I was going to post a blog piece about how religion is not behind conflicts, but really what's the point? This seems to be the main issue where the religious and non-religious can really agree. It is also a patently false premise. People use religion as a tool, not to control the minds of others, but to get what they want. It is the equivalent of using the passive voice to express unintentional acts of brutality (i.e. The knife went in. or The gun went off.)
If God wanted a piece of land for Himself he'd just make it. If God wanted to force you to convert, He'd be able to just break you. If there is no God, than we'll just find some other reason to beat the hell out of one another. What scriptures do we look at to push for peace or war, tolerance or ostracization, good or evil? What do we mean when we say these things? We never ask though because that would require the hard decision of giving up what we wanted. And when we cannot break free of what we say we believe, we hold God accountable for our own failure.
False Christians and unquestioning skeptics figured out long ago who the fall guy was. I have seen Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, Black and White, kill in the name of their father when there wasn't an ounce of conviction in their bones except power and pride. We are all after the wrong person when we crucify God, perhaps we would best to crucify ourselves a bit more. If I were to say that however, I should have the whole world allied against me ... and they would do so in the name of whatever it is they worship.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
I didn't write much.
(I don't feel like editing this blog post.)
I was going to post a blog but its two o'clock on Sunday morning and I can't think of anything new to say. I was going to talk about waking up every morning with a sense of existential dread about the mysteries the world held counterbalanced with my fear of all the stuff I actually needed to accomplish; but I pretty much summed it up in that one sentence. After the shower and stepping out the door for work, I am usually over my mental incapacitation so long as I am busy.
It is odd how some distractions are beneficial and some are detrimental. A writer trying to write a piece is quite different from the writer being driven mad by all the thoughts in his or her head. In the former case, distraction is a killer; in the latter, the savior. C.S. Lewis said that sin is like playing a note in a song at the wrong time. It isn't that the note is wrong, its just not its place. I suppose distractions are a lot like that too. In fact most all of life is like that. Perhaps were all just comedians looking for the perfect timing? Perhaps we are all just taking ourselves a bit too seriously?
Anyway, I have got some sleeping to accomplish.
I was going to post a blog but its two o'clock on Sunday morning and I can't think of anything new to say. I was going to talk about waking up every morning with a sense of existential dread about the mysteries the world held counterbalanced with my fear of all the stuff I actually needed to accomplish; but I pretty much summed it up in that one sentence. After the shower and stepping out the door for work, I am usually over my mental incapacitation so long as I am busy.
It is odd how some distractions are beneficial and some are detrimental. A writer trying to write a piece is quite different from the writer being driven mad by all the thoughts in his or her head. In the former case, distraction is a killer; in the latter, the savior. C.S. Lewis said that sin is like playing a note in a song at the wrong time. It isn't that the note is wrong, its just not its place. I suppose distractions are a lot like that too. In fact most all of life is like that. Perhaps were all just comedians looking for the perfect timing? Perhaps we are all just taking ourselves a bit too seriously?
Anyway, I have got some sleeping to accomplish.
Friday, December 26, 2008
The Greatest Gift I Never Got.
Grenache |grəˈnä sh |
noun
a variety of black wine grape native to the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France.
• a sweet red dessert wine made from this grape.
"You know you guys didn't have to get anything for me," I said, and unlike most people during the holidays I actually meant it. Christmas in my family is another day with God. He really doesn't need to reinforce it on December 25th. "I really am not expecting anything."
"I know but Seth really wanted to get you a bottle of wine," my friend told me. Seth was her brother and though I had met him only once, I had instantly like him. He seemed like the kind of guy who appreciated genuine people.
"Well that was nice of him," I said, "but I really don't need anything."
"It was really funny," my friend went on telling me in her kitchen as we poured glasses of Riesling, "Seth was asking everybody, 'Don't you have any grenache?' We had all of Meijers looking for a bottle of it. He was like, 'It's Phil's favorite.'"
Many people know that I developed an interest in wines. I think this is pretty much because I was jealous with so many people having an hobby like model railroads or video games or stamp collecting. So, I have delved into writing and photography, cooking and wine drinking. I remember the first wine I ever had was in communion, and it is a miracle that I continued to be curious after that because if there is anything that can turn one off wine drinking it is probably communion.
