
How awkward was it the first time you saw a 'bluetooth' family; each member of the family adorned with neon blue lit ear-pieces, seemingly non-communicative with each other, but 'connected' somehow, with someone, somewhere. The distance that is created through this type of distraction is like sitting down for dinner with someone in another state. We all laughed, it became a running joke. But how disillusioning is it when the 'bluetooth family' has become our own? Maybe we aren't wearing Star-Trek ear communicators, but through the tiny screens of our smart devices, we have allowed distraction to become a social norm. We have allowed ourselves to fall into the gaze of a virtual world, pulling us away from experiencing the moments we have with each other in the 'real' world, and are willing to defend it as an advancement in our cultural and social evolution.
In evolution, attributes of a species either improve it's chances for survival, or lessen it. In which way does the Technological Evolution of man affect us? Does it help us to forge virtual bonds while simultaneously breaking other real-life connections?
Like anything, excess leads to dependance. Like drug addicts, we have a feeling of isolation and helplessness when our internet connection goes down; we can't get our fix. Frustrated that we can't connect to the huge world of information offered on the internet, we internalize anger at the service provider, or at our computer. That anger, isolation and frustration steals the moment, it's not a 'real world' problem, it's a personal one. Yet, for many of us it seems as though the world, once at our fingertips, has been taken from us.\
Aside from the more direct distraction that the tiny screens of our 'smart' devices provide, there is another distraction that is delivered in heavy doses through our multi-medias; I call it 'ego food'.
'Ego-Food' is that which only serves to build up the false identitity we attribute to ourselves. These false identities help protect us from the realities of the world. We begin to associate the works of others as being our own, which builds false confidence.
A simple analogy is the excitement that a sports fan feels when his team scores a goal; the viewer has done nothing but observe, yet the feeling of accomplishment is there, the 'hoopla', exuberance and joviality that would traditionally be reserved for our own great accomplishments, are now given to someone who has no knowledge that we even exist on a personal level. Human beings are designed to thrive on accomplishment, yet the accomplishment we feel from 'ego-food' is empty and meaningless. And though we might not notice it, those meaningless accomplishments affect our ability to create real accomplishment in our own lives; one because we have already expelled a HUGE amount of energy idol worshipping, and two because our identity and self-love has been attributed to someone outside of our selves.
'Ego-Food' isn't just for super-fans. It affects all of us in some way or another, as our own concept of personal identity acts as ego-food. As an example: I was eating lunch in my favorite restaurant and overheard a conversation that a woman was having with her friend at the table next to me. The woman in appearance seemed to be quite bohemian, dreadlocks wrapped in a bandana, a long flowing linen dress, and simple sandals. Their conversation was simply background noise as I read my book, until a few key words caught my attention, "I'm constantly working on music, I'm constantly writing, I'm constantly doing something". Her trail of focus seemed to trail off.
I can say I had a moment of enlightenment after hearing this. I left with the feeling of 'Constantly Un-constant'. Of having neither a focus or a satisfaction in the work that was being done, but simply 'doing for the sake of doing' and yielding none of the rewards. Logically it's impossible to be 'constantly' doing a thousand things in our professional or academic life, yet our thirst for personal accomplishment drives us to the point of insanity. Where we feel the need to impress others and stretch ourselves so thin that our psychological well being is put second to our desires, when in the end, we are still left with no substance in our lives.
The goal of life is many things to many people, but we can all agree that creating a life of substance is a common thread. Having REAL lasting relationships, creating something tangible, that expresses ourselves and our thoughts and emotions. Giving value to life. For me, obtaining a sense of inner peace has been a major factor in my spiritual and emotional development. With that inner peace, though only found in brief glimpses, I have found an awareness to the world around me that uplifts my consciousness and compassion. To me, that awareness is more substantial than many of the material accomplishments that I still desire.
Though compassion isn't a tangible commodity, it is infinitely valuable and serves the entire world. If the internet goes down, I still have compassion, if the lights go out, I still have compassion, if I have no sight or hearing, I still have compassion. Compassion is meant to spread to others through human contact, touch, words, music, art, food. Whatever we do, we can do it with compassion, and it fills our soul and completes us.
