As I roam around various blogs, I notice that though I don’t know many of my blogging friends’ real first and last names, I do know that they are “Christian” or “Atheist,” “Conservative” or “Liberal.”
It seems important to many that others know what bunch they’re part of, and certainly that they are part of a bunch—any bunch. It’s also important to many to know which bunch others are a part of, because in this way they can gauge that other person based on whatever that other person’s particular bunch signifies to them.
For example, if someone states, “Hi, my name is Such-and-Such, and I’m a Christian,” or, “Hi, my name is So-and-So, and I’m a Liberal,” there’s bound to be someone hearing either of those introductions thinking, “Uh Oh,” or, “Thank goodness.” So, without knowing anything else about this new person, we experience either a warm mental welcome towards that person, or an uncomfortable wariness.
Declaring oneself part of faction serves two other purposes for some, too: It allows them to cheer for their particular faction, just like we do with sports teams. Most of us, when we have a favourite sports team, don’t really care much about what that team does to win. As long as it does. After all, that’s the one purpose of team sports these days, isn’t it? To win… regardless of how that’s achieved?
Choosing to be part of a group also means to some that they can let their group do their thinking for them. Let’s face it ─ mulling over our country’s foreign policies, or which candidate we should vote for, or where we stand on each individual issue is hard work. To start, we have to find the hour in our already busy days to read about what those issues are, and from more than one source in order to get a balanced view. Then, we have to analyse all that information and decide what we believe regarding every issue on a one-by-one basis. But, most of us have to work eight hours a day, at least, then come home and take care of chores, houses, kids, maybe even a pet. Much easier to let our group simply tell us what we think. That saves us a lot of trouble, doesn’t it? At least in the short term, it does.
So, in the interest of fair play, because though anyone who reads my blog knows my name, my occupation and even where I live, they don’t know my affiliations, because I’ve never openly declared them. Now I will:
I am a follower of Patrichism, which makes me a Patrichist. Below, I’ll list the basic principles by which Patrichists live:
1. Patrichists strive to be pro-active, not re-active. Meaning, we don’t take action based solely on our emotions, we try to think rather than just feel. Let’s say that something ‘feels’ wrong to us, like, for example, abortion or gun control. I pick these two issues because Liberals are ‘for’ both, and Conservatives are ‘against’ both. But not all Patrichists have an identical opinion on either. What all Patrichists do agree upon, however, is how we deal with our feelings on these two issues. The first thing we do not do is re-act in a knee-jerk way, by issuing hysterical demands to deem them both unequivocally unlawful.
Instead, a Patrichist will think – what might happen if all abortions or all gun control were to be outlawed? What good could happen as a result? What bad could happen? What might the long term effects be? How would those effects spill over into other areas we might not expect or anticipate? Patrichists think the same way with, say, offshore drilling. Or declaring war on another country. Whatever the issue, a Patrichist acknowledges his/her gut feelings, but does not act upon those feelings, by immediately banding with a group that supports or opposes. A true Patrichist thinks everything through thoroughly before holding an opinion. A true Patrichist entertains all perspectives on every issue in his/her mind, openly and without fear of where his thoughts might take him.
Aristotle said, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a concept without necessarily accepting it.” Patrichists keep their minds educated by using them and holding their emotions at bay, until such time as their thoughts can be formed coherently.
2. A Patrichist never worries about what others will think if the stance they hold on any particular issue is different than theirs. She doesn’t worry about being ostracized, even from her own group. A Patrichist is unafraid to stand alone.
3. Patrichists are also not afraid to change their minds on an issue if new information comes to light. This does not make them ‘wishy-washy,’ this makes them intelligent. Since Patrichists believe that opinions should be formed based on knowledge and not emotions, it stands to reason that the more knowledge one gains of an issue, the more complex that issue becomes, and the more one needs to think it through, possibly causing a change in perspective. In simpler terms, Patrichists are not blinded to one idea and one perspective only, but are always open to new ones. This is what makes them so powerful. Politicians cannot manipulate Patrichists, because politicians can never get a consensus on what a Patrichist may or may not be thinking about any one issue. Since Patrichists’ thoughts are individually and not grouped-based, that means that the only way any politician has a chance of getting the vote of some Patrichists, (though not necessarily all), is to tell them what he really thinks. Which no politician will ever do, of course, for fear of losing the surer votes of Liberals or Conservatives, or whoever he’s after who can be counted on to have a more predictable mindset.
4. Patrichists use the word ‘faith’ carefully. They never say they have “faith” in a politician, as though that politician is God. Yet, a Patrichist can have faith in their God, if they choose to believe in one. That’s right—some Patrichists believe in God, others don’t; but whether they do or don’t, they recognize that blind ‘faith’ in a politician is the way to loss of free thought and will, but faith in a God is an acceptable choice, as long as it harms no one. No matter what any religious person or any atheist will tell you, there is no clear-cut proof that any god exists or does not exist, there is only each individual’s idea of such. And because religion is an idea, a Patrichist respects every human being’s right to a different one. Even so, all Patrichists recognize that there exists good and evil, and that any killing done in the name of any idea of any religion is evil, pure and simple.
