Carol opened her eyes and remained motionless beneath her heavy blankets as the blaring alarm rover bounced frantically among the walls and dressers. She looked deeply into the ceiling as the racket faded into a distant muffled disturbance. She recaptured her dream for a moment, just long enough to marvel in its spectacular beauty. It faded away. She closed her eyes and tried to reclaim it, but could only detect a dim glow. She wanted it back, and decided she would sleep forever if it returned. It didn't.
The rover had escaped into the hallway terrifying Stuart, her ancient Siberian feline. Carol had learned to wait for the wheels to become moored on some obstacle rather than chase the damn thing around. It buzzed beneath her feet as she stepped through the bathroom door. The electric toothbrush was loud enough to drown out some of the incessant screeching. By now it didn't bother her much as long as she had something to think about. She thought about that as she held the bristles against her molars and and considered purchasing a more obnoxious model.
Diversions had a way of keeping Carol sane, and moments like this forced her to forget her obsession, if only for a few moments. She would be wrapped up in it all day as usual, so, for now, she decided to think about her dream, and concluded that it must not have been that great after all. She knew it was, but there was no point.
On her way out the door she pulled the distressed rover from its predicament, wedged beneath the sofa, turned it off, and set it on her bedside table. She took one more look to be sure the alarm was set properly for the following morning.
Showing posts with label story. Show all posts
Showing posts with label story. Show all posts
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Militant Atheism
Interesting stuff
I do recognize that one risks an immediate loss of credibility by defending any attribute of religion. If this is you, I suggest you turn your head or bury it in the sand if possible.
Here's my Lutheran upbringing coming through... I really don't get the conflict between intelligent design and science. If something can be proven to exist through science, isn't that part of God's creation? (Forgive my use of "God" - it's not accurate given today's general definition, but necessary to demonstrate my point). If we were created in God's image, with a capable intellect, isn't it our responsibility to use our brains to interpret ancient text appropriately with consideration for what we know of the properties of our universe? Doesn't science give us a more accurate picture of age old truths and allow us to re-consider those that have been perhaps interpreted incorrectly? Seems pretty easy to resolve the contradictions - always in the favor of both scripture and science, and never at the expense of either.
Of course, this is really all about the bible thumpers who insist the earth was created 6000 years ago. I propose it is this stubborn approach to scripture, and not science, that is most effectively destroying religion.
Through refusing to remove their heads from their asses, such individuals are discrediting the legitimate religious institutions and belief systems that fully recognize and encourage all scientific understanding. Who are we to judge whether the big bang was part of God's design? All we know is...it happened, and those people who have staked their lives and reputations on the conviction that it didn't are preserving their own necks at the expense of not only their own credibility, but the credibility of associated spiritual institutions; nowadays all religion.
In other words, there can be no contradiction, only a fuller understanding of both as they are necessarily dependent on one another regardless of career-saving rhetoric.
Now, to turn the coin. With all due respect for the brilliant Mr. Dawkins, I insist there are several practical and logical reasons to resist an all out assault on religion.
As tempting as it sounds given the militant droves of "God doesn't want me to think," "I've never picked up a Bible and read it" church goers, "attacking religion as a whole" requires attacking the basic philosophical understanding integral to western civilized society. So, if religion is absolutely dependent on science/facts, how is science dependent on religion? As odd as it sounds today, civilized conditions permitted through the advance of religion have been critical to the advance of science.
Take the principles of individual liberty for example (Adam Smith, Lord Acton, Thomas Jefferson). It only requires the fact that individual liberty was accepted by the extremely Christian colonies in 1789 to demonstrate the compatibility of the two. But, more to the point, there would be no civil liberty if there were no Christ or Christianity - not because the ideas didn't exist among the literate - but because the majority of people would never have understood them properly otherwise (ironically, a situation similar to today, and the cause of our problems).
