I like walking the beach as it is good for the body, mind, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.
I think about a continuum of thought – one that I’ve encountered countless times over 8 years of personal study and reflections. A continuum containing a diversity of ideas, including the antagonistic polar opposites who only see their way – a way of being one of us or one of them – a shallow continuum of two.
I know where I lie on this continuum of thought, but not at either polarized end. Not only do I know my position between the continuum’s poles, I also know that there are others like me here. Interestingly those at the ends can’t justify our existence.
I see the antagonistic groups as the Blackhearts and the Righteous. Each acting as hooligans as they shout at each other and intimidate others. I see many others who wander as if they are lost because they don’t know. I invite them to have a seat to listen, but polar opposites are preying on the wanderers by saying they have to make a choice, which is really a forced choice. I try to provide a different perspective, but either the hooligans are too loud or the wanderers are either confused or won’t listen.
Some may be thinking I’m referencing Democrats and Republicans, but I am not because that’s too painful – perhaps another day. Today my thoughts are about the interchange of science and religion – an arena where the antagonistic foes force choices upon others – especially the vulnerable and the unknowing.
I am not vulnerable. I am not unknowing. I have a place and I can respectfully and confidently take while understanding the others. I also take my place knowing the difference between right/wrong and agree/disagree.
Finally I get someone to listen. They ask questions as if they don’t hear the shouting because they want to know where they belong. They want confirmation of something they wondered, but never heard.
The continuum is a lot to ponder as I walk – but I like to walk the beach for it is food for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.
A Frank Angle 
Walks on the beach are definitely conducive to thought. 🙂
I didn’t hear the whole show, but this might interest you: https://whyy.org/episodes/science-and-religion/
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Merril,
Excellent point about beach walks! Thanks for the link as I will likely listen! 🙂
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I really enjoy this show (produced in Philadelphia), but I usually only hear bits of it when I’m in the car. 🙂
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It seems that religion and science debates could be much more civil than Democrat and Republican discussions could ever be. Good post, Frank.
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John,
An interesting thought. On the other hand, given the diverse thought I’ve presented, one could make a case for “fat chance” being a good reaction to your statement. I contend there is a large contingency within Christianity that simply doesn’t know the two areas can coexist – let alone how to do so …. thus the reason for the many posts I’ve done on this topic.
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I see both sides so maybe I have rose colored glasses. My commitment to the literal beliefs of both sides is pretty thin. Some day we will all find out the facts. It will be unfortunate we won’t be able to communicate the facts back here. Another Obama mess up.
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John,
One of my points is that the literal extremes (the ones making the most noise) are smaller group than many realize. Also, most people don’t know about the other views – especially Christians within their own group. So my point was that it is difficult for them to listen because of the noise – but once they listen and learn, they can have peace of mind. 🙂
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Which is a point I have always agreed with and appreciate. The listen and learn is the tough part.
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I have no doubt that there is something there for one for listening and learning.
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Refreshing oneself with walks is good for the soul. Science and Religion those arguments having begun eons ago, will most likely continue for the same amount of time. Facts that are authenticated need to be believed but for some taking Religion out of the equation is impossible, and sadly the fights will continue on.
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Catherine,
Yes – the discussions and disagreements have gone on for a long time and will continue with no end in sight. On the other hand, much progress has been made in the past 500 years on the topic. Those taking religion out of the equation doesn’t work —- just like those who take science out of the equation.
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Religion and politics – topics that always cause heated debates. It is important to know where one stands, isn’t it, so that one can turn away from those who shout out that their beliefs are the correct ones. And walks along the beach help us to figure out what we believe in..
Good post Frank.
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Colline,
Heated the most between the extremes … but I contend that within the religious, most don’t know that science and religion not only can coexist. they don’t know how …. thus many are stuck in the “having to make a choice” conundrum … a place that isn’t necessary.
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I place my bubble in the white zone called, gnostic.
With knowledge I am.
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Abserenity,
Welcome first-time commenter. Of course I didn’t try to put every group on the continuum. You mentioned the white area, so I respectfully ask where on the continuum? (Meaning which two?)
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If you feel like you are with knowledge like you wrote in your post – then you wouldn’t see the need to graph it.
My white bubble either is with all the other colors in shadow – or floats high above your chart at another perspective.