5. Lastly, one of a Patrichist’s main motivations in life is to leave every place she or he enters a little bit better than it was before. But, Patrichists’ thoughts are global when they think in terms of ‘place.’ A Patrichist counts the entire planet, not just one particular state or country, as the place to strive to make a positive difference.
So, that’s the entirety of Patrichism. Five very good points. I try my damndest to practice these every day. In fact, I’ve practiced Patrichism for so long, that I’ve earned a PhD. in it. “Dr. Davis”, that’s me.
Of course, my doctorate is self-proclaimed. How? Because ‘Patrichism’ is my very own ‘ism’ that I made up myself, my personal ‘ism’ by which I try my best to live. This should explain the match of the first six letters of this particular ‘ism’ to those in my first name.
Up until now, I’ve been the only member of my “Society of Patrichists.” But today, I’ve decided to begin awarding ‘honourary degrees in Patrichism’ to those who, by reading their blogs, I’ve come to believe follow (or, like me, try their best to follow) the principles of Patrichism.
Those who receive an honourary degree are under no obligation to accept it, of course. In fact, they can even refute it for any reason at all, and no hard feelings. But for those listed below who feel they have earned a degree in Patrichism and would like to accept it, I’ll happily send you your diploma via email, signed, sealed, and flourished for you to place on your office wall, with my very best wishes:
Honourary Bachelor’s Degree in Patrichism Awarded To (Alphabetically):
All of these ‘Under Thirties’ above have the wonderful ability to think outside the box or group of circumstances they happen to be born into. They are all, in their own way striving to do something special with their lives. I highly recommend their blogs. They have wisdom beyond their years and always teach me something or make me think.
Honourary Master’s Degree of Patrichism Awarded To (Alphabetically):
With all the madness going on in politics these days, reading these two, knowing they’re out there, thinking and caring, makes me sleep better at night.
Honourary Doctrate Degree in Patrichism:
You know, there just has to be another Dr. of Patrichism out there, and this one feels especially right because he discusses so many issues and he’s (I hope he won’t mind my telling ) even older than I, thus earning ‘experience’ points. I could have picked snowy938.vox.com, too of course, but last I heard he’d already had a reader declare him a ‘Snowy God.’ And being a god beats earning an honourary doctorate any day.
More honourary degree listings coming in future months. And for anyone on this list who wants to accept his/her diploma, on my honour as a Patrichist, I promise I will send you one. To those who accept, I guess I can say, ironically, “Welcome to the bunch!”
After reading your list of basic principles I can say that they are my principles too. I also call myself a democrat and a catholic, although I am never a perfect "fit" into any group that I "belong" to…and that is okay with me.
Isn't this the way everyone is supposed to be? I hate being shoehorned into a box, but this is a box I think just might be an OK fit. Got room for one more? 8:-)
Love it! I have noticed this compulsion to categorise oneself on US parenting boards as well, eg, I am an Attachment Parent etc etc. I myself am more of the "whatever works" or "never say never" school of parenting which I think is pretty consistent with the Patrichism school of thought as described above!
he’d already had a reader declare him a ‘Snowy God.’Yes, I was the reader who made that declaration. No other religion would have me. Apparently it's because I'm supposed to be opinionated, bigoted, myopic, narrow minded, and have B.O. Phttt, what would they know?
Patrichism? Practitioners Of Zen would say putting labels on things
is a disease if the mind.What say you?
Hi Frances. Your point is my point exactly. Which makes this post a bit tongue-in-cheek. On the other hand, I confess it's fun calling myself a Doctor of Something without having to go to school for it, or even pay for a fake degree online! ; )
Hey- good luck with your artwork idea. I was just over at your blog. Great stuff. You might look up Lori's blog, She is an artist too, I hav e feeling you would like each other's work. Give me a moment to find her blog URL and I'll post it on your blog so you can introduce each other.
Thanks for stopping by
: D I must admit I can't vouch for the B.O. part, but you're none of those other things, so pfft is right! I just love how people come all the way over to your blog to insult you. Your words are definitely an impression if people are willing to do all that.
although I am never a perfect "fit" into any group that I "belong" to…and that is okay with me.
Kudos to you for that. I applaud you for standing out in a crowd. And I may be a Patrichist, but this year I'm voting Democrat for sure, now with more urgency than ever!
Heck yes, absolutely! There's always room for a Queen of Patrichism. ; )
What the heck is "an Attachment Parent?" Gosh, i am so outof the loop with this terminology. It seems to me judging from what I read at your blog that you're doing a darn good job of the parenting, whatever the method! It's interesting though, that my youngest is at an age where it matters so much what others think of him that he's having trouble with Patrichism just now. He still wants to think what he wants to think, and he still formualtes his own opinion, but he wants everyone to agree with it! (Isn't that true of all of us to some extent,I guess?)
but you're none of those other thingsMaybe you're right, you know, and that's the real reason they didn't want me.