Let not our selves be constantly distracted, constantly un-constant. But find for ourselves a constant fulfillment through compassion and awareness. And let that awareness spread into every action we do, be it art, music, writing, cooking, loving, sleeping, waking, every action should have an awareness of the 'now', our surroundings, the smell of the room, the sound of the birds chirping outside our window. We are surrounded by a magnificent world of infinite possibilities, we only limit ourselves by hiding behind our distractions. Bring ourselves to the world and be prepared for the amazing gift we have been given, the gift of life.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Craptitude
Craptitude:
A visitors guide to hopelessness and denial...
People have accused me of being a 'Morning Person'. Implicating that there is some anomaly to waking up before noon on the weekends. The interesting coincidence is that many of those that have imbued me with said title, would, in my book, be described as people with 'crappy attitudes'. Now my waking up at the butt-crack of dawn is an easy quality to quantify, I just did it: I wake up at the butt-crack of dawn.To quantify a 'crappy-tude' is a bit more difficult, as there are a number of qualities (or lack thereof) that could place you in this broad category (mix and match at your discretion):
1) Constant Complainer (CC): The Constant Complainer is NEVER satisfied. No matter how hard you try. It is a fruitless and frustrating venture, and only leads to disappointment. In my experience, the Constant Complainer really has nothing productive or enlightening to say, so instead rely on trite, complaintative small-talk to make them feel like they are socially connected, when in reality, no one can stand them. Early teens suffer this condition, but is usually relieved as they enter young adulthood. CC's can eventually devolve into a more serious form of craptitude if not treated properly.
2) Eternal Victim (EV): A small step in de-evolution from the CC, these poor souls just can't seem to get a break! At least that's what they want you to believe. In this lies two sub-categories:
a) Vampire: as with the constant Complainer, their life has become self absorbed and uninteresting that they rely on their stories of victimisation to extract some form of sympathy and social relevance from their unintentional meal. They thrive on "I'm so sorry", or "that's terrible" as a means to justify their crappy attitudes. Don't ever try to remind EV's that there are children starving in Africa, or retired old folks that eat dog-food to survive, again fruitless and only leads to victim stories one-up-manship.
b) The Good for Something (GFS): Yeah, they are good for something, but good luck finding out what it is, as most of the conversations you'll have with these winners is how high the chips are stacked against them. The criteria for a 'Good for Something' differs from a Vampire, in that Vampires can often hold jobs\careers and do quite well, aside from their obvious condition. The GFS is usually unemployed, but it's not their fault, they tried looking for a job and no-one is hiring, plus the economy is bad, and their car isn't running, and if they get a job, they'd have to pay child support because their wife was a psycho.
3) The Grass is always greener (GG): Differs from the constant complainer in that they can have moments on contentment and even joviality....until the neighbor pulls up in a new car. Then let the complaints begin: "How can HE afford a new car?", "I hear he cheats on his wife", "Their kids are brats". For some reason the GG can't handle someone elses prosperity, and treats it as a direct hit against their ego. GG's are materialistic and it shows. Often sporting brand name clothing and buying new cell phones every 6 months, they are completely incomplete. GG Test: Show the suspected GG your new _________ , after berating it, they will soon have one that's 'better' to show off to you.
4) The Java Junkie (JJ): The Java Junkie does not posses an aptitude for craptitude inherently. There's is a chemically induced one. You will often hear them complaining about "not enough coffee this morning", or "Having a bad-day" as they are standing by the coffee machine. This is poure addiction, and as they are jonesin' for Joe, those synaptic responses in their brain are yelling "FTW". JJ's typically are in denial of the fact that coffee is a stimulant-depressant, well the latter part at least.
5) Self Righteous \ Out of Touch (OOT): These are a cerebral bunch, touting stories of former glory and the "way it used to be" or the "good ole days". Most often complaints of 'decaying morality' tend to drive their convo's. The problem is that in 'their days' they used children to work in mines and get killed, husbands could beat their wives without consequence, and racism and religious persecution was the norm. Screw their 'good ole days'.
This short list will help you recognize some of the basic archetypes for craptitude and either deal with, or avoid them altogether. I hope you find this guide handy and pass along to your friends (or others).
Until next time :)
Friday, January 28, 2011
How do you spell "Reality TV"?
George Orwell was a literary genius. His political insight and cynicism fed generations of readers baby-sized doses of an underlying truth; that no man or woman is safe from the socio-political 'machine' that is government, and the organized propaganda that is required to keep it's power.
