Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Lost
"It may be that when we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work, and that when we no longer know which way to go, we have begun our real journey. The mind that is not baffled is not employed. The impeded stream is the one that sings." ~Wendell Berry
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Nil Desperandum
I don't see the end, or the beginning of the end, but suppose we must prevail and persist or perish. ~William Tecumseh Sherman
G-G-G is an intrinsic response by Creation to refute the ideology of nihilism. As such, if you find yourself reading a particular post, understand it is specifically tailored to you. It matters little where you live (Sweden, Mexico, or parts in between), the Infinite (Life, God; whatever you call it) responds to those who seek understanding. Because God permeates and exists outside your rational mind (proof of this is simply trying to get your rational mind around the vastness of the universe) what seems improbable or impossible is no more than resistance to what you don't (rationally) understand. Let that slip from your grip for a moment. Release your resistance.
Today's post is an example. It is specific to certain people. If you are reading this, you are one of those people. "BAH!," you scoff, "I am here by the most random circumstance!" And I would agree. But then I would ask you, when did you determine God lacked the aspect of randomness? (the quality or state of lacking a pattern or principle of organization; unpredictability) Do you really believe that Life can't surprise you? That you will be able to predict the course of events your life will take? No, I don't think that is what you are suggesting. How, then, can you deny what you yourself have demonstrated? (unpredictability) Would you deny the Deity a human quality? Or a human being a divine one?
No matter. The fact is you (having reached this point) have read this post. The Latin title and the words of WTS either resonate, or they don't. Whether it was meant for you (or not) is easily discernible. So, too, is G-G-G. The choice, as always, is yours.
G-G-G is an intrinsic response by Creation to refute the ideology of nihilism. As such, if you find yourself reading a particular post, understand it is specifically tailored to you. It matters little where you live (Sweden, Mexico, or parts in between), the Infinite (Life, God; whatever you call it) responds to those who seek understanding. Because God permeates and exists outside your rational mind (proof of this is simply trying to get your rational mind around the vastness of the universe) what seems improbable or impossible is no more than resistance to what you don't (rationally) understand. Let that slip from your grip for a moment. Release your resistance.
Today's post is an example. It is specific to certain people. If you are reading this, you are one of those people. "BAH!," you scoff, "I am here by the most random circumstance!" And I would agree. But then I would ask you, when did you determine God lacked the aspect of randomness? (the quality or state of lacking a pattern or principle of organization; unpredictability) Do you really believe that Life can't surprise you? That you will be able to predict the course of events your life will take? No, I don't think that is what you are suggesting. How, then, can you deny what you yourself have demonstrated? (unpredictability) Would you deny the Deity a human quality? Or a human being a divine one?
No matter. The fact is you (having reached this point) have read this post. The Latin title and the words of WTS either resonate, or they don't. Whether it was meant for you (or not) is easily discernible. So, too, is G-G-G. The choice, as always, is yours.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
The Call
And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here am I: send me. ~Isaiah 6:8
"Was I chosen?' 'Such questions cannot be answered,' said Gandalf. 'You may be sure that it was not for any merit that others do not possess: not for power or wisdom, at any rate. But you have been chosen, and you must therefore use what strength and heart and wits as you have." ~JRR Tolkien Lord of the Rings
Whether called or chosen makes little difference. "To have what you have never had, you must do what you have never done." (Roy T. Bennett) Begin now.
"Was I chosen?' 'Such questions cannot be answered,' said Gandalf. 'You may be sure that it was not for any merit that others do not possess: not for power or wisdom, at any rate. But you have been chosen, and you must therefore use what strength and heart and wits as you have." ~JRR Tolkien Lord of the Rings
Whether called or chosen makes little difference. "To have what you have never had, you must do what you have never done." (Roy T. Bennett) Begin now.