See here, Patricia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attachment_parenting While I agree with a lot of this theory, I certainly wouldn't label myself an Attachment Parent or subscribe blindly to any set of practices that didn't work for my family.
The other 'camp' in these arguments were the Baby Wise parents which is all about routines and controlling children's behaviour etc etc. There is also a Wikipedia entry on this but not very detailed: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babywise
I did notice that a lot of the people who were the most passionate about labelling themselves and arguing against alternative approaches were first time parents of babies. I don't think it takes long to wake up to the realisation that no book or philosophy can give you all the answers and you really do need to work things through for yourself.
How old is your youngest, Patricia?
Oh and thank you very much for your kind words.
You define things so well. True innovation. I'd like to say that I've had a hard time believing in good and evil… the jury's still out on whether or not there is an absolute evil or not.
Hey thanks, Emu. Interesting stuff, but a lot of it might be re-labelling of older stuff, I think. For example, a book I swore by when my son was an infant was Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, by Mark Weisbluth. That book is still in print and the methodology worked like a charm for my for me and for a few of my friends' children, but others I knew couldn't abide by it at all. I also swore by (and still do) sitting up in my children's beds, leaning back against their pillows and reading aloud to them before bed, with them following along made them avid readers, etc. etc. We all have our things that worked (or work) for us and we happily advise other mothers to do just exactly what we did. We only realise only after our children are grown that there's more than one way to skin or cat(or raise a child, as the case may be)
My youngest will be 21 in a few weeks. I cannot believe it went by so fast. I was telling Matriarch (another blogger ) the other day, that he's staying with us for a few more weeks until he gets a new place nearer to his university and I'm so enjoying this. It's like a backwards glance at his childlhood. We've been having breakfast together almost every morning and it's delightful. It's seems so much work when they're little, but their 'littlehood' just speeds by so bloody quick and then you miss it, for sure. As he sits there with his dredlocks and beard, I can still see in him that little boy who liked to hear "George's Marvelous Medicine" and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" read aloud to him.
Hi Tony. I know what you mean when you say the jury's out on whether there is true good and evil, but to me, engineering a phony threat and lying to a whole nation about it, so that we could declare war and cause the deaths of so many just for profit and revenge, I can't call it anything else but 'evil.' To me, those who did that were evil. When people molest children, I can't call it anything else, either. I can think of so many instances of what I see as evil, but luckily, I can think of even more I see as good.
So- want your diploma? It's actually signed by the founder. (hee hee)
I'm sure you're right, Patricia. My mum always used to say about those parenting manuals that it was just a pity that the children hadn't always read the same books – lol! I am currently encouraging reading by paying my son 5c per book. Will see how that works. 🙂
Can't imagine my little son (a James and the Giant Peach fan) with facial hair. Glad you are enjoying spending time with your son.
The world needs more of those.
Yeah. If all religious people felt like Patrichists, religion would actually be another pleasant cultural thing.
Thank you. You enjoy your little fellow, too. James and the Giant Peach is another great one.
Well there, Dr. Davis…
Yet another profound, thought-provoking piece you've written here! -Very cool!
I can't honestly say that I totally live my life to your defining of patrichism, but there is a whole lot I CAN say is very similar. -I've never been one to easily accept a title for my way of thinking 'tho…
I must say that this is really close to how I feel tho, and I feel EVERYTHING.
Thank you for this direction to think about!
I apologize for my absence, as I've been taking some computer classes to better myself with some Microsnot Office programs, but I think the classes have bettered me in a small way. -It HAD to be done.
-I'm glad you're still here!
Why thankyou Dr Pat. Do I get to put initials after my name?I think I signed up for Snowy God but hopefully I can have both. Snowy's marketing advantage is taking the JW sacrament on Friday nights. A pretty smart move.On a slightly more serious note I remember seeing an episode of the Simpsons where Marge had a crisis over the statue of David fig leaf. From memory it was a conflict between art and porn and trying to work out her own categories. Sometimes the program really hits the nail on the head.One more point about blogging and categories. Although I'm just as guilty as the next person of seeking similar viewpoints to myself, some Christians have educated me towards not lumping them all into one basket. So many are thoughtful and challenged by affairs of the Church that I have learned to respect their attitudes and I understand where they are coming from. With the hostility that gets generated from time to time when religion is the topic, I am grateful for their courage in offering an opinion. (Onya Chezza and Beano)This is such an unexpected bonus from blogging.
This is great! I can honestly say that these principles mirror mine. I don't necessary post about it but it's kind of spooky yet cool to see you write out things I have thought for years. I find it hard to often find the words for many things in my head and heart so thank you for putting this out there and writing it so eloquently like you always do! 🙂
I don't really get involved with talking about politics because I don't have any affiliation to any one group. That is also my thoughts with religion and why I searched high and low for the right place where I actually feel "God" in the room. I grew up Catholic but never understood the divide in religion and so now I am in a non-denominational church. I believe far too much bad has gone on in the name of religion and it sickens me but it doesn't change that I also believe there is also lots of good being done in the name of religion. I like the analogy of faith, facts, and feelings…..they are like 3 men walking on a wall with facts first, faith following, and feelings last. As long as faith keep his eyes forward on facts, he will be fine…but if he keeps turning out to feelings, he might wobble and fall off the wall.
