The points?

I tend to notice more now than in past times, how opinionated people can be. From radio to literature, people stamp they're ideas in the world we live in, just like now what I am doing.

Some are just casually expressing themselves , while others are driven by they're passion to make points and execute a personal agenda. I have been a part of both categories, and I can honestly say I have no idea why we want other people to understand us so much. I'm sure some could argue how it's fixed in our human needs and I won't debate it, but why?

Why do we want people to hear our story, our ideas, our prospective? I think I understand why we write stories about hope, love, and overcoming our complexes etc. But more and more I begin to notice how futile it seems when we cut each other through opinions just so we can have the gratification of believing we are right and they are wrong. I don't see the relevance as much as I used to.

Wasting away

What do we all have, but spend differently? It's not money... it's time. It seems that we all have definitions of what is and what isn't, time well spent. Depending on where you were raised , by whom , and who you surround yourself with, can pretty much determine alot about one's view regarding what time well spent is.

For some, "meditating" is considered a waste of time and lazy, while for others, running around "making things happen" is a waste of time and futile. It truly becomes a matter of prospective. Many times we can look back on things and consider the time we spent at one point or another, unproductive or unbeneficial, but even that is filtered through our prospective of what time well spent is.

For younger people it is very common for the question to come up when around older folk,"So what are you doing right now?" Which almost always turns awkward when you respond to anything other than "Going to school for this or that." It seems to me, that usually happens when people believe anything other than that at this point in our lives is in a sense "wasting time". A very disputable matter, and this tends to be one of the biggest of all. What is wasting time? Is it possible to know when you are wasting time? And is it possible to know when someone else is wasting time?

These questions must take into account the reality of life lessons that we learn through mistakes and shortcomings, and also our changing prospectives on what wasted time is. We do not lecture the old man who sits and reflects, but we do the young. We tend to have a common thought of what time well spent is. Get money, get god, get high, get sex, get a good job, get a education, get a following, get a life. All of these will keep us busy and occupied and I will not dispute any of they're relevance but in the midst of all this I believe if you are really taking the time and thought to appreciate wherever you are and whatever you are doing, it is never time wasted.

We are alive and one day we will not be, I know it is not always easy to see the glass half full but it's worth a shot to keep trying. If we don't, I am sure we will regret it one day, and consider anything less than appreciating life was naive and foolish.

So no matter what people think about where we are. We can consider it just a matter of opinion, whether on a mountain top, or in the office, we can appreciate the two and live our own life, free from trying to live up to someone else's wasted time theory. Who knows, we both may change in our wasting away.

All glory to whomever

It's a common response in the christian community when replying to a compliment. "Glory to God". A humble statement one could suppose, but I have another take.

I went to congratulate a buddy of mine on a two year anniversary for his church. I respect him, first as a human, second as "go against the grainer". He really is a real nice guy. Anyhow, I went to shake his hand, we spoke for a moment, and he asked how things were. (Side note: "I think most Christians are expecting me to say things are messed up and I need to get right with God" and this was one of those.) I replied things are well, and I had just wanted to stop by and congratulate him on the hard work. He replied "Glory to God, If it was me it would be obvious, but it must be God for all this to have worked out". I replied that I would take his word for it, smiled, shook his hand and left.

This is the same guy I would meet for coffee periodically, until we realized neither was open for the others opinion to persuade our own. I reflected on the whole situation in the ride to Bob Evans, my girlfriend with me who had no tolerance at the time for the conversation. I pondered on how I had did the same so many times, "Glory to God, I take no credit, all God, His Spirit". One guy, a truck driver at that, had came into my work a few years back and I began to testify about how the Holy Spirit had delivered me from drugs, sex , and anger. He obviously needed what I did, everybody did. Anyhow he said "Do you really believe that you had no part in getting off drugs etc." I swore I didn't, it was all God. He left my work and left me with a thought.

Years later, I now, like the truck driver, do not believe that it was "All God", or God at all for that matter, that got me off drugs etc. I now believe that the lifestyle changes I made were the contributing factors, including no longer hanging around people who did drugs, surrounding myself with people who condemned drugs labeling them demonic, and various other factors were a part of it. Not to mention I was bored with the drugs and knew I needed to change . Having something to believe in, and the power of being accepted by a group will or can break any habit.

