I can do nothing on my own authority; I judge only as God tells me, so my judgment is right, because I am not trying to do what I want, but only what he who sent me wants.
Reading the comments on a friends blog lit a fire under me … Be warned there is "religious content" here … or maybe a refuting of religious content … But there is a historic perspective that may interest some (anyway) …
(1) "Why is there so much disdain for Christianity? What does the history of 'Romanized' Christianity, or the sordid actions of innumerable popes, priest, and various religious leaders have to do with the sacrifice made by Jesus the Christ?"
(2) "They manipulated inappropriately, earlier myths involving similar stories or traditions, when they thought (erroneously) it was time for an update on "the old desert camp town meeting", and continued tweaking it until they could take away the instinctive spirituality, AND replace it with a programmable kind, where you get them all under your thumb, if you are the big gun...(in this case the Roman leaders)...and they kept hammering away like Thor, until they got the populace suitably indoctrinated to their schemes... unfortunately they've been hammering so long, it caused them to become deaf...that's why they still are at it...control and subjugation of humanity in religion…"
(3) "… When man steps in and uses the Word of God for their benefit it becomes a religion. Thus causing the religion to become a God, Taking away the Power of the Blood of Jesus. If you look closely Religion tells you what you can-not do to be "holy" putting a noose around your neck. BUT The Lord of Glory came to bring freedom …"
The first paragraph is a leader to a friend's blog providing a link to a contents list of 150 Bible stories. The two following paragraphs are comments posted in reference to the first paragraph. Two quite different and essentially opposing views. The third paragraph reflects the opinion of someone who considers themselves a "believer". The second is someone though not stated one way or the other perceives a natural and political explanation. The leader paragraph is someone who, though not actively espousing Christian faith eludes to its imagery leaving the impression of endorsing it.
"Why is there so much disdain for Christianity?" … False assumptions. 'Romanized' Christianity would more properly be referred to as "Orthodox" Christianity. I make this distinction as that "Romanized" would tend to carry the connotation of "Roman Catholic" in difference to "Protestant" which split off in later centuries. The fact being that whether "Roman Catholic" or "Protestant", both are essentially lines of "Orthodoxy". Prior to the conversion of the Emperor Constantine (315ce) there was NO official state recognized "Orthodox" Christian faith. Orthodox means "Approved; conventional". Christian "faith" was not the organized dogmatic doctrinally defined institution it was to eventually evolve into. Amongst the varying distinctions were divergent perceptions as to the nature of Christ and his purpose and intent. Most of these growing out of the divergent perspectives of his closest disciples later recognized as his Apostles into the broader world. Later a Jewish convert called Saul, to become known as Paul, became zealous in his propagation of what he understood as the message of Jesus, the man known as the Christ. In his spreading of the "Gospel" within the Hellenized Roman world he was very influential and successful. Yet, he maintained a connection and relation to the Jewish Church as it was organized in Jerusalem and governed by James, the brother of Jesus, and Peter, one of Jesus' most outspoken disciples.
Though connections were maintained to the Jewish Christian community in Jerusalem, there were significant differences as to how the faith was realized. The church in Jerusalemwas essentially made up of Jewish converts, familiar with and indoctrinated in historic Orthodox Judaism. As a "faith" the "Jewish Christians" were recognized as a divergent sect of "Judaism" and under Roman law afforded the protections of the state as Judaism was eligible. No doubt and as history reveals in 68-70ce being approved by the state is no real satisfaction to an invaded and occupied people by a foreign power or guaranty that the state will continue to recognize religious sanctions. Yet, the Judaic perception of the Christian faith, as Christianity evolved in this environment, was highly tied to the Hebrew traditions of the "Law" as delivered by Moses and progressively enhanced upon by Jewish teachers and scribes to clarify points as Jewish culture evolved. Hence, the Law based conception of Christianity was forming its roots. James and Peter being the most influential here.
Paul, as prior to his conversion had been an ardent persecutor of the emerging "Christian" sect, though mending relations with James and Peter, was never fully received by the Christian community at Jerusalem. Paul was an intellectual. He had a much broader perspective of the world, its faiths, the Hellenized Roman mind set, and though originally a practicing Orthodox Pharisee, he could conceive spiritual perceptions transcending the limitations of a legally based system as was growing in Jerusalem.
Besides James, Peter and Paul there were other apostolic influences. Among these were Thomas, Phillip and dare I say Mary Magdalene and Judas Iscariot. Within the frame work of "Orthodoxy" these are never recognized. To varying degrees within Orthodoxy these personages, although acknowledged as having existed, their writings and influence have been systematically purged from the approved canon of scriptures as they present a totally different perspective of the "faith:" as has become endorsed and sanctified by the "Orthodox" church.
Prior to the conversion of the Emperor Constantine (315ce) the was NO Orthodox church. Throughout the Roman Empire and beyond there were varying schools of Christian thought that were being espoused. Mostly influenced by the varying Apostles and their peculiar perspective and nature of their individual relationship to the man Jesus. Not all the "Apostles" realized the same perspective of relationship. Some, it can be argued perceived deeper relations of experience into the nature and person of Jesus. To others this relationship would have been less perceptive and more superficial. Yet, they were what they were. Out of these varying schools writings emerged attributed to the teaching of these varying lines of perception.
Peter according to early church writings eventually became associated with the church at Romeand purportedly oversaw things there for about 25 years. Paul was eventually brought to Rome under Roman arrest from Jerusalem. As a Roman citizen he had the right to appeal to Caesar. Both men are regarded as influential in the churches life. Both died martyrs deaths between the years 64 and 67ce. There is much reason to regard the perspective of the two as diverse, Peter even eluding to this in his own writing: "And consider that the long-suffering of our Lord [His slowness in avenging wrongs and judging the world] is salvation (that which is conducive to the soul's safety), even as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the spiritual insight given him,Speaking of this as he does in all of his letters. There are some things in those [epistles of Paul] that are difficult to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist and misconstrue to their own utter destruction, just as [they distort and misinterpret] the rest of the Scriptures." 2 Peter 3:15-16. Though diverse, Peter being more tied to prior Jewish legal tradition and Paul appealing to a more intellectual spiritualized conception, I have come to a conclusion that Paul and Peter tried to maintain a mutually respectful relation to each other.
As Constantine received the faith, and this conversion can not in any sense be construed as a matter of proselytization but "inspiration", the influx of citizenry into the "church" and influence across the empire was immense. The empire was now becoming "Christianized", but the problem was; there was NO defined absolute as to what Christianity was. The only real common point of reference was a man named Jesus who became known as the Christ who lived in Palestinesome three hundred years before. And all these factions claiming relation and inspiration from him. In 325ce Constantine called for a gathering of Church leaders from across the empire to gather at Nicaea in Bithynia (present-day İznik in Turkey) to sort through the mess and define what constitutes Christianity. To say the least there was no little debate as the implications meant the eventual persecution and extermination of the losers emerging from this council. This was a political move on Constantine's part recognizing that one unified church being under the direction of one spokesperson afforded the emperor influential power to control under the auspices of divine authority. As Peter had relocated to Rome and statements in Gospel accounts attributed to Peter authority in the church, the bishopric at Rome was determined as the center of Christian authority and a more legalistic perspective as to the nature of Christianity was adopted. This, as well as declaring a transcendent divine nature to the person of Jesus, became the political cornerstone for the church in relation to the empire and subsequent "Dark" and Middle ages and into the Modern era. Since then the "Orthodox" or approved doctrine and dogma have remained virtually unchallenged as to defining the nature of reality and the political and economic structures the world has inherited. That is changing …
It is here and in this light that I take issue with that which in many respects has remained unchallenged. At least as the Orthodox continues to pervade and assume its own absolute status.