I expect most of the scientists at the TED conference are fluent in the rational justification for civilized behavior - or submit to living that way simply to accomplish their goals. Either way, such individuals will themselves benefit less from religion. What is important is that Christian scripture demonstrates very complex ideas in a way accessible to people without twelve degrees. It is a powerful force for civilization that anyone with life experience can identify with the value of graceful interpersonal behavior so eloquently stated in a book several thousand years old that appeals not only to reason, but also to human emotion.
But, just like a scientific thesis, no one can comprehend the value of a text they have never read. And today, I propose the rampant misunderstanding of Christianity is dangerous to science, and therefore civilization. On the other hand, I wonder how easily most atheists have dismissed Christianity based on its unsavory public appearance rather than its philosophies. I would subscribe to a militant educational approach to restore the proper understanding of Christianity, and refute its internal enemies, but it would involve massive upheavals of ideas now ingrained in thumper thought. I consider myself a Christian, but not the type you're familiar with, and would be intimidated by the thought of dealing with the completely unreasonable (more so than dealing with most Atheists).
Most crucially, I don't believe one ought to assume any sort of higher power without considering the justification and reviewing the materials carefully. Christians should know this. Assuming that one can coerce rather than persuade another to adopt the same conclusions is itself contradictory to Christian principles.
At any rate, a discussion about religion is so mired in false perceptions and assumptions on both sides any point is diluted by its mention. Sad.
I do recognize that one risks an immediate loss of credibility by defending any attribute of religion. If this is you, I suggest you turn your head or bury it in the sand if possible.
Here's my Lutheran upbringing coming through... I really don't get the conflict between intelligent design and science. If something can be proven to exist through science, isn't that part of God's creation? (Forgive my use of "God" - it's not accurate given today's general definition, but necessary to demonstrate my point). If we were created in God's image, with a capable intellect, isn't it our responsibility to use our brains to interpret ancient text appropriately with consideration for what we know of the properties of our universe? Doesn't science give us a more accurate picture of age old truths and allow us to re-consider those that have been perhaps interpreted incorrectly? Seems pretty easy to resolve the contradictions - always in the favor of both scripture and science, and never at the expense of either.
Of course, this is really all about the bible thumpers who insist the earth was created 6000 years ago. I propose it is this stubborn approach to scripture, and not science, that is most effectively destroying religion.
Through refusing to remove their heads from their asses, such individuals are discrediting the legitimate religious institutions and belief systems that fully recognize and encourage all scientific understanding. Who are we to judge whether the big bang was part of God's design? All we know is...it happened, and those people who have staked their lives and reputations on the conviction that it didn't are preserving their own necks at the expense of not only their own credibility, but the credibility of associated spiritual institutions; nowadays all religion.
In other words, there can be no contradiction, only a fuller understanding of both as they are necessarily dependent on one another regardless of career-saving rhetoric.
Now, to turn the coin. With all due respect for the brilliant Mr. Dawkins, I insist there are several practical and logical reasons to resist an all out assault on religion.
As tempting as it sounds given the militant droves of "God doesn't want me to think," "I've never picked up a Bible and read it" church goers, "attacking religion as a whole" requires attacking the basic philosophical understanding integral to western civilized society. So, if religion is absolutely dependent on science/facts, how is science dependent on religion? As odd as it sounds today, civilized conditions permitted through the advance of religion have been critical to the advance of science.
Take the principles of individual liberty for example (Adam Smith, Lord Acton, Thomas Jefferson). It only requires the fact that individual liberty was accepted by the extremely Christian colonies in 1789 to demonstrate the compatibility of the two. But, more to the point, there would be no civil liberty if there were no Christ or Christianity - not because the ideas didn't exist among the literate - but because the majority of people would never have understood them properly otherwise (ironically, a situation similar to today, and the cause of our problems).
I expect most of the scientists at the TED conference are fluent in the rational justification for civilized behavior - or submit to living that way simply to accomplish their goals. Either way, such individuals will themselves benefit less from religion. What is important is that Christian scripture demonstrates very complex ideas in a way accessible to people without twelve degrees. It is a powerful force for civilization that anyone with life experience can identify with the value of graceful interpersonal behavior so eloquently stated in a book several thousand years old that appeals not only to reason, but also to human emotion.
