A platform where Business News, Affairs of State, New Technologies, Travel and Personal Convictions are all openly discussed... (Your comments are welcomed.)
It is one of this countries biggest shames that folks who might have something MUCH greater than just the opportunity to simply work at Wal-Mart or McDonanlds to contribute, often feel quickly driven or continually trapped to such legacies simply to find away to pay one of the six (6) insurance company's which control our health care opportunities in this country the exorbitant premiums they demand.
"Managed Health Care" has indeed transformed the way we all view our health when we are sick; and unfortunately for many the denial of such provision of health care to others when we are healthy. I often ask folks who do not feel caring for our populations health as a "human right", if they do feel organizations like FEMA should respond when a community is devastated by a tornado, forest fire or flood? Or if they feel the coast guards should set out to rescues those capsized in a storm? Most, even conservative folks do indeed feel such "Acts of God" yielding such unsuspecting, large scale tragedies should be approached as a collaborative, community wide response to those individuals and whole communities in need during such tragedies.
The irony comes when you ask them why they differentiate between the "Act of God" that decimates a community through that of an unsuspecting tornado, and the "Act of God" that devastates 1000's dying of breast cancer each year. We are either a country capable of caring for our own or we are not. We are either a country that prioritizes humanitarianism issues over that of endless nonstrategic exit strategy wars or we are not. We can simply NOT have it both ways and claim to have a sensible moral compass in any of these matter.
In so far as simply maintaining a sensitivity for the "human experiences", I find it also ironic that most "conservatives" at this point would also claim to have a protestant Christian background, and yet I am simply not sure where being "Pro-war", "Anti-health care reform", "Pro Gun", "anti-human right for all Americans", etc... Equals the grace-filled teaching of Jesus Christ. Again, such duality of so called morality and principals will not be a legacy any of our children will see fit to respect, nor will have the luxury to follow. Irony's such as these are signs of much deeper and greater problems than that of simply caring for the sick.
Many claim to feel adamant about avoiding trusting health care reform to our elected officials, and would instead continue to trust this insane, corrupt system to the six (6) company's which have a strangled hold on this industry. I'm not sure why folks see fit to imagine that any groups of share holder's opportunistic, financial interest within a mere six (6) gargantuan firms are better suited to sway the nature of caring for all of our health, versus expecting the elected officials we have the power to remove and replace, in the matter of reforming such a VERY corrupt industry. It seems we have truly lost sight of the power of a democracy.
I keep imagining this loss of vision and purpose must have simply died along with all other qualities of education within our country. Perhaps less time should be spent following our favorite sports teams and more time understanding the purposes of our votes and the power of the people for the people.
The question of allowing our government to actively pursue "health care reform" might best be elevated to something the average public could make more since of, by simply asking the following: Trusting your health to a board you neither elect nor own stock in; does this demonstrate wisdom or stupidity? Even if so many "conservatives" continue to ignore the strangle hold this insurance industry has now placed on our country through it's insanely disproportionate financial burden, one might simply take some time to consider the stupidity involved in selling our HEALTH out to the share holders of six (6) unaccountable companies. This isn't just the quality or value of an iPod or iPhone we're talking about! It is our lives! And our livelihood, and thanks to a burden 2nd only to our mortgages, it is a structure and a system of being taken advantage of the American public can no longer maintain.
It is amusing to think of all those folks who like to believe we are doomed financially in this country due to the diabolical, ingenious nature of "poor folks"; all those "lazy", "welfare mongols" who refuse to work, yet are so smart they have learned so well how to "work over the system", that they are indeed to blame for the bulk of our corruption and burdens within this country. But the same folks crying about this poor, lazy but brilliant wolf, don't for a moment think the real problem are those who are actually educated and paid to consider on a daily basis, first and foremost, the profits received by their shareholders over all other considerations of public interest. Really?
How do we remind the voters, the leadership within any U.S. corporation within the U.S. are bound and driven by our current laws to make higher profits paramount before all other considerations. We are after all talking about "managed health care" which while it has "health care" in the name, it should not be confused with true medical decisions. This is simply the insurance industry, nothing more. Driven strictly by profits, nothing more! Their decisions are NEVER weighed by anything as lofty as the Hippocratic oath, nor are the value of services they deem fit to pay for ever about the amounts we as American can afford of most need. Why would a person EVER defend this system as if it has any one's best interest in mind where related to our health?
Have we truly forgotten the purpose for this democracy?
One created by the people, for the people...
Not by the people for Wellpoint, Cigna, Aetna, Human, United, Bluecross / Blueshield
I refuse to let pride win! Or should I say, give in to my own sociology and upbringing.
It is so hard to tell the difference between the things I believe and the things I was taught.
It is so hard to live in a "Bible Belt" and not wear a narrow belief set, as if it were an outfit which must be pressed and flaunted at any given opportunity.
It is so hard to tell the difference between the world we actually live in and the State I was raised in...
It is so hard to know the "truth" I am shown versus the current state of the worlds affairs.
it is so hard to challenge myself to invent or progress in a culture more in-tune to earning, routines and consumption.
It is so hard to know the difference between conservative thinking and actual morality.
Between continuing to simply learn about a religion versus practicing the very simple religious teachings and encouragements initially made available to me as a small child.
