I made an outline for a non-fiction book called "Religiosity" a few years ago. In fact, I'll go dig that up and link to it. My approach was quite different from Bill Maher's documentary "Religulous" (a made up term, right Bro Bob?) Maher's mocking tone almost kept me from watching. Humor is one thing, but this "documentary" (used loosely) was done in the tradition of Borat's Culture Learnings; both use ambush and deceptive interview techniques that are truly beneath Maher. I felt sorry for some of the people duped into getting on camera -- although Maher would tell me, "I simply asked if they wanted to be on my documentary about religion. If these people are egomaniacs, that's their problem." I can hear him. And, that's true. Politicians, preachers, and all the pontificating Jesus Freaks -- they just tangled with a tiger. I guess that's their problem.
I actually don't mind him body slamming a "brilliant scientist", or greedy, gold-wearing televangelist but there was something pathetic about tackling truckers and the unsuspecting Puerto Rican congregation. Like slamming an ant with a hammer. Hollywood Holy Land? That one deserved a good raking. And, his final commentary, much like his closing remarks each week on his HBO show, was poignant. I loved the Vatican segments and the liberal priest who went toe-to-toe with Bill. Woot!
Notice, there was no mocking of Taoism, Buddhism or meditation. Perhaps because we don't have such silly, hypocritical non-sense. It's hard to make fun of calm introspection and methods of seeking peace. Much easier to mock gay Gladiators for God, or Jews for Jesus. But, will it change anyone's beliefs? Probably not. Those deeply entrenched in indefensible bizarre beliefs only get madder when someone mocks them. I know -- when I used to smoke, nagging did not help. Alcoholics can not be mocked out of drinking, and UFOlogists will always have Roswell!
My final word: When you personify God, you're in a dicey realm. I wanted to tell Maher, look, God is not jealous -- just misunderstood. Idolatry is the worship of false gods. Perhaps everyone should ponder that.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
the Shack (Update!)
I just read (well, listened to the audio version of) the Shack. I won't spoil the plot line for you, (too much info on back cover and web sites) but I am going to discuss the premise. It's a "guy talks to God" novel, as self-described by the author(s.) (Plot is the story line and specific events, whereas the premise is the overall "arching" concept.) OK, once again this is an effort to personify God. A new, different way, but still God as a person (or people, in this case.)
I thought last year when Oprah introduced the world to Eckart Tolle and millions participated, we were moving on, away from "God as people." I thought the New Age had finally arrived. That humanity was accepting the concept of God within, not as an external, separate being. So, are the 6 or 7 million people reading the Shack agreeing with the concept or questioning it? Have YOU read it? Thoughts??
Now that I've finished it (as of 02.28.09) parts are better than I thought,with some pretty challenging concepts of What Is. Other parts are so ridiculous it's hard to keep going. But, on the audio version you get a bonus. An updated afterword now that millions of copies have sold, and a radio interview. My final thought is that for people who think of God as a white-haired old white man, it will definitely expand your view, and might be a bridge toward even more expansive versions of "god."
The positive side, for me, is clearly it's not too late to get my GodForce concept out. My Beyond the GodForce (c)1991 (officially registered and protected) addressed the personification of God. AKS dabbles in that, quite a bit, too.
Whether you embrace Tolle, the Tao, meditate and know that God is within; or believe old man God wrote the bible himself and is still "out there" someplace waiting to punish or reward you, go ahead and try "the Shack." (samples and info on the right side bar.)
And, please, COMMENT!! We don't discuss religion on WOW, but it's fair game here in Crypto land. Jump in! And, I thank Brother Bob for chiming in. He did read it.
I thought last year when Oprah introduced the world to Eckart Tolle and millions participated, we were moving on, away from "God as people." I thought the New Age had finally arrived. That humanity was accepting the concept of God within, not as an external, separate being. So, are the 6 or 7 million people reading the Shack agreeing with the concept or questioning it? Have YOU read it? Thoughts??
Now that I've finished it (as of 02.28.09) parts are better than I thought,with some pretty challenging concepts of What Is. Other parts are so ridiculous it's hard to keep going. But, on the audio version you get a bonus. An updated afterword now that millions of copies have sold, and a radio interview. My final thought is that for people who think of God as a white-haired old white man, it will definitely expand your view, and might be a bridge toward even more expansive versions of "god."
The positive side, for me, is clearly it's not too late to get my GodForce concept out. My Beyond the GodForce (c)1991 (officially registered and protected) addressed the personification of God. AKS dabbles in that, quite a bit, too.
Whether you embrace Tolle, the Tao, meditate and know that God is within; or believe old man God wrote the bible himself and is still "out there" someplace waiting to punish or reward you, go ahead and try "the Shack." (samples and info on the right side bar.)
And, please, COMMENT!! We don't discuss religion on WOW, but it's fair game here in Crypto land. Jump in! And, I thank Brother Bob for chiming in. He did read it.
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