Message #39260

[guest587]

Taking bits and pieces from other conversations and placing them here in this thread... If you're a guest reading we encourage you to join and add your own views to the mix.

It really is all God. The light of this universe is the soul of Christ. Warring ideals have existed as long as man has been. Todays stage is civic nationalism vs globalism. In the past, two cultures would go to war over differing ideas of God. It's all God. Each side, no matter what the people aligned with, saw the dangers in believing or living life in a way different to their own. Each side, absolutely convinced that there way is the right way. That there is no other way...

But if you were to travel the world and realize all the different tribes that indeed exist, you'd realize there are so many quirky ways to live life- some of which would really leave you scratching your head. In one tribe it is customary to spank women who are about to get married with sticks. In another it is a blessing to spit your coffee upon your guest. Some tribes eat baboons, even other humans. Other tribes have survived solely off something called green elixir.

Steve, you've once said variety is the spice of life.

We're so polarized by opposing views we forget that sometimes. It's true, we are witnessing warring ideals. Steve, I am sad to say but I don't think you'll be alive to see the things that concern me most. I only say that because we have quite an age difference you and I. It's okay, such is life... "Death is the tax we all pay." I'm a little sad thinking about it.

There has to be a way to recognize every unique path as valid and belonging to God.

My cousin, an atheist, is a good hearted person. But how many extreme religious folks are quick to dress the other person up as misguided or worse, evil- for not aligning with their personal views? Guess what, it happens on the other end of the argument too.

Although the pendulum swings to and fro, it is all God.

Even Trump and Putin. Obama and Clinton. It is all the Light of Christ. And it is true, some paths will lead to hard times. Like enslavement. But they are valid paths. And we've no one to blame but ourselves. We align with what we do, walk the paths we do, and many times realize when it's too late- that we've wrongly ostracized others for a lack of understanding.

It's all in the name of personal experience, personal growth. Even in the face of suffering, we ultimately achieve understanding. Or maybe we don't... And are doomed to continuous suffering...

What do you think?


Today an officer came up in his uniform. I could sense his hesitation, and he could sense mine. There were these preconceived notions instilled in me by external influence- and most likely vice versa. There was an opportunity for conflict... Instead, I talked to him like a human being. Like his uniform was just that, a garb that does not define him. I realized in the process here is a married man with two kids looking to improve his life. Though we may be very different in our personal views, there are things we recognize that our greater than ourselves that keep us civil and remembering a greater picture...

What else is there?