BECOMING GENUINE DAILY

"Detach"

"Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop."
--Ovid

"I want to break free."
--Queen

An article by Mark Bittman appeared in The New York Times recently, a piece on disconnection from technology. Oddly enough, he references a term already appearing in BLOGS on the web: "secular Sabbath". In short, he is taking a day to "unplug" from the PDA, the notebook, the RSS feeds, the text messages, the unending e-mails. Reports are surfacing on web addiction, people who overextend daily time for gaming, gambling, networking, BLOGGING and shopping. Web addiction is only theory now, but research continues to build credibility. Bittman conducted his disconnection on a Saturday, also eliminating the television too, characterizing his early disposition by uneasiness, a twitch. In short, however, he succeeded. He filled his open time with reading (newspapers, books), a walk with the iPod, a nap, a cup of tea, a stare out the window. Now six months in, he summarizes his newfound clarity like this: "I felt connected to myself rather than my computer. I had time to think, and distance from normal demands. I got to stop."

Unsure why Bittman utilizes the term "secular Sabbath", I think I know now: no spiritual framework underscores his life. However, if someone without belief in a higher presence recognizes the importance of mental rest, this is a cue for all theists. God placed it in motion. In the Genesis story, Moses writes, "God blessed the seventh day and made it holy." This day is unique, distinct, special. The Hebrew word for "Sabbath" is shabbat and means "to cease". It is simple to forget, but taking part in Sabbath is noted in the Ten Commandments too. Accordingly, it is good to know God revises the covenant; a statement in Exodus outlines this reality: "Anyone who does work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death." A pragmatic understanding of Sabbath is good. Seven days of unending work exacts harsh toll on the mind, the body, the spirit. In turn, fatigue lingers. Frustration lingers. Distress lingers. A day for rest recharges the body in every way.

My understanding and exercise of Sabbath started before I studied this article, but I find the practice a continuing challenge. Sabbath falls on Sunday for me, a time for morning church. I go early, acquiring groceries on the way home, undoubtedly a convenience. I don't know if this process constitutes work, but I decided to stop, moving it to Friday or Saturday. And I find myself meditating on the activities I practice on Sunday, reflecting on the word "work". Writing books is the task I have yet to reconcile; it requires the computer notebook in the office. I do not consider writing work, but play, joy, release. If I choose to relinquish the notebook though, I may return to the pen. I go for my weekend run on Saturday, but notice this is not always possible. In turn, I'm not surprised I take part in this exercise on Sunday afternoon if needed, for it is also a "rest" for me, a journey from my home, my comfort zone. I dive into my music, meditate on the lyrics, meditate on the sky, clouds, grass, bugs, water and rocks encircling me. I meditate on personal growth. I meditate on God. And I am restored, refreshed.

The joy of Sabbath for me is also expressed in a buzzword always gaining traction: community. Growing up in the South, this gathering is underscored by family. And by food, "breaking bread" with others. It's odd, but I remember complaints from my mouth growing up when a journey to grandmother's house unfolded. I suppose the distance irked me, but I quickly checked my ornery demeanor at the door when kitchen aromas consumed my nostrils. I enjoyed the roast, the green beans, the salad, the potatoes, the ice cream. And I enjoyed the candy bar my grandfather always dropped into my hand before departure. Trips to my grandmother's house are rare now, but I cherish the opportunities. I also "break bread" with buddies now. We rest in the good company of one another, ruminating on life, marriage, career, cars, technology, news. This ability to slump in the seat is good. We forget the watch and notice we seem to be the remaining patrons in the restaurant, the hallmark of good conversation.

