There seems to be a growing number of writers who I've talked to, and whose books I have read, who scoff at Christianity and go so far as to imply, or say, that all Christians are ignorant or ill-informed.
As a writer, to even imply that all Christians are ignorant when Leo Tolstoy wrote in-depth on Christianity, C.S. Lewis is still one of the foremost Christian writers, J.R.R. Tolken and Flannery O'Connor were both devote Catholic, Oscar Wilde converted on his death bed, there's talk of G.K. Chesterton being on the road to sainthood, well, I don't think anyone can call any of these giants ignorant, without first taking leave of their senses.
If you don't agree, or believe, then so be it. But when implying the ignorance of any religious people, or any group of people, you're usually only showing your own.
That's not to say that there aren't any ignorant Christians out there. But if you're looking for any faith, belief system, group, or even a small gathering, that is free of ignorance . . . I wish you the best of luck.
We're all ignorant about something. The trick is in admitting it.
Copyright © Colin Frizzell 2010.
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Friday, January 29, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Recently on Youtube I was watching Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot put to Pick Floyd’s On the Turning Away. It was a wonderful goodwill to mankind video. Someone from Australia wrote Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. This simple greeting opened the door to an anti-Christian attack.
The person said that they were just celebrating their non-belief. Which encouraged someone else join in.
There’s a difference between celebrating one’s beliefs, or non-beliefs, and attacking what others believe. And there is a difference between being critical and being insulting. Something they couldn’t grasp. They felt it was their right to “mock and laugh” at other people and what they believe. Something else that seems to be getting worse and more widely acceptable.
So:
Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukkah
Joyous Kwanzaa
Rockin' Ramadan
And a very special tip of the hat to 'I believe in nothing but still want my holiday pay.'
May one day people all over the world not just tolerate but celebrate different faiths and cultures, and have their greetings accepted in the spirit they were given, without fear of being mocked and laughed at by those who lack understanding.
Peace.
The person said that they were just celebrating their non-belief. Which encouraged someone else join in.
There’s a difference between celebrating one’s beliefs, or non-beliefs, and attacking what others believe. And there is a difference between being critical and being insulting. Something they couldn’t grasp. They felt it was their right to “mock and laugh” at other people and what they believe. Something else that seems to be getting worse and more widely acceptable.
So:
Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukkah
Joyous Kwanzaa
Rockin' Ramadan
And a very special tip of the hat to 'I believe in nothing but still want my holiday pay.'
May one day people all over the world not just tolerate but celebrate different faiths and cultures, and have their greetings accepted in the spirit they were given, without fear of being mocked and laughed at by those who lack understanding.
Peace.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Haiti Website.
Those who wish to see and hear more about what's going on in Haiti can go to here. The resilience of the people, and their faith, is incredible. If you can't afford to send money, they're also asking for our prayers, which cost nothing, so please give generously.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
“When the wisest scholars hear about the Tao, they put it into practice. When mediocre scholars hear about the Tao, they seem now to keep it and now to lose it. When worthless scholars hear about the Tao, they laugh at it uproariously. If it were not laughed at it would not be the Tao.” – Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching
God, help me find wisdom and strength.
God, help me find wisdom and strength.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Haiti
In the National Post there is an article by Peter Goodspeed who is in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This is the beginning of it:
“This is probably the poorest and most miserable place on Earth right now, but every night, just as the sun sets, crowds of frightened people gather in streets and parks to spend the night singing and praying.
They praise God for their misery; thank Him for sparing their lives and cheer each other up with rousing choruses of popular Haitian hymns.
At night, you can hear the hymns roll up Port-au-Prince’s earthquake-shattered hills as if they were being delivered directly to heaven by angels. Songs of praise and shouted prayers of joy raise like smoke from the shattered city.”
The current numbers are showing that there is up to 200,000 dead.
“This is probably the poorest and most miserable place on Earth right now, but every night, just as the sun sets, crowds of frightened people gather in streets and parks to spend the night singing and praying.
They praise God for their misery; thank Him for sparing their lives and cheer each other up with rousing choruses of popular Haitian hymns.
At night, you can hear the hymns roll up Port-au-Prince’s earthquake-shattered hills as if they were being delivered directly to heaven by angels. Songs of praise and shouted prayers of joy raise like smoke from the shattered city.”
The current numbers are showing that there is up to 200,000 dead.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Tongue-in-cheek doesn’t always work so well on the net; or in life come to that. And it can be terribly awkward if you need to explain. Many don't bother because it often only leads to the person who didn't pick up on it taking offence.
But it does seem to bring joy into the hearts of the . . . joyful. Those who love to laugh, long and hard; and who also aren't afraid to cry. Feelings in general don't frighten them. Neither does thinking.
