friarjacques
"Naiow, THAT's a knife!!"
loveI was visited this morning by a contingent of Jehovah's Witnesses. They bore the usual message: "Hi. I'm Brian, the hot bitch is Amanda. And we think you are WRONG." Annoying as usual, and I let them annoy me. When they show up, unbidden, and get their asses in my face, I feel like dropping my pants and giving them the Full Moon. Well, why not? After all, who was it who advised turning the other cheek? Pun intended. Ooops, my mistake! After telling them to sod off (more or less, but much more politely), I reflected on my attitude.
Not right! I bear them no personal grudge; indeed, I rather feel sorry for them. Maybe even that is too strong. But they're a strange lot, with beliefs that include the number of souls that will enter Heaven. What is it, 218,000? or 144,000? Whatever; the only thing that keeps them from killing each other is that they're afraid that the martyr will get to Heaven in their place. I suspect there are some who would suggest that they do so and decrease the surplus population [thanks, C. Dickens].
I think, on a global level, it is most unfortunate that religion operates as it does to divide and conquer the unwary. Think about it. When any religious person (I was going to say fanatic) attacks your way of thinking or beliefs, they want you to join with them in THEIR flock's beliefs, etc. [Sheep make up flocks. They follow. Thinking isn't part of the process.] And they are blasphemers by their own definition in that they lie about their intent. Read the Commandments - you can go to hell just as well/badly for lying as you can for killing. And what is their intent? World domination. Everyone shall follow MY beliefs, or they don't belong. Tell the truth, folks, sell World Domination T-shirts at your next rummage sale.
When you listen to the arguments about what each of these groups thinks sets them apart from all the others, it becomes ludicrous; rather like:
Do you like chocolate?
So, maybe what I should be doing is, instead of getting huffy when the JWs show up, I should offer to save THEM. And the first thing they should learn is that God [what many call Nature] could care less about what laws we follow or the concept of SIN. There are things we do that offend our fellow beings, and no forgiveness or retribution will correct it. An actual change in the offender's behavior such that they will never repeat the offense would be worthwhile, though. And as for laws, try bargaining with the Almighty for an exemption from the law of gravity after you step off a girder at 300 feet; see if you don't reach the ground faster than if you took the elevator.
The larger problem with religion is the "we" versus "them" mentality. The entire state of Israel, for better or worse, was set up thus. Why? The Jews did not need a "homeland" to survive as a people. [Don't get the idea that I think Israel should be destroyed or told to change their ways. Destruction is wrong, and it's too late for change. We just have to live with what they are. But we don't need to support it.] The Jews have, in my experience in America, the best of both worlds today. They are very clannish, which helps keep their faith alive; they place a high value on education and acheivement, which keeps them in useful jobs; and they integrate well into society. Sure, there are exceptions, and there are some few who have no qualms about short-changing outsiders - but, guess what? That's true of ALL groups, so don't pick on the Hebrews for that. I think the worst thing about the Israel precedent is that other groups have chosen to follow the example, resulting in enclaves of "Our People" who are intolerant of "Your People" and proceed to perform ethnic cleansing. The result is impoverishment all 'round. I guess I suffer from Americanism. My family has been here for so long and is so intermarried that we (my generation) have forgotten the old hates and disputes that plagued our forebears - which include Irish, Saxons, Normans, British, Scots, French, Germans, and who knows what else... have to be some Vikings in there.
There is much to enjoy in life, and being sensual, happy, well-fed, and kind is not sinful - even when you share these expressions with someone who does not believe as you do. So, get out of the church and into the garden, for starters. Commune with nature. Build, plant, and prepare for the next season (which is the easy-to-picture future). That will give you a meaningful reason to get down on your knees.
Not right! I bear them no personal grudge; indeed, I rather feel sorry for them. Maybe even that is too strong. But they're a strange lot, with beliefs that include the number of souls that will enter Heaven. What is it, 218,000? or 144,000? Whatever; the only thing that keeps them from killing each other is that they're afraid that the martyr will get to Heaven in their place. I suspect there are some who would suggest that they do so and decrease the surplus population [thanks, C. Dickens].
I think, on a global level, it is most unfortunate that religion operates as it does to divide and conquer the unwary. Think about it. When any religious person (I was going to say fanatic) attacks your way of thinking or beliefs, they want you to join with them in THEIR flock's beliefs, etc. [Sheep make up flocks. They follow. Thinking isn't part of the process.] And they are blasphemers by their own definition in that they lie about their intent. Read the Commandments - you can go to hell just as well/badly for lying as you can for killing. And what is their intent? World domination. Everyone shall follow MY beliefs, or they don't belong. Tell the truth, folks, sell World Domination T-shirts at your next rummage sale.
When you listen to the arguments about what each of these groups thinks sets them apart from all the others, it becomes ludicrous; rather like:
Do you like chocolate?
Yes...What kind, dark or milk?
Milk, yes...With or without almonds?
Ummm, rather fond of chilli, actually...HERETIC!!!! <screams> <gunshot>
So, maybe what I should be doing is, instead of getting huffy when the JWs show up, I should offer to save THEM. And the first thing they should learn is that God [what many call Nature] could care less about what laws we follow or the concept of SIN. There are things we do that offend our fellow beings, and no forgiveness or retribution will correct it. An actual change in the offender's behavior such that they will never repeat the offense would be worthwhile, though. And as for laws, try bargaining with the Almighty for an exemption from the law of gravity after you step off a girder at 300 feet; see if you don't reach the ground faster than if you took the elevator.
The larger problem with religion is the "we" versus "them" mentality. The entire state of Israel, for better or worse, was set up thus. Why? The Jews did not need a "homeland" to survive as a people. [Don't get the idea that I think Israel should be destroyed or told to change their ways. Destruction is wrong, and it's too late for change. We just have to live with what they are. But we don't need to support it.] The Jews have, in my experience in America, the best of both worlds today. They are very clannish, which helps keep their faith alive; they place a high value on education and acheivement, which keeps them in useful jobs; and they integrate well into society. Sure, there are exceptions, and there are some few who have no qualms about short-changing outsiders - but, guess what? That's true of ALL groups, so don't pick on the Hebrews for that. I think the worst thing about the Israel precedent is that other groups have chosen to follow the example, resulting in enclaves of "Our People" who are intolerant of "Your People" and proceed to perform ethnic cleansing. The result is impoverishment all 'round. I guess I suffer from Americanism. My family has been here for so long and is so intermarried that we (my generation) have forgotten the old hates and disputes that plagued our forebears - which include Irish, Saxons, Normans, British, Scots, French, Germans, and who knows what else... have to be some Vikings in there.
There is much to enjoy in life, and being sensual, happy, well-fed, and kind is not sinful - even when you share these expressions with someone who does not believe as you do. So, get out of the church and into the garden, for starters. Commune with nature. Build, plant, and prepare for the next season (which is the easy-to-picture future). That will give you a meaningful reason to get down on your knees.
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