I don't want to pull a Dean or anything but I had to do a back-to-back post to say:
This week in TV is going to be totally epic
Monday: Bromance and The City on MTV premier
Wednesday: Real World BROOKLYN Premiers (too bad it's New Year's)
Meanwhile, team face has a new obsession: Mama's Boys.
make sure you hear from us every so often lest we slip into a Via-coma (dan, is that a portmanteau?)
...and RIP Pinson.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Hello, I'm a Mac...
So, as Christmas in the Savino house was mostly envelope giving this year, I have just purchased a new laptop after 6 years.
I'm a little concerned because my relationships with my mac friends are quintessentially "I'm a Mac...and I'm a PC" and I don't know how to define myself now. I'm not liberal enought for mac-dom: I eat meat (veal even! foie gras!), I looooove fur, I shoot guns (ok once, but I think my mom and I might hit up the midtown gun range), I occassionally side with free market economics, I don't like Scarlet Johanson.
Crisis of conscience.
It truly was a pivotal christmas. The only tree the family had was a small potted one in the corner, instead we strung ribbons from the light fixtures and hung our ornaments there (I really should edit Real Simple). My only presents were stocking stuffers, two of which I returned. NO CHURCH this year - a very heathen christmas indeed. But now, my father and I are starting a new tradition, though this year we listened to the whole of Handel's Messiah on the couch and fell asleep, next year (and every year thereafter) we're going to see it live - and most likely fall asleep too.
Christmas Money Purchase Roundup:
2 pairs black flat boots - would anyone like a pair? I made a final-sale mistake I seriously regret
4 pairs of tickets to New York City Ballet
2 pairs work-apropriate flats - one of which may be returned
1 ella moss top
MacBook
and, most importantly
GIANT FAUX LEOPARD PRINT COAT
bless your heart intermix sales.
To Purchase:
Wireless Keyboard
Opera and Ballet Tickets for Prague
Tights
Conspicuous consumption is alive and well.
To counteract it - I'm volunteering tomorrow night, driving around in a van and giving meals to homeless men and women.
AND
After a very successful "no purchases for myself" period from September 29th through December 25th, I'm reinstating it from January 2nd to 31st [break for Prague] then until Easter.
Pretty good eh?
I'm a little concerned because my relationships with my mac friends are quintessentially "I'm a Mac...and I'm a PC" and I don't know how to define myself now. I'm not liberal enought for mac-dom: I eat meat (veal even! foie gras!), I looooove fur, I shoot guns (ok once, but I think my mom and I might hit up the midtown gun range), I occassionally side with free market economics, I don't like Scarlet Johanson.
Crisis of conscience.
It truly was a pivotal christmas. The only tree the family had was a small potted one in the corner, instead we strung ribbons from the light fixtures and hung our ornaments there (I really should edit Real Simple). My only presents were stocking stuffers, two of which I returned. NO CHURCH this year - a very heathen christmas indeed. But now, my father and I are starting a new tradition, though this year we listened to the whole of Handel's Messiah on the couch and fell asleep, next year (and every year thereafter) we're going to see it live - and most likely fall asleep too.
Christmas Money Purchase Roundup:
2 pairs black flat boots - would anyone like a pair? I made a final-sale mistake I seriously regret
4 pairs of tickets to New York City Ballet
2 pairs work-apropriate flats - one of which may be returned
1 ella moss top
MacBook
and, most importantly
GIANT FAUX LEOPARD PRINT COAT
bless your heart intermix sales.
To Purchase:
Wireless Keyboard
Opera and Ballet Tickets for Prague
Tights
Conspicuous consumption is alive and well.
To counteract it - I'm volunteering tomorrow night, driving around in a van and giving meals to homeless men and women.
AND
After a very successful "no purchases for myself" period from September 29th through December 25th, I'm reinstating it from January 2nd to 31st [break for Prague] then until Easter.
Pretty good eh?