Orwell's driving motivation for his writing was fear. A fear that the world would one day resemble the fictional-world of his books. Well, Orwell's world created in the book '1984' (written in 1949) has become a near identical reality. Where Orwell was mistaken, was his belief that Communism would be the vehicle that brought about these dehumanizing changes in society. It seems that it isn't Communism or Capitalism that is driving this erasure of human consciousness, but a super-evolved form of individualism that the term 'Capitalism' doesn't even begin to define. Where Capitalism would serve to explain a system of economics and the increasing political role of major corporations, and their ability to imbue political rhetoric in product ads and public relations, It would not serve to describe the more pervasive detriment to American culture and world outlook, the politicization and 'dumbing down' of our society.
After the shooting of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the country was forced to look at the role of major media outlets and politicians in creating an environment of intolerance. Where entire networks are now deemed as 'Red' or 'Blue', and the nightly news is skewed and catered to the viewers of those leanings. Overstated, but necessary to say that most Americans don't completely identify with either political party, and simply feel forced to vote for one or the other because of a lack of 'legitimate' options ('legitimate' options nowadays means a candidate that is funded by major corporations and has significant financial backing to pay for the OUTRAGEOUS costs for politicking.)
Even worse is the 'Party-Liner' that is compelled to believe erroneous or mis-stated facts simply because it is presented as a 'Party Norm'. Much like a ravenous football fan that stands by their team even when the times are tough. But politics aren't a sports game, and in Football there are dozens of teams to choose from, in politics in America, we REALLY only have 2 choices. In the NFL, if team members are found to violate the rules of the game, they are disciplined. However in politics, if one is found to have violated the rules, the consequences depend on the prevailing party power. Oftentimes the rules are 'rewritten' or simply ignored.
For the citizenry of this country, it becomes increasingly difficult to rationalize being left to struggle on a meager 'honest living', when we see the proverbial 'bad guys' getting away with fortunes that were made on the backs of taxpayers and slighted clientele with absolutely no consequences.
No consequences.
This attitude that has increasingly permeated our political establishment is not isolated to government. In fact, much of the American public seem to be fascinated by lawlessness and an abandonment of personal integrity and values for superficial gains. No I'm not talking about AIG, GM or any other recipient or the multi-billion dollar bailout, I'm talking about our favorite guilty pleasure, dubbed "Reality TV".
That's an Orwellian principle right there, that we call the exposure of some of the most undesirable people, doing some of the most ridiculous and self indulgent things, all in an attempt to get some quick celebrity, "Reality TV". Doublespeak
The reality of it is best illustrated in the following: if you open up a bag of chips and eat two Cheetos you won't get fat, if you eat a whole bag of Cheeto's in one sitting, you won't magically gain 50 lbs. either. But if you eat two big bags of Cheeto's everyday, never exercise, and continue this behavior over a long period of time, imagine the results after 6 months. A year... 5 YEARS??!? Chances are that the next friend you might consider making on Facebook should be Jenny Craig. It's easy to see the effects of an unhealthy diet. It shows up on your hips, neck, butt, and tummy. What's difficult to see is the effect of an unhealthy TV diet. Like the Cheeto's, it has a negative effect on the body, but not the hips thighs or glutes, it effects the mind.
Before Rod Serling walks in and begins to narrate the remainder of this blog, let me define what I mean by 'mind'. When I say mind, I'm more specifically referring to 'mindfulness'. Websters example of 'mindfulness' is used as follows: "a truly considerate person, always mindful of the needs of others." and defined specifically as being 'aware'. Don't these sound like great qualities? Something that we would look for in a leader or friend? Perhaps our standards have fallen. Perhaps these qualities are now antiquated, replaced by individualism and greed. The cultural norm is trending towards our fascination with the lowest common denominator, where we spend hours a day watching people on TV trying to solve the conundrum of "What heels to wear tonight" or "Whose boyfriend is she sleeping with". Not that all 'Reality TV' is as simplistic, but seems that the most popular "Reality TV' shows follow a similar model; Put a bunch of strangers in a house who are competing for a cash prize, perversely spy on them as they make irresponsible, immature, or downright mean spirited decisions. And as we watch contestants eliminated week by week, what do we learn? That the most ruthless, deceptive, backstabbing competitor usually wins. It seems that the most undesirable qualities of human beings are the ones that we are bombarded with the most, and are rewarded for doing so....