Years later I went to college at a dry campus. Yes, a college with no alcohol sounds like watching an Hollywood Blockbuster with no special effects, but in reality without the distractions one does have a clearer idea of all the things going on. Still, I think ... it messed me up a little bit though because I was more interested in learning about alcohol after that.*
When I went to Spain I had a sangria that was quite possibly the worst sangria of my entire life; and yet I wanted to know exactly if there was a great wine. I had drank all the beers that one could, but I was still curious about this next step. When I got back from my trip, I went to the local wine section of my favorite grocery store in Cincinnati, Jungle Jim's, and asked what I should have next. The answer was that I should try this Spanish wine called Vina Alarba.
That wine will always be my favorite because it made me love wines. It is made from the grenache grape, but actually that is not its real name. The French called it that when they took it over the Pyrenees and started planting it in the Languedoc-Roussillon region.**
In Spain, where it is likely to have originated, it is called garnacha. It is still one of the most planted grapes there, but is not really well-known over here in the new world. It is also beautiful.
It's tastes are not subtle, but rich and bold. They are not heavy with the ether of alcohol, but rich with the flavors of the grape itself. In Spain's hot dry climate one can tell that this is a grape that is a survivor. It clings to every drop of rain that falls in that arid climate and concentrates and treasures its flavors deep in its berry. When the wine is made you know that it is a survivor and that it is rich with character.
"Oh wow. I'm really appreciative, but you can't find grenache around here," I began slowly as I realized the thought that had gone into this gift. It was a search for a grape that I had mentioned only once to a friend who I had met only a couple of times. I continued, "I have only seen it mixed with another grape around here. You have to go pretty far to get a bottle."
"Well, he tried to get it for you," she went on, and smiled as she said it.
"I know it sounds trite," I said, "but its the thought that counts."
Gosh, what a trite saying is! It is overused as people get us gifts for which we have no use (and even less room). We say it to people who miss parties or events. We even mutter it about failed attempts at things. Its a throw-away phrase like, "Thank you." or "Have a nice day." or even "How are you?". When I was a child, such words were so empty. When I was child, I tried to mean words the words in those phrases or I tried to really care about the cards people attached to my presents; but to be truthful, I just wanted the swag. What card could ever compare to a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figure wearing an hockey jersey or a Transformer? When your a kid, you appreciate the objects; I guess when you get older you appreciate the thought.
None of us like to be forgotten, especially by friends and strangers. Like the song, "Auld Lang Syne," we wish not to be the forgotten through the mists of "Days Gone By." Memories of people seem to be shorter and shorter; and we forget loved one's; but we hope that we can make up our shortcomings as good friends when they get a brief biography of the past year in a Christmas card.
However, it is the kindness of brief friends, the re-occuring "touching base" of old friends, and unexpected phone calls; that really make this world a beautiful place. Christmas presents and holiday letters are well-and-good, but they lack the pure kindness of person who lives up to the honest to God cliché, "Well, it's the thought that counts."
* I never fall in love with anything without full participation of my neurons. The irony of alcohol is that it negates the proper functioning of the neurons; and is a joyful paradox, kind of like talking about a square circle; which exists and doesn't at the same time. Or perhaps it is more like trying to make it to zero Kelvin or hit terminal velocity or get to absolute singularity.
** Can you see now why I love wine? When is the last time that a bottle of Mountain-Dew ever had such an interesting history?
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Things I Thought When My Brain Was Off
I don't really do this, but my imagination was piqued earlier in the week and also tonight, so I did the unthinkable (literally, I had to stop thinking), I read some of Richard Dawkins' quotes. Okay, okay, there is a danger in reading quotes and a small diatribe; but hear me out, I didn't get them from any Christian web sites so I guess it counts.
Of course Dawkins makes some decent points, but the problem with some atheists and theists (unfortunately usually the most vocal ones of these groups) is that they believe they have made and/or are making the "slam dunk" argument; that after this argument there will be no more debate on the issue of religion and it will be over and done, Amen.
