Scary stuff

The climate in certain areas of this country is down right frightening. As it turns out we are starting to have more in common with our fundamentalist Islamic foes than we thought. Whether the last recognized profit is Jesus or Mohammed are just details. Details, details.

Kansas school board redefines science

Its difficult to believe that an entire state can be so ruled by an irrational fear of their "faith" being eroded. (Not to mention that little ideal called separation of church and state) It just is so upsetting that such ignorance can be allowed to play such a central role in the legislative processes of a large population in this day and age. People who legislate and dictate these policies must have no faith in God themselves. The idea that a book that is likely over 3000 years old, has been rewritten countless times, and was originally written by multiple different people; the thought that it is the infallible literal word of God is such a dangerous and... Sorry if I offend anyone, it is absurd. The Old Testament is a written translation of tales meant to teach morals and lessons to people. Genesis has roots in pre Judaism, pagan nomadic sects and has been adapted multiple times with small changes (reversal of the order of creation of the sexes.. etc.). The New Testament are gospels which all have contradicting details on the story of Christ. The premise that all of the Bible is right and happened as written is none other than impossible. The idea that people are actually worried that historical evidence, be it scientific or archeological will take away from the legitimacy of a higher power, well... quite simply, these people must not believe in God. I really can't figure it out. Why do these people think it all had to have happened exactly as written?! Why can't they understand that the Bible is a book of interpretations written by man? Do these people actually think that scientists spend all their time in labs with the goal of a conspiricy to destroy God? Why do Science and God have to be at war with one another? My God people!! :D

Are there ultimate truths and right and wrong ways of doing things in this world? Well there are a lot of shades of gray, but universally as a people I think certain things are always wrong (killing, other then self defense; rape; stealing for luxuries etc.). We share so much with all of humanity. The idea that our folk lore... and I'm sorry that is what Genesis is, folk lore. The idea that this must be the literal truth seems so... I don't know, Bronze age? It is a wonderful story that teaches people, children especially, about free will, and consequences of our decisions. Native American cultures and Asian cultures alike have similar stories, but as far as I know, only certain denominations of Christianity (not even Judaism so much... and they are the ones who wrote it to begin with!) seem determined to hold onto the idea that their tale of origin is historically accurate.

We know Christ, Mohammed, Abraham, and Moses existed (yes Buddha too :D) and that their stories have a strong foundation. I have total respect for all faiths. I think they are healthy and beneficial practices to most people in this world. I sometimes wish I was more spiritual.. but I do have faith in the golden rule of treating other people as they would have you treat them. That is what matters as far as I'm concerned, a lot of people who consider themselves religious don't even have that faith or decency. You can give your ten percent your whole life but if you continue living your life for only yourself, I really don't think repeatedly asking for forgiveness is really going to mean squat if we are to be judged by a just deity.