I do wonder why people don't question 'if God saw it important to carve the ten commandments into stone for Moses, then why did Jesus, otherwise, choose not to write one word about His elaborations clarifying the ten commandments and the Mosaic laws?'
This question is important to me.
If Jesus came not to do away with the law but to fulfill the law, then all of His teachings and clarifications of the Mosaic laws, the ten commandments, His parables and analogies certainly should have been written down in His own hand.
I find it hard to believe that Jesus would have left it up to these disciples to wait so many years after His death to write about His teachings, especially if our 'life after death' destination [heaven or hell] depended on our correct understanding of His teachings.
Now, 2000 years after Jesus' death the people are still greatly divided on the entire world of religion.
Is it not interesting that we are referred to in the bible as sheep? Do you like to be referred to as a sheep to be led throughout your life according to the beliefs of others? Are you afraid to live your life based on your own design?
I do not think it inappropriate to take council with others' but I do believe that you should keep in mind that they too are mere humans and you should rely equally on your personal logic and wisdom in living 'YOUR' life.
Finton
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Number 33 Is encouragement important?
I've read many books concerning how to be successful as an artist and none of these books address the issue of encouragement very much. As a matter of fact they address the issues of how to deal with criticism to a great extent, probably because we artists encounter much more criticism than we receive encouragement.
As a teenager I cannot ever remember being encouraged to pursue arts as a profession. Perhaps nobody thought I had enough talent or, perhaps they just didn't recognize art as a viable option to make a living. I can understand that mentality given that the term 'Starving Artist' is more often associated with the profession of art than any other descriptive title.
I too am guilty of using that term when speaking of my success as an artist. I will catch myself explaining that I would be much skinnier if I didn't keep my day-job as a welder, meaning that if I depended on my art sales I would fall into the category of 'Starving Artist'. By doing this I too am guilty of sabotaging the profession. I must try, in the future, to elevate the profession of artist to a level of prestige that it deserves.
If you are one of those artists that is likewise guilty of perpetuating a negative image of artists I implore you to make an about face and begin a campaign to project to the world that an artist does have a unique talent that you cannot obtain at any school of higher learning. They can teach you technology all day long but not one teacher can teach you talent. You either have it or you don't. You know this, and not one person can prove otherwise.
Parents, in my opinion, are one of the greatest obstacles that a talented child must overcome. The child is almost always hearing expectations of the parents and being advised which professions not to pursue and which professions are more likely to provide a good income. Parents are not notorious for just encouraging their children to follow their dreams, unless that child has a dream that will likely rake in some good cash.
There is a pretty important ethical issue involved here. Is it unethical to encourage a child to follow his dream if the parent does not believe that the child's chosen profession will likely provide him or her with adequate income, even if the child is completely happy with his chosen profession or occupation?
I do believe that a young man or woman should strive to take care of themselves, but I also believe that they need to try to pursue their dream as long as it doesn't burden others that depend on them.
I have always been focused on art much more than making the dollar, and because of this I have made many bad decisions that put me in financial difficulties. I have not always been good at managing my finances. Luckily I have a brother that has helped me significantly over the years. He has been my Theo and I am most grateful for him.
I believe in my art, and, not if it becomes valuable, but when it becomes valuable it will greatly give back to him, his wife Mary and/or his daughter Natalie. I will not forget his generosity as a great brother nor will I forget his loved ones. He has never asked for a dime to be paid back.
I believe that we should always encourage talented people to pursue their dreams, because a person can give back much more to society through greatly developing his or her talents rather than merely holding down a job for the dollar that truly brings little happiness.
Talents are truly gifts, and I think it unconscionable to discourage their development , and regard them as unworthy wastes of our time. Talents to me are the Blossoms of Life, and we should always be thankful for the pleasures that they bring.
Finton
As a teenager I cannot ever remember being encouraged to pursue arts as a profession. Perhaps nobody thought I had enough talent or, perhaps they just didn't recognize art as a viable option to make a living. I can understand that mentality given that the term 'Starving Artist' is more often associated with the profession of art than any other descriptive title.
I too am guilty of using that term when speaking of my success as an artist. I will catch myself explaining that I would be much skinnier if I didn't keep my day-job as a welder, meaning that if I depended on my art sales I would fall into the category of 'Starving Artist'. By doing this I too am guilty of sabotaging the profession. I must try, in the future, to elevate the profession of artist to a level of prestige that it deserves.
If you are one of those artists that is likewise guilty of perpetuating a negative image of artists I implore you to make an about face and begin a campaign to project to the world that an artist does have a unique talent that you cannot obtain at any school of higher learning. They can teach you technology all day long but not one teacher can teach you talent. You either have it or you don't. You know this, and not one person can prove otherwise.
Parents, in my opinion, are one of the greatest obstacles that a talented child must overcome. The child is almost always hearing expectations of the parents and being advised which professions not to pursue and which professions are more likely to provide a good income. Parents are not notorious for just encouraging their children to follow their dreams, unless that child has a dream that will likely rake in some good cash.