I think that is what makes some of these atheists so jaded. I once heard the story of a wealthy philanthropist who worked his whole life at something and when he accomplished his mission, he was angry and jaded because there was nothing left to do. Or, how about the fact that Martin Luther wrote a scathing anti-semetic work that embarrasses we Lutherans to no end and is completely unjustifiable, simply because the Jews wouldn't become Christians after the yoke of Rome had been removed. What is the similarity between the two stories? Though one person was disappointed with what he perceived was success and the other was disappointed with what he perceived as failure; both men put too much stock in their own achievements and win or lose became all that there was.
I think Mr. Dawkins puts too high a value on his own achievements, and that makes him look like a fool to a great many people (except his disciples). It allows him to go into areas of which he has no expertise (philosophy, literature, sociology). Then he says that that particular area is not important at all. This can make you a lot of enemies. However, Mr. Dawkins acts like a brash young bully rather than a person who really cares about his beliefs or, as he might say, "the facts". Mr. Dawkins overlooks the fact that in regards to the humanities he can allow himself to be outgunned and outclassed by simple bachelor's degree students. His hubris is his greatest failing, not his lack of zeal.
No one should debate Mr. Dawkins because there really will be no rational debate involved. I will give you an example. I once had a supervisor tell me I needed to get something done. It didn't make sense, so I asked why I needed to get it done? This person replied that he was in charge and, with all due respect, I shouldn't question it.* Mr. Dawkins seems to ignore a lot of things in his quest to be the world's smartest person. Ironically, the thing he ignores most is the fact that for every invective he levels against Christianity and belief of any kind for his own ego boosting, he is reinforcing the faith of every Christian and making his argument weaker by building it on his own very human understanding.
I wish Mr. Dawkins the best. I hope he finds a civil and intelligent way of debating with people, but until he does, I am thankful that the atheists will never have a foe worthy of the Christian's notice.
*In the hierarchy of things not to tell a philosopher, this is near the top. In the hierarchy of things not to tell an American, this is also near the top. Finally, under no circumstances should you tell a Christian this, just ask the Roman Catholic Church.
Of course Dawkins makes some decent points, but the problem with some atheists and theists (unfortunately usually the most vocal ones of these groups) is that they believe they have made and/or are making the "slam dunk" argument; that after this argument there will be no more debate on the issue of religion and it will be over and done, Amen.
I think that is what makes some of these atheists so jaded. I once heard the story of a wealthy philanthropist who worked his whole life at something and when he accomplished his mission, he was angry and jaded because there was nothing left to do. Or, how about the fact that Martin Luther wrote a scathing anti-semetic work that embarrasses we Lutherans to no end and is completely unjustifiable, simply because the Jews wouldn't become Christians after the yoke of Rome had been removed. What is the similarity between the two stories? Though one person was disappointed with what he perceived was success and the other was disappointed with what he perceived as failure; both men put too much stock in their own achievements and win or lose became all that there was.
I think Mr. Dawkins puts too high a value on his own achievements, and that makes him look like a fool to a great many people (except his disciples). It allows him to go into areas of which he has no expertise (philosophy, literature, sociology). Then he says that that particular area is not important at all. This can make you a lot of enemies. However, Mr. Dawkins acts like a brash young bully rather than a person who really cares about his beliefs or, as he might say, "the facts". Mr. Dawkins overlooks the fact that in regards to the humanities he can allow himself to be outgunned and outclassed by simple bachelor's degree students. His hubris is his greatest failing, not his lack of zeal.
No one should debate Mr. Dawkins because there really will be no rational debate involved. I will give you an example. I once had a supervisor tell me I needed to get something done. It didn't make sense, so I asked why I needed to get it done? This person replied that he was in charge and, with all due respect, I shouldn't question it.* Mr. Dawkins seems to ignore a lot of things in his quest to be the world's smartest person. Ironically, the thing he ignores most is the fact that for every invective he levels against Christianity and belief of any kind for his own ego boosting, he is reinforcing the faith of every Christian and making his argument weaker by building it on his own very human understanding.
I wish Mr. Dawkins the best. I hope he finds a civil and intelligent way of debating with people, but until he does, I am thankful that the atheists will never have a foe worthy of the Christian's notice.
