Books are always a story; no matter what genre, there is something to be told. Many novels are very imaginative, and quite bluntly, unrealistic-- fiction, to be precise. However, there is a thing or two to learn from them, at least. While these stories can be outlandish and irrelevant, they all carry a message for the reader. Now, this question remains-- is the message useful? Well, maybe. It depends on the plan the author had in mind.
One book which tells an impeccable story, yet teaches an eye-opening message is Life of Pi by Yann Martel. The story contains so many virtually impossible events, but the story, as Pi said in the novel, can make you believe in God. In a nutshell, his life was full of unfortunate events, and on his journey across the Pacific, he described so many beautiful and terrifying things --tigers, meerkats and a carnivorous island-- which one would never venture to see. However, in his case, it seemed so real-- how could anyone deny it? The story he told was indeed impossible, but after hearing a more rational take on Pi's journey, which one could anyone prefer? The fantasy, or the reality? This is useful, because it opens people's eyes to how religion is, in a sense. Irreligious people may have a hard time fathoming things that can't be proven or backed up with evidence, but other walks of life carry spontaneity beyond wonder. Christians believe in the resurrection of Christ, and God alone. Many Hindus believe in the story that one could see the universe through Krishna's mouth. Islam became a religion because of Muhammad's visions about Allah. We find these stories everywhere, and billions of people follow these practices. But which one do we really want? Something that takes faith, or something more tangible? Just something to think about. 안녕!
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Monday, May 11, 2015
Understanding is Knowledge
Today, the whole world is fading away from tradition and conforming to a modern, secular society. Back then, tradition and culture were very prominent and distinct. Everyone had a lifestyle to which they could identify and pride in. However, things slowly began to change, and as we as humans progressed over the years, these cherished things have gradually become replaced with technology and urban customs, thanks to extensive globalization.
One of the saddest examples I see everyday is language shift. The English language may only rank third in the number of speakers, but its prominence is much higher. People from all over the world learn it in schools-- a plus to many. We need a lingua franca so everyone can communicate with each other, but English has done much more than that. Because it is learned everywhere, our recent generations have begun to stop speaking other languages and solely speaking English. As a result, their young ones do not learn their native tongue, and the language slowly decreases in the number of speakers. Moreover, hundreds of thousands of languages have become critically endangered and moribund. A notable language that is going extinct is the Miyako language, a Ryukyuan speech from the Japonic language family. Only a couple of thousand speakers remain due to the homogeneity that Japan craves. With this, Japanese is more widely spoken, pushing out its other language counterparts. In fact, speakers of the Japanese language are so headstrong to other languages being present in the archipelago that --despite the clear differences-- they are considered dialects.
Another issue that has been faced is the loss of culture through globalization. People have told stories of visiting places like Indonesia. They came to those places expecting a rich cultural experience, but instead, they found a McDonald's and countless Americana souvenirs-- nothing Balinese, Javanese, or whatever. This goes to show how the world is losing its uniqueness from things of the past. The things we all once knew have become useless. Unfortunately, the wonderful things have become no match for an ever-growing secular society.
One of the saddest examples I see everyday is language shift. The English language may only rank third in the number of speakers, but its prominence is much higher. People from all over the world learn it in schools-- a plus to many. We need a lingua franca so everyone can communicate with each other, but English has done much more than that. Because it is learned everywhere, our recent generations have begun to stop speaking other languages and solely speaking English. As a result, their young ones do not learn their native tongue, and the language slowly decreases in the number of speakers. Moreover, hundreds of thousands of languages have become critically endangered and moribund. A notable language that is going extinct is the Miyako language, a Ryukyuan speech from the Japonic language family. Only a couple of thousand speakers remain due to the homogeneity that Japan craves. With this, Japanese is more widely spoken, pushing out its other language counterparts. In fact, speakers of the Japanese language are so headstrong to other languages being present in the archipelago that --despite the clear differences-- they are considered dialects.
Another issue that has been faced is the loss of culture through globalization. People have told stories of visiting places like Indonesia. They came to those places expecting a rich cultural experience, but instead, they found a McDonald's and countless Americana souvenirs-- nothing Balinese, Javanese, or whatever. This goes to show how the world is losing its uniqueness from things of the past. The things we all once knew have become useless. Unfortunately, the wonderful things have become no match for an ever-growing secular society.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Understanding as an Expression
I wholeheartedly believe it is necessary to put a cap on my thoughts and expressions. As it says in the book of Ecclesiastes, there is a time and a place for all activity under the heavens. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent. With all the happenings going on today, however, people seem to be incapable of taming their thoughts and timing their words. So many issues have risen, and I truly think that big mouths and minds with no bounds are to lame, at least partly.