There is a pretty important ethical issue involved here. Is it unethical to encourage a child to follow his dream if the parent does not believe that the child's chosen profession will likely provide him or her with adequate income, even if the child is completely happy with his chosen profession or occupation?
I do believe that a young man or woman should strive to take care of themselves, but I also believe that they need to try to pursue their dream as long as it doesn't burden others that depend on them.
I have always been focused on art much more than making the dollar, and because of this I have made many bad decisions that put me in financial difficulties. I have not always been good at managing my finances. Luckily I have a brother that has helped me significantly over the years. He has been my Theo and I am most grateful for him.
I believe in my art, and, not if it becomes valuable, but when it becomes valuable it will greatly give back to him, his wife Mary and/or his daughter Natalie. I will not forget his generosity as a great brother nor will I forget his loved ones. He has never asked for a dime to be paid back.
I believe that we should always encourage talented people to pursue their dreams, because a person can give back much more to society through greatly developing his or her talents rather than merely holding down a job for the dollar that truly brings little happiness.
Talents are truly gifts, and I think it unconscionable to discourage their development , and regard them as unworthy wastes of our time. Talents to me are the Blossoms of Life, and we should always be thankful for the pleasures that they bring.
Finton
Sunday, April 3, 2011
NUMBER 31 More questions about the Bible
Why create angels that are sure to rebel? Why give one fallen angel the power to deceive and mislead weak souls down the road to hell? Why create a place of burning fire and endless torment where people will suffer for eternity just because they do not believe in a man named Jesus that nobody has seen in over 2000 years?
Why did God bless King David, King Solomom, and Job (after he allowed Satan to take all that he had except his life) with extraordinary financial and material wealth, and Jesus in Luke 14:33 said that anyone that did not forsake all that he had could not be his disciple? Jesus said in Luke 14:26 that any man that does not Hate his father and his mother, and hate his brother and sister, and hate his children and even hate himself could not be his disciple.
Jesus said in Luke 19:27 that whosoever that would not that I should reign over them, bring them hither and slay them before me. To me this is brutality and barbarianism. Jesus did not say that He would slay them but he put that burden on you, whether they be your brother or sister, father or mother, your wife and children and any friends that you may have. 'You' bring them and 'You' slay them before Jesus.
I have discussed many passages such as these, with several preachers and pastors or religious leaders, that deal with hate and rejection and every one of them try to explain that the passages in question don't literally mean what they say.
I must admit that I predominantly read the King James version, first published in 1611, because it is the oldest translation that I am aware of, and I was brought up with it as 'The Bible'. I think that this version is still the most relied upon version to date. If so, and if many of the passages are misinterpreted then we are getting the wrong messages by which to live our lives.
The theological historians claim that we don't have ANY 'Original' manuscripts of the gospels. All we have is about 5,400 copies, and they all vary in degrees that are not too significantly different in meaning.
Not any of these books of the Old Testament or the New Testament bible, or the Koran originated in a democratic society where people were guaranteed freedom of speech or the freedom of the printed word. If you believed differently you best keep your mouth shut or risk your head against the sword.
That region of the world was and still is a barbaric region and likewise fear runs rampant even as we speak. How can enlightenment survive and flourish in that kind of society? Even in this society it is somewhat wise to not speak your mind. I know that I run the risk of being shunned by many religious zealots and even by many moderately religious practitioners. Controversy is usually not the most popular identifiable trait to have, but if we will just try being objective we can see that controversy brings about more beneficial change than meekness and close mindedness.
I have many more questions about the Bible and other religions that I plan to address in future blogs. I have a propensity to share my thoughts with others that may be interested in my many thought processes.
I also must explain that over the years I have had a change of mind on many issues, and for this I am proud. I believe that dialogue is all about change and enlightenment. Sometimes we seem to fall backwards, more barbaric or close minded, but over all, I believe that dialogue moves us closer to a greater degree of enlightenment.
I do not believe that the Christian bible, the Koran or the many other religious teachings are the words of God, however I must admit that all of the religious writings that I have read do have, in my opinion, much wisdom and also much invalid thinking.
Keep thinking and asking questions in a Socratic style. I believe his method of seeking ethical truths, and many other truths is the zenith of mind and the path to enlightenment. Life should be enjoyed to its fullest but I think that ignorance is the great wall of bondage that surrounds all of us and we must continue trying to dismantle this high wall.
Finton
Why did God bless King David, King Solomom, and Job (after he allowed Satan to take all that he had except his life) with extraordinary financial and material wealth, and Jesus in Luke 14:33 said that anyone that did not forsake all that he had could not be his disciple? Jesus said in Luke 14:26 that any man that does not Hate his father and his mother, and hate his brother and sister, and hate his children and even hate himself could not be his disciple.
