Another Podcast
Posted on June 4th, 2006 by Todd W
Time for The Lunch Conversations #2. Chris and I got together on Friday to discuss his reaction to Bushido.
You can find the link on the right side under Podcasts. Go easy on the hate mail…we’re just kidding about the Mormons. (Update – and the Catholics, and the Lutherans, and the Methodists etc…but probably not about the Muslims.)
Filed under: Podcast
I listened to the podcast last night and have a few questions for Chris. I understand your interest in eastern religion and philosophy, I went through my required Taoism stage when looking for a system to “get my sh*t together”. But, I am not a christian in the sense that I believe in Jesus (non-historically) or God, which you seem to believe strongly in.
You said this when talking about Bushido.
“I see the samurai code as a possible way out. The samurai are presented as a people who live by a strict code of ethics. They are committed to excellence and discipline. They lead full lives. They have it all together.”
The questions are:
1.) Why turn to something outside of your religion for an example of a life to live? Doesn’t that mean your religion is not complete and does not contain all elements to guide your spirital and physical life, therefore not a full religion to you? By this search are you becoming a “cafeteria” christian?
2.) I am wondering why you can’t find the example of a code to live by in the life of Jesus or any biblical figure? Surely, Jesus was the ultimate example of a life led by ethics, excellence and discipline.
3.) Isn’t one of the core beliefs of christianity that Man is inherently flawed by nature, and will in all cases inevitably fail to live a life without sin? Does this stop a christian from attaining a higher form of lifestyle (like the Jedi or Samuri)?
I’m not an expert in christianity, nor am I judging you. I’m just very curious about religion and you seem like someone who would love to have this conversation. I would like to hear your thoughts.
Also, in what I could find, Saul did fall on his sword during battle. But didn’t finish the job and asked someone to finish him off, technically avoiding suicide.
In spite of your comment to the contrary, your questions do come across a pointed–already implying an answer. If they were coming from my Dad, I would suspect them of being accusations and admonitions to stop this behavior at once. If coming from my mom, all suspicion would be abolished. Her intent would be clear.
At any rate, however, I will try to address them in the spirit of your final comment rather than as a resistance to an attack. I believe that your intentions are honorable.
You ask a good question in confronting me about turning outside. You imply that this means Christianity is not complete. I don’t think it does. It may imply that my understanding of it is incomplete. It may also be an indication that those who practice it are so blinded by tradition and legal moralizations that they cannot see the truth of it. So, in that regard, turning outside is a good way to contrast. Goodness, there’s a boat load of detail I could start spewing here. But, my statement clearly indicates that I am looking for something I’m not finding. I think that something is a concise codification of a moral code. Christianity has the ten commandments and the fruit of the spirit. These are, of course, balanced with the notion of forgiveness (not seppuku) to assist in achieving them. So, if I were looking for a code, the fault is perhaps mine for not turning there first.
Above, I hinted at another side of this is—confusion from too much exposure. I grew up in it. I’ve been steeped in Christianity since I was born. I have heard a great many interpretations. I have been overwhelmed by inconsistencies coming from church leadership. I’ve seen falsehood, blind obedience, stoicism and emotionalism. Stepping outside gives me an untainted perspective on a group of people who attempted to live by some code. If that code is consistent with scriptural interpretation and doesn’t violate core principles, why not adopt it? In that sense, Bushido is no different than any other self-help book.
I’m certainly interested in engaging in dialog about this. However, note, that I have a tendency to get distracted by shiny things. (You now understand a commonality I have with Todd!) So, at some point, I’ll probably go, “He look, what’s that over there!?” When you turn back around, I’ll be somewhere else.
Chris,
Thanks for not interpreting my comments as an attack, the dangers of communication with lack of vocal tone! I cringe in thinking that for even a few minutes you had to decide whether I was being aggressive or not, I apologize. Another point clarified in a good old country western tune, “Don’t talk about Religion, Politics or her”.
Anyhow, thanks for the reply. Here are my thoughts:
I think you struck on something here. I didn’t realize this but you are right, there is not a concise, contemporary codified set of “life rules” for Christians. At least not that I am aware of. The bible is 2 to 3 thousand years old, without modern examples of life to learn from. Every lesson for morality is “coded” in allegory or metaphor. Maybe this is why the Promise Keepers and some other Christian mens and youth groups are so popular? I would suggest checking them out if you haven’t already. Also, maybe there is an opportunity here for you to grow in your faith and knowledge by codifying your own set of “life rules” and construct a modern interpretation of a Christian life. But hey, I’m not Dr. Phil, I’m just saying.
I won’t belabor the topic, since this post is steadily creeping towards archive hell and something else will come along, but I’m very curious to learn more about where this search leads you and I hope you post your results.