One certainty is that a big mouth stirs up a lot of trouble. It never considers the thoughts of other mouths, and has no filter. It has no perception of its surroundings; its conscience is devoid. A big mouth never has a filter, so its words never go unheard. Good examples of big mouths include people who like to gossip and spread rumors. Or how about the media? They expose way too much, and everyone knows it. The media has no filter, and because of that, people get used to it. Once that happens, it becomes a habit, and soon enough, people begin to think it's OK to voice what's on their mind without the consideration of others. This isn't even the beginning of a big mouth; everyone has dealt with one at least once in their life, and they probably hate it.
Freedom of thought is a good thing. Everyone is entitled to the luxury of thinking of whatever. Conversely, the problem is when the thoughts become actions. Moreover, lots of thoughts are quite unacceptable. Why? Well, there is a good distinction between good and bad. Good thoughts are things such as giving to the poor with compassion, or laughing with good friends-- you name it. Bad thoughts are things like raping women because they're weak and useless etc., or wishing bad luck for people, whatever the reason. It's common sense to put a boundary on the bad thoughts trail. Those ideas never get people anywhere in life unlike the good thoughts. And this is the problem-- people have lost their minds-- literally! Bad things are lovely, and rational things are too old and obsolete. What this creates is a mind that has no end to trouble, no discernment of good and bad. The more they pursue that path, the more twisted their ideology becomes. They share it with innocent souls, and those souls become no longer innocent.
Or let's hear it this way. I'm a fairly conservative person; I was raised in a Christian environment, and I have never strayed from my relationship with God. My beliefs are anchored in Him, and I am effervescent to keep my thoughts pure and primarily on His face. Now, I am so aware that not everyone is a Christian. These are just my thoughts --which I am free to believe. Although it is my obligation to share Christ's love to everyone, my intention is not to overwhelm. With that said, if I ever encounter someone of a different walk of life, I will certainly not go Westboro Baptist on them, because that is out of line; I can't get angry at them simply because they don't share my beliefs. And they can't get mad at me for mine (I don't condone Westboro Baptist's dogmas, FYI)! It's a simple concept that nobody seems to grasp.
Ultimately, freedom of thought and expression is a wonderful thing, but for the world, it is different in the minds and hearts of every single individual. Gay marriage can be accepted at one end, and it can be rejected on the other. Islam can be tarnished with lies to one person, but it can be beautiful to another. Voicing these opinions without care can ruin the chemistry between people, and it also lessens the motivation to even tolerate others' thoughts. To answer in one sentence, I firmly believe that everyone should put some sort of limit to voicing their thoughts and expressions for the sake of respecting others' values; there is a time and a place to say or do those things-- just wait for the right moments!
One certainty is that a big mouth stirs up a lot of trouble. It never considers the thoughts of other mouths, and has no filter. It has no perception of its surroundings; its conscience is devoid. A big mouth never has a filter, so its words never go unheard. Good examples of big mouths include people who like to gossip and spread rumors. Or how about the media? They expose way too much, and everyone knows it. The media has no filter, and because of that, people get used to it. Once that happens, it becomes a habit, and soon enough, people begin to think it's OK to voice what's on their mind without the consideration of others. This isn't even the beginning of a big mouth; everyone has dealt with one at least once in their life, and they probably hate it.
Freedom of thought is a good thing. Everyone is entitled to the luxury of thinking of whatever. Conversely, the problem is when the thoughts become actions. Moreover, lots of thoughts are quite unacceptable. Why? Well, there is a good distinction between good and bad. Good thoughts are things such as giving to the poor with compassion, or laughing with good friends-- you name it. Bad thoughts are things like raping women because they're weak and useless etc., or wishing bad luck for people, whatever the reason. It's common sense to put a boundary on the bad thoughts trail. Those ideas never get people anywhere in life unlike the good thoughts. And this is the problem-- people have lost their minds-- literally! Bad things are lovely, and rational things are too old and obsolete. What this creates is a mind that has no end to trouble, no discernment of good and bad. The more they pursue that path, the more twisted their ideology becomes. They share it with innocent souls, and those souls become no longer innocent.