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Brief Thought on Warrenism--wait, Christian Fundamentalism
I know there's probably a lot to say and that has been said about Rick Warren, and perhaps you've arrived at your opinion about him, but I'd like to say here that I'm astounded by Obama's choice for the Inauguration's Invocation.
Although I am atheist, I think there are hundreds of better choices of clergy to hoist up on stage rather than this clerical demagogue. Not only does he spew plenty of virulent homophobia and Christian superiority during his sermons and public appearances -- both of which I've been tracking for some time -- he's such a perfect example of the modern Christian fundamentalist, and the danger those individuals pose to our political society.
All of his sermons at Saddleback Ranch--er... Church-- they're completely frustrating. Honestly, didn't we have enough of W. Bush spouting off things like "God told me to free the Iraqi people"? How is that sentiment any more ridiculous than Warren's statements like, "I don't hate gay people; it's God's word, not mine"? [That sentiment can be seen here. Of course, the Saddleback web site has changed with the times. Oh, for the times!] They're both tantamount to the religious hubris that infects this country.
This brief entry was spurred by an earlier thought I had today, about our imminently-sworn-in President-elect Obama: What if the man said, "It's God's will to have a public, government-sponsored health care system in the United States"? I can imagine the same men and women who defended W. Bush's publicly-funded, government-sponsored and God-inspired wars would be up in arms. "Blasphemy! He's invoking God's name for a public agenda!" The difference is trivial and equally sickening.
There is plenty more to say, but I'll save that (and much more) for my time in NYC with you wonderful people. So, for now, I'll say, Rick Warren & Christian fundamentalists, enjoy your moment in the limelight. Time willing (and with some enlightenment in this country over the next... err... several centuries!), moments like these are going to be harder to snatch.
Although I am atheist, I think there are hundreds of better choices of clergy to hoist up on stage rather than this clerical demagogue. Not only does he spew plenty of virulent homophobia and Christian superiority during his sermons and public appearances -- both of which I've been tracking for some time -- he's such a perfect example of the modern Christian fundamentalist, and the danger those individuals pose to our political society.
All of his sermons at Saddleback Ranch--er... Church-- they're completely frustrating. Honestly, didn't we have enough of W. Bush spouting off things like "God told me to free the Iraqi people"? How is that sentiment any more ridiculous than Warren's statements like, "I don't hate gay people; it's God's word, not mine"? [That sentiment can be seen here. Of course, the Saddleback web site has changed with the times. Oh, for the times!] They're both tantamount to the religious hubris that infects this country.
This brief entry was spurred by an earlier thought I had today, about our imminently-sworn-in President-elect Obama: What if the man said, "It's God's will to have a public, government-sponsored health care system in the United States"? I can imagine the same men and women who defended W. Bush's publicly-funded, government-sponsored and God-inspired wars would be up in arms. "Blasphemy! He's invoking God's name for a public agenda!" The difference is trivial and equally sickening.
There is plenty more to say, but I'll save that (and much more) for my time in NYC with you wonderful people. So, for now, I'll say, Rick Warren & Christian fundamentalists, enjoy your moment in the limelight. Time willing (and with some enlightenment in this country over the next... err... several centuries!), moments like these are going to be harder to snatch.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Have blog, will travel
I'm going to tell you about this idea I have for a music blog. Don't steal it. I mean, obviously I can't stop you from stealing it -- nor would I inflict any sort of punishment on you, were you to steal it. But, like, honestly? Dick move, if you steal it. Way dick move. Because I trust you.
Most music journalism, it turns out, is really incredibly lousy. I've wanted to start a music blog for a while now -- a music blog where people could write about songs and shit without resorting to name-dropping and definition by comparison. (I don't think, for the record, that I'm God's gift to music criticism, but this would be a good way to pass the time.) My initial idea was "Synth Plinth," an altar at which to worship the pantheon of synth-pop and disco. But this felt too constricting. Plus, people with way more impressive music libraries have been there and done that.
