TM - 52 - What are your religious beliefs?

[on_holy_ground]

There is a story in the bible, Genesis 4:1-16, that tells the tale of two brothers. Many people are familiar with the story of Cain and Abel of course, of how they both gave offerings to God and how God ‘accepts’ Abel's offering but does not ‘accept’ Cain's. In a fit of anger and jealousy, Cain then rises up and kills his brother despite Gods warning not to let anger and disappointment get the better of him. When God then asks Cain what has become of his brother he responds with ‘I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?’

There is more to the story, but that is the line that lies at the heart of my beliefs. I believe that we are our brother’s keepers. That the sin of one person impacts not only his or her own life, but also the lives of all the people that he or she touches, much like the ripples that flow from a stone that is dropped in a still pond. Eventually that small stone will influence the entire pond, even if only in a small way.

We must watch over and help one another if we are to keep our world safe, happy, and free of the ripples that sometimes threaten to engulf it.

Comments

[kara-marie.livejournal.com]

Which is why we should totally help all the povo people who have less than us. At my old school we took a spare lunch in once a week. And we had project compassion boxes.

But sometimes it's a bit like we're doing all the shit work that God couldn't be bothered doing? Don't you think? Like, we should look out for our brothers and sisters, but God basically cursed Cain for his misdeeds, which were pretty bad, I agree, but... well... still... it's like the whole Devil thing. I think it's all a bit rough. At least Cain still had his wife. I bet she had to put up with a lot of crap after all that went down.

And you never hear about her, do you?

Poor woman.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

True, Cain was cursed for his misdeeds, but God also protected Cain despite what he had done. much like a parent will punish a child, and yet still loves them despite it.

[kara-marie.livejournal.com]

You don't think it was all just a bit sadistic? Like, God punished him just enough that he'd suffer torment and pain, but not enough that he'd die and it would end?

And seriously? Can you imagine what his wife copped when his crops wouldn't grow or whatever?

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Cain's punishment is that he is cast out from God's presence and from his family for his sin, and yes, the land no longer produces for him. However, many people in that time were not farmers, and they did not starve nor suffer because of that. I am sure that Cain learned a new trade or skill in the land of Nod where he wandered.

As for his wife, considering the times, you are quite possibly correct.

[kara-marie.livejournal.com]

Poor Cain. I feel sorry for him. Just like I feel sorry for Lucifer. But at the least Cain is dead now. So hopefully he doesn't suffer anymore.

And hopefully his wife doesn't either. Because, Father, it is always the wife that suffers. Like, when my Uncle wasn't promoted, and this guy who used to be under him was made partner, my Aunt just copped it all the time. And telling my Uncle that he could have learnt a new trade or skill, that wouldn't have gone down well. Of course, we all thought he'd been spending all this time at work and so that it was horribly unfair that he wasn't promoted. He left the house at six am some days and hardly ever got back before ten at night! But then we found out he was just doing it with everyone. And I have to say, if he'd spent less time doing it, and more time at the office, he'd totally have been in the running for the promotion.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

It sounds as thought your Uncle was fairly treated in that situation considering the circumstances, and should have worked harder if the promotion was more important to him than some other things obviously were.

[kara-marie.livejournal.com]

Obviously.

... But Father? That wasn't the point of my story.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Women often take the brunt of the anger and other less than savory emotions of the men in their lives all because men have often thought women weak for as long as there have been women and men. They are taken advantage of and given 'the raw end of the deal' most of the time and it is grossly unfair.

Also people who are seen as evil are generally misunderstood by others and should not be treated as poorly as they are.

Was that your point?

[kara-marie.livejournal.com]

It's not just unfair. It's a terrible sin. It's a terrible sin when men treat their wives that way.

And I wasn't really getting at the second point. I don't think Cain or my Uncle are misunderstood. Though my Uncle did like to tell my Aunt he was. And I bet Cain said the same thing to his wife... what was her name?

[evankasparov.livejournal.com]

Greetings, Darius.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Greetings to you as well.

[evankasparov.livejournal.com]

Are you still hiding in that quaint little Parisian church?

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Yes, I still reside in the same church, however recently arrangements were made to move the church to New York, an event that should happen late this next week.

[evankasparov.livejournal.com]

*laughs* I thought American robber barons gave up such folly at the turn of last century.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

It would seem that is not that case, at least in this instance, especially considering the rather powerful allies that seem to be prevalent these days.

[evankasparov.livejournal.com]

This world is indeed a rather wild and wonderful place.

*pauses*

Although before now, mostly the mad and bad have returned to life. It appears, however, that the holy man's quickening still holds sway.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

So it would seem, although I would be happier knowing how and why it is that I have returned, I am content however to wait and see what possibilities present themselves.

[eric-weiss.livejournal.com]

*Eric enters the church, not sure of where else to go. Arica always went to God for answers, so maybe he's trying to find the same. He sees the priest, and looks around the building once again, uncomfortably*

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Darius notices the gentleman's look of unease, something he has often seen before, and walks up to him, smiling softly. May I help you with something?

[eric-weiss.livejournal.com]

"I don't know. I'm not much of a believer. My wife is... Things are messed up and I didn't know where else to go..."

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

"Perhaps a name is the best way to start. I am called Darius."

[eric-weiss.livejournal.com]

"Eric Weiss," Eric introduces himself.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Darius gives no indication that the name might be familiar to him.

"I have found in my work that sometimes it is simply a listening ear that people require in order to sort out their thoughts and feelings on a matter that is troubling them. I am told that I am a rather good one, if you would like to talk."

[eric-weiss.livejournal.com]

He nods. "I just don't know where to begin."

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Darius smiles softly, "generally the best place to start, is at the beginning."