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Family, Família, Famiglia, Famille, Familia, οικογένεια, die Familie, Jamaa, (Mishpachah) משפחה…
When children are born their parents (either biological or adoptive) become responsible for them. It’s their duty to teach them how to behave; to teach them how to fight and defend themselves in a world full of dangers; to teach them how to deal with frustrations and disappointments; to transmit them moral values; to set the example…
It is also their utter duty to be vigilant of their kids’ junior criminal behaviour: torturing animals; smothering their brothers and cousins; tearing teddy bears; sticking sharp objects in toys etc…all of these may very well be an indication of their future as violent people.
In conversations with other blogging friends I have often said that raising a family is a huge responsibility and it is a role that should not be played lightly: once we decide to have kids (or take care of them) our life – as we know it – is over; our ego must be placed in a box; our plans must include them and our schedules are organised according to their schedule…at least until they spread their wings. Once they leave the nest another phase begins: constant worries (are they ok, are they behaving, do they need something, are they eating properly, are they happy etc)…
I have also told a friend that if God tells us to honour our parents it’s because they are an extension of God’s role as a Parent to Humanity.
Children grow up. They become adults, and some of them create troubles, thus disrespecting society’s law, destabilising its order and generating fear amongst its citizens. In this case parents shouldn’t be afraid of them. They should have the courage and wisdom enough to report them to the authorities. If the latter can’t help them, the family should come together and solve the problem.
What would happen if each family would take care of its disruptive member(s)?
Possible outcomes:
1- Potential criminals would think twice before committing a crime, for they would know that they wouldn’t have a sanctuary to take cover in.
2- Crime rates would decrease for sure, since each family member would be a peace soldier.
3- The population in county jails would be reduced.
4- Neighbourhoods would become a bit more harmonious.
This would imply that families would have to gather, organise themselves and create sub-societies within society itself.
Come now, Max…is this really feasible or just another utopia?
Image: "Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence" by Caravaggio
Comments
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Dissecting Society™ welcomes all sorts of comments, as we are strong advocates of freedom of speech; however, we reserve the right to delete Troll Activity; libellous and offensive comments (e.g. racist and anti-Semitic) plus those with excessive foul language. This blog does not view vulgarity as being protected by the right to free speech. Cheers
To quote a great man: "No other success can compensate for failure in the home." David O. McKay
ReplyDeleteOMG...Thats very interesting post.. I enjoy reading it..
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work
Angel
Come on Max - snitch on your kids? Remember what Al Pacino said, "You never go against the family." But I hear what you're saying. What if your kid does something really awful? Who should step up? Parents? In the old days, the neighborhoods did exactly what you suggest. They took care if their own. Will that tactic work in the 21-century? Who knows.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first visit to you site. I'll be back.
Happy trails.
A lot to think of and to say about this post...
ReplyDeleteI assume in Portugal it's the same as everywhere else. Schools problems because parents don't care that much about their kids, drugs because kids aren't educated properly etc.
I'm not a mother so I don't feel I have the right to criticize. I assume it's not easy (ask my parents). Kids are kids and make mistakes. Yet, they should be taught values, and I'm not being conservative by saying that. Just basics. Don't have to be a religious zealot to teach your kids values, even hippies (like myself :$ ) can do it.
Right and wrong. It all comes down to that. I used to blame everything in the society but I changed my mind a bit lately.
Hey D!
ReplyDelete"To quote a great man: "No other success can compensate for failure in the home." David O. McKay" - great quote!!! Thanks, darling :D!
It is so appropriate for this article :).
Thank you so much, darling; it was quite a present *bowing*!
Cheers
Hey Angel!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the MaxZone :D!!
"OMG...Thats very interesting post.. I enjoy reading it.." - thank you, I am glad you liked it :).
"Keep up the good work" - thanks for the support, dear *bowing*!
I will visit your blog to thank you personally :D!
Cheers
Hello Swubird!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the MaxZone! :D
"Come on Max - snitch on your kids? Remember what Al Pacino said, "You never go against the family." But I hear what you're saying." - lol lol that is correct, snitch on your kids...somebody has got to do it! Besides who better than the parents to be fully responsible for their kids (for good and for worse)? LOL is this The Godfather!? Love the triology.....
"What if your kid does something really awful? Who should step up? Parents?" - yes, parents should step up...they made them! Isn't it said that God gives life, punishes us so that we get on the right path? Parents make us, punish us while raising us and they should be the ones to place us on the right track...
