|
In Reply to: Re: Thought-provoking quotation posted by peace man on October 02, 2003 at 04:51:46:
Actually, I was hoping someone would bring up the issue of this being the "end time," since I do not subscribe to a literalist interpretation of the escatological literature.
Frankly, I would LOVE it if we were about to witness the Second Coming. Nothing beats the deus ex machina solution to life's uncertainties and conflicts. While waiting for that easy out, however, I gotta find a way to live with the reality of suffering and presence of evil in the world.
As far as Great Tribulation is concerned, I don't see how things could get much worst for the majority of creatures living on this planet--things can only get worse for the priviledged 2% who consume the vast majority of the world's resources. I am not so terrified of loosing the abundant comforts and security I gained by an accident of birth that some great tribulation of massive, universal suffering seems like something I need to hang my hat on.
What's the worst that could happen? I will suffer and die, just like every other living creature. It does not comfort me one whit to think that we're all about to pass through some great history changing tribulation together. As far as I'm concerned, we're already there--some of us are just more painfully aware of it than others.
Will I be among the elect? I don't really give a rat's ass. What I care about is passing through this vale of tears with some measure of grace, lovingkindness, and hope, because these are the only things that make my human existence worthwhile.
Oh, right. I'm also thankful for humor. Peace, man.
