Archives For November 30, 1999

I originally wasn’t going to comment on the Charleston shooting but seeing the purveying reactions on Tumblr and Twitter left me with no resort. It comes as no surprise that those entrenched in their ideologies are already spreading false information and spinning narratives. Its times like these where you can see the underlying stupidity and repulsive nature of the general populace. People know that racism is a problem yet are continuing to perpetuate a climate where racism can’t be discussed in a constructive and equitable fashion. Instead of any progress being made we are essentially stuck in the same rut with one side apprehensive to discuss due to “guilt” while the other feels they are not capable of being racist at all. Furthermore we are now subject to the tireless amount of politicized opinions of people who wish to capitalize on the murders. And of course we can also look forward to the pointless array of bills brought forth in order to make the populace feel better emotionally. However, these hardly ever amount to anything but more conceded control i.e. government surveillance programs, gun controls, etc. But yes go ahead and focus your outrage on trivial things like a flag even though a couple days ago nobody cared about such things at all. Lets guarantee that nothing will be accomplished but widening the schism in America.

1. Tolerance
2. Acceptance
3. Celebration
4. Forced participation
5. Punishment of all dissenters

Unfortunately these stages of political correctness are easily identified regardless of the topic. And they all end in punishment with those that disagree. Also notice how discussion and debate are not included in the process.

Today is the day where we pay tribute to soldiers who have died while fighting for the US. I’m certainly not the most jingoistic of Americans but still find it proper to pay respects. Although it does amuse me how there is always one who must always focus on the few atrocities on this day of remembrance.

People getting all up in arms concerning the recent bill passed in Indiana are merely showing their lack of understanding of the law. What it says is that a person has a right to religious freedom unless the government entity passes a law that advances a compelling government interest (for example, freedom of expression or gay and civil rights) and that it must be the least restrictive means to do so. I encourage all those upset by the passing of the law to 1.) read the law here and 2.) inform yourselves by learning about the judicial review process. Don’t be a mindless sheep who thinks any law passed for reaffirmation of religious freedom means people are contorting the law to harm homosexuals. 

Considering viewing Do You Believe? but am hesitant to do so. Christian movies tend to be a bit self aggrandizing in nature with low production quality which can be a turn off for a movie buff like myself. This one appears to have a bit more production value than most films made in the past based around Christian themes but nevertheless its still not nearly at the level of these other ventures. In all honesty I’m a bit disappointed in that respect with the Christian community. Surely by now we ought to be able to make thought provoking and gripping scripts based around Christian themes without it turning into merely a church trip to the movies.

Recently decided to watch Exodus: Gods and Kings. Let me start out by saying that I did not go in expecting a movie closely based on the religious text, especially with this movie being directed by an atheist. Overall though the movie was quite poor from a purely movie perspective. Firstly the character development was simply nonexistent. We have a cliche “father likes step son more than biological son” scenario which is poorly brought to the forefront at random moments throughout the movie. Sigourney Weaver’s character apparently wants Moses dead but has no reasoning given behind these motivations. They add a random love interest for Moses while he’s in exile simply so he has a love interest in the movie. This love interest plays no real role other than to add the tension of leaving his family to do his ultimate mission. The plagues were creative but ultimately kind of a cop out due to their naturalist interpretation of them occurring. 

To briefly speak on the biblical aspects of the movie I must bring up how ridiculous this narrative of God as this sadistic and evil person is getting tiresome. People are always giving human characteristics to God and that His actions must have purpose. But God doesn’t do things to achieve something because everything He wishes (even though wish is poor phrasing due to English limitations) happens, that’s what makes Him omnipotent. So to judge God with our laughably biased definition of “good” is preposterous. Our own morals are only a way to assure our survival and interaction as a species is both amicable and tranquil. God doesn’t require the use of morals because of His already perfect and universal status thus applying our moral beliefs to God is an exercise in futility. 

I would be curious what the prevailing Bible version of choice is. If I had to guess at least in the US then NIV would be the primary choice. Personally I’m not a huge fan of NIV due to its sing songy phrasing as I prefer meticulous literal translation. KJV gets a bad reputation due to its history and morphology/syntax. Recently I have been fluctuating between the Latin Vulgate and the Orthodox Study Bible. 

It seems that everyone on here seems to feel the need to write posts of self affirmation. While being content with who you are is a good thing does it not come across a bit obsessive? Is it that difficult to internalize that you need to write how amazing you and everyone in the world is? 

I have no qualms with people taking issue with the distasteful chants and songs found in the University of Oklahoma video. But don’t fool yourselves into thinking that anything even remotely productive will be accomplished or that any constructive racial dialogue will take place. It suits neither sides interests. 

I don’t understand the need for the black community to essentially pat itself on the back with this “#blackout.” If any other race/ethnic group did such a thing it would be met with eye rolls.