:: Thursday, August 08, 2002 ::

”With a little sweet and simple numbing me…” (Jimmy Eat World)

If I had written the song “These are a Few of my Favorite Things,” Milky Way Midnight would be in there about 5 times… Just in case, you know, any of you felt the burning desire to send me a little package…
So here’s the theory, formulated during Dr. Batts’ philosophy class:
I don’t believe altruism really exists. Everything in this world is self-motivated. “Ah,” you say, with finger uplifted, “but the Bible teaches us to look out for others above ourselves, to be unselfish, to obey Him without promise of earthly gain.” Yes, but what motivates us to obey the Bible? What is our reasoning behind practicing selflessness?
Even the most severe ascetics are gaining spiritual or mental satisfaction from “denying themselves.” If there were no hope of a clear conscience, blessings from God, or eternal salvation, I can guarantee no one would obey Him. The Bible is full of incentives:
”I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.” (John 6:51)
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:20)
”If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
“And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.” (1 John 2:25)
“We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
The Bible certainly warns against selfish ambition, but it seems to wholly support self-interest. We are supposed to want heaven, to want peace, to want joy and love and everlasting life. And in this context, I don’t believe it’s wrong to be selfish.
“Mm, well, yeah, hmm.” ~Dr. Batts
ByTheWay, this is probably the most accurate name analysis I’ve ever seen, besides the fact that it has cool names like Agamemnon and Quanzeedalpuna. If you ever wanted to bestow upon your children hideous and twisted names with great personal meaning, this is definitely the place to start.

Labels: Yore

:: Bethany Bassett - 11:50 AM :: + ::