Jesus said in Luke 19:27 that whosoever that would not that I should reign over them, bring them hither and slay them before me. To me this is brutality and barbarianism. Jesus did not say that He would slay them but he put that burden on you, whether they be your brother or sister, father or mother, your wife and children and any friends that you may have. 'You' bring them and 'You' slay them before Jesus.
I have discussed many passages such as these, with several preachers and pastors or religious leaders, that deal with hate and rejection and every one of them try to explain that the passages in question don't literally mean what they say.
I must admit that I predominantly read the King James version, first published in 1611, because it is the oldest translation that I am aware of, and I was brought up with it as 'The Bible'. I think that this version is still the most relied upon version to date. If so, and if many of the passages are misinterpreted then we are getting the wrong messages by which to live our lives.
The theological historians claim that we don't have ANY 'Original' manuscripts of the gospels. All we have is about 5,400 copies, and they all vary in degrees that are not too significantly different in meaning.
Not any of these books of the Old Testament or the New Testament bible, or the Koran originated in a democratic society where people were guaranteed freedom of speech or the freedom of the printed word. If you believed differently you best keep your mouth shut or risk your head against the sword.
That region of the world was and still is a barbaric region and likewise fear runs rampant even as we speak. How can enlightenment survive and flourish in that kind of society? Even in this society it is somewhat wise to not speak your mind. I know that I run the risk of being shunned by many religious zealots and even by many moderately religious practitioners. Controversy is usually not the most popular identifiable trait to have, but if we will just try being objective we can see that controversy brings about more beneficial change than meekness and close mindedness.
I have many more questions about the Bible and other religions that I plan to address in future blogs. I have a propensity to share my thoughts with others that may be interested in my many thought processes.
I also must explain that over the years I have had a change of mind on many issues, and for this I am proud. I believe that dialogue is all about change and enlightenment. Sometimes we seem to fall backwards, more barbaric or close minded, but over all, I believe that dialogue moves us closer to a greater degree of enlightenment.
I do not believe that the Christian bible, the Koran or the many other religious teachings are the words of God, however I must admit that all of the religious writings that I have read do have, in my opinion, much wisdom and also much invalid thinking.
Keep thinking and asking questions in a Socratic style. I believe his method of seeking ethical truths, and many other truths is the zenith of mind and the path to enlightenment. Life should be enjoyed to its fullest but I think that ignorance is the great wall of bondage that surrounds all of us and we must continue trying to dismantle this high wall.
Finton
Saturday, March 26, 2011
NUMBER 28 Judgmental = Honorable??
It is very difficult to avoid being judgmental primarily because each of us tend to think that we are a little smarter than the average bear. We normally think that in spite of our failures we are pretty wise if we will only take a moment to consider the facts before we act.
I must admit that I find myself being judgmental from time to time, then I find myself taking a few steps back to re-access my attitude. We all are subject to the pleasure principle in that we all gravitate toward those things that please us most, and the things that diminish those pleasures we tend to eradicate them or flee from them.
I often find myself asking if it is possible that I might someday walk in the shoes of the person I just judged. Is it within me to murder, to rob someone or to rape someone? If not, is it because of my superior genes or is it because I was fortunate enough to have been taught better principles from childhood?
I ask whether I might commit these crimes if there were no laws governing the conduct of men. Would my pleasure principle become stronger and stronger to the point that I would do anything within my powers to have those things that I desire?
Am I truly a monster that has been taught from birth and conditioned to respect the rules of society for my own good, that if I cross the lines too many times I will suffer the consequences? After all, my pleasure principle tells me somehow that I must keep my passion for pleasure in check or I will experience much suffering. Is this a sign of my goodness or is it my selfish sense of survival?
Do you ever ask yourself questions such as these trying to analyze your nature and how it relates to your tendency to judge others? Do you feel as though you are superior to those that seem to be social misfits, and that this superior position justifies your right to judge?
Could it be that we should try to see these social misfits as a great universal school for us to observe, and learn what not to do?
Should we have compassion for them when they get caught up in the snares of this world? We all must know that we are governed in varying degrees by this powerful pleasure principle, and we also are aware that many poor souls are lacking the capacity to resist this powerful force of pleasure. I doubt that anyone ever had to ask for this powerful force that resides in all of us.
Sometimes pleasure is so powerful that you can't separate from it, not even with the help of others. I believe that we all are shackled by the chains of some pleasurable thing in this world. Most of us are so very fortunate that our bondage to a pleasure is accepted by society or is not illegal.
I do believe that some of these unfortunate souls cannot be helped by society and therefore must be incarcerated and kept out of society but they should not be mistreated. They are only what they can be, just as you are all that you can be.
We tend to think they could have made better choices but truly I don't think they could.
Finton
I must admit that I find myself being judgmental from time to time, then I find myself taking a few steps back to re-access my attitude. We all are subject to the pleasure principle in that we all gravitate toward those things that please us most, and the things that diminish those pleasures we tend to eradicate them or flee from them.