"In the old days, the neighborhoods did exactly what you suggest. They took care if their own. Will that tactic work in the 21-century? Who knows." - I hear you. I don't know...we should give it a try though...
"This is my first visit to you site. I'll be back." - and I loved your first visit :D!! Thanks *bowing*! Please do be back...
Cheers
Salut Zhu!
ReplyDeleteI missed you :D!
"I assume in Portugal it's the same as everywhere else. Schools problems because parents don't care that much about their kids, drugs because kids aren't educated properly etc." - you assume well, ma chérie...*nodding*...
"I'm not a mother so I don't feel I have the right to criticize. I assume it's not easy (ask my parents). Kids are kids and make mistakes. Yet, they should be taught values, and I'm not being conservative by saying that. Just basics. Don't have to be a religious zealot to teach your kids values, even hippies (like myself :$ ) can do it." - I am not a mother either, but I can picture myself as one (and I have terrific examples around me); and because I am not a mother yet, I think that before having kids I need to think about these issues and ask myself the right questions. I don't think that parenting is ever easy...kids make mistakes, but so do parents; and the question is what can be done to minimise the negative effects of those mistakes?
Values are important, I agree. Darling, even if you were being conservative you were in your right :D. LOL you're a hippie? How interesting :D!! You are right all one needs to know is the distinction between wrong and right, and choose which one should be passed on to kids :).
"I used to blame everything in the society but I changed my mind a bit lately." - evolution, my friend, evolution :D!
Thank you so much for this comment, Zhu; I absolutely loved it!! :)
Cheers
Max you are bringing here very interesting points. Parenting is a life time responsibility. It is not just giving food and shelter, but teaching them what's right or wrong. We are such society on the run, and I think when couple decides to have kids, they should stop running. Sit and smell the coffee, talk to their kids and share their wisdom (oh well if they have any). The most important element of parenting is to set laws and orders, like you said, but it is also important that parents do reinforce kids personalities, do make them stronger, and do teach them who they really are. And I will add, take material things a side, in stead of buying toys, make the build their toys - teach them how to's at the early stage. Max great post as always, and I needed that, one day I will have that responsibility myself, and believe me I think I am ready for it, with all the education I am getting in the world wide web, especially from you girl!. Anna :)
ReplyDeleteHello Max;
ReplyDeleteMy much anticipated Tuesday issue of Max…..
Very interesting topic….
Interesting piece of art..(scroll down to learn more about it, *smile*, scroll back up to look at it) the usual Caravaggio excellence. Is the inclusion of the “saints” a tip towards the assistance of the Church or at least community in helping with children? :) Intentional or unintentional? Hmmm you do everything with intention so why? Hmmmm
LOL Would you like to define family Max?
Immediately you made me think of these portions of Scripture….
Children must always obey their parents. This pleases the Lord.
Parents, don't be hard on your children. If you are, they might give up.
- - Colossians 2:20-21
Children, you belong to the Lord, and you do the right thing when you obey your parents. The first commandment with a promise says, "Obey your father and your mother, and you will have a long and happy life."
Parents, don't be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.
- - Ephesians 6:1-4
Your thoughts on God’s role as a Parent to humanity is a good point….(I think I may have heard this before LOL)
Respect for parents should be expected; of course parents are to act in ways worthy of respect. If a parent goes against clear teaching from God the parent is wrong.
Here we fall into the dilemma of post-modernist thought (yes again LOL). If people believe there is no absolute right and wrong or absolute Authority then havoc will begin to pervade society, not in all cases of course (thanks to common grace). Often parents seem to feel they “lack jurisdiction” even with their own children. Enhancing this is the fact that in general more often parents are spending less time with their children; this has the effect of growing more problems.
Some parents abrogate their responsibilities as parents in favor of “being their friends”. Others are to busy with their own lives and are negligent in their parental relationship. Of course then often they try to make of for this with material goods that cannot replace the lost relationship building.
I would not per say your life is over but is drastically different (children are a blessing). Often one of the great tragedies is that people start living for their children and then their marriages fall apart which is awful for the children. A solid relationship between the parents is best for the children. This relationship also acts as a model for the children. Side note, often women make the children the center of their lives alienating their husbands who have their own tendency to do this in regards to work. This is a tragic error.
Disrespect for civil law is a natural development of post-modernist thought. If all truths are equal then who are you to tell anybody what to do? We are then down to might makes right…..
