Don't move the holy grail

Hell is the holy grail because there's real power to control people when they are afraid. It's a sad and disturbing realization. Maybe we aren't, and haven't always been outright intentional, but we center it all there anyway, as if a this deep social conscious is acting unconsciously to anchor the trembling masses and not let go of us.

The problem with me is that I want to live free.

Context for this comment.

where we do not belong...

"Wilderness is not intended for man. It is a reminder that the world is not our toy, or even a safe shell to hide under. We need a place where we do not belong..."

William Sullivan, Listening for Coyote, p. 22.

Richard Nelson on clearcutting in his book The Island Within (p. 56-57):

"The decaying stump is now a witness stand, where I pass judgment on myself. I hold few convictions so deeply as my belief that a profound transgression was committed here, by devastating an entire forest rather than taking from it selectively and in moderation. Yet whatever judgment I make against those who cut it down I must also make against myself. I belong to the same nation, speak the same language, vote in the same elections, share many of the same values, avail myself of the same technology, and owe much of my existence to the same vast system of global exchange. There is no refuge in blaming only the loggers of their industry or the government that consigned this forest to them. The entire society - one in which I take active membership - holds responsibility for laying this valley bare."

Can't help but think how different his approach is here. The author dares to claim "inclusive" and widespread societal "responsibility" for the practice of clearcut forestry. Contrast that with our more typical, more common individualistic model of "I didn't do it. It isn't my fault."

Beyond environmental destruction, which other societal ills could be better dealt with through an approach like this? Poverty? Racism? Inequality?

the place to improve the world...

"The place to improve the world is first in one's own heart and head and hands, and then work outward from there. Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle." R. M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

A mixed bag

Just some simple thoughts tonight from an ongoing conversation among friends. Evangelical Christianity, in my experience, and the experience of quite of few others is a mixed bag. I am talking about the whole project - its churches, denominational expressions, schools, doctrine and beliefs, values, and ways of practicing its form of faith.

At its best it causes people to affirm the dignity - the "right to life" for all people, regardless of age, race, economic status, geography or productivity. At its best it inspires hope and changes history for the better. At its best it reconciles whole communities, empowering them to move toward each other in love and kindness, through forgiveness and humility. At its best it sends its adherents into a broken world with the best of intentions and sometimes those efforts heal and mend.

At its worst it enables the power hungry to abuse and prey on the powerless. At its worst it breeds systems of oppression that isolate and destory individuals. At its worst it sets whole communities above and against other groups of people. At its worst it enables vindolence and gives rise to ignorance. At its worst it becomes complicit with a culture of consumerism a takes up public positions defending the profiteering of corporations, playing to the hand of the super-rich. At its worst it fails to deliver what it promises.

Any other contributions?

At its worst...

At its best...