Is this the model of the world we live in? Is the world of my grandfather gone? Where integrity, honesty, courage and wear-with-all would bring you success? Sadly, yes...the 'good ole' days' are dead. Have you lost faith in politics? How about the concept of marriage? Is it ok to lie, cheat and steal, as long as you don't get caught? How have impulsive and selfish decisions you've made affected those that surround you, the people you love and that love you? You'd be surprised as to the number of times that I've heard "Reality TV ruined my marriage". This imagery of debauchery and people with no-integrity glamorized on the small-screen is the bag of Cheeto's, how much are you willing to eat before you realize that you've been couch-locked for 3 hours and have nothing to show for it but a decreased sensitivity to the TRUE needs of yourself and others and to reality?
Whether you are a religious, spiritual person or otherwise, I think we can all agree that we are born into this Earth a complete being, a perfect creature. Though our minds don't possess concrete knowledge of our environment at an infant stage, we possess everything else we need to survive. All of our organs and appendages serve as a vehicle for our survival, and as we develop our intellect gives us a distinct advantage over other predators once it's matured and developed. What do you think would happen to our society if we were completely removed from this process of intellectual maturation? What we'd become is actually becoming reality as you read this. We've are being taken advantage of as a populous by our elected leaders and we have become too apathetic to do anything about it. And it seems that the only groups that get any attention in the media when they 'do something about it' are either perceived as fringe radical groups, or actually ARE fringe radical groups. What about a popular movement 'By the People' to take control of our governing bodies like what we saw in the 60's? I guess that'll have to wait until after the finale of 'Jersey Shore' or 'Real Housewives'. And the idea that reactionary groups like the 'Tea Party' are going to usher in a 'new generation of political activism' seems far fetched. There are many great minds with legitimate ideas on change and reform that simply aren't recognized in the media at all. Why? Is it a fear that ratings might drop because intellectual conversations about politics are 'boring'? You be the judge...
Forget that George Orwell ominously predicted that we'd be watching life size screens of people doing, well, nothing in particular, and use that as a replacement for our own social and moral compass (this prediction made years before TV was available to the average consumer). It doesn't matter, because the importance of the worlds wisdom doesn't carry any 'pop culture' value with the American mainstream. Until we collectively start taking responsibility for our own social, spiritual, practical and intellectual lives, we will be wandering through a quagmire of our own undoing, wondering why our lives aren't as fruitful, happy, or productive as we wish they could be. And while Rome burns, will you be watching 'The Hills', eating on a second bag of Cheeto's and wondering 'who the hell is gonna fix this mess'? It's time to grab a bucket of water my friend.....
Orwell's driving motivation for his writing was fear. A fear that the world would one day resemble the fictional-world of his books. Well, Orwell's world created in the book '1984' (written in 1949) has become a near identical reality. Where Orwell was mistaken, was his belief that Communism would be the vehicle that brought about these dehumanizing changes in society. It seems that it isn't Communism or Capitalism that is driving this erasure of human consciousness, but a super-evolved form of individualism that the term 'Capitalism' doesn't even begin to define. Where Capitalism would serve to explain a system of economics and the increasing political role of major corporations, and their ability to imbue political rhetoric in product ads and public relations, It would not serve to describe the more pervasive detriment to American culture and world outlook, the politicization and 'dumbing down' of our society.
After the shooting of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the country was forced to look at the role of major media outlets and politicians in creating an environment of intolerance. Where entire networks are now deemed as 'Red' or 'Blue', and the nightly news is skewed and catered to the viewers of those leanings. Overstated, but necessary to say that most Americans don't completely identify with either political party, and simply feel forced to vote for one or the other because of a lack of 'legitimate' options ('legitimate' options nowadays means a candidate that is funded by major corporations and has significant financial backing to pay for the OUTRAGEOUS costs for politicking.)
Even worse is the 'Party-Liner' that is compelled to believe erroneous or mis-stated facts simply because it is presented as a 'Party Norm'. Much like a ravenous football fan that stands by their team even when the times are tough. But politics aren't a sports game, and in Football there are dozens of teams to choose from, in politics in America, we REALLY only have 2 choices. In the NFL, if team members are found to violate the rules of the game, they are disciplined. However in politics, if one is found to have violated the rules, the consequences depend on the prevailing party power. Oftentimes the rules are 'rewritten' or simply ignored.
