I think we need to break love into two words: especially like and care for, and the sickness. Because I love my friends. I deeply care for them. But that's not the same love I feel for certain very special women. A more sick way of caring that much for someone. But can I feel both kinds for the same person. The two, and maybe more, kinds of love are not even comparable. I think the sick one is hormonal; an emotional attraction to the opposite sex.Back to the rock:
Everyone is clapping. Even the guy I came with, though he has terrible rhythm. I think I remember reading in Rant by Chuck Palahniuk that clapping and shit like that happens at the same pace the brain cycles, so clapping in unison synchronizes all our brains. Then, Jesus comes and does silly things to us while we're too hypnotized to notice. Or Something.The same way I think love songs are brainwashing, dishonest, and ignorant of what really is love, I think these songs are. I can't remember any particular lyrics, but I've never heard christian rock that seemed especially deep or understanding when it comes to god. It's like they assume everyone already has this deep, profound connection to the philosophy, so it's not their job to voice any opinions. But, if they did voice any opinions, it wouldn't be generic, some people would disagree, and they wouldn't be popular. Maybe their popularity more likely relies on being ignorant of anything deeper than god is good and Jesus is a cool dude.Inversely, the priest seems allowed to say anything he wants about the bible. The song is over and he's dissecting a part of the new testament, as opposed to the old testament (or as we Jews call it, the bible), really bashing on materialism and making plans without god's consent.He's talking about how our quest for material things detracts us from our quest for god. Also about how we try to make plans, but god has to will us to do them. For example, in the passage, this guy was talking about how he'd go to a town, trade, and be one rich bitch. But does he ask god? Oh, no! So Paul, or whoever, bitch slaps him philosophically and we all learn our lesson. Or something.The thing is, I agree being overly materialistic is bad, and I believe the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry, but why is it we can't learn these lessons without god? Why is it god has anything to do with them? Couldn't even an atheist (me) be happy without materialism and realizing catastrophe despite plans?Though, I would like to note, he never actually said, through his microphone, on the many TVs, to the audience sitting in very comfortable movie-theatre seats, and the people videotaping him, that materialism was bad. That's just me gnawing at his words.Once it's all over, after another song, we're leaving, and I see people holding bags out. They're so people can throw their coffee and pop and shit into. It was just interesting to me. In a Jewish temple, you would never see food in the synagogue, where we held services. I think it'd be sacrilegious. We have to say a prayer to bless our food before eating it. Part of kosher. Though, I don't think many Jews do this, really, and being an anti-materialist, I don't see why we or god should care. But, all middle-eastern religions seem to be materialistic ones. Sure, they ask you drop your pager, turn off your TV, and stop buying new cars, but they're really only asking you to replace them with THEIR materials. The (probably poorly translated) bible, the church, and in some cases: magic underwear.The rest of the evening wasn't so thought provoking. We drove home, went to a Mexican restaurant with a friend (more of an acquaintance to me), and had some actually interesting religious discussions, if you're willing to admit they can exist. For example: This guy disbelieves that hell is a place of torture and pain, but rather a place of crucification. Purification. And the body is a material thing, so it does not exist in hell or heaven, so pain in the way we think of it could not be. Same with pleasure. The heaven we often imagine is a material one.I think it's still a load of shit and have rational arguments to fight with, but until I know him better, I won't risk aggravating him too much.We also talked about how christian schools are no good for making christians or people. Then we left there and discussed CG in movies, Star Wars, and the recent Terminator and X-Men movies. We had some Baskin Robbins and went home.But, the whole reason I did this was because I was really--yes--that bored and lonely. And you know what? This may be hard to believe, but I enjoyed it! A lot of people have such strong stigma against religion that they tense up, become disagreeable, and angry at its presence in conversation. Fucking relax. People see badness in religion and claim religion is bad. It actually might be, but cut the rebel shit out. It's not all bad and sometimes actually has something good to say! And if you'll simply let yourself be around it without accepting Jesus into your life as your personal lord and savior, you might at least enjoy the people you're with.Am I forgetting something? Oh yeah! Jesus. He loves me man? But what does that mean? It didn't come up today, but I thought about it a good deal.
<SoC> Jesus?references
<CXM> yeah, scott
<SoC> In what way do you love me?
<CXM> come again?
<SoC> Do you care a lot for me? Do you really enjoy my presence? When I come into the room, do you feel excited in anticipation of a great--maybe funny--conversation?
<SoC> Or, do I make you sick? Are you drawn to me despite all rationality? Is my very presence an upper and my absence a downer?
<CXM> dude, stop this
<CXM> you're really putting a downer on our friendship
<SoC> Yeah, you're right. nvm
<CXM> i love you, man
<SoC> Yeah, I know.
[1] "My girl": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltRwmgYEUr8
[2] a) misery rock example: http://www.unpiano.com/music/wp-content/music/htrk/ha.mp3
b) from this page: http://unpiano.com/music/2009/03/27/htrk/