#576 In Search of the Messiah

We each face our place in life. We each ignore our place in life. We do either in accordance to our curiosity/courage/interests. We may embrace religion. We may embrace spiritualism. We may embrace hedonism. We may embrace power. We may embrace a variety of reasons to help us understand our existence. We may not do any of these things when we are in a life that is devoid of caring human contact.

There are those folks who have accepted the concept of a Messiah. Someone who will bring them the peace and harmony they seek. The concept has been accepted by multitudes of people and religions for a millennium or so. These folks are convinced that their Savior will come from outside of them. Perhaps they are looking in the wrong direction.

My own spiritual adventure has passed through organized religion, the study of philosophy and other readings. The idea that we are all connected at a level that is difficult to see, touch, smell, hear or taste is one that is foreign to lots of people. Just like organized religions, we might have to take this universal connection on faith.

There are those of us who are convinced that we are all connected. Not only are we connected to each other, but to the universe as well. The primary unifying connection is the energy we can call love. Here love means the concept of agape. By accepting and living this concept our lives become richer and more rewarding.

This brings me to the comment made above, perhaps we are looking in the wrong direction. Perhaps we need to look within. It is possible to find the loving energy within and share it with the world. If there is any truth to the idea that what we give is what we get, that might be an answer to the condition of those around us. If we receive pain, what are we sending out to the world? If we receive joy, what are we sending out to the world? If we choose to live our lives in certain ways, then we should not be too surprised about our personal life condition. Years ago, reading a book by Bandler and Grinder who’s title escapes me at the moment, this statement was made, “If you don’t like what is happening to you, do something different until you do like what is happening to you.” That statement has been one of the guiding forces in my life.

So, if you are seeking a Messiah to rescue you from a life that is less than you prefer, look within. What choices are you making that bring you those results? What can you do differently? What is to be gained by the change? How much courage does it take to make the change? Are you worth it? Only you can answer these questions. You will make the choice that is correct for you. You are the only one who can.

#576

#425 HOLY HUMOR

Whether you are a believer or not, these are more than mildly amusing. These are courtesy of friends who email.

Enjoy.

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Phones in Church.

A man in Topeka, Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the country. He started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there. Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read 'Calls: $10,000 a minute.' Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if someone pays the price he can talk directly to GOD. The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in Seattle, Denver, St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee, and around the United States, he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.

Finally, he arrived back in Kansas. Upon entering a church in Minneola, he saw the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign read 'Calls: 35 cents.' Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor, 'Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to GOD, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads only 35 cents a call. Why so low?'

The pastor, smiling benignly, replied, 'Son, you're in Kansas, home of the Jayhawks??? You're in God's Country, so it's a local call.'

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A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, "I know what the Bible means!"

His father smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible means?

The son replied, "I do know!"

"Okay," said his father. "What does the Bible mean?"

"That's easy, Daddy..." the young boy replied excitedly," It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.'

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There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country.

"Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk.

"Only the Ten Commandments." answered the lady.

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"Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord," and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, it's morning."

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A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn't find a space with a meter.

Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: "I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park here, I'll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses."

When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note "I've circled this block for 10 years. If I don't give you a ticket I'll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation."

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There is the story of a pastor who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation: "I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in your pockets."

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While driving in Pennsylvania , a family caught up to an Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humour, because attached to the back of the carriage was a hand printed sign... "Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust."

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A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a question, "Boys and girls, what do we know about God?"

A hand shot up in the air. "He is an artist!" said the kindergarten boy.

"Really? How do you know?" the teacher asked.

"You know - Our Father, who does art in Heaven... "

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A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump.

"Reverend," said the young man, "I'm so sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip."

The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the same in my business."

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People want the front of the bus, the back of the church, and the center of attention.

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Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson was about.

The daughter answered, "Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt."

Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning's Sunday school lesson was about.

He said "Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming."

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The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church building. Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regular organist was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute. The substitute wanted to know what to play.

"Here's a copy of the service," he said impatiently. "But, you'll have to think of something to play after I make the announcement about the finances."

During the service, the minister paused and said, "Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected and we need $4,000 more. Any of you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up."

At that moment, the substitute organist played "The Star Spangled Banner."

And that is how the substitute became the regular organist!

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Give me a sense of humor, Lord,

Give me the grace to see a joke,

To get some humor out of life,

And pass it on to other folk!

#425

#172 So you want me to believe. In what?...

That's my choice.

While driving across the Texas panhandle we observed this cross in the distance. As we drew closer there was a sign touting it to be the largest such cross in the world. Being a rather curious sort I decided to google it. I have driven by a similar cross in Effingham, IL. Google "world's largest cross" and see if you get 543 hits. Here are some of the web sites that came up.