Sometime we have a knack when we live in a large (5 million +) populous to think we are "right" about our beliefs. That we are founded in our direction as a society. After all, look at the numbers we have on our side, merely in our own immediate vicinity; not to mention the vast population of our entire country.
Sometimes we actually feel we are sophisticated, simply because we carry a laptop in our briefcase that can perform unimaginable calculations; or a "smart phone" in our purse or pocket which can now retrieve and disseminate unimaginable amounts of instant information.
We pride ourselves in the decisions we have made that "feel" RIGHT and JUST. We gain strength in our ability to "hold" strong to our believes. We foster "pride" when we can gather in groups that agree with our positions, whether at the polls, in our church, on a blogosphere, or within our households.
We often see little problem with "taking a shot" at others who believe differently. In other words, we get very comfortable disliking those who take a different position in affairs we feel connected to or knowledgeable about. For after all... How can we be wrong? How could so many around us also be "wrong". We are confident! We are bold! We are patriotic! We have pride! We're carefully or morally conservative! We are educated! We are a world power! We are the best! We therefor must be right!
It is amazing to me just how easy it is to make a journey in one's life from infancy to righteousness. Form ignorance to empowered. From humble and only one individual to powerful and encouraged by what we see are vast numbers of other who are "smart" like you and me.
I find it interesting that due to the curvature of the earth one can't see greater than a distance of 12 miles away. yet the circumference of the earth is over 30,000 miles in distance. And even knowing those two simple numbers, related to my actual view of the world versus it's literal size I can still convince myself I have an understanding for the world; thanks in large part to technologies which use light, electricity and radio waves in a way which quite frankly I don't care to understand.
So is my ignorance about such things a matter of conveniences, necessity, capacity or choice.
Fact is, you are atoned for being ignorant and you are expected to love others. Any other prejudice, arguments, negative opinions, forth right marches and campaigns, are all just a matter of relevance to those whom you can assess and judge within your immediate surrounding. And the fact is there are far grater percentage of both intelligent and worthy people outside of your impact and assessment than there are within it.
I find it interesting that I could tune in to 2 or 3 various sources of news, based in a country of 360,000,000 people and feel I understand how decisions affecting those in over 180 countries encompassing over 6,775,235,000 (6 Billion) people should be influenced or made.
I find it disturbing the actual lack of humility and knowledge people find necessary before they identify with or back up a small set of beliefs and call them the truth and/or the solution. I find it disturbing that folks feel they can call their own position right and someone else wrong, when they truly know almost NOTHING of what issues are affecting the "others". We are content to understand little and trust few, while we spout off answers and accusation which merit little to know research or knowledge of the greater percentage of people in our own state, country and world.
Being narrow or shallow is no longer a fear people seem to have. But rather, it is perfectly suitable to feel decisive and bold about topics we possess almost no perspective or foreknowledge.
We are proud to have our vote, but unable to have a true understanding for the issues.
We are proud to be a part of our community, but rarely bother to look beyond the lives of these within our own 4 walls of household.
We feel patriotic about our country, and therefore think it is a duty to be against others' who were born elsewhere.
We often claim to have a religion that inspire us to love others, and not place ourselves in the position to judge others' transgressions, yet we have also contorted this religion into an opportunity to narrow our perspective of living and cultures to the point of justifying hatred and fear.
I am sometimes ashamed by the way I was educated... Embarrassed by the limited perspective my view of the world offers, and concerned my own faith or patriotism has often been used as a crutch to make me feel I was right without having an understanding of that which I considered wrong.
A friend of mine, (whom I agree with) recently voiced their shock and frustration with the fact that many in the audience during a recent GOP / Tea Party candidate debate, voiced their desire to avoid providing Health Care to those in need.
My friend's thoughts and their posted link: "We could not believe our ears last night during the Tea Party debate when the crowd screamed, "let him die", really? Hardly the party for life
If you're uninsured and on the brink of death, that's apparently a laughing matter to some audience members at last night's tea party Republican presidential debate. Texas Rep. Ron Paul, a doctor, was asked a hypothetical question by CNN host Wolf Blitzer about how society should respond if a health..."
My responce:
Quite frankly, it is in keeping with the biggest applause garnered during the previous week's Republican contender debate; when it was mentioned Gov Perry had the lead in executions, with over 230! To say the GOP is "Pro Life" is just a typical, slight-of-hand, brain washing for the sake of swaying Protestant votes.
** WARNING: A "how I really feel" moment, coming on...
Witnessing momentum from groups such as The Tea Party or the GOP within the South / South West / a.k.a. "Bible Belt" is a real shame to me.
A real shame to me when it seems so many of my fellow Christ followers, have just become "followers" of causes well outside of their faith; simply for the presumed sake of being loyal and following. So few seem to be questioning the facts and actual moralities of what they are seeing demonstrated within the very bodies they are choosing to support. That whole desire within a completely free Nation to imagine one is under persecution, can certainly be a bit contagious; and unfortunately, VERY misdirected towards so many of the wrong things! This apparent desire to "withstand persecution" is about the only thing I can assume is continuing to influencing the miss-directed loyalties of the Bible Belt / Christ Centered votes towards the GOP. It sure isn't the "facts" which are having an influence.