But, just like a scientific thesis, no one can comprehend the value of a text they have never read. And today, I propose the rampant misunderstanding of Christianity is dangerous to science, and therefore civilization. On the other hand, I wonder how easily most atheists have dismissed Christianity based on its unsavory public appearance rather than its philosophies. I would subscribe to a militant educational approach to restore the proper understanding of Christianity, and refute its internal enemies, but it would involve massive upheavals of ideas now ingrained in thumper thought. I consider myself a Christian, but not the type you're familiar with, and would be intimidated by the thought of dealing with the completely unreasonable (more so than dealing with most Atheists).
Most crucially, I don't believe one ought to assume any sort of higher power without considering the justification and reviewing the materials carefully. Christians should know this. Assuming that one can coerce rather than persuade another to adopt the same conclusions is itself contradictory to Christian principles.
At any rate, a discussion about religion is so mired in false perceptions and assumptions on both sides any point is diluted by its mention. Sad.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Carol
Carol walked onto her porch to find a package had been delivered. It was bright orange with a note. "Herein lies the secret to the meaning of life. Open and it will disappear." She picked it up, brought it inside, pondered opening it, but decided not to. She placed the box on her mantle.
There it sat, for years. On her mantle. "Open me, open me" it screamed every time her eyes were drawn to it's blaze orange wrapping paper. Finally, one day she gave into her curiosities and opened the box. Inside she found a note. It said "wasn't this more fun before you knew?"
There it sat, for years. On her mantle. "Open me, open me" it screamed every time her eyes were drawn to it's blaze orange wrapping paper. Finally, one day she gave into her curiosities and opened the box. Inside she found a note. It said "wasn't this more fun before you knew?"
Friday, December 7, 2007
The Sisters
Welcome to the underground. This bunker is deep beneath the mountain and surrounded by a cavern of wires, dials, buttons and monitors. Situated in the center is a magnificent garden lush with brilliant flowers and coconut palms fed with light from the Bennett generators and water from the underground springs, that sprinkle from above patting the large leaves. In a quiet moment a great waterfall pounds, almost imperceptibly in the distance. There is also an orchestra of birds unlike any from the overground. It is a peaceful place, undisturbed by the perils above. Here the nine sisters gather each day to work.
The forum is surrounded by white pillars and flowing drapes. This afternoon was like any other. Poly walked from behind the marble podium and approached the front row of seats, calling the meeting to order. Cleo rushed in late and took her post at the laptop, collecting herself and nodding that she was ready. The day's topic was happiness, but that is all we were told. There is great bustle in the mousaion these days, so the sisters are still a bit anxious from the morning shift. We could tell they were delighted with the subject, having covered sadness, anger, and loathing all in the same week. But this was a subject of scarcity in their line of work, and proceeded with apprehension. The language they use is exotic and inpenitrably cryptic by anyone but the sisters. Even "L'il Red" the ubiquitous supercomputer surrounding us cannot decipher it. We only know their results, and neither their methods nor motives. We only know they are helping.
It is reasonable to assume the discussion began with the most precious segment of the overworld's resources, the children. The sisters are diligent with the children, who, because of their mere inconsequence, are relatively safe. But, to their great stress, happen to be devastatingly receptive and relentlessly mischievous. Such great care is taken that they are seldom dealt with directly, usually only through a teacher or parent. In a case of extreme precociousness, they have been known to do their work in the opposite direction, but this is an anomaly, and hardly worth mentioning. Incidentally, even more exceptionally rare and equally as precious, is an individual we call the firewalker.