"the sacrifice made by Jesus the Christ" … This "sacrifice" can only be spoken of as "'Romanized'" or "Orthodox". It is part and parcel with the entirety of "'Romanized' Christianity, or the sordid actions of innumerable popes, priest, and various religious leaders…" that evolved out of it. It is … one and the same … The Demiurgic "god" as adopted by Orthodox Christianity through the adoption of Orthodox Judaic concepts of divinity can only produce the image of a divinity requiring "sacrifice". Sacrifice … and the acceptance of that divine sacrifice are requisite to the maintenance of control. To deny the "sacrifice of Jesus Christ" is to place one in a personal standing of accountability and relationship to God and outside the rule and control and protection of the church. As such persecution and extermination are quite acceptable … or at least "reasonable" as the Demiurge would apply reason. I leave history to prove the point.
"When man steps in and uses the Word of God for their benefit it becomes a religion." The "Word" of God … What is it exactly that we are referring to here? In February 2007 I wrote to my former spiritual mentor:
We are taught in our religion that this refers to the Bible, or what is written in that Bible. But that makes no sense - "In the Beginning was the WORD" - no Bible implication there. This is obviously referring to Christ's eternal existence before time and all creation. But what is the actual nature of this "WORD" as revealed in the Person Jesus?
In another exchange of emails with a singer/song writer, whose music I stream,I wrote to her: "I haven't had a chance to listen to "Beautiful Rainbow World", but if it is anything like I Have A Dream - You have some excellent products. BCMP is not primarily a "Christian" station in the usual sense, or a children's station - but you message is universal - for children or adults. I am honored and glad to include this material in my stations rotation."
This was just my heart responding to what I heard in her music.
To which she replied "Thank you so much for your words! Your comments are exactly what I had hoped for with my music - to bring a powerful message of hope and the healing, transforming power of God/Love. The "pure in heart" see this so naturally!"
This is a rather simple example - but it is representative of how I am learning to function in relation to what comes from the essence of who I am.
"It's a new language called 'The Word!' (perfect logic)…" In an academic sense- I have been aware of the technical description of the "Word" as defined as "God's perfect mind, thoughts, logic" - But the actual manifestation - the exercising of that gift- nature - ability - has only come to the surface relatively recently (progressively over the last six or seven years). And at that has been most obvious in my writing. I have found I am able to write and reason what is inside of me better than I can relate in most normal social situations. My former pastor stated that my logic in my writing was undeniable. But in social situations, arguing religious formulas and democratic equality of the absurd does not render an intelligent - not withstanding Spiritual exchange of ideas.
"It just takes a little practice turning feelings into words, and a little courage!" -
What I find encouraging - and I didn't see before - I have been practicing - ignorantly, not understanding what God was doing - just doing it. And He - in me - without the intellectual consciousness of it - lives through me.
What I find almost foreboding - but exciting - As I respond and act, and write - express that which is within - I am challenging not only the religious status quo - but the logical extension as it is expressed in political areas, social concerns, economic justice and the erosion of freedom. Areas that the current political environment are increasingly threatened by and aggressive in their defensiveness.
I have been looking for a definition of the "Word" - That which was from the beginning - the nature and life of God - In Me.
But it is not a definition - it is a life. And not "life" as an abstract defined term. Life - the essence and expression of God. And no amount of trying to define it, can express it. It - He - simply has to be allowed to be.
We are taught the "experience" is not to be trusted. But the experience of God is the only definition that will ever really make any sense. Definition, Reason and logic apart from the experience and expression of the "Word" "feeling" within - only amounts to just so much babble.
The "Word of God" IS NOT the sixty six books that are accumulated as the Bible. The "Word" is the God you experience within … it is already in you … it is innate … Your life … your experience of consciousness is the "Word" … you already know … but religion and religious perceptions robs you of fully appreciating that experience.
And we misconstrue religious concepts for what they are not . "the Power of the Blood of Jesus" is reduced to superstition with little insight as to the significance of that "blood".
And Jesus said to them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, you cannot have any life in you unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood [unless you appropriate His life and the saving merit of His blood].He who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood has (possesses now) eternal life, and I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day.For My flesh is true and genuine food, and My blood is true and genuine drink.He who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood dwells continually in Me, and I [in like manner dwell continually] in him.Just as the living Father sent Me and I live by (through, because of) the Father, even so whoever continues to feed on Me [whoever takes Me for his food and is nourished by Me] shall [in his turn] live through and because of Me.This is the Bread that came down from heaven. It is not like the manna which our forefathers ate, and yet died; he who takes this Bread for his food shall live forever. John 6:53-58
The blood and flesh of Jesus are current …notsomething from the past … It is not religious doctrines that we appropriate and assent too but a living presence that we experience and live in. It is not a magicians incantation or a witches spell … it is the life that you are participating in but too often find shrouded by social and material cares. And this religion takes many forms. As soon as we attribute to any religious form an absolute, we compromise our freedom. Our freedom becomes the subject of the arbitrary interpretation of another.
"instinctive spirituality" is our nature. It is not something that should need to be taught. But as we increasingly become the products of society and cultural norms. A lot of teaching and training needs to be untaught and undone. We are taught to only perceive but so much … and that through a particular grid … screen … or lens … "Why is there so much disdain for Christianity" … dirty lenses … and maybe even blinders … and too many have realized there is more that can be seen and experienced than what has been approved … and it is not the evil that "Orthodoxy" would paint it …
Speaking in Language We Can Understand (Originally posted Jan 4, 2008)
We, human beings,, speak, write and generally communicate in language that makes "sense" to us. We draw from images containing associative meaning to express our perceptions of "truth" and "reality". As new language is developed, words are coined and more precisely narrowed and defined, our ability to articulate what it is that we really mean is enhanced. This process of expanding language and in so doing becoming able to more clearly understand the nature of reality and the accompanying possibilities may be exactly what is necessary for us to live in the depths of our being. And thus drawing ever closer to that divine character of Christ in us.