Such easy pray, has proven to be quite the easy voter conversions for decades within the GOP political machine. Brilliant marketing! And rather embarrassing for all of us Texan's; since no group has proven to be more susceptible than those within our apparent, peer pressured, peer susceptible, scared to think outside our box, "Bible Belt" followers. "Conservative thinking" is all most can relate to, perform or know. And unfortunately someone has convinced many that "conservative" (a.k.a. stalled, FROZEN, blindly loyal or paralyzed) thinking and being scared to call a spade a spade within their own previously aligned party factions, is the more "moral" way to be. It has become a religion in and of itself.
(One that has actually convinced many, that caring for the poor and sick is the cause of our debts! And that ignoring the TRILLIONS spent every decade on war is a normal or "moral" way to think! It has become an insanity! And my local, Christian, Brothers and Sisters can't seem to pull themselves free. They are actually joining movements to the contrary!)
However, such ignorance and naivety is as productive as denying scientific facts; so why not just throw in economics, biology, sociology, political science and humanities in the denial pool while your at it. We've already tossed physics, micro-biology, genetics and geology right out the window. This way the Christian community need not maintain any educated positions on ANYTHING significant. I've often said, "think goodness my more conservative Christian friends, don't believe Genesis addressed micro-processors or medicine."
- I Digress!
Life is lived well beyond the womb. To be Pro-War, Pro-Guns, Anti- Heath Care, Pro-Record Setting Death Penalties, etc... yet also claim you're "Pro Life" is just insane! It is like being Pro-Christ and Anti-Grace! Which is a another typical irony of the GOP! It is like being Christian and being Pro-GOP! Very ironic - isn't it??
I can't find any respect for these false divisions and false pretenses of morality any longer. Christ would have no part of such hypocrisy! Far to blatant to simply be ignored anymore. It is like trying to pretend "liberal thinking" isn't at the heart of this country's foundation and our most inspiring examples of progress!
Where would The Civil Right Movement,The Deceleration of Independence, Our Constitutional Amendments, Our Entrepreneurs, or any significant inventions, technological leaps or even our Faith be without Liberal Thinking?!?! The Tea Party will give birth to NOTHING! Nothing but animosity and a longer term rut!
(Try this: Name someone of significant influence to your Faith or our country's history, and research their own personal persuasion on such matters of thought. Edison, Thomas Jefferson, the Write Brothers, 99% of our Founding Fathers, Jesus Christ, you name it! ALL, THOUGHT AND PERSEVERED WELL OUTSIDE THEIR COMFORT ZONES. None, followed the pack, or were easily influenced by groups as lame as the GOP.)
If Christians continue to think their role is to fit into boxes and follow the masses or influence within their own tiny local communities, they will only serve to exacerbate this countries issues and the corruption of the political scene. Not impressive! A waste of one's faith and a waste of one's freedom to vote as individuals within a democracy; versus the brain dead reality of being so easily influenced by blind peers.
But I write all of this knowing full well the "backfire effect" will certainly play it's part in preventing anything mentioned here of having any influence on much of anything. :-) http://youarenotsosmart.com/2011/06/10/the-backfire-effect/
** The Back Fire Effect:
"The Misconception: When your beliefs are challenged with facts, you alter your opinions and incorporate the new information into your thinking.
The Truth: When your deepest convictions are challenged by contradictory evidence, your beliefs get stronger."
More specifically, how do you choose between an iPhone and an Android device?
The simple answer is:
If you want a toy - choose the iPhone
If you want a mobile computing TOOL - choose the Android device
If you don't mind Apple controlling the type of purchases you make and the price you pay for all Apps, Songs, Movies, Books, Magazines, Video Rentals, Audio Books, Etc., then get an iPhone.
If you don't mind or see an issue for the industry and future progress in Apple taking 30% of the profit from every single piece of software or media sold to be used on their device, then buy an iPhone.
If you would rather choose to buy or get your apps free from any online market you wish, and see each respective developer and Media publisher receiving anywhere from 90%-100% of the profit from each offering they sell or offer as a beneficial incentive and advantage, then choose Android.
If you have never previously owned a mobile device much fancier than a "feature phone" such as the Motorola Razor; and are more motivated by the fact that subsidized "smart phones" have finally broken below the $200 mark; you might just find yourself naturally peer pressured into buying an iPhone. You do it, simply because you know of other folks who have also. Good enough.
If you have used previous generations of Smart Phones and mobile computing devices and App stores (i.e. Handago, pocketgear, etc.,), well before the data and voice carriers offered subsidized plans on such powerful, versatile, past mobile devices. (i.e. Compaq iPaqs, HP iPaqs, Windows Mobile Phones, Windows CE ultra compact computers, Widows Tablets, Apple Newtons, Palm Devices, etc..) Then you will probably expect true mobile computing power right out of the gate for your next generation device.
Transitions for those requiring more serious or profitable tools will likely require such users to consider several advanced features and require their chosen device to depend on many standards and relevant innovations in order to capably depend on a device and it's chosen platform for many years to come. For instance; true multitasking is probably important to these users; a competitive wide open marketplace for Apps; as well as potentially quick built-in methods for entering data and effectively editing any and all document types; Therefore offerings such as an on-board or slide-away physical keyboard, etc.. Or at least options for industry standard add-ons and accessories, such as reusing your old monitor, bluetooth keyboard or existing wired or wireless mouse. Expandable and removable memory are probably a must, and the benefit of being able to slap in a 2nd or 3rd battery while traveling or during a day filled with heavy call volumes or data activity are all crucial considerations.