I often drive people crazy because I do look at and can see all sides of an issue. In fact, I often drive myself crazy because it sometimes makes making a decision harder to make. But I am a global thinker and think big picture rather than just one corner which so many people do. We are all on this earth together.
I was going through my neighbourhood updates, and your post really caught my eye. I can relate to most of your principles, although I have to admit, sometimes I do let my emotions run all over the place. :p While I can't relate to the conservative/liberal bunch (since I'm non-US, and I'm pretty tired of the on-going political issues in my country), I'm not a religious person, thus I have to deal with questions as to where my faith lies. I'm not an atheist either, just a free-thinker. I do believe in the existence of God, but my principle is always be true to yourself and be a nice person – and I shall survive. I do believe in karma though- what goes around goes around. Hence even if someone does a bad turn on me, I do nothing. It's not in my place to revenge them, life has a way of dealing with these kind of people. Revenge is best served cold. Oh gosh…did I just sound like a totally evil person?? Yikes. What I'm trying to say is…well, one would always get what they deserve, right?And after reading your post, I must thank you for giving me that bit of push to cope with everything that's going on in my life. Much has happened in a short span of two weeks, and whilst I wish I could just break down and cry, I know I need to go on with life, for myself.
It's great to have you back. I just got WORD and talk about needing a degree to learn it. I so hear you! How's the music? I've been rushed mad off my feet and haven't been visiting there in a while. Any new tunes I can listen to?
Thank you!
Yeah, there's some intricate stuff to their programs… -Like they HAVE to make things harder than they really are… (-Seems like, anyways…)
I regret that I have nothing new for you at this moment, but I hope to be composing in the next couple of weeks again.
-So, stay tuned!!!!
This is the best example of my warped mindset. I tend to lean towards the Left because they are more forgiving of my excesses, but I am a Non-Conformist and piss off both sides. I believe in the legalization of just about anything (all drugs and prostitution). I support gun ownership, though I do not own one. I'm pro-abortion (let's call it what it is) and I'm also in favor of the death penalty though I realize it has no impact on crime. I'm also in favor of pancakes over waffles, but let's not get into that lion's den.
Wow. Well, first of all, after reading this, I'm going to come over and read your blog after answering the comments here. I wonder what it is that has you so tied up in knots and I hope yuo've written about it,so we can offer encouragement and support. Whether you have or not, I'm touched that my post helped a little bit.
You don't sound evil at all. I know what you mean about wanting justice and wishing people would get both the good and perhaps even the bad they deserve. Thanks for stopping by, Sue.
They really did make Word more difficult. I'm just starting to get the hang of it now and I've had it for anout six months. I would imagine with your classes you haven't had much time to compose. It's best not to rush these things. You can't hurry genius. ; )
Well, I read everyone of your Dark Horse platform policies and though I agree with almost all, I'm afraid the pancakes over waffles may revoke your diploma, nonetheless. Of course, it depends on the kind of pancakes…
; )
I like your "ism." Your blog in general is very inspiring. I like your writing style as well. What's funny is that I was with my bf and a mutual friend of ours yesterday and we were joking around about the Church of Stephel. I don't quite remember how it came about, but this post made me think of that
*hugs to you*I'm going to need some time to compose a post that everyone can comprehend, for right now, my mind is just everywhere and I'd probably be changing topics at every other paragraph. Just seems that everything is falling apart, especially relationship-wise. Oh well…there's nothing much I can do there though. Thanks for the support though, when my mind is more at peace, I'll definitely sit down and put it down in words.
Blueberry and strawberry with whipped cream. Ah, delightful bliss.
Yes, I thought this described you, too. And you know what I love best about seeing you here, writing a comment like this? It's the old Foxsy, the gal who found my blog out of nowhere months agoa and started writing her fresh, smart and sassy comments on every one. My dear friend in New York was logging onto my blog not necesarily to read what I had to say, but to read your comments. I am so glad you haven't been crushed by the events that have take place in the past few months of you rlife. I know I'm off topic here, but what I admire most about everything you've written about"the situation" is that you've never once lost your integrity. And this proves it once again. Thanks for coming by. It's like old times and you've been missed, girl. You always make me think and you always make me smile. Good things are coming, because you are gorgeous, inside and out. Any man who doesn't see that, well, we're sorry for him 'cause he's just a fool, now, isn't he?
I love what you said about The Simpsons. My son watches that religiously. It can be a very intelligent programme.