Or let's hear it this way. I'm a fairly conservative person; I was raised in a Christian environment, and I have never strayed from my relationship with God. My beliefs are anchored in Him, and I am effervescent to keep my thoughts pure and primarily on His face. Now, I am so aware that not everyone is a Christian. These are just my thoughts --which I am free to believe. Although it is my obligation to share Christ's love to everyone, my intention is not to overwhelm. With that said, if I ever encounter someone of a different walk of life, I will certainly not go Westboro Baptist on them, because that is out of line; I can't get angry at them simply because they don't share my beliefs. And they can't get mad at me for mine (I don't condone Westboro Baptist's dogmas, FYI)! It's a simple concept that nobody seems to grasp.
Ultimately, freedom of thought and expression is a wonderful thing, but for the world, it is different in the minds and hearts of every single individual. Gay marriage can be accepted at one end, and it can be rejected on the other. Islam can be tarnished with lies to one person, but it can be beautiful to another. Voicing these opinions without care can ruin the chemistry between people, and it also lessens the motivation to even tolerate others' thoughts. To answer in one sentence, I firmly believe that everyone should put some sort of limit to voicing their thoughts and expressions for the sake of respecting others' values; there is a time and a place to say or do those things-- just wait for the right moments!
Friday, May 1, 2015
What Understanding is as a Reader.
People read because they feel as if either they get information better, or their source of imagination is held by the power of reading. Someone is a reader based on whether or not they read books, let alone know how to read. If someone wants to earn that title, then they must love reading with a passion. A passion for reading isn't predisposed, so it must be learned, hence. A good reader must be savvy with the text; they need to be perceptive and discerning of what they are reading. If one reads with only their eyes, but not the heart and mind, they aren't good readers. Reading is symbolic in many ways, so it takes engagement to read very well. I don't really have a favorite author, even though I've read books before. I don't really have anything for or against their literature.
I absolutely do not consider myself a reader. Because of my short attention span, I am unfortunately not a good reader. I am easily bored by the thought of it, and I can't push myself much further than glossing over pages. Reading is not my cup of tea under any circumstances, notwithstanding the Bible. I really don't like reading because I don't see it like others do. People are enthralled by it, and they can binge on several series of books in months. I, however, can't finish a chapter without throwing an internal temper tantrum. The cuticles of my fingers start to burn and itch from the austerity of it. For me, there isn't an objective to reading-- I don't gain very much from it.
I learned to read through homeschooling; my mom required me to read books since I was four. I'm a very blocked reader at the very, very least. I have no passion for it in any way, shape or form unless it caters to my interests-- which is still very blocked. I'd love to be able to read without my eyelids becoming so sore. I wish I could read a book without any trouble, skimming through it, yet grasping every little detail down to the ink of the letter. I'm never enthusiastic about reading, and I wish I could find my enthusiasm for it.
The reading I choose to do on my own is limited to the Bible, picture books, a few comic books here and and a few animal encyclopedias there, and only a handful of other categories. I hate non-fiction, sci-fi, mysteries and whatnot. The ideas are so boring and weird, so I don't like bothering them. I got nightmares from certain book covers or other attributes to the books that I rendered creepy.
I didn't gain anything, really; I knew all of this all along. I've always known how selective and halfhearted my approach to reading is-- period. This process was very upsetting. It's enough that I don't enjoy reading, yet I have to read books I don't like for a grade, and this doesn't help much more. Sharing this makes me feel grouchy and indifferent to how others feel about reading, and I'd like to assure that I am not deliberately trying to downplay something that people love.
I absolutely do not consider myself a reader. Because of my short attention span, I am unfortunately not a good reader. I am easily bored by the thought of it, and I can't push myself much further than glossing over pages. Reading is not my cup of tea under any circumstances, notwithstanding the Bible. I really don't like reading because I don't see it like others do. People are enthralled by it, and they can binge on several series of books in months. I, however, can't finish a chapter without throwing an internal temper tantrum. The cuticles of my fingers start to burn and itch from the austerity of it. For me, there isn't an objective to reading-- I don't gain very much from it.
I learned to read through homeschooling; my mom required me to read books since I was four. I'm a very blocked reader at the very, very least. I have no passion for it in any way, shape or form unless it caters to my interests-- which is still very blocked. I'd love to be able to read without my eyelids becoming so sore. I wish I could read a book without any trouble, skimming through it, yet grasping every little detail down to the ink of the letter. I'm never enthusiastic about reading, and I wish I could find my enthusiasm for it.