Again, if you just want a toy, get an iPhone; if you want a tool, get and Android device. Even if you are just the casual user but see benefits in using modern features such as High Definition video recording or movie viewing while on trips, you will want to strongly consider a device which again, provides expandable and removable storage, just as your digital camera and media playback devices in the past allowed you to depend on. At least having the ability to backup and/or charge your device using standard USB cables would also be a cost savings and convenient consideration for these casual users as well.
A couple of weeks ago it was news when Apple & MS partnered together in a $4.5B investment on 6000 Nortel Patents. Necessary purchase for Apple, since they have only made phones for a few years, yet market as if they innovated hardware. Patent portfolios are crucial to maintaining such a facade along w/ perceived market shares. Today the announcement was made Google bought Motorola's Mobile Division for $12.5B which provided 17k patents and 7.2k pending! Certainly is a trumped move insofar as phone based patent portfolios! 17,000 existing patents and over 7000 pending.
With motorola's established position within the cell phone market for decades, those have to be some substantial / crucial patents! Incredible for Android! I already loved my ATRIX and laptop dock, now I'm even more happy with the purchase. I hope they build on the innovation of Webtop, that the ATRIX provides, it is an incredibly useful exploitation of the fact Android is a VM!
This addition of such a massive amount of mobile computing and cell phone communication patents to the Android platforms growing portfolio, will only help further the gap between device made for serious mobile computing users and those centered around garnering additional profits from future media and game sales. Both devices have there place in the consumer market; some for business minded individuals and those seeking user based profits; and others for entertainment, disposability and better at simply providing more profitability to the device manufacturer. It is good to distinguish between the two prior to making your next purchase.
We live in a day and age where so much of our technology is already considered virtually disposable from it's first day of ownership; this further encourages an already rather fickled nature of early adopters and consumers of gadgets and electronics. In the case of mobile computing, the power is really in the connectivity and freedom it provides; therefore, any unforeseen mandate to be limited or vested towards one manufacture of a single proprietary device; it's un-transferable media; a single, uncompetitive, profit limiting, application market; and countless device specific hardware accessories, must be avoided.
Strongly consider a mobile computing platform which provides a the most powerful uses of all your costly hardware; the most connectivity and surfing freedom; and the most sustainable cost saving in the future. This platform should help you fully exploit the entire range of cloud based tools and connectivity options each web-day of progress is already providing and will reveal in the coming months and years. A platform you will therefor continue to see command the majority of users and in turn attract the most competent developers and future innovations.
This basis for freedom, value and versatility was the clear differentiator and reasons for domination during the 1st PC revolution and it will be the advantageous way to select your vested interest during this new mobile computing revolution. Leave the buying of toys for those adults who don't know any better. Spend your money on technology which avoids the agenda of trapping you into limited, proprietary ecosystems or restricted uses of the web.
+ Michael Hulme :: My Original FB Posting :: If U.S. Wars could be fought for reasons other than Oil and posturing within the middle East (again, for the sake of Oil), then I wish they could be fought for a cause such as preventing these INSANE human tragedies from continuing to occur year after YEAR! How did we ever expect to avoid reaping the results of our absolutely poor priorities? We must also quit allowing PIGS like Rupert Murdock and/or Rush Limbaugh's of contaminating the moral fabric and psyche of our country. We must remember that ours and other's freedoms are not defended for oil & consumerism but for life and liberty.
Somali Women Face Rape, Sexual Assault as They Flee Famine http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/east/Somali-Women-Face-Rape-Sexual-Assault-as-They-Flee-Famine----126598458.html "Women fleeing conflict and famine in Somalia are facing another threat to their lives, sexual assault. As they make the long journey from what was once their home to the world’s largest refugee complex at Dadaab, Kenya, women has to contend with being attacked and raped by armed militants and band the world to continue..." Posted about an hour ago · Nancy D., and others likes this.
+ Scott L., responded with: lmao! Posted about an hour ago ·
+ Scott L., responded with: OMG that site is funny! Posted about an hour ago ·
+ Scott L., responded with: We should send Michael Moore lmao! He could feed a bunch of em! Posted about an hour ago ·
+ Michael Hulme, responded with: Scott is a perfect example of the type of impact Rush L., Glen Beck, News Corp and other irresponsible, unaccountable U.S. "News" agencies, featuring editorialized, commentated resources have had on the morality, temperament and decision making process of many sub-cultures of Americans. They will mock topics such as rape or any other human tragedy (i.e. Earthquakes in Haiti) in a heartbeat; rather than ever attempt to review and question how easily influenced and manipulated such deplorable views and opinions have become. It is an odd sociological irony that he and I grew up in virtually the same neighborhood and region of the U.S.. (We actually shared Jr. High School classes together.)
