By which ever Means, Faith or Belief you are able keep Hope in your Heart.
Howsoever you embrace Compassion, Respect and Tolerance for the Innocent, Vulnerable and those who return the sentiments in equal measure.
I wish you well this day and forever.
Foreword:
I would like to thank fellow WP blogger Professor Taboo for jolting me out of my ‘I really Must Get Around To Writing That Faith-Based Post Before Lent Ends’ statis state.
In advance, if you are going to read this post you are strongly advised to study his recent posts Paul, Acts, Forgeries & Marcion* Parts I & II
Paul, Acts, Forgeries & Marcion – Part I
When dealing with someone else’s position and their case is argued at length, it is my practice to Copy & Paste onto a Word Doc for reference and scale. Please note PT’s posts are 4,400+ & 3,800+ words long respectively. It is likely mine will go into some length too. Neither of us subscribe to sound-bites, emojis, GIFs or any other modern shorthand with such a weighty subject.
If you want to get involved set aside some time.
Warning:
This is not actually a rebuff to the above posts. It’s not even a word by word dispute over the evidence. Some might be disappointed I will not be addressing directly the topics raised. Expressed are words and thoughts and beliefs of mine which have been looking for an inspiration to come out in full flood. And here we are. Just read on
It is only fair to point out, the views you will encounter will be considered by some as heretical, blasphemous or as per Catholic Teaching ‘Relativism’ (which kinda puts me at odd with the current Pope. Never mind God will put me right at some stage). On the other side of the coin as some exasperated atheists said to me ‘You don’t know what you believe!’ or ‘You are just dodging the issue!’ or….To be honest I forgot the rest. They just didn’t like me being open minded Cosmically speaking.
Outline
It can be broadly stated that the first post deals with The Physical Side, for it encompasses Cosmology, History and Quantum Physics. These are all areas which contain elements of physical evidence yet are also with uncertainties and speculations. The second post will involve my views and criticisms of Theological and those Social elements which cross over.
The whole comprises An Overview, Four Perspectives and a Summary. These will break down as follows:
One Theistic Cosmological Overview (Read here)
Historical Perspectives (Read here)
Scientific Perspectives (Read here)
Theological Perspective (Next Post)
Social Perspective (Next Post)
The String Theory Summary. (Plagiarising from Quantum Physics. Tying the four perspectives all together) (Next Post)
One Theistic Cosmological Overview:
My belief is that if you are going embrace a theistic belief you will be in the area of accepting a Supreme Being and Creator. Since you are therefore saying this Supreme Being was responsible for All That Is, Was and Ever Shall Be, then you need to consider dealing with a very, very large concept and be ready to view from more than one direction and discipline. You should also have an outlook which will endeavour to encompass a great deal and be very flexible.
To begin with let us look at one simple request.
Whether you are theistic or atheistic can you take someone of the opposite view to a location in this 14 billion year old, (though there is work out there which argues 26+ years old) 90+ billion light year in observable diameter Universe and say
‘Look this is where My God is. There we are. Case proven’
OR
‘This where your God should be but isn’t’. Case proven,’
Well? Can we, either side of the argument? No of course we can’t. We have garnered a rough idea of the Universe based on a variety of investigations, but neither has incontrovertible proof to answer my request. And that is where Faith / Belief comes in. To walk the indefinable area of Human thought in which a concept is held to in the absence of solid, definite physical evidence.
Some might promptly argue that I will be dodging issues, shrugging and saying ‘I don’t know’ and just repeating ‘stuff’.
Not so.
When addressing a such a vast subject of the belief in a Supreme Deity, the necessity of brining a myriad of disciplines to the discussion is vital, lest we get out of focus. There is the likelihood on this side of Life that parts of this subject cannot as yet and may not ever be proven. Here is where Faith or Belief come in. And on all sides of the argument.
We cannot physically prove, but we can believe.
Historical Perspectives
History is a powerful teacher, also a remorseless one, laying bear uncomfortable facts which do not suit those who prefer matters neat and tidy. The latter aspect is an important facet to keep in mind because at some stage all of us will always try and bend history to suit our ideas. The more objectively minded will to seek out details to argue or question a point of view and deal with the matter analytically. Others will try and deal in bare facts to leave the rest up to the reader, but that is a near impossibility; to repeat we all tend to bring our own thoughts and agendas to the debate.
At its basic Human History works like this. A does something. B reacts to what A did. C gets involved either because of A or B. Then D turns up probably because of what A, B and C are doing. After that it is likely E. F, G, H and so forth get involved. Meanwhile you get alliances such as Ab’s or Ba’s etc, etc. With all this laid out before an observer it is only natural to initially see things through their own eyes.
Yet History is a collection of evidence, and one glorious aspect is that new or forgotten evidence is being constantly uncovered for examination. Even the absence of evidence carries a value all of its own. However, whatever be it evidence or none, that will be open to interpretation. One thing however is certain do not take a dramatisation as fact and tread wary of legends or a folklore. Nor read one historian’s account and say ‘That is all I need to know’. Remember those As, Bs, Cs, Ds and so forth? Who is telling you what A did? And Why? Keep your antenna and radar tuned.
The groundwork is laid out. I will now look at the question of the Christianity and give you my…I repeat MY opinion, and in consequence translation.
Now the original starting point for Christian Belief is contained within the Old Testament, which in turn originates from a Hebrew source and following the New Testament which contain four accounts of Jesus Christ’s Life and Ministry until his mortal death then resurrection. The New Testament also contains the subsequent accounts of the followers of Jesus’ and their writings, ending with the mystical Book of Revelation.