By necessity, language has always been expanding. Ancient languages expressing spiritual and cognitive truths, as they became perceptively archaic and antiquated, were supplanted by languages more receptive to growing and broadening, incorporating the definitions of new words, and thus conveying to the then and now contemporary minds, the substance of what is being communicated. This process in no way subjugates the ancient languages as inferior or unable to convey truth and reality in the context of their respective cultures. Our contemporary problem is the literalism we associate and apply to the interpretation of the images conveyed through these ancient writings. We contemporaries in our insistence on narrowly defined absolutes fail to comprehend and appreciate the richness and all the ancient language contains expressed in so few conceptualizations. We seek to translate word for word, concept for concept, expecting that our committed dedication to literalism is in fact the only infallible means of passing on the spiritual truths understood by our ancient forbearers. We fail to realize that our literal interpretations are not the full truth as understood and received by our ancient ancestors. Our literalisms, word for word, concept for concept, story for story, fails in that we do not live in the same world paradigm as the original. Our world, as may be experienced by an ancient, may well be perceived as a step into the "Twilight Zone" or "The Outer Limits" and even as we may conjure our own perceptions of fantasy. But our world is not the world of the ancients. Yet there is a common spiritual connection between us. And there is common spiritual reality to be experienced. Our contemporary problem is that we too often try to conceive and realize that truth in a paradigm perception as foreign to us as if we were living in another galaxy and life is no longer carbon based but silicon based.
The ancients, for all we know, did not have the scientific understandings available to us. That does not suppose a lack of understanding as to the what and how of what was to be realized in human spiritual capacities. Their communications may appear less sophisticated and descriptive, but that would only be to the undiscerning eye and mind. The richness of the language and the concepts conveyed may well have, and I believe assuredly, expressed in terms relevant to their world view, the actualities of spiritual reality that we, in our literal hopes, have found so elusive. Elusive, yes, but only as we fail to engage in the mind that would speak in our time to our present-day cultures.
1700 years ago the baby was thrown out with the bath water. Narrow literalisms, and dogma based on shallow cognitive reasoning supplanted the actual faith in what is the innate divine life in humankind. Political convenience became the rule of the church and alliance with secular rulers the sought after prize to prop up and maintain the appearance of life in the now starving deprived body of Christ.
But life had not been totally lost, and in times manifested, only to be squelched. Persecuted, made the subject of inquisition and crusade, feared for what it could become. Spiritually outside the bounds of religious hierarchal norm, control would be lost. How could a society possibly exist and function with each individual acting in personal and immediate relation and response to that divine nature within? Orthodox doctrine may have casually expressed an allusion to the indwelling Spirit, but to actually understand and realize the experience of such a reality was beyond the literal cognitively bound mind-set of what had evolved. And so the rule of "law" prevailed, convenient to the relations with the state to maintain order and as necessary or desired dominate and control.
But you cannot capture, control and dominate the Spirit of God in humankind indefinitely. Where God (as we may call him, but only as reference for now) resides in humanity, God's life, the Logos, the Word, Christ, WILL be made manifest, in our cultures and times, in language and concepts that WE – the bearers of the divine life – can comprehend and communicate. And as we do, we may realize all that has eluded us in our quest for what is God. It is not to be found in "ancient fairy tales" clung to as literal absolutes. It is to be found in the divine nature resident in us all, speaking in language you can relate to and follow. As is currently being realized, science may well not be the enemy of faith, but rather substantiate it.
3:18 AM - Pre-Emeptive Arrests of Peace Protesters in Minneapolis
Protesters here in Minneapolis have been targeted by a series of highly intimidating, sweeping police raids across the city, involving teams of 25-30 officers in riot gear, with semi-automatic weapons drawn, entering homes of those suspected of planning protests, handcuffing and forcing them to lay on the floor, while law enforcement officers searched the homes, seizing computers, journals, and political pamphlets. Last night, members of the St. Paul police department and the Ramsey County sheriff's department handcuffed, photographed and detained dozens of people meeting at a public venue to plan a demonstration, charging them with no crime other than "fire code violations," and early this morning, the Sheriff's department sent teams of officers into at least four Minneapolis area homes where suspected protesters were staying.
…
Nestor indicated that only 2 or 3 of the 50 individuals who were handcuffed this morning at the 2 houses were actually arrested and charged with a crime, and the crime they were charged with is "conspiracy to commit riot." Nestor, who has practiced law in Minnesota for many years, said that he had never before heard of that statute being used for anything, and that its parameters are so self-evidently vague, designed to allow pre-emeptive arrests of those who are peacefully protesting, that it is almost certainly unconstitutional, though because it had never been invoked (until now), its constitutionality had not been tested.
There is clearly an intent on the part of law enforcement authorities here to engage in extreme and highly intimidating raids against those who are planning to protest the Convention.
Here is the first of the videos, from the house that had just been raided:
video ... from the second house as the raid was occurring.
neighbors outside as well as with Bruce Nestor, the President of the Minnesota Lawyer's Guild, regarding these raids:
60 Children Among Afghan Dead, U.N. FindsKABUL, Afghanistan — A United Nations human rights team has found "convincing evidence" that some 90 civilians — among them 60 children — were killed in air strikes on a village in western Afghanistan on Thursday night, a statement issued by the United Nations mission in Kabul said, making it almost certainly the deadliest case of civilian casualties caused by any United States military operation in Afghanistan since 2001.
The United Nations the team visited the scene and interviewed survivors and local officials and elders, getting a name, age and gender of each person reported killed. The team reported that 15 people had been injured in the air strikes, which occurred in the middle of the night. The numbers closely match those given by a government commission sent from Kabul to investigate the bombing, which put the total dead at up to 95.
Mohammad Iqbal Safi, the head of the parliamentary defense committee and a member of the government commission, said the 60 children were between three months old and 16 years old, all killed as they slept. "It was a heart breaking scene," he said. The death toll may even rise higher since heavy lifting gear is needed to uncover all the remains, said one Western official who had seen the United Nations report. Euphemisms for "Fuck you America - Fuck you world"
George W Bush - "I am the decider"
Barak Obama - "Let me make this perfectly clear"
It all means the same thing "Fuck You ....."
Until these faces of 60 murdered children become the faces of American children ... America will not grow a conscience ... We have been conditioned to consider them ... backward ... less than civilized ... virtually no different than the camels and jack asses they ride on ... we have in-humanized them ... they hold NO value ... WE are the inhuman ones ... we have lost our conscience ...
What more justification do we need to do everything we can to bring down the system that creates this ... that manipulates us into being "this" ?...
What makes us so afraid to do what so many have done before us ... Why are we so so scared shitless of the potential of being killed for what is right? ... Is this the result of 400 years of divorcing secular thought from spiritual ideals? Is there greater value other than our own short lives ? ... Or is there something of greater importance? ... I am not advocating suicide ... but are we so void of "life" that all we care about is filling our tanks, maintaining of relative standard of living ? Are "we" worth so much more than any other race of man? ... Is "our" ideology so superior? Why are we more human than ALL the rest ? ... Isn't that the same premise Nazi Germany used to justify its aggression? ... What make us ... different than them? .... NOTHING
... whole idea of "progress" is ludicrous ... There has been no progress ... the "West" and particularly the United States has been in a state of "regress" ever since the years following World War II. Sure there have been periods of affluence, so called economic growth, the raising of the Western standard of living - in the "west" ... and even in China... But is that all there is to progress? IS that "progress"? When in these same years the gap between rich and poor increases annually exponentially, there have been more corporate scandals in the last 25 years than throughout the rest of our history, elections are stolen, our minds are constantly wondering who what politician is fucking, the most popular TV program is the Sopranos (an idolization of mobsters) - is it any wonder we put the same character roll models in office?
