50 Comments

Perhaps through the contemplation of these contradictions, the man will learn to look for goodness around him. One can hope.

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He's at a loss right now, as many are, but at least his eyes are open. Thanks, Jim.

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I love the - "Eyes Open" observation but I guess you "painted" that

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The cruelty seen strengthens/perhaps?

The juxtapositions drive me nuts, still prayer is our voice to omnipresent energy, however that may be semi-understood.

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Thanks, Ms Jill, for this thoughtful reply. I don't mind semi-understood. It is less troubling to me sometimes than those who profess to have the one right answer.

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And I certainly do not claim to ever have the "right" answer! Fallible and error-prone, guess that's human.

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It is a knee-jerk reaction, when in the throes of grief or pain, that we call out God's name, perhaps believing that we can change the direction of fate. Are we hard wired to go there, or is it something we learned from our upbringing? Either way, we can go His house, where there is peace and beauty, for comfort.

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Thank you, Sharon. Who knows how it happens? But, yes, non-believers can become very religious on a rough airplane flight or when dealing with a sick child. When things are out of our own control, we seek ANYWHERE for help. So natural.

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Without faith there is THE BIG EMPTY.

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Ah, Kate, that tells me a lot about your values and about who you are. Thank you.

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I think through faith the craziness is kept at bay and we can function. A lot to think about on a Saturday morning. Thanks, Sharron.

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Hold that thought, Ron. We need all the help we can get sometimes! Thanks for thinking about this man's plight..

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Test of time. Constant flow. Tug of war. One day probably a walk through a city park with light all around with peace in our hearts.

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Yes, indeed.

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Strange how this unfortunate man doesn't mention the Ten Commandments or the Beatitudes or any of the other hints of virtuous behavior the gods have given us. Yeah, they sit back and watch to see if we'll take the bait and start acting like adults, but it's just too much fun to be toddlers grabbing each others' toys. HA! It does all sound like some guy watching his lab rats run through mazes, doesn't it?

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It sure does to this man, but not to others who are absolutely firm in their faith. I sometimes envy those who are sure they know what is going on.

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I do too, but there's always that little worm that wiggles and reminds me that not all is straight in the interpretations of what the prophets understood. No wonder we need occasional refreshes on the program.

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👍🏻

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Grappling with one of the most important questions one could ever ask of oneself - we've all experienced this I'm sure - conscience has a big part to play in the answer I feel.

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Conscience, yes. Thanks, Conor.

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He asks the question of the day for many.

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He does, doesn't he. Do you think "the church" is losing ground in these confounding days? I don't know. I do know I have stopped in hundreds of little chapels and grand cathedrals all over Europe, seeking a quiet place to contemplate.

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IDK. In some ways, it seems stronger than ever - I'm thinking of Supreme Court judges and their recent decisions. At the same time, we as a society don't seem to be following what I was taught in church as a child.

I've also visited many chapels and cathedrals—they are very special places. What was your most memorable one? Mine was The Church of Savior on the Spilled Blood in St. Petersberg, Russia.

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The evening spent in the church of St-Merri in Paris, with Gregorian chants being sung by an invisible choir. Or walking into the darkness of the small church of San Martin in Lucca, Italy one afternoon and hearing Bach played on an ancient organ. Both spine-tingling, and transporting.

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Another one for me more recently, was being able to hear the Mormon Tabernacle choir practice. It had been something I wanted to do for a long time and finally got the chance last year.

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Thank you for this! As an atheist, my spirts are lifted when I read a piece as lovely as this.

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Thank you Jack. That tells me wore about you, my new friend, than you imagine. Your comment is much appreciated.

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Well, as Bob Dylan pointed out, you gotta serve somebody. In my opinion, choosing God is better than any of the alternatives. A very poignant and thought-provoking story, Sharron.

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I wonder who / what Bob Dylan had in mind? Thanks for your comment here, Terry. It is not a topic I usually write about, being at a loss myself.

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He went through a born-again Christian period, in which he wrote that song. Great lyrics: https://www.bobdylan.com/songs/gotta-serve-somebody/

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Be sure to see the new film of Dylan's life "A Complete Unknown", that came out two weeks ago. I would love to hear what you think of it. I understand that Chalamet worked on the role for six years - learned to sing and play the guitar.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11563598/

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Oh yes, I'd forgotten about that. Thanks for the reminder. I'll see if it's available on a screen near me. Really? That's dedication. Don't know why he bothered to learn to sing. I mean, Dylan can't 🤣

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It’s a common fallacy: “Because God has not ordered the world the way I would have, I refuse to believe.”

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Much the same as in the world of politics, maybe. No matter what you believe, you can ALWAYS find your cohort on Google to back you up. It is a confusing time to be alive. Thanks, John.

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There is a certain peace in some places of worship. And this has nothing to do with the fact that you’re a believer or not..

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It’s true. We often seek sanctuary for the sake of sanctuary alone.

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A brilliant look at faithlessness and instinctive faith. I don't want to insult anyone's beliefs or lack thereof, so I will preface this as sharing what I believe (take it or leave it.)

Is it really love if the human who loved you had no choice and simply behaved as you programmed them? Without getting into free will, the fall of man, good and evil (all central themes of the Bible), I believe we are all born with a sinful nature (you don't have to teach children to misbehave or be selfish, just the opposite) and an instinctual need for God (to fix our flawed human nature.) I don't like many aspects of the Christian faith (especially Hell), but who am I to tell God how to manage his creation? Doesn't the potter have the right to do what he wishes with his pots?

Anyway, I suppose it is a sign of great fiction when people feel compelled to answer as if it wasn't fiction. Well done, Sharron.

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Well, I would never accept that accolade, Mark, but that fact that you chose to share your thoughts in this realm tells me an awful lot about you. If expressing your faith feels like an insult to others, that is on them, not you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and teaching me a little more about you.

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Thank you for your kind response, Sharron. 🤓

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This one perceives there is a proper way to do life. Yet why aren't we, why not he, taking the path. I don't understand the path. Faith would be his companion. Maybe we have to start with being lost. Liking this Sharron!

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Thank you, Ron. Faith ( or lack of it ) is not a topic I write about as a rule. It has seemed to set off a spark I was not expecting.

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Yes, it's delicate!

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Hi Sharron, That's another good question. I grew up attending church every Sunday and was involved in all the activities until I couldn't any longer. For me, "the church" lost ground long ago, but the building and space it provides for contemplation remain alive and well.

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🩷🌿

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