Before proceeding further, again it is necessary, vital in fact to bear in mind the following
The OT is a collection of works. Some are the written versions of oral accounts. Some are commentaries on a particular time with a religious take. Others are the accounts of the experiences, life and times of a prophet. Others are essentially instructions for the time and the circumstances for an orderly society of the time. It should also be borne in mind that within these were poetical approaches in an endeavour to encompass at attempt to understand a cosmic or philosophical issue; while some will be takes on histories. And the whole covers a span of centuries. The OT also differs from, arguably its forebear the Hebrew Bible.
When approaching The NT, it is essential to bear in mind the four gospels are differing approaches. There are three Synoptic Gospels, Mark, Matthew and Luke which are similar in structure and narrative but differ because of their intended audiences. Mark being the earliest, a bare account for others, Matthew intended for a Jewish readership and Luke for a more cosmopolitan readership. John stands slightly more apart as it has esoteric theme and maybe be later. There then follows those accounts of the activities of followers of the new faith and their own letters and that ‘The Book of Revelation’. (not ‘Revelations’)- whosever might believe that is a literal prophecy might well consider the following:
For the purposes of the Historical it should be borne in mind that these works have been through several translations of language before they reach whatever, for the sake of brevity English version you are looking at. Therefore, remember that each translation will have its own assumptions and evaluations as to what ‘that’ word or phrase meant. To go around with a highlighter and sticking bits of paper in selected pages for one purpose or another might be useful for a rebuttal against a view point you disagree with. To use it as a basis for persecution is to me heresy if not downright blasphemy. The literal use of an English version is a few levels below actually studying the inherent messages.
At this stage for the purposes of Faith and Belief the citing of this piece of English or that piece of English as a basis for proving that one side or the other is right or wrong, I would assert ‘Does Not Really Matter’ They are useful in debates on who wrote What, Why, Where or When and for What Reason, and also if ‘They’ wrote it or someone else. Or was it a combined job?
In this, these debates are on the same level as to whether some personality out of History was as Good, Bad, Adept, Inept as they are traditionally painted. Whether they were actually ‘There’, ‘Here’ at such a time. And so forth.
In cannot be argued that such discussions do not add to the layers of circumstances and history is already filled with commentaries one way or another.
When however it comes to the basics of The Christian Faith, the question to ask is. Do they add or detract to the evidence of a Jesus Christ and his activities? This is the basic line for any Christian. Therefore, onto the Historical Evidence of Jesus, most likely born in Nazareth, Palestine at the early years of 1st Century AD/CE.
To summarise there is evidence of a man out of Galilee who was crucified in what I would call a political expediency between the Roman Authorities, The Court of the Client King and the religious council the Sanhedrin, the latter having the power to bring out a mob at the figurative click of the fingers. What no side wanted was another figurehead for another movement, particularly one who was not preaching armed resistance; the Romans knew how to deal with a call to arms.
In their independent works both Jewish historian Josephus and Roman historian Tacitus, make relative passing reference to Jesus. At this stage of history of the area from Europe to the Middel East the majority of surviving documentation comes from within the Roman Empire’s boundaries and thus would cover a large number of issues, events and personalities. What would happen in one small region of the edges would attract minimal attention at the time. Which is why what we can call historical evidence is so sparse.
It is enough though.
Enough for a Faith you say?
Well, let me place before you the reasoning thus far.
In One Theistic Overview I argued as no one can physically prove there is no God I am at Liberty chose to belief in God. In the Historical Perspectives I can place the Old and New Testaments are documentations which indicate there are bases for the origins of my faith and part of the foundation of that faith. I also cite there is evidence for an Historical Jesus.
Thus upon these the case for my belief is founded.
But you ask. This seems to be slender stuff. You seem to talk of absences of solid evidence and also uncertainties as firm foundations. Are these not paradoxical, and in consequence subject to doubt? There is actually another perspective to bring back into the focus. The Scientific.
Let us continue to share the journey.
Scientific Perspectives
Warning: Not simple. This is long in itself. Convoluted. It’s The Nature of The Concept.
Second Warning. Be prepared for at least one ‘Where is he going with this interlude?’
The Cosmological Overview was an initial introduction to scope and size of the issues involved when discussing Faith and Beliefs. Rather than go straight to Science in more details it seemed neater to take on the Historical approach to establish the next part of the evidence foundation. This done, let us return to address the Scientific side of the subject.
As we know Science is a word which covers a vast number of subjects, all playing their part in the knowledge which we utilise for better or for worse in Humanity’s turbulent voyage. Rather than try and pick through each branch and in turn the associated subjects, a task which would take up at least one year’s worth of at least weekly posts, and that would be skimming the surface I intend to look at two scales.
The smallest, being the sub-atomic and the largest which takes us back to the Cosmological.
Here we encounter the counter-intuitive to our daily experiences, the parallels to the challenges Western folk of the last century have faced regarding the acceptance of a Supreme Deity. The world of Physics and the World of Theistic Belief both contain facets which do not fit into our Daily World. Challenges and reactions criss-cross. I assert there are parallels, there are commonalties.
Let me just throw a few everyday questions out there. Physics first. Religion second.
How can Light be both a particle and a wave of energy? Two aspects at once? What really is this Time-Space thing; we are attuned to Length – Width – Depth, and doesn’t Time just flow in one direction anyway? Things get ‘Old’ don’t they? And what’s this about 11 or 20 dimensions- how does that figure?
