Yay Spring! -or- Random Religious Musings That Transform Into Teachings of Tolerance -Abridged

Current mood: thoughtful
Category: Blogging

This is for people that do not want to sift through my previous entry. This is the Reader's Digest version so to speak. Here goes...

- Organized religion is corrupt and evil to a certain extent, however not always. I don't feel that not eating at Long John Silver's or a Fish Filet at McDonald's on Friday during Lent punches my ticket on Hell: The Ride.

- I don't like that you are either black or white when it comes to religious beliefs. And no, I'm not leaving Asians or Latinos out.

- I am upset at my Mom for getting her first marriage annulled therefore making me the red headed step child of Catholicism. Still.

- I really don't like kneeling before anyone but God or Jesus, so basically if I were one of those middle eastern lackeys in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade I'd be one decapitated son of a burka wearing lady.

- Gay marriage is something I am not opposed to, however I don't plan on ever marrying a dude. I attempted to use some urban speak at the end of this paragraph, see what you're missing??

- Judgemental people are mean and unguided.

- Cool prize.

Currently listening : Holland By The Beach Boys Release date: 05 October, 1990

Yay Spring! -or- Random Religious Musings That Transform Into Teachings of Tolerance

Current mood: optimistic
Category: Religion and Philosophy

I realized why I'm at odds with my Christian Catholic faith. I'm old enough and wise enough to know that organized religion as we know it is founded upon many years of corruption and lies and deciet. That sounds very vile, however any person or people in power prove time and time again, generation after generation, and century after century that it will no doubt corrupt and poison most that come into contact with it. People like to feel powerful, it's just undeniable human nature. Often times it is a great challenge and takes great people to temper that desire with self control. My point (so far) with my opening statements is that things like Lent and not eating meat on Fridays is something that I have not bought into for quite some time. Making sacrifices is one thing to practice your faith, not eating a cheeseburger because there was a meat shortage in the middle ages of Christian Europe is yet another. See, coruption and power tend to breed dogmatic law that people have followed and not questioned over the centuries for no apearant reason.

I hate how polarizing religion is now. You are either a bible thumping idiot or an "elightened" agnostic non believer. I have faith, I like to think that I have quite a bit of it actually. Some things that happen in life are too unexplainable for me. Is it because I can't wrap my head around the logic of how things fall into place in life? I don't think so. I take what I have learned in my years of being Catholic and apply them to my daily life in how I treat people. I get somewhat offended when jokes are made about Catholics because of priests that have had child molesting indiscretions. The actions of a minority do not reflect on what I believe and should not minimize what I subscribe to as a human being. Just as I feel with all individuals in life, God will ultimately judge. It's not my place to say people will either go to Heaven or Hell, if there are such places.

People feel like religion was put out there for something to sheperd sheep into believing something as a means to an end regarding control. The Bible makes no bones about the fact that we are "sheep" and God is ultimately our "sheperd." While some of this may be true, when you get down to the teachings of Jesus, who all Christians claim to follow, they are principles that everyone can relate to and understand. The Golden Rule is something that is straight from Jesus's mouth. The teachings of Jesus are not unlike the basic ideals of not being and asshole. I'll be sure to repent for putting "Jesus" and "asshole" in the same sentence. Twice.

I have a problem, however, with a church that does not recognize my Mom's first marriage to my Father but somehow continually recognizes my existence. For all intensive purposes I am an abomination of man. Some people that know me would say that anyway, however that is another entry all together. Anyway, I stuggled for many years with the fact that my Mom would activly pursue this outcome so she could continue to practice her faith. I saw this as very conflicting as most no doubtedly would. So was I essentially born out of wedlock? That sentiment contributes to issues that I have today.