Familial responsibility is very important; within the Church support in this regard is to be from all of the Church, we are to aid one another like a family. It is wonderful to see this kind of thing in action.
Many expect the government to do everything, this is simply not possible, and there is not enough wealth to ever do this. At the same time there are so many broken marriages, a lack of overall truth to appeal to as a moral standard that it is a morass that is inextricably suffocating the health out of society, yet most are in denial, or are self deluded. The drug issue alone is a horror. A free society demands citizens that will work together to better the society.
When such a large part of society is “dysfunctional” how can it help itself?
One of the keys is volunteerism. Those who are healthy must volunteer their time, energy, talent and yes wealth to help those who cannot carry their burden. Organized volunteers can and do make a huge difference in society.
Max you have interesting thoughts throughout this article, many of which lead me to thinking of Plato’s The Republic, and Thomas More’s Utopia (perhaps you are alluding to it?). Both helpful and interesting sources, however I know from my own experience that God can transform a life in ways no human system, including family or churchianity can…
The Church is a sub-culture that is organized and makes a huge difference in people’s lives. The Church I attend has hundreds of children that are brought there every week by parents that are not Christians or part of the Church; almost all their parents say they need the Church’s help in raising their children, they say they don’t know how to teach their children right from wrong….. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard this, it is countless….
Excellent article Max! Plato…..More….Max….Nice sound to it eh?
Thank you for your sharpening of the mind….
Its good I found your Max Zone...I like it.
ReplyDeleteAngel
Hello Anna,
ReplyDelete"Max you are bringing here very interesting points. Parenting is a life time responsibility. It is not just giving food and shelter, but teaching them what's right or wrong." - thank you, dear *bowing*! Absolutely, my friend, absolutely!
"We are such society on the run, and I think when couple decides to have kids, they should stop running." - I couldn't agree more with you; kids should be our number one focus from the second they are born onwards (or from the second we hold them in our arms onwards - in case of adoption)...
"Sit and smell the coffee, talk to their kids and share their wisdom (oh well if they have any)." - lol I understand what you are saying. And what you have described is such a nice family depiction...I bet your parents used to talk a lot to you and your brothers :)...
"The most important element of parenting is to set laws and orders, like you said, but it is also important that parents do reinforce kids personalities, do make them stronger, and do teach them who they really are. And I will add, take material things a side, in stead of buying toys, make the build their toys - teach them how to's at the early stage." - of course; parents should encourage kids to wisely express their personality (and respect it)...we wouldn't want to have absolute puppets as kids, right? Making them build their own entertainment instruments is a great idea; and it could teach them two things: 1- avoid consumerism, 2- keep them busy enough so that they won't have time to think about nasty things...
"Max great post as always, and I needed that, one day I will have that responsibility myself, and believe me I think I am ready for it, with all the education I am getting in the world wide web, especially from you girl!" - once again, thank you so much, Anna *bowing*! Girl, then both of us are ready :D! That is why I wrote this article, cause I am thinking about having kids soon and I am already asking myself all the questions that need to be asked...
Thank you so much for your comment: it rocked :D!
Cheers
It certainly is a lot of work. We have three kids and its a very rewarding and challenging experience. I think the most important things we teach at our house have to do with love and kindness, respect and discipline, and how to deal with money.
ReplyDeleteHi Max,
ReplyDeleteIt's never a dull moment with you. Your brain must keep you up a night too. :D
Raising a family is probably one of the most significant undertaking people do. That adage that it takes a village to raise a child is somewhat true. The way parents raise a child is the way he/she will respond/react to society; i.e., if a parent neglects a child and the child turns into a menace, society is the one who pays in the long run. Too many students are being shot in schools today. Students that have done nothing but try to make positive strides to better themselves by contributing to their education are being wiped out right and left because of a killer's warped sensibility.
One has to ask oneself why this keeps happening? What is going on at home that a student wants to kill? How does that child grow up? What happens behind closed doors?
"I have also told a friend that if God tells us to honour our parents it’s because they are an extension of God’s role as a Parent to Humanity."
That's beautiful.
I think there are a lot of good parents out there who get pushed into the background when bad parenting is reported. What about the parents of those great individuals who have contributed significantly to society; the doctors, scientists, philosophers, etc.
Then there are those cases when no matter what a parent does, the child seems to have his own agenda to be destructive. Maybe from a chemical imbalance or the way they feel about themselves?