Where is this ‘God’? Why doesn’t ‘This God’ stop wars? Why are bad things happening? And to come back to The Science side- how can One Being have complete domination over one galaxy of an average of 100 million stars; that’s before we started on the billions of galaxies concept?
Those are questions which can crop up in the minds of everyday people who chance upon these subjects. There are though no easy answers. It is part of our fate to forever come up against questions whose answers do not seem to be on any horizon.
Just to illustrate what ‘we’ are up against.
(Before I start there is a body of opinion which is dismissive of Wikipedia as an information source. Whatever your views on that topic, Wikipedia it is a good source of illustrating the depth, length and width of a topic.)
Science
I typed in the phrase ‘Unsolved Problems’. The category Natural Sciences was sub divided into seven separate categories: The category ‘Mathematics’ into four. For our collective sakes I will go no further. You should be able to gauge the scope the issue from those details alone, and that’s before we consider the subject of divergent views on how something was ‘solved’
Theism
A search under Theism suggests a vastness of topics. I narrowed it down to Christian – Systemic Theology and also Constructive Theology (which is a relatively new approach.) And the result was Ten different categories. And as with Physics I did look but will go no further. Feel free to do so, but make time.
Yes, since ‘Scientific Perspectives’ was typed out nearly Five Hundred words in and he’s still not got the nub of the matter.
Of course not. Neither subject is simple. Neither subject can be compacted into one small fold-open pamphlet. Normally anything serious on either requires ‘Papers’ as in a ‘Paper On…’ and more likely entire books and you are still skimming the true surface.
Complexity upon Complexity
Volumes, upon volumes of works on both topics. Writers argue back and forth. There are whole trends of developments, re-appraisals, new lines of thought. Admittedly I am not aware of there being a theological version of the Large Hadron Collider, so Physics does have an ‘physical’ edge there. But ‘physical’ edge in Religion? We will return to this issue after we have considered some more issues still open for debate and see how they interact in both arenas.
Creation (as in Of the Universe)
Currently The Big Bang holds sway, whether it was 14 billion years ago, or even more is up for debate. For the majority of folk, the concept of there being No Time No Space just a very compact ‘item’ and nothing else is counter-intuitive. We cannot comprehend the situation. Try and you end most likely up with a ‘Why’ or a ‘Well How…’. And yet we, in the main, accept this sort of.
Since we ‘sort of’ accept this, for some of us the notion that a Being also beyond our imagination effectively said ‘Let There Be Light’ therefore seems a reasonable opinion to hold. After all we all already into the realms of the unimaginable No Time, No Space realm, so what is wrong with believing in ‘Someone’ started it?
Yes it is a type of Creationism. In purely physical / physics terms so is the Big Bang. Creationism as ‘It All Started’
What you might call Creationism in a biblical sense itself is divided into various schools, from the basic Seven, literal Days, along the paths of ‘Seven’ being allegorical, into an area of ‘episodes’ of Creation. The whole displaying sophistication of thought keeping a pace with discoveries. In fact, as with the science of Cosmology, Creationism can be evolving. Bear in mind not so long ago it was accepted in scientific circles that there was just one galaxy, revolving to stop spinning apart into the vastness of space. Now we know more.
Therefore, since we do not know, absolutely, positively, completely everything there is to know, to hold to the belief that ‘God’ created the Universe is a valid opinion. The Hows, The Whys and The What-Exactly is the Universe; well, we are all still working on that, and most likely will be forever doing so.
In The Quantum World and its Cousin in Mystery – Theism.
Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Physics are not new discoveries, albeit it that they made their larger appearance in the Modern Physics of the 20th Century. Their applications in the modern world move allegorically hand in hand with the advance in computers, one complimenting the other, firstly bringing transistors and by now advances into devices relying on computers until we stand on the edge of Quantum AI and a wealth of possibilities.
The studies of the subject and the explorations are quite a different level. It is here we confront the realm of the subatomic particles and their properties, or their place in the construct of matter. As the search progresses questions arise which are illustrated in complex mathematical equations and references to a number of aspects which in turn have their own mathematics, (illustrated dramatically in films by rapid use of chalk and a very big board). String Theory, M-Theory, Extra Dimensions are but a few concepts which are commonly discussed but leave the ordinary person struggling to grasp their concepts. You can opt for standing back in awe and saying ‘Wow’ though.
Theism has been around for a lot longer and appears to be dogged by a pattern which Humanity follows without learning. In myriad forms it attempted to bring a social code to what would have been an otherwise chaotic situation and has endeavoured to bring a means of comprehension to the mysteries which confound us. And yet flawed creatures that we are, we argue to the point of persecution and war over meanings and supremacy of one belief system over another. Thus, Theism like the rest of Human efforts is tarnished. Which when you consider the misuse computer systems have been put too indicates the problem lies with Humanity. But more about that when in the next post we consider Theological and Social issues. At this stage I am going to make an attempt to consider The Parallel with Quantum.
This being that the further we go into the study of Quantum the more challenges arise, which is very similar when delving into a belief system. In this case Christianity. It is simple enough to believe in a God, a Son of God, and if your beliefs go in that direction A Holy Spirit. The problems arise when you go deeper into those difficult ethical questions such as
How Active is God in our Lives, and thus How?
Why do bad things keep on happening to the innocent and the vulnerable?
If God is suffering with Us, just how does that work. What does that mean?
Where did God come from?
Just what is God’s plan or purpose?
I could go on and on…and on.
Theologians have been battling with these and the objections to their suggestions for centuries (and some of them taking time out to discuss the mysteries of the cosmos. The concept of other worlds has been up for debate for millennia, 1,500 years in Christianity ).