Yes, you get to have PHd after your name, why not? I had a teacher when I was in grade school who said a BS degree stood for 'bull sh*t', an MS degree stood for 'more sh*t 'and a PHd stood for 'piled higher and deeper.' Never forgot that teacher, always loved that analogy, but I'm still 'Dr.' Davis and you are 'Dr.' McCarthy because we earned it in the hard knocks School of Life, my friend. And you're still trolling around Australia. Good for you. You've got yourself one gem of a partner there in your wife, and I have a suspicion you know it. Wish you could both come to California. I have a feeling my husband would love both of you and we'd get along just aces.
Ah. Of course. Diploma re-instated.
'Church of Stephel' Hell, yes, I'm down with that. You've never really gotten into much about your bf.
I've answered on your blog, dear.
Aw, thanks, Patricia! You're too nice.
Ha ha ha -I'll work on my "genius".
😉
Word isn't so hard… -I STILL prefer the 2003 version over the 2007 version, as the changes aren't so different, but I use Word a LOT.
But, now, I can use it a small bit better than I was before.
-If you have any questions, DON'T be afraid to ask, and I'll see what I can do to help you, k?
I accept, and gladly 🙂 I like to think of age — from greenness to overripeness 🙂 — as posing no hindrance in courageous and compassionate thinking. If you think I fit the bill for Patrichism I am truly honoured, and give myself a pat on the back! How have you been lately? It's good to gather from your comment in reply to someone that you've been spending quality time with your son. I think my parents and I could really do with some of that. I hope to be seeing them for a few days next week on a little beach holiday. We're all a little shocked that we're daring to do this together. Now I just gotta try my damnedest to keep that compassion flowing and not be utterly reactive 🙂
Love it! I am going to try and follow those principles, they seem like sound ones to me and they fit in well with my new policy of 'attempting anger management'. Not going that well so far but I'm trying, I suspect I need to work on the 'compassion' bit. I've been reading Snowy's blog and he is definately a god – finger on the pulse that one!
Of course I want the diploma! If I actually had time I'd go down to Cali and pick it up personally. Do you have my address already or do I need to send it?
A beautifully articulated and thoughtful post. I love your five principles and believe the world would be a better place if more people aspired to them.
I'm glad. And I guess that means you accept your diploma? I'll send it along with the t-shirts for you and Strix! (Just imagine telling everyone about your additional "degree"
Yes, I have your address and I will send it along with the t-shirt! We would love it if you and Tash could come to Cali. If that can ever happen, let us know.,
That's very nice of you, DK. So far, I've been trolling around on my own in Word 2007 and discovering all new ways to use it. I have to admit the program can do a lot of things.
It's so easy to write about not being reactive, but I find it a lot harder to actually do in certain circumstances, so I know what you mean. Kudos though for going and giving it a try with your folks.
Yes- I am really enjoying my son's stay. We've been having chats about everything from films to politics.I like hearing his point of view. I just have to figure out one day what the fascination is with men and films about super heroes. They all talk about The Dark Knight as though it's come down to them from 'On High.'
I'll send you diploma via email. ; )
Haha! One of these days, I'll be inspired to write more about it. ;)As far as my bf goes, I did write a blog at one point about how I met him and everything. That was awhile ago. I mention him here and there, but I don't usually write a whole lot about what goes on in my personal life
Snowy does have a lot of compassion, whereas I find myself getting angry about a lot of things, too, in people's political views. It doesn't come through so much in my writing, but writing always comes after I've streamed a bit. The latest US VP candidate not only has me steamed, she has me terrified. McCain's had cancer and he's seventy-two. That means when he dies, that Ms. Palin will be our next president. Can you possibly believe that? And if you really read up about her, the thought of her running the United States of America is mind-boggling. I can't imagine what' that's going to do to the civilised world as we know it. Pro-active, my foot. I'm ready to tear my hair out over this one, Vic.
Thank you very much, Red Pen. I take this as a very big compliment, because I've read your worthwhile and intelliigent views on any number of things, from the books on your bog to commenting on other people's posts.
