Overcoming Total Darkness!

                     Eigengrau or Eigenlicht, dark light or brain gray...

 

Author’s Note

 

“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” 
― Plato

 

Reflections

 

        What does the word darkness mean? The word darkness can have a variety of meanings including the following: gloom; evilness; lack of understanding or compassion; reference to death or suffering; the state of being dark, lack of light, the product of being dark; the state or quality of reflecting little light, of tending to a blackish or brownish color.

 

         Many people have never experienced total darkness.  I first experienced “total darkness” in Mammoth Cave, during a cave tour, when the guide turned off all the lights in the cave. It’s hard to put into words what it feels like when engulfed in absolute darkness…maybe a feeling of helplessness as you strain your eyes against the darkness? Interestingly, when in absolute darkness, you do “see” …it has been called Eigengrau or Eigenlicht, dark light or brain gray, the uniform dark gray background many people report seeing in the absence of light. Researchers have discovered closed eye visualizations (CEV) occur in the absence of light. There are five known levels of CEV perception which can be achieved either through chemical stimuli or through mediative relaxation techniques.  

 

         It would seem from modern research darkness is not synonymous with “nothingness”. Maybe darkness encompasses a primitive chaos and the powers of that chaos, with the so-called Prince of Darkness in some religious circles representing Satan. Others might argue darkness is not essentially evil, but only associated with death and destruction, captivity, and spiritual darkness.

 

What about the darkness that occurs in the womb during human development, occurring in a water environment? Can this environment be linked to the environment that existed prior to the “big bang”, a singularity existing in a water environment, in total darkness, with the light trapped within the singularity, trapped by the resistance of the darkness surrounding it? 

 

Is the natural state of the universe one of darkness, chaos, with the positive energy of the creator God, trapped by the resistance of darkness, which represents evil…this evil is trying to prevent the release of light, with creation representing the release of light, the positive energy of the creator God, into the surrounding darkness, just as stated in the account of creation in Genesis, “Let there be Light!”

 

I would argue to overcome feelings of sadness and to resist doubt, we must learn to overcome the law of resistance, overcome the obstacles of darkness blocking the light, the truth that surrounds us, the truth always accessible to us because of our creator God’s grace, if we would just reach out to Him and grasp it!

 

Silent Prayer

 

Oh, creator God, when we are faced with complete darkness in life, bring someone into our life to light the way to eternal understanding!

 

Music

 

Light at the End of the Darkness by Chris Christian

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EszGLC5r4bU

 

Have a great day!

Barry

Is the Bible History, Myth, or Legend?

 

Author’s Note

 

“We are meaning-seeking creatures. Dogs, as far as we know, do not agonize about the canine condition, worry about the plight of dogs in other parts of the world, or try to see their lives from a different perspective. But human beings fall easily into despair, and from the very beginning we invented stories that enabled us to place our lives in a larger setting, that revealed an underlying pattern, and gave us a sense that, against all the depressing and chaotic evidence to the contrary, life had meaning and value” 

― Karen Armstrong, A Short History of Myth

 

Reflections

 

        As I declared in the first chapter, this journey will not be for the “faint-hearted.” In this presentation we will talk in more depth about whether the Bible is inerrant. Is every word in the Bible inspired by God, or does the Bible also contain myth and/or legend, used by the authors to make a point?

 

First, we need to define how the terms, history, myth, and legend will be used in this presentation. These definitions were given by Bart Ehrman in his course entitled, In the Beginning.

 

“History is a reconstruction of what probably happened in the past, based on surviving evidence. Myth is a story about God or the gods and their activities, which tries to make sense of the world and our place in it. Legend is fictional narrative about real or alleged historical figures to entertain, to teach a moral, and/or to explain why things are as they are.”b

In his course, In the Beginning, Bart Ehrman makes a compelling argument that the Bible is an anthology of books, written by different authors, at different times, each with a different agenda. He uses the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, as a representative example. He claims the first eleven chapters of Genesis is myth, while chapters 12-50 (patriarchal history) are a long series of legends. Most biblical scholars believe the patriarchal history as entirely legendary.

 

         So, what are the lessons of the legends in the context of the Pentateuch. The stories are meant to show the following: what makes the nation of Israel special, where did Israel come from, why did Israel end up enslaved in Egypt.

 

The Pentateuch can be thought of as a microcosm of the Bible. The Bible can be good news for the faithful, but bad news for everyone else. If modern day scholars think the Pentateuch as well as the rest of the Bible is predominantly myth or legend, what major agreements on the composition of the Pentateuch do they agree on. They believe the book was not written by one author, but the first five books of the Bible are in fact a compilation of separate sources composed by different schools of thought. In additions, scholars believe the written book dates centuries after the events it narrates and is composed of various sources by different authors at different times, each source with a distinctive view. They also believe the book is not always, usually, or ever historically accurate, but does provide important information about the times they were written.