So when hearing my buddy say "Glory to God, if it was me it would be obvious...." I was reminded of my interpretation of his success. I believe he has overlooked some major factors. He is a good communicator, very passionate, good looking with a good looking wife and child, second or third generation pastor, very driven, animated, and wants to help people. These are all traits of similar personalities that are dispersed in every different religion and business that has succeeded in our history.

I do not believe that he has no role in the success he is experiencing. People who don't know what to do, look to people who look like they do, and he sure does look like he does.

The Great Window

Yesterday I was meeting with a customer for an upcoming event, and the topic of a hyperkondreact step mother became a part of the conversation. The client said, "Don't freak out if she faints or needs to go to the hospital; it's not real". I honestly did not know what a hyperkondreact was prior to then, but I am definitely familiar with the concept.

From what I understand, it is similar to people who suffer from bulimia. They're mind tells them something that is contrary to the natural, and factual evidence, which is: they are not fat, nor is the hyperkondreact having an allergic reaction to something, but they have thoroughly convinced themselves otherwise.

I feel an extreme sense of empathy for the unfortunate people who have experienced this degree of self deception. I wish there was a way to persuade everyone out of these types of mindsets, but I am afraid some people have become addicted to these perspectives and are in captive to the cycles.

The most widespread phenomenon of this sort in my opinion is what I call, "The Great Window". That's right, you guessed it, Christianity at it's finest!
I believe this religion produces the same affects as any other self deceptive and destructive psychology on the market. Through the power of suggestion, manipulation, acceptance and other various influences, the belief system has the ability to completely alter one's perspective.

Maybe I should share my own story which would give me the credentials to speak on the issue, (it seems most people want you to make them think you know what your talking about, before they can respect it as valid), but not today, we will have to do that another time. But I promise you, I have been inside the camp, and understand the bottom line evangelical fundamental concepts with clarity.

Anyhow, I consider this to be The Great Window because when you accept this worldview as reality, there is little or no chance that you will ever be able to see though another prospective due to the power of having answers to life's questions that The Great Window supplies without end.

Just like with the suffering bulimic when you try to communicate that they really are not over sized, the response is similar to the suffering christian that is convinced they are flawed and full of sin. Although there are many different doctrines within the christian community, you will find that one of the most common themes is the view that we are: born under condemnation, tainted with sin, and separated from God until there is an intellectual conversion through the belief in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

If you were to try to tell a christian that we as humans are NOT separated from God, are NOT full of sin, and do NOT need a savior in the first place, I'm sure you would receive a ear load of reasons why you are out of your mind and need to repent and get saved!

In my opinion these are diseases that have infected the minds of millions if not billions and has created much destruction to the minds, emotions, and hearts of the many and it is truly my desire to help people see differently so that we can somehow someway get along with each other better on this planet.

I wish I could remain unbiased in my writing but I am convicted that Christianity is not the truth, the life, nor the way for every person, and my thoughts are wrote to inspire that theme. I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes.

"The two great European narcotics, alcohol and Christianity"
-Friederich Nietzsche-

To each is own

Why are we here? What for? Who am I? What is life all about? These are some of the questions we all ask at one time or another. It seems to me, that some more than others, remain in a state of obsession over finding answers to these questions. I myself have been one, and am a recovering addict to the mindset. The mindset referred to is quite interesting, I believe it has shined greatly in our history at many various times, such as in the lives of Moses, Joseph smith, and David Caresh who are some of my personal favorites of like minded truth seekers.

There are thousands if not millions, who have lived and died with these visions and dreams sent to provide the rest of us within the proper way to live, and directions on the rituals in order to interact with the gods or god. How these types of people who we will call "reachers" come to they're conclusions I think for sure starts out very innocent. They were asking the same questions we've all asked pertaining to purpose right now and in the afterlife. But somewhere things got beyond that, and how it did and why, varies with each individual.

It reminds me of our psychoanalysis processes of today. Something happened to these people what it is we don't know, but something did happen, and it had a life altering impact. We know the mind of the human is the most mysterious thing and the possibilities it can create within ones imagination is limitless and eternally possible. So that validates that whatever vision or dream people have is entirely possible as in it most certainly did happen, in they're mind. Did it happen physically or in universal reality? Or was it just a imaginative creation similar to Steven King dreams later published as books? That would most certainly be the argument still debated around the world guns drawn and all.

