samaritan

Canberra, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA


Joined March 14th 2008

Number of Posts:
93

Number of Comments:
830

Karma:
10



About Me
No details about me yet :(

Tags & Posts

Bookmark Tags



Popular Tags

Blogs

samaritan's Blogs

8005 Vote(s)
1004 Comment(s)
89 Post(s)
189 Vote(s)
13 Comment(s)
4 Post(s)

I mentor these bloggers

Learn more about the Orble Mentoring Program.


I do not mentor any bloggers.

Recent Posts

What's your purpose?

July 2nd 2009 12:50
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Monastery of St Catherine, Mount Sinai
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Monastery of St Catherine, Mount Sinai


It is my belief that everybody needs a purpose. We feel this need inside of us that there must be something to live for. When we have nothing to live for, we get depressed. Some people even feel suicidal.

I also think that God gives us this desire to find a purpose for our lives. He gives us this sense that there has to be more to life, something we need to be aiming for. Unfortunately, like so many things that God gives us, we can often use it the wrong way. Most people will find a purpose for their lives. It doesn’t mean they always find a good one.

I have spoken before about my distaste for goals and success. Not that they’re bad in themselves. But when people are focused solely on the world’s idea of success, or achieving their personal goals, they are often neglecting a higher purpose for a lesser one. Someone may think their purpose is to make lots of money or to get a good job or to become famous. These purposes are better than no purpose at all. But they’re not the best purposes we could find for our lives.

I think one reason these purposes are not the best is that they don’t really satisfy. They may quiet that little voice inside us that tells us we need to aim for something. We are aiming for something. And so we think, as soon as we have it, that yearning for a purpose or for something more will go away. But it rarely does. We get what we were aiming for. And that niggly feeling inside of that there must be something more is still there. One of the reasons why I think so many celebrities have such sad lives is because they’ve reached their goal. And once they’re there, once they’ve fulfilled their purpose, they come to the realisation that that yearning is not going to go away. They’re still not satisfied.

It goes against all the self-help books I’ve ever read, but I prefer purposes where there is no end goal. There’s not a point where I can say, yahoo, I achieved it. I prefer purposes that I will always be aiming for. For two reasons. One is that I think anything I can actually achieve is not really worth striving for. If I can get there, then I wasn’t aiming high enough. Two is that I think it’s the goals we can’t reach that are the most important. When I focus on things I can achieve, I am focused on earthly things. I believe it is only when we aim for heavenly things that our desire for a purpose actually is used in the right way. And the heavenly things can’t be achieved while we’re on earth.

This is not to say that it’s only the heavenly purposes that are good. You can be trying to live a life of integrity or to care for others around you or campaigning to make the world a better place in some way. These are all good purposes. But I do believe, that without that heavenly aspect to it, it’s not going to completely still that voice inside you that says you need to live for something.

This is a bit more ‘preachy’ than I generally like my posts to be. Which was not my intention. I actually set out to write a post that everybody could relate to. But as soon as I started talking about purpose, I realised that, for me, purpose cannot be separated from God.

There’s a strong possibility that anyone who doesn’t believe in God has already stopped reading. But if you are still with me, just ask yourself these questions. What is your purpose? What are you aiming for? Is it something you hope to achieve in this life? And if so, do you really believe that will satisfy you? Or will you still be longing for more?


52
Vote
   


Saints and Prime Ministers

July 1st 2009 04:30
Mary MacKillop holding a copy of her Life Vows 1869
Mary MacKillop holding a copy of her Life Vows 1869


In a recent meeting with some nuns, Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, told them that he would speak to Pope Benedict XVI about the canonisation of Mary MacKillop.

This really annoyed me, because I don’t see why the Prime Minister should have anything to do with Mary MacKillop’s canonisation. Yes, it would be nice to have an Australian saint. And I can understand him hoping that she is made a saint. But hoping that something happens is different to speaking to the Pope about it.

He’s not even a Catholic. He attends an Anglican church. He’s definitely not what you would call an expert on saints. He is the prime minister of the country where Mary MacKillop happened to live. That’s all. And Mary MacKillop’s canonisation should have nothing to do with him.

Now Pope Benedict XVI did tell Sister Anne Derwin that Mary MacKillop would be canonised, they were just waiting for the miracle. At least he didn’t say that they were waiting for Kevin Rudd to tell them what to do.

The fact that Kevin Rudd said he would raise the matter shows either a complete lack of knowledge of the actual canonisation process or a simple desire to win political points. It wouldn’t matter who spoke to the Pope about making Mary MacKillop a saint. Pope Benedict XVI is not waiting for people to tell him what to do. He is, as he said, waiting for the miracle. It has already been accepted that Mary MacKillop performed one miracle. And a second miracle has been put forward. The Catholic Church now needs to confirm that this second miracle has taken place. There is an investigation process underway and it must be completed before Mary MacKillop is canonised.

