There are two possible ways to look at the world-- it's an abundant place with sufficient resources for us all (if we aren't greedy)-- or it's a place of scarcity and you must get yours now or somebody else will. This is true for relationships, material possessions and pretty much you name it.
In a time of reallocating resources, there are bound to be conflicts when you are dealing with human beings (immigration issues worldwide, Darfur, Arab conflicts, Bolivia nationalizing their petroleum industry, and on and on). When the fear is there is never enough for you or when you want power over others for what you already have, often you will do anything to get more. Starve others, no problem. Bomb them-- what time? Use people for your financial gain-- great!
Anybody old enough to remember the song One Tin Soldier? That link btw also has the music to the song with it if you haven't heard it before. I really liked those old Billy Jack movies with a lot of truth in them on a shoestring production. The song was in my mind a few years ago when the war fires were being stirred to go into Iraq. People I mentioned it to then didn't see the connection. War drums incite powerful internal urges. War has been one of the main tools used to reallocate resources. And the reallocation often proves to be hollow when it's all done. What you thought you'd get, often isn't at all what ended up being there.
One of the hardest concepts in this world to come to understand or to absorb into your daily life is that we might be all linked together-- not just humans but animals, earth, spirit, everything. If we truly saw ourselves as part of a whole, we would operate so differently than when we believe we are each autonomous and what we do to damage another doesn't harm us-- if we get away with it. As part of a whole, seeing another part of yourself suffering would cause you to reach out to help. Who could want one part of their body to be starving while another was glutonizing? As part of a whole you would not want to cheat anybody as that would be like cheating yourself. As part of a whole, if you knew someone needed help, you would try to provide it in a meaningful way-- throwing money at problems is not meaningful.
I don't have a solution to this, of course, except once again to be aware what is happening in your own thinking, your life and your government. Do what you can when you can or the alternative is--
"Go ahead and hate your neighbor, go ahead and cheat a friend.
Do it in the name of heaven, justify it in the end.
There won't be any trumpets blowin' come the judgment day
on the bloody morning after one tin soldier rides away."
Do it in the name of heaven, justify it in the end.
There won't be any trumpets blowin' come the judgment day
on the bloody morning after one tin soldier rides away."
9 comments:
Oh how prophetic! If only the gimmees in the world would realize that if they got an education, and got involved in their government and VOTED in every election, then they WOULD be able to get what they need. And I am speaking of those who think that they DESERVE a hand out, and never vote and just sit around complaining. THere will always be those kinds around, but if more and more of them actually got involved and started THINKING about their governments, life would be much better for them.
You have such a refreshing outlook and way of writing. I may not always say what I think you are trying to put across, but believe me, when I am working in the yard or busy at something else you give me something to THINK about! I am STILL trying to decide what I think my government should do for me! No easy answers...
M. Scott Peck says it better than I can:
"The whole course of human history may depend on a change of heart in one solitary and even humble individual - for it is in the solitary mind and soul of the individual that the battle between good and evil is waged and ultimately won or lost."
A wonderful, thought-provoking post. I often feel despair when I think that it just won't ever get better. The powerful haves will always be in control, and the have-nots will always be in need. There is a better way, as you so eloquently describe.
Wow, wonderful thinking. I doubt that it was intentional and it is a little off the course of your intent but I have just made a leap in thinking about the differences between Judaism and Islam as compared to Christianity. Christianity is about individuals asking God for foregiveness and perhaps health and wealth. When Jews and probably Muslims pray together they ask God to foregive sins against God and they ask not as individuals but as a whole people. A Christian outlook wires us to rescue almost as an impulse where as other religious philosophys may concentrate on examination of every personal action and the consequences these actions will have on others before any deed is done. If Bush was wired like a Jew or a Muslim he would not have invaded Iraq as he did. Wouldn't it be a great step for people to understand each others religious wiring and how that governs their politics. We may be near to understanding ourselves as citizens of the world including all peoples together with all nature. I'll say it again. Wow!
I think allocation of resources is an academic study and it includes statistics and "Game Theory". I met a woman on a plane reading "Game Theory" she was getting her doctorate at Stanford University.
Actually Christianity, what it really is, what Christ taught it was, is about oneness with all-- if you read his words. It's been distorted today into what you said, parapluie, but it's not what Christ taught.
I think that all religions can be distorted by those who seek power and use their religion as a club. Certainly we are seeing that with the Muslim faith recently. Power hungry people exist everywhere from what I can tell.
Peck definitely had a lot of wisdom, Endment. I have read most of his books. I think
and Mary lou and rexroth's daughter, thank you, you made my day :)
I appreciate all comments always in what I have written-- agree with me or not.
It is a shame that what Christ taught and the ways of organized religion are not the same.
Ok,I reviewed St. Matthew through St. John. And I read it the only way I have learned - from the perspective of my Jewish religious training which I can not dismiss. I believe the Jewish community make frequent comparisons with christianity for the benefit of their children meaning Jews are working extreemly hard and put their life wdork into keeping the faith and avoidance of assimilation. They teach that when Jesus was alive his ideas were identical to the masses of Jews and not the corrupt priests. His teaching made God and the common man more powerful eliminating the need for Jewish priests. It worked. Jews nolonger have priests. They nolonger have any religious person accumilating money for their own luxurious life style.
Anyway I have not found the concept where Man will lay down their weapons and fight no more in the New Testament. Where does it say we are all connected, all countries, and that our actions as individuals, every action, must be considered as it impinges on all mankind not just our immediate family and country? I don't doubt that it is there and I am certain Jesus taught tolerance and love of all mankind and that we should follow his example. I am just blind to interpreting it from the New Testament.
This just might be an area where we have to agreee to disagree. still if you have certain text in mind I would be willing to read it.
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