Progress? ... give me a fucking break ...
It makes me think I need to go out and fuck somebody out of something ... in the name of progress ...
I am not a "Christian" theist ... but we have lost a spiritual quality that defines what is right and what is good ... and the will to act on it ... That to me ... is not progress ...
I want to qualify something here ... When I speak of "...we have lost a spiritual quality..." I AM NOT referring to the Judeo-Christian ethic ... I am speaking of something that is much deeper than a set of moral laws ... I am referring to the living spiritual nature that is intrinsic to all humanity ... We have been consumed by a materialistic consumer mentality that defines everything in relation to the what we can possess - homes - cars - toys - money - power... all that is temporal. I am for all practical purposes a socialist.... I also believe in an intrinsic spiritual nature that connects and binds everything in relation to all else - be it material or spiritual. I believe that Jesus Christ emerged to teach us how to realize this relationship. I have friends who are communists, agnostics, atheists, spiritualist, pagans and occultists of varying traditions. I have found that most of these realize a dimension of spiritual depth that the Christian Church will never understand as it is dominated by their politics and perverted misconception of the Spirit as religion. It is this "politics and perverted ... religion" ... that is the presumed moral justification of the atrocities perpetuated by our government in the name of "democracy" ... in the name of "the War on Terror".
America ... You have been hood winked ... Church ... your name is Ichabod ..."The glory is departed"...
When I first left Kansas and landed in Oz I was mesmerized. I thought what a wonderful place, so beautiful, so interesting, such bright colors, and fascinating people. So much was new, so much I had never imagined. And the Munchkins were so cute, quaint. And to get anywhere, there was only one way to go to get there, "Follow the yellow brick road". So simple, "Why didn't I think of that?" With Toto in tow I wound myself round and was off to see the wizard.
I found a friend … the inquisitive sort … but nothing was sure … and soon became a bore … So Toto in tow, and one friend mo', down the road we did go … off to see the wizard …
Such beautiful apples … a delight to the eye and good to eat … (didn't I hear this myth in Kansas) … "maybe they can make us "wise" and we can know" … But they were corporate property and not to be had easily … so dumb shit straw head started a tiff … nothing too big mind you … just enough to piss off the corpos and to placate us they tossed some budgeted consumer good will merchandise at us … and a non-transferable, ten percent off the purchase of any their over inflated regularly priced goods, limited time only, redeemable at any of their franchised outlets – coupon. But there was too much fine print to fit on the coupon, and we didn't have a lawyer to interpret it all for us – so we went looking for the Wicked Witch of the West so we could cram it up her ass. We found the witch, but she was a tight ass, so after getting a bit burned, we flipped her the bird, and Toto in tow, with my friend Moe, and a few wise apples, down the road we did go, off to see the wizard.
Oh, I almost forgot – we came across this hollow dude – just sort of hangin' out (it's easy to forget about hollow dudes). I think he'd been stuck there for a while … I think he had experienced some sort of emotional trauma … didn't like to talk about it very much … and we didn't push the issue … But … we gave him a bit of moral support .. Asked if he wanted to join the band … (he was a hell of a metal drummer) … and Toto in tow, a Hollow Dude, Moe, and yours truly … by this time we had consumed the apples … down the road we did go … off to see the wizard …
Not is all cool along this endless highway … we passed through some underdeveloped depressed areas … god damn friggin' cop webs every fuckin' place … OH … excuse me … that should have been "cob" webs … mustn't confuse the issue or malign those so nobly dedicated to "protect and to serve" … And watch out for the fat cats … the slum lords … we ran into one … tried to bully us … I think they call it extortion … he sounded real tough … but he was really a pussy … had this strange fascination with tails .. particularly his own … but we figured he'd be good to help guard our asses … we found out later he made a damn good lead singer … so Toto in tow, Hollow Dude, Moe, Pussy and Yo – yours truly … down the road we did go … off to see the wizard …
I don't know what got into Tight Ass, but she really had a tude. But you got to give her credit; she had some connections to some really good shit … I mean kick ass brain numbing stuff. Yo- yours truly, Pussy, and even Toto got absolutely wasted … fucked up … but damn those dreams were amazing … Hollow Dude got all emotional and reverted back to his former post-traumatic condition and was useless … Moe ran around like a chicken with it's head cut off … I suppose it's all the same … He never did have too much upstairs … Then … what would you think … This God damn Miss Goody Two Shoes fairy angel has to stick her nose into our stuff and do what SHE decides is best for us, waves her fuckin' wand, hides the stash, replaces it with some snow … NO ..no .. no … I mean "snow" … you know … the white shit that falls from the sky … the cold stuff … not the nose stuff … Damn religious do gooders … I thought I left all that back in Kansas … Any way … we get our heads back together … gave Hollow Dude emotional support .. and headed up the road … off to see the wizard … (bet you thought I was going to do the Toto in tow routine … well … the songs not over yet)
Well … we made it to the Forbidden City … real uptight, nervous, defensive control freaks these citizens in the green … Don't get me wrong … once they let us in they were nice enough … but talk about fear … and unable to think for themselves … sheesh … My God … sure … they had all these fancy services and weird horses that could trip your mind … but anything that was new or not "usual" to the Forbidden City … they went into a tizzy … Get this … Tight Ass is flyin' round … oh I'd say about a thousand feet up … I think she had some really special stuff that her and her fellow bitches … ahhhh … "witches" can get … but she's up there … I mean really smokin' …That broom was really doin' a number … And these green freaks are scared shitless … I mean scared … shitless … You'd think they've never seen anybody ever enter an altered state of consciousness and connect with their higher inner self and realize an out of body experience … Well … maybe they haven't … but to go into a tizzy over it … And all they could do was cower and cry … "The wizard will know, lets see the wizard" … I don't know … but this wizard guy really had this place by the balls … or so it would appear … And what's so weird is … Nobody can see the wizard …not nobody … no how … At least … that's the line you are handed at the door … And these dumb shits the wizard surrounds himself with … they don't know whether they're coming or going … But I have a suspicion … a theory … I don't think anybody around the wizard knows … because the wizard doesn't know … Of course …at this particular time that was just a theory … and since I had shared it with Moe, Hollow Dude and Pussy … it was written off as a conspiracy theory … But this WIZ … he knew how to intimidate … Ole Pussy shit himself running to the john … at least that's where I think he was running to …
Any way the WIZ turned out to be an ass … nothing new there .. most of them are I think … but WIZ was a wiz of an ass … and had this fetish for Tight Asses broom stick … I think they had some kind of a kinky relationship and he wanted a keep sake … You know something to connect with … make it a little easier to get into the fantasy …
Well we went looking for Tight Ass … little did we know we were under surveillance … Not the WIZ (although if he could have he would have) … but Tight Ass … she had the cctv system that seemed to be everywhere … Damn … at one time it was zeroing in on Kansas … I can only say … it was a god damn good thing her and the WIZ broke up … can you imagine those kind of power tools in the hands of unscrupulous ego maniacs … well … just thank your lucky stars this is just a fantasy … I hate to think it might be real … would be up shit's creek … hmmm… hmmm … hmmm