I think his postings are a good thing nonetheless. Proves quite a vividly disgusting point, others might be overlooking or doubting, when a grown, thinking man can see fit to post "laughing my ass off" at a discussion about rape! Regardless, I have some respect for the fact that he continues to read folks postings whom feature opinions other than his. I did at one point have another outspoken FB friend; actually a close family member; who embodied quite the same persuasions which Scott represents; and he quickly "unfunded" our connection on FB. Therefor, I typically make concerted efforts not to insult his or other extremist's resolve when I can.
We must each work tirelessly to understand each other's differences or I'm afraid much fewer changes to such opposing cultures within our society will ever be made. So if asked, "is a guy like Scott part of the problem or part of the solution?" I would say just by virtue of his curiosity, and time spent replying, he may yet prove to be part of a solution for improving this state of our union and even its most misdirected priorities and current tendencies.
Recently, a brilliant Christian friend of mine, placed the following article within their social topics of interest:
"The scientific narrative actually points to a deeper narrative, which is that of God himself.” (Dr. Alister McGrath). The BioLogos Forum brings together some of the brightest minds in science today, this is refreshing and much needed challenge to the Evangelical community."
Thanks for sharing this video snippet and article! It opens strong with, Dr. John Polkinghorne: “The doctrine of creation isn’t about how things began, it’s about why things exist, what holds the world in being. The Christian belief is that it is the will of God that holds the world in being.”
As well, it closes with such a crucial point! “I don’t want people abandoning the faith because they find out that evolution is really real. It is God’s truth. So here we have this segment, this all-important segment of God’s people, who are out of touch with God’s reality. I mean, it is God’s universe! This natural world is God’s creation—and so the people, who especially need to be in touch with God’s reality, are off in a corner.”
So the question is quite a hot topic for discussion: Can the Evangelical community embrace actual scientific narratives?
Unfortunately, as we head forward on this topic; we must keep in mind the following psychological tendencies:
Common Misconception: When your beliefs are challenged with facts, you alter your opinions and incorporate the new information into your thinking. The Truth: When your deepest convictions are challenged by contradictory evidence, your beliefs get stronger.
Far to many American, Protestant, Christian's thrive or gain purpose and meaning from the thought that they are standing strong in the face of mounting persecutions! Unfortunately, to this end, countless believers are therefor inspired and actually insist, (and are unfortunately teaching their children) disproved notions, like the Earth is a mere 6,000 years old! All in the name of defending what they believed to be an interpreted history of story of creation form the book of Genesis.
Given the fact Science has continued throughout history to advance our understanding of the Earth and its position within the universe; (Take a look at this past Blog, "To Much Potential") children within households being taught to deny current scientific facts are much more likely to face countless, serious, adolescent crisis when finally made aware of current facts. Such rude awakenings will undoubtedly lead to more than just questioning of one's faith. More likely, those victimized by such narrow minded, mislead, "sheltered", naive theology will unfortunately struggle with and often commit to disavowing their a seemingly, irrelevant, childhood/ish faith entirely. It would be so much more prudent and healthy for children to be taught how readily available scientific facts can and should coexist within their faith, they
There are few things more tragic, not to mentioning more damaging to the future of the Christian church, than those parents (who are in some cases unwittingly,) making their children chose between facts or faith. I so respect those parents who are able to let go of their own pride, or perhaps their own personal need to feel they are "defending their God" and undergoing imaginary persecutions in the name of their love for Him.
Fear of the Unknown:
Perhaps many Christian's continue be fearful of today's science simply because they feel they can never take the time necessary to understand all of the research which is available to those wishing to grasp more complex topics. Therefor they feel they must find a trust, or "faith" as it were in it's resulting facts.
So this fear or denial of facts, is more accurately centered around a notion that "believers" can not place their faith in anything but God. As a result they choose to fear what they do not understand when ever man is the source of such confusing or complex facts and topics.
Again, this fear is based on a "loyal" feeling, one suggesting they should only maintain a blind faith (or any faith) in those things which they can understand God is directly involved in. This creates a most unfortunate paradox, when you consider it prevents any such believes from trusting much of anything beyond their own understanding, experience and/or education; unless it is that of theological topics centered around their faith, which they then choose to accept as a mystery God has not yet chosen to reveal the "truth and understanding" for. This perceived expectation of trust in, or faith towards, a science, is confused as a direct challenge to their faith and loyalty to God.
It is truly an odd paradox and very upsetting struggle for many; Choosing to form a prejudice against something in the name of your faith in God. Choosing to loose site of valid, scientific facts presented to us daily within our modern society, feeling the vast amounts of related research are far to lengthy or complicated to understand and therefor arguing the results are potentially a persecution against ones faith in God. All of these fears motivations are worthy of personal introspection, in order to help unravel and let go of.
There are many reasons within any society, modern or ancient, that people often fear what they don't understand. Many of those within Religious categories make the irrational assumption that something not understood is therefor evil. Such narrow minded thinking plagues our society to this day, with what must be described the most destructive social vices of human history; that of extreme prejudices against those whom are different from us, or have an different understanding than us.
Topics centered around scientific facts, as well as countless others, are certainly not immune from such damaging fears and faith-based prejudice.
Definition: A prejudice is a prejudgment, an assumption made about someone or something before having adequate knowledge to be able to do so with guaranteed accuracy.
I find it shameful when a faith, based on Grace and Atonement, fails to serve as a Faith which understands and accepts it's own ignorance or need to learn. Faith should encourage us to embrace humility openly; rather than pridefully defend inaccurate positions. Additionally, such faithful believers must work to convey to such peers a God which is not the source of fears, prejudisim and skepticism's of other's.
