Perspectives of a Wanderer

With the rise in fuel prices, the overemphasis on materialism that this Relativistic society covet has come back to haunt many people. Those who drive those oversized SUV’s are now having to make a decision on whether to trade their status symbols in for something more practical, go without other “necessities” like Starbucks, or even both. Even if they trade in their monster SUV, hey are finding that they are not getting the trade in value they would of gotten a few years back and the smaller, fuel efficient cars are in short supply right now.

I have never subscribed to the “bigger is better” mentality that many have fallen prey to. Yes, I have cut back, but not as other have. I now combine trips, and I do not got to stores just to go to stores. I even have started to walk to work which for me is actually faster than driving. This also saves me money in gas by not providing a temptation to go out to lunch instead of eating at the cafe in the building I am in.

One thing I have seen being in the automotive related industry is that many of the car companies are thinking of importing and/or even building some of their European models here in the United State. I have looked at some of those cars on-line and I can see the possibility many of what is called the “City Cars” being very practical here. I am hoping that some of the do make it here and, if they do, I may be trading in my 2001 Hyundai Elantra (just over 127K miles) sooner than later.

In my dealings with Relativists on a forum I belong to, I have come to the conclusion that, although it is the more difficult path, following the tenets set down by the Catholic Church is the correct path.

On the surface, Relativists have an easy time since they have no solid foundation to base their so-called beliefs on. If one set of truths no longer suits their fancy or may get them in trouble, they can always change them at a moments notice. But is that the case? I think not. Yes, they will be happy in the short run but, other than pleasure which this happiness is, there is no ultimate goal for the relativist. In fact, pleasure is short lived and, from the interactions I have has, unhappiness fills most of the rest of the time.

For us who follows God’s law, we have an ultimate goal to work towards. And that is eternal life in heaven with God. Yes, it is harder, but the rewards are where they should be, in the next life, not this life.

“Comfort is dangerous because it leads us to become dependent upon what pleases us.” (pg. 100 Spiritual Combat Revisited by Fr. Jonathan Robinson)

Are we too comfortable in our lives these days?  For me, even in these uncertain times, I would say definitely yes.

Our routines gives us a sense of security that free us, to a certain extent, from worrying about things.    What pleases us become part of this routine and that is what is dangerous.  This dulls our senses to the temptations that bombard us in our every day lives.  Satan can use these pleasures to his advantage by using them to tempt us.

Also, any disruption to our routine that is out of our control causes us discomfort that also drops our defenses to temptation.    We become distracted trying to get back out our comfort zone by trying to do what brings us pleasure.

Yes, we all need a comfort zone, but we must realize the dangers that comes with it.

Charity?  What does that word mean.  For most of us, it would probably be giving money and that would be it.  In today’s society, it seems everything boils down to money.

Saying that, charity does not end at the money.  We are to do a lot more.  In fact, our lives are meant to be one big act of charity.  By living our lives in God, we live a life of giving.  This may be though money, but also through works whether it be praying for others, giving our time to the less fortunate, and so on.

The opportunity for charity is endless.  And in this day of Secular Relativism, it is need more than ever.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”. (MT 5: 14-16 RSV)

Many today are afraid to show their faith both through words and/or action out of fear of ridicule of their faith. We are meant to light to the world not remain hidden. This has been true from the very beginning. Throughout the first couple of centuries of the Church, Catholics openly expressed their faith even under the penalty of death.

Today, it seems many have been defeated by the Secular Relativism that has permeated every aspect of society. Wanting to fit in has overridden the moral backbone that has made up society. This is not the way it is meant to be. Like the Catholics of the first century, we must resist the trappings of the Secular Society so we may live.

Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you. (MT 5: 11-12 RSV)

On a forum where I am a member, there has been a discussion of Hamas Cleric Predicts ‘Rome Will Be Conquered by Islam’ (also Islam plans to topple the Papacy). In that discussion, a counter article was presented ( Islam and Christianity: Looking at the Numbers ) on the millions (6 million was the number given) of Muslims that convert to Christianity each year.

It makes you pause and wonder if the total number of Muslims is really as high as stated.  Do they still count Muslims who converted as Muslim.  I think they do (i.e. Once Muslim Always Muslim).  Secondly, is 6 million converts last year accurate or are there more that have secretly converted and are not in the numbers. Lastly, is the rate of conversion steady or is it increasing.  Somehow, with the migration to non-Islamic countries increasing, I would have to guess the rate is also increasing.

It will be interesting to see how the numbers go in the next couple of years.  I, for one, see a bright future if these numbers hold.

On another site, someone said that eugenics has fallen out of favor.

Is eugenics out of favor? I must disagree. Genetics have brought it to a whole new level. They now test for “possible defects” and try to force infanticide on women whose child have these “possible defects”. Even after the child is born, some advocate infanticide up to a certain age.

Eugenics gone? Not by a long shot.