Role Reversal

I have just returned from a two week trip to Europe. I would have stayed even longer had I not been expected back to work.

I went to visit a friend with whom I had lost touch more than 30 years ago. What a surprise when she just called me out of the blue! And what a treat to be invited to her home in Germany.

When we became friends we were both living in California, both with new marriages and small children. Our friendship blossomed in spite of the fact that I was religious and she was not. I went to church, taught my children about god and said my prayers.

In the ensuing years I returned to school, became a teacher and dumped religion. Remembering the many heated conversations we shared all those years ago, I was looking forward to telling her that she had won all the arguments; that I too, am an atheist. Now, you can see where this is going…

Her former husband died in a traffic accident and she remarried; a believer. Now she is one too!

Well, so much for the win/loss record.

New Immigration Laws

I need to talk about this.

Recently there have been changes to the immigration laws for employers. I wanted to get a handle on the changes and the implication for my company, so I dug in. I thought I was doing a good thing, however, my boss sees it differently. His MO: don’t ask, don’t tell. He says he is willing to take the risk for the people who work for us; even if we know we are out of compliance. I am trying to be understanding but it makes me so mad to know that so many people who are legal citizens, have lost their jobs yet we are perpetuating their loss by giving undocumented workers a free ride.

Am I wrong? Or just too anal-retentive.

Afterlife or NO?

Polygamy and Mormonism are historically connected and I as I am learning, in the future of every believing Mormon. I asked my Mormon daughter what she thought about the fact that her husband would have several wives in celestial heaven. Her response suprised me! She said I don't care about that 'cause I'll be dead!

So my thought is this...she doesn't believe in the afterlife. How could she and not care? According to her belief she must baptize me and all the family so we will all be together in heaven but she doesn't care if her husband suddenly acquires his own little harem.

Well, maybe there is hope for her after all.

Once more for science!

Being unbusy at work gives me an opportunity to catch up on my blog reading. I just ran across this article. I have often said that the more educated a society the less religious:

...survey, published by the Cambridge University Press.....concluded that "high levels of organic atheism are strongly correlated with high levels of societal health, such as low homicide rates, low poverty rates, low infant mortality rates, and low illiteracy rates, as well as high levels of educational attainment, per capita income, and gender equality."

For all my non believing friends out there; maybe there is still hope...after all we are barely out of the post colonial period!

New Lincoln Cents and 'In God We Trust'

snopes.com: New Lincoln Cents and 'In God We Trust'

Another evil plot by atheists that wasn't.

But it should be. Why is that a motto that represents only a portion of the people should be forced on those of us who are not represented. It is a false motto and should be discontinued...

and I believe it will be in time.

The War Prayer

The War Prayer by Mark Twain is one that invokes deeper thought than at first glance. When I was a college student preparing to become a teacher I was required to make an analysis of the essay, albeit subjective .

I'm not now a praying person but at the time I was struggling with my desire to understand the falsehoods I had discovered in religion and the teachings of my parents. I wanted to believe there was a god watching over me and that he would hear and answer my prayers.

The absurdity of prayer became crystal clear when, as in Twain's work, I took the time to consider the prayer and its implications. The youngest student in science learns early, Newton's third law of motion. Simply stated, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Now consider the act of praying...if, and I don't believe it is possible, there were a god who listened and answered prayers, what kind of god could he be? How would he decide who's prayer is answered?

Perhaps, Christians will say that righteousness wins out, that he who is good and obedient will ultimately, gain their reward. But may I propose:

Country A and Country B are at war.

Two very devout and pious mothers, each righteous and obedient, pray for the success of her son in that war. One, the mother of a soldier fighting for Country A; the other praying for her son from Country B. By all reason they are each deserving but how can they both receive that for which they ask? And, why should they? They are praying two prayers; one articulated to save her son and the unsaid prayer to destroy the other mother's son.

Life Before Death II

I went to see my brother yesterday. He lives about an hour and a half away. I had not actually visited him since my sister died 3 years ago.

My middle daughter was with me and we had a nice visit with my brother, his wife and various other family members.

My bro is so kind hearted that even when he has not worked in a year and has only minimal income, his house is open to the family bums. He has two 30 something nephews living with him...not working...not contributing to the troubled household but selfishly mooching off a dying man. I asked him why; he really had no answer. I didn't pursue it as it seemed rather pointless but it makes me wonder.

I can't say my brother looked well; he didn't. He is 6'3'' and he now weighs 148 lbs. He says he will lose more weight if he decides to continue with radiation and chemo. I don't think he wants to go through it again. He seems to be ready to end all this pain and suffering. But even with all the pain, he was upbeat. He said his affairs are in order and he has taken care of things so his wife can go on living in their home. My sister-in-law said she isn't worried because she knows god will take care of her.

How am I? I don't know. I question my feelings everyday. I love my brother but the fact that he is dying has not shattered my life. It makes me wonder about my own health, since I am older than all but one of my siblings who have died. It makes me think about our growing up years..not all happy times, but we have not been close for a long time.

Am I cold-hearted? I hope not.