For the citizenry of this country, it becomes increasingly difficult to rationalize being left to struggle on a meager 'honest living', when we see the proverbial 'bad guys' getting away with fortunes that were made on the backs of taxpayers and slighted clientele with absolutely no consequences.
No consequences.
This attitude that has increasingly permeated our political establishment is not isolated to government. In fact, much of the American public seem to be fascinated by lawlessness and an abandonment of personal integrity and values for superficial gains. No I'm not talking about AIG, GM or any other recipient or the multi-billion dollar bailout, I'm talking about our favorite guilty pleasure, dubbed "Reality TV".
That's an Orwellian principle right there, that we call the exposure of some of the most undesirable people, doing some of the most ridiculous and self indulgent things, all in an attempt to get some quick celebrity, "Reality TV". Doublespeak
The reality of it is best illustrated in the following: if you open up a bag of chips and eat two Cheetos you won't get fat, if you eat a whole bag of Cheeto's in one sitting, you won't magically gain 50 lbs. either. But if you eat two big bags of Cheeto's everyday, never exercise, and continue this behavior over a long period of time, imagine the results after 6 months. A year... 5 YEARS??!? Chances are that the next friend you might consider making on Facebook should be Jenny Craig. It's easy to see the effects of an unhealthy diet. It shows up on your hips, neck, butt, and tummy. What's difficult to see is the effect of an unhealthy TV diet. Like the Cheeto's, it has a negative effect on the body, but not the hips thighs or glutes, it effects the mind.
Before Rod Serling walks in and begins to narrate the remainder of this blog, let me define what I mean by 'mind'. When I say mind, I'm more specifically referring to 'mindfulness'. Websters example of 'mindfulness' is used as follows: "a truly considerate person, always mindful of the needs of others." and defined specifically as being 'aware'. Don't these sound like great qualities? Something that we would look for in a leader or friend? Perhaps our standards have fallen. Perhaps these qualities are now antiquated, replaced by individualism and greed. The cultural norm is trending towards our fascination with the lowest common denominator, where we spend hours a day watching people on TV trying to solve the conundrum of "What heels to wear tonight" or "Whose boyfriend is she sleeping with". Not that all 'Reality TV' is as simplistic, but seems that the most popular "Reality TV' shows follow a similar model; Put a bunch of strangers in a house who are competing for a cash prize, perversely spy on them as they make irresponsible, immature, or downright mean spirited decisions. And as we watch contestants eliminated week by week, what do we learn? That the most ruthless, deceptive, backstabbing competitor usually wins. It seems that the most undesirable qualities of human beings are the ones that we are bombarded with the most, and are rewarded for doing so....
Is this the model of the world we live in? Is the world of my grandfather gone? Where integrity, honesty, courage and wear-with-all would bring you success? Sadly, yes...the 'good ole' days' are dead. Have you lost faith in politics? How about the concept of marriage? Is it ok to lie, cheat and steal, as long as you don't get caught? How have impulsive and selfish decisions you've made affected those that surround you, the people you love and that love you? You'd be surprised as to the number of times that I've heard "Reality TV ruined my marriage". This imagery of debauchery and people with no-integrity glamorized on the small-screen is the bag of Cheeto's, how much are you willing to eat before you realize that you've been couch-locked for 3 hours and have nothing to show for it but a decreased sensitivity to the TRUE needs of yourself and others and to reality?
Whether you are a religious, spiritual person or otherwise, I think we can all agree that we are born into this Earth a complete being, a perfect creature. Though our minds don't possess concrete knowledge of our environment at an infant stage, we possess everything else we need to survive. All of our organs and appendages serve as a vehicle for our survival, and as we develop our intellect gives us a distinct advantage over other predators once it's matured and developed. What do you think would happen to our society if we were completely removed from this process of intellectual maturation? What we'd become is actually becoming reality as you read this. We've are being taken advantage of as a populous by our elected leaders and we have become too apathetic to do anything about it. And it seems that the only groups that get any attention in the media when they 'do something about it' are either perceived as fringe radical groups, or actually ARE fringe radical groups. What about a popular movement 'By the People' to take control of our governing bodies like what we saw in the 60's? I guess that'll have to wait until after the finale of 'Jersey Shore' or 'Real Housewives'. And the idea that reactionary groups like the 'Tea Party' are going to usher in a 'new generation of political activism' seems far fetched. There are many great minds with legitimate ideas on change and reform that simply aren't recognized in the media at all. Why? Is it a fear that ratings might drop because intellectual conversations about politics are 'boring'? You be the judge...