The reading I choose to do on my own is limited to the Bible, picture books, a few comic books here and and a few animal encyclopedias there, and only a handful of other categories. I hate non-fiction, sci-fi, mysteries and whatnot. The ideas are so boring and weird, so I don't like bothering them. I got nightmares from certain book covers or other attributes to the books that I rendered creepy.
I didn't gain anything, really; I knew all of this all along. I've always known how selective and halfhearted my approach to reading is-- period. This process was very upsetting. It's enough that I don't enjoy reading, yet I have to read books I don't like for a grade, and this doesn't help much more. Sharing this makes me feel grouchy and indifferent to how others feel about reading, and I'd like to assure that I am not deliberately trying to downplay something that people love.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Should Modern Society be Criticized for Being Materialistic?
Well, if we're talking directly from the dictionary, then YES! Dictionaries construe the word "materialistic" as excessively concerned with material possessions, or money-oriented-- both are potentially deplorable. The modern world is obsessed with technology; practically all of it is handheld. Today, we see all people, young and old, worrying about what's next in technological advancement, from handhelds to flying cars. We have been conditioned to yearn for all types of technology, thanks to technology itself. It has come to the point where technology isn't even useful anymore-- it is now a kryptonite for us. We are impatient, dumb and lazy because of technology. What was supposed to help improve life has done the opposite. The world can't do anything without electronic devices. Our brains deteriorated, materialism has conquered the spotlight.
The most common form of materialism is the usage of phones. You can go ahead and walk in a grocery store-- let me know how many people you saw with a phone in their possession. This isn't entirely bad, because let's face it; phones are impeccably convenient. I don't have one of my own because that's my business, but cellphones have definitely alleviated communication barriers a huge deal. But let's turn this cockroach on its back and see its ugly underside. Recently, smartphones have become a gaming device, too, as well as a means of social interaction. Facebook, Snapchat, Kik-- you name it. Phones and tablets have ability to access those. In fact, its main purpose has become to access social media. Instead of having a good conversation in person, we have those good conversations on the phone. What's more is that we are starting not to meet up with people anymore, but rather hit up Skype and talk things up. I'd rather not unfold more-- my fear of cockroaches is too big to get into detail of all the things technology and phone/tablet use have zhuzhed up. This cockroach is a bit too big for my blog, in fact.
Let's get into money, though. I have a fly swatter, so I can swat this one down. Money has been with the beloved human race since the Neolithic Revolution. We've seen it evolve and create trade among civilizations worldwide. With all of its prestige and value, however, it is the devil. It is said in the Bible that the love of money is the root to all evil. This verse of scripture is right-- money has blessed a few and devastated many. The few that it has blessed have become impeccably greedy, and those who have been devastated by it have become desperate for it, like a god. Money has been idolized by both ends of the spectrum-- sounds like a materialistic mindset to me.
So why is materialism to be criticized? Because it has made a fool of us humans, and we can't even see it! We see a beautiful siren floating in the Orinoco, and we just keep rowing gently down that stream until slice --let the blood drip from your back-- you've just been back-stabbed. This is why people can't focus so much on money or phones, because in the end, what's it going to accomplish you but status and temporary satisfaction until the iPhone 7 comes out? Well, looks like you're gonna need a bigger wallet. "Oh, no! Where's the moolah? I need that phone!" says the materialist.
The most common form of materialism is the usage of phones. You can go ahead and walk in a grocery store-- let me know how many people you saw with a phone in their possession. This isn't entirely bad, because let's face it; phones are impeccably convenient. I don't have one of my own because that's my business, but cellphones have definitely alleviated communication barriers a huge deal. But let's turn this cockroach on its back and see its ugly underside. Recently, smartphones have become a gaming device, too, as well as a means of social interaction. Facebook, Snapchat, Kik-- you name it. Phones and tablets have ability to access those. In fact, its main purpose has become to access social media. Instead of having a good conversation in person, we have those good conversations on the phone. What's more is that we are starting not to meet up with people anymore, but rather hit up Skype and talk things up. I'd rather not unfold more-- my fear of cockroaches is too big to get into detail of all the things technology and phone/tablet use have zhuzhed up. This cockroach is a bit too big for my blog, in fact.
Let's get into money, though. I have a fly swatter, so I can swat this one down. Money has been with the beloved human race since the Neolithic Revolution. We've seen it evolve and create trade among civilizations worldwide. With all of its prestige and value, however, it is the devil. It is said in the Bible that the love of money is the root to all evil. This verse of scripture is right-- money has blessed a few and devastated many. The few that it has blessed have become impeccably greedy, and those who have been devastated by it have become desperate for it, like a god. Money has been idolized by both ends of the spectrum-- sounds like a materialistic mindset to me.
