The greatest teacher ever to walk the face of the earth spoke in parables all the time. I have oft wondered why. Why wouldn't he just tell them in straight forward terms? Would that not just be the more honest approach? Through out the years I have seen that God has no one reason for doing anything. The very idea that He would only have a single reason for anything He does is rather absurd when one bothers to think about it. God is the most complex being the universe has ever seen. He is so brilliant, ingenious and complex that He has the ability to compose the universe that we are in as a beautiful song. The mathematical equations that govern the universe are so infinitely amazing and truly song like that I would venture to say that even with the collective intelligence of every human being that has ever lived we would still not be able to devise anything with such complex elegance. The point is that there are numerous reasons for every action. So a more reasonable question than "Why wouldn't He just tell them in straight forward terms," would be "What are His reasons for this round about story telling?" Before I continue please remember this is purely speculation and there are no doubt countless reasons that I cannot even begin to fathom.
There have been several occasions when I attempt to explain things to people and the response has been the glazed over deer in the headlights face. This happens more than I care to admit. Even after simplifying the explanation as much as possible I still see the zombified expression. The ideas that Jesus was exposing people to are much more difficult to grasp then my explaining the philosophy in ballistics. Taking this into account it is not hard at all to imagine that more than a few would just back off out of sheer frustration. Teaching in parables gives the audience an opportunity to digest the ideas over time. I think a good way to illustrate this is to bring up digestion, oddly enough. If one eats too much food too fast the body is forced to reject it as the body simply does not have the capacity to digest all of it fast enough. If too much information is given to a person without the proper time to "digest" it the person will retain very little of what was given. Give a person enough time to "munch" on an idea and you are likely to get a desirable response. There are times when it has taken me months before I am properly able to verbalize an idea that has been floating around in my noggin.
Another reason is mystery. There is something to be said about a person who can communicate an idea through mystery. Mystery keeps stubborn people interested. It causes the inquisitive to be even more inquisitive. Mystery, oddly enough, can, at times, shed more light on an issue than any other element. Those with the motivation or energy enough to investigate this mystery will often uncover more to the idea than would have been seen if it were explained in "plain terms". Remember as a child when someone would start as if to say something only to recant or say, "Naw, I shouldn't say anything." I don't know about you, but it would infuriate me. I would stop at nothing to find out what ever small and insignificant piece of information that was being withheld. Children are stubborn, no? In response to a vague story those with questioning minds are given to the tendency to ask even more than they would otherwise. If one believes that they understand all there is to understand about an issue why would he question any further?
Contrary to my last point, parables can provide even more clarity than a standard explanation. Let us look at the parable of the sower and the different ground. A man was sowing seed an threw seeds this way and that. Some landed in the path while others landed around the thorns. Some found their place on the rocks while still others found themselves on fertile ground. Needless to say this would have left those listening scratching their heads. As they say hindsight is 20/20. We can look at this with (presumed) understanding that those who first heard it did not have. The seeds that landed on the path were eaten by the crows. These crows are the (presumably) people that come after the message is given that discourage any growth or "munching" of the idea of salvation. The stones portion represents those who hear the word but don't bother to "sink their teeth into it." When the hard times come those who have not let it sink to their very core will be shaken in times of hardship. The thorns represent those who hear the word, but become preoccupied with the trappings and problems of this world. The fertile ground represents the minds of those who welcome the message of salvation and let it grow in their hearts. Just saying that there are people who will not "get it" and listing the types is not nearly as detailed as explaining it with the characteristics of soil and plants and animals in terms that the people of the era would identify with.
Also, a well worded parable displays an intimate knowledge and familiarity of and with the ideas being presented. Obviously, Jesus has the best understanding of this out of anyone. I think that it would behoove us as His followers to take another look at the parables that Jesus taught. When was the last time you looked at a parable?
Brownie points go to the people who can site the reason that Jesus actually gave. For much better explanations of the actual parables read the scripture following. My explanations are influenced by a limited mind and a tired body. Jesus is a lot better at explaining it. For the parable of the sower go to Matthew 13. All in all parables are really cool.
