Cmass:
I think you must be a cryptochristian. I mean, those lyrics! Makes me want to jub up. Ugh, I think I am physically sick.
Perhaps you should think deeply about what you actually believe, as opposed to what you want to believe.
DanZ
LOL!
A cryptochristian...sort of like a cryptosporidium! Filter me out & toss me aside.
I have thought very deeply about what I "believe" and have come to the conclusion that it is the same as what I "know". Organized religion will be the downfall of our species - and evidence of this is everywhere I turn.
I am sure no God exists in any form I could every understand and that everything, although random, follows known (and unknown) physical laws. I will also cease to exist when I die. I will be what I was before I was born and all time will cease to exist for me. I will be less conscious than when I am asleep. Nothing means nothing. It is impossible for me to fully imagine nothing because I am alive. When I'm dead I won't even be able to experience nothing. This is logical but it is a conundrum.
However, this does NOT mean I don't find meaning, wonder & joy in life nor does it mean I don't enjoy bits and pieces of religious imagery and tradition. If anything it means I value life MORE than a Christian because I know it to be so fleeting, temporary and rare.
I have no intention of stopping the tradition of visiting my extended family for Christmas and having my mom's famous cinnamon roles. I insist upon cutting my own Christmas tree from our property each year while my wife wants a plastic one. In return, my wife also insists that the week prior to Christmas she be allowed to play her extensive collection of Christmas tunes non-stop. After (Christmas they go away or I go insane). I am also aware, even as a historical figure, Jesus may not have existed and that his current image as a white stud is fakery by Christians for Christians for the sake of taking and making money.
No, I am not religious and in fact see it as a threat to be taken very seriously. Anyone who thinks the end of the world is at hand and that it is a good thing should should not have their finger on the red button - but they are in power and not only have their finger on the button but are itching to use it.
For those who are simply too frightened to consider their eventual non-existence or those who cannot control their behavior without an invisible ghost threatening them with torture on one hand and eternal orgasm on the other, there may be a place for religion for some time into the future. But for them, the entire paradigm needs to shift significantly. Some sort of Jesus figure does indeed need to appear and give them some less destructive (on many levels) means to ease their personal fears.
Still, I will keep my Christmas without Christ and my angel songs without real angels...just like any fantasy I allow myself. For the moment of the fantasy, it is real. When the fantasy is over, it disappears into reality. But, unlike a Christian, my fantasies do end. And so, eventually will I.
- C
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