I'd like to start a running thread on cynicism. I suppose I don't need a reason, but I have been thinking about it a lot lately, so that's my reason. Plus, who doesn't want to think about cynicism this time of year? 'Tis the season, I say. As it is the night before Christmas, I won't delve into it much. I can promise, however, that it will be longer than Bob's two-part "series."
For now, I'll just say that sometimes, it really is easy to be cynical. Today, for instance, I went to the mall, and in spite of all the supposed holiday cheer in the air, I found that most people were more concerned with getting a better parking spot than me than with tidings of comfort and joy, peace on earth, goodwill to men, etc. Baby Jesus would not be happy with this, I think. Yet, baby Jesus does not seem to be able to prevent selfishness as the most selfless of times. Maybe it's because too many people like to think of Jesus - in the words of Cal Naughton, Jr. - "as a mischievous badger." You'd be wrong, but there you are. Merry Christmas everybody!
3 comments:
I like to think of Jesus as wearin' a Tuxedo T-shirt, 'cause it says, like, "I want to be formal, but I'm here to party too."
That's my favorite line of that movie.
Anyway, I noticed the same thing this week, too. I was at Starbucks on Friday & people were downright impatient and rude to the people behind the counter.
Further on cynicism, as I age and gain experience with the ways of the world, I find myself not taking people at their word more & more. Athletes are liars & politicians are liars. Its difficult to stem the tide, to give people the benefit of the doubt instead of associating with them the worst imaginable motives. I think if I wasn't in the church, and didn't know as many noble people, I'd be one of those looney's who thinks that Bush staged 9/11, the moon-landing was filmed in a studio, and the leaders of our nation are half-reptilian alien monsters that are all members of a secret society designed to create anarchy on Earth.
BTW, my Mom believes in all the above. I'm not joking.
I am a cynic. I also believe several of those things listed in the post above, but that doesn't mean there is a direct link between these two issues. The world is full of people who do crazy things to the great detriment or deception of others for their own personal gain or pleasure. I do not need to be a cynic to acknowledge this fact. However, my cynicism comes into play when I begin to assume that this description should be applied to the majority of people, not not just a limited number of people who are really selfish. Often, I feel that way.
I agree with you Nick that the reason it sometimes seems God is ineffective in undoing the general crapfest on display in the world is that a lot of us aren't actually allowing him any input into what we do or more importantly who we are. This is certainly true in the case of many self-described "believers". Often, it would seem the root of their self-deception is that they believe in a god (or badger) that isn't who they think he is, or just isn't. This vacancy allows for the ascension of a deity who looks much like ourself to the throne. Thus, selfishness reigns in another heart.
Also, I think to think of Jesus like he's singing lead for Skynyrd and he's got these huge wings and I am in the front row and I am hammered drunk.
You Christian Imperialists are THE BEST at cynicism. You're also THE BEST at being hypocritical about it. You've got CENTURIES of history there.
I embrace my cynicism, though. Makes it easier to hate all the stupid people I'm sharing the planet with.
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