Well … Tight Ass got her bead on us … and who the hell knows where she got them … but she had all these flying monkeys … I mean ugly dudes … maybe there were a few dudettes … but they were still ugly … Damn ugly … "How ugly?" … DAMN …ugly … I'm not real sure … but I believe these were the "demons" that the jolly green folk may have been so scared shitless of … They sure fit the profile … That may explain the break up with the WIZ … green folk can't handle too much weird stuff … throws them all off balance … they need regularity … a place for everything and everything in it's place … but please …. Don't make the mistake of letting them clean your home if you are sick and can't yourself … you won't be able to find shit … they'll know where they put things … and they'll assume you should know… but you have to love them … and forgive them … they mean well … but sometimes …they like to assume they can rearrange your home as if it were their home … but don't be afraid to kick there asses out…
Any way … back to our fantasy … The monkeys really made a mess of things … Poor ole Moe is scattered all over the place … straw men can be pretty flimsy … but I guess they serve a purpose … but if you ask me … a little bit phony … (but keep that to yourself) … we wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings … The monkey's grabbed yours truly and Toto and spirited us away to some dingy detention center for an "interview". Tight Ass was trying all her psychological interrogation techniques … and was about to prepare for the water boarding … I admit … I was starting to get scared … and that cctv system … you know … I think Tight Ass must have some sort of "borg" implant … because she can be flyin' who knows where and keep her eye on you … scary shit indeed …
Toto managed to make a break and hooked up with Moe, Hollow Dude and Pussy. They decided to infiltrate the ranks of Tight Asses military .. kind of a covert operation … They got in and followed Toto to break me out. … Now the shit starts to hit the fan … fuckin' Marx brother's movie it was … You'd think the military would have their shit together … but … I suppose when you have a Tight Ass in charge you can only expect so much … then again maybe it wasn't the military but the Tight Ass in charge … don't matter … Well … we were cornered … no way out of this one … Moe was getting burned … this was desperate … Some how … out of somewhere this "presumed" bucket of water appears …I say presumed because that's what I thought it was … Trying to douse the flames consuming Moe (straw men make great fires) … Tight Ass got soaked … It was then that I realized that this bucket of water was actually a bucket of sulfuric acid … well … Tight Ass and the acid didn't mix too well … just be careful to step around the puddle …
We got the broom stick and made it back to WIZ … But WIZ was waffling … Lying bastard tried to crawfish … But Toto ain't no dumb huckleberry … that dog got smarts … and what should appear from behind the curtain … Well … If it isn't Professor "fucking" Marvel … the Flim Flam man … well … well … well
Well PfM got exposed and made a cunning exit … Moe, Hollow Dude and Pussy took control of the Forbidden City … yours truly found Miss Goody Two Shoes and told her to forget the going back to Kansas crap … I just wanted the rest of the "really good shit" she snatched and get out of my life … to which she complied And I lived happily ever after … but I'm not so sure of the residents of the Forbidden City … because … since they didn't pay attention to the man behind the curtain … they ended up with a "straw man, a hollow dude and a pussy" running the show …
So if there is a moral to this story … I think it would be this "Pay attention to the man behind the curtain – because even in the land of OZ … Ignorance Knows No Bounds … flim flam, straw man, hollow man, pussy … sounds like a sure combination for political success"
11:24 PM - Bob Couchenour SpringSummer 2008
Category: Music
Bob Couchenour SpringSummer 2008
Well these seem to be representative of my productivity for the Spring and Summer 2008. There are more – especially some I did some vocals on – which is a first for me – but I did not compose those, and a few more incomplete ideas that are still simmering on back burners. But these five in a sense represent a spiritual journey for the last 6 months or so. The vocal pieces would also have to be included as integral to this journey, but should be segregated as being qualitatively distinct in character. They will be included in another collection.
(1) Cascades - Back at the end of February I posted a video titled "You Name It" at http://rcouchenou.multiply.com/video/item/18/You_Name_It_ . After getting input I decided to name the piece "Cascades". I became involved with other projects and it sat on the to do list unitl I recently remembered it hadn't been completed. I came up with a few options how to develop it – but this is the one I felt most comfortable with. Of course – if I were to do the piece solo – it would retain much more of the original video recording character.
(2) Politics – This was originally posted as a blog/video in mid-March http://rcouchenou.multiply.com/journal/item/28/Politics_-_as_seen_through_acid_jazz . This will probably never be played again as it was recorded. This is playing and creating totally on the fly - expressing emotions and feelings - drawing on technical knowledge and cunning to make it work. This piece actually occurred at the end of a 90 minute personal endurance and indulgence session into my musical fantasies. You never really know when these are going to happen – but when they do – things start to cook …
(3) Toward 2012 – This was posted a short time ago in a blog. And was influenced by a friends posting titled Towards 2012 which has since been removed. This piece took a while to develop. Lots of stretching exercises involved. And there is contrast between hope and horror, spiritual desire and political reality. http://rcouchenou.multiply.com/journal/item/135/Towards_2012
(4) Something Real – This piece is not fully developed yet, but as a rough cut is pleasant. I'm sure I'll play around with it more and get something more ut of it – but I'm in no hurry – it will come when it feels right.
Here's Romans 13, from the New International Bible. That's the one used by the American hard-sell evangelical types. It follows Romans 12, which says you should be prepared to sacrifice your body for God, which is presumably a reference to Christian suicide bombers.
Here's the passage, for your scrutiny:
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 11And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Now, it's very simple. We're supposed to submit to authority. Ok.
Can someone please clarify? Why did God 'establish' those characters here?
Do I assume there is room for interpretation and allegory in Biblical verse? That this should not be taken literally? And therefore, the same standard can be applied to the entire book?
Sure... you know I'm a skeptic and on occasion a bit of a smart-ass. But I really want to understand this, because when it was pointed out to me this morning I was absolutely horrified. I'd like a Christian and/or Theology professional to come and explain the logic of this to me, please... ?
blkmarxist wrote
Regardless if you want to believe it or not, the Bible is a manual for how to implement the New World Order..
lomion wrote
I am not a practicing Catholic, but I was raised so. The Bible is not a literal book, it is not taught as being literal. At least among Catholics. Books are known to be allegory or stories, some are considered true accounts. Romans is a series of letters written to the faithful.
As for the various dictators, well it comes down to free will. It all goes back to the Tree of Knowledge. With the knowledge of Good and Evil comes the responsibility of choice. Also this is missing a bit. Your translation is very different from the ones i have seen. For example V3 should read:
"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:"
There is an understanding in the whole of the work, and to some degree here that civil authority is limited, especially versus the authority of God. This ties into the "render unto Ceasar" line. The implications has always been that you do not submit to a government that violates the will of God. This would mean one that is evil, unjust, or violates the "Word of God" in some form. It also means that one should respect the law of the land fully, and work within it.