I have issues with kneeling before and praying to Mary. Not that I don't believe in what is written about her, I just think that if you follow the Ten Commandments, and look at the first one you would think twice about praying to anyone but God or any of his entities. Maybe I'm wrong or I missed the boat somewhere on that. I have issues kneeling before priests or taking seriously the word of a man over the word of God Himself. However, being someone that devotes his life to God's teachings and is a steward for the faithful there is some amount of respect that must be given to those that decide to take up a life of the cloth. These are just some of my struggles that I wrestle with quite often.

Here is another issue, why can't women become priests? Just curious on that taboo as well. Will Catholics continue to be sexist? Women can always be nuns I guess, right? What about gay marriage? I'm not personally opposed to the notion of two guys or two women getting married. I don't see it as a slippery slope opening the door for people requesting to marry a horse, because that's just fucking weird. Back to gay marriage; I see it as no threat to my upcoming marriage to Stephanie. If they passed a law that legalized gay marriage in Missouri tomorrow I wouldn't call off our nuptials in October or feel any less strongly about them. It goes back to what I said before, I am not put on this Earth to judge my fellow (wo)man, just to live beside them and respect them and love them. If being gay is wrong and a punishable offense by God, that's something gay people will have to atone for. But if you're gay and believe in God and that asking for forgiveness from Jesus for your sins will ultimately save your soul, as all Christians believe, why do so many Christians believe they have the authority to tell gay people they will burn in Hell? Hey, if some of those people know who's on the list and who's not, I'd like to know if I am or not too. I figure it's the least they can do if they have that much insight, you know, help a brotha out (sorry).

The thing that drives me off the edge is something that transcends the bounds of religion and any other subject that may be up for debate, and that is the way that people in general use judgement to carry their particular causes. I hope that you have hung on through this much of this entry because I feel like this is important and something everyone needs to think about. If you are religious and feel strongly about it, God does not give you the authority to judge others and condemn them for having alternate views. You do not have the right to tell someone who does not share your beliefs they are wrong and will be damned. That's not up for you to decide, never was and never will be. However, the same goes for the flip side of the coin. If you are an agnostic or athiest you have no right to dismiss my belief in God or belittle me for it. Respect is a two way street, and sometimes too many people on both sides of any particular issue tend to lose sight of this while fighting for what they believe in.

If someone uses words to try and cut someone down, whether that be racial slur or calling someone a faggot, it is sad and unfortunate. Hate is something that is never tolerable especially when used as a verbal or physical weapon. However, the next time someone says they don't believe in gay marriage, or abortions, or any other non progressive way of thinking don't label them just as you do not want to be labeled as a fag or a dyke. Just keep in mind that we all came from the same place. Whether you believe it is by God's hand, genetics and science, creationism, evolution, the stork. Whatever.

If you don't get those last sentences then I'm sorry my entry has taught you nothing. But that's ok, I'm not going to judge you. You're just an idiot.

Currently listening : Person Pitch By Panda Bear Release date: By 05 April, 2007

11:48 PM - 4 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment - Edit - Remove

	Derek	zachariah samuel swalley, ok i think thats your middle name..... u are my hero. well, you and ferris beuler. and just for cory....... wait for it...... GOD DAMNIT! Posted by Derek on Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 7:45 AM [Remove] [Reply to this]

	MontERNa	Religion scares people - I've decided that's how it all boils down. I stopped going to church because I was tired of being generalized. My faith is a unique experience between God and me. I cannot and will not fit into the pastor's (I'm Protestant) general chastizing. I have so many more issues with organized religion - most of which arose through studying the Bible and active participation in my church in high school - but I won't go into them all here. Somehow, humans have become the source of religion instead of God. It's very frightening. And don't even get me STARTED on the gay marriage issues. I wrote a blog on it, once, but it might be on the old profile. It's a huge reason I'm going into Civil Rights law. Opposition to gay marriage stems from ignorance and fear. What on earth could someone else's relationship have to do with my life? Does my psychotic, drug-addicted neighbor and his girlfriend's abusive relationship affect my relationships (other than causing lack of sleep)? No. I do not and will not respect anyone who opposes gay marriage. "Don't be SO open-minded that your brains fall out," my dad always says. Posted by MontERNa on Friday, March 30, 2007 at 5:26 PM [Remove] [Reply to this]