Monday, January 30, 2017
Harsh
These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. ~Proverbs 6:16-19
"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." ~John 8:44
As you can see, there is no quarter given in either the Old or New Testament for a liar. If you are a liar, you are hated by God and described as an offspring of the devil by Jesus. Bad company to be in. To be sure (and as I have said repeatedly) I am not a bible literalist. But I always add that the bible is wonderfully instructive. So it is here. From the corridor of time comes ancient lore of how seriously lies were taken. (very!) So why do people lie so often? Why do you?
To ruthlessly examine the excuses you employ to alter (revise, rationalize, minimize) the truth can liberate you from self-loathing and self-sabotage. It can free you from the lie at the core of your being: I'm not good enough. Because you believe that, nothing you ever do will be good enough. And that is a monstrous lie. One that requires harsh methods of eradication. One method you can try is to stare into a mirror and declare; I am through lying to myself--and mean it.
"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." ~John 8:44
As you can see, there is no quarter given in either the Old or New Testament for a liar. If you are a liar, you are hated by God and described as an offspring of the devil by Jesus. Bad company to be in. To be sure (and as I have said repeatedly) I am not a bible literalist. But I always add that the bible is wonderfully instructive. So it is here. From the corridor of time comes ancient lore of how seriously lies were taken. (very!) So why do people lie so often? Why do you?
To ruthlessly examine the excuses you employ to alter (revise, rationalize, minimize) the truth can liberate you from self-loathing and self-sabotage. It can free you from the lie at the core of your being: I'm not good enough. Because you believe that, nothing you ever do will be good enough. And that is a monstrous lie. One that requires harsh methods of eradication. One method you can try is to stare into a mirror and declare; I am through lying to myself--and mean it.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
SOL
Interesting that the old Latin word for the sun, is sol. And light is synonymous with the word sun. Perhaps that is playing too fast and too loose with the etymology of the word and the acronym it produces--SOL (Sons of Light). Regardless, the first people to use the term 'Sons of Light' were the Essenes at Qumran. (see; War Scroll) It was an apocalyptic vision of end times where light conquers darkness. Reality was the Essenes were all but erased during the first Jewish-Roman War. (66-70) So much for the anticipated 'happy ending.'
Still, the Essene's enjoyed a stellar reputation among the historians of the time: "They practice virtue like a gymnastic exercise, seeing the accomplishment of praiseworthy deeds as the means by which a man ensures absolute freedom for himself." (Philo of Alexandria) "The third class of philosophers among the Jews, and the class that is most esteemed for their just and moral life, is that of the Essenes."(Josephus) "They are a people unique of its kind and admirable beyond all others in the whole world." (Pliny the Elder)
The cautionary tale that we learn from history is this; no amount of righteousness can guarantee we will be successful in our endeavors. We must face the difficult decision that goodness is its own reward--or it is not. That we wish to be a certain type of person--or we don't. That we will strive to be virtuous whether we are validated or reviled. The question for you is this; is your moral and ethical conduct something you truly believe in, or a projection you employ to appear "good."
One illuminating example of blatant hypocrisy comes from Jacques Duquesne's book, Jesus (An Unconventional Biography): "This priestly aristocracy, (here he is talking about the Sadducees) the highest-ranking clergy, had a terrible reputation. They lived in Jerusalem and had allowed themselves to fall under Greek influence, adopting Greek dress and Greek names, collaborating with the Roman occupiers--while claiming, of course, they had the dispensation of the Eternal for this behavior. They taught that if the sons of Abraham led their life's with wisdom and honor, they would find their reward here on earth, in prosperity and reputation. Material success therefore became the sign of respect for the Law."
The obvious self-serving manipulation isn't worth commentary. It has always been thus. (simply look at the Christian leaders that support Trump) What is important is how it affects you. Does the end justify the means? Do you set aside your integrity if it advances your cause? Would you lie to get a promotion? Justify an affair? Avoid responsibility? Blackball the competition? When do you excuse actions that go against everything you say you believe in? And how much time do you spend rationalizing that behavior?