Therefore I contend these two Disciplines which are replete with The Counter-Intuitive mirror each other, often coming along with a ‘There must be a…because this indicates there is….’.
And thus there is no shame in saying ‘I don’t know’ though just leaving it like that and shrugging does not necessarily apply to the entire following of a belief system. WE keep on keeping on. Our religion is not moribund, which stopped somewhere a thousand years ago. Not so.
Miracles
(Possibly the Theistic Version of the Large Hadron Collider?)
In some respects, most of the previous observations and postulations could be construed as a build-up to this. A balanced reason why ‘Miracles’ as recorded in The New Testament can be viewed by ‘The Believer’ as credible acts.
By this point you will be aware that as far as I perceive, within the enormity and complexity of Existence from the smallest particle (currently The Quark?) to the massive walls which are groups of groups of galaxies (eg Great Sloan Wall) to say something ‘Cannot Happen’ is not a Definite. We, Here, Now are nowhere, anywhere close to beginning to know Everything.
In this frame of mindset I consider the following as examples:
The Immaculate Conception (Virgin Birth)- Invoking the biological process of Parthenogenesis is taking a big risk. There would be a lot of complaints and objections. Fair enough, I am just saying Sexual Reproduction is not the only means about. Really I should play it safe, cite general mythical traditions and those of the Abrahamic works. Then consider the various Christian writings on the subject and hint at the allegorical.
Not going to do that. I chose to take the literal option that a divine force caused within Mary’s ovaries conception to begin. I will also look to my brothers and sisters in Abrahamic Faith in Islam to quote from an English translation of the Quaran “So will it be! Your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me. And so will We make him a sign for humanity and a mercy from Us.’ It is a matter ˹already˺ decreed.” (Please note in Islam, Jesus is a revered prophet). (To brothers and sister in faith as Muslims my apologies for any inadvertent errors or mis-quoting)
I do so, because I can see no specific reason why a Being beyond our own level of existence could not do this. And that is that. There may be some impossible concepts out there, but it seems the more we seek knowledge the more we find That Isn’t So.
Resurrection
Since declaring my belief in the Immaculate Conception there would be an element of inconsistency in not having the same faith in the Resurrection. And naturally taking the same pathway.
For this is where a person takes that Leap of Faith.
Crucifixion was a hideous punishment, a slow death by several means. Imagine trying to haul yourself up by stretched upper limbs just to breath. I could try to stumble through suggestions of a body going into shock and being mistaken for death. I could suggest a type of coma. I could go off on enough tangents to have medical professionals reading this howling ‘It Doesn’t Work Like That!’….’And anyway those legs were broken, legs were always deliberately broken during crucifixion,’
Once more. Not going to. This is where that Leap of Faith comes in. Belief. Irrespective.
Tell me, dear reader. Do you believe in Something? Irrespective of what some might call Evidence to the Contrary. Do you believe in Something you cannot see or hold? Something which at times is hard to hold on to, and yet you keep on coming back to there or here? Just Something.
I’m not going to ask you what that might be. The only time I will have a problem with you is if your belief is used as vehicle for Hate, Oppression, Discrimination, Intolerance, Irrefutable Lies and Distortions and rest of the toxins we try to use to dignify and justify our blatant flaws as we set ourselves down the road to conflict and harm.
Summary at the end of Part I.
So here I pause.
In the next part it is my intention to move into the Ethereal realms of Theology, Nature of Beliefs, Overviews of Theisms and Social Implications. The embracing of Belief and the Condemnation of misuses and abuses in attempts to justify evil.
Thanks for reading this far.
(PS: This looks OK as a post, but I cannot be held responsible for what WP’s various gubbinz will do to the final product)
I’m retired, but you simply can’t avoid it. You could be forgiven for thinking that without an e-mail address, a laptop and a mobile phone Society does not acknowledge your existence.
Crocus City Hall, Moscow 22nd March 2024 .It was 14, then 30, then 60 then 93. Dead. Injured? It was many, then a 100. How many escaped? Not known, but they will carry scars. Maybe they will be fearful of being in a crowd, never to go to any event again, fearing they may hear screams and gun shots. Will they ever sleep naturally again. Then multiply by numbers by relatives, friends, associates.
They were going to a concert. To have a good time. Enjoy themselves. Forget the troubles of the World. Maybe ease the pain of the loss of someone sent to Ukraine. Parallels to many Israelis back in October 2023. They were going about their ordinary lives. Just like Americans who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time in 83 mass shootings in 2024 (Up until February that is).
They weren’t in combat. They not were fitted out for fighting. They weren’t even living in dread. Not like folk in Port au Prince. Folk in Gaza. Folk in the Sudan. Folk across the Sahel (look on a map for yourself). In Congo. In Nigeria. In Pakistan. In India. In Philippines. In Malyaia. In Myanmar. In Mexico. In Ukraine. In Yemen. And that list goes on and on and on. World War. Not neat. Not one side vs another. That’s out-dated, washed away amongst the mudslide of agendas and causes, and the debris of alliances; mostly based on Hypocrisy.
Somewhere there is at least one record tallying up the estimates of non-combatants being killed. And someone will be parsing those numbers up into those unfortunately killed in cross-fires. those who were living near strategic targets, those slaughtered in some frenzy of hate and those who starve or sicken untreated because of a lack of resources. As if there is some comfort in pointing out that portions of those deaths were ‘unfortunate’. Like the police chief in To Have and Have Not says laconically about the death of the American tourist caught in cross-fire ‘It is unfortunate’ .But it’s war. What can you do?… Don’t start one? Or is that just a painfully innocent a suggestion.