	MontERNa	Oh, one more thing, then I'll put my soapbox away: I HATE the word "tolerance." You tolerate something that is obnoxious or annoying, like when a little kid is kicking the back of your seat in an airplane. I think this world needs to learn how to practice acceptance - accept that we are all different and all believe different things. And I'm spent. Posted by MontERNa on Friday, March 30, 2007 at 5:27 PM [Remove] [Reply to this]

Zach

I'm afraid I respectfully have to disagree with this point of view... Tolerance - ....>....1.....a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry. ......>.. ....>....2.....a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward opinions and practices that differ from one's own. ......>.. ....>....3.....interest in and concern for ideas, opinions, practices, etc., foreign to one's own; a liberal, undogmatic viewpoint. ......>.. Acceptance - ....>....1.....the act of taking or receiving something offered. ......>.. ....>....2.....favorable reception; approval; favor. ......>.. ....>....3.....the act of assenting or believing: acceptance of a theory.......>.. Just because I tolerate someone's point of view doesn't mean that I find their point of view to be obnoxious or annoying. I think maybe my idea of what tolerance is a bit different, which is fine. I'll accept that Erin Posted by Zach on Wednesday, April 04, 2007 at 12:35 AM [Remove] [Reply to this]

Sweet Shame 'O Mine

Current mood: anxious
Category: Music

My fiancé thinks I should be on "I'm From Rolling Stone 2" if they so happen to make a second season. Without a degree in journalism I'm not so sure if I would have much of a chance, even though she tells me it's not required based on the qualifications of some of the cast. Although sex appeal and a healthy alcohol problem seem to be desirable, I am sadly and obviously lacking in both departments. Despite all of this, my days as an amateur music critic are far from over. I don't really have anything loaded up that I would like to review in this entry; however I would like to jive a little bit about music in general here at first. Then I would like to move on to a more exciting and specific topic.

I know that I've written quite a bit regarding music that is poisoning the airwaves with a sense of humor and albums you should be listening to with a desperate pitch. A lot of my readers are musically in tune with what I simply call "good music" so the entries usually do not fall on deaf ears. It's a fairly revolutionary title that I coined all on my own, and it's relevant because I say it is. It's my blog and I'll claim what I want to. All humor aside, I really like the musical groove that I've settled into and feel like I really know how to separate between what is "good music" and what is a fucking horrible abomination of man. Everyone has a moment of musical maturity in their lives, and while I've been listening to "good music" for quite some time I think now I'm qualified to tell you if you are a true fan or just musically retarded.

Now with all of that being said, the album that I am waiting to really sink my teeth into is the new Guns 'n Roses album that is due out sometime between now and my death. Shocked? I'm actually quite serious. The more and more I believed Axl Rose to be a complete and utterly out of touch buffoon-like rock dinosaur, the more and more I start to see the man's genius. How many people will actually be excited because it's "Guns n Roses" and how many people will be excited just to see what the hell Axl has been up to the past decade and a half? Color me intrigued and put me in the later category.

I liked Guns 'n Roses for about 30 months between the ages of nine and eleven and a half. I loved Appetite for Destruction because my mom hated it and all the older kids in my neighborhood liked it and played it constantly. Even on Easter. Then I hated them because my Mom ended up liking "November Rain." The same way I stopped liking Nirvana partially (I also had other reasons) because she asked if she could borrow the Unplugged in New York CD. Thanks again Mom. Some days I wish I was younger when Marilyn Manson came out (provided I actually could have liked him, with those chances being very slim) just to see if my Mom would have listened to him because she was trying to relate to me. That would have been fun, no?