So how's about this, instead. You go out. You're at the club. You're at the diner. You're at Duane Reade. You're at the neighborhood barbeque. You're at Shoe Mania. And a jam comes on. This is the jam you must blog about. Not only is the song reviewed, but the cultural context of the song, and its impact on your environs. Thus, every entry includes:
If you're into music and, more importantly, writing on music, does this sound like something you'd read (or write, for that matter)? And what the heck would you name it?
Most music journalism, it turns out, is really incredibly lousy. I've wanted to start a music blog for a while now -- a music blog where people could write about songs and shit without resorting to name-dropping and definition by comparison. (I don't think, for the record, that I'm God's gift to music criticism, but this would be a good way to pass the time.) My initial idea was "Synth Plinth," an altar at which to worship the pantheon of synth-pop and disco. But this felt too constricting. Plus, people with way more impressive music libraries have been there and done that.
So how's about this, instead. You go out. You're at the club. You're at the diner. You're at Duane Reade. You're at the neighborhood barbeque. You're at Shoe Mania. And a jam comes on. This is the jam you must blog about. Not only is the song reviewed, but the cultural context of the song, and its impact on your environs. Thus, every entry includes:
- Song (.mp3, last.fm or YouTube link)
- Review of song
- Google map and/or photo of location whereat song was heard
- Reflections on song's cultural import/playback method/human impact/spatial redefinition/jarring juxtaposition/associative beauty/etc., etc., etc.
If you're into music and, more importantly, writing on music, does this sound like something you'd read (or write, for that matter)? And what the heck would you name it?
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
License Plate of the Day Award goes to...
New York tags,
"D33ZNUTS"
It was a metallic blue Honda CRX.
Spotted on 32nd between Park & Lex.
"D33ZNUTS"
It was a metallic blue Honda CRX.
Spotted on 32nd between Park & Lex.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Short Update
I am ridiculously happy right now. Almost sickeningly so. Baby Jesus, thank thee so, so much. You or your probably-more-real-counterpart, Chance. Who am I kidding? Thanks, Chance, o Holy Chance.
All I can say is: the post-college Christmas season is great. I have a lot of updates about life, including some rather interesting news that includes Secular Humanists and eggs Florentine, respectively.
OK, this obscure, rather obtuse entry terminates right now. More to come.
cincin-
DRPE
All I can say is: the post-college Christmas season is great. I have a lot of updates about life, including some rather interesting news that includes Secular Humanists and eggs Florentine, respectively.
OK, this obscure, rather obtuse entry terminates right now. More to come.
cincin-
DRPE
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Dismal Tide
When it comes to market-based economies, nothing brings out desperation like a nice, deep recession.
This month, HarperCollins published a forty-eight-page book, How to Talk to Girls, by a nine-year-old boy. He just sold the film options to Fox. A sequel, How to Talk to Moms, is slated for release in March. Perhaps it will match this titanic bestseller:
In MTV's latest reality show, contestants vie for a chance to fuck identical, bisexual twins*. The twins' meteoric rise was precipitated on a brief waitressing stint at Hooters, during which they simultaneously revealed their bisexuality.
To promote continued ignorance -- particularly, it seems, amongst youngsters -- energy magnates have launched "The Clean Coal Carolers," a website featuring anthropomorphized, hovering pieces of coal that sing Xmas carols with adapted, pro-coal lyrics. (It's really weird; in a way it's as if they advocate self-immolation and genocide. Burn us! Please, burn us!) Here, for example, is the bridge to "Frosty the Coalman": "There must have been some magic in clean coal technology / For when they looked for pollutants there was nearly none to see."
Nearly.
*In the summer of 2006, this turn of events was foreseen by prescient mock-shock-rock progenitors The Purple Cocks; cf. "Identical Twincest," The Fourth of July Cockfest EP, self-released.