Also, I figured I would let you few who read this know that I have started writing a book (again). It is about why I carry. This is partially because I am continuously bothered by people about going to college while, at this point in time, I am totally unable to do so. At the very least, if I do somehow manage to get a book published I can those bothersome people to go read my book. The way it is turning out readers will think me either a completely mad man or someone that does, in point of fact, have an operating brain that does more than just control some involuntary bodily functions like breathing. Now all I have to do is actually finish it.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
We need no higher standard
Recently, I was looking at a website of a particular brand of knife. If you know knives you will know who I mean when I say that they are famous in the worst places. I saw a link on the site and clicked on it and found another rather interesting site. It was not peddling another product or talking about training, but it was a sort of club. It would appear that the members of this interesting little club would think of themselves as modern day nights. I will not comment on whether or not one should do this, though I do think that little point would be interesting to explore in the future, rather, I want to explore another concept put forth on the site. The concept was the following:
Those who seek to do good and who also have a set of skills that are particularly dangerous are to be held to a higher code of conduct.
On the surface I agree, but that is like saying you only like the icing of the cake and don't care for the cake itself. Let us examine the cake though. In implication that may be inferred from this is that those who do not meet the two given requirements do not need to be held to a higher code of conduct. Should this be the case? Should those who seek to do good, but do not have a skill set that is particularly dangerous be held to a lesser standard? Or should those who have a dangerous skill set, but do not seek to do good be held to a code of lesser ethical behavior?
Obviously, this cannot be the case. I think that the statement can be refined to a point where it is valid and accurate. Before I continue further it should be noted that the statement above is not a direct quote. It is the best single sentence that I could use to summarize the concept put forth. I think that all should be held to the same code of conduct. We, in point of fact, are. We will be judged by it after we die. I think that the statement may be altered by eliminating this truely odd implication(though it is one that has been in the circles of warriors for centuries). I think that perhaps it should read in stead that those who possess this intent and skill should be held to a stricter code of conduct. Not higher, but more rigid. Why? The rules governing these should be more unyielding because of the two formerly stated characteristics. They seek to do good. This being the case these must always take into account that even the smallest of actions can have terrible consequences. Thus those who seek to avoid this should do well to hold themselves to a stricter discipline.
Those who possess the ability to kill or maim with ease should also be held to stricter discipline for the very apparent and obvious reason that they are able to do much damage with little and even unintended effort. When the to previously mentioned characteristics have come to fruition in a single individual stricter discipline is required. Desire is a thing easily lost. Even the desire to do what is right can be lost. Having a stricter code of discipline may help to prevent this. If one were to assemble a unit of soldiers who have these two characteristics only to see the aforementioned desire lost we would have something all together different. We would have a group of, what would accurately be called, monsters.
I will go so far even to admit that i have personal experience with this. I have the desire to do the right thing. I also possess the skills and know how required to kill. Neither of these is hard to come by. I also feel the constant pull and tug to altogether forget God and forget family and what is needed. The temptation has been there for sometime now and I think that it may always be there. This is just a point to show that such a rigid structure of discipline is needed.
We need no higher code of conduct. What we are in need of is a higher code of discipline.
Those who seek to do good and who also have a set of skills that are particularly dangerous are to be held to a higher code of conduct.
On the surface I agree, but that is like saying you only like the icing of the cake and don't care for the cake itself. Let us examine the cake though. In implication that may be inferred from this is that those who do not meet the two given requirements do not need to be held to a higher code of conduct. Should this be the case? Should those who seek to do good, but do not have a skill set that is particularly dangerous be held to a lesser standard? Or should those who have a dangerous skill set, but do not seek to do good be held to a code of lesser ethical behavior?