When I study the Scriptures, it's amazing to watch Jesus upend regulations. This is the danger in practicing disciplines, becoming consumed with the details, forgetting the spirit behind the practice. Jesus reminds listeners it is important (lawful) to "do good on the Sabbath". Another difficulty in practicing Sabbath is the resulting uneasiness Bittman referenced. It's odd, but the feeling of productivity overcomes the soul, the mind. A drive to be in motion is in constant conflict with a focus on sustained rest. And oddly enough, when one returns to work, days of productivity call the body into rest, retreat, refuge. This is the tension. I wish work were not cursed, not coupled with toil. Ironically, when one completes a task requiring difficulty, overtime, sweat falling from the brow, a strong sense of satisfaction fills the spirit. King Solomon outlines this principle in a book of wisdom (Proverbs), writing, "All hard work brings profit." When I ponder my current circumstances, when I ponder life, I wish work existed without financial responsibility, expenses to meet. I look forward to a day this ceases.

Numerous people know this, but I am currently not working right now. Like the home search in 2007, the search for new work is consuming my daily time in 2008. It is with authority I write this piece on the tension I live in, for two realities are part of me on a daily basis, two realities holding choice: work and Sabbath. I spend my days on the computer, looking for a new position, trying to wait patiently. But with no work setting to report to, the pull of distractions is undoubtedly evident; movies, television, video games, writing and other websites vie for my attention. Staying focused is difficult. And the conclusion zero work equates with happiness is incorrect. I'm eager to return to work, for it is only now I know the type of work I seek. But when I return to day after day of productivity, a simple feeling will return to my soul: rest, disconnect, peace, recharge. It seems obvious, but the word "sabbatical" is derived from Sabbath. It is extended rest, a long leave from work. I didn't volunteer for this leave, but will return to work rested, wise, focused. And I will continually remember to toil for six days, retire on the seventh.

Bittman, Mark. "I Need a Virtual Break. No, Really." The New York Times. 3.2.08. 4.30.08
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/fashion/02sabbath.html

"Spark"

"Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence."
--Eric Fromm

"Love is only a dirty trick played on us to achieve continuation of the species."
--William Maugham

Valentine's Day wrapped up recently, a day roses, chocolates, cards and stuffed animals sell very well. But in recent years, others are marking this day by new meaning, a new anthem, mantra: Singles Awareness Day. The idea seems silly, but is it truly the expression of independence or the mark of the lonely, a mask concealing solitary frustration? I'm inclined to think both emotions are evident. One who is still single, I have a deep disdain for this "holiday", but know it is the simple reminder diligence must mark my search for relationship. My distaste for this holiday is simple too: if people require one day reminding them romance is still necessary, I surmise the bond is slowly breaking. I don't recognize my expertise on relationships for one moment, but know I have learned much in life studying the interactions of others; I examine arguing and conflict resolution, crying and consolation, division and compromise. In fact, I remember lying in my bed 3-4 years ago, adjacent to the window. I sleep well, but noises outside wake my rest. And although I cannot recall the duration between encounters, I can still hear the verbal abuse between neighbors, three marriages, six people, three unique nights. I cracked my window and listened in, spirit sinking, heart racing. I wondered if extreme behavior would follow the exchange...silence soon filled the streets, but I do know one marriage is no longer in tact.

Love is always mysterious, always changing, redefined through society. Psychology has much to say on this subject too. Helen Fisher, an anthropology professor at Rutgers University, divides love into three phases in Anatomy of Love: lust, attraction, attachment. In the lust phase, initial attraction is simple sexual instinct; over time, lust gives way to attraction. Fidelity becomes a cornerstone of the relationship too. And attraction leads to attachment, a bond forged through shared interests. I think of it as a lifetime friendship. When I meditate on long-term relationships, I have come to the conclusion marriage is the best step. But when I study the figures, it is always disconcerting. Current studies place the divorce rate at roughly 52%. So when I consider this reality, fear grips my spirit from time to time. I wonder whether I will go the distance or simply become part of the figures.

