Recurring Themes


Forgive the lack of links and graphics. I've a new category tonight--for at least semi-spiritual thoughts I expect will reappear on occasion...

Today was full of echoes that never seem to find resolution:
1. Conscience. On the way to work this morning, I realized how frequently I criticize strangers... for their poor driving skills, lack of fashion sense or social skill, anything I find a basic affront to good taste or kindness--the irony being that meanwhile I display neither. It feels terrible to admit, but I'm not really sure how one can just stop being annoyed by sheer will. Something to work on, surely. Maybe I should learn to meditate.
2. Cults. Had my first "American Sects & Cults" class today. I had been telling myself I was just taking it for fun, but part of me knows that it's more than just curiosity--in a way I need the information. Is the term "cult" just used to describe beliefs to which the speaker doesn't subscribe? Or if there is a real definition, does the church of my youth qualify? And how can America be a place of religious freedom and still regulate the extreme/non-mainstream beliefs it finds so threatening? Yeah, it sounds like a whim on the outside--but I suspect it's more than that.
3. Coincidence. Rewatched Run Lola Run for the first time in years and remembered why I find it so fascinating. For those of you who haven't seen it, think Sliding Doors but in German--but instead of two variations on the same story being told simultaneously, there are three told in succession. Same story, but slight variations, like alternate realities or a choose-your-own-adventure book. Both films make you wonder--what simple choices are you making in your life that have huge consequences? And if you don't know what lies down the other path, does it even make a difference?

Posted: Tue - January 9, 2007 at 11:49 PM           |

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