This month, HarperCollins published a forty-eight-page book, How to Talk to Girls, by a nine-year-old boy. He just sold the film options to Fox. A sequel, How to Talk to Moms, is slated for release in March. Perhaps it will match this titanic bestseller:
In MTV's latest reality show, contestants vie for a chance to fuck identical, bisexual twins*. The twins' meteoric rise was precipitated on a brief waitressing stint at Hooters, during which they simultaneously revealed their bisexuality.
To promote continued ignorance -- particularly, it seems, amongst youngsters -- energy magnates have launched "The Clean Coal Carolers," a website featuring anthropomorphized, hovering pieces of coal that sing Xmas carols with adapted, pro-coal lyrics. (It's really weird; in a way it's as if they advocate self-immolation and genocide. Burn us! Please, burn us!) Here, for example, is the bridge to "Frosty the Coalman": "There must have been some magic in clean coal technology / For when they looked for pollutants there was nearly none to see."
Nearly.
Penn State, my mom's alma mater, announced last week the production of official university perfumes and colognes. Their developer -- who is either synesthetic or really gutsy -- claims that the fragrance "captures the essence of the school’s blue and white colors."
And then there's Manbabies. Yes, Manbabies, equal parts terrific and terrifying.
More evidence, thus, of what is quickly becoming a truism: Any effort to lampoon American culture is inevitably bested by actual headlines.
*In the summer of 2006, this turn of events was foreseen by prescient mock-shock-rock progenitors The Purple Cocks; cf. "Identical Twincest," The Fourth of July Cockfest EP, self-released.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Selected Excerpts from Top Chef Viewing: Team Face
C: So apparently Doug's dad invented the frozen burrito.
A: I'd hit it.
C: Fine. You know what, you can win the jizz game. In fact, I REALLY want you to win the jizz game.
C&A: hehehehe come.
Top Chef: And then of course, Tom enters the kitchen
C: He can stick it in MY kitchen.
A: And now she's bonin' that dude again
C: Oh is she using a condom this time
A: No, but I bet she used this Tangelo peel.
C: ew.
A: What? I'm holding one; it's like shooting fish in a barrel! Or sperm into a vagina!
A: I'd hit it.
C: Fine. You know what, you can win the jizz game. In fact, I REALLY want you to win the jizz game.
C&A: hehehehe come.
Top Chef: And then of course, Tom enters the kitchen
C: He can stick it in MY kitchen.
A: And now she's bonin' that dude again
C: Oh is she using a condom this time
A: No, but I bet she used this Tangelo peel.
C: ew.
A: What? I'm holding one; it's like shooting fish in a barrel! Or sperm into a vagina!
Devil Stoned Back Into Hole, Late Spring Predicted Next Year
Pilgrims Stone the Devil
---
It seems the devil received another good whacking from the upper-atmosphere-deity's earthly representatives this year, signaling a decisive victory once again for righteous morality. That makes it, oh, 1387 years of a lucrative throwing-stone market in Mecca? Wow.
(Photo courtesy of the BBC.)
Milk
And I highly recommend "Milk." It is a great movie, and I mean that emotionally and critically.
God is Dead and He Didn't Pay the Bill
Carl Sagan's Musings on Sundry Topics Such as the Life of Man and the Cosmos
So, I've revived an old desire to read more Carl Sagan. You might have had an inkling that he's been on my mind, from my last post. He's such a fascinating character, with a good deal to share on science and the meaning of life. Here are some short quips of his that I enjoy:
"A celibate clergy is an especially good idea, because it tends to suppress any hereditary propensity toward fanaticism." Hahahahahaha -- I never thought of it this way!
"I am often amazed at how much more capability and enthusiasm for science there is among elementary school youngsters than among college students."
And finally, some gems:
"Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people."
"Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the Universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark. In our obscurity, in all this vastness, there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves."