Obviously, this cannot be the case. I think that the statement can be refined to a point where it is valid and accurate. Before I continue further it should be noted that the statement above is not a direct quote. It is the best single sentence that I could use to summarize the concept put forth. I think that all should be held to the same code of conduct. We, in point of fact, are. We will be judged by it after we die. I think that the statement may be altered by eliminating this truely odd implication(though it is one that has been in the circles of warriors for centuries). I think that perhaps it should read in stead that those who possess this intent and skill should be held to a stricter code of conduct. Not higher, but more rigid. Why? The rules governing these should be more unyielding because of the two formerly stated characteristics. They seek to do good. This being the case these must always take into account that even the smallest of actions can have terrible consequences. Thus those who seek to avoid this should do well to hold themselves to a stricter discipline.
Those who possess the ability to kill or maim with ease should also be held to stricter discipline for the very apparent and obvious reason that they are able to do much damage with little and even unintended effort. When the to previously mentioned characteristics have come to fruition in a single individual stricter discipline is required. Desire is a thing easily lost. Even the desire to do what is right can be lost. Having a stricter code of discipline may help to prevent this. If one were to assemble a unit of soldiers who have these two characteristics only to see the aforementioned desire lost we would have something all together different. We would have a group of, what would accurately be called, monsters.
I will go so far even to admit that i have personal experience with this. I have the desire to do the right thing. I also possess the skills and know how required to kill. Neither of these is hard to come by. I also feel the constant pull and tug to altogether forget God and forget family and what is needed. The temptation has been there for sometime now and I think that it may always be there. This is just a point to show that such a rigid structure of discipline is needed.
We need no higher code of conduct. What we are in need of is a higher code of discipline.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
The Aged
How is the age of a person determined?
I believe that this question is very much like Hamlet's immortal query, "To be, or not to be?" The answer at first glance would seem an obvious one, but is it truly?
Determining the physical age of one's body is no great feat. My body is twenty one years old. My mind though...
This is where many would scoff and scorn; particularly those who are of a greater physical age than myself. I would put forth, though, that the true age of one is not determined by the physical age of one's body.
It has been said that reality is perception. This is, of course(read the about me portion if you would), false. Reality is not based upon what we perceive, but, in fact, it is the inverse. This is made apparent by those who are not so well in the mind. The ravings of a lunatic may indicate that those around him are attempting to kill him, but this does not make it so(though I wonder how many times the lunatic was not so mad). This does not mean that there is a tiny shred of truth in the mix of this lie.
It is apparent that one may, if so inclined, learn from the mistakes and adventures of others. If this is the case is it also possible to gain age after a fashion though this process as well? I believe that it also may be able to age though harsh experiences. It would seem then that aging may be separated into three separate categories. Physical. Experiencial. Prosaical.
On a personal level I believe that I have a surplus of the latter two and would gladly give some out if the option existed.
So far as experiencial age is concerned I have more than most and less than many. In times of crisis and pain, to be honest, I feel old. I don't mean old and decrepit, but weary of life and its, at times, seemingly pointless struggles. This is not depression or despair, but its own sort of longing for needed rest.
On the other side of the coin I would like to point out my former landlord. The man fought in WWII and is above ninety, yet he still has that mischievous twinkle in his eye. He can out work men half his age and while he is physically old he is younger than many. This is a man I admire much and have learned a great deal from. I remember hearing him talk about restoring an old jeep similar to the one he drove in the last great war. "You have the part mechanic, part blacksmith, and half crazy to rebuild one of these."
This man has been through much and learned much, but he is still young. Perhaps there is still more to the equation. What ever the case may be I am tired and must go to bed. I am tired.
I believe that this question is very much like Hamlet's immortal query, "To be, or not to be?" The answer at first glance would seem an obvious one, but is it truly?
Determining the physical age of one's body is no great feat. My body is twenty one years old. My mind though...
This is where many would scoff and scorn; particularly those who are of a greater physical age than myself. I would put forth, though, that the true age of one is not determined by the physical age of one's body.
