Sure. Only joking, we are, but...it does illustrate, there are different types, or levels, of love, doesn't it? So back to the original question: is the love of faith different from romantic love, or isn't it? If it is different, how?
Is it? Consider the classic overboard scenario: You, your fella, your puppy, and there's only two life preservers. Is it really a fair choice as to who's gonna drown and die?
Happy puppy! Happy puppy! Yes you're a good dog, aren't you? Happy puppy!
Hmmm. I chose Sunday to ask a specific question about spirtuality for just that reason, and it has sunk like a stone, in favor of this conflict-oriented thread.
I've no quarrel at all with persons of faith, Kaybee, nor with persons of non-faith....until they start badmouthing my own choice in the matter, at which point I shall defend my choice with rigor.
I know many feel as you did about the beliefs forced upon them at a tender age. I was one such myself. I found my own path, as you have too. I respect all who do, regardless of the path they have chosen. Funny, I find too it is such folk who are much less ready to attack and insult any different beliefs.
The same issue has been much debated here in the States, and I have heard much the same objections. To me they all seem to boil down to "Why should I pay, if it won't work right away?"
Despite the memorable rhyme, I find that short-sighted and selfish. Humans didn't pollute the Earth overnight, so we can't clean it up overnight. Those of us who began polluting it earlier, and took advantage of the situation, should recognize that and work toward a compromise with those who are only beginning to do so, and want to take advantage just as we did.
All of our unborn great-grandchildren do not yet know what nation they will be born as citizens of. Would you pay an additional tax if you knew for sure it went to the care of your own great-grandchild, but not if went to someone else's?
"I am a flame, dancing in love's fire." -- Rumi, 13th c. Persia
"My heart is gladder than all of these, because the birthday of my life, my love, is come to me." -- Christina Rossetti, 19th c. England
"How can I measure up for anyone else, after such a love as this?" -- Pete Townshend, contemporary, England
Here we've three writers of some distinction, all describing their feelings of love. And at first glance, all might seem to be describing feelings of romantic love. In fact, all three, separated by centuries, are actually writing of their religious devotion. Even more startling, all three write of three different faiths! (Rumi of his Islamic faith, Rossetti of her Christian faith, Townshend of his devotion to the Avatar, Meher Baba.)
So my question is, is there a difference between romantic love and religious devotion, the love one feels for one's deity of choice? Given these examples, the two could easily be confused. Or is it simply the manner of expressing love that makes them sound similiar? And by corollary, is there a spiritual aspect to romantic love?
I worked in a bookstore when The Secret was published, and I browsed through it, so I can save everyone the time and trouble of wading through its scant 100-plus pages. Here's what The Secret turned out to be:
"Do what you say you're going to do."
Yep. That was it, that was all, that was The Secret. Just saved you all $9.95, plus sales tax. (I'll accept your appreciation in the form of CS flowers.)
Dagosto Forum Posts (3,076)
RE: Write a word with the last letter of the one above
Entreaty.