Shunning or doubting, simply because discussions and topics present facts, research, science and theories; which a typical, faithful believer may know very little about; is just not acceptable or productive towards the advancement of ideas, learning or faith. Nor are such typical, "causes for concern" involving science, within the average layperson grasp, education level, field of expertise or thorough understanding. Therefor, any individual's struggle between science and faith, must avoid at all cost, accepting fear based terms or categories such as, "good science" or "bad science", as a guide or reason to relate, condone or dismiss and potentially retaliate an opportunity to learn and grow one's knowledge.
Why would anyone believing in a God, whom is described as being "beyond their own comprehension", choose to disbelieve and explain away the nature of our planets existence and history, through unfounded claims that scientist are lying to us or to themselves. None of these ENORMOUS beliefs should coexist with such NARROW thinking! Nor should, relentless, fear based prejudice and pride-filled desires recklessly act as if they are defending a "truth", when all that is being shamefully, insecurely postured is a defiant, dismissive attitude towards real facts and/or sound science based on current and growing knowledge within a viable field of study.
Poor Ministries:
Few Evangelical Christians ever hear sermons as well rounded and with the breadth and understanding of ministries such as the one delivered in the following video. If more sermons would approach responsible, modern day learning and interpretations in this manor, who knows how the Christian church might be flourishing, and who knows what additional depth our sciences would rise to, or these levels of intelligent discussion one might witness regularly within many more modern Christian congregations.
Untitled from BioLogos Foundation Inc on Vimeo. Believing God is Threatened:
Is science really EVER a threat to sovereignty? How could that EVER be so? Isn't that very notion simply a form of human arrogance and ego? The human desire to defend, to wage war, to battle a viewpoint. We should not attempt to live a life a Faithful followers of an almighty all knowing God, and then reduce him down to the complexities and the conceivable bickering's of our own human minds and our own limited imaginations.
In an article entitled "The Backfire Effect", such backwards tendencies are summarized as the following physiological activities:
"Once something is added to your collection of beliefs, you protect it from harm. You do it instinctively and unconsciously when confronted with attitude-inconsistent information. Just as confirmation bias shields you when you actively seek information, the backfire effect defends you when the information seeks you, when it blindsides you. Coming or going, you stick to your beliefs instead of questioning them. When someone tries to correct you, tries to dilute your misconceptions, it backfires and strengthens them instead. Over time, the backfire effect helps make you less skeptical of those things which allow you to continue seeing your beliefs and attitudes as true and proper." http://bit.ly/jnvPkw
Quite the psychosis, and quite definitely a rebellious psychology none of us should want to be guilty of. Certainly not when discussing and advancing our own beliefs in our faith of the Almighty, the maker of Heaven and Earth. Do such psychological tendencies perhaps beg the question; or in actuality pose an answer, as to why Christian's, (or any other religious, social or political group) are so susceptible at times to inaccurate thinking, rather than inerrant truths? After all, stagnation and/or a rebellion towards new knowledge was never a theological goal of the Gospels.
Seemingly Unaware of Current Tools:
As for the children of these faithful, faith-filled believers; how else can they reconcile what they have been taught as "truth", once they realize they have been misled on so many scientific points? Not to mention, much of these "fundamental" believers are standing on what they believe to be the "inerrant word of God"; which then requires you question the entire text if you believe any of it to not mean the interpretation you have been taught. A truly horrible paradox for this young, impressionable audiences.
We live in an information age, an age of true knowledge dissemination on a level never before seen. While persecution is a reality for millions of non-Americans, around the world; We often witness many Christians in the U.S., gravitate towards areas of controversy simply so we can feel we have shown our love for God through the defense of false persecutions. This is often fueled and justified through a theology thanks to the continual presence of sin, you must always be on the lookout for and defend against, any and all "secular" notions or origins of thought.
This resulting distortion of facts and even paranoia, not only effects the way many Christian's now vote, and the resulting irrelevance of certain, politicized, modern topics of controversies, they now passionately cling to; but also their ability blatantly denial of countless scientific facts. Mind you, these are scientific facts which God's gift providing us this life in such a rich, modern, capable country has made each of us generously privy to. Just shameful to not find thanks for each area and category of these many blessings!
(This is a topic I have obviously struggled with and spent far to many years toiling over, given my own struggle and transition during college from that of a Religion Major, preparing for the ministry; to that of Physics, geared towards computer engineering. Since those days, the entire text where related to Physics and Astronomy has under gone a true renascence in advancements; while so many, if not MOST of my Christians friends along the way, have often missed out on this incredible era of research and revelation due to a fear of it's conflicts with faith.)
An Evangelism Which Actually Destroys Progress:
It does so little to expand a movement of Christianity within our, informed, modern country; to denying indisputable facts based on reliable science. It completely and utterly destructive when one considers each of our believer's children need only turn to their smart phones for the actual FACTS of; Microbiology, Physics, Astronomy, Genetics, you name it! And it is an odd misconception that something is a disputable fact, simply because a group chooses to dispute it.