Color is just our observation of the senses we have while alive. There is really so much more of UV spectrum that we do not see.
No sense in breaking it down. Just fly above like a floating white light.
No category. Gnosis.
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I’ll accept your answer. I asked because I respectfully didn’t want to mischaracterize Gnostics because I admit knowing only a little bit.
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Now that you’ve admitted that to the universe you will take a journey and the answers you seek will be clear. Ask, watch, receive. Always ask, “what did they do before that? And then before that? And then before that.?”
The first people the first tribe…tune in. What is still here?
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I appreciate your nondemeaning respectful approach to others.
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I have never seen a continuum like your graphic, Frank, and it’s worth studying. I have friends or family representing every color on the line! Your observation about dialogue at the intersection of science and religion as often heated is certainly true in my experience. I sort of shrink into the shadows when the conversations start because I fear my own emotions–which heat up! Your perspective always helps me, though, my friend. I am always appreciative of what you have to say. You offer a proper challenge to think deeply and react less.
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Debra,
As one who has been around this place a long time, you know that I haven’t shied away from this topic. I strongly believe (regardless where they are on the continuum) don’t know enough to have good dialogue about the topic. After all, they are filled with too many misconceptions. Again, I said most – not all.
As for the continuum, it took a good beach walk to sort it out. 🙂 No way one could include all the groups, and each of these groups can be subdivided … but at least it is something to ponder.
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PS: Occasionally someone gets riled up here, but for the most part of the 50+ posts on the topic, the vast majority of the people have been respectful to me and to others. My approach has always been to address those who don’t realize that they must make a choice – and that the two can integrate … therefore my approach has never been to antagonize. As one looks at the continuum, its the end points that make the news … the ends points that hurl insults at each other … it’s the end points telling others that they must make a choice … it’s the end points that provide dichotomous choices that are worded in ways to favor their position. Meanwhile, many in between don’t know they don’t have to make a choice …. thus where learning comes into play.
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Ahhh … a lovely photograph of my favorite place to be. For me, I merely enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature when I’m there. My brain shuts down from all the chaos contained in the world. Rest is there for me to gather along with natures energy. Life will be there when I leave my beach sanctuary. I’ll leave the complexities to others. You’ve written a thought provoking message,aFrank. I enjoyed reading it. Happy Monday to you.
Isadora 😎
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Isadora,
Oh yes – that is a wonderful opening image. I can see your point about shutting down from all the chaos – after all, there is so much of it that consumes so much time and energy. 🙂
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Now that Spiritual Continuum chart is quite neat!
Perhaps the only thing smoother is your feet!
I like your beach walks.
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Resa,
One thing for sure – my feet were very smooth after 4 weeks of walking the beach. Meaning, constructing the continuum is a good mental exercise in itself. It helps one understand that there are more than just 2 points.
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This is a neat graphic and a useful way of making important distinctions. I, too, know right where I am along that continuum (passive atheist) and try to understand where others fall, too. While I am not a believer I know that most people are and I need to understand them–they often hold a great deal of power in my world!
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Kerry,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Learning is paramount to understanding others, so cheers to you. Although religious people may be a majority, the numbers also show a decreasing trend. (A story in itself). You identified yourself as a passive atheist. Within the posts on this topic, I don’t condemn or attempt to convert … so I’m confident in saying that I have received more negative comments than I have delivered. Cheers to your respectful nature.
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Being a Theistic Evolutionist, I look forward to the beach walks I’ll be taking in a couple months as a way to increase my understanding of where I fit in between the dry land and the primordial soup.
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Tim,
Glad you found thought-provoking morsels in this post and graphic. Allow the beach to transport your mind to new depths. Enjoy.
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I like the idea of continuum of thought – and it is something totally new to me… I hope one day debate and democracy will make antagonists come closer, no matter their differences. I truly believe diversity and freedom of opinion are the most important elements of democratic societies. Great post, dear Frank. Love & best wishes 🙂
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Maria,
Glad you appreciate the continuum. Through my personal studies I’ve seen very few on this topic – and none in this style. Finally, this come to me actually during a beach walk. (The definitions are on the post that follows this one.)
Great point about diversity and freedom of viewpoints. I keep thinking back to the Vulcans on Star Trek, who solved problems with their minds – not through brutality.
All the best to my favorite Argentine!
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