So why is materialism to be criticized? Because it has made a fool of us humans, and we can't even see it! We see a beautiful siren floating in the Orinoco, and we just keep rowing gently down that stream until slice --let the blood drip from your back-- you've just been back-stabbed. This is why people can't focus so much on money or phones, because in the end, what's it going to accomplish you but status and temporary satisfaction until the iPhone 7 comes out? Well, looks like you're gonna need a bigger wallet. "Oh, no! Where's the moolah? I need that phone!" says the materialist.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Is It Necessary to Limit or Put Restrictions on Freedom of Thought and Expression?
I wholeheartedly believe it is necessary to put a cap on my thoughts and expressions. As it says in the book of Ecclesiastes, there is a time and a place for all activity under the heavens. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent. With all the happenings going on today, however, people seem to be incapable of taming their thoughts and timing their words. So many issues have risen, and I truly think that big mouths and minds with no bounds are to lame, at least partly.
One certainty is that a big mouth stirs up a lot of trouble. It never considers the thoughts of other mouths, and has no filter. It has no perception of its surroundings; its conscience is devoid. A big mouth never has a filter, so its words never go unheard. Good examples of big mouths include people who like to gossip and spread rumors. Or how about the media? They expose way too much, and everyone knows it. The media has no filter, and because of that, people get used to it. Once that happens, it becomes a habit, and soon enough, people begin to think it's OK to voice what's on their mind without the consideration of others. This isn't even the beginning of a big mouth; everyone has dealt with one at least once in their life, and they probably hate it.
Freedom of thought is a good thing. Everyone is entitled to the luxury of thinking of whatever. Conversely, the problem is when the thoughts become actions. Moreover, lots of thoughts are quite unacceptable. Why? Well, there is a good distinction between good and bad. Good thoughts are things such as giving to the poor with compassion, or laughing with good friends-- you name it. Bad thoughts are things like raping women because they're weak and useless etc., or wishing bad luck for people, whatever the reason. It's common sense to put a boundary on the bad thoughts trail. Those ideas never get people anywhere in life unlike the good thoughts. And this is the problem-- people have lost their minds-- literally! Bad things are lovely, and rational things are too old and obsolete. What this creates is a mind that has no end to trouble, no discernment of good and bad. The more they pursue that path, the more twisted their ideology becomes. They share it with innocent souls, and those souls become no longer innocent.
Or let's hear it this way. I'm a fairly conservative person; I was raised in a Christian environment, and I have never strayed from my relationship with God. My beliefs are anchored in Him, and I am effervescent to keep my thoughts pure and primarily on His face. Now, I am so aware that not everyone is a Christian. These are just my thoughts --which I am free to believe. Although it is my obligation to share Christ's love to everyone, my intention is not to overwhelm. With that said, if I ever encounter someone of a different walk of life, I will certainly not go Westboro Baptist on them, because that is out of line; I can't get angry at them simply because they don't share my beliefs. And they can't get mad at me for mine (I don't condone Westboro Baptist's dogmas, FYI)! It's a simple concept that nobody seems to grasp.
Ultimately, freedom of thought and expression is a wonderful thing, but for the world, it is different in the minds and hearts of every single individual. Gay marriage can be accepted at one end, and it can be rejected on the other. Islam can be tarnished with lies to one person, but it can be beautiful to another. Voicing these opinions without care can ruin the chemistry between people, and it also lessens the motivation to even tolerate others' thoughts. To answer in one sentence, I firmly believe that everyone should put some sort of limit to voicing their thoughts and expressions for the sake of respecting others' values; there is a time and a place to say or do those things-- just wait for the right moments!
One certainty is that a big mouth stirs up a lot of trouble. It never considers the thoughts of other mouths, and has no filter. It has no perception of its surroundings; its conscience is devoid. A big mouth never has a filter, so its words never go unheard. Good examples of big mouths include people who like to gossip and spread rumors. Or how about the media? They expose way too much, and everyone knows it. The media has no filter, and because of that, people get used to it. Once that happens, it becomes a habit, and soon enough, people begin to think it's OK to voice what's on their mind without the consideration of others. This isn't even the beginning of a big mouth; everyone has dealt with one at least once in their life, and they probably hate it.
