Christopher GeorgeLocation: New Market, VA, USAI am a dabbling singer/songwriter. I play guitar, piano, mandolin, and upright bass. Though I enjoy fairly limited influence from the very wide world of genres and talent, I am enjoying the process of reducing this limitation. I also enjoy working in the studio, recording and encouraging the artistic ventures of other artists. |  |
This isn't important
Submitted by christopher on Sun, 2009-03-22 11:21
I just ended a phone conversation with my sister who is quite convinced that I'm completely closed-minded, and have wandered off the deep end of reality; we were continuing our discussion on the following of Jesus and using copyrights.
A good portion of our discussion was setting the scope of my previous statements. I had to clarify
- that I am not advocating breaking copyright law,
- that I was only making a statement on the biblical teaching on the topic, and
- that I was not making a statement about the morality of getting paid for work.
I am simply saying that as a follower of Jesus, one may choose to profit from their art, yet should not threaten to sue someone who shares it with their friends. This is the essence of copyright. This is my concern.
Once the rebuttals to what I was NOT saying died down, the essence of her disagreement was this:
- Give me an example of a disciple of Jesus that actually prosecuted someone for copyright violation. See, you can't think of one! So what's the problem?
- "State" given rights are still rights, so who am I to say that disciples of Jesus shouldn't take advantage of them?
We ended our conversation: she reminding me that I was closed-minded and would be given a bible verse to straighten me out, and I encouraging her to consider that Jesus might advocate a gentler approach to securing a livelihood.
As with most disagreements I raise with popular opinion, I found this conversation frustrating; and I came away with a conflicting mixture of thought. Why am I so clumsy with these ideas? Why is it so hard for people to see that truth may not be as the masses proclaim? Am I wrong? Maybe I am too concerned with finding the truth. Why can't people see that I would rather be humiliated a million times and find the truth than be praised for righteousness while being wrong? Yet, I'm tired of being the kook. I look back fondly on the time when my views on anything significant were mainstream. I've always had a different take on things, but back then, I was still part of the gang. Not now -- and it hurts.
At the same time, I feel an incredible charge of excitement and energy as I study and learn these things. Reality seems to open up before me and bigger, deeper questions become apparent. I want others to experience this too; but there is no doubt, in nearly every case I have found myself incompetent to share the glimpse and glimmer of hope and truth that I see.
It seems that only a few can accept that anything truly significant could ever change.
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Aunt Judy says:
The first trait of a truth seeker, I think, is to realize that your view may not be the absolute truth. As a computer programmer I have learned that things are not always what they seem, that you have to dig deep for the truth, and that you have to have the opinion that you could be wrong. Also, from experience with human nature I see that sometimes the truth is hidden and you have to be open to find it. So, that said, I sense that when you try to put your ideas across you do it in a way that makes people see you as intolerant, that your ideas are the only ones that are right. If you think like that then you will have a hard time getting to the truth. You don't seem open to other opinions. And when you are challenged instead of making reasonable points you just seem to talk a consistent line of evil state. I am not being critical here, Chris. It was interesting to see your sister's ideas of you being close minded. I understand your frustration. But, I think that you have to see things as not so black and white. There is not a lot in life that is truly black or white. And you definitely are a good person. You try to live a good life (as we all do). I do enjoy these conversations. And I hope we keep it up. I think maybe sometimes you care too much. Not that that is bad. Balance feelings with reason. Oh, geez, do I sound like an old person trying to give advice? Never! I am the last one to do that. I am just putting some thoughts down and responding to your blog.
Aunt Judy says:
Some of your writings have made me take a second look at some of the things we have been discussing. So, I begin to see your point of view and where you are coming from. I don't in most cases agree 100% but you have made me rethink some things. Or at least try to justify why I think a certain way. And isn't that what these conversations are all about?
rww says:
Just remember that when dealing family members one usually has a unique relationship that comes in to play. Also a lot of reactions are automatic because of past shared experences. So i would not worry about it too much. I for one usually think you are on the right track. Think how Noah must have felt!! Or Ron Paul for that matter.
rww says:
I would just like to add that I hope Christopher is wrong and that the state (that would be the Federal Reserve, Treasury Dept and Wall St.) really has our best interest at heart and there won't be massive inflation and there is no need to buy gold. And that our 11 trillion budget is nothing to worry about. Everything will be fine...
babs says:
"I want others to experience this too; but there is no doubt, in nearly every case I have found myself incompetent to share the glimpse and glimmer of hope and truth that I see."
I'm mulling over this...... much I want to say, but need some time to process.......
NoBlesseOblige says:
Dear Christopher,
I'm so sorry I upset you this time! Sometimes I don't feel like I get anywhere with you and then other times I realize I went completely overboard! I didn't realize 'til I read your blog that our Sunday morning conversation was one of those times. I'm sorry. I respect your intellect and reasoning but (especially as your sister) I do get excited and confrontation when moral issues are at stake and we seem to be on opposite ends of the spectrum. I wanted to tell you though, I really appreciate that you're willing to talk these things out with me 'cause just last night I got to take on several "constitution-fanatics" (don't repeat that) who were definitely not as founded or grounded as you and definitely didn't make as much sense, and, risking humiliation and offense (theirs that is), I vehemently argued and GOT MY POINT ACROSS!!! I can only imagine that this was due to the fact that I've been arguing with a much superior argumentarian and THIS has given me the upper hand!!! Thanks! I always want you to know in our confrontations, and I will try to be better at conveying this, that I respect your opinions and your reasoning capabilities. Like I said before, I think what mostly gets me riled up in my conversations with you is when it comes to moral issues and I feel like you're off-track. Other than that, I don't think anything you could say would upset me! I'll try not to upset you... :)
P.S. Why was that blog of yours "not important"?
christopher says:
I wouldn't go so far as to say you upset me! :) I was frustrated.
I realize that you feel strongly when you view your position as the moral high-ground, but do you really think I am advocating immorality? I take a position (unless playing Devil's advocate -- which I don't need to do very often anymore) because I believe it to be correct. When we disagree, I see an opportunity to learn. One or both of us is wrong, but if we dig and discuss we can move closer to the truth. I think fear of "immoral" ideas sometimes blinds you from seeing the other perspective. Remember, just because you explore the other side of the issue, doesn't mean you agree.