• World's largest Cross along Hwy # 40
• World's largest cross, Effingham, IL

When I first saw this cross in the distance I had some thoughts about folks who must wear their "hearts/religion" on their sleeves. I have no difficulty with folks who have their own beliefs about religion/God/god/no God/spiritualism, etc. What I have some difficulty with is their efforts to insure that I and others do not miss their beliefs. I take exception to those who will try to force their belief system on me or on others.

Whenever I look at the things folks do in an effort to get others to accept their beliefs, I just shake my head and wish they would really take a look at what they are trying to do. Mostly, in my believe system, they are trying to convince themselves that they have made the correct choice. It usually comes from a position of not believing they are worth much. They are looking for validation for their very existence.

It is obvious to me that others have different beliefs from mine. While I think that my views of this life make sense, I am not about to insist that others agree. I would prefer that they do, but, am not upset when they don't.

The evidence that fundamentalists from all religions are trying desperately to get everyone to believe like they do. They are even willing to go to war, kill others, and even kill themselves in the process.

What an interesting way to live one's life.


#172

#102 Intelligent Design

This is the first cogent argument I have seen explaining intelligent design. I commend it to you all


#102

#92 The Peaceful Majority

An Email message I received today. An interesting commentary. Any truth to it?

Someone used to know a man whose family was German aristocracy prior to World War Two. They owned a number of large industries and estates. He asked him how many German people were true Nazis, and the answer he gave has was striking and may guide your attitude toward fanaticism.

"Very few people were true Nazis "he said," but many enjoyed the return of German pride, and many more were too busy to care. I was one of those who just thought the Nazis were a bunch of fools. So, the majority just sat back and let it all happen. Then, before we knew it, they owned us, and we had lost control, and the end of the world had come. My family lost everything I ended up in a concentration camp and the Allies destroyed my factories."

We are told again and again by "experts" and "talking heads" that Islam is the religion of peace, and that the vast majority of Muslims just want to live in peace.

Although this unqualified assertion may be true, it is entirely irrelevant. It is meaningless fluff, meant to make us feel better, and meant to somehow diminish the specter of fanatics rampaging across the globe in the name of Islam. The fact is that the fanatics rule Islam at this moment in history.

It is the fanatics who march. It is the fanatics who wage any one of 50 shooting wars worldwide. It is the fanatics who systematically slaughter Christian or tribal groups throughout Africa and are gradually taking over the entire continent in an Islamic wave. It is the fanatics who bomb, behead, murder, or honor kill. It is the fanatics who take over mosque after mosque.

It is the fanatics who zealously spread the stoning and hanging of rape victims and homosexuals. The hard quantifiable fact is that the "peaceful majority" is the "silent majority" and it is cowed and extraneous.

Communist Russia comprised Russians who just wanted to live in peace, yet the Russian Communists were responsible for the murder of about 20 million people. The peaceful majority were irrelevant. China 's huge population was peaceful as well, but Chinese Communists managed to kill a staggering 70 million people.

The average Japanese individual prior to World War 2 was not a warmongering sadist. Yet, Japan murdered and slaughtered its way across South East Asia in an orgy of killing that included the systematic murder of 12 million Chinese civilians; most killed by sword, shovel, and bayonet. And, who can forget Rwanda, which collapsed into butchery. Could it not be said that the majority of Rwandans were "peace loving"?

History lessons are often incredibly simple and blunt, yet for all our powers of reason we often miss the most basic and uncomplicated of points:

Peace-loving Muslims have been made irrelevant by their silence.

Peace-loving Muslims will become our enemy if they don't speak up, because like my friend from Germany, they will awake one day and find that the fanatics own them, and the end of their world will have begun.

Peace-loving Germans, Japanese, Chinese, Russians, Rwandans, Serbs Afghans, Iraqis, Palestinians, Somalis, Nigerians, Algerians, and many others have died because the peaceful majority did not speak up until if was too late.

As for us who watch it all unfold; we must pay attention to the only group that counts; the fanatics who threaten our way of life.

Lastly, I wish to add: At the risk of offending someone, I sincerely think that anyone who rejects this as just another political rant, or doubts the seriousness of this issue or just deletes it without sending it on, is part of the problem. Lets quit laughing at and forwarding the jokes and cartoons which denigrate and ridicule our leaders in this war against terror. They are trying to protect the interests and well being of the US and it's citizens. Best we support them.

End of message that I received.

#89 "The Will to Power": Is Nietzsche Correct?