I often find myself asking if it is possible that I might someday walk in the shoes of the person I just judged. Is it within me to murder, to rob someone or to rape someone? If not, is it because of my superior genes or is it because I was fortunate enough to have been taught better principles from childhood?
I ask whether I might commit these crimes if there were no laws governing the conduct of men. Would my pleasure principle become stronger and stronger to the point that I would do anything within my powers to have those things that I desire?
Am I truly a monster that has been taught from birth and conditioned to respect the rules of society for my own good, that if I cross the lines too many times I will suffer the consequences? After all, my pleasure principle tells me somehow that I must keep my passion for pleasure in check or I will experience much suffering. Is this a sign of my goodness or is it my selfish sense of survival?
Do you ever ask yourself questions such as these trying to analyze your nature and how it relates to your tendency to judge others? Do you feel as though you are superior to those that seem to be social misfits, and that this superior position justifies your right to judge?
Could it be that we should try to see these social misfits as a great universal school for us to observe, and learn what not to do?
Should we have compassion for them when they get caught up in the snares of this world? We all must know that we are governed in varying degrees by this powerful pleasure principle, and we also are aware that many poor souls are lacking the capacity to resist this powerful force of pleasure. I doubt that anyone ever had to ask for this powerful force that resides in all of us.
Sometimes pleasure is so powerful that you can't separate from it, not even with the help of others. I believe that we all are shackled by the chains of some pleasurable thing in this world. Most of us are so very fortunate that our bondage to a pleasure is accepted by society or is not illegal.
I do believe that some of these unfortunate souls cannot be helped by society and therefore must be incarcerated and kept out of society but they should not be mistreated. They are only what they can be, just as you are all that you can be.
We tend to think they could have made better choices but truly I don't think they could.
Finton
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
NUMBER 26 STEM CELL Research
I am a firm believer in stem cell research. If the laws of nature work I see nothing wrong with developing new methods of fighting disease or treating any health condition that causes mental or physical problems for all forms of life.
If we can learn how to prevent or cure or treat unwanted health problems through stem cell research or any kind of research then I think it unconscionable not to try.
I do not believe that we should allow women to sell their fetuses to medical science as this would encourage women to put their health at risk, nor do I believe that anyone should be allowed to enter into research programs that might prove to be harmful without full disclosure to the risks involved.
I know that science must know reasonably well how procedures will fair with humans before they introduce these procedures into the public domain, and logic tells us that they must test the procedures on humans to arrive at reasonably accurate data to support their projected benefits to society. This necessity to test new procedures on humans is important but the tests should never be performed without the greatest safety factors in place and full disclosure to the test subjects of possible side effects or risks involved.
All new developments have useful benefits to the world but we all must remember that many of these developments can also be used in abusive ways. Our hands are for perfect purpose but they also can be used for evil deeds but this evil aspect does not justify ridding ourselves of our hands. Likewise, when some people abuse stem cell research for unethical purposes we should not rid ourselves of stem cell research and all of its potential and great benefits to society.
I am a pro stem cell research supporter.
Finton
If we can learn how to prevent or cure or treat unwanted health problems through stem cell research or any kind of research then I think it unconscionable not to try.
I do not believe that we should allow women to sell their fetuses to medical science as this would encourage women to put their health at risk, nor do I believe that anyone should be allowed to enter into research programs that might prove to be harmful without full disclosure to the risks involved.
I know that science must know reasonably well how procedures will fair with humans before they introduce these procedures into the public domain, and logic tells us that they must test the procedures on humans to arrive at reasonably accurate data to support their projected benefits to society. This necessity to test new procedures on humans is important but the tests should never be performed without the greatest safety factors in place and full disclosure to the test subjects of possible side effects or risks involved.
All new developments have useful benefits to the world but we all must remember that many of these developments can also be used in abusive ways. Our hands are for perfect purpose but they also can be used for evil deeds but this evil aspect does not justify ridding ourselves of our hands. Likewise, when some people abuse stem cell research for unethical purposes we should not rid ourselves of stem cell research and all of its potential and great benefits to society.
I am a pro stem cell research supporter.
Finton
Friday, March 4, 2011
Number 25 Trying to get a handle on LOVE
I have for as long as I can remember been dealing with some kind of love connection, I think.
I remember being head over heels in "love" since I was a little boy. I loved girls and still do, or do I just like girls because they look pretty, or smell good, or do I like the sounds of their voices? What is it that makes us think that we are in love, or that we love something or some person?
Do I really love LOBSTER or do I just like the taste of lobster more than chicken or pork chops? Do I love the smell of roses or is it that I just like the smell of roses more than honeysuckle? Do we really have the foggiest idea as to what love is, or do we really know if love actually exists? Maybe, we have just become accustomed to using the word "LOVE" because someone in our past made up the word and tried to explain what love felt like to him, then we started relating the word to how we felt. The way you feel may be much different from the way I feel when we think that we are in love, so if we both are in love but feel different does this mean that love is manifested in different ways?
