Much of what is passed on as humanistic wisdom is little more than the remains of superstition and mysticism disguised with overly positive affirmations and moral platitudes, usually stressing such virtues as peace, love, gentleness, social equality, and the like. Now on one end, who doesn't like positive thinking? And who can't benefit from fluffy feel-good platitudes once in a while? I notice one common weave among all new-agers though, they all uniformly eradicate any and all feelings of guilt. I don't make the suggestion this is any grand discovery of sorts... I'm just pointing it out. And who am I to say this isn't a good idea for society? Isn't guilt traditionally abused by teachers of religion to the extent people are driven off? Yes, I think it is. Surely. But what about an appropriate amount of guilt. Isn't it necessary if you want the meaningful life? In one sense, guilt is a motivating emotion that tells you something is off, needs correcting, alerting you to something that requires immediate attention to prevent your life careening into a ditch. All pain, however unpleasant, serves some purpose. But controlling guilt so it doesn't control you... ahh... that's the enigma.

The stale residue of traditions and customs no longer relevant to the modern world are all too easily cast off by people accused of having itching ears that only want to hear tickling messages that please them. And almost on cue, once traditionalists identify people who have itching ears that want tickling, then it's time to quickly retreat into their caves, occasionally peeking out toward the sky, thinking they are somehow excused from tending to the world's troubles. But here's as wake up call - none of us is off the hook yet, so to speak.

Now in one sense, we are very right in seeking pleasant things... in fact we're commanded to. But one must not stay there, tempting as it may be. I have learned the meaningful life requires balance. Going the right distance with your pleasures and knowing when to stop. Enjoying the highs and riding out the storms. It's the natural ebb and flow of life. Everything isn't peaches and cream, but life isn't a bowl of thorns either. I think you should give your all, but also know when you've given it. I think God is sending out a wake-up call across humanity. I think very few have gotten it right with their lives. And I am under no delusion that I am part of that few. I think He's trying to shake us out of our comfort zones. I think it's revolting that the modern religious person retreats in fear back to an all-too-comfortable societal sub-culture, a “click,” if you will... ignoring a lost and dying world right outside their stain-glassed widows. The "Conservative" brand of media culture (bought and controlled by powerful interests) would have you live in terror, apart from the world that needs you... religiously buying and consuming and producing. And of course the "Liberal" brand of media hasn't gotten it right either... mostly just seeking to be a pest to Christians. But who would have you care about producing for God? Does anyone care what He wants? What is the work of God? I'm not trying to provide answers, just ask questions... to get us all thinking,.. and hopefully, moving.