Nothing worthwhile is easy to solve.
Crocus City Hall, Moscow 22nd March 2024. Dead, dying, injured, traumatised by being there, traumatised by association. Multiply that by the number of wars, rebellions, militias, gangs, mercenaries, authoritarian states, hate-groups. Some calculation. Like one of those massive boards that physicists and mathematicians have to use.
There will be the usual dash to social media to pump out the agenda. Blame this group. Blame that nation. ‘I hate…. I’m gonna blame them’….. ‘Yeah me too’. The keyboards must have been hammered over the last 12 hours.
And there will be those who will justify, or glorify those who walked into Crocus City Hall on Moscow 22nd March 2024 and killed ‘in the name of’. Like the killing of non-combatant folk of a nation is going to make any state think ‘Oh gosh. We were wrong. Sorry,’ Russia, Israel, USA, China. Four classic examples of what happens when you tread on their toes, their majorities. No, they default to ‘Someone has to pay,’ Like any group, any region, any nation with a grudge or agenda really, deep down, worries about the loss of non-combatant life. Like any of those listens to any protest across the world.
Crocus City Hall, Moscow 22nd March 2024. It’s 115 dead now. Four suspects held. Flowers being left at the site, people donating blood. It’s what ordinary folk do. Do something. Meanwhile as expected both the Ukrainian and Russian governments or security services make claim, counter claim and ridiculous assertions abut the other side. At least the ordinary folk are doing something constructive.
World War. As in a world beset by wars in all shapes and sizes, many so deep, convoluted and old that the original reasons were lost somewhere and there’s only The War. You could claim Political Expediency, Culture, Religion, Poverty, Corruption, Old Enmities, New Ones, Suspicion, Communal Hysteria; take your pick; add another, there’s no shortage.
But what to do? No use saying ‘It’s Not my Problem’. USA.Back in the 1990s what was going in The Middle East, Saudi Arabia, ‘The Gulf’ Lebanon was not ‘Your Problem’. Sure the government sent armies and folk got killed, which was a shame. But nothing to do with you. Then came 9/11- direct Cause and Effect and the USA went into several sorts of hysteria which is still plaguing you today.
And why do European nations and the USA wonder why folk from other nations are flooding into their lands. War. Famine through War. Why else should folk be so desperate?
In these days of hyper-travel, hyper-trade and hyper-communication what happens somewhere will eventually find its way in some way to your door, even if it is but an increase the cost of your favourite…..
Crocus City Hall, Moscow 22nd March 2024. It’s our problem. It’s our tragedy. It’s our concern. And that nagging one, deep down inside. The one place where you get into the tangle of Cause & Effect, of Apathy and its distant cousin Selective Outrage, of Disassociation, of Assumptions Without Thought, and the rest. The one where we have to ask ‘Was That Something To Do With Me?’ Hopefully not. Hopefully you started out as innocent bystander who tried to do something constructive, even in a small, small, hardly noticed way, a ripple. Me? Involved in a war? You’d be surprised how far the reach is.
Still, bear this in mind. It takes a lot of folk a long time to make a World War. And there are never simple answers.
One thing though. Those who beat the drums loud, and long. Folk who give you one liners as solutions. People who claim that killing their neighbours is the only solution. Mobs that blame an entire people for the crimes of a government. Ones who claim they have a direct line to a deity who says its OK to kill.
They are liars, wretched creatures. And irrespective of the differences in their politics, religions, races and locations, they are all the same. Hate mongers. Blights. Bloodied hands by deed or association.
Crocus City Hall, Moscow 22nd March 2024. Take some time out today to think of the victims.
It’s a regular event in some parts of the world.
It is understandable that folk should have become angry and upset over the latest events between Palestine and Israel. The news made the headlines. The actions by both sides were militarily and politically inexcusable and neither come out with any honour.
Arguably there might not have been the same impact with the war in Ukraine. The Ukrainians fought back and even if Russia does win grinding down stage the price is high. Some grim satisfaction for the observer.
For more than a few October 2023 may have been their first introduction to the full brutality of war upon civilians en mass. And to be fair most folk have to rely on the media feeds, the intensity and the duration of the reporting. And whether any outlet bothers to gather experts, journalists and activists to discuss the events at prime time. As for the political arenas….Well that depends on whether there is any mileage doesn’t it? Is there a Sudanese vote this presidential year? Can Trump find it on the map. At least Biden went for sanctions (which is a bit like a bucket of water in a forest fire, but he tried)
And so Sudan suffers.
The current round of destruction of homes, slaughter and mass rape began on the 15th April last year, when fighting began between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Force (previously known as The Janjaweed whose levels of brutality have been a byword in Sudan for decades). The current death toll is 13,000 -15,000, the injured reaching 30,000 + the internally displaced about 6,000,000, refugees 1,700,000+ and if you add all those figures together and take just 1% you would have a lower figure for the number of women and children raped. Some official figure says 88. My rebuttal is redacted, even self-censoring doesn’t cover my fury.
Other internal militias have piled into the chaos, some neighbouring states have become involved. Those stalwarts of Peace-Keeping and Liberation The Wagner group operate there with the RSF and there are rumours that Ukrainian Special Forces have found time to deploy anywhere Wagner is.
Sudan bleeds, cries, screams and finally sits in dull-eyed trauma regularly. Blink and you miss the news items.