Do you think that we might not have a good idea as to what love really means? After all, I love Jaguars, I love a lot of flowers, and I love a lot of people, I love a lot of music, I love a lot of smells, I love a lot of tastes and I love the way a lot of things feel, but maybe I don't really love anything. Perhaps I just relate to some things more favorably that other things. How can I say that I love anything or love anyone?
Can love actually mean many things. Can love be measured in many degrees such as "I love you more", or "I love peaches more than I love apples"? Do we actually just love something or do we not love at all? Can we turn this feeling that we call love on and off like a switch? Can we analyze a person or thing and decide that we love it more, or that we love it less? Can we decide to not love anything at all?
I have often wondered if love is a form of spirit that decides to penetrate a person at times and then at times decides to abandon this person? If this is so, then, I question why would love abandon anyone? I further ask, do I myself have the capacity to decide to fall in love, or am I powerless to this object of love or object of desire? Do all of the objects of desire or objects of love possess power over me? Can I with valid thinking rise to a level of rational thought and decide for myself whether I shall fall in love, or turn and walk away from it?
When a person believes that he or she has fallen in love, is this feeling conditional or unconditional in nature? If this 'object of love' changes his or her personification toward the negative does your feelings of love diminish? If this object of love starts showing a side of themselves that you find difficult to tolerate, and they are not willing to change does your capacity to love become diminish, and if so, does this indicate that your love is conditional? And if your love is shown to be conditional is this feeling of love more likely to be a selfish desire? If it is a selfish desire do you really believe that your feelings are true love, and what is more important, do you feel that this selfish desire is worthy of your object of love?
Perhaps it is more wise that we not try to understand love because I think that it might be as difficult for you to comprehend infinity, or God.
I believe that I am deeply in love with my wife even though there are times I feel like shaking a knot in her rear end, and I know that she has similar thoughts about me. I do know that I am deeply attracted to her in many ways but are my attractions to her a mark of my selfish desires? Did it just so happened that she and I met and both of our selfish desires became a compatible match? Only time will tell if the match will hold up as she and I change as we grow older. I truly hope so.
I think that it is important to try to understand love because I think that the closer you get to understanding it the better your chance is at surviving a love relationship.
I know that my marital history will show that, obviously, I am a slow learner in the area of love, but it will also bare witness that I have continued the search for the answers defining LOVE. I am not a quitter.
I believe that Love, even with little understanding, is the greatest pastime of all.
Finton
I remember being head over heels in "love" since I was a little boy. I loved girls and still do, or do I just like girls because they look pretty, or smell good, or do I like the sounds of their voices? What is it that makes us think that we are in love, or that we love something or some person?
Do I really love LOBSTER or do I just like the taste of lobster more than chicken or pork chops? Do I love the smell of roses or is it that I just like the smell of roses more than honeysuckle? Do we really have the foggiest idea as to what love is, or do we really know if love actually exists? Maybe, we have just become accustomed to using the word "LOVE" because someone in our past made up the word and tried to explain what love felt like to him, then we started relating the word to how we felt. The way you feel may be much different from the way I feel when we think that we are in love, so if we both are in love but feel different does this mean that love is manifested in different ways?
Do you think that we might not have a good idea as to what love really means? After all, I love Jaguars, I love a lot of flowers, and I love a lot of people, I love a lot of music, I love a lot of smells, I love a lot of tastes and I love the way a lot of things feel, but maybe I don't really love anything. Perhaps I just relate to some things more favorably that other things. How can I say that I love anything or love anyone?
Can love actually mean many things. Can love be measured in many degrees such as "I love you more", or "I love peaches more than I love apples"? Do we actually just love something or do we not love at all? Can we turn this feeling that we call love on and off like a switch? Can we analyze a person or thing and decide that we love it more, or that we love it less? Can we decide to not love anything at all?
I have often wondered if love is a form of spirit that decides to penetrate a person at times and then at times decides to abandon this person? If this is so, then, I question why would love abandon anyone? I further ask, do I myself have the capacity to decide to fall in love, or am I powerless to this object of love or object of desire? Do all of the objects of desire or objects of love possess power over me? Can I with valid thinking rise to a level of rational thought and decide for myself whether I shall fall in love, or turn and walk away from it?
When a person believes that he or she has fallen in love, is this feeling conditional or unconditional in nature? If this 'object of love' changes his or her personification toward the negative does your feelings of love diminish? If this object of love starts showing a side of themselves that you find difficult to tolerate, and they are not willing to change does your capacity to love become diminish, and if so, does this indicate that your love is conditional? And if your love is shown to be conditional is this feeling of love more likely to be a selfish desire? If it is a selfish desire do you really believe that your feelings are true love, and what is more important, do you feel that this selfish desire is worthy of your object of love?