In the Scriptures, much is written on the subject of love. One Hebrew word for "love" is ahab and simply means "love"; a Greek word for "love", better known, is agape and means "good will" or "unselfish". I believe the Greek rendition is the mark of good relationships, marriages. I think the person who also grasps the agape state of mind recognizes love will not always be returned. But the person continues to love nonetheless. A good friend is writing a book on marriage, and I wish to paraphrase his understanding of this bond: marriage is not a focus of meeting needs. If it is, one can withhold from the other and resentment can quickly gain footing. Marriage is framed by this clarity: "I don't need you to meet my needs. God provides for me. I want you to want me, not need me."

I suppose a natural question arises: sex is not a need? The only necessary context for sex is the procreation of the species, carrying on the family name. While this is noble, Jesus teaches listening ears on people who are single in terms of sex by way of birth (impotence), castration, ("the hands of men") or simply refusing marriage (and thus sex) by focusing on kingdom revelation. Sex always seems to be downplayed or suppressed in the church, but the Scriptures reveal otherwise. For example, Song of Songs is overlooked, but I'm told it contains the most risque language in the book's text. The phrase "become one flesh" is repeatedly used and St. Paul writes on partners "coming together" for the purpose of avoiding temptation and exercising self-control. He even comments on the difficulties that inevitably arise in the marriage bond, writing, "Those who marry will face many troubles in this life." Indeed.

Michael Leunig states, "Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that." Love seems simple, but I don't know if it will ever be fully understood. It's discussed in words, but the feeling cannot always be put into text. Jesus also marks his students by this action: love one another. And I wonder if love can exist without God. Much writing exists in this moment on a belief in the absence of God, but if this is so, where does love originate? With each passing day, this belief love is not mutually exclusive from God is confirmed. And oddly enough, I cannot put the logic for this into words...it is a feeling. But I think God puts it best after the first human wanders the globe: "It is not good for man to be alone." I think the better rendition is "lonely", for a clear distinction exists between "alone" and "lonely"; the former denotes the absence of people and the latter denotes the absence of community, relationship. At times, however, the distinction blurs.

When I ponder marriage, it's simple to think mine will not go the distance. The figures confirm this reality. But I wish to buck the system and take my relationship for life. And this lays in my willingness to go forward day after day, a clarity I have discovered in the words of Sheryl Crow. She recently shared an interview with Reader's Digest on breast cancer, her music and her new son. Engaged three times, Crow has never married. Her sisters are both divorced too. Asked about best advice on relationships, she puts it this way: "When I was engaged the second time, I asked my mom how she and dad made it for so many years (53). She said that every single day, you have to decide you're committed to the person." Maybe this is the mark of the long marriage, the decision to choose one's spouse everyday, whether through word or action. Conflicts will arise, tension will arise, tears will arise, but unselfish, peaceful love moves into chaos and settles the storm. Dean Martin puts it best: "That's amore."

References:

Helen Fisher. Wikipedia. 2.14.08. 3.13.08 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Fisher_%28anthropologist%29

Fisher, Helen. Anatomy of Love.
New York: Ballantine Books, 1994.

Davidson, Sara. "Crow's Nest".
Reader's Digest, March 2008: 108.

"God Box"

"Every day people are straying away from the church and going back to God."
--Lenny Bruce

"To listen to some devout people, one would imagine that God never laughs."
--Ghose Aurobindo

Divine Caroline, a website devoted to women, recently posted a story on church signs with intriguing messages. While many are humorous, others focus on the commonplace fear element, the eternal damnation visible to motorists who drive by. I wonder from time to time whether these statements continue to hold the impact for change. Meditating on the images, the text, the mind of the observer, I'm coming to the conclusion the simple answer is no. When I study the United States, I detect cynicism rising through the disposition of society; furthermore, I find it difficult to unravel this feeling succinctly. Turning to headlines, however, snapshots validate this state of mind: corruption, molestation, exclusivity, arrogance, indifference. In terms of psychology, people are creatures of habit. Accordingly, they size one another up quickly by group. And the exceptions are unfortunately singled out as a representation of the whole. And churches do not escape this tendency.