I believe God has a wonderful sense of humour. Just look at the platypus.
“Angels fly because they take themselves lightly.” – G.K. Chesterton
“Even the gods love jokes.” – Plato
In regards to religion vs. new age spirituality, you have to ask yourself, would you rather go to a Jewish/Catholic comedy festival or new age comedy festival? Now times that by eternity.
It’s all about balance. ;)
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Psychopathy
Psychopathy (pronounced /saɪˈkɒpəθi/) is a personality disorder whose hallmark is a lack of empathy. Researcher Robert Hare, whose Hare Psychopathy Checklist is widely used, describes psychopaths as "intraspecies predators who use charm, manipulation, intimidation, sex and violence to control others and to satisfy their own needs. Lacking in conscience and empathy, they take what they want and do as they please, violating social norms and expectations without guilt or remorse. What is missing, in other words, are the very qualities that allow a human being to live in social harmony." (Taken from Wikipedia)
Not really something to aspire to, and yet . . .
Never let anyone make you feel bad for having a heart. But that is, like all things, easier said then done. It's no longer cool to care.
Fewer stories are being told that teach us to be on guard against the things the psychopath uses to control. Things that prevent us from living in social harmony. But social harmony tends to lead to things like fair wages, benefit packages, sharing and more holidays.
Advertising, especially, in the age of influence, depends on charm, manipulation, sex and violence, the intimidation they leave up to each of us to put on the other in the form of peer pressure which never actually ends. If you don't have the newest of everything and aren't doing what everyone else is, God help you. And if you go to church, holy peaches with custard on top, there has to be something wrong with you.
We are exposed, every day, to ads filled with messages of me, me, me. The amount of empathy left in us . . . half of the world is bombed for their oil, the other half complain about the prices at the pumps.
Not to make you paranoid but your average psychopath isn't easy to spot. He or she wears a smile, can be charming as hell, and has learned to mimic human emotions, except, most lack the ability to laugh at themselves. But he/she feels nothing real. Everything is superficial. They feel no guilt, shame, empathy and are incapable of love. Which, is really rather sad. They make up about 1% of the general population. But they can influence and turn a much larger number against each other. And they can con anyone.
Not something to aspire to. And yet . . .
Perhaps the devil and his demons are a metaphor, a warning, because the reality was too much for us to face.
Or perhaps not. We don't know, despite what are egos tell us. We live in a largely unknown universe. And people who don't believe in evil or truth are much more easily manipulated then ones who do. As the old saying goes, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."
It's better to be overly sensitive then feel nothing at all. Better to care too deeply then not enough. Hold onto your faith, your values, your love, your compassion, your empathy, let things touch your heart, and don't be made to feel stupid because you have one; keep, and strengthen, your soul. Or, at least, that's what I'm trying to do.
A psychopath can drain you and leave you in a world without hope. And while a conscience can be a pest; a lack on one can be terrifying. So stay true to your heart; but keep your wits about ya.
"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." - Matthew 10:16
Not really something to aspire to, and yet . . .
Never let anyone make you feel bad for having a heart. But that is, like all things, easier said then done. It's no longer cool to care.
Fewer stories are being told that teach us to be on guard against the things the psychopath uses to control. Things that prevent us from living in social harmony. But social harmony tends to lead to things like fair wages, benefit packages, sharing and more holidays.
Advertising, especially, in the age of influence, depends on charm, manipulation, sex and violence, the intimidation they leave up to each of us to put on the other in the form of peer pressure which never actually ends. If you don't have the newest of everything and aren't doing what everyone else is, God help you. And if you go to church, holy peaches with custard on top, there has to be something wrong with you.
We are exposed, every day, to ads filled with messages of me, me, me. The amount of empathy left in us . . . half of the world is bombed for their oil, the other half complain about the prices at the pumps.
Not to make you paranoid but your average psychopath isn't easy to spot. He or she wears a smile, can be charming as hell, and has learned to mimic human emotions, except, most lack the ability to laugh at themselves. But he/she feels nothing real. Everything is superficial. They feel no guilt, shame, empathy and are incapable of love. Which, is really rather sad. They make up about 1% of the general population. But they can influence and turn a much larger number against each other. And they can con anyone.
Not something to aspire to. And yet . . .
Perhaps the devil and his demons are a metaphor, a warning, because the reality was too much for us to face.
Or perhaps not. We don't know, despite what are egos tell us. We live in a largely unknown universe. And people who don't believe in evil or truth are much more easily manipulated then ones who do. As the old saying goes, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."
It's better to be overly sensitive then feel nothing at all. Better to care too deeply then not enough. Hold onto your faith, your values, your love, your compassion, your empathy, let things touch your heart, and don't be made to feel stupid because you have one; keep, and strengthen, your soul. Or, at least, that's what I'm trying to do.