Perhaps it is more wise that we not try to understand love because I think that it might be as difficult for you to comprehend infinity, or God.
I believe that I am deeply in love with my wife even though there are times I feel like shaking a knot in her rear end, and I know that she has similar thoughts about me. I do know that I am deeply attracted to her in many ways but are my attractions to her a mark of my selfish desires? Did it just so happened that she and I met and both of our selfish desires became a compatible match? Only time will tell if the match will hold up as she and I change as we grow older. I truly hope so.
I think that it is important to try to understand love because I think that the closer you get to understanding it the better your chance is at surviving a love relationship.
I know that my marital history will show that, obviously, I am a slow learner in the area of love, but it will also bare witness that I have continued the search for the answers defining LOVE. I am not a quitter.
I believe that Love, even with little understanding, is the greatest pastime of all.
Finton
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Number24 The illusion of genius
I am truly amazed that some people have said that I am a genius, not because of my intellect but because of my artistic eye.
I find it difficult to understand why everyone can't sculpt a portrait of someone in soft clay. You merely must just add and subtract bits of clay until you've created their image. It's just that simple.
Drawing and painting is about the same to me as sculpting. You just add more drawing material or painting material until you are satisfied and then let it alone.
I'm not saying art doesn't take practice, and learning the materials because it does. The more you practice and learn the materials the better you get. Your desire, your curiosity and passion to be an artist are for most part the variables that make the difference between you and another want-a-be artist.
I am better at sculpting the human form than drawing or painting the human form, but I think that the reason is that sculpting is more interesting to me. I truly believe that if I drew or painted more often I would get better.
The content in your art is driven by other human conditions, the worldly things or metaphysical concepts that dominate your thought processes.
When you are fascinated by flowers and landscapes you will likely be good at producing these kinds of art. If the human figure is your fascination you will likely excel in figurative art, and if
pain and suffering, or pleasure or joy is your focus then your art will express these phenomenon.
All kinds of art are important to this human experience that we all must encounter. This is why I am a firm believer and advocate for freedom of expression.
The main component that I hope you will adopt from my thoughts is a strong tolerance and support for the freedom of expression for everyone.
Freedom is as essential to a healthy person as food and love.
I saw on television years ago a young black man that was supposed to have been autistic. His mother was on this talk show with the host for about a half hour talking while the young black man worked with about a 6" ball of modeling clay. By the end of the half hour program the young man had sculpted a magnificent bucking bull.
The mother, throughout the show had discussed with the host that her son had never had any art lessons. The young man just had what was described as a natural talent.
I was about the age of 13 years old when I tried my first figurative sculpture. I was out in my uncles rice field. I was supposed to be working the levy's but as I often did I re-focused my mind to my artistic interest. I dug up a good amount of what we called 'black gumbo mud' and started sculpting a nude female figure. This first figure that I sculpted at about 13 years old was better than many of the sculptures of Matisse and Rodin.
I know that many of those that read this may think that I am lying but if you will take the time to look at a vast amount of their works you will conclude that my claim is not hard to believe.
The real point that I am trying to make here is that I do not believe that talent is all about being a genius. It could probably be more accurately explained by ones desire and patients to accomplish his goals.
My intellectual capacities have never risen to a level of genius so I truly doubt that I am anywhere near genius. I must admit that when someone tells me that I am one of those honored few it makes me smile. I think that it would be nice to be a genius, but only a genius can elaborate on that.
Finton
I find it difficult to understand why everyone can't sculpt a portrait of someone in soft clay. You merely must just add and subtract bits of clay until you've created their image. It's just that simple.
Drawing and painting is about the same to me as sculpting. You just add more drawing material or painting material until you are satisfied and then let it alone.
I'm not saying art doesn't take practice, and learning the materials because it does. The more you practice and learn the materials the better you get. Your desire, your curiosity and passion to be an artist are for most part the variables that make the difference between you and another want-a-be artist.
I am better at sculpting the human form than drawing or painting the human form, but I think that the reason is that sculpting is more interesting to me. I truly believe that if I drew or painted more often I would get better.
The content in your art is driven by other human conditions, the worldly things or metaphysical concepts that dominate your thought processes.
When you are fascinated by flowers and landscapes you will likely be good at producing these kinds of art. If the human figure is your fascination you will likely excel in figurative art, and if
pain and suffering, or pleasure or joy is your focus then your art will express these phenomenon.
All kinds of art are important to this human experience that we all must encounter. This is why I am a firm believer and advocate for freedom of expression.
The main component that I hope you will adopt from my thoughts is a strong tolerance and support for the freedom of expression for everyone.
Freedom is as essential to a healthy person as food and love.
I saw on television years ago a young black man that was supposed to have been autistic. His mother was on this talk show with the host for about a half hour talking while the young black man worked with about a 6" ball of modeling clay. By the end of the half hour program the young man had sculpted a magnificent bucking bull.
The mother, throughout the show had discussed with the host that her son had never had any art lessons. The young man just had what was described as a natural talent.