In other words, canonising someone is not just a matter of saying ‘Hey, I think this person should be a saint? What do you reckon?’ There is a formal process that must be gone through first.

I presume that Kevin Rudd knew that. So why say he would speak to the Pope? Just to show he cares about religion? To try and act more important than what he is? Or maybe just because the nuns asked him to and he didn’t want to say no?

But whatever his reasons, the fact remains that prime ministers should not be involved in the making of saints. And I honestly believe they’d be better off staying out of the process altogether. Especially when they’re not even Catholic. Nothing Kevin Rudd says to the Pope about Mary MacKillop’s canonisation is going to make one scrap of difference. And that’s the way it should be.

42
Vote
   


Fear

June 30th 2009 02:08
Jüngstes Gericht (The Last Judgement) - Meister des Bambino Vispo
Jüngstes Gericht (The Last Judgement) - Meister des Bambino Vispo


Whenever I am trying to decide whether to do a thing or not, one of the questions I ask myself is whether I am motivated by fear or love. If it’s love, it is usually a good thing and worth doing. If it is fear, then I often have to rethink the situation.

That is not to say that fear is a bad thing. It can be quite good. There are a number of people that I think could do with a healthy dose of the fear of God. But it is not the best thing. And if the only way that people are going to do the right thing is through fear of the consequences, then I say let them fear the consequences. However, I would much prefer people to do the right thing out of love for God and love for other people.

Sometimes a mix of fear and love is used to make people do the right thing. A parent would like their children to obey them out of love. But if their children refuse to obey them, the threat of punishment is used instead. A business owner may hope that his employees do the right thing out of love for the company. But if someone is not doing a good job, the fear of getting fired may motivate them to do better.

And often fear is needed. There are some people who will obey the law because they want to. There are others who would break it if it were not for the fear of going to jail. Not all people will be motivated by love. Some need fear in order to stop them doing the wrong things.

However, love is the better motivator. For a start, when people act out of love they are happier about what they are doing and likely to do a better job. And it is so much nicer when someone does something for you out of love, than if they do it out of fear.

Friends are a good example of this. A friend will generally do things for you just because they love you. They are acting out of love, rather than fear. However, sometimes a friend will not do what you want them to do. Some people find it hard to accept this. They will use fear in order to try and get that person to do what they want. They threaten telling secrets, or withdrawing friendship. And sometimes that works. The person who threatened gets what they wanted. But it’s not the same. Because things that are done out of fear are never as good as those that are done out of love.

I personally think it is far better just to hope that people act out of love. And if they don’t, just live with their decision. I don’t want people to do what I want them to do because they are afraid of me. I want them to do it because they want to do it. Any gift that is forced is not really a gift at all. That said, sometimes fear is necessary. But without it, some people would continue to do things that hurt and harm other people.

Yet some people seem to rely more on fear to get what they want, rather than love. The minute anyone does or says anything that that person disagrees with, they will try to scare them into doing what they want them to do. Threats, intimidation, name-calling. They are all fear tactics. The person who uses them is hoping that they frighten someone into submission.

But the other side to using fear tactics is that the person who uses them is not just trying to instill fear, but they are acting out of fear themselves. They are too frightened to let anyone disagree with them. They are too scared to give up control of a situation. And so their fear motivates them to use any means possible to try and force others into doing what they want them to do.

One of the problems with using fear as a motivator is that it doesn’t always work. Some people just won’t be threatened into doing what we want them to do. And it’s often effective only in the short-term. People don’t like acting out of fear. They’re only going to put up with it for so long.

And yes, love doesn’t always work either. For a start, you can’t force people to act out of love. That’s the whole point. But when you give people the freedom to do what they want to do, it is often the case that eventually they will do what you want them to do, and they will be doing it out of love.

I had already planned to write this article, when I was reading a book as my computer started up. It was Thomas a Kempis’ The Imitation of Christ. (And many, many thanks to the person who recommended this book to me. I am loving it – even though parts of it are very challenging. But I’ll say more about that at another time.) Anyway, I just happened to come across a paragraph that talked about fear. And so I thought I’d end with it here:

For he who loves God with all his heart fears neither death, punishment, judgement, nor hell; for perfect love enjoys sure access to God. But he who continues to delight in wickedness, what wonder is it if he fears death and judgement? Nevertheless, it is good that, if the love of God does not restrain you from sin, the fear of hell at least should restrain you. For he who sets aside the fear of God cannot long continue in a good life, but will rapidly fall into the snares of the Devil.