 

It is difficult to read the Bible as inerrant, considering the many inconsistencies found in its’ text. Although I agree there are profound truths found in the Scripture, the facts are suspicious. When compared to historical facts or scientific laws, a thoughtful reader of the Bible is forced to conclude the text is not inerrant or reliable. The Bible should be read as highly contextual, wonderfully rich, but a product of a different time and place.

 

Silent Prayer

 

Oh, creator God, help us navigate the immense collection of human literary works, to discover the absolute truths of Your Being!!

 

Music

 

Bible Verses by Blake Shelton

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9GJlnQmOgU

 

Have a great day!

Barry

 

Thank God, He Lets the Rain Fall Down!

Author’s Note

 

The three great elemental sounds in nature are the sound of rain, the sound of wind in a primeval wood, and the sound of outer ocean on a beach.

 

--Henry Beston

 

Reflections

 

One of the most beautiful relaxing, sounds in nature is the sound of rain during a rainstorm. Whether it is the sound made by the raindrops striking a metal roof, striking the side of a tent, or falling on the forest, the sound the rain makes is mesmerizing, a soothing medicine for the soul.

 

Although to me the sound of rain is a blessing, to many rainy days contribute to depression and sadness. Researchers have shown this is caused by a decrease in serotonin levels caused by the lack of sunshine. This creates a craving for high carbohydrate food to increase the serotonin levels, leading an unhealthy way to combat depression. Researchers have also shown that during rainstorms, atmospheric changes lead to changes in pressure exerted on nerves and joints leading to various aches and pains experienced by some people.

 

A recognized mood disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is associated with a lack of sunshine. People who live in regions of the world where long winters are experienced, are prone to developing this disorder. It has been shown people who suffer from SAD are likely to develop a substance abuse disorder as well.

 

So, which is it? Should we think of falling rain as God’s gift to us, or as something to be depressed about. I would argue we should think of falling rain as God’s gift to us!

 

Rain makes things grow, rain nourishes, rain strengthens, rain brings new life, rain brings rainbows. We need rain like the plants need rain, a means for spiritual and mental growth.

 

“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:25

 

 

By viewing rain as a gift from God we can use stormy days as a time to reflect on the symbolism of rain in our lives. We will then be able to see rain as a positive force in our lives, offering cleansing, happiness, and calmness during times of adversity.

 

One of my favorite descriptions of what it is like to experience a rainstorm is found in John Muir’s essay, A Windstorm in the Forests, found in a chapter in his 1894 book, The Mountains of California:

 

. . . [N]ever before did I enjoy so noble an exhilaration of motion. The slender tops fairly flapped and swished in the passionate torrent, bending and swirling backward and forward, round and round, tracing indescribable combinations of vertical and horizontal curves, while I clung with muscles firm braced, like a bobo-link on a reed. . . . I kept my lofty perch for hours, frequently closing my eyes to enjoy the music by itself, or to feast quietly on the delicious fragrance that was streaming past.

.

Silent Prayer

 

Oh, creator God, help us smell the rain, feel the wind, and live our life to be the light to others!

 

Music

 

Let the Rain Fall Down by Larry Norman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnjVN-pUpj4

 

My woman left me, felt like she left me for another man
You know it came as some surprise, it wasn't in the
Plan
She never told me nothing was wrong, she didn't give me
A clue
But one morning there was a knock on the door
And I found out we were through.

I saw my future fading and with the papers in my hand
I found myself transported into this desert land.

My feet are burning, the hour is getting late
My journey is much too long and time will not wait.

So Heavenly Father, thou who all doth see
You let the rain fall down on the good and the bad
So let the rain fall down on me.

As through this life you ramble and through this world
You roam
You might live in a lot of places and never find your
Home.

As down the road you wander and through the open fields
You cross
You must never stop believing for all is not lost.

And don't worry 'bout the unfaithful lover and false
Friend
For the love that you have given is what matters in the
End.

So Heavenly Father, thou who all doth see
You let the rain fall down on the good and the bad
So let the rain fall down on me.

Life is complicated, very hard to live
I try to turn my cheek to everything my enemies give.

I've got a lot of compassion for the sinners and the
Slaves
I've got a message for those not in their graves

He will cover you with water and baptize your pain
If you let his power wash you clean and soothe your
Fevered brain

So Heavenly Father, help me thine to be
You let the rain fall down on the quick and the dead
So let the rain fall down on me.