I was about the age of 13 years old when I tried my first figurative sculpture. I was out in my uncles rice field. I was supposed to be working the levy's but as I often did I re-focused my mind to my artistic interest. I dug up a good amount of what we called 'black gumbo mud' and started sculpting a nude female figure. This first figure that I sculpted at about 13 years old was better than many of the sculptures of Matisse and Rodin.
I know that many of those that read this may think that I am lying but if you will take the time to look at a vast amount of their works you will conclude that my claim is not hard to believe.
The real point that I am trying to make here is that I do not believe that talent is all about being a genius. It could probably be more accurately explained by ones desire and patients to accomplish his goals.
My intellectual capacities have never risen to a level of genius so I truly doubt that I am anywhere near genius. I must admit that when someone tells me that I am one of those honored few it makes me smile. I think that it would be nice to be a genius, but only a genius can elaborate on that.
Finton
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Number 23 Hunger in the face of religion
I was raised up in a relatively common family environment. My dad always worked full time and I don't think we ever did without the necessities of life. I think our lifestyle would have been somewhere between the lower middle class and the middle of the middle class of folks.
My mother, at times, did work outside the home after we got up old enough to watch out for ourselves, however the durations of her employment were not long lived.
We went to the Landmark Baptist Church there in England, Arkansas most every Sunday and sometimes on Wednesday nights. I listened to the preacher a lot more than one would think a child would likely do. Most of the sermons dealt with hellfire and brimstone and the obedience to God. I heard the preacher preach about God the great provider, and the God of wrath. He preached about the God that hates and the God that loves.
I must admit that for many years I was both confused and afraid of this portrayal of God that I had heard preached for most of my youth, and from those days till now. I am 64 years old and most preachers of Christian churches still preach the same hellfire and brimstone and damnation to the non-believers that they preached back when I was a child. I have, over the years, grown to climb over that mountain of dogma. I can now see a more beautiful landscape of life.
It probably sounds as though I am a non-believer but that is to the contrary. I am a firm believer in a great provider, a God, but I am still confused about this entity. I find it hard to believe that a thinking, loving God could allow so much suffering to continue for thousands or maybe millions of years. I think that if I was God I would do away with the pain and suffering and I would eradicate hunger and the need for war. Do you think perhaps that I would make a too wimpy of a God, do you think a God needs to be wrathful and reek havoc on the world and whip us back into submission?
Religious leaders of every faith throughout the world claim that they practice the true way of life and are in favor with God or the powers that be, and that if you will only convert to their way, your life will at the very least become more meaningful to the world. 'If' you had the faith of a mustard seed, you could be a healer, you could move mountains, change water into wine, you could still the raging seas, and with a few fishes and a few loaves of bread you could feed the multitudes.
I've met a few 'Claim-to-be healers' but in my 64 years I've yet to witness any of their healing powers. Most of our health issues will resolve themselves in a short time if we will just use common sense in treating our bodies right. The only thing close to spiritual healing is a positive mental outlook on life, but even this will not prevent all of your health issues. Sometimes we need the advice of a doctor but even doctors have their limitations, as we all know.
I 'believe' that we have the technology to produce enough food to feed the world but we humans are too stupid to put aside religion and ideologies and focus on stamping out HUNGER, but
too many egos want to be THE BOSS.
Which of these religions or ideologies cannot see the good in focusing on feeding the many starving peoples of the world? Feeding the people of the world surely cannot be conceived as being anything other than an act of love, but, it seems that leadership is failing to ignite a spirit to feed the people rather than produce weapons of great destruction.
Some of these religions wage wars against the infidels and build great mosques while some religions want you to give a tenth of you earnings so that they can build grand churches, houses of God, to preach and pray in, and then buy some big buses to travel to other churches and visit and spread the word of God as they interpret it.
Ideologies are born out of religious influences and over-zealous egos that want people to follow their lead or be ostracized and left to fend for themselves. I don't remember ever hearing or reading about a religion that focuses only on loving your fellow man and feeding the world.
I must admit that most religions do teach some good and positive lessons of life, but, they also preach that having a great desire for the pleasures of life is sinful. They seem to indoctrinate a guilty mindset for seeking the pleasures of life, that we can better serve God by denying ourselves. Jesus supposedly said 'So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple'. Jesus wanted you to sever your focus on any material thing of the world and focus every fiber of your being on His life and purpose.
The one and only purpose that people choose to follow Jesus is to get to heaven and live the good life for eternity. Everyone would rather live forever in complete happiness rather than eternally in hellfire, even if they have been assholes all their life.
I could see merit in a religion that focused on loving your fellow man and feeding the world, and teaching the starving countries how to work and provide for themselves.