Science, freely admits when a fact is not proven, this is the nature of all scientific methodologies. However, the modern field of science also avoids wasting its' time addressing groups which offer disputes, if and when they are unqualified and technically incapable of challenging previously published results. Life is far to short, and budgets far to tight for legitimate scientific organizations to waste time on such odd social tendencies.
It is unfortunately the responsibility therefor of the Christian community itself to police the fallacies often propagated within the modern Christian Church. One such example of a Christian organization working to unravel many of, shall we say, the more ignorant and therefore damaging testimony's now circulating within the church is, The BioLogos Foundation. http://biologos.org/resources/conversations/
One of their recently released video's attempts to address the recent trend of using the term and pseudoscience of "Intelligent Design" as a platform for discussing God's role in our current evolution. You can imagine how frustrating it is, to depend on the financial backing of even more Christians, in order to try and advance the thinking of Fundamentalist Christian. All in an attempt to prevent further damage to the sanctity, sanity and growth of the Christian movement. Tough job, but someone clearly has GOT TO DO IT!
Other's Simply Don't Respect This Foolish Discussion:
Perhaps it is indeed, ironic, the scientist own lack of grace and patients for this section of society, which future fuels Christian's stance of "persecution"? You can certainly understand why scientific organization have no funding, nor desire to relate to; or pay homage and therefor dignify groups; whom are not seemingly capable of looking towards factual information, versus theology to guide and direct their "understanding" of facts. Not to mention there is so little "passions" directed at refuting Christian's uninformed claims in these ares of science, since such disputes do very little towards gaining additional funding or private and government support. Further perpetuating, some Christian's mistaken interpretation of "shutting the other side up", finding validity in the scientific community's lack of attention or blatant resistance.
Perhaps the prayer which should be continually offered by more informed Christian's; those capable and willing to embrace scientific facts along side faith; must pray, more Scientist taking the time to help and inform this sub-culture of well-meaning, faith based, believers. Through an attempt to respect and approach their VERY different approaches to life, long enough to share how research and definitive approaches to scientific methodologies and resulting test and facts are derive through the progressions of all scientific fields and bodies of research.
However, even as I write this, I think of those countless folks, whom we all know, which will simply never be receive such scientific facts or reason. Again, they feel they are defending a persecution of faith, and God is counting on them to ward off these miss-guided challenges to His will and truth. Mighty powerful position in one's psyche to over come. We can all see shy the scientist capable of "shedding light" don't bother.
Bullets Dodged:
I often say, thank goodness folks don't interpret Genesis as a guide to the truth within the medical field or civil engineering. Many more lives would be at risk each day. Fortunately, their current qualms with Micro-Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Geology, Astronomy, Physics, etc., haven't cost near as many daily lives yet. And countries like ours are still wise enough to continue minimal funding for such research and exceptional advances in each of these fields. But much more needs to be done.
Beyond the slowing or blatant damage ever actually caused to advancements in crucial ares of science through any naive cross-section of voters; it simple saddens me, when well-meaning folks, act as if Genesis offers us a record which explains how any science lies! Since they are misunderstanding that crucial opening point about the doctrine of creation; and again, creating a paradox which I'm certain so many 21st century children will have an impossible time reconciling, once they are more mature and more factually knowledgeable. And who's family will ever benefits by such division and late adolescent "searching", once outside of their parents trust, leadership and wisdom?
Beating a Dead Horse:
Sorry to shed once again such a naive stricken tendency on the Evangelical Christian movement; given my previous blog entry, discussing the bizarre tendency and brilliant targeting of those willing to vote for a Pro-War political party within a Federal election, the name of Pro-life and anti Gay marriage issues; which are actually always governed by our individual States. "No Lemmings in Heaven"
However, there simply must be a movement, an education, towards unraveling such irrational contradictions and reasons for faith, false interpretations and misguided morality. It is quite possible, the primary immorality such antics will one day be known for, is that of riotous indignation based on ridiculous denial of the most basic and obvious facts. Surely this is not the goal of Fundamentalist?
At least I didn't title this blog, "Making FUN of DA MENTAL approach, to Fun-da-mental Christianity." It was under strong consideration. -jk-
Perhaps, I need to take a good lesson on sugar coating my mutually, lovingly intentioned banters? Naa - life's to short. This blog entry was long enough! Any potential audience of young Christians are already confused enough.
Heard it asked recently, "can an anti-war republican win the GOP nomination?" I find it disturbing that a party has found strength in bolstering such diametrically apposed campaign positions, and no one targeted by these antics seems to be passionately discussing this irony!
While most are certainly aware this is the same political party which has not so sneakily depended on the Protestant Christian's vote in every modern election; why is more not made of the fact, their attempt to devise broad majority support, also requires a simultaneously "Pro-Life" and apparently "Pro-War" vote!? Huh??
If we are honest, we must admit this bazaar stretch of values is far from the only Irony within the GOP's extremely well marketed campaign agenda's; each of which are seemingly dependent on, completely blind, party loyalties, and often require a faith-filled audience, who place their religious faith on the back of political agendas each time they head to the polls. When in fact a person's religion should rarely find such refuge or parallels.
A better question perhaps, than "what has become of Washington?"; might be, "what have our party caucuses become?" Not to mention the other, hot topic of late; the slight-of-hand issue of "Lowering Taxes", which is quite simply "Spending MORE" by another name! ...so odd to me these lame tactics work on our presumably, information age driven, "educated", Christian, population! It does perhaps prove the information age adage, "garbage in, garbage out!"