"They are sworn to love the truth and pursue liars." (Josephus) This was said of the original Sons of Light. Let it be a starting point for you.
Still, the Essene's enjoyed a stellar reputation among the historians of the time: "They practice virtue like a gymnastic exercise, seeing the accomplishment of praiseworthy deeds as the means by which a man ensures absolute freedom for himself." (Philo of Alexandria) "The third class of philosophers among the Jews, and the class that is most esteemed for their just and moral life, is that of the Essenes."(Josephus) "They are a people unique of its kind and admirable beyond all others in the whole world." (Pliny the Elder)
The cautionary tale that we learn from history is this; no amount of righteousness can guarantee we will be successful in our endeavors. We must face the difficult decision that goodness is its own reward--or it is not. That we wish to be a certain type of person--or we don't. That we will strive to be virtuous whether we are validated or reviled. The question for you is this; is your moral and ethical conduct something you truly believe in, or a projection you employ to appear "good."
One illuminating example of blatant hypocrisy comes from Jacques Duquesne's book, Jesus (An Unconventional Biography): "This priestly aristocracy, (here he is talking about the Sadducees) the highest-ranking clergy, had a terrible reputation. They lived in Jerusalem and had allowed themselves to fall under Greek influence, adopting Greek dress and Greek names, collaborating with the Roman occupiers--while claiming, of course, they had the dispensation of the Eternal for this behavior. They taught that if the sons of Abraham led their life's with wisdom and honor, they would find their reward here on earth, in prosperity and reputation. Material success therefore became the sign of respect for the Law."
The obvious self-serving manipulation isn't worth commentary. It has always been thus. (simply look at the Christian leaders that support Trump) What is important is how it affects you. Does the end justify the means? Do you set aside your integrity if it advances your cause? Would you lie to get a promotion? Justify an affair? Avoid responsibility? Blackball the competition? When do you excuse actions that go against everything you say you believe in? And how much time do you spend rationalizing that behavior?
"They are sworn to love the truth and pursue liars." (Josephus) This was said of the original Sons of Light. Let it be a starting point for you.
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Personal Ad
WANTED: Someone who doesn't take anything personally. Immediate opening.
There is little doubt that the American election last November has brought a certain personal malaise. The level of ignorance of the electorate, and the refusal to see what an obvious and consistent liar the President-elect is, left me with the feeling, what's the use? People really are that dumb. (mindless is the kind and compassionate word to use--but I don't perceive these people to be either) My efforts to enlighten have been in vain.
And that really is vain--in the other sense of the definition. The ego-centric sense of the word. It is taking the results of the election entirely too personal. That is a mistake. The election reveals that America is spiritually lost--not that I am. My sense of discouragement speaks to a false narrative that we couldn't possibly be that far astray--and a reluctance to accept that we are. There is little to do but accept the reality of the situation. America has abandoned it's moral and spiritual bearings. They decided to cast their lot with a liar who lies about lying.
I ended the November 16th post with, "Let us indeed become, Sons of Light." I will soon lay out what is involved in making such a claim.
There is little doubt that the American election last November has brought a certain personal malaise. The level of ignorance of the electorate, and the refusal to see what an obvious and consistent liar the President-elect is, left me with the feeling, what's the use? People really are that dumb. (mindless is the kind and compassionate word to use--but I don't perceive these people to be either) My efforts to enlighten have been in vain.
And that really is vain--in the other sense of the definition. The ego-centric sense of the word. It is taking the results of the election entirely too personal. That is a mistake. The election reveals that America is spiritually lost--not that I am. My sense of discouragement speaks to a false narrative that we couldn't possibly be that far astray--and a reluctance to accept that we are. There is little to do but accept the reality of the situation. America has abandoned it's moral and spiritual bearings. They decided to cast their lot with a liar who lies about lying.
I ended the November 16th post with, "Let us indeed become, Sons of Light." I will soon lay out what is involved in making such a claim.
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