With this in mind, why does the church exist? If the answer to this supposedly simple question is experiencing God, I have no reason for visiting the church. In fact, I find it sporadically distracting in the quest to rest in the silence and meditate on circumstances, accomplishments, failures, others. Focus is continually breached in the building by lighting, noise, children and movement. And when these stimuli occur, concentration on deeper truths is broken, concentration difficult to reacquire. I know the discipline of stillness is always challenging, but disconnecting from the "noise" of life liberates my mind, my spirit, my body in numerous ways. The psalmist captures the words of God in 46:10--"Be still and know that I am God." The stillness becomes my "church" when I strike the keys and outline my thoughts, crack open the next book and lose myself in the story, reflect on the day and the accomplishments or failures. Neglecting the noise becomes my ally. Knowing God exists outside brick walls, the question concerning church existence remains.

I find myself telling people I'm a "maven", a term Malcom Gladwell outlines in his amazing book The Tipping Point (Back Bay Books, 2002). When I use this word, I define it by the way I continually look for knowledge, wisdom in society, news, BLOGS, articles, conversations, victories, failures, disagreements with others. I wholeheartedly believe in the value of education and the impact it creates during one's life. Millions darken the church doors for education, teaching on the Scriptures and the crossover they reveal in life. But do I need the church, a minister for wisdom regarding the Scriptures?  No. I can study the texts by myself and reference other materials as needed. I meet people from time to time who are consumed with hearing a "word" from God every Sunday, disappointed when they don't. Do they think it only comes through the mouth of one minister? Do they find clarity in personal study, meditation?

Have you noticed the egotism in this reflection yet? While it is not readily visible, the aforementioned thoughts focus on the personal relationship with God. The church is devoid. But this personal relationship is the reason I'm continuing to discover why I choose to step through church doors. The reason is very simple: I love people. I love the members of my family, more now than ever. I love my friends, the ones I know now and the ones I have not yet met. I love the people I wholeheartedly disagree with. Why? They give me reason to think deeper; they criticize that which needs reform, revision. The world is ugly, and much exists to hate. It is always easier to hate the person, but should the action not be the focus of scorn? When people are pushed or deeply hurt, irrational actions take over the mind. Every one is wounded in one way or another. And this is the recognition which leadings to healing, reconciliation.

The church (or mosque or synagogue or cathedral) is not comprised of bricks, mortar; it is the collection of people who share similar outlooks (beliefs) concerning life. Why do denominations exist? Variety is the spice of life. Extremes exist, but if one is willing to hold conversations and come to middle ground, hope undoubtedly lingers. In the words of John Lennon, "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one." I'm inclined to think I'm not the only one. I hope others think on this sporadically. In the Scriptures, the word "church" does not exist until Jesus shares it with his students. The Greek word for church is ekklesia and is defined this way: "a gathering of citizens". And this gathering is the reason I step through church doors to reconnect with others. Oddly enough, this is the irony--music and teaching, elements many define "church" by, take away from this opportunity. Availability for conversation is contingent on the arrival of people too. When I step back, however, I recognize the books I read are written by people. I recognize the Scriptures are documented by people. I recognize music cannot exist without energy or wind moving through it.

If one outlines church by the gathering of citizens, numerous possibilities open. Accordingly, this is the way I'm coming to redefine the church: it is not a building, but a movement, people joining together for the purpose of common good, uplifting others who are in need. Consider Google, the search engine juggernaut. MSNBC reported yesterday the company is giving a free phone number and voicemail to the entire base of homeless citizens in San Francisco. This project will help people list phone numbers on job applications (which require callback numbers) and return to the workforce quickly. I discover wisdom and God inside church walls, but it is no longer the primary reason for my attendance. I know my solo efforts can only go so far, but the collective willingness of people to unite for the sake of helping others is truly the way goodness moves through the world.