Back to the point, I am more than somewhat excited to hear "Chinese Democracy" just to hear the complete album. I've heard single tracks, but I'm quite sure that's not enough. I'm not expecting anything revolutionary, and I don't expect to pay for it either. No amount of money could recoup the expenses that have been poured into it that the world is willing to pay, so I feel justified in pirating the soon/never to be released album. Sorry Axl. I am expecting to hear an average rock album that I'll probably listen to a couple times, write about it for the 5 people that read this blog and never listen to it again.

The point of all of this is asking the question and continuing to examine why I am so interested in the new Guns 'n Roses album. I'm sure you've asked yourself that no less than 5 times while reading this. With what I am into musically, not too many people would suspect that I am following the schedule and constant delays of this long awaited (really?) album with a healthy does of anticipation, like that of a small child waiting for Christmas. I know it may sound strange, and you may make fun of me for it. However I feel the foresight of Axl Rose taking control of my musical tastes and rationale for seemingly no apparent reason. So, cross your fingers folks, and get ready for a totally super awesome amateur review of "Chinese Democracy" coming out later this year. Or in 2047.

Currently listening : Aurora Borealis By Cloud Cult Release date: By 08 June, 2004

6:39 PM - 6 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment - Edit - Remove

	Zach	Derek's comment was removed because it would upset my Fiance' Posted by Zach on Monday, March 26, 2007 at 7:30 PM [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Stephanie	what did he say? now I want to know! Posted by Stephanie on Monday, March 26, 2007 at 8:49 PM [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Derek	i dont remember leaving a comment, what did i say again? Posted by Derek on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 9:35 AM [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Zach	good derek, good smart derek Posted by Zach on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 10:14 AM [Remove] [Reply to this]

	MontERNa	But he punched Tommy Hilfiger...OH WAIT, he IS a genious! Posted by MontERNa on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 4:57 PM [Remove] [Reply to this]

Zach

See... Posted by Zach on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 5:01 PM [Remove] [Reply to this]

The Truth

Current mood: tired
Category: Life

You want the truth? You can't handle the truth! The truth is...this entry will be short. Really, you say? You're saying, "I'll be able to read this and not just give up because I'll get lost in having to read too many words?" That's right folks, this entry is for those that don't have a lot of time in their day to read my crazy thoughts.

So just as I was about to close up shop for the day, I felt the need to write a little diddy. Today was a good day to not do much. Sometimes I like the solitude of being away from family and friends, recharge myself and get ready to face the next week. This weekend was quite entertaining though. The hightlight was catching my new friends band play. Just a sidenote, aren't new friends awesome? I'm not a crazy stalker nutcase, I promise. I just like meeting new people that I can actually talk to about things I like. Another individual, who is actually married to my fiance's co-worker friend, is a great person to watch college basketball or any sport with (another great interest of mine). Anywho, the show itself (back to that), was very entertaining. Their original work is quite good and is very refined, however not to the point of being mechanical. They play off of each other very well and put on a good show. It was capped off by a medly of Abby Road tunes, which was excellent. They cover the Beatles very well. "She Said, She Said" is one of my favoritue (UK reference) tracks off the "Revolver" album, which they played toward the middle of their set. For the record though, it was their orginal songs that impressed me the most.

So, yes, today was lazy and unproductive yet productive all at the same time. Now I am going to retire to my bed for a little reading and a little more rest and relaxation.

Cheers!

Currently listening : Return to the Sea By Islands Release date: 04 April, 2006

It's The Same Old Song And Dance

Current mood: worried
Category: News and Politics

No, it's not just a line from a Motley Crue song off Dr. Feelgood. It's the same issue that everyone hears everyday, whether we choose to or not. Most of my friends on MySpace that will read this entry are of the same mind when it comes to our opinions on politics and the state of world affairs. Most people I know watch the Daily Show and laugh about it the next day at work, and some even check out some real political news outlets that spawn some in depth conversation. If you are my age, it's almost a shot in your foot to agree in any way with our President and his policies and actions (or non actions). How many people that decry Bush actually know why they do it? Or do most just follow what the person next to them is doing, or just follow the smartest person they know in their group? How many political agendas are shaped from someone elses opinion? I know that I have fired off a lot of questions, and I don't have all the answers to them. I'm not sure that's why I'm even writing this because I know what I believe and it's based on what I have discovered on my own.

