Monday, January 2, 2012

Paradoxical Queries

I have decided, at least for now, to try to post more frequently with a much more "reactive" approach. Rather than a contemplative approach in which I waited for some leading, I expect to go ahead and write what I am thinking in response to what I read, etc.. Thus, for me the paradox of wanting to be thoughtful and contemplative while being responsive and "flow of consciousness" will be tested. The Query format of Friends is reflexive and open-ended. My style has always been one of asking questions which might assist others to find their own answers. However, for various reasons, a few of which I will give now, has led me to think about giving my own reflections and responses and letting the "chips fall where they may."
My physical limitations include some macular degeneration which makes it difficult to concentrate on reading closely for very long, neuropathy in my hands which makes my typing rely on a visual guidance of my fingers to the keys and some "missed" keys which require corrections or typos.
My mental/emotional limitations include a real frustration with the political "insanity" of the US selfishness, xenophobia, materialism and militarism at the expense of the poor, hungry, oppressed, etc. As a Friend, I am also frustrated by the "I am right and you are wrong" status of much of the "exchanges" that I see. I do not agree with the "anything goes" among Friends, but I absolutely disagree with those who follow a much more "Old Testament" faith, a literalist/fundamentalist view of the Bible, and seem to go against the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 25, and the Gospel story.