Forget that George Orwell ominously predicted that we'd be watching life size screens of people doing, well, nothing in particular, and use that as a replacement for our own social and moral compass (this prediction made years before TV was available to the average consumer). It doesn't matter, because the importance of the worlds wisdom doesn't carry any 'pop culture' value with the American mainstream. Until we collectively start taking responsibility for our own social, spiritual, practical and intellectual lives, we will be wandering through a quagmire of our own undoing, wondering why our lives aren't as fruitful, happy, or productive as we wish they could be. And while Rome burns, will you be watching 'The Hills', eating on a second bag of Cheeto's and wondering 'who the hell is gonna fix this mess'? It's time to grab a bucket of water my friend.....
Friday, October 29, 2010
How do your socks taste, buddy?
I was looking for some stimulating chat this week, and found myself on Paltalk, in the PalTalk News Network chat room. (www.paltalk.com)
Usually, the topics in the room vary from breaking news and politics, to social issues. On this particular occasion I had the pleasure of contributing my input on issues of religion, and more particularly the issue of Islam, it's historical practice, scriptural texts and implementation in contemporary society.
After a few minutes, it became obvious to me that there is a thread of thought in American society that has not only been misinformed about Islam, but also are adamant that the information they have is the ONLY information needed to re-enforce their biased, distorted, and hateful prejudice against people of Arab decent. The part of the conversation that struck me as most disturbing, was not the references to the more 'gory' parts of the Q'uran, but the denial that many Western Religions share similar text; Just as bloody, just as gory, and just as 'vengeful' as text found in the holy book of Muslim people (I'm referencing the Tanakh and the Old Testament).
I have come to the conclusion that, because of our pitiful public education system, the increasing populous of impoverished Americans, and a history of religious bigotry, we have become a nation akin to the likes of caricatures from the Mike Judge movie "Idiocracy"...Where our simplistic needs of 'food, sex, sleep' has not only permeated our thought, but dominated it entirely. What's left behind is a reactionary, emotionally driven public that is quick to blame their problems on the first unlucky guy in their cross-hairs. Be it Barack Obama, George Bush, Islam, or the tooth fairy...(and why the hell Barack Obama red flags my spell check, but George Bush doesn't, to me sparks interest as well :)
As a person who was raised in a moderate home, with Judeo-Christian parents with college degrees and introspective, analytical minds, I was fortunate enough to have at least some bastion of an 'open-minded' home. My father was a technical engineer and Musician, and my mother, a School Principal and District Board member. Issues of morality and social justice were never limited only to simple interpretations of the Bible, but more of a conversation about practical applications of intellect and the lessons of history, always considering the contemporary era and current issues. To be honest, the Bible was never referred to when discussing these issues, but we always had an unspoken understanding that the teaching of Jesus about Peace and Brotherhood of Man were an influence from which to base our directives.
"Brotherhood of Man", a concept that as an open-minded skeptic I find difficult to fathom as I grow older, as unfortunately have witnessed the lack of Brotherly Love that my youthful, jaded eyes thought would be waiting for me as an adult. Did I see this lack of "Brotherly Love" first in Muslims who followed the teachings of Mohammad, or the Evolutionists, so criminalized throughout the years by Christian leaders? No, it was Christian leaders themselves who taught me that intolerance is an operating mode for some, in a faith that has guided generations of my family.
Why has Christianity de-volved? How have the teachings of Jesus become the tools for animosity, hatred, bigotry, sexism, racism and intolerance...truth is, they haven't. The rules that many of these so-called "Christians" follow is a social one, not a biblical one (at least with regards to the New Testament). It has become acceptable for under-educated Americans to rely on Fox News and Glen Beck for their 'Education', and because of some twisted idea that they are following a "Traditional" Christo-American tradition, that their intolerance of others is acceptable.