The burden that criminals place on society is tremendous. In California, we have the death penalty. When someone is on death row, it takes 15 years to execute them. The amount of money it costs in the interim is huge.
I think some families to protect their criminal offspring, but others turn them in to the authorities. We have to address WHAT is in the criminal mind and HOW it got there?
"This would imply that families would have to gather, organise themselves and create sub-societies within society itself."
In theory, this is great, but in practice, I think we have to evolve more as a species first.
Great topic.
Spiritually Free Cheers
Hey LS!
ReplyDelete"My much anticipated Tuesday issue of Max….." - lol you are so kind :D...
"Very interesting topic…." - *bowing*...
"Interesting piece of art..(scroll down to learn more about it, *smile*, scroll back up to look at it) the usual Caravaggio excellence." - absolutely...it is incredible how he's almost perfect, nearly divine...
"Is the inclusion of the “saints” a tip towards the assistance of the Church or at least community in helping with children? :) Intentional or unintentional? Hmmm you do everything with intention so why? Hmmmm" - LOL LOL...it could be a mix of both: the community helping with children, and the divine which watches over parents to see if they are fulfilling their role (as the extension of God's role) properly :). I could also admit that I chose "Nativity" because it represents family. I selected this particular one (with the saints) as a symbol of families that have a specified mission on earth: they have the responsibility of watching over children that were sent by God to complete certain missions that will be part of history. The dark colours symbolise that the path won't always be easy, yet the Angels are there to assist them; and in the end the plan will be completed. This was so very true for Jesus, n'est-ce pas? :)
"LOL Would you like to define family Max?" - a family is a group of people that takes care of a child or children. These children (or child) can be blood related, or adopted. A family is a united group of people who works for the sake of the family, which on earth always comes first. A true family is one that always defends the interests of the whole familial group. I could go on, but I don't wish to be compared to Michael Corleone LOL LOL...
"Immediately you made me think of these portions of Scripture…." - LOL LOL it wouldn't be you, if it didn't, LS... :)
"Children must always obey their parents. This pleases the Lord. Parents, don't be hard on your children. If you are, they might give up.
- - Colossians 2:20-21" - it is a good advice...
"Children, you belong to the Lord, and you do the right thing when you obey your parents. The first commandment with a promise says, "Obey your father and your mother, and you will have a long and happy life." Parents, don't be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord. - - Ephesians 6:1-4" - another good advice...do you think Paul had a good relationship with his parents, given his first job?
"Your thoughts on God’s role as a Parent to humanity is a good point….(I think I may have heard this before LOL)" - LOL well, I did say that I had conversed about this with a friend...I wonder whom he might be lol.... :)
"Respect for parents should be expected; of course parents are to act in ways worthy of respect. If a parent goes against clear teaching from God the parent is wrong." - LOL now, why am I not surprised? *nodding*....LS, imagine that a person is not Bible inclined, and doesn't read it; yet he teaches his children how to be good and part from evil...is this parent wrong?
"Here we fall into the dilemma of post-modernist thought (yes again LOL). If people believe there is no absolute right and wrong or absolute Authority then havoc will begin to pervade society, not in all cases of course (thanks to common grace)." - LOL...LS, there are people who do not believe in absolute right and wrong and still do a better job (in raising children) than some of those who believe in the absolute Authority and preach to follow Jesus' teachings...
"Often parents seem to feel they “lack jurisdiction” even with their own children. Enhancing this is the fact that in general more often parents are spending less time with their children; this has the effect of growing more problems." - this was what I was about to add in the previous point...parents, regardless of their beliefs, need to spend time with their kids, need to teach them who the authority is (parents nowadays empower 3 years old kids when they indulge them with everything they want, whenever they want it *nodding*...kids learn, very early, how to blackmail their parents to get what they want); but basically they need to make kids their centrepiece. Lack of jurisdiction occurs because parents want to be friends with their kids instead of upbringing them (I believe that family is our best friend, in a sense that friends come and go, yet family is always there [even if they are the worse family in the world, in the end they're there]; however when it comes to raising a child parents need to focus primarily in disciplining her, in preparing her for life first, and then worry about being her friend).
