12 January 2011

A Pie In The Face of God



My biggest problem with religion is that all of them make God too small. If I'm going to believe, I would like it to be something that doesn't need a bunch of teeny boppers squealing in an ecstasy of praise or some vindictive Big Daddy spanking those who don't worship properly with a promised eternal hell. As Mark Twain said, human beings invent heaven and then put in it everything they dislike and "Singing hymns and waving palm branches through all eternity is pretty when you hear about it in the pulpit, but it's as poor a way to put in valuable time as a body could contrive."

Quite frankly, if God is listening in on my every wish, whim, and fancy, He's not paying attention to the important things. There is a wonderful word from a Jewish Seder: Dayenu (Enough) about reasons to worship God. I think creation is "Enough". We are on our own. Heavy responsibility there. We are alive and now it is up to us to make the world created a better place to be. We can't scream for help. It is up to us.

My favorite Christian hymn has always been "This Is My Father's World" ... a tribute to creation and my favorite lines:

All nature sings and round me rings
the music of the spheres

Here is a beautiful video about the wonders of the Universe.



And just in case this is too serious. Monty Python about our position in space and if it doesn't give God a giggle, he doesn't deserve the job. I give you "The Galaxy Song".



So remember, when you're feeling very small and insecure,
How amazingly unlikely is your birth;
And pray that there's intelligent life somewhere out in space,
'Cause there's bugger all down here on Earth!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

>>>I would like it to be something that doesn't need a bunch of teeny boppers squealing in an ecstasy of praise or some vindictive Big Daddy spanking those who don't worship properly with a promised eternal hell.<<<

Great, Jamie!

(Patsi)

Keyboard Jockey said...

Jamie,

Go Say It On The Mountain GRIN.

My response to those who feel the need to proselytize - and insist I be saved.

My God is great he is omnipotent - that means he doesn't need me or anyone else doing his leg work, and dipping me in water multiple times LOL!

I was baptized when I was a child if I have to be baptized again (to be saved) doesn't that mean my savior is weak, and it can wear off? Answer: Nope once was enough, more than enough.

Maybe that's why I have a sense of humor, I can relax and enjoy life. I believe God is Great.