Christianity in its original form was a pacifistic religion. It was when this was written. To even tie this to "Christian suicide bombers" is a huge stretch. This was during the well documented martydom of the time. If you were caught being a follower back then you could be killed. It is interesting to note that the idea here was also to do nothing to attract attention. The idea being don't give them a reason to look at you.
rcouchenou wrote
pigeon pie
First I wish there was a human name to reference you by, "pigeon pie" leaves me the impression that I am addressing you as pigeon shit , but … whatever … I have never been fond the presumed right to remain anonymous on the Internet … but you learn to live with it.
I am going to try to address this as a former "Orthodox Evangelical Christian". I was licensed as a Minister in 1989, and have been writing extensively as a lay minister since 1985 and accumulated stacks of personal notes since the mid seventies. Most of what I wrote was not received very well within the Orthodox community because it was and increasingly smelled of Gnostic heresy. I even wrote a treatise on the first eight chapters of Romans focusing on its heart, Romans 6, 7 and 8. Later chapters were not delved into as deeply as they were deemed more pragmatic to the time of the actual writing of Romans. What I write here might be considered as a "Gnostic" looking back …
My focus in studying scripture was at first general and an increasingly focused on the imperatives rather than the indicatives. Most of the writings attributed to Paul and a few others and be divided into the sections elucidating the "imperatives" and the "indicatives". It's really not so complicated but initially the writer lays out spiritual values, depths of truth often hard to discern and communicate. And even after elucidating these – still leaving the less spiritually astute shaking their heads. These are followed by the indicatives – or practical applications … often brought down to the lowest common denominator … the purpose being to render a social context whereby the community of believers might find harmonious relationships amongst themselves and coexist in a hostile political and general cultural context.
Over recent years I have examined the Gnostic interpretations and applications of Paul's and John's writings. And thus am in a position to compare the two possible competing theological positions claimed as authoritative. Examining Paul's "imperative" sections would leave one with an unquestionable perception Paul leaned to Gnostic metaphysical realities. Unless you are of a mind to play the intellectual gymnastic game and twist the scriptures into pretzels to construct an orthodox explanation. But, if you examine the indicative sections, and apply them as an absolute – an Orthodox "Paul" emerges.
Paul – was a pragmatist … He was not hiding his head in the sand of idealistic spiritual wishful thinking. Although understanding and recognizing spiritual depths – realized his perception was not the norm for the overall general state of spiritual being of the "church". A thin veneer of hope existed … but not as a mature manifestation of the depths of faith… I.e. there were a lot of dumb sheep to be cared for …
At the time Paul wrote the letter to the Romans – he had never been to Rome. This sounds kind of crazy since the church authorities who endorsed him commissioned his as the Apostle to the Gentiles, and Peter the Apostle to the Jews. It was a means of maintaining the peace, that later (I believe) manifested into the Gnostic (Paul) and Orthodox (Peter) conceptions of spirituality. The church at Rome was started by Hellenistic Jews and Gentile "god fearers" influenced by contact with the emerging Christian community in Palestine and returning to Rome. Paul – recognized this and felt the need to lay out his treatise to the Romans. He realized a new faith, with little foundation, was susceptible to all manner of deception. Thus … He wrote…
The problem the Church (and need I say all the rest of us) are faced with, is that the divine absolute nature that is attributed to these early writings. And that is further complicated by the inability to discern what id actual "spiritual" truth from that which may have been simply "pragmatic" application. The Orthodox Church – and I would say this is particularly a problem among protestants and Evangelicals of the last several centuries – is the "Divine" absolute nature attributed to the entirety of the "book" … It is ALL "GODS WORD" … this absolute has not always been. But has become the mantra of those who would seek to impose their own fears and insecurities upon the rest of the church, their country and ever more so the world.
"Romans 12, which says you should be prepared to sacrifice your body for God, which is presumably a reference to Christian suicide bombers." I do not know where any one came up with this, but it is an awful big god damn stretch of the imagination … Although … I can see how it can be in the current religious environment be stretched, perverted and interpreted to say just that. Here the problem is not in the Biblical text – but in its perversion…
Concerning the rest of Romans thirteen … remember the context in which it was written … the church was facing hostility and increasing persecution … there was a practical survival question … Many other spiritual issues too deep to cover here also needed to be addressed .. To which the church and dare I say many … simply were not and are not yet ready to realize…
But the perversion of the "assumption of the absolute" exists… Ignorance prevails … and Paul wrote elsewhere "the natural will persecute the spiritual" … Orthodoxy assumes spirituality … And has developed their arguments into a pseudo-science … that does not qualify as spiritually absolute…
3:20 PM - "Somewhere over the rainbow" OR "In myself"?
"Somewhere over the rainbow" OR "In myself"?
"Christianity is a religion embraced by millions, but rarely chosen by anyone. It seems to have escaped notice that heresy comes from the Greek verb haireisthai, meaning able to choose. Where belief is concerned, we usually do not operate on informed consent. Few people in the world have the chance, either to inform themselves of the beliefs imposed on them, or to consider options to those beliefs. (They also may have neither the intelligence nor the desire to make such considerations, but that is another issue.) This is unacceptable in many areas of life, but perfectly normal in religion and spiritual matters. In modern times it is more important to be able to choose between eight kinds of toilet paper than to select your beliefs about God, love and immortality. Heretics are by definition able to choose."
Prior to the conversion of Constantine circa 315ce (I don't have the exact date at hand) what was the Christian Church was a hodge podge of competing ideologies and metaphysical perceptions. Some were more closely related to the "mystery" religions of the Greeks, Egyptians ,Persians, and even the Quabalah of mystical Jewish tradition, these eventually being declared heretical. Others were more tightly woven around and rooted in the Orthodox Jewish system and increasingly more political in perspective, these began to embrace the philosophies of the Greeks, and eventually were proclaimed as "orthodox". Constantine called for a counsel of church fathers to sort through the mess and render a single definition to what constitutes the Christian faith. This was a political maneuver to exert pressure from within the church in order to govern efficiently. Eventually the "heretics were systematically hunted down, persecuted, tortured and eliminated. What has evolved in later years -- whether Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox or Protestant... are variations of the "orthodox" ...I.e. Roman Catholic = orthodox, Eastern orthodox = orthodox, protestant (Baptist, Methodist, brethren, Pentecostal ... ALL) = all are founded on an "orthodox" foundation. Many of the scriptures of the "heretical" factions express a completely other worldly perception of what Christianity would be ... since 1945-47 ... many of these have been rediscovered and are becoming proliferated world wide... It is not my grandfathers Christianity ... but as many are realizing does express a deeper truth and reality than "orthodoxy" has permitted us to conceive ...
