Our post-post modern neo-futuristic culture scoffs at gods (even the God people don't like gods) and yet our gods are biting us in the butt. Like all gods, they are not tangible, our gods, but have direct sensual effects (for example, more people are buying Spam these days). Our intangible gods live in the spirit world, the world without form, and we sacrifice and plead, and still they do like gods have always done -- they laugh and play tricks and give ambiguous messages.
What is money? What is debt? What is the market? Are they not all three fabrications that even their priests are beginning to admit cannot be counted upon? Do we not owe a debt of gratitude to those bad boys of the sub-prime (is that like a rare steak) for pulling the thread that unravelled the emperor's clothes? And seeing that where there should be a naked body there is nothing, nothing at all?
We stand again like children, bilked by the Tooth Fairy, then Santa Claus. Our spree is over. But by our nature, we must believe in something or we die.
Is it too late to consider that we might believe in belief? Can we believe ourselves back into solvency? Might the solvent this time be our relationships with each other and with all of life itself? May we receive credit for our good hearts? And put our hearts to work?
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i like your post, George. During my past few years at the university, i have often been challenged (and at times frustrated) by the "knowledge will save us" rhetoric and its permeation into one's actions that is so common at our university, and i imagine at most. The emphasis while studying seems to be on acquiring new beliefs (knowledge) or honing the ones we already have. A few years ago, i began to realize that perhaps the idea--and really, the practice--of belief was the culprit and a great obstacle if it uses us rather than the other way around. So, the last few years have, for me, been a time of learning how to integrate a belief-less approach into a culture filled to the brim with belief. An extremely grounding experience at times and a rather challenging and frustrating one at other times.
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Yes Ben, to be here, to be open, to allow life force flowthrough. Grounding and challenging. And what better way to life one's life? Good to know you, Ben.
ReplyDeleteIt gives that cry "Lord I believe! Help my unbelief!" of Mark 9:24 an entirely opposite meaning, doesn't it?
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