What validates one's truth? I heard someone on the radio justify his truth because " He experienced it". I wont disagree with that statement, but the context he spoke from was promoting his christian truth which advises him to proclaim his truth as The truth meaning no other truth is real or universally relevant. That I do see flaws in, which brings us back to our "reacher" friends who I believe are so desperate for answers about life they have settled on whatever the have reached for and through reasoning, and personal experienced have come to hold as truth. Here me out, in no way shape or form do I neglect a persons need for purpose and belief, I think it is one of the three most important needs in one's life; A sense of purpose, healthy relationships and a healthy prospective of one's self. But when your truth and the teachings you hold prevent my three emphasis on healthy living I am Leary of it's relevancy apart from my personal opinion of the teachings or belief itself. I am not quite sure why people with hearts to help and desires of peace get caught up in dividing and separatist religions or truth prospectives.

It's nothing new, and just about every conversation about these things I have with amazing people always comes down to " If it works for you than who am I to try to persuade otherwise". I have no need to convert or mess with people's faith in whatever, I just don't know how much time people actually spend examining they're faith or truth instead of defending it. The comfort they're experiencing because of the answers they believe they have, will bring a therapeutic effect for sure, but is it really as real to as gravity? And if it isn't, why would you speak as if it is? But once again who am I to question you? I guess to each is own.

If there is no god

"If there is no God,
Not everything is permitted to man.
He is still his brothers keeper
And he is not permitted to sadden his brother,
By saying that there is no God."
-Czeslaw Milosz-

This thought spoke to me some time back, and I keep it at my bedside taped amongst other things as a reminder of my fellow humans. It is strangely obvious that our differances can create tension in everyday life. One believes one thing, another believes something contrary. I myself have realized the importance of one's belief, and consider it a sacred issue for each individual. So regardless of my take on they're beliefs in God or what not, I have to remind myself of this comment.

A Biblical Prospective

If you ever get the chance to sit down and speak with a self proclaimed teacher of the bible. You will more than likely hear many references to their efforts to instill in their pupils a biblical prospective. What is a biblical prospective? The answer to that depends on the teacher.

The debate continues within the christian community, regarding what is, and what is not biblical. The range of topics is vast, and large considering the bible has answers for virtually every area in life, right on down to hygiene.
The people who subject themselves to these teachers are taught to take everything that's within the bible literal, and learn to apply every written event to they're own lives. That is because each and every word is straight from the mouth of God, excluding the humanly participating authors. "It is a love letter from God to you" that is the common thought, and there is no need in trying to debate it's authenticity, because it's been tested by time and it's still around after all these years, so it must be Gods word.

Now within this book called the bible there are stories of old, relating messages of love, humility, compassion, wisdom, and courage etc. Not to mention messages of hate, pride, injustice, foolishness, and disobedience. Stories of massacres, God sent disasters and holy men influenced murders are all enough to make us need someone to teach us what these stories really mean.
If you want to know what people believe about the bible you can usually find out by listening to who taught them they're biblical prospective. These men and women are the source of the information that is spread to the lives of the common christian. From sermons to books and beyond, these men and women have a call from God and the authority to interpret the bible for us.

I have no idea how many denominations, and sects of Christianity there are, but I'm sure it's in the hundreds of thousands. They exist because the teachers of these organizations cannot accept each others biblical prospective entirely. They have they're own preferences and convictions on what is most relevant, preventing complete unity.

If you trace the histories of these organizations you will almost always find them stemming to one man or woman. And I have seen these types of "Leaders", and the pressure is on so extensively for them to make sense out of the bible that it is of no surprise to me to hear some of the prospectives that are presented as being biblical. I have learned a few things in my day and one of them is "When the pressure is on to spiritualize everything, delusion sets in". From not only the bible, but when interpreting every day activities in this world.

When people believe and accept that the bible is the guide book for life, and that every answer they need in life is there, it is no wonder why many of our most deranged and psychotic individuals to ever be recorded, were raised in the same faith I am referring to, or one very similar. "This is the only way to see things" has been and never will be productive for humanity as a whole. And if you do not know what I mean, try telling a real deal christian that they could be wrong about the bible and Jesus. You will quickly see they're learned biblical prospective released.