There were many myths that had evolved in the first centuries of Christianity. Many, most … condemned by the early Orthodox Church. But Orthodoxy was not the only conception of the nature of Christ and what was to become the Church. And even within the Gnostics, there were many divergent perceptions and alternative myths. Within this Gnostic context (1) an alternative story of the life of Jesus emerges,(2) The hitherto unknown background of Jesus' life, including Pagan and non-Christian elements, begins to be evident and (3) the Love Story of Jesus and Magdalene unfolds to reveal the full-blown myth of the Lovers, a powerful archetype that carries an option to conventional religious views on sex, suffering, death, redemption and resurrection.
Western Civilizations are most dominantly influenced by an "Orthodox" Christian conception of reality and the values that are core to who we are as human beings. This is the framework upon which and out of which European and American social and cultural norms derive. Even "unbelievers" are affected simply as being a part of and needing to survive within this cultural context. Often our underlying mind sets, presuppositions, or mental paradigms are simply assumed uncritically. There are certain absolutes that do not require investigation or questioning – they simply are. So under this weight of overwhelming universal acceptance reality is assumed. Even scientific investigation is formed within this "reality" framework, though I know there are many who would argue differently … under the weight of Orthodox tradition … in our current age and increasingly for the last three or four centuries … Orthodoxy has assumed a Machiavellian quality and character. We as the progeny of this "faith" - this domination of society … this domination of society by a politically motivated religious spirit - now reap the inevitable.
Modern and I suppose "post-modern" (I'm not really sure what the difference is) humans relate to life in what might be referred to as a Cartesian dichotomy. The Spiritual and Physical spheres of reality never so to meet or cross paths. The Physical plane most dominated over the modern centuries in a Newtonian paradigm. I realize there began a shift around the late nineteenth century to which the likes of Albert Einstein was most influential and new dimensions of reality or perceiving physical reality needed to be accounted for. Much of which Einstein had his own difficulties with, being grounded in Newtonian physics and logic AND assuming an absolute nature that required him to make a greater intellectual leap than he was capable of. Still, "quantum" evidences and questions confront us. Demonstrating mind boggling possibilities yet to be discovered, but giving potential credence to truth, hidden and denied, for centuries and millennia.
Yet most of humanity lives in the context of a Newtonian reality. It is the comfort zone Religion and Science have learned to accommodate them selves to. And it really does not matter too much which religion – the same dichotomy exists. For the masses – religion, catering to their general ignorance – holds greatest influence. The vast unknowns of reality are defined and placarded as divine absolutes and religion maintains a tenuous marriage with science, providing science accommodates the political whims of the powers that be, all too often established and tenable via the ignorance and gullibility of the "voting" public.
All this … in a nutshell … to know and serve a "God" … out there … somewhere … over the rainbow …
And few … No … I would have to say none … ever coming to realize or know themselves as "themselves" … Oh … a great deal may be known … about religion, about "every action has an equal and opposite reaction", and nuclear fission and fusion, and good family planning, Dr. Phil's guide to finding the meaning of life n your cubicle … But how many can live with themselves unencumbered by all these layers of bullshit? How many have realized that reaching inside – finding that place – empty of ALL else is the place to know and begin to realize yourself – to know thyself – and in knowing – experience what is the divine.
It is not the Cartesian compromise that separates us from knowing the divine within (knowing ourselves). That was only a convenience that the Church had to accommodate itself too and found advantage in as it too became a political tool. But what is fearful to the Church and Politics and ever more so now Economics … is that humankind will begin to think for themselves … to realize their humanity and not have to be placated with the illusions of deities that do not exist except as they are contrived and manipulated from behind the curtain.
I am and ardent believer in the divine … I make NO secret of that … but I've realized the divine is within me … it is here that I find meaning … purpose … all and more than what is the hype of religious side shows and circus acts …
Myths … are not the conveyor's of facts … at least not scientific facts as would be defined by Cartesian science … But they are the conveyors of human truths and insights into our being … Granted … often hidden … cryptic … even elusive … and often relaying different levels of truth to different recipients …but truth leading to knowing yourself … The purpose of "myth" is not to elucidate scientific "factual" information, but rather to cause one to "think" – to consider – ponder … and as perception is realized to reach an end to "know thyself" … the divine ...
I have been asked if I could return to my wife. … for those who do not know she gave me the boot about a year ago (I'm not going into details now) … Is forgiveness possible there … Yes I think it is … Yes … to return to her, I could … and would … but we live in two different worlds now … I believe she realized it a long time before I did … But I no longer fit into the religious categories of the past … I can not return to that … Do I love her ? … yes … I believe I do … But loving her and knowing myself does not work out to be compatible to the world she would desire … Being caught in a religious lifestyle and maneuvering the maze is something we no longer share in common … and as it may offend some (or many) love is not the accommodation to religious expectations … and marriage, a true "spiritual binding" is not resident in a certificate …
This … should it become popularized … not just a fad among the few … but the prevailing perception of human relations … becomes a threat to virtually every established order … And many can not conceive of such … But we idolize those who can … and some are elevated to the status of "deity" … and systems form their own mythologies that support and give credence to the established order, but never leading deeper into oneself, only somewhere over the rainbow … And there is only one reason for that … we can not recognize the deity that resides in ourselves … And they, the established order, can not have that …
What if you live in the most destructive culture ever to exist? What if that culture refuses to change? What do you do about it? ... Jensen explains that if enough of us stand up and work together to fight the fascists, the crash won't be as devastating ... Having long laid waste our own sanity, and having long forgotten what it feels like to be free, most of us too have no idea what it's like to live in the real world. Seeing four salmon spawn causes me to burst into tears. I have never seen a river full of fish. I have never seen a sky darkened for days by a single flock of birds. I have, however, seen skies perpetually darkened by smog. As with freedom, so too the extraordinary beauty and fecundity of the world itself: It's hard to love something you've never known. It's hard to convince yourself to fight for something you may not believe has ever existed ... industrial civilization, and the persistent and widespread violence it requires, is unsustainable.
The rebuttal often heard when someone wants to change something is that "people will lose jobs if we protect the environment or decrease military spending." Jensen points out that this shows how dependant we are on the system that is hurting us. That argument was used as a reason not to free slaves, too...
We – civilized humanity – regardless of what religious heritage, are faced with a great dilemma … Even recognizing the perverse nature of our cultures, the destructiveness inflicted on the environment, the innate oppression inherent and requisite for the capitalist system to function and to prosper, realizing the unjust nature of our international corporate imperialism supported by our military …. Knowing ALL this … our primary interest is to protect our own … what we have … my family … my kids … the future be damned … it can take care of it self , the same as we (individually and collectively) have to care of our selves now … The problems are too big …
What we do not realize is that we (the collective) have been sold a perverse religious, spiritual, moral ethic. And it really has nothing to do with what "religion" one might be. Don't confuse that I do not value spirituality, I most certainly do. But what ever the root of true spirituality may be, it has been supplanted by a value system substantially more defined and rationalized through the grid of economic and political ideals. I do not doubt that in their inception most religions served a spiritual purpose. But as is the nature of man, and politics, and self interest – religions become the pawns of those who have the most vested interests in maintaining the status quo and expanding their influence and power.