Every day there seems to be something new to roll out of Washington D.C. There seems to be no end to the constant scandals or the political unrest that resonates throughout the country. Are things coming to critical mass? Or will it just be another let down from oversaturation bred by 24/7 mass media channels vying for ratings rather than the truth? Ah, more questions. Maybe my point is starting to develop a little bit and emerge, slightly. Who has something constructive to say? Where do you even begin to find the right answers? Some days I feel overly cynical and think that everyone has an angle or agenda. It is almost disheartening to feel that way and almost a sad state of affairs to be 27 and have an Andy Rooney outlook on the political climate in the United States. Or would that make me a 27 year old Al Roker? I guess I would be happy about it then, ok scratch that. I'm neither happy or black.

I can tell you this much, I have more respect for someone that can tell me why they support the occupation in Iraq, incredible government spending, and their unwaivering support for George W. Bush than someone who says they hate him just because he's "stupid" and can't really decide why he is. I don't use quotes that often, and I'm not going to here either, however I will paraphrase an individual who is one half of what I think to be the funniest and most straightforward comic duo that is still relevant today, Trey Parker. The South Park guy? Yes, that Trey Parker. If I'm not mistakened, it was in a Rolling Stone issue where he said that it isn't punk anymore to say that Bush sucks, and the only way to get attention in a crowed room is to say you are pro-Bush. There is a shred of truth to every joke. Even if the joke is a thinly veiled attempt to be somewhat ironic. Not that definition of ironic, the other one you aren't thinking about. The point is that people say "Bush sucks" just to fit in and not be singled out.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no Bush supporter. I didn't vote for him either time, and can count on one hand the number of Republicans I've voted for. That isn't to say that my love for Democrats is unwaivering, by and large because most of the federal Democratic representative ranks are filled with big, giant pussies. For the record, I've always wanted to use the line "big, giant pussies" in an entry for a very long time and not have it be "dirty." Excuse me while I have a moment... Ok, thanks for that, it's appreciated. People need to wake up and realize why they are on which ever side of the political fence they are on, rather than decide which side to be on. Anyone can choose black or white, Demorcrat or Republican, Yankees or Red Sox, but the real thinkers are the ones that can tell you why they choose what they do.

Rather than spiral into a rant or get preachy about where my beliefs lie (ha), I'll just briefly say that in some ways I am a bleeding heart liberal. I feel no shame in that. Bill O'Riley and Sean Hannity will have you believe that being "liberal" is somehow weak. I'd like to say to them that it's hogwash. Yes, that's right, hogwash. But I'm not 100% in agreement with the ideals of a typical undying liberal. Not even within specific issues. Here are a few examples without going into too many details (ha, again). I believe in helping the poor and less fortunate, however I don't believe in the abuse of the system i.e. people that make false disability claims or welfare claims. At that point your aren't less fortunate, you're just a criminal. Here's another hot topic, I don't believe in abortion as means to birth control. Sorry, I just don't. Most of my friends disagree with this because they like the idea of being Pro-Choice and a woman's right to choose. It makes people feel independent, why I'm still not sure. How many of these free thinking women consult the men that impregnated them that would maybe want to care for this hypothetical child? I do however, believe in abortion when it is a life or death situation. Even rape or incest. I also believe that abortion should not be outlawed. Confused yet? Most people usually are. I just believe in the responsibility of the parties involved. That's all. If you get an abortion you are basically admitting (in my opinion, before you get all uneasy and out of control) that you are not responsible to be having sex in the first place. It's almost (almsot) like an armed robber being let off the hook because he wasn't prepared to serve 15 to 20 years in prison because he just "didn't really consider thinking that end of it through." Did I say I wasn't going to get preachy? Sorry. This doesn't mean if you do get an abortion for the reasons I disagree with I'm going to judge you, since what you do is none of my business. It's just like me disagreeing with a friend of mine which NFL team is better all time. We don't respect each other less because of it, we just live in "agree to disagree land" and go on about our lives. Just to note the 49ers ARE better all time than the Cowboys, but I digress...