*In the hierarchy of things not to tell a philosopher, this is near the top. In the hierarchy of things not to tell an American, this is also near the top. Finally, under no circumstances should you tell a Christian this, just ask the Roman Catholic Church.
A Christmas Message
Christmas is upon us once again. Day in and day out we feel the unbearable weight of it all. There is a tension in this season unlike any other time of year a dark and cruel undertone behind the veneer of holiday platitudes about "peace" and "happiness." We are told that people behave better, have some common kindness, and a spirit of joy permeates us at this time of year. If this is the case than may I say two very important things. First, if humans are capable of such sentiment for a period of less than one month, why are they incapable of it for the rest of year? Secondly, they are incapable of such a sentiment for a period of less than one month.
I have driven on roads and been cut off by cars that any other time of the year would have yielded to me out of common kindness. Now that natural inclination to kindness is supplanted by the Macy's Christmas special homing patterns. I have seen people not tip or thank or return the greetings of lowly retail peons, because they were too busy trying to purchase the requisite presents for friends and family. I have even seen good people* get shunned when people talk of Christmas plans with other friends when this lonely soul is in their midst. In fact it is striking how many times it is the non-Christian's "merry Christmas" is heard as opposed to the Christian's.
All the time Christians "fight for their rights." "Keep Christ in Christmas" we say, or "Those atheists are trying to remove this or that from our town's Christmas." Yet, Christmas is not so much about what is done, but rather it is about what has been done for us. All our secularization of the holiday hasn't been able to remove the common theme: God loved the world and he sent his Son. No one brought God any gifts that he used to win our salvation. No one deserved to have God move into the neighborhood. And no certainly showed the holy family any kindness or gave them any tips or invited them to stay with them or even let them merge into traffic. The Gospels don't tell us of any human providing them with anything of use at all, and yet everything turned out okay.
And the gifts provided by the wise astrologers and songs of praise given by the shepherds all disappeared under the vast waves of history; but what remained was one gift, not earned by the laws of "naughty or nice" and not just given to the people who let people merge into busy intersections on Black Friday. The gift of peace on earth and unending happiness and reunion with God was given to the harried Christmas shopper who forgets the meaning of Christmas while at Wal-Mart or forgets to invite a friend to a holiday party. God, you see, has a way of reaching us even in the midst of Christmas.
* Not that ascribed moral worth should in any way dictate the benevolence that we should show to our fellow human beings.
I have driven on roads and been cut off by cars that any other time of the year would have yielded to me out of common kindness. Now that natural inclination to kindness is supplanted by the Macy's Christmas special homing patterns. I have seen people not tip or thank or return the greetings of lowly retail peons, because they were too busy trying to purchase the requisite presents for friends and family. I have even seen good people* get shunned when people talk of Christmas plans with other friends when this lonely soul is in their midst. In fact it is striking how many times it is the non-Christian's "merry Christmas" is heard as opposed to the Christian's.
All the time Christians "fight for their rights." "Keep Christ in Christmas" we say, or "Those atheists are trying to remove this or that from our town's Christmas." Yet, Christmas is not so much about what is done, but rather it is about what has been done for us. All our secularization of the holiday hasn't been able to remove the common theme: God loved the world and he sent his Son. No one brought God any gifts that he used to win our salvation. No one deserved to have God move into the neighborhood. And no certainly showed the holy family any kindness or gave them any tips or invited them to stay with them or even let them merge into traffic. The Gospels don't tell us of any human providing them with anything of use at all, and yet everything turned out okay.
And the gifts provided by the wise astrologers and songs of praise given by the shepherds all disappeared under the vast waves of history; but what remained was one gift, not earned by the laws of "naughty or nice" and not just given to the people who let people merge into busy intersections on Black Friday. The gift of peace on earth and unending happiness and reunion with God was given to the harried Christmas shopper who forgets the meaning of Christmas while at Wal-Mart or forgets to invite a friend to a holiday party. God, you see, has a way of reaching us even in the midst of Christmas.
* Not that ascribed moral worth should in any way dictate the benevolence that we should show to our fellow human beings.
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