Monday, March 31, 2008

More Odds & Endlesses

Where were we? And does it matter in the non-linear dimension where I hang out? No, not at all. I can just peruse Bob's sacred journals at my leisure and riff away. I can explain the passages or just toss them out to readers and leave them shrouded in their penumbra of irritating mystery, adding to Petey's mystique -- as if it were possible to "increase" what is already infinite.

Here's one: "The left must make you metaphysically ignorant in order to convert healthy impulses into the sick ones they require in order to fulfill their project."

This reminds me once again that truth -- at least on the macro level -- must be the highest value, from which all others flow. I am currently reading a book that holds "liberation" to be the highest value, but this cannot be true. If it were true, then the truth of it would have to take precedence. Besides, "liberation" or "realization" are of no use to the world in the absence of truth, let alone love and beauty. Raccoons have no interest in "realizationism" unless it is an undeserved byproduct of the traditional virtues removing the impediments to grace; it is analogous to happiness, which cannot actually be sought on its own level, since it is an effect of right living, not a thing in itself.

Even if I could experience Oneness, I'd give it up in a nanosecond for twoness and then the threeness which is its fruit. I'm quite sure God feels the same way, which is why his interior life is intrinsically three. Yes, he had it all, but he gave it up for love. That's all you need to know about cosmology, at least as it pertains to your day-to-day life.

Yes, you can argue that "all is one," but only if you make the immediate caveat that the One holds the two within itself, the womb of eternity, or that the Subject gives birth to the object for all time. For "what good is it to me if this eternal birth of the divine Son takes place unceasingly but does not take place within myself?" (Eckhart).

Do you want to know what goes on in the core of the Trinity? I will tell you. In the core of the Trinity, the Father laughs and gives birth to the Son. The Son laughs back at the Father and gives birth to the Spirit. The whole Trinity laughs and gives birth to us (Eckhart).

Jesus is the smoking cr(e)ator at the center of history. This is to say, an Idea descended into time, the Idea of ideas. Once this Idea entered time, we could not love the world in the same way, except insofar as it embodies and reflects this eternal Idea.

The contemporary left wing equivalent of religion + sadism is narcissism + sanctimony.

America's founders were not anti-religious. Rather, they simply wanted to ensure an even praying field.

Whenever you hear the phrase "socially conscious," reach for your revolver. For the left, this replaces being "spiritually conscious," or just having a conscience in the traditional sense. It is their version of "fundamentalism." This is the reason why leftists are so attracted to environmental hysteria, as it allows them to feel morally superior at no cost to their moral depravity. They can lead an immoral life but imagine that they are purchasing "moral credits" by scolding the rest of us. Thus, the scam of "carbon credits" is no different than purchasing indulgences.

I would much prefer to have my theology politicized than to have politics theologized. In other words, there should be no objection to wishing to see one's religious values reflected in politics. This is altogether different from the left's project of elevating their horizontal ideology to a state religion.

Liberals only want to be judged by their intentions, never outcomes or consequences. As such, this is again similar to a reverse religion, in the sense that they worship at the altar of a kind of pure metaphysics (actually, "infraphysics," as it were), unsullied by the actual events of history. This is why the young and stupid are so susceptible to its charms, since they have the least history. I remember when I lived in the quasi-timelessness of childhood and adolescence. No wonder I was drawn to an ideology that reflected that false infinite.

Contemporary liberalism is for the carnal man (the only man who exists, since his spiritual nature is denied at the outset), therefore the weak man who wants his weakness "normalized." Furthermore, it relieves him of the strength of character it requires to grow to full manhood, while at the same time making him both wise and righteous in his own eyes. No wonder it's so popular!

Take your pick: crystal clear ambiguity or vague certainty.

Just as in science, we need a frame of reference with which to "see" religious facts. Just as the paradigm of quantum physics creates a way to see phenomena inaccessible to the Newtonian paradigm, religion illuminates a field of eternal and transcendent "theologoumena," or "facts of God." A fact is a relation between two events. Therefore, a religious fact is a relation between man and God, or O and (¶).

Once you admit the idea of "higher" and "lower" in any sense whatsoever, it's just a way of saying that things are oriented from the top down, not from the bottom up, otherwise your distinction is supported by "nothing."

God is either One or Zero. No, wait. The Godhead is beyond-being, or Zero, which gives birth to One, or being. Gravity takes care of the rest.

Atheistic mental masturbation: nOnanism.

Their telovator doesn't go to the top floor.

Is what we see a projection of psychic space? Or is psychic space the interiorization of the exterior? Obviously the former. For what does it mean to say that something is deep in the absence of a mental conception of space? If the cosmos is "infinite," it is only because the mind is; or let us say that exterior and interior are infinite in both directions. But since there cannot be "two infinites," it's merely two sides of the same möbius strip joint. The outer reaches of inner space: the only final frontier there has ever been, the evolution of the interior horizon. We're already living on the Other Side we're dying to get to. Hallow, noumena!

And another journal is swept into the recycling bin of history.

27 comments:

walt said...

Complete Aside:

A headline only a Raccoon could appreciate!