Jesus vs. jesus

The conversation came up while driving my friend Joel to the Gerald R. Ford airport for his weeks vacation in Florida. I mentioned I had been busy lately doing some extra work for a cause i thought worthy of my time. The work is a task I have taken on indefinitely as head in charge of all CD and DVD orders that run through my friends organization called MWM "Mike Williams Ministries".

My friend Michael, I believe, has a unique ability to help many Christians voice what they don't know how to express or explain. The result of his teachings in the lives of open minded, fanatical Christians, is quite impressive. People who were extremely confused with the "Shut up!, just submit" and " If it doesn't line up with our understanding of the new testament, it's the devil!" programs, are surprisingly led to a more solid understanding of who they believe to be the messiah. I might also mention they tend to be deflated of quite a bit of self righteousness.

Any how beyond the Mike Williams plug, the conversation continued with what I believe to be the biggest boxing match in the minds of Christians. Jesus vs. jesus! Yes that's right folks, Jesus vs. jesus. One might think that makes no sense, but actually it would probably be quite the royal rumble. For now we will stick with the big boys; the fundamental core Christian concepts vs. not so fundamental.

In one corner we have an all God, all Man, all loving, all merciful, all redeeming, all saving, all forgiving, all seeing, all knowing, everlasting, eternal, omniscient, co creator of all, the one and only Jesus the Christ the Son of God who has came to save the world, by dying on the cross, bearing the judgement of the world to reconcile the whole world, Jew and gentile unto the Father God!!!! While in the other corner we have the same exact guy!!!
Well not exactly the same guy... Let me explain.

One of these guys is all of those things listed in his credentials, all by himself with no help, no belief and no service by anyone! No help from the crowd thank you very much. He is God all by himself, man can do nothing to change what he has accomplished i.e. the cross period!
While the other is most of the credentials listed, but many of his credentials are reliant on the crowd. As in he needs the crowds support to perform up to par. Without they're help he is helplessly weak.
Now this should actually be following the big Adam vs. Jesus controversy. But first we have to figure out which Jesus we are going to throw into the ring with Adam.

If your a Christian, which one do you put your money on? The Jesus who is savior without your help or belief, or the one who needs your help and belief to save you?

My drive with James Macdonald

It's 10am, I hop in my car and begin my journey. Traffic is normal, the day is beautiful, and my radio has begun to catch my ear. I change the channel, and tune in to the local christian station airing the daily moody bible college broadcasts. I confess am no longer a believer but I admit, I am highly obsessed with analyzing the doctrines airing on this so easily accessed radio station at 89.3 in my are codes.
Anyhow one of my favorite most annoying preachers of "tell it like it is christianity" is the dime a dozen mister James Macdonald.

The name of todays message was "pride+time=judgement". I was so happy to have joined in on todays congregation beatdown. Now in all honesty I would probably like this guy in another life or something, but now, when I hear this enthusiastic rhetorical self righteousness, I only want to punch him in the face, and rescue the people he steals from every time he speaks his munipulitve prospective on what life is all about. Comments such as, "you are so full of pride, that you can't se how God really sees you" which is: full of sin and completely worthless. He also makes the effort to let the listener know, that without God in there life it's a worthless life. There is nothing to offer unless you have God in your life, and I'm assuming that there is teaching on how to have that.

The most memorable statement was his own personal little reminder of how he remains "humble". He decided to let everybody listening know that he whenever his name is manually written, he no longer uses a capital J when he writes his first name, he uses a small j. Wow! is'nt that humble! all to remind him that without God he is nothing.

If making people feel completely worthless, in order to give them worth through your product is a "holy" service unto a god then this guy deserves a halo. Good job james! We are so proud of how you have successfully created a group of many who now need you to tell them how to live.
Right on time I arrive, and regroup from the mental convo. In and out sooner than expected, back to the car where the radio is still tuned to my favorite station. I couldn't help myself, I chose to listen on. This time Nancy Lee Demoss is on air talking how we take for granted our bibles through stories how what so and so went through to guilt the people into appreciation. I didn't buy it, and neither should you.

If you tell anybody a book is magical, from God and has all the answers of life, somebody is bound to go for the bait. I did! I snapped the line! I still have that nasty taste in my mouth but at least im not Hooked anymore. Ok, well at least i don't let it control me...