kmich wrote:Don't be distracted by the fluff, SM. Recent developments are only an extension of a long decline in authentic relationship with each other.
One cannot know who one is without relationship, and relationship requires community. Community, in turn, requires an urgent sense of concern, of a shared genuine sense of faith, which, of what remained of that after the Reformation, was lost in the demonic horrors of the 20th century and replaced by the trivial: consumerism, “have a nice day” religion, the gospels of "prosperity" and "success," and sophistic “objectivist” philosophies extolling the self justified virtues of selfishness and conceit.
What does “self” mean? What does it mean to be a human being? Possessing money, success, assorted stuff? Being of a particular political, national, or religious affection? The capacity for violence in order to kick butt and experience a transitory sense of "victory?" The pretense of a “worldly wise” cynicism? It is all pure bullshit, whether it is posted in Facebook, or on other internet venues such as this one.
“God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers? What was holiest and mightiest of all that the world has yet owned has bled to death under our knives: who will wipe this blood off us? What water is there for us to clean ourselves? What festivals of atonement, what sacred games shall we have to invent? Is not the greatness of this deed too great for us? Must we ourselves not become gods simply to appear worthy of it?”
Other than perhaps Paul Tillich, no one with serious religious concerns has addressed Nietzsche’s challenge. Until we do, understanding of what it means to be a human being, a “self” is likely to continue elude us to the continued degradation of our faith and our relations.
kmitch,
Mo worries or No worries, that is the question!
It has always been the dawning of the Age of Aquarius or Armageddon. I think it is largely determined by the one's chosen foci one! Thank God!
In spite of the ever changing fads, fashions, and sensibilities of humanity, I have the utmost confidence in the consistency of human nature.
"Even the seemingly immortal gods survive only as long as they are needed by mortal men."
Priests, philosophers, politicians, celebrities, heroes, and other idols have a considerably shorter lifespan or shelf life.
One man's admired teacher, philosopher, mentor, or savior is another man's babbling ID-ee-ot. I suspect it has always been so.
"God is dead." - Nietzsche 1883
"Nietzsche is dead." - God 1900
To me, the person who states: “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him." sounds a lot like the person who says "I am the NN%!" or "I represent the _____ community/group/nation/movement." They speak only for themselves, yet feel exaggeration will increase their significance. Vanity of vanities! No wonder they are unhappy in their (wait for it...) self-delusion.
At first I thought if Paul Tillich is the only one who has addressed this concern, than it must not be much of a concern for most. But thanks to modern tech, a couple minutes of Googling yields (a gold mine for Parodite):
https://www.google.com/search?q=god+is+ ... B500%3B335
Sorry Bro, I ran out of my stopbeingsuchadick steroids two days ago! Inflammation is rampant!