Okay, that's a little bit dramatic, but one of the factors I considered before I hit the "save" button on my post last night was the nature of the spoof review I wrote. 'Will people trust me after a deceptive piece of writing like that?' My conclusion is, 'Of course they will.' After all, I didn't let it sit there unclaimed or un-announced. I owned up to it before it was over (not a real test of satire or spoof, I'm afraid). The final paragraph reveals the truth -- that the whole review was a gag. When my wife read it, though, she didn't like it. She doesn't like to be led along and then surprised with an "I was only kidding" type zinger after having her emotions pulled in one direction. I understand that.
Every once in a while I do something odd like that. The "list" would include forming a band called Lust Control; giving a friend a rubber snake nailed to a placque, along with explaining to all of his friends that this represents his lie telling; preaching on the West Mall at UT and using profanity to get my points across; what else have I done that's odd? I'm sure there's more things to add. Not that this movie review was some great controversial thing, but I do like to take risks and push the envelope a little. I think life is more exciting that way. The hard part of the equation is, of course, I need to stand up and face it if the situation backfires. Risking that, though, means if it "works," then the satisfaction that comes with that can be enjoyed, as well.
I hesitate to post this right now (this morning), as perhaps some haven't yet read the movie review I'm refering to. I'll let this sit for awhile.
What is it about lies that bothers us? Could it be that we long for absolute truth -- or for there to exist truths that we can latch onto and trust? Speaking of movies, the Triage movie was intense; and the main character, Dr. Orbinski, talks with some rough language about what he's seen. One of the phrases is the profane phrase that triggers a judgment of "non-believer" whenever uttered (you know the phrase: it has the proper noun "God" in it and the verb "damn" or "damned" right after). It's not uncommon to assume this when hearing that phrase bounced around. Religion doesn't get brought up in the movie, but the phrase "the right thing" as in doing the right thing or "it's the right thing to do" does appear many times. I think that common, core belief that there are "right things" or "right" choices to make means that there are absolutes. There is a true measuring stick. There is an ultimate truth. There is a God. He is a just, right, and true God. He is trustworthy. I think this core belief, even hidden beneath the surface in the mind and hearts of some atheists and agnostics, point to an inner desire to have a God to believe in, which I think points to the very existence of God. I think this is why lies and deception bothers people.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at March 11, 2008 10:30 AMHere is a biblical reference to your last statement:
"I think this core belief, even hidden beneath the surface in the mind and hearts of some atheists and agnostics, point to an inner desire to have a God to believe in, which I think points to the very existence of God. I think this is why lies and deception bothers people."
Romans 1:18-20- the thruth (an absolute truth that existed before we were created, and will exist after we are gone) is written on each persons heart and because of that we will have no excuse when we meet our creator.
Posted by: Brandon at March 12, 2008 11:28 AM