It has been said that reality is perception. This is, of course(read the about me portion if you would), false. Reality is not based upon what we perceive, but, in fact, it is the inverse. This is made apparent by those who are not so well in the mind. The ravings of a lunatic may indicate that those around him are attempting to kill him, but this does not make it so(though I wonder how many times the lunatic was not so mad). This does not mean that there is a tiny shred of truth in the mix of this lie.
It is apparent that one may, if so inclined, learn from the mistakes and adventures of others. If this is the case is it also possible to gain age after a fashion though this process as well? I believe that it also may be able to age though harsh experiences. It would seem then that aging may be separated into three separate categories. Physical. Experiencial. Prosaical.
On a personal level I believe that I have a surplus of the latter two and would gladly give some out if the option existed.
So far as experiencial age is concerned I have more than most and less than many. In times of crisis and pain, to be honest, I feel old. I don't mean old and decrepit, but weary of life and its, at times, seemingly pointless struggles. This is not depression or despair, but its own sort of longing for needed rest.
On the other side of the coin I would like to point out my former landlord. The man fought in WWII and is above ninety, yet he still has that mischievous twinkle in his eye. He can out work men half his age and while he is physically old he is younger than many. This is a man I admire much and have learned a great deal from. I remember hearing him talk about restoring an old jeep similar to the one he drove in the last great war. "You have the part mechanic, part blacksmith, and half crazy to rebuild one of these."
This man has been through much and learned much, but he is still young. Perhaps there is still more to the equation. What ever the case may be I am tired and must go to bed. I am tired.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Crime and Punishement and Discipline
I have in the past pondered the criminal justice system. I won't cover how it is a broken system. I will, however discuss the odd manner of punishment. When someone commits a crime we have generally two methods of discipline. For minor crimes we fine people. For more serious crimes we put them in prison. Since I was a small child this whole prison thing seemed odd to me. I never understood it and to be honest I still don't. I suppose a better way of stating this would be to say that like many other topics I find that I disagree with what society in general has come to accept.
How is it that we came to this notion that throwing someone in a concrete box with food was a good idea? In all sincerity, I would love to meet the gent that originally suggested this method of punishment and learn his thoughts on the matter. I have not been in prison so I cannot attest to what it is like, but I will work with what little knowledge I have. One does not have to worry about food. By this I mean that inmates are given a set diet that is to government specs. I still have yet to see that as a good thing for anyone. If we are going to use food as a form of punishment let us declare it and let it be known.
There is also the issue of rape. I do not know how big of an issue this is or how much of a threat of rape there is in prisons on average. I do believe that it happens. This is not meant to be a form of punishment and nor should it be. This is not something that should happen. IF this is something happening on a daily basis or even on a semi-regular basis than this alone should be grounds for at least re-examining the prison system.
The thing that has been bugging me the most about these concrete prisons is the word "why." Why do we have them?
I have throughout this little post been using the terms discipline and punishment interchangeably. I have done this for a purpose. Did you notice this? In actuality, punishment and discipline are two different things. Punishment is given as it is deserved. It is given because it is deserved. Discipline is given to correct.
The question, for me at least, is hanging in the air like a bad stench. Is prison for punishment or is it for discipline?
If it is for punishment then it makes no sense at all. Just punishment for any sin is death according to scripture. No, I don't care to place in a reference here to back up that claim. You go do that.
If it is not for punishment as it would seem then it may be for discipline, right?
In that case, how many learn not to commit another crime after coming out of prison? As I understand it, many times after exiting a prison a former inmate may be forced to resort back to criminal behavior to simply make a living.
If you want my suggestion go read Proverbs. Solomon had an interesting take on it all.
How is it that we came to this notion that throwing someone in a concrete box with food was a good idea? In all sincerity, I would love to meet the gent that originally suggested this method of punishment and learn his thoughts on the matter. I have not been in prison so I cannot attest to what it is like, but I will work with what little knowledge I have. One does not have to worry about food. By this I mean that inmates are given a set diet that is to government specs. I still have yet to see that as a good thing for anyone. If we are going to use food as a form of punishment let us declare it and let it be known.