I know, I truly do know that the world is full of those that don't want to work and will work harder to avoid work, and unfortunately I do not know how to solve that problem, but I do believe that religious dogma is counter productive and is as criminal as criminal negligence or involuntary manslaughter, but, religious dogma is not illegal nor do I want it to be illegal. I just wish people could see through that smokescreen that religious leaders keep pumping into their faces and eyes. Perhaps then they could loose their chains of bondage.
The great creator of this world has provided us with all of our necessities of life but we will never be spoon fed by this great creative force. Religion will give you false hope. Right thinking and right actions will feed you and clothe you and put a roof over your head. Become the best person that you can be and your afterlife will be secure. The only hell you will ever experience is the hell that your ignorance or the ignorance of others and the laws of nature bring upon you.
Finton
My mother, at times, did work outside the home after we got up old enough to watch out for ourselves, however the durations of her employment were not long lived.
We went to the Landmark Baptist Church there in England, Arkansas most every Sunday and sometimes on Wednesday nights. I listened to the preacher a lot more than one would think a child would likely do. Most of the sermons dealt with hellfire and brimstone and the obedience to God. I heard the preacher preach about God the great provider, and the God of wrath. He preached about the God that hates and the God that loves.
I must admit that for many years I was both confused and afraid of this portrayal of God that I had heard preached for most of my youth, and from those days till now. I am 64 years old and most preachers of Christian churches still preach the same hellfire and brimstone and damnation to the non-believers that they preached back when I was a child. I have, over the years, grown to climb over that mountain of dogma. I can now see a more beautiful landscape of life.
It probably sounds as though I am a non-believer but that is to the contrary. I am a firm believer in a great provider, a God, but I am still confused about this entity. I find it hard to believe that a thinking, loving God could allow so much suffering to continue for thousands or maybe millions of years. I think that if I was God I would do away with the pain and suffering and I would eradicate hunger and the need for war. Do you think perhaps that I would make a too wimpy of a God, do you think a God needs to be wrathful and reek havoc on the world and whip us back into submission?
Religious leaders of every faith throughout the world claim that they practice the true way of life and are in favor with God or the powers that be, and that if you will only convert to their way, your life will at the very least become more meaningful to the world. 'If' you had the faith of a mustard seed, you could be a healer, you could move mountains, change water into wine, you could still the raging seas, and with a few fishes and a few loaves of bread you could feed the multitudes.
I've met a few 'Claim-to-be healers' but in my 64 years I've yet to witness any of their healing powers. Most of our health issues will resolve themselves in a short time if we will just use common sense in treating our bodies right. The only thing close to spiritual healing is a positive mental outlook on life, but even this will not prevent all of your health issues. Sometimes we need the advice of a doctor but even doctors have their limitations, as we all know.
I 'believe' that we have the technology to produce enough food to feed the world but we humans are too stupid to put aside religion and ideologies and focus on stamping out HUNGER, but
too many egos want to be THE BOSS.
Which of these religions or ideologies cannot see the good in focusing on feeding the many starving peoples of the world? Feeding the people of the world surely cannot be conceived as being anything other than an act of love, but, it seems that leadership is failing to ignite a spirit to feed the people rather than produce weapons of great destruction.
Some of these religions wage wars against the infidels and build great mosques while some religions want you to give a tenth of you earnings so that they can build grand churches, houses of God, to preach and pray in, and then buy some big buses to travel to other churches and visit and spread the word of God as they interpret it.
Ideologies are born out of religious influences and over-zealous egos that want people to follow their lead or be ostracized and left to fend for themselves. I don't remember ever hearing or reading about a religion that focuses only on loving your fellow man and feeding the world.
I must admit that most religions do teach some good and positive lessons of life, but, they also preach that having a great desire for the pleasures of life is sinful. They seem to indoctrinate a guilty mindset for seeking the pleasures of life, that we can better serve God by denying ourselves. Jesus supposedly said 'So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple'. Jesus wanted you to sever your focus on any material thing of the world and focus every fiber of your being on His life and purpose.
The one and only purpose that people choose to follow Jesus is to get to heaven and live the good life for eternity. Everyone would rather live forever in complete happiness rather than eternally in hellfire, even if they have been assholes all their life.
I could see merit in a religion that focused on loving your fellow man and feeding the world, and teaching the starving countries how to work and provide for themselves.
I know, I truly do know that the world is full of those that don't want to work and will work harder to avoid work, and unfortunately I do not know how to solve that problem, but I do believe that religious dogma is counter productive and is as criminal as criminal negligence or involuntary manslaughter, but, religious dogma is not illegal nor do I want it to be illegal. I just wish people could see through that smokescreen that religious leaders keep pumping into their faces and eyes. Perhaps then they could loose their chains of bondage.
The great creator of this world has provided us with all of our necessities of life but we will never be spoon fed by this great creative force. Religion will give you false hope. Right thinking and right actions will feed you and clothe you and put a roof over your head. Become the best person that you can be and your afterlife will be secure. The only hell you will ever experience is the hell that your ignorance or the ignorance of others and the laws of nature bring upon you.
Finton
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