Writing about one's personal life is not a comfortable thing for many. But your blog is always interesting and fun to read no matter what you write about. And I love the little icons, too! ; )
Thank you =)
WELCOME back Patricia! I am so glad to see your blogs. This one was wonderful. I want to be a Patricianist. Not an award winner mind you. Just a follower :)) I have tried to keep telling people I am not a liberal or conservative, democrat or republican, I do share my faith but not to sidle up to others or get agreement. In fact my form of Christianity alienates most – "Christians." I share it as a part of me – a very, vulnerable step knowing my faith is bashed often. Catholic. Need I say more? Cowardly as this may seem, I just say Christian to avoid a detour from an issue into "Oh she's one of them and they are the "whores of whatever" – because of all you said. I am open to all faiths and that makes some people crazy. In my family/husband's family – between us, we have Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Episcopalians, Methodists, Aethiests and Born Agains. There are blood and by marriage relatives of several other races and the we came over on Mayflower group. We are the proverbial melting pot. And I've got anti-gay marriage family members, pro-gay marriage family members and a former gay brother-in-law. So I can't say I live in a clear world.I only hope you are right about Generation end of alphabet – and end of the line possibly. I look at history. And it repeats itself. We Baby Boomers thought we were going to change the world. First Earth Day when I was in high school. Then we became worse than the establishment as we grew up. Because decades that pass in our lives change our motivations. Idealism is in the youth. And then each decade of Baby Boomers you can trace the chipping away at any values except bigger, better, more. It still defines many. Though as we get older and more wistful, a hope has returned to many who don't box themselves into a group.I think it's okay to say some of what you believe with a conventional label. I have downplayed my faith for fear of alienating or characterizing who I am incorrectly or that people would see me as preaching. But I read a lovely woman's blog – Sheri – a student of Judaism. She is witty, smart, feisty and she unabashedly shares her journey into studying to join a new faith. She never tries to convert. She shares her reverent or humorous observations of this new faith and of others' reactions to her new traditions. And I realized I'm not offended. There is no dogma. She inspires me with her candor, insight into issues and her faith journey. And she comes onto the blogs that are 180 degree opposite and share with calm deliberate clear points her challenge.So maybe it's okay to fly some of your "colors."What alienates (or binds people in a way that can actually undermine) is declaring I'm a this faith, this party (and along with that all others are wrong, bad, stupid). I will respectfully say I have tried to learn from many bloggers who identify their affilations clearly. Most have been respectful of differing views on issues. And I have grown from them. And am grateful.Thank you for this. I will go to those blogs you nominated 🙂 You're 5'2'? You look my height – 5'8"!
I'll bite. Except for those I already have added previously, I will add these fine individuals to my neighborhood. Given how little I have been able to post myself lately, it's the least I can do.
thank you so much, Patricia. It's an honor.
I love all of your posts. My name is Samantha Farris, and I am a Catholic (just converted to Catholicism less than 5 months ago) and I do not consider myself one political party or another. I do not like the political labels at all. But if I had to go with one, I would say I am conservative. But I pride myself on voting for the person, not the political party.
Hi, Beanie. Thank you for stopping by and for your terrific comments here.
I am open to all faiths and that makes some people crazy
Good for you, too bad for them. I so know what you mean about being perceived as something you're not by stating your religion. (Sigh) But people have preconceived notions about all kinds of things. When I first moved out here, some here had ideas about what it meant because I was born in New York. And some NY-ers have notions about what it means to be from California, too. The notions go on and on.
Re: Baby boomers-
Though as we get older and more wistful, a hope has returned to many who don't box themselves into a group.
I've noticed this, too. It's like some had to abandon idelas because life got in their way in their 30's and 40's but now there's more time and maybe even more money to pursue those ideals again? It's a possibility?
I'll have to check out Sheri's blog Sounds very intriguing. And I hope you like the other blogs, too.
Again, thank you for stoppin by and making me think. ; )
I was adding one more thing when I hit the 'post' button by mistake-
Patrichists don't have to be short, so your 5'8" self is welcome to the meetings. (If we ever should have any, that is!) ; )
I'm so glad you will, because you are one of the next nominees for an honourary degree. ; )
I know you've been busy and haven't been posting much, but you have a lot on your plate right now. I hope things are going in the right direction. Demons at bay this month? Mine seem to be behaving themselves for now…(They've got bigger fish to fry with the presidential campaign going on, I guess.)
Thank you Patricia!~Frank
I'm glad you think so, Shush. I'll send the diploma when I send the t-shirt. I'd just love to be a fly on the wall when you explain both the shirt and the diploma to your folks!
; )
Hi Samantha,
It's nice to meet you. It's interesting that you converted to Catholisicm. I'm sure there is a story behind it. I think it's great that you vote for the person and not the party. It takes alot of character to do that, in my opinion.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Thank you, Frank, for stopping by!
Your welcome Patricia.!~Frank
My son is back in school, my diet is still on track, and I seem to be more focussed. Now, with his new school being in the suburbs, I have to get Evan on the bus at 6:30 in the morning. That means I get up at 5:15, so he and I can both have breakfast. Since I'm up anyway, I get dressed and go to work after he gets on the bus. That gets me there at 7:00. So far, the last two days, it's been an excuse to fiddle around, but I expect to be more useful as the time goes along.
I need to get back to 5 Word Challenge, just to keep the brain cells in gear.
I'm glad you're feeling better.
This all sounds pretty good! Maybe you can take up some morning jogging instead of showing up at work so early. Woudl help you as much as the five-word-challenge, I bet! ; )
And thank you for asking after me, too. I'm a bit fixated on the state of our country right now,It tends to wear me down sometimes.
Yes, I would be happy to accept my diploma, thank you. :->
they recognize that blind 'faith' in a politician is the way to loss of free thought and will, but faith in a God is an acceptable choice, as long as it harms no one
Ah, but therein lies the rub. People who choose to believe in God, from all religions, do use it as a reason to harm others, and quite often.
How can faith in a politician result in loss of free will and free thought, but faith in a God not result in loss of those same two entities? Where's the line that divides the two?
Thought-provoking post, to be sure!
How can faith in a politician result in loss of free will and free thought, but faith in a God not result in loss of those same two entities? Where's the line that divides the two?