A psychopath can drain you and leave you in a world without hope. And while a conscience can be a pest; a lack on one can be terrifying. So stay true to your heart; but keep your wits about ya.
"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." - Matthew 10:16
Monday, January 4, 2010
Not Good Enough to Live
A friend said to me, a while ago now, something that stuck with me. She works with Down Syndrome kids.
She said that when they hear about the tests done, and abortions of Down Syndrome babies, they ask why the world wants to get rid of them?
Hearing that broke my heart.
I have a cousin who has Down Syndrome. I haven’t seen her since we were kids but she was fun to play with then, and now she’s higher functioning than a lot of the “normal” kids I grew-up with. Our recent Olympic Touch bearer has Down Syndrome.
Genetic cleansing is it? What's wrong with us?
They're human beings. We're all human beings. Not defective products to be returned if you're not 100% satisfied. Not sacrifices to be made to the gods of progress and finance.
We know beyond all doubt that the body dies. But with the soul it's a matter of faith; how much energy do we put toward growing it and how often do we put it at risk? Is it becoming plastic, too?
We don't care. And we won't until it's us that the world doesn't want anymore. Until we're the ones who are considered not good enough to live.
Copyright © Colin Frizzell 2009. All rights reserved.
She said that when they hear about the tests done, and abortions of Down Syndrome babies, they ask why the world wants to get rid of them?
Hearing that broke my heart.
I have a cousin who has Down Syndrome. I haven’t seen her since we were kids but she was fun to play with then, and now she’s higher functioning than a lot of the “normal” kids I grew-up with. Our recent Olympic Touch bearer has Down Syndrome.
Genetic cleansing is it? What's wrong with us?
They're human beings. We're all human beings. Not defective products to be returned if you're not 100% satisfied. Not sacrifices to be made to the gods of progress and finance.
We know beyond all doubt that the body dies. But with the soul it's a matter of faith; how much energy do we put toward growing it and how often do we put it at risk? Is it becoming plastic, too?
We don't care. And we won't until it's us that the world doesn't want anymore. Until we're the ones who are considered not good enough to live.
Copyright © Colin Frizzell 2009. All rights reserved.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year!
May it be a year where we each take ourself a little less seriously and rediscover simple pleasures:
laughing
giving and receiving hugs
smiles
sharing the things that bring us joy
fresh baked cookies
being there for someone when they need us, having someone who we know will always be there
long walks
touch
honesty
sharing
caring
friendship
love
Everything isn’t a battle, everyone doesn’t need to agree with you and sometimes two people can have different opinions and both be right, or both be wrong.
If we hurt someone, physically or emotionally, may we find the courage and the strength to say we’re sorry and mean it because we care about the discomfort we caused.
May we find the humility to accept sincere apologies when they’re given to us.
We shouldn’t expect others to be perfect until we are: and we will never be.
May we respect and celebrate other cultures and creeds for all we can learn from them. May greed and apathy fade away and life, in all its many forms, mean more to us then . . . anything.
I see it written on the walls of the schools, hear it said in church, and know it's right when someone who justifies thoughtlessness and indifference gets upset when someone is thoughtless or indifferent toward them.
May the year be one of love, support and mutual understanding. A little more laughter, fewer tears, and deeper feelings, especially empathy. And may we learn to communicate and respect truth so that the word might once again have meaning.
Peace.
Copyright © Colin Frizzell 2009. All rights reserved.
May it be a year where we each take ourself a little less seriously and rediscover simple pleasures:
laughing
giving and receiving hugs
smiles
sharing the things that bring us joy
fresh baked cookies
being there for someone when they need us, having someone who we know will always be there
long walks
touch
honesty
sharing
caring
friendship
love
Everything isn’t a battle, everyone doesn’t need to agree with you and sometimes two people can have different opinions and both be right, or both be wrong.
If we hurt someone, physically or emotionally, may we find the courage and the strength to say we’re sorry and mean it because we care about the discomfort we caused.
May we find the humility to accept sincere apologies when they’re given to us.
We shouldn’t expect others to be perfect until we are: and we will never be.
May we respect and celebrate other cultures and creeds for all we can learn from them. May greed and apathy fade away and life, in all its many forms, mean more to us then . . . anything.
I see it written on the walls of the schools, hear it said in church, and know it's right when someone who justifies thoughtlessness and indifference gets upset when someone is thoughtless or indifferent toward them.
May the year be one of love, support and mutual understanding. A little more laughter, fewer tears, and deeper feelings, especially empathy. And may we learn to communicate and respect truth so that the word might once again have meaning.
Peace.
Copyright © Colin Frizzell 2009. All rights reserved.
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