Sheesh: he seems harmless!

NoMo said...

Things are not as they seem.

QP said...

React to Walt's link:

First commentor, Rick, prolly Walt's cuz, said:

"People, people, people, put the celly down for just a moment and no one will get hurt. We need to practice calmness. Don't do anything, just be."

LOL

Van Harvey said...

"The left must make you metaphysically ignorant in order to convert healthy impulses into the sick ones they require in order to fulfill their project."

Yes, a Truth, misunderstood, or misapplied, is no longer true - but it still carries the 'brand recognition' of the former truth, enabling them to peddle their spin, without the dangerous (to their purposes) content. Free speech comes to mind - burning flags, submerging statues in piss, cramming as much profanity into dialog as possible, that is all held up as 'free speech'; but it now consists purely in expressing emotional outbursts without intellectual content. Care to apply 'Free Speech' into Academe'? Race? Law? Politics (in a time frame and via $ uncomfortably close to voting time?) with a conservative viewpoint? No Way! "That's just intolerant and hateful!"

The leftist's continue to peddle the brandname 'free speech', but purged of its True meaning.

wv:eyefwwqq... no, eye for QP (she's a doll!)

Van Harvey said...

"This reminds me once again that truth -- at least on the macro level -- must be the highest value, from which all others flow. I am currently reading a book that holds "liberation" to be the highest value, but this cannot be true. If it were true, then the truth of it would have to take precedence. Besides, "liberation" or "realization" are of no use to the world in the absence of truth, let alone love and beauty."

Thats at the root of the trouble I have with Libertarians, they proceed as if 'Liberty' is the root value, instead of an important result of the real value, the Truth of man's political nature and requirements within the context of reality.

Van Harvey said...

From Walt's link "expert, said: "Nomophobia is all too real for many people"

Nomo... I'm sure it's not personal, if they'd actually read the script links, I'm sure they'd overcome their fear.

:-]

QP said...

Van, You are naturally so right about so many things!

Now let's give it up to B'ob for one hellva of another cohearent solo. This chart is in the Top 10.

QP said...

Trend-spotting among "millennials". Yes, but will they practice it?

Pre-rut, post-rut, peak-rut, secondary rut, sign phase, chasing phase, breeding phase, trolling phase, use scents/don’t use scents, call/don’t call, rattle/don’t rattle, and on and on it goes.

Van Harvey said...

You gotta love the reaction of the survey group QP ref'd, on finding that those between 21 and 29 -- revealed the group overwhelmingly said they support monogamy, marriage, the U.S. Constitution and the military: "We were completely surprised."

Indeed. After all they've done to promote the opposite. I'll admit to thinking the same up until about six years ago, but after interview after interview with those who joined the military, of talking with them and their families, of the conversation of my kids and their friends just a few years under that demographic... I'm no longer surprised. They didn't spring from nowhere (well... perhaps gnowhere...).

They are appalled at the boomer and boomer wannabe generations preceding them - they see the nothing that their excesses brought them, and they want something more. Not to get all pollyannaish on you - the desire for those things is strong among them - the knowledge of what those things are... well... the spirit's willing, but the flesh is a bit weak... still, I'll agree with the surprised commentator: " There has been a faulty portrayal of millennial’s by the media -- television, films, news, blogs, everything. These people are not the self-entitled, coddled slackers they're made out to be."

What may turn out to be the most surprising thing of all... and I can barely believe my fingers are saying this... but that parental dread of the last two decades... video games may be at the root of it. I used to be right there decrying their evils... but I've not been so sure for the last couple years.... Just on the level of brain functions, the spacial grasp they use and develop in games like Halo... the maps they grasp within their minds, three dimensional, and timeline as well... the purposeful abilities balanced against scarcities of resources... the cleverness honed to figure out the puzzles of the games, find the hidden features... and now playing with other kids online around the world (my kids play almost daily with their cousins 1,500 miles away)... I don't think anyone today begins to grasp the possibilities that these 'slackers' may bring forth.

However, as we all know... ability and cleverness without wisdom... could be more terrifying than another vapid 'Spicolli party hearty!' generation.

I do get the feeling that they know they've been robbed of some vital information... and I feel sorry for those boomers who will be expecting their social security entitlements, when the millennial’s figure out what's been kept from them, and by whom.

julie said...

"...video games may be at the root of it."

As one who has spent countless hours playing video games, I have to say I wouldn't be entirely surprised. In addition to the benefits you mentioned, Van, many of the most popular games (the Zelda series, most Mario games, the majority of the rpg titles) are also interactive stories which focus on heroism and bravery, hard work, helping people, and behaving honorably.

Though in regards to the survey QP linked, I think that children of divorced parents (who may actually be the majority of the millenial demographic) realize how damaging it was to live through their parents' breakups, and may be more keenly aware that monogamy and marriage are really better than the alternatives if you want to raise a family.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Bob's take on the hysteria around environmentalism. Still, I wonder about the internal combustion engine. That is a LOT of shit burning, man. That worries me; it just isn't natural to burn that much fuel. I mean where there's fire, there's smoke. Some shit is bound to happen.