Sure there are a number of passages in the Q'uran that reference violent treatment of enemies, but if one was to read the Old Testament (based on historic Jewish texts), you'd clearly see that Islam doesn't hold the sole seat in that arena. The god of the old testament didn't teach Peace, compassion, kindness or love. The Old Testament god was a vengeful, manipulative, calloused god, that would smite and strike any who disagreed with his whims. The god of the Old Testament was a warrior god in a time of hardships and death. The grim passages of man's fall from grace, and his years of suffering throughout the ages is more than a history, it's a warning..."Don't mess with god, or YOU WILL DIE!!"...
When you compare these texts with the teachings of the prophets of the New Testament, there is more than just a stark contrast, it's as if you are studying two completely different religions. Now I'm no historian, but am comfortable saying that even in Jesus' time, the texts that would one day become the "Old Testament" were already becoming antiquated, though devoutly followed. Jesus himself was cast out and eventually killed by those who perpetuated the teaching of said text. So why is it that this teachings would come to be an 'addendum' to these violent, vengeful, hate filled writings? Am I simply supposed to believe that Jesus was eventually accepted by his killers? That is far from the case. Aside from Messianic Jews, there is still no acceptance by the purveyors of the 'Original Religion', the Jews. To them the Messiah has yet to arrive, and to debate this fact as a Jew amounts to sacrilege.
So are we allowed to pick and choose how we express our faith in God based on our feelings? Can we use the anger and intolerance of the Old Testament as a weapon with enemies. Or the teachings of Love and Patience, tolerance when touting religious and moral superiority? I think not.
There is a whole story to every fable that needs to be understood, a history, a lineage of evolution in ALL religions. The complexity that we find in the Hindu or Buddhist texts is a perfect proof...Thousands of years of Religious evolution that, once understood, illustrates the history and struggles, the cultural 'spreading' of these faiths and the ironies that can develop when peaceful people and warrior class intermingle within the same religious belief. Islam and Christianity are no exceptions to this rule.
To deny the violence and horrors of the wrathful God of the Semites is to deny your own religious history. To simply say. "We are a peaceful religion, and you're not, so we got Kill Ya'" is so full of obvious irony, that if you don't immediately recognize it, than you are part of the problem...not the solution. And remember the Crusades, years of religious intolerance that left the battlefield strewn with blood and bodies, all under the name of a Faith that taught you to "love thy Brother"...It's not a dismissal of the teachings of Jesus, but more an acknowledgement of the way that violent people have a way of taking a peaceful faith, and twisting it into a maniacal frenzy of hatred and pain. Much the way 'Islamic Extremeists' have done this in the name of the Q'uran, much the way some contemporary Christians have stirred up anti-Islamic sentiments and intolerance. As individuals we have to recognize our religious history, the ironies and shortcomings that come with that, in an effort to reconcile our future.....
Usually, the topics in the room vary from breaking news and politics, to social issues. On this particular occasion I had the pleasure of contributing my input on issues of religion, and more particularly the issue of Islam, it's historical practice, scriptural texts and implementation in contemporary society.
After a few minutes, it became obvious to me that there is a thread of thought in American society that has not only been misinformed about Islam, but also are adamant that the information they have is the ONLY information needed to re-enforce their biased, distorted, and hateful prejudice against people of Arab decent. The part of the conversation that struck me as most disturbing, was not the references to the more 'gory' parts of the Q'uran, but the denial that many Western Religions share similar text; Just as bloody, just as gory, and just as 'vengeful' as text found in the holy book of Muslim people (I'm referencing the Tanakh and the Old Testament).
I have come to the conclusion that, because of our pitiful public education system, the increasing populous of impoverished Americans, and a history of religious bigotry, we have become a nation akin to the likes of caricatures from the Mike Judge movie "Idiocracy"...Where our simplistic needs of 'food, sex, sleep' has not only permeated our thought, but dominated it entirely. What's left behind is a reactionary, emotionally driven public that is quick to blame their problems on the first unlucky guy in their cross-hairs. Be it Barack Obama, George Bush, Islam, or the tooth fairy...(and why the hell Barack Obama red flags my spell check, but George Bush doesn't, to me sparks interest as well :)
As a person who was raised in a moderate home, with Judeo-Christian parents with college degrees and introspective, analytical minds, I was fortunate enough to have at least some bastion of an 'open-minded' home. My father was a technical engineer and Musician, and my mother, a School Principal and District Board member. Issues of morality and social justice were never limited only to simple interpretations of the Bible, but more of a conversation about practical applications of intellect and the lessons of history, always considering the contemporary era and current issues. To be honest, the Bible was never referred to when discussing these issues, but we always had an unspoken understanding that the teaching of Jesus about Peace and Brotherhood of Man were an influence from which to base our directives.