So, you see the interesting dichotomy of my beliefs? I don't think I'm unlike most people in our country. I think most people seperate how they feel on complex issues into smaller, easier to digest ingredients that make up said issues. What the media and politicians (most, or just some) want you to do is be on one side or the other. You're with us or against us, do or die! When it comes down to the end of the day it doesn't really have to be like that at all. So the next time you throw up your hands in frustration and join the apathy party, remember that's exactly what "the man" wants you to do. The only true democratic system is one where the people stay informed and make decisions based on personal judgement, accountability and belief. That's my own little personal theory. Idealistic ain't it?

Finally, keep in mind the words of a wise man when wondering what you believe in... "Only a Sith deals in absolutes." - Obi-Wan Kenobi

And only I would end a political entry on a Star Wars quote.

Currently listening : Friend Opportunity By Deerhoof Release date: By 23 January, 2007

1:35 AM - 4 Comments - 5 Kudos - Add Comment - Edit - Remove

	Stephanie	whoa. that's too long for me. Posted by Stephanie on Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 6:59 PM [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Molly	Me too Posted by Molly on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 7:42 AM [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Cory	Bush is stupid! And dammit, I was expecting a Motley Crue concert review when I opened this entry. It's the s.o.s. every time. I hate to say it, but I generally agree with you on everything here. I've had thoughts along the same lines, and yes, I am registered as a Republican (hope you knew, now you do) and am on the conservative side of the fence, although I'm a hypocrite and usually act the other way around. I definitely believe that people should be accountable for their own actions, and that there's most likely a reason why they are where they are- but not always a self induced one. I'll certainly sit down and listen to their story, probably believe it and likely even hand them a tissue. Huh... that's probably the reason I still have my roomates. Chad won't read this :) Hee hee. I like your little analogy on the abortion topic, and would have to agree with you 100% on that one. Couldn't have said it better myself, man. No really, I couldn't have. But I'm glad you are a thinker and took the time to express all this. Posted by Cory on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 7:55 PM [Remove] [Reply to this]

J.F. Whitaker

Okay...so let's say I'm on my way to get an abortion with a friend of mine who's had one before. Seeing as how said friend has already experienced the wonderful world of abortions, it's fair for me to ask "hey, how was your abortion?" Right? So the friend says, "yeah, the abortion was really good...I highly suggest that you follow through with your mere thought of getting one." And so I do. And I enjoy it...but feel a little bloated and gassy afterwards. Who's fault is that? Man...that sandwich WAS really good. I generally don't dabble in political speak, but I will now. I honestly think that a majority of people (not only in the United States, but the world over) are stupid monkey puppets. That majority truly thinks that they need to belong to one side or the other. Therefore, those people adopt an entire set of principles to live by which is just fucked up. I mean, I don't even want to begin to dive into philosophy topics here, but I am personally of the opinion that you are obviously born with some natural instincts...breathing, eating, blinking, etc (I don't really know if any of those three things fall under the definition of "instinct" or not). However, at some point in life, no matter how your mother/father/whoever raise you, it is necessary to develop your own theory regarding how things are and how they should be. This is where a lot of people seem to slip up. I believe it is due to pure laziness. Many people are just too lazy to take the time to think, and THEY are the ones who are monkeys fucking up everyone else's stab at evolving. Posted by J.F. Whitaker on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 9:30 PM [Remove] [Reply to this]