Other than that, I'm cool with everything.

Ephrem Antony Gray said...

Nomophobia sounds like a fear of 'The Law'. Isn't that sort of a natural state?

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

Nomo's reputation precedes him. :^)

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

"I can explain the passages or just toss them out to readers and leave them shrouded in their penumbra of irritating mystery, adding to Petey's mystique -- as if it were possible to "increase" what is already infinite."

Aye! Infinitely increase I say!

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

"Raccoons have no interest in "realizationism" unless it is an undeserved byproduct of the traditional virtues removing the impediments to grace; it is analogous to happiness, which cannot actually be sought on its own level, since it is an effect of right living, not a thing in itself."

Bingo! That was a bullseye, Bob!

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

QP said...
"Van, You are naturally so right about so many things!

Now let's give it up to B'ob for one hellva of another cohearent solo. This chart is in the Top 10."

QP, I think ALL of Bob's posts are in the top 10! :^)

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

America's founders were not anti-religious. Rather, they simply wanted to ensure an even praying field.

Heh! Affirmative prayin'. The real fairness doctrine.

Anonymous said...

What qp said about the millenials article.

It's one thing to agree with something, another thing to behave accordingly. The point about divorce is well taken, but I'm pretty sure the monogamy quotient of the children of divorce is below that of children from intact families.

A funny thing, though. I was talking to my 26 year-old when I ran across that article and, when I told her what it said, her reaction was, "No way." She's convinced that she and her husband (as well as both of her sisters and one fiance) are the only ones in her cohort who think that way.

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

"Whenever you hear the phrase "socially conscious," reach for your revolver. For the left, this replaces being "spiritually conscious," or just having a conscience in the traditional sense."

Now that's a loaded statement...loaded with truth!

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

"I would much prefer to have my theology politicized than to have politics theologized. In other words, there should be no objection to wishing to see one's religious values reflected in politics. This is altogether different from the left's project of elevating their horizontal ideology to a state religion."

Exactly! The benefits of top down vs the destruction (and opression) of bottom up leftist fundamentalism.

Anonymous said...

And now for something completely different. I just ran across the following factoid. (Don't ask me why.)

In Tonga, male-male sexual activity is illegal while female to female is not and is only subject to the 16 year-old age of consent law.

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

"This is why the young and stupid are so susceptible to its charms, since they have the least history. I remember when I lived in the quasi-timelessness of childhood and adolescence. No wonder I was drawn to an ideology that reflected that false infinite."

Or infienight.

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

"Contemporary liberalism is for the carnal man (the only man who exists, since his spiritual nature is denied at the outset), therefore the weak man who wants his weakness "normalized." Furthermore, it relieves him of the strength of character it requires to grow to full manhood, while at the same time making him both wise and righteous in his own eyes. No wonder it's so popular!"

And it doesn't require cajones.
In fact, cajones are banned from contemporary liberalism.

USS Ben USN (Ret) said...

"But since there cannot be "two infinites," it's merely two sides of the same möbius strip joint. The outer reaches of inner space: the only final frontier there has ever been, the evolution of the interior horizon. We're already living on the Other Side we're dying to get to. Hallow, noumena!"

Ha ha ha! In the wise words of Larry the Cable Guy: That there is funny, I don't care who you are.

And it's true!

Van Harvey said...

Maineman said "..."No way." She's convinced that she and her husband (as well as both of her sisters and one fiance) are the only ones in her cohort who think that way."

Like the question about 'how are you doing in this economy?' usually results in "Oh, I'm doing fine, but I'm worried about my neighbor down the street'; we hear that bad things are afoot and assume they are... somewhere....

However you know I'm not painting a rosy picture of the state of modern morality, but I've got to take note of the fact that I mostly hear about how bad things are, and don't personally see it in action. Part of that is, of course, I, and those I know, don't associate much with those who would be in that situation, but there a couple kids my kids knew growing up that I assumed would rot from the inside out & would be long gone by now - but they're doing fine and seem to be on that straight and narrow.

Still, when I asked my kids about it, they said "you don't know the half of it" - and I think that's right, there seems to be a sharp polarization in play, with less wishy washy than I recall - look at the kids in the mall, they're normal, or they've got bolts through their nose, lips & tongues... not that many in between.

Julie said "many of the most popular games (the Zelda series, most Mario games, the majority of the rpg titles) are also interactive stories which focus on heroism and bravery, hard work, helping people, and behaving honorably."

And odd as it seemed to me 10 years ago, those are the kids that seem the soundest to me now. Maybe part of the reason is that there is nowhere else for them to be exposed to "heroism and bravery, hard work, helping people, and behaving honorably", sure ain't (maybe AINO... from Ben's site) gonna happen in the schools, and that gives them a one up on the rest.

Anonymous said...

Well, we always assume that the "natural" bent of human nature is downward, which is hard to argue against in most lights. But from a macrocosmic perspective, we've been "ascending" for a long time now.

Maybe we're more like plants than we know, and the natural movement is forward, toward the light.

NoMo said...

Maineman - Maybe not.

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