And are there large scale demonstrations on any streets of The West? Do any large groups concerned about the rights of one group of peoples care about the rights of the Sudanese? Do folk who raise their flags and ranks of demonstrators any time the US , anyone in the West or Israel acts consider the Sudanese?
Just to repeat. I can understand folk being upset and outraged by atrocities being perpetrated on any group, when that news is made known to them. Of course you would. When it is made known to you. But some professional activists? Those who cry long and loud for one case, or give a free pass to another aggressor because they ‘were provoked’ (Russia is allowed to be provoked). And yet are quiescent when it comes to an equally bloody episode, which ‘regrettably’ does not interest them politically, or is beyond their limited capacity for perception. Where are the thousands out on the streets in support of the innocents of Sudan? (It’s nearly a year now people!)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-68606201
To be fair, some do care. So let us tip our hats to students in Cambridge:
https://www.varsity.co.uk/news/27249
And Sudan did get a mention thanks to the efforts of Sudanese in London:
From Sudan to Palestine: United in London’s March Against Genocide and Injustice
And that is to name but just one human manufactured catastrophe in our world. If a village of fifty folk gets burden down, its folk killed or raped in some remote area of a country you would be hard put to say one sentence about, the misery is just as great for them, as a nation in torment.
So pardon me if scoff in bitter derision at those who only march against Israel. Selective outrage does not hack it. And unless you are weeping, seething for the rest suffering out there, yes, it does look like antisemitism. And that ‘some’ folk are just not worth your attention. Change that image people.
All Human suffering deserves our attention, wheresoever it may be.
(Feel free to mention those you wish to add)
King Horris of Melenbach had sired four sons Morris, Borris, Norris and Dorris, in that order. On hearing the allotted name of her youngest son Queen Calphenia took holy orders in the remotest Sanctuarium possible. It was a perfect way out.
Morris considered perfection in one art was essential to an heir, his being Song. He climbed to the top of the Great Mount Grandpon which was the natural border with the kingdom of Peylanebach and from there planned to sing loudly songs and impress Princess Wendalyn, daughter of King Handsell of Peylanebach. His rationale not perfect. Nor his balance. On leaning back, taking his first deep breath, fell off. But yodelled on the way down. A reasonably perfect end.
Borris being oafish thought he could raid Peylanebach, carry off Wendalyn, and force her into marriage, thus assure his right to both kingdoms. On the second day of his incursion an arrow pierced his heart. Many, including his father felt there was a perfection to this demise. Handsell who had nephews similar in temperament to Borris, understood. No more was said on the subject.
Dorris had a dour outlook on life, albeit with a certain plausible perspective. Not waiting for full manhood, he donned false facial hair of perfect design, practiced a gruff voice to perfection, styled him Burt Bungdover and took employment on the large barge Marge, eventually to rise to the rank of Master Bargesman. And would work hard eventually owning ten barges. None disagreed for him it was a perfect life.
Norris was a quiet fellow but knowing full well the nature of his brothers Morris and Borris had prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. When The King unexpectedly succumbed to a boating accident during a perfect storm on Lake Frosbee, Norris accepted things.
Thus, with careful disposition and foresight took his place upon the carved to perfectly carved Oak Throne of Precision.
Amongst the many issues Norris faced one was what to do with the estates belonging to his parents and brothers, The matter, as was normal for the times was held in Chancery At His Majesty Completion. This was a perfectly reasonable option when a king was very busy or getting used to the job but could not go on too long for no one of any class in the realm liked a king having too much land of his own. He had a kingdom for Frib’s sake. Norris was quite aware of this, particularly as the whole came to about one-eighth of the size of the entire kingdom, a small nation if lumped together. The matter had to be attended to.
Norris was obliged to refer to The College of Purpose whose members were selected from Bishops of the Church, Philosophers of the Universities, Judges of the Judiciary and High Clerkes of the Administration. Appointees renowned for individual tendencies to pedantry. They gathered at irregular intervals to muse on matters no one else cared about. This change delighted them. They would have to consult books of lore both secular, religious and of pre-sidence, and maps.
The business would take some time.
This gave Norris the opportunity for a perfectly respectable courtship for the hand of the Princess Wendalyn. She was not renowned as a beauty but possessed perfect disposition and intelligence. And she rather liked him. Everything went perfectly and they were married.
In Peylanebach Duke Urbit, cousin once removed yet not far enough took offense as he felt perfectly entitled to marry her. He raised a smallish rebellion with those nephews Turbit and Shurbit. Norris was given permission by his father to help out his father-in-law. The rebels were apprehended and slaughtered, justly.
Although Norris had expected The College to take some time, in the three years which had elapsed between the marriage negotiations and ceremonies promptly followed by the rebellion, he had expected some initial findings. There were none pending. His trusted most experienced lord Duke Ferrex was not surprised. Norris ordered the College to assemble.
When the representatives of each office appeared there seemed to be between the individual disciplines quarrelsomeness, exchanges of ill-tempered looks and undignified attempts to nudge each other aside.
Three robust bishops were in the lead.
‘Your highness,’ intoned one as his colleagues made a credible blocking defence to the three Clerkes challenging as a wedge.
‘Good News,’ he continued ‘We have discerned after examination the total square mileage of the land is eight thousand, one hundred and twenty-eight, and that is a perfect number, being one which is the equal of the sum of its positive divisors,’
‘Thus hath the Good Lord God spoken, and indicated the lands should be administered by the Church,’ added another even though he was sorely pressed by a Clerke wielding an atlas.