References:

MSNBC, "Google Gives All SF Homeless Free Voicemail". 2.28.08. 2.29.08. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23377190

"FFR" (part II)

"The royal road to a man's heart is to talk to him about the things he treasures most." --Dale Carnegie

"Anger and intolerance are the twin enemies of correct understanding." --Mahatma Gandhi

I check the Digg! site everyday for articles, news, images and videos of note around the web. "Diggers" make large or small stories visible for others by increasing popularity through voting; the higher the number of "diggs", the quicker a story moves up in rank. Oddly enough, I noticed numerous posts on Scientology last week in the Digg! site, the religion developed by L. Ron Hubbard in 1952. Numerous people know about this unique religion through Tom Cruise. Cruise continues to be vocal about the impact Scientology is having in his life, but erratic behavior on the Today Show with Matt Lauer regarding psychiatry and couch jumping on Oprah create suspicion for this system of beliefs. The posts on Digg are focused on a person (or group) simply known as "Anonymous". They are committed to destroying the presence Scientology has on the web. Thus far, they have hacked the primary site (www.scientology.org) and crippled the server. Other sites part of this religion are being slowed down or removed too. This "war" seems to stem from efforts by Scientology members who wish to have a video with Tom Cruise discussing his beliefs taken down from the web. When the smoke clears, both the church and "Anonymous" will continue their respective missions.

What strikes me in this battle of the wills is the intolerance present on both sides. "Anonymous" makes its claims, as do the members of Scientology. But each is deeply at odds with one another. "Tolerance" continues to be a buzzword in America, a nation of numerous ideologies, philosophies and systems of belief. Atheists, agnostics, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, scientologists and followers of Jesus interact on a daily basis. While spiritual discussions tend to be minimal in the workplace, they blossom outside the corporate environment. And this leads one full circle to the first amendment, the cornerstone of the United States: freedom of speech. In terms of the deeper questions of life, I call this freedom conversation, the ebb and flow of healthy dialogue and debate. The conversation, albeit deep, is quite simple: one person opens his or her mouth and talks about what's near and dear to the heart. The person across the table then takes his or her turn. But what underscores conversation with integrity is the recognition people share similar beliefs. Members of society are always quick to outline the differences they have in terms of spiritual understanding with others. But what if common ground is established first, the shared thoughts on the deeper questions about life, death, suffering, wisdom, eternity? When consensus starts, clarifying the diversions in belief becomes easier, even peaceful.

St. Paul writes in the Scriptures, "Let your conversation be always full of grace." When disagreements arise, grace becomes absent for many; anger and frustration replace it. Paul concludes the aforementioned statement with the identification speakers should "know how to answer everyone." People who are always in the know are "mavens", from the Hebrew word binah meaning "understanding". Malcom Gladwell popularized this word in his bestseller The Tipping Point (Back Bay Books, 2002). People who fully understand their beliefs have no difficulty expressing them to others. But another element exists in the equation: listening and respecting the beliefs of another. Case in point: Electronic Arts recently released a video game entitled "Mass Effect". FOX News quickly criticized the game for its sexual elements, enlisting the assistance of psychologist and author Cooper Lawrence. A video game correspondent for Spike TV was also invited to defend the game. In fact, he asked Cooper if she has played it. She quickly replied with a no. After the program aired, angry gamers "spammed" her book on Amazon, posting one star reviews. The intent for the reviews was simple: comment on a book without reading it, much like Cooper did with the video game. Lawrence later apologized for her review in the NY Times, even adding, "I've seen episodes of 'Lost' that are more sexually explicit."

Returning to Scientology, a question emerges: do people who ascribe to this teaching share common ground with atheists, Hindus, students of Jesus? Very little in terms of holy texts, sacraments and the understanding of eternity. Each group diverges in numerous ways. But if all share a common goal of reducing poverty in developing nations, curtailing the spread of AIDS in Africa, living "greener" and loving others in a sacrificial way, room for discussion exists. But it should be noted that even with good conversation, one may fail in the efforts to persuade the other he or she is right and the other is wrong. When I look around, I notice religion is always focused through this lens: "us" (people who are "in", enlightened, restored, saved, focused) vs. "them" (people who are "infidels", outside the fold, lost, unknown, broken, ignorant, misguided). Does a better thought exist? Does this statement resonate? Everyone is seeking answers. But what is the question? These are the questions: "Why do I exist?" and "For what purpose do I exist?" People find clarity every day in spiritual understanding, truths that transcend the material world. Unsatisfied, many disregard the teaching they once hold to, looking for illumination elsewhere. Most follow the teaching they grow up with, a process termed indoctrination. But a significant moment appears in the late stage of adolescence.