71
Vote
   


Sisters

June 28th 2009 23:48
It is my sister’s birthday today. And as I haven’t yet bought her a present, I thought I’d write a blog in her honour instead. Now some might say I would have been better off actually buying her a present. No doubt, you’re right. But my sister and I tend not to be too legalistic about when presents are actually given for birthdays. Anytime within 12 months after the birthday, and it’s consider to be on time.

My sister and I have not always gotten along. When we were teenagers, I think the only time we actually talked to each other was when we were arguing. And if it was anyone else, we probably would have severed the relationship then and there. But with a sister, you can fight and argue and still end up having a relationship at the end of it. And sometimes a very good relationship. And I think that’s one of the good things about sisters. You can fight and still love each other at the end of it


[ Click here to read more ]
32
Vote
   


What a day

June 26th 2009 11:19
June 26, 2009, will go down in history as the day that Michael Jackson died. It also happens to be the day that I got sacked for the first time ever, and that my dog got stuck down a storm water drain.

One of the problems with Orble is that just about everything I say about myself makes its way into the comments or posts of other Orble writers. I say I had a bad day at the dentist. Next thing you know, certain people are making fun of teeth of another blog. I lose a dog. Suddenly, it means I need to look in the mirror. I say God gave me a loaf of bread and a taxi. And what do you know? People are mentioning free loaves of breads and taxis in their comments


[ Click here to read more ]
83
Vote
   


God's Anger

June 24th 2009 12:37
John Martin - The Great Day of His Wrath
John Martin - The Great Day of His Wrath


In a bible study I attended a few months ago, a pastor said that God didn’t get angry anymore. In fact, I think it was even written in the bible study. I strongly disagreed with him. Because to me, the idea that God doesn’t get angry just doesn’t make sense in the slightest


[ Click here to read more ]
63
Vote
   


Ridiculing Christians

June 21st 2009 07:21
On July 21, 1925, science teacher, John Scopes was found guilty for teaching evolution in what became known as the Scopes Monkey Trial. (Later on, his conviction was overturned.) But what stands out for many people about that trial was not who won the court case, but the way the Christians in that case were held up to ridicule and portrayed as ‘backward hillbillies’.

The debate about evolution versus Creationism continues to this day. And so does the tendency of some people to ridicule Christians for their faith


[ Click here to read more ]
92
Vote
   


LOVE?

June 19th 2009 11:45
Català: Sagrada Família amb el nen dormit - Jeroni Jacint Espinosa
Català: Sagrada Família amb el nen dormit - Jeroni Jacint Espinosa


This is going to be another one of those posts that asks more questions than it answers. Because when it comes to love, I have no certainty. Just a big flashing question-mark over the whole love thing. And some posts I write because I feel like I have something to say. Some posts I write because I have something to ask. This is a something to ask post. And I guess the question I’m asking here is ‘How do we love


[ Click here to read more ]
32
Vote
   


Hurting people hurt others

June 17th 2009 09:49
The Stoning of St Stephen - Adam Elsheimer
The Stoning of St Stephen - Adam Elsheimer


When people are mean and nasty, it’s tempting to just go and do something mean and nasty back. Or at the very least, call them a few names (whether out loud or in your mind


[ Click here to read more ]
97
Vote
   


Give to God and God gives to you

June 15th 2009 11:08
The Widow's Mite
The Widow's Mite - from the 1890 Holman Bible - courtesy of http://breadsite.org


Three things have happened in the past month that have made me think of how when we give up things for God, he often gives them back


[ Click here to read more ]
117
Vote
   


 

Recent Comments

Hi Damo,

I think that people are a lot more aware about scientology now, than they used to be. But that can be a good thing and a bad thing. Good, because people are more aware than they are a cult and not a good thing to get involved with. But a bad thing, because some people may be even more curious to check it out for themselves. And once they check it out, they're pulled in.

As for the Adsense ads, I always seem to have scientology ads on my blog. One of the drawbacks of having a blog about religion, I suppose.

Samaritan

Comment by samaritan
on What's your purpose?

July 3rd 2009 10:40
I'm fine with discussing religion, but I don't know if I want to get into any Sydney versus Melbourne debates. I think that old saying should be never discuss religion, politics or whether Sydney or Melbourne is the better town.

Samaritan

Comment by samaritan
on What's your purpose?

July 3rd 2009 10:02
Hi Damo,

Possibly I am not spending enough time living my life then, because I do tend to spend a lot of time thinking about the meaning of it. Way too much time probably.

And I try to always be honest about what I think. Which is always going to mean that some people will disagree with me. But this post really did end up having a life of its own. Sometimes I write something and know exactly what it's going to say and how it's going to say it. And other times I start writing and the finished product ends up being completely different to the way I thought it would turn out.