‘The number your Highness ,’ objected the Clerke whose slight built was useful as he skipped aside of a bishop ‘Is quite deceptive, being reached by NOT taking into account the vertical acreage of the mountains and hills. Some locations have substantive populations whose basis of worship while not heretical does not conform with church doctrines. Thus, would not take well to ecclesiastical rule,’
‘There is no precedence for recourse to numbers,’ wheezed an ancient judge ‘Unless there had been due process of affirmation as to their validity,’
Two other judges nodded. Everyone else ignored them.
Norris tutted. This would be a poor impression unto his queen.
The philosophers had constructed a triangle of tables, the most agile of the trio stood above the assemblage and hailed Norris.
‘Your Highness these mathematical objects are defined by their places in such structures, consequently having no intrinsic properties and cannot be seen as supportive of a theological claim on land,’
One bishop sterner stuff and treading on the toes of his nearest clerkish opponent swung to address the elevated philosopher.
‘You ignore the precepts of Mathematical Realism which indicate numbers are not of human minds, and therefore must have a divine origin,’
The Clerke whose toes had been trampled up looked up sullenly while massaging his foot.
‘Yet neither of your groups has come up with a workable system by which the lands may be made integral with adjacent secular parts of the kingdom. Or if it comes to it,’ he cast a glance to the still elevated philosopher ‘Just on what alternative basis the division can take place, particularly as at least one of your party has suggested there are no true divisions,’ he huffed ‘Might as well talk about The Ethereal,’
‘Hush!’ cried a bishop in alarm ‘Lest we bring forth evil forces,’
‘We should,’ meandered one of the judges ‘Refer to the Assizes at Jublebester in 726 over the case Duke Quynlabable’s sheep’s grazing rights,’
There was no enthusiasm for such. The Judges sulked.
Not fooled by the theatrical stumble of a Clerke into the philosophers’ tables sending their nominee tumbling, Norris glanced to his Captain of his Guard who gladly thumped the floor with the butt of his staff and demand order.
Norris looked upon the representatives of The College with resignation.
‘No agreement has been reached then?’
Feet shuffled and the pattern of the flooring studied.
‘You never previously gathered together?’ he asked.
His Chancellor of The Palace whispered.
‘Each discipline kept to separate chambers and those were noisy enough,’
‘Perfect,’ Norris said with derision heavy enough to match his ceremonial armour, and dismissed the lot before he was tempted to emulate one great-grandfather who had been king and wont to solve intractable problems with a favoured axe named Prefect Solution.
‘My husband. My lord. My king. I ask you will all modest civility unto your most noble self. Put that fribbin’ book away before this furry slipper impacts with accuracy upon your nogging,’
During a courtship a prince or king might have concerns if their seemingly demure, lady of retiring appearance would navigate a queen’s household of older more experienced women. Norris had been quick to realise that beneath the veneer was a wry, combative facet to Wendalyn ‘s character of intelligence and a deft selective irresistible coarse wit.
‘But my sweet wife,’ he tried not to sound wheedling ‘The question of the division of those estates is vexing me. Did you know eight thousand, one hundred and twenty-eight is indeed by a definition of mathematics a perfect number?’
Un-lady like vocal exclamation of derision.
‘And’ she began in recitation manner ‘Perfection can be. That which is complete of required parts. OR. Is so good nothing of any kind could be better. OR that with hath attained it’s poi-puss,’
‘Anyway,’ she continued her drawl in a most common accent ‘You’ll not get any sense of them ol’ walnuts,’
‘You observed then from secret alcoves?’
‘Yes,’ tersely then her voice lowered now regally mocking tones ‘Discourses which are above the minds of women and thus are they forbidden(ed) to listen,’
An anatomical vulgarity followed.
Norris pursed his lips in thought, Wendalyn told him to desist, and the subsequent is none of our business.
Warmly Queen Wendalyn awoke, her lord of course was about business.
And she her own.
She met with the wife of one of Norris’ most trusted lords, Duke Ferrex, a journal bound in red leather passed between her and Duchess Ferrex.
Three days on King Norris bade the entire College gather. Their continued truculence muted.
‘Learned sirs, any compromise?’
There were mumblings which he translated as their pleas to the traditional spirit Varyous Xkusis.
‘I see,’ he said with an obvious glance to his Captain of the Guard ‘Therefore we shall take this number of eight thousand, one hundred and twenty-eight square miles which is some five million, two hundred plus acres and grant one to each person in our realm,’
There were gasps, he continued.
‘Folk will sell unto other folk and combines will be formed, all will be done through the Judiciary and Administration,’ he glowered ‘Who will co-operate to the benefit of the realm,’
He settled back on the perfectly carved Oak Throne of Precision and waited out the hub-bub.
‘Learned Sirs. It will attain Purpose,’
Despite reluctant murmurs his will would be done, for someone else was now watching from the gallery
‘I am so pleased,’ said Queen Wendalyn
There were anxious collegiate glances from King to Queen and back again. Then the assembly exited.
Swiftly. Very muted whispers to some one word might have been discerned.
‘Journal’
‘The College was most willing to please,’ Wendalyn said over dinner.
‘Your presence was a help my love,’ he raised a wine glass in a toast.
A knowing pause between them.
‘Ten days’ time is the commemoration of the memorial to Morris,’ ventured Norris.
‘A poetic sort of accident. By chance I was nearby. It was a lovely yodel. And yet I heard no one mentioned that at his funeral. What a shame,’
‘Father did not consider it a suitable memory for a funeral,’
Another pause. Norris spoke with a sigh.