I feel that this final statement is a brilliant summary of atheistic belief–ahem–rather, what the universe poses to the atheist. I was listening to NPR this morning, the Diane Rehm show, and a guest was sharing his latest production, a T.V. special on the life and conversion of Thomas Merton, from hedonist to monasticism. What a change!
Merton's conversion came about because of what he saw as excess in modern civilization in the West. Yet, I see also a refusal to work within the system, to recognize the world as imperfect, but seeking to perfect, and as Sagan stated, not by the volition of some godhead, but by the will and actions of humans.
I've read some of Merton's works, and granted, I should read more, but I believe Sagan's last quote here exemplifies the meaning of challenging the anthropomorphism of religion -- rejecting the idea that a god or spirit-thing is floating about, one that is charged with human emotions and which carries a petty insistence that its human minions pray to it for favors and salvation (a choice of words softer than the reality it obfuscates, that is, the subjugation of man's independent thought).
So, in the end, I just wanted to share my admiration for Sagan. He's been providing a good lens for evaluating one's place within the human community, and how to bring the individuals who comprise that community together, to seek out a common mission. Perhaps I ought to join a (Carl Sagan) book club after all.
Perhaps sometime later today, when I have time, I will edit this post so that it makes sense. For now, enjoy the quotes, and if you haven't touched Sagan's works, then I suggest some reading. Best!
-Dean
So, I've revived an old desire to read more Carl Sagan. You might have had an inkling that he's been on my mind, from my last post. He's such a fascinating character, with a good deal to share on science and the meaning of life. Here are some short quips of his that I enjoy:
"A celibate clergy is an especially good idea, because it tends to suppress any hereditary propensity toward fanaticism." Hahahahahaha -- I never thought of it this way!
"I am often amazed at how much more capability and enthusiasm for science there is among elementary school youngsters than among college students."
And finally, some gems:
"Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people."
"Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the Universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark. In our obscurity, in all this vastness, there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves."
I feel that this final statement is a brilliant summary of atheistic belief–ahem–rather, what the universe poses to the atheist. I was listening to NPR this morning, the Diane Rehm show, and a guest was sharing his latest production, a T.V. special on the life and conversion of Thomas Merton, from hedonist to monasticism. What a change!
Merton's conversion came about because of what he saw as excess in modern civilization in the West. Yet, I see also a refusal to work within the system, to recognize the world as imperfect, but seeking to perfect, and as Sagan stated, not by the volition of some godhead, but by the will and actions of humans.
I've read some of Merton's works, and granted, I should read more, but I believe Sagan's last quote here exemplifies the meaning of challenging the anthropomorphism of religion -- rejecting the idea that a god or spirit-thing is floating about, one that is charged with human emotions and which carries a petty insistence that its human minions pray to it for favors and salvation (a choice of words softer than the reality it obfuscates, that is, the subjugation of man's independent thought).
So, in the end, I just wanted to share my admiration for Sagan. He's been providing a good lens for evaluating one's place within the human community, and how to bring the individuals who comprise that community together, to seek out a common mission. Perhaps I ought to join a (Carl Sagan) book club after all.
Perhaps sometime later today, when I have time, I will edit this post so that it makes sense. For now, enjoy the quotes, and if you haven't touched Sagan's works, then I suggest some reading. Best!
-Dean
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
So help me God, if you don't want a Greeting F***ing Card
I came home yesterday morning from an absolutely wonderful time in Annapolis -- photographic evidence to come -- to find the house bedecked in paper snowflakes and a large wooden pole that advertised, "Welcome to the North Pole." The magic of leaving Cassie Powers to her own ways over a 3-day period. (With help from Sarah McCann, whose snowflakes assumed a rather general cruciform nature; Christian much?)
As you can see, our holiday planning is afoot. The party is on Dec. 19, and if you're in the Arlington area over that weekend, please stop by. I promise that there will be plenty of fresh face surprises that we haven't seen in some time: fresh imports from familiar Williamsburg, distant Richmond and the farthest reaches of this region. There will be mulled wine and holiday rum, among other things, namely foods and aforementioned people.