Farfaraway, you had me thinking with this question, for sure. I think what people confuse faith in God with, is acceptance of the dogma of religions. There's a difference in believing that we may have come from something more than dust and accident, and a compulsion to follow the constraining rules of grinding religions. One requires a simple belief in a possible, and the other is a weakness in self, a desire to follow rather than lead, to be told what is right and wrong, rather than figure it out for ourselves..
I loved this comment, by the way. Thanks for leaving it.
I'm definately with you on that one. She's appalling and the more I read about her the more alarmed I become. She just isn't the right person to be in charge of the most powerful nation on earth, should something happen to McCain. I was saying to Goliard, all the thinking people that I read on here seem to be horrified by her and there must be a fair few of them in the US, I'm wondering if this choice from McCain might have just lost him the election.
Actually, she's acquired a number of admirers because of her boldness and pro-life stance. It could actually win the election for him. The United States is a nation of over three hundred million and that means a myriad of opinions and perspectives. Then again, George Bush certainly wasn't the person to be in charge, either and the more I read about McCain and Obama, I'm not sure they are either. The next four years will prove to be…interesting to say the least. I'mnot feeling very hopeful at the moment, I'm sorry to say. What is patetnly obvious to me by their choices of VP are how desperately both candidates want to be president.
Rightly or wrongly I don't think someone who doesn't believe in abortion in cases of rape or incest should be in charge of a country. It shows a willingness to make decisions based on blind faith rather than fact and good sense. And her passion for shooting things out of planes baffles me entirely. What really puzzles me is that she has been governor of a place with fewer inhabitants than my home city and that suddenly qualifies her to run the US? Looking at the blogs that I regularly read she is the topic of conversation on a fair few. If she's the first item on the news over here in the UK she certainly must be hitting headlines in the States!
Yeah, that's why I like it. -I use it for almost every document I make!
-When I did my "Senseless Crimes" CD, I used Word to do the sleevework.
I love it!
I absolutely agree. And yes, we can't open a paper without seeing her face.It's definitely the flavour-of-the-week for the media.
You were able to make a CD cover from Word? You deserve a ribbon for that. You do know how to use it. I struggled with making an invitation. It took me forever to figure it out.
[das ist gut]
You've definitely got me thinking. I'm still not entirely sure there's any difference. Isn't dogma just dogma, no matter where it originates? (I tend to think that faith is a dogma itself, regardless of the recipient of that faith)
Hopefully I'm making sense…my brain is fried. It's 92 degrees here, a thousand percent humidity, ozone warnings, the whole nine yards…
Thank you, Snowwhite! Please join with us any time! ; )
Eww. You've got my sympathy with the weather. Today is a perfect day here, but it's taunting me, because I have work and have to stay inside.
To my mind, a belief in any spirituality is an idea. When one starts putting rules on that idea, such as in the Greek Orthodox Church, "no receiving sacraments when you're menstruating," or, in other faiths, "Burn any widows when their husbands die," etc. etc., that is dogma.
Ideas are never bad, because they allow our brains to explore. Dogma is always bad because it confines us. In addition, dogma classifies humanity into groups of 'believers' and 'non-believers', my religion vs. yours; yours is wrong,mine is right; let's start a war over it.
Frm my persective, and I wrote this before in another post, although it was humoruus one, it's almost as though the devil himslef found a way to make religion work for him by introducing dogma into it. Thus religion went from spiritual and life-reinforcing, to life-draining.
I believe we are nothing. Absolutely nothing.
I believe we are nothing. Absolutely nothing
An intriguing perspective. Thank you for stopping by and for your comment.
Now that's an excellent explanation…and I concur! Great way to put it! You always make me think…I appreciate that. 🙂
Our weather is supposed to break here tomorrow. I can hardly wait.
ha ha ha -Sorry to hear that.
-Believe me, I struggled for HOURS over the CD cover, and it STILL wasn't "top-of-the-line" what I hoped it would have been, or what I REALLY wanted…! -I was overall pleased with the end result 'tho…
-I really like Word, and I hope you do well with it!
You always make me think…I appreciate that. 🙂
I'd say the same about you and thank you right back.
Well, now that you are getting nicer weather, it was over 92 degrees here at the end of the day and is supposed to stay hot for the rest of the week. Oh, well.
I'm not ready for the finals yet, but I'd like to enroll on the undergraduate course…
🙂
Hang in there with the heat…at least when we've got it in September, we know that there's an end in sight. When it's like this in July, it makes for a miserable summer!
It's 70 and pouring rain here today. Go figure. But I'm thrilled with the rain, for my gardens' sake.
Yep. The garden is very important, alright, I haven't even had my morning coffee yet (and now the temp says 52 degrees, so it's pretty wacky here, too) but I was out there watering my potted plants because of yesterday's heat. I've learned to outsmart the deer just a bit (or they're outsmarting me), but not watering is something I can't get away with….
I'm not ready for the finals yet, but I'd like to enroll on the undergraduate course
; )
You're ahead of me, girl. I was in my thirties before I even knew this course existed.