‘We shall have to do something for Borris, lesser of course. Mounted. He was shot straight through the heart. No archer was visible,’
‘It could have been worse. He could have been standing and struck lower,’
‘Did you know? That was a common opinion held at his funeral,’
Another pause. Wendalyn spoke.
‘Father in a recent letter, asked to me to repeat his thanks with that disruption. He maintains a hunt is a good bonding for a man with his son in law,’
‘We benefitted from the most excellent intelligence,’
‘Hmmm,’
Pause.
‘Duke Ferrex speaks highly of you my dear. I am glad you are making good associations at court,’
‘His wife is nice too,’
Sixty days later came the most perfect news. The Queen was with child.
The College of course sent its communal congratulations, then turned its attention to new designs for weathervanes.
At the Ferrex household, the duchess speaking first
‘Such good news. And such a perfectly sweet bright girl too,’
‘And he is perfectly suited to the role of king,’
Each thought of the red journal
‘So perfectly complimented,’ she said
‘Such is Fate?’ he replied not expecting an answer, only to say ‘And she is noteworthy on the archery course,’
‘Also interested in business, she has advised the king to invest in a new barge venture in the Kingdom of Urdle,’
‘What a perfectly good idea,’
Elsewhere Norris closed his own grey leather journal. A family history of many generations. Every so often, the right scion meeting the right girl at the right time.
Perfect.
Foreword:
I should put this on my political site but since WP appears to have lost it for the present, or is in a sulk and won’t let me have access……
Anyway, as we all know it is a ‘thing’ for political parties when campaigning to poach a song without the writers and performers’ permission and by using a selective piece, mis-representing the message of the song to suit their purposes. The American Republican Party seemed to make a habit out of this.
Therefore I thought it best to redress the balance by posting up songs which actually represent their current messages.
To begin…..Because I wanted to introduce the subject in a more low-key manner, for those who do not think there is any need to worry. If you check you will see that there are quite a number of folk with extreme views encouraging Trump on. Now folk with extreme views are not content to just hold onto their views, they have an urge to spread them. OK, so you might not be in their initial sights but once they get their hooks in, you might know folk, who know folk who are suffering, and you might have friends and relations who get targeted, and you might feel very sad about that, and wish it would go away, but it won’t and there will be even more distressing news and one day they will come for you or the way you live and you will start to feel ‘Gloomy’
Some people laugh in the dark
Some people cry alone
Some people talk without sayin’ a thing
And ev’rything turns out gloomy
Some people count your money
Someone is countin’ your days
And somebody got to keep track of your mind
When ev’rything turns out gloomy
Brothers’ll make you look sideways
Fathers’ll make you look back
And when you’re done talkin’, you still got to shoot
‘Cause ev’rything turns out gloomy
Now another thing the forces pushing Trump on with and something which comes naturally to him is telling untruths. Big ones. Like there was nothing wrong with what happened in January 2021. Like everything accusation against him is Fake.
Hitler pointed out that if you told a very Big Lie people would simply believe you because they could not cope with the fact that it was wrong. Conspiracy Junkies and MAGA embraced this concept (Qanon anyone?). The following song is ideal for the current mindset (in which more guns is also an good answer to all the problems)
It’s a good time for anyone whose is a professional Liar, the Trump Campaign can use you. As for those of you of who are outraged and aghast at such affrontery to intelligence, if you have not already to responded do so….. because the cult of Trump is built on ‘Lies’ 
Liar liar, pants on fire
See you squirm, see you perspire
Not a word you say is true
There’s never been one out of you
Smoke & mirrors, bait and switch
You and your friends are getting rich
Picking pockets, pulling strings
And other more despicable things
Liar Liar, pants on fire
Preaching only to the choir
Photo op in front of the steeple
How did you manage to fool these people?
Talk the lingo, dress the part
Even put your hand on your heart
Bomber jacket, emperor’s clothes
You can’t even reach the end of your nose
Liar liar, pants on fire
Chain of command doesn’t get any higher
Orders come down from the top
Punish the guy who pushes the mop
Throw away the key and forget about bail
The likes of you ought to rot in jail
Guilty! Guilty of the highest crimes
And the lowest ones at the very same time
Liar liar, pants on fire
Teleprompter, hidden wire
Who’s this G-d that speaks to you
Who would authorize the things you do?
Bend the rules, twist the facts
Make excuses, cover your tracks
Why won’t you let anybody see
The flag-draped coffins on tv?
Liar liar, been found out
Whistleblowers talked about
How you classify & cook the books
For the benefit of a bunch of crooks
Liar lair pants on fire (repeat)
Of course being the sorts they are they would try and steal this and turn it around for their rallies but remember….you heard it here folks!
Now if this has not yet stirred you, then you should consider the divisiveness that has gripped the USA since MAGA, Intolerant Evangelicals (as opposed to the more quiet reflective sorts) and The White Supremacists were allowed to be tolerated. This is not to be tolerated and to repeat do not think it will not come to you. Here is one ideally suited to The Trouble they cause. It was written in the wake of the 1965 Watts riots, and sadly as it does the wheel turns full circle.
Audrey took H.P.Lovecraft’s Herbert West, the central character from the short story ‘The Re-Animator’
And with much imagination and skill turned his story into a whole series all of its own.
Although based in the Lovecraft lore. Audrey has imprinted her own style upon the basics of the original story and brought into vivid focus not just West but characters surrounding him and also inheriting his legacy.
So not a pale imitation of Lovecraft, but one aspect of Lovecraft’s world from a fresh perspective.
Well worth an investment.
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