And I will continue writing this until I track every one of you cretinous imbeciles down individually:
DO YOU WANT A GREETING CARD? PLEASE SUPPLY ADDRESS.
Goddamn it!
Merry Christmas!
As you can see, our holiday planning is afoot. The party is on Dec. 19, and if you're in the Arlington area over that weekend, please stop by. I promise that there will be plenty of fresh face surprises that we haven't seen in some time: fresh imports from familiar Williamsburg, distant Richmond and the farthest reaches of this region. There will be mulled wine and holiday rum, among other things, namely foods and aforementioned people.
And I will continue writing this until I track every one of you cretinous imbeciles down individually:
DO YOU WANT A GREETING CARD? PLEASE SUPPLY ADDRESS.
Goddamn it!
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
wowowow it's been a while
today i got lost wandering the halls of the National Museum of Natural History's upper floors. Deep within the bowels of the museum are thousands of stacks of shelves filled with bones and other relics that never made it to the NMNH's six collosal "pods": space-age, football field-sized windowless warehouses where the bulk of the NMNH collection is housed, located right nextdoor to my place of work. It was kind of a cool situation to be in, just wandering around a maze of bone shelves.
not much more to tell here. I joined a neighborhood gym this week, which is exciting because I might start making fitness a continuous and important part of my life, for the first time ever. This gym is like the "Cheers" of gyms--it's tiny, with people of all ages, shapes and sizes wandering around. It's like that gym from the movie "Dodgeball", Average Joe's, but with a few more ladies. Today I went to the yoga class there and was pleasantly surprised by the small size of the class, my [slight] flexibility, and my scottish yoga instructor's lovely accent.
Lastly, I am being interviewed for my U.S. Citizenship on Monday. How terrifying! I will soon be joining your ranks, only to use this newfound status to justify taking trips that last longer than six months and not concerning myself with the possibility of being unable to re-enter the U.S.
Speaking of travel, I went to Costa Rica last week, and I'll be going again in 2 weeks. This time around, my mom took me to an acuupuncturist, which I would recommend if you enjoy things like yoga and all the silly things your yoga instructors says, like "breathe into your psoas, feel your psoas"*. The acupuncturist had a very similar schpiel-he made me hold a little jar of milk, and tested my pressure points and resistance, and suddenly came to the conclusion that I was lactose-intolerant. Incredible! He even called my mom today to see if I am actually keeping away from lactose (I am not, but I told mom to lie). They really like all that new-age eastern medicine shit in Costa Rica!
Last of all, happy birthday Jay-Z!!! Thanks for writing a rap titled "December 4", it will always make me remember your b-day.
*these things were actually said during today's yoga class.
not much more to tell here. I joined a neighborhood gym this week, which is exciting because I might start making fitness a continuous and important part of my life, for the first time ever. This gym is like the "Cheers" of gyms--it's tiny, with people of all ages, shapes and sizes wandering around. It's like that gym from the movie "Dodgeball", Average Joe's, but with a few more ladies. Today I went to the yoga class there and was pleasantly surprised by the small size of the class, my [slight] flexibility, and my scottish yoga instructor's lovely accent.
Lastly, I am being interviewed for my U.S. Citizenship on Monday. How terrifying! I will soon be joining your ranks, only to use this newfound status to justify taking trips that last longer than six months and not concerning myself with the possibility of being unable to re-enter the U.S.
Speaking of travel, I went to Costa Rica last week, and I'll be going again in 2 weeks. This time around, my mom took me to an acuupuncturist, which I would recommend if you enjoy things like yoga and all the silly things your yoga instructors says, like "breathe into your psoas, feel your psoas"*. The acupuncturist had a very similar schpiel-he made me hold a little jar of milk, and tested my pressure points and resistance, and suddenly came to the conclusion that I was lactose-intolerant. Incredible! He even called my mom today to see if I am actually keeping away from lactose (I am not, but I told mom to lie). They really like all that new-age eastern medicine shit in Costa Rica!
