Consider, if you will... (Updated from 3/28/2017)

"Consider, if you will, that the Garden of Eden was on another planet, in another galaxy. The planet was populated with humans, men and women, or Adam and Eve if you prefer. The population succumbed to evil: hate, murder, racism, genocide, you name it. At the same time, this population was making great advances in science and medicine, delving into areas that were off limits. The Creators of the Universe, masculine and feminine, came one day and scolded the population for becoming evil, and for trying to gain the Creator's' knowledge. They were cast out of planet Eden, and sent to Earth; a penal colony. We were given a probation period with the promise of returning to planet Eden if we fulfilled the conditions of our sentencing. We have failed and our Alien Creators are coming soon. What awaits us?"

-- William Folsom

My friend, Bill Folsom, shares his thought, above.  I asked him if he'd send it to me so I could share it on this blog.  The thought deviates from what mainstream Abrahamic religions tout, but then, mainstream religions would like to think for us where creation and God are concerned.  In the beginning, we were given the ability, by our creator, to think for ourselves.  Free thinking leads to creativity and progress; the more free thinkers, the more progress.  We were created with this ability, and it would seem religion has, throughout history, sought to control our thoughts and to squelch our progress toward an awareness of reality.  Many of the faithful have forgotten how to question and to ask important questions like "Why?" or "What if?" 

This "what if?" scenario, which Bill offers for consideration, doesn't do us much good after we've arrived in the future.  Perhaps it would have been better if those who went before had asked the more important question, "Why?"  Some might be asking what the difference is.  Well, one could say the "what" deals with the tangible, that which is or might be - the decision.  The "why" is concerned only with the reason behind the outcome, the consequence; the reason behind the decision, or the choice. 

"Study the past, if you would define the future."

-- Confucius

Bill ends by asking the question, "What awaits us?"   Maybe the more important question we should ask ourselves is, why have we put ourselves in a position where should we be concerned?"  Once we ask this question, the honest among us might be more receptive to taking ownership of what we have or haven't done to bring about the consequences of our actions.  Those actions, or inactions, have much to do with our fate.  They are why we have arrived at a particular outcome, why we should have made better choices,  and why we should be concerned about that which awaits us.

Who created us and when? Where have we come from and what we are doing here?  These are considerations put forth by Bill.  Is he out in "left field" with his scenario?  Perhaps, but, he gives us plenty to think about with just two short questions.  Do we continue to believe what we've been spoon-fed, or do we use the minds we were endowed with to think for ourselves before we make more mistakes?  I advocate that we do the latter, but, then, this is just a thought of mine that Bill was the impetus behind.  What does Bill know?

“Why didn't I learn to treat everything like it was the last time. My greatest regret was how much I believed in the future.”

-- Jonathan Safran Foer

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony: tolerantpastor@gmail.com