Warning: I am about to rant about something that is rather important to me, but some people may find hurtful, inflamitory, offensive, or a whole variety of other emotions. I don't want to get into a big war about it with anyone, I'm just stating my beliefs on certain issues. I have not tempered my words to be kind to people, or to take in to consideration other peoples feelings on the issue. These are my thoughts, and for the most part represent only me. In 10 years, I would probably write something different, but I'm happy living in the moment for the most part, coz the moment is all I'll ever have. So yeah, read, comment if you like, don't comment if you don't want to, but I'm not here if fight battles, just stating an opinion.

Yeah, so here goes then.


There is idealism, and there is a refusal to be bowed and broken by the cynicism and almost aggressive desire to disprove.

Many people seem to think that hoping, and believing, and taking leaps of love is foolish. But why? Are they afraid of leaving their hearts open to disappointment? They live in this self-constructed world of plastic and metal, as if to place barriers between themselves and the bare truths of the earth, the air, the sky.

If you ask a Christian who truly believes - who has deep faith, why they believe, they most likely won't say, "Because of the scientific formula that says a, b and c." Or, "Because of the philosophies of Thomas Blahdeblah which concisely point to the existence of a higher being." or, "Because history shows that there was a man names Jesus alive around 2040ish years ago and I saw the tomb he was laid in and there are no bones there." or even, "Because the bible proves it." In fact, many won't even say, "Because I saw a miracle." Most people, who deeply believe, even people who only somewhat believe, will not be able to put their finger on a point and say, "I believe in God because of THIS."

I suspect, that the response you are more likely to receive, is more along the lines of that they have a deep, vital knowledge of the existence of God. Not to say that their faith is not based on anything solid. Quite the opposite, their faith _has_ been proved to them, but not by great-grand unnequivocal explosions, but instead by one million moments of compassion; moments of inner peace and serenity; moments of tiny things happening that were beyond their control but far too appropriate to be merely coincidence. Moments of opening a bible, or a book, or listening to music, where you suddenly see or hear the voice of God being spoken through seemingly random words. Moments of healing. Moments when you can see nothing, but you know there is a comforting hand on your shoulder. Moments of surrender, moments of joy, moments of grief and repentance. Moments when you are weeping, on your knees in shame, and are filled by wondrous Grace and love. Moments of roaring. Moments of silence.

Don't speak to me of lack of proof. There is more than enough proof for those with eyes to see. People who would like to live in rusting metal towers may do so, but you cannot look me in the eye and expect me to listen too close to things I don't need to hear, because I, know. I don't 'know' I know.

Point me to a human who doesn't, at the deepest level of their being, long for honest, powerful, connection. To feel they are linked heart to heart, soul to soul, mind to mind. To know that they have been seen, in every particle of their being, every thought, every evil, every hope, every desire, and still are loved. Wholly and completely.

Show someone who hasn't stared at a relative's dead body, and known on some level that that it is merely a shell, that something has fled.

Point at a sunrise, a seascape, a butterfly, an insect, and tell me that wasn't made by an artist-heart.

Give me a reason why all animals can exist in perfect harmony within nature, living and reproducing as they can, but humans needed to evolve to the level they are at?

Explain to me a soul?

Though still it isn't about answering questions, they are merely there to say to guarded gates, that gates can remain shut if they wish, but that doesn't mean the grass won't grow beyond the walls.

People who like to disprove, will say to believers (both Christian and of other faiths) "you are just trying to feel part of something" or, "you are just lonely' or, "you are indoctrinated" or "you're compensating" or "you're trying to find reason for your life" or something else along these lines.

I say - why? If we are primarily the result of evolution, why on earth would we desire any of those things? Why wouldn't we be completely satisfied with the knowledge that yes, the sun does rise every morning, (it always has) and, surprisingly, does set every evening, (it has a good track-record so far). If you get what I mean. If there really was no God, then why would any human being, (let alone multiple separated cultures) long for one?

I'm not compensating, or trying to feel good; yeah, having my faith has allowed me great joy. But there has also been a lot of grind, and a heap of difficult personal development as part of the process, and still will be more to come ^_^;;

I think that our culture has become afraid of faith, belief and idealism because everyone is scared of being hurt, but it is true that you won't find many happy cynics. Where's the point of living you whole life, saying "Pain and destruction are the only reality!!!!" (>_> or something) and then you die? Well shit, if that's anyone's idea of fun, it sure as hell aint mine's.

The essential faith of the Christian has become floundered today by doctrine and sub-rules. Which is sort of ironically amusing because that was the same problem the Jesus came to solve. Many people are turned away from the faith due to conflicting statements, rules, misuse of power, etc. It needs to be remembered by all, that Jesus almost-solely spoke a message of Love. Love God, love other humans. These come before everything, you can throw a thousand rules at me later, but only if they don't contradict those first. But anyway, that's another rant entirely, I just felt like throwing it in.

Song that made me want to rant about this in the first place:

Better Way, by Ben Harper


i'm a living sunset
lightning in my bones
push me to the edge
but my will is stone

i believe in a better way
i believe in a better way

fools will be fools
and wise will be wise
but i will look this world
straight in the eyes

i believe in a better way
i believe in a better way

what good is a man
who won't take a stand
what good is a cynic
with no better plan

i believe in a better way
i believe in a better way

reality is sharp
it cuts at me like a knife
everyone i know
is in the fight of their life

but i believe in a better way
i believe in a better way

take your face out of your hands
and clear your eyes
you have a right to your dreams
and don't be denied

i believe in a better way
i believe in a better way
i believe in a better way
i believe in a better way

--

Because there is idealism; and there is hope, faith, love, and trust.