This is in response to an email I received the other day from a young man who is struggling with the questions most youth do. Many of you may remember what it was like when puberty struck and you had reached the "age of reason". It isn't always an easy time.

My young friend is rebelling against organized religion, the coming of age, the need to become self-reliant, the need to make music, the need to make a mark in his world. He has been doing a lot of reading and has discovered Nietzsche, among others. He is currently enamored of "The will to power" and how it manifests itself among us all. He has decided that this the primary force that is operating, and he is not too far off.

I have suggested some readings to him, and asked him to check out the Teachings of Michael site and given him the Micheal Handbook. (I readily admit to the bias in the list. They are books that have been of great value to me.) His acceptance of the will to power has caused me to do some reflection too. I had suggested to him that there is a "force" in the universe that tends to hold us all together. I choose to call that force the energy of love. He has taken an exception to that and that is OK in my book. At least he is still exploring, and I guess he will change his mind many times before it is over.

He cited these three statements from The Anti-Christ:

"What is good?— Everything that heightens the feeling of power in man, the will to power, power itself.

What is bad?— Everything that is born of weakness.

What is happiness?— The feeling that power is growing, that resistance is overcome."

Do these statements remind you of anything? It almost sounds as the rationalization to commit terrorist acts, or retaliate against such with no plan on how best to do it.

Good is whatever increases the feeling of power in man could be agreeable if we view it as developing the power of self-worth, personal power. Power for power itself is worthless if you have to you use it to prove you have it. That strikes me as being powerless. This seems to lead to bullying to prove one is powerful which seems to be power-negating.

I suspect that Nietzsche literally meant it to be for men only. That would be another weakness in the argument. How powerful can a person be if that power can only be valid when shown against the supposed weakness of others? How is Nietzsche suggesting that power be exercised or displayed?

Bad is what is born of weakness. We might find agreement here if we realize that an individual who gives up her/his personal power to others. That would be less than ideal. On the other hand, is Nietzsche talking about the exercise of brute strength?

Happiness is the realization that the growth of power is in proportion to that resistance is overcome. Here again Nietzsche suggests that it is really the use of power to subdue others and bend them to your will. The next question to ask might be, how will we all be happy if, simultaneously we must be overcome by others for them to be happy?

Having studied/taught assertiveness training, it seems to me that the development of personal power is a worthwhile goal. Personal power is the recognition that one is the master of his/her own fate and is free to make choices. When making choices the person operating from personal power will consider the outcomes so that others are not harmed by them.

I am not sure if this makes much sense to anyone else. I am not sure I put all of my thoughts down. They are points to ponder and I will suggest to my young friend to come here and tell me what he thinks.

#89

#44 Tis the Season, So Who is Right?

It is that time of year when much of the world takes time to celebrate their particular religious icons. Unfortunately, from my perspective, they are caught up in a battle of who is right.

Think about it. Two of the three primary religions have such celebrations at this time of year. All of them, and many of the smaller ones, are at odds. Each claims that their god is the One, True God. How can that be accurate?

Each group is absolutely sincere in their view. Each will refer to their particular document that outlines the history of their religious view. Case in point, last Saturday we noticed two young women walking through the neighborhood. As they headed to our door my wife commented that they were probably here to talk about their religion. She was right. It was an ideal opportunity to ask them about my dilemma. They agreed that it was a dilemma, and one of them proceeded to refer to her bible to answer it. She made comments about God giving us choice and that we choose to do evil. (No argument about choices and consequences.) The other indicated that at some point God will get so tired of it all that He will end it. (Apocalypse)

It was obvious that our minds were made up and we did not want to be confused with "facts". I believe our parting was amicable. However, I wished I had handled it differently. But all of this just begs the question, who is right?

I would humbly like to suggest a possible alternative. I recognize it is no more accurate or provable than anyone other approach. It is just the results of my readings over the years.

Is it possible that we are all connected through a giant energy field? It is possible and I choose to call it love. The Greeks called it Agape`. Regardless of the name, the energy is still the same. It has a positive connotation and we all would be better off by focusing on that. Most religions, in their finer moments, seem to preach that as well. The problem arises when they lose sight of that concept and decide that the other trappings of their particular view is the only true view. Too bad for them, too bad for us all.

One interesting sideline to this, the differences can be easily manipulated to support the strife. During such strife men of lesser character can then attempt to satisfy their greed. That greed can be for material acquisitions, but primarily to satisfy their hunger for power and control. There have been a few times when people were ready to do battle to stop tyranny. I will leave that to historians to comment upon.

I would only hope that folks would consider this view of a way to live in the world....

....serve others, care about those you serve and share the love in your heart.

#44