Last of all, happy birthday Jay-Z!!! Thanks for writing a rap titled "December 4", it will always make me remember your b-day.
*these things were actually said during today's yoga class.
How to Serve Man
Of note:
http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Revolution-food-riots-in-America-by-2012-13062-3-1.html
Discuss, if you like.
GREETING CARD ANYONE?
http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Revolution-food-riots-in-America-by-2012-13062-3-1.html
Discuss, if you like.
GREETING CARD ANYONE?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
An Exercise in Cognitive Dissonance
Monday, December 1, 2008
Terra Nova
I thought this Times piece on the early Earth was a fascinating read. It reminded me of the fact that I've sunken to a new, and old, low: computer games. I've begun playing the latest release from Maxis, better known as the company under Will Wright that produced the SimCity series: Spore, a game where players follow their biological creations from single cell to space-traveler. God, kill me now.
In other news, I've been thinking more and more about joining a community. No, I'm not referring to Alex's "snuggies" cult, but a positive community of like-minded people. I figure that aside from Settlers of Cataan interest groups, one to which I almost was made party last weekend, a church might be my only salvation—pun intended. Of course, being a free-thinker—or a rationalist, atheist, agnostic, post-Christian, Jeffersonian, or what-have-you—it is a hard decision of which sort of church/community group to join.
Some friends have said I'm being daft; for what reason would I want to join a church? If everything has a biological end, then what is serving to bind me to the spiritual needs of another man? Well, perhaps it is because religion has cornered the market on "spirituality," for lack of a better term, and the churches serve the purpose of uniting people of common spiritual tenets.
Perhaps I have never asked or we've never discussed it, but what are the religious views among this group, out of curiosity? I know several of yours, and they range from agnosticism to apathy to religious orthodoxy, but I don't have a cohesive grasp of where this group stands on personal moral values. It's interesting to me that we can divorce our moral face from our public personality; I'd imagine it would have been impossible forty years ago.
I think personal moral convictions are absolutely important to discuss; they're the only means to knowing better what, in fact, we believe. I don't mind if someone is a Christian or a Satanist, an atheist or a devout papist, just the same as I don't care if one's reward for good deeds is today or tomorrow: it's one of the clearest signs of a deep character, to be able to peer into someone's intellect.
Anyhow, just a thought.
In other news, I've been thinking more and more about joining a community. No, I'm not referring to Alex's "snuggies" cult, but a positive community of like-minded people. I figure that aside from Settlers of Cataan interest groups, one to which I almost was made party last weekend, a church might be my only salvation—pun intended. Of course, being a free-thinker—or a rationalist, atheist, agnostic, post-Christian, Jeffersonian, or what-have-you—it is a hard decision of which sort of church/community group to join.
Some friends have said I'm being daft; for what reason would I want to join a church? If everything has a biological end, then what is serving to bind me to the spiritual needs of another man? Well, perhaps it is because religion has cornered the market on "spirituality," for lack of a better term, and the churches serve the purpose of uniting people of common spiritual tenets.
Perhaps I have never asked or we've never discussed it, but what are the religious views among this group, out of curiosity? I know several of yours, and they range from agnosticism to apathy to religious orthodoxy, but I don't have a cohesive grasp of where this group stands on personal moral values. It's interesting to me that we can divorce our moral face from our public personality; I'd imagine it would have been impossible forty years ago.
I think personal moral convictions are absolutely important to discuss; they're the only means to knowing better what, in fact, we believe. I don't mind if someone is a Christian or a Satanist, an atheist or a devout papist, just the same as I don't care if one's reward for good deeds is today or tomorrow: it's one of the clearest signs of a deep character, to be able to peer into someone's intellect.
Anyhow, just a thought.
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