I'm really pleased that you said you know it's me that you're talking to. Because one thing I do try never to be is fake. So I take that as a huge compliment, and the highest praise you have ever given me. Thank you.

Samaritan

Comment by samaritan
on What's your purpose?

July 3rd 2009 09:57
Hi Sam,

It actually was going to be travelling from Sydney to Brisbane. But I have a friend who comes from Queensland, and is always calling Queensland the promised land. And no offence to you and anyone else who lives in Queensland, but it really annoys me. So I decided to change it solely for that reason.

I have to say, though, that if Heaven does turn out to be like Sydney, then I'd be pretty depressed about it too.

Samaritan

Comment by samaritan
on What's your purpose?

July 3rd 2009 09:54
Hi Hazius,

Firstly, I think I may have misread your comments. I thought you were saying that it didn't matter whether God was in the moon or not, so long as you believed he/she was. I know that's not what you said. But that was my interpretation. I may have been wrong. But that was where I was coming from.

Secondly, this idea of always wanting the truth and not just a spirituality you like is not something I would say only to someone who says they worship the moon. I say it to Christians. And it's something I live by myself. I don't think my version of 'faith' is aligned to the truth yet. But I'm fine with that, so long as I know I am constantly searching for the truth, and wanting the truth, not just being content with my own idea of 'faith'.

But one thing this does bring up is I believe something differently to you. And the idea of inter-faith dialogue to me (which essentially what this is) is not either one of us convincing the other one that they are right, but accepting that we both have different opinions on who God is. For a start, I don't believe there are many Gods. I believe there is only one. You believe something different. I don't think we're going to reach a point where we both agree on that. But hopefully we can come to a place where we both accept that we do have different views about God.

And maybe, if we are both seeking the truth, we both will come to a place where we do agree. Who knows?

Samaritan

Comment by samaritan
on What's your purpose?

July 3rd 2009 07:58
Morgan has written a post in response to this article, from an atheist point of view. (And it is this post that abouttovomit was responding to.) She said I was free to include a link to that post here, although she prefers not to comment herself. So here is the link.

Morgan's Purpose Post

Sorry abouttovomit, but I guess that means she won't be coming on here to answer your questions. But thanks for the comments.

Samaritan

Comment by samaritan
on What's your purpose?

July 3rd 2009 07:54
Oh one more point, abouttovomit,

Why would we bother following the drive to ensure that our species doesn't die out if there wasn't a greater purpose to our collective lives?

I think that's a very good point. If our purpose is simply to live, die and then die out altogether, why is there merit in helping others and benefiting humanity?

Samaritan

Comment by samaritan
on What's your purpose?

July 3rd 2009 07:50
Hi Abouttovomit,

Yes, I have seen Morgan's post now. In fact, I just posted a comment asking whether she could post a link to it in here. So I might just leave her to answer your questions. (She might have had it set to only accept comments from registered Orble users.)

Samaritan

Comment by samaritan
on What's your purpose?

July 3rd 2009 07:48
Hi Hazius,

I disagree that it doesn't matter whether the moon is God or not. Because I think we should all be seeking for the truth, not just the form of spirituality we like. However, I do think God can use things like nature (and maybe even the moon) to draw us to him. But we shouldn't mistake the things he uses to draw us for God himself.

But I think provided we are earnestly seeking the truth, that God will lead us towards that truth. But I do believe it is very important that we really are looking for that truth.

As for what might happen with the church, it's hard to say. It's hard to even know what it means with all the various disagreements that are occurring within denominations. I can't even speculate. And then there's new groups like the Emerging church movement, that isn't even a denomination and that doesn't even seem to have any common rules or guidelines. I find it interesting to think about. But confusing when I actually need to form an opinion on what's happening and what will happen in the future.

Samaritan

Comment by samaritan
on Purpose: A response to Fringe Faith

July 3rd 2009 07:12
Hi Morgan,

I almost missed this post. I'm glad I saw it. Would you mind posting a link to it in the comments section on my purpose post, saying that it is an atheist response to the questions I asked? I don't think it will annoy my regular readers, because they can just choose not to read it, if they don't want to. And it does provide an alternative view that I think some people would want to read.

I find it hard to separate my purpose from my faith. However, I know there are many atheists who do have a good sense of purpose and are really working towards something worthwhile. I also believe that sometimes atheists and people of faith are working towards the same things. And sometimes we should work together on those things - even if we have different reasons for doing so.

I think that isolation can also be a reason for depression or suicidal thoughts. However, of the people I know who have had depression, usually a lack of purpose is the factor that stands out the most. Many of them have good networks around them.

Samaritan