I didn't know you were my father,
I thought you were the hanging judge,
And when I came into your courtroom
I thought you'd hold a grudge.
I thought I was a lowly servant
I didn't know I was your son
And I didn't know you had forgiveness
For anything I might have done.

This world is crumbling, your kingdom is at hand
Give me the strength to live and help me to stand.

There's gonna be a collision, the world is going fast
A mortgaged future meets a bankrupt past.

A change is coming and people slumber in their bed
Storm clouds are bringing rain and the moon is turning
Red.

Heavenly Father, thou who all doth see
You let the rain fall down on the quick and the dead
So let the rain fall down on me.

Let this good life be the life we lead
Let our faith grow like a mustard seed
Let his love be all the love we need
To carry us all the way home.

 

 

Have a great day!

Barry

Just Who is This Guy, Carl Spackler?

Author’s Note

 

I must laugh because I've often asked myself my foe, my enemy, is an animal. To conquer him I must think like an animal and whenever possible to look like one. I've got to get inside this dude's pelt and crawl around for a few days. Who is the gopher's ally? His friend? The harmless squirrel and the friendly rabbit. I'm going to use you guys to do my dirty work for me.

 

--Carl Spackler from the Caddyshack

 

Reflections

 

.         In the classic golf comedy movie "Caddyshack," Bill Murray plays Carl Spackler, the greenskeeper for the Bushwood Country Club. His character is portrayed as an eccentric loner, who often talks to himself, out the side of his mouth. During the movie, his singular mission is to eradicate the gopher, infesting the golf course. Like Moby Dick, Carl Spackler is Ahab, and the gopher is his white whale, who he will defeat at all costs.

 

         Recently, a modern day, apparently, fictitious Carl Spackler has reemerged. In November 2021, while browsing my book offering on Amazon to check the status, in horror, I discovered a personal attack against me, posing as a book review for my published book.

        

         Wow! I was shocked to read the words, not because it was untrue, but because it was not a review of my book, but a personal attack against me.  Although angry at first, I began to instead wonder why this person hiding behind the character of Carl Spackler, could hate me so much.  The fact the events he described happened seven years prior to me writing the book meant nothing to this “Carl Spackler”, who was Ahab and because I represented his white whale, he would destroy me at all costs.

 

         Now just who is the hypocrite! The person hiding behind the name “Carl Spackler, most likely never read my book, Let’s Humor the Old Man: An Old Man’s Journey to Salvation. For you see, this book is about a sinner, whose rocky journey to salvation was fraught with mistakes, including the events occurring during that season of his life referenced to by “Carl”.

 

         Today, I am not angry at the modern-day fictitious Carl Spackler who wrote the personal attack against me. I view his attack as synonymous with the religious persecution Christians all over the world face each day! I instead pray for him.  My creator God has helped me understand he needs my prayers, not my anger, because he is the true hypocrite in this scenario.

 

         What is a good working definition of a hypocrite? Hypocrisy can be thought of as the practice of engaging in the same behavior or activity for which one criticizes another or the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. I would argue that a hypocrite does not confront the person he believes is a hypocrite, but instead hides behind a fictitious character to spread lies about the person, not allowing the person to answer or explain the allegations.

 

 

         What does Jesus say about hypocrisy? In the Bible, the Greek word ὑποκριτής (hupokrites). All eighteen times it is found in the Bible, it comes from Jesus. In Jesus times, this word referred to a stage actor – one who pretends to be someone he or she is not. In the following passage, Jesus rebukes the one who is a hypocrite, who measures out and judges’ others by higher standards than he judges himself, rebukes one who lacks integrity:

 

        

“Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment, you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5

 

Silent Prayer

 

Our creator God, help us discover who the real hypocrites are!

 

Music

 

Hypocrite Song by Eli

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxrjzF_NwXA

 

Lyrics

 

I've been quick to point a finger
At things I find outrageous
Well, I wonder who I'll point at
When I read my life on pages
When I've played my final number
It really won't take long
To realize I sang a hypocrite song

Oh ly-dee-dye, oh ly-dee-dee
I thank the Lord that there's a Heaven
Full of hypocrites like me
So tell the angels to get ready
Cuz it may not be too long
Until I come and sing my hypocrite song

I preach about redemption
As I look you in the face
Then I'm convinced I must be dyin'
But it's just somethin' that I ate
But it's Jesus who gives mercy
To make a weak man strong
So he can stand and sing
His hypocrite song

I can't wait to see my Savior
And look Him in the face
Shake His hand and plainly thank Him
For forgiving my mistakes
And for helping me remember
That even when I'm right I'm wrong
Then we'll rejoice and sing this hypocrite song

 

Have a great day!

Barry