This individual is the ultimate embodiment of the conscientious open mind, a contradiction so profound only the most resilient, audacious and self-aware can achieve it above a certain age. Fortunately for the sisters they are often disregarded by the population of the overworld as inconsequential, even nutty. Additionally, while self-aware, they have no idea they are indeed a firewalker. Another contradiction infinitely frustrating to the sisters. But, beyond their irresistible curiosities, they are of particular concern. Their behavior, although harmless, can appear to be so profoundly and senselessly mischievous that there is sometimes a genuine concern about who is in charge (although the sisters have been known to play games with each other using these individuals - which is strictly forbidden.) Most importantly, the sisters must protect them. Their rarity and influence make the firewalker the overworld's most valuable resource, and although strong, their will can be broken by the careless and ignorant. There is hope for the overworld because of them. I'll let you know if we see any.
Anyway, I digress, there is much to see in Helicon.
The forum is surrounded by white pillars and flowing drapes. This afternoon was like any other. Poly walked from behind the marble podium and approached the front row of seats, calling the meeting to order. Cleo rushed in late and took her post at the laptop, collecting herself and nodding that she was ready. The day's topic was happiness, but that is all we were told. There is great bustle in the mousaion these days, so the sisters are still a bit anxious from the morning shift. We could tell they were delighted with the subject, having covered sadness, anger, and loathing all in the same week. But this was a subject of scarcity in their line of work, and proceeded with apprehension. The language they use is exotic and inpenitrably cryptic by anyone but the sisters. Even "L'il Red" the ubiquitous supercomputer surrounding us cannot decipher it. We only know their results, and neither their methods nor motives. We only know they are helping.
It is reasonable to assume the discussion began with the most precious segment of the overworld's resources, the children. The sisters are diligent with the children, who, because of their mere inconsequence, are relatively safe. But, to their great stress, happen to be devastatingly receptive and relentlessly mischievous. Such great care is taken that they are seldom dealt with directly, usually only through a teacher or parent. In a case of extreme precociousness, they have been known to do their work in the opposite direction, but this is an anomaly, and hardly worth mentioning. Incidentally, even more exceptionally rare and equally as precious, is an individual we call the firewalker.
This individual is the ultimate embodiment of the conscientious open mind, a contradiction so profound only the most resilient, audacious and self-aware can achieve it above a certain age. Fortunately for the sisters they are often disregarded by the population of the overworld as inconsequential, even nutty. Additionally, while self-aware, they have no idea they are indeed a firewalker. Another contradiction infinitely frustrating to the sisters. But, beyond their irresistible curiosities, they are of particular concern. Their behavior, although harmless, can appear to be so profoundly and senselessly mischievous that there is sometimes a genuine concern about who is in charge (although the sisters have been known to play games with each other using these individuals - which is strictly forbidden.) Most importantly, the sisters must protect them. Their rarity and influence make the firewalker the overworld's most valuable resource, and although strong, their will can be broken by the careless and ignorant. There is hope for the overworld because of them. I'll let you know if we see any.
Anyway, I digress, there is much to see in Helicon.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
P.J. Whiskerhausen
"They called it the fountain of life because those who drank from it tended not to die."
Mr. P.J. Whiskerhausen sat, observing the first line of his short story. He slowly crafted an eloquent tale, one that he quickly recognized was horrifically incomplete, even audacious, but couldn't resist. Sentences were added here and there, a patchwork of paragraphs, then pages pieced together; then volumes.
He went mad gradually, over a period of years, and began regularly mumbling incoherent nonsense. He became consumed with his work, and kept it hidden in an impenetrable safe which featured a horrendously complex combination. The safe was locked when he electrocuted himself in the bathtub. The cover page was left loose on his desk. It read "These are only words. They cannot hurt you."
Mr. P.J. Whiskerhausen sat, observing the first line of his short story. He slowly crafted an eloquent tale, one that he quickly recognized was horrifically incomplete, even audacious, but couldn't resist. Sentences were added here and there, a patchwork of paragraphs, then pages pieced together; then volumes.
He went mad gradually, over a period of years, and began regularly mumbling incoherent nonsense. He became consumed with his work, and kept it hidden in an impenetrable safe which featured a horrendously complex combination. The safe was locked when he electrocuted himself in the bathtub. The cover page was left loose on his desk. It read "These are only words. They cannot hurt you."
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