"Brotherhood of Man", a concept that as an open-minded skeptic I find difficult to fathom as I grow older, as unfortunately have witnessed the lack of Brotherly Love that my youthful, jaded eyes thought would be waiting for me as an adult. Did I see this lack of "Brotherly Love" first in Muslims who followed the teachings of Mohammad, or the Evolutionists, so criminalized throughout the years by Christian leaders? No, it was Christian leaders themselves who taught me that intolerance is an operating mode for some, in a faith that has guided generations of my family.
Why has Christianity de-volved? How have the teachings of Jesus become the tools for animosity, hatred, bigotry, sexism, racism and intolerance...truth is, they haven't. The rules that many of these so-called "Christians" follow is a social one, not a biblical one (at least with regards to the New Testament). It has become acceptable for under-educated Americans to rely on Fox News and Glen Beck for their 'Education', and because of some twisted idea that they are following a "Traditional" Christo-American tradition, that their intolerance of others is acceptable.
Sure there are a number of passages in the Q'uran that reference violent treatment of enemies, but if one was to read the Old Testament (based on historic Jewish texts), you'd clearly see that Islam doesn't hold the sole seat in that arena. The god of the old testament didn't teach Peace, compassion, kindness or love. The Old Testament god was a vengeful, manipulative, calloused god, that would smite and strike any who disagreed with his whims. The god of the Old Testament was a warrior god in a time of hardships and death. The grim passages of man's fall from grace, and his years of suffering throughout the ages is more than a history, it's a warning..."Don't mess with god, or YOU WILL DIE!!"...
When you compare these texts with the teachings of the prophets of the New Testament, there is more than just a stark contrast, it's as if you are studying two completely different religions. Now I'm no historian, but am comfortable saying that even in Jesus' time, the texts that would one day become the "Old Testament" were already becoming antiquated, though devoutly followed. Jesus himself was cast out and eventually killed by those who perpetuated the teaching of said text. So why is it that this teachings would come to be an 'addendum' to these violent, vengeful, hate filled writings? Am I simply supposed to believe that Jesus was eventually accepted by his killers? That is far from the case. Aside from Messianic Jews, there is still no acceptance by the purveyors of the 'Original Religion', the Jews. To them the Messiah has yet to arrive, and to debate this fact as a Jew amounts to sacrilege.
So are we allowed to pick and choose how we express our faith in God based on our feelings? Can we use the anger and intolerance of the Old Testament as a weapon with enemies. Or the teachings of Love and Patience, tolerance when touting religious and moral superiority? I think not.
There is a whole story to every fable that needs to be understood, a history, a lineage of evolution in ALL religions. The complexity that we find in the Hindu or Buddhist texts is a perfect proof...Thousands of years of Religious evolution that, once understood, illustrates the history and struggles, the cultural 'spreading' of these faiths and the ironies that can develop when peaceful people and warrior class intermingle within the same religious belief. Islam and Christianity are no exceptions to this rule.
To deny the violence and horrors of the wrathful God of the Semites is to deny your own religious history. To simply say. "We are a peaceful religion, and you're not, so we got Kill Ya'" is so full of obvious irony, that if you don't immediately recognize it, than you are part of the problem...not the solution. And remember the Crusades, years of religious intolerance that left the battlefield strewn with blood and bodies, all under the name of a Faith that taught you to "love thy Brother"...It's not a dismissal of the teachings of Jesus, but more an acknowledgement of the way that violent people have a way of taking a peaceful faith, and twisting it into a maniacal frenzy of hatred and pain. Much the way 'Islamic Extremeists' have done this in the name of the Q'uran, much the way some contemporary Christians have stirred up anti-Islamic sentiments and intolerance. As individuals we have to recognize our religious history, the ironies and shortcomings that come with that, in an effort to reconcile our future.....
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