Usually with the completion of high school, responsibility drastically rises for teenagers. Most take the path to college, the military or the workforce. But a crossroads comes into vision too--deciding whether to continue believing the spiritual truths they grow up with. I believe this is why church attendance for twentysomething's is very low. Belief is tested through proof, logic, doubt and suffering. Those who follow through find clarity, understanding. In this journey of self-reflection, religion is discarded and grace consumes the spirit, the revelation spiritual formation is not built on rules, the legalistic do's and don'ts that undermine healing and freedom. Grace is knowing community facilitates strength, three strikes is never the end game, life is full of nectar. In the Scriptures, James, a brother of Jesus, states, "Religion God accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows and keep oneself from being polluted by the world." Watching over the impoverished is self-explanatory, but worth repeating. But how does one avoid "pollution"? The Greek word for "pollute" is koinoo and means "unclean" or "defiled". In context, this refers to purity rituals, but is it wrongly construed by religious minds? Numerous people think "pollution" means complete cutoff from worldly influence. This quest is futile, but looking for evil in the world and exposing it to justice is possible. Discovering the kingdom of God is possible too.

I wish to reference "Kingdom of Heaven" (2005), directed by Ridley Scott, once more. I find deep wisdom in this film, for incidentally, it focuses on two groups, warring with one another: Muslims and followers of Jesus. Each is consumed with capturing Jerusalem. I remember Balian working in his shop. A strong man watches him work and looks to the sign above his head, curious about the Latin inscription. "What does that mean?" he asks. Balian looks down and replies, "What man is a man who does not make the world better?" As I study the world on a daily basis through headlines, BLOGS, elections, images and videos, I wonder whether the world is getting better. I remember the saying: "There's no news like bad news." But I also see the lingering effects of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa. I see Muhammad Yunus reshaping economics through microcredit. I see the kingdom of God revealed each week in "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". Ty Pennington and his team restore the lives of families through new homes. But in the process, tears fall and stories converge, overlap. Healing takes place. I see freedom from religion.

"FFR" (part I)

"For what avail the plough or sail, or land or life, if freedom fail?"
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

"While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions."
--Stephen Covey

It was not until recently I listened to a phrase for the first time. Captivated, but unsure of the meaning, I promptly asked for the explanation. "Carte Blanche" is the word I'm referring to; it means "unrestricted power" or "unconditional authority". Deep freedom underscores this word too. During my drives, I have a knack for taking the scenery in...the cars surrounding my vehicle, building designs, trees, subdivisions, farmland. Billboards always capture my attention. I study the advertisements and begin to ponder whether clever minds in marketing will create opportunities for my money to become separated from the wallet resting in my pant pocket. And staying aware of the chatter in business, from time to time I notice experts who predict the billboard will become a fading method of communication. But I wish to disagree. With the rise of digital billboards, paper usage declines and additional messages join the queue. One billboard message recently caused me to turn my head twice, a double take if you will. The bold statement is simple and unmistakable: "Imagine no religion". The message is furnished by the Freedom from Religion Foundation.