There is also the issue of rape. I do not know how big of an issue this is or how much of a threat of rape there is in prisons on average. I do believe that it happens. This is not meant to be a form of punishment and nor should it be. This is not something that should happen. IF this is something happening on a daily basis or even on a semi-regular basis than this alone should be grounds for at least re-examining the prison system.
The thing that has been bugging me the most about these concrete prisons is the word "why." Why do we have them?
I have throughout this little post been using the terms discipline and punishment interchangeably. I have done this for a purpose. Did you notice this? In actuality, punishment and discipline are two different things. Punishment is given as it is deserved. It is given because it is deserved. Discipline is given to correct.
The question, for me at least, is hanging in the air like a bad stench. Is prison for punishment or is it for discipline?
If it is for punishment then it makes no sense at all. Just punishment for any sin is death according to scripture. No, I don't care to place in a reference here to back up that claim. You go do that.
If it is not for punishment as it would seem then it may be for discipline, right?
In that case, how many learn not to commit another crime after coming out of prison? As I understand it, many times after exiting a prison a former inmate may be forced to resort back to criminal behavior to simply make a living.
If you want my suggestion go read Proverbs. Solomon had an interesting take on it all.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Sorrow and Memories
The makeshift road block was working. Ever since the crash no road bound vehicles had approached the now hidden home. Only three months had passed, but thousands had died from starvation, but that number would soon be eclipsed by the deaths caused by violence.
"Otto, how are you doing on ammo?" Teller's radio squealed as he released the button.
"Only one mag down, so I am good on primary for now. You?" More static.
"I'm on my... Damn it! Here they come again!"
Six men appeared over the berm fifty yards away. They were armed with what ever they had been able to get their hands on. On had what looked like a crowbar while the others appeared to have guns. The one on the far left raised a rifle and chambered a round. Teller quickly sent two rounds into his gut.
The other five quickly took notice and started running in all directions. Two continued toward the house and Teller responded with his "Russian" as Otto dispatched two more.
Mark Teller crouched again in his half-finished trench.
How many were there? Five? Or was there six?
Teller's radio squealed again.
"I got a couple, but Crowbar got away. You, see where he went?"
"Missed him. too"
Teller made a quick 360 scan of the area. Not any immediate trace.
"Hey, Otto, I don't think we will be seeing him any time soon, again. He was the last one, right?"
"As far as I can tell. Keep an eye out though, those are vindictive little scavengers."
Teller sat back down. Images of how things were before the collapse meandered though his mind. He allowed himself to think of what things would be like if they had not changed. He would be at the forge beating on some steel. The people he had just killed would still be in the city doing what ever job it was that they had. Coasting though life never imagining that perhaps the next big news event would not be half a world away.
No, this time we are the story.
He remembered His niece running up to him and giving him a hug. His little brother had grown up. David was almost 24 now and Jessica would have been five. David was an excellent father despite his young age. He worked day and night and on his off time he would play with his daughter. He had built a swing for her on the tree next to their small home. He would push her until she decided to play hide and seek or that she was hungry. David's wife, Gayla, was a quiet girl, but she was a good wife. She always let David know when he was doing something idiotic, or when he simply needed to sit down and rest.
A tear came to Teller's eye. There was no more Jessica. There was no more Gayla. David was the only one to survive when they were attacked. They were sleeping and they had food. They were easy targets. The man who shot them would have said that they were asking for it, but he never did. David killed him when he was finally able to get to his own gun. The funeral was small and quick. There was little time to mourn. People were hungry and if they knew that this small group had food there would be too many people to handle. Now David was behind the house prepping some venison for dehydration. He was handling it all as well as he could.
How did it all come to this?
CRACK!
A gunshot.
"Hey, Teller, Crowbar came back."
"You got him?"
"Yeah, I got him."
"Otto, how are you doing on ammo?" Teller's radio squealed as he released the button.