Thank you for stopping by, and goodl uck at school this fall. : )
Thanks for a decent blog! I'm glad for a couple of things: God is not a Republican (much to the dismay of my Christian counterparts) and the views of the 20-something generation. As a Christian I am always just a little tired of this self-righteous desire to preach to the choir as though church is something we go to, something we do, as opposed to a state of mind. Even the New Testament speaks out against it in James 1:26, mocking our religiosity. The younger generation refuses to buy into it and embrace different mindsets, opinions, "truths" and love for life. It's refreshing and as spot on as your Patrichism! Great article!
As a Christian I am always just a little tired of this self-righteous desire to preach to the choir as though church is something we go to, something we do, as opposed to a state of mind.
This is brilliant, NayNay. Hey, you know what? You sound like a real Christian, as opposed to what I call a 'Coulter-Christian.' It's refreshing and wonderful.Thank you so much for this comment and for stopping by. It means a lot.
Love the post, but really have no time at the moment to read all 90+ comments on my short break from work, so I apologize if I my comment is redundant.Aristotle's words are spot on. I've always loved that quote and do my best to respect opinions that contradict my own unless they are founded on principles and ideas that are unworthy of respect. If I learn that something I had a bad feeling about was indeed motivated by things like racism, sexism, homophobia, etc., then I no longer feel even the remotest need to waste my time or energy there. Indeed, nothing good can come from it. I know from experience.But in the conversation I linked to above between my right-wing friend Scio, Scio and me, you'll note that even though we completely disagree, we are able to aggressively debate (I even conceded one of his points!) and even give each other humorous jabs on occasion because we both have well-constructed, respectable opinions and therefore do not feel the need to worry about any hidden motivations the other might have. On the other hand, I have blocked maybe twenty right-wingers here at VOX simply because their every word betrays an obviously flawed thought process — an outright lack of logical, rational consideration.What I'm driving at is this: Is there a point at which a Patrichist is simply allowed to call a spade a spade? It's a nuanced difference from fearlessly stating your opinion mentioned in the second bullet point and I'm not sure how it jives with the pro-active/re-active thing in the first.
Kirk, my friend, I think you know the answer to that. You've heard me call 'a spade a spade' out loud, more than once, I think. That's what point Two means. It's scary to do that publicly, in a forum where so many can disagree. It's like standing naked, knowing a stone can hit any minute, but staying your ground.
However, if you mean am I going to get belligerent about it, no. Not because I don't feel the urge to, but because I find it weakens my stance. In addition, when I come across a person or a post that is blatantly ignorant and/or racist, I do something that disturbs the ignorant and racist far more than calling them on it. I ignore them completely, They won't change their minds, because they haven't got any to change,and trying to get them to do so, only gives them power. It signifies to them that they are being heard and they really don't deserve to be.
Thank you fro your comment and for stopping by.
A Patrichist,its very original and I like your beliefs,yes you have never held back any of your thoughts either good or angry and thats so rare in this world especially since the elections are near. I think im a patriot aeithest,even if I have gone to church doesn't mean im religious and for being a patriot it means to me kind of what you were saying about its my choice to say and do and believe what I want and nobody is going to change my mind unless I choose to. Your article is thought provoking and refreshing. I love to read real writing,im so sick of fake people saying what everyone expects to hear,im sure thats a good part of why people like your writing. Sometimes your fearless aren't you,maybe all the time,thats part of what makes you so interesting,take care Roboter
Hi, Craig. Didn't see this comment here earlier. I'm having so much trouble with email. Thank you for this comment. I would say you are pretty fearless, too for making first a robot and now an electric car! That's awesome and hopefully the electric car can be a prototype to help conserve fuel.
Thank you for stopping by
This is a fascinating blog. I would like to think of myself as a patrichist but I don't think I completely understand separating knowledge from emotion. If this were entirely possible, would this be a positive thing? This sounds like a valiant attempt steer away from stereotyping people however. Nobody wants to be reduced to a category. Thank you for sharing this wisdom.~ Elizabeth
If this were entirely possible, would this be a positive thing?
I love the question. I think if we could do it all th etime, there would be much less war. At least, I hope so, I also know that even the best among us get too emotional sometimes. Though, it's emotins that move us to our greatest triumphs and joys,as well as our deepest failures and sadness. Ah well.
Thanks for coming by and for leaving this great comment. : )
Wow.
Hey, Decorina. What a nice surprise! Thanks for stopping by. I've got to find a way to leave comments on your blog, too. I know I signed up for a google account, but can't remember what name I used . That's the only annoying thing about these blogs, You have to open so many separate accounts, just to leave a comment. There has to be a better way. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed what you read here. Thank you again. : )
You may use "Open ID" on my blog – use any name you like, just some indication to me that it is you.
Maybe instead of separating our emotions from knowledge, emotions should just be under control (because of our knowledge?) So… self-control I guess? It just seems like our heart and mind are too naturally intertwined. Thank you for provoking some thoughts 🙂