The FFRF exists for one purpose--to maintain the separation of church and state. They accomplish this vision by filing lawsuits, organizing events and advancing "freethinking". The rise of freethinking (or simply atheism for many) is very clear during this moment in time. The God Delusion (Mariner Books, 2008) by Richard Dawkins and God is Not Great (Twelve Books, 2007) by Christopher Hitchens are both NY Times bestsellers. Numerous scientists believe a belief in God is simply laughable. Turning back to the billboard, how does one define "religion"? This word is sporadically interchanged with "belief" or "spiritual", but I will not hesitate to corral it. This word, in its original meaning, means "a set of beliefs". Unfortunately, people or groups have consistently hijacked it during the course of history. Remember the Crusades, and the quest to crush the "infidels" (Muslims). Remember Salem, and the quest to sift out witchcraft. Remember the Ku Klux Klan, and the quest to intimidate, maim or kill people with unique skin color. Remember September 11th and the quest to instill fear in the United States. Each movement has been guided by a belief in God. Respondents believe it is the will of God, a purpose, a mandate, a divine duty. They are mistaken.

I remember seeing the aforementioned book by Hitchens and studying the cover. I honestly don't know why at the time, but I decided to buy it. Looking back, the title truly captured my attention. And I wished to know why he thinks this way. While criticism is undoubtedly coming, I will acknowledge I enjoyed this book. Hitchens is a compelling writer and outlines the numerous ways people who believe in a higher presence miss the mark. He references the history of violence like I did above, global health, the Scriptures, the Koran, sexual repression and whether religion can be likened to child abuse. He closes his book with a case for a "New Enlightenment" a life pursuing rational inquiry, reason, development. He writes, "'Know yourself,' said the Greeks, gently suggesting the consolations of philosophy. To clear the mind for this project, it has become necessary to know the enemy, and to prepare to fight it." A student of Jesus, what will I do with this argument? First, I am willing to acknowledge the subtitle of his book: religion can poison life. But the poison in society is by no means limited to people who believe in the intelligent presence.

A look into the national news validates this poison. Remember the deceased Georgia hiker, murdered by a vile soul. Remember the Marine currently being sought by police for the death of a fellow Marine, who was poised to testify against him regarding a rape allegation. She was pregnant too--the child did not live. A man is currently in jail in Alabama, denied bond and awaiting trial for throwing his 4 young children over a bridge. 2 have been discovered. The list continues, but my soul weeps with each keystroke. Are the felons listed here "religious"? Do they believe in God? I have no idea, but I know without hesitation these actions are simply evil, a poison in the mind, the eyes, the hands. Emerging research in science points to the interactions of neurons and chemicals in the brain as a precursor for this behavior. I am inclined to agree, for who can commit acts like these and not be "out of mind" when they take place? Does the thread of humanity that runs through society simply vanish in moments like this?

God is not Great is resting by my notebook, and in light of the accounts above, I think the title needs revision: Man is not Great. It is man who kills in the name of God, man who misinterprets the words of God, man who believes wealth is the will of God. I'm sure you have noticed I'm using the word God here. Dawkins, like Hitchens, makes a case for God's absence in his lengthy tome. But what I am discovering is a tired monologue on logic once more. One cannot prove the existence of God scientifically, nor can one disprove him. Yet each try to outdo the other and finally make a case once and for all. Enough already. This argument is becoming boring (like creation vs. evolution). In 1971, John Lennon penned a song for the world, aptly titled "Imagine". With the Vietnam War continuing and protestors clamoring for peace, this anthem moved the adherents concerned with social rebellion and immediate change. The song is the quintessential hope for peace, brotherhood and abandonment of possessions. Lennon also invites listeners to disregard heaven, hell and religion altogether, lines that will continually be met with criticism. But he brings me full circle too: imagine no religion.

I will always give high marks to "Kingdom of Heaven" (2005), directed by Ridley Scott, for it continues to be a highly respected film of mine. Oddly enough, the story revolves around the Crusades and the quest to occupy the city of Jerusalem. In a memorable scene, the blacksmith Balian speaks with one of his father's men, convinced he no longer hears from God and has "lost his religion". The reply is amazing: "I put no stock in religion. By the word religion I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called the will of God. Holiness is in right action, and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves." Is holiness the antithesis, the antidote for the poison I believe religion is? Is the antithesis of religion right action, the alignment of the mind and the heart? I think it might be.