Further ironic for the Protestant side of this GOP coin; the only candidate qualified to run the United States of America in over a decade, (which the GOP has only half-heartedly supported,) is most likely Mitt Romney. Simply review any and all aspects of his education, personal & professional background and exceptional values. However, the GOP's misguided, seemingly cultic at this point; and as a result, misled regardless of faith, voters; wont be able to support him once again, purely because he is a Mormon.
Such misguided positions, (which also require ignorantly substituting State Constitutional provisions as valid topics of debate, during Federal elections; i.e. Gay Right & abortion, which are all governed and enforced at a State level,) will forever be the linchpin representing why our most capable and educated candidates for such complex Federal offices will never be the "chosen" candidates by the GOP's caucus.
Further considering this exhausting reality, that a vast amount of GOP voters would rather have an oval office occupant, based simply on their time spent sitting in a Protestant church pew, during some potentially postured period of life; regardless of any way they have actually lived his or her adult life, and with NO regard to their education or competence; you easily gain an understanding for the resulting landscape of past, present and apparently future GOP candidates. Sadly, any idealized, Protestant Christian candidate, could easily have a two digit IQ capable of doing little more than wrecking this countries standings; it matters not, so long as he or she campaigns as a devout "Protestant Christian", and is somewhat campaign coach-able, he or she will receive an oddly guaranteed percentage of right wing votes.
Even if you don't agree with all such prevalent statistics or my vague interpretation of past and potential GOP hopefuls; you must admit such campaign approach are absolute marketing genius. One so effectively able to prey on those who pray; and as a result, depend on little more than the needs of those blinded by faith to chose candidates they feel God must have had a hand in choosing. No one can deny such claims are now a mainstay for any GOP candidate to have a chance at securing the highest political office. And given the fact we as Christians are actually called by faith to NEVER "judge" any man's eternal salvation; and therefor have no real position for doubting his or her own claims of faithfulness; we support said candidates with very little or no useful scrutiny.
As a result, within the largest most successful Democracy in human history, you now see vast amounts of votes redirected from a population of those faithful towards a Christ centered God, cast on a blind faith of political propaganda, incapable of actually knowing or determining any man's personal salvation or faith; much less discerning the hype of a campaign or one's character and priorities. Not sure if this is really what God called his children to so blindly accept. A truly embarrassing "witness" for a world wide audience to witness! And quite frankly, having a blind faith in God, should NEVER be exchanged, substituted or directed towards a mere mortal man; regardless of his party affiliation. (And I add that last point of "party affiliation", was made strictly to point out how ridiculous such, U.S., Protestant, Christian trends, truly are!) Faith-filled people should never be taken advantage of in this manner, but sadly, they often are.
Seems to me, we as modern Christians are instead called to have "discernment" for which values within our own personal views, truly represent those of Christ own living witness as he roamed amongst us. In what way did his values not represent that of forgiveness for other's sins and taking care of those amongst us who can not take care of themselves? As well as at the very least, avoiding the needless, continual bloodshed of others? What a sad distortion of one's faith, when it instead becomes polarized through political loyalties and influences based on copying ones peers or moving with the masses, rather than withstanding such sneaky persecutions and the ever present false posturing of political propaganda machines.
I am personally sadden to see any Christian friends of mine act as if there is any faith based factual way to believe the GOP is the Christian party, or the "right" choice based on such peer influenced beliefs; versus a good hard personal evaluation of comparing any parties agenda to that of Christ encouragements to each of us.
Get it together people. Think for yourselves, ask the hard questions, understand why our Federal constitution is only 11 pages and our state constitution is over 300! Ask yourself if the "blind" reasons you think you are nominating and voting for a Federal Candidate are indeed relevant to this countries needs?
Vote like God gave you an independent ability to think for yourself. Quit depending on the influence of those around you; insofar as striving to simply feel secure and loyal to your own potentially incestuous circle of influence, congregational fervor or endless amounts of local community or random product sponsored national media. God wants your loyalty focused on the life of Christ, not hidden agendas or those stricken by far less admirable standards and influence.
You should hope to not only make your Christian vote a smart vote, but also the most "Christ like" vote you can personally muster! This may very well mean asking yourself everyday, if the commentators, news papers, friends and even pulpits you depend on are basing their own views on the qualities you know Christ to have died for? Do you know what atonement means? Are you able to distinguish the difference between grace and religion? Do you know how to forgive those who are not perfect? Do you know how to forgive yourself? Are you working on each of these endeavors daily? Are you voting for a candidate which you know will have policies that represent such Faith and values?
Life is to short to not ask these and many more tough questions. Our countries survivability depends on this level of discernment and voting, which must therefor have little to nothing to do with party loyalty or blindly and easily influenced voters. A vote based on the lessons and behaviors Christ taught us to respect and live, must have and far more to do on very personal research and assessments of the character and stewardship of the man, his life, his education, his history and his ability to guide the Federal and World Wide impacts his or her Presidency will have on our country and those beyond its' man made borders. Time to stretch, time to learn, time to pray, time to discern, then time to vote...
Posts