"Only one mag down, so I am good on primary for now. You?" More static.
"I'm on my... Damn it! Here they come again!"
Six men appeared over the berm fifty yards away. They were armed with what ever they had been able to get their hands on. On had what looked like a crowbar while the others appeared to have guns. The one on the far left raised a rifle and chambered a round. Teller quickly sent two rounds into his gut.
The other five quickly took notice and started running in all directions. Two continued toward the house and Teller responded with his "Russian" as Otto dispatched two more.
Mark Teller crouched again in his half-finished trench.
How many were there? Five? Or was there six?
Teller's radio squealed again.
"I got a couple, but Crowbar got away. You, see where he went?"
"Missed him. too"
Teller made a quick 360 scan of the area. Not any immediate trace.
"Hey, Otto, I don't think we will be seeing him any time soon, again. He was the last one, right?"
"As far as I can tell. Keep an eye out though, those are vindictive little scavengers."
Teller sat back down. Images of how things were before the collapse meandered though his mind. He allowed himself to think of what things would be like if they had not changed. He would be at the forge beating on some steel. The people he had just killed would still be in the city doing what ever job it was that they had. Coasting though life never imagining that perhaps the next big news event would not be half a world away.
No, this time we are the story.
He remembered His niece running up to him and giving him a hug. His little brother had grown up. David was almost 24 now and Jessica would have been five. David was an excellent father despite his young age. He worked day and night and on his off time he would play with his daughter. He had built a swing for her on the tree next to their small home. He would push her until she decided to play hide and seek or that she was hungry. David's wife, Gayla, was a quiet girl, but she was a good wife. She always let David know when he was doing something idiotic, or when he simply needed to sit down and rest.
A tear came to Teller's eye. There was no more Jessica. There was no more Gayla. David was the only one to survive when they were attacked. They were sleeping and they had food. They were easy targets. The man who shot them would have said that they were asking for it, but he never did. David killed him when he was finally able to get to his own gun. The funeral was small and quick. There was little time to mourn. People were hungry and if they knew that this small group had food there would be too many people to handle. Now David was behind the house prepping some venison for dehydration. He was handling it all as well as he could.
How did it all come to this?
CRACK!
A gunshot.
"Hey, Teller, Crowbar came back."
"You got him?"
"Yeah, I got him."
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Further Rambling
I have been thinking about relationships lately. They are terribly messy and complicated. Even the most simple can become a tangle of awkwardness for those of us who are not so adept in the social realm. I am more of a watcher. I like to observe people. For me it is really fun to see friends having a good time. I remember a time when I was on a mission trip with my church. The was a blast. We cleaned out a house nine months after a hurricane had ripped it. Some of us even got to help rebuild a house that belonged to a particular couple. I wasn't part of the group to help with the reflooring of that house, but I sorta wish I had been. I remember hearing that the husband passed away a while back. I wonder how the surviving wife is doing every once in a while. Anyways back on topic. One night we went out for ice cream at a Dairy Queen near by. When all got something and sat down. I just stood by the door watching everybody and having fun. The guys were all laughing and having a really great time. It is something that stuck with me and I think always will. I think that it is sad that people who watch others are considered creepy. I watch people all the time, but I have no ill intent. Perhaps, if you are scared by someone watching you steps to protect yourself are in order. More importantly, if you are easily scared perhaps you should ask yourself why. If you are scared easily by a person... Have you thought about God? If you are a Christian and you are scared, why? You have the Creator of the universe on your side. More accurately, you are on His side. Could it be that you are not totally trusting Him? I will be the first to admit that I have trouble with this. As gold it purified by fire so are we by trials. That is not a quote from scripture, but there is a similar illustration. The more trials that I go through (small that they are in comparison to those of others) do over time help me trust Him. Honestly, trust is elusive and yet all to ready at the wrong times. Well to bed I am off. Work at 0700 tomorrow is going to be a formidable task; at least I get off before the sunset.
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