Hi!
Glad to be back writing. Work had eaten up almost all my spare time, so I didn’t have the time to write. But now that I’m on pre-retirement training leave (that’s for another post) I hope to get back into a regular schedule.
Image via CrunchBase
I’ve been noticing that many of my FaceBook friends are posting heavily mystical visuals about god. This started after the American elections in early November. Perhaps the results made them think the deity had his/her hand in our politics. Of course, it’s nonsense to think that. How would the alleged supreme being choose sides in an election like ours? We had the first black president running for a second term (an historical first) against a true blue Mormon who, I don’t doubt, believes that his religion is absolutely correct. I can’t see how a god could choose sides and still remain the same lovable, caring, sadistic, incompetent being he is described to be in the so-called holy scriptures.
But of course, that’s a silly statement because god simply doesn’t exist. If one finally has the balls to accept that premise, all the other claptrap, ritual, rules, and writings of all religions simply slips away. Amazingly freeing thing to do, you know.
Some FB friends continue to forward posts like one that shows a radiant figure in white and blue robes apparently standing effortlessly among gorgeous clouds against a blue sky. Hard to say how big he is, but you have to look carefully to find him because his colors blend into the sky. The message is from an entity called “Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior” and the substance of the communication is “Like in 2 seconds if you believe”. My dear FB friend ‘liked’ that message. I’m sorry to see that, because it suggests she is buying into all the bullshit religion is built on. I doubt she ever saw some heavenly being in the clouds, and if she did see that, she needs to see some professional for help.
Once again, religion feeds us what we’d like to believe, not what is. I’d like to own a Rolls Royce. Do I expect to get a post showing a picture of a Rolls resplendently alone on a lonely road in an American desert? Should I ‘like’ that image in 2 seconds if I believe in Rolls Royce? Such nonsense.
IMO, FB is not the place to spout off about religion, or non-religion for that matter. If one wants to “praise god” or ask for prayer, let them do it in their church. By the same token, non-believers should not post anti-religious comments. If you really must talk about your faith (or lack thereof), start a blog!
I believe that’s what I’ve done. But many people don’t or can’t go to the trouble to set up/maintain a blog, so FB becomes the easiest solution. Confidentially, there was an exhilarating feeling post partisan political messages on FB during the lead up to the last election. Don’t know why but it felt like one was really in the fray! BTW, what, exactly, do you think FB should be for?
I think FB is a great way to update friends and family on what’s going on in your life. That doesn’t necessarily include what you had for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
It’s also a great way to share your opinions/outlook on newsworthy topics. This may or may not include politics. I also think it’s cool when someone shares pictures, videos, jokes, quotes, etc. that they find funny or interesting because this provides insight into the poster’s personality.
I guess what I’m saying is that unless everyone on one’s list of “friends” is a believer (or non-believer), that postings related to “god” ought to be omitted. Just my opinion.
And yes, you’re right. Some people aren’t into blogs (for whatever reason). Nonetheless, I do think they are the ideal outlet to discuss any and all topics.
A lot of people “like” or “share” just in case!