The little people … the common man (or woman) … are controlled and kept in a perpetual state of "worry" as to simply maintain their own level of sustenance. They simply do not have the time or energy to think about such overwhelming issues as "what is true spirituality?", "what is the nature of reality?", "is my religion 'real'?", "is there a problem with my values?", "Is my government fucking me?" … It is much easier and comfortable to pretend "all is the way it is supposed to be".
Much I write from experience and only supported by learning as it is acquired. I am convinced it is only as lives begin to crumble and disintegrate substantially that people, out of necessity and desperation will be forced to reexamine the values that they had felt so secure in. some are crumbling now and more will. Eventually there will accumulate a critical mass. As this is realized an exponential acceleration of and into the overall collapse will occur. The rate of the collapse and all the particulars involved are too varied to define with any absolute certainty … but one thing is sure … it will be a mess … and those most unprepared and dependant on the "status quo" will come down the hardest.
What will evolve out of this … I don't know … I suspect there will be what could be considered more primitive – earth and environment centered enclaves … also coexisting urban areas, although these will be the centers requiring expansive and imperialistic values and efforts to subsist. I'm not an expert or a prophet, but only speculate.
Some of you probably have been noticing that I have been becoming increasingly outspoken, aggressive and probably offensive in my blog. And there is most certainly a mind set that I "rebel" against. And it may also be assumed this "pent up" aggression is the result of having been so intimately and immediately associated with, involved in and believing in this framework for experiencing reality. Maybe so – maybe not – it's not worth me arguing with anyone over. If you really disbelieve my perceptions – as they are emerging – use some of that intelligence that you presume you have and have developed and write your own blog countering my opinions. You see … I believe there are some truly intelligent thinking people out there … and you have the ability to express yourself … but you are scared shitless to do it … you are scared to really lay your mind and "your own" reasoning on the line … you have been conditioned to believe this and that … and think within "this" framework … but always expressing yourself with caution … looking to see who is watching over your shoulder … will I step over the line … but you don't realize "there ain't no fucking line"… all there is is the illusion you have been conditioned to accept and you can not free yourself … they've got you by the balls… or whatever else they may get you ladies by … and that is another thing … Is it an illusion that I respect the "ladies" as "ladies"? If it is – that's one I don't mind clinging too… yes I am one of the conditioned … but I have been finding escape routes … but the more I escape, the more I realize the difficulty to return … And don't imagine that is a reference to drugs or any other chemical means to induce altered states of consciousness… NO … not at all … but I have realized a liberty that exist out side the illusion that controls us … you … it controls us … not a one is excluded … we are all its subjects … only now its existence has been able to manifest itself so blatantly because we have allowed it to grow … we stopped thinking … we became complacent and bought into it's bull shit lies and notions of what it means to be human … And we became comfortable … and all was Okey Dokey … we have become it's slaves … and our masters have herded us into their factory farms … and we all have our cubicles … but then it was found it is more efficient to have us share a cubicle … and maybe we should see how many can be crammed into a cubicle … Yes … that's the ticket … this will increase the profit by ten, twenty, thirty-five, fifty percent … don't worry about the stinking fucking hogs … they'll end up bacon on someone's table anyway …
Don't get to thinking you are out of the picture … you're just another greased pig … you may even have the apple in your mouth …
It is planned to be sharing some time later with some friends and hopefully some new friends online in a virtual online birthday party. This is new ground for all of us … I hope it comes off… But – ALL these friends and participants are "free thinkers" – I mean "FREE THINKERS" … that doesn't mean they think within mind sets that have been dictated to them or within the parameters that the "establishment" finds permissible … but each has found their own escape routes and realizes these occasionally, regularly and maybe even often … I can't speak to the question with any authority …yet … And as I could speak to it … I wouldn't speak of it to just any one indiscriminately… Some … and this may include YOU … simply are not prepared to "escape" … but there are something's I can vouch for … it is real …
I am becoming increasingly convinced that "free thinkers" very shortly will not be able to exist in what we so carelessly refer to as a "free society"… Because our "free society" is an illusion. We – YOU are free only as "they" say you are free OR allow you to be free… "Free thinking" is a threat to the illusion. It is a threat politically and religiously and economically … The "System" can not afford a population of humans that do not conform to it's efficiency standards … Have you ever imagined anything as disgusting as a pig able to run free in the barnyard … now imagine the whole lot rutting for food… shitting and fucking indiscriminately … throw in the chickens and the sheep and the goats … maybe a stud mounting a mare … get the picture …Well now you have an idea of what we are to them …
There is something that scares me ... oh not really scares me … but scares me … because you know that bill congress just passed … the one granting immunity to telecom's for allowing governmental warrantless eavesdropping … think about it … big brother could be at our online party – which is presumably secure – private – protected … And we wouldn't have a fucking clue or recourse if we were to realize it … Because "We are the sheeple" … We are not the people … We have allowed them to steal that designation from us … Fucking dumb sheep …
Yes I am convinced that in order to survive as a free thinking human being there will come a time that I – we – will need to find our escapes … go "underground" … emerging as we see safe windows of opportunity … but become invisible … What scares me is that this will become necessary … sooner … than later …
Though I am nearly fifty-seven years old, my knowledge of computers extends back to 1983 and the Internet to 1996. All independent of vocational purpose. To put it simply – I believed in the possibilities the computer offered (s) particularly as a communications device.
The ability to realize new forms or methods of communication – combining various media types, to me – is a dream come true. But although the resources can now be assembled and utilized to manifest a more impacting realization in communications – the content or truth and wisdom of that communication IS NOT something that is readily acquired through a sound bite, or like pulling up to a fast food drive up window placing your order and hitting the road. Wisdom – and real knowledge and understanding – takes time. You have to allow your brain to assimilate and process information, dwell on it, ponder it, toss out he bones, chew on the less desirable cuts, digest it and let it become assimilated as part of you. Our culture, western and particularly American, finds this process undesirable. To them, the computer is a tool to circumvent the human state of truly growing in preference for an illusion of maturity founded on vast quantities of information and the ability to handle it quickly. I find nothing human about that.
This is not a blog about my distaste for the corporate mentality that dominates our culture, but it is in this cultural corporate way of thinking that we have been forced to understand and create our realities. What makes it so pitiful is that ninety plus percent of the populace has NO clue that this is a manufactured – contrived – state of being. It is viewed as the "norm", the way things "just are", the way of the world, REALITY. Simply because they have never been permitted, at least on any authoritative level, the permission to consider the alternatives. There is an assumed trust that our "leaders" must obviously know what is true and what is best for us.
There will always be a need for "leaders" – authoritative types – to provide direction and aid for the less capable within our human relations. But as society has evolved authoritative has been has been supplanted by authoritarian. The "ideal", as elucidated in Biblical language, is that the "leader" is the servant of all. I don't believe I have to go into the argument as to how this has become a perversion. Our political systems have and continue to fail us as we allow ourselves to continually white wash the rotting fence. The fence needs to be replaced.