Freedom of thought is a good thing. Everyone is entitled to the luxury of thinking of whatever. Conversely, the problem is when the thoughts become actions. Moreover, lots of thoughts are quite unacceptable. Why? Well, there is a good distinction between good and bad. Good thoughts are things such as giving to the poor with compassion, or laughing with good friends-- you name it. Bad thoughts are things like raping women because they're weak and useless etc., or wishing bad luck for people, whatever the reason. It's common sense to put a boundary on the bad thoughts trail. Those ideas never get people anywhere in life unlike the good thoughts. And this is the problem-- people have lost their minds-- literally! Bad things are lovely, and rational things are too old and obsolete. What this creates is a mind that has no end to trouble, no discernment of good and bad. The more they pursue that path, the more twisted their ideology becomes. They share it with innocent souls, and those souls become no longer innocent.
Or let's hear it this way. I'm a fairly conservative person; I was raised in a Christian environment, and I have never strayed from my relationship with God. My beliefs are anchored in Him, and I am effervescent to keep my thoughts pure and primarily on His face. Now, I am so aware that not everyone is a Christian. These are just my thoughts --which I am free to believe. Although it is my obligation to share Christ's love to everyone, my intention is not to overwhelm. With that said, if I ever encounter someone of a different walk of life, I will certainly not go Westboro Baptist on them, because that is out of line; I can't get angry at them simply because they don't share my beliefs. And they can't get mad at me for mine (I don't condone Westboro Baptist's dogmas, FYI)! It's a simple concept that nobody seems to grasp.
Ultimately, freedom of thought and expression is a wonderful thing, but for the world, it is different in the minds and hearts of every single individual. Gay marriage can be accepted at one end, and it can be rejected on the other. Islam can be tarnished with lies to one person, but it can be beautiful to another. Voicing these opinions without care can ruin the chemistry between people, and it also lessens the motivation to even tolerate others' thoughts. To answer in one sentence, I firmly believe that everyone should put some sort of limit to voicing their thoughts and expressions for the sake of respecting others' values; there is a time and a place to say or do those things-- just wait for the right moments!
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Is Knowledge of the Past No Longer Useful for Us Today?
Books are always a story; no matter what genre, there is something to be told. Many novels are very imaginative, and quite bluntly, unrealistic-- fiction, to be precise. However, there is a thing or two to learn from them, at least. While these stories can be outlandish and irrelevant, they all carry a message for the reader. Now, this question remains-- is the message useful? Well, maybe. It depends on the plan the author had in mind.
One book which tells an impeccable story, yet teaches an eye-opening message is Life of Pi by Yann Martel. The story contains so many virtually impossible events, but the story, as Pi said in the novel, can make you believe in God. In a nutshell, his life was full of unfortunate events, and on his journey across the Pacific, he described so many beautiful and terrifying things --tigers, meerkats and a carnivorous island-- which one would never venture to see. However, in his case, it seemed so real-- how could anyone deny it? The story he told was indeed impossible, but after hearing a more rational take on Pi's journey, which one could anyone prefer? The fantasy, or the reality? This is useful, because it opens people's eyes to how religion is, in a sense. Irreligious people may have a hard time fathoming things that can't be proven or backed up with evidence, but other walks of life carry spontaneity beyond wonder. Christians believe in the resurrection of Christ, and God alone. Many Hindus believe in the story that one could see the universe through Krishna's mouth. Islam became a religion because of Muhammad's visions about Allah. We find these stories everywhere, and billions of people follow these practices. But which one do we really want? Something that takes faith, or something more tangible? Just something to think about. 안녕!
One book which tells an impeccable story, yet teaches an eye-opening message is Life of Pi by Yann Martel. The story contains so many virtually impossible events, but the story, as Pi said in the novel, can make you believe in God. In a nutshell, his life was full of unfortunate events, and on his journey across the Pacific, he described so many beautiful and terrifying things --tigers, meerkats and a carnivorous island-- which one would never venture to see. However, in his case, it seemed so real-- how could anyone deny it? The story he told was indeed impossible, but after hearing a more rational take on Pi's journey, which one could anyone prefer? The fantasy, or the reality? This is useful, because it opens people's eyes to how religion is, in a sense. Irreligious people may have a hard time fathoming things that can't be proven or backed up with evidence, but other walks of life carry spontaneity beyond wonder. Christians believe in the resurrection of Christ, and God alone. Many Hindus believe in the story that one could see the universe through Krishna's mouth. Islam became a religion because of Muhammad's visions about Allah. We find these stories everywhere, and billions of people follow these practices. But which one do we really want? Something that takes faith, or something more tangible? Just something to think about. 안녕!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)