"Some parents abrogate their responsibilities as parents in favor of “being their friends”. Others are to busy with their own lives and are negligent in their parental relationship. Of course then often they try to make of for this with material goods that cannot replace the lost relationship building." - LOL (I am reading this paragraph by paragraph, so I didn't read this part prior to replying the previous one). Yes, and there lies the modern societal mistake: parents do not have "their own lives" when having children (and when they do the result is the one we know so well)! Material compensation for the lost (rather non invested) parental quality time is psychologically perilous; what message are they trying to send?
"I would not per say your life is over but is drastically different (children are a blessing)." - I did say "as we know it" meaning that our comfortable routine "dies" (i.e. changes), thus the "our life is over" as in "dead"...
"Often one of the great tragedies is that people start living for their children and then their marriages fall apart which is awful for the children. A solid relationship between the parents is best for the children.This relationship also acts as a model for the children." - we have also talked about the Apollonian measure...which should be applied to everything in life. Fostering a healthy relationship with your spouse is providing a good life to your children; it is teaching them what a family is (this is why divorce can be so damaging for kids: their sense of family is completely shattered); is giving them peace, the peace they need to grow up healthly...
Now, I am aware that there are mono-parental families, and I am not against it; but truth being told kids like (and need) to have both a male and feminine figures for their own personal balance (our soul knows that we need opposite energies to be balanced).
"Side note, often women make the children the center of their lives alienating their husbands who have their own tendency to do this in regards to work. This is a tragic error." - I agree with you.
"Disrespect for civil law is a natural development of post-modernist thought. If all truths are equal then who are you to tell anybody what to do? We are then down to might makes right…." - lol lol...LS, all truths are not equal; and the proof is what is true for me, is not true for you (since the truth is whatever our mind is willing to accept as such - yes, again LOL) and vice-versa.
"Familial responsibility is very important; within the Church support in this regard is to be from all of the Church, we are to aid one another like a family. It is wonderful to see this kind of thing in action." - I hear you, my friend :)....
"Many expect the government to do everything, this is simply not possible, and there is not enough wealth to ever do this." - I agree with you.
"At the same time there are so many broken marriages, a lack of overall truth to appeal to as a moral standard that it is a morass that is inextricably suffocating the health out of society, yet most are in denial, or are self deluded. The drug issue alone is a horror. A free society demands citizens that will work together to better the society." - broken marriages abound not because of lack of an overall truth, but because of lack of respect, of patience, of planning, of knowing what one wants to do with his life...so many factors, LS. There are people who do not defend absolute truth yet have healthy and long marriages.
"When such a large part of society is “dysfunctional” how can it help itself?" - the small part of society can help by setting the example, so that others can follow their example....little by little, family by family, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, community by community....
"One of the keys is volunteerism. Those who are healthy must volunteer their time, energy, talent and yes wealth to help those who cannot carry their burden. Organized volunteers can and do make a huge difference in society." - I hear you, my friend *bowing*...but volunteering starts inside the family. If families would come together and help each other there wouldn't be so many misfortunate and abandoned people...
"Max you have interesting thoughts throughout this article, many of which lead me to thinking of Plato’s The Republic, and Thomas More’s Utopia (perhaps you are alluding to it?)." - indeed, I am...*bowing*....
"Both helpful and interesting sources, however I know from my own experience that God can transform a life in ways no human system, including family or churchianity can…" - God is Powerful indeed *bowing*...
"The Church is a sub-culture that is organized and makes a huge difference in people’s lives. The Church I attend has hundreds of children that are brought there every week by parents that are not Christians or part of the Church; almost all their parents say they need the Church’s help in raising their children, they say they don’t know how to teach their children right from wrong….. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard this, it is countless…." - very interesting...I think you had already told me this...it is a good job the church is doing.
"Excellent article Max! Plato…..More….Max….Nice sound to it eh?" - thank you, LS *bowing*! LOL LOL absolutely...you sure do know how to pay a compliment; I must give you that LOL :D....
"Thank you for your sharpening of the mind…. " - I should be the one thanking you for your magnificent comment, my dear friend :D! Thank you :)!
I need water, I spoke too much here LOL....
Cheers
Hey Angel,
ReplyDeleteI am glad you like it, girl :D! Feel free to be a part of it *bowing*!
Cheers
Hello Scott! :D
ReplyDelete"It certainly is a lot of work. We have three kids and its a very rewarding and challenging experience." - 3 kids...that is marvellous, my friend :D! I congratulate you *bowing*! I believe you when you say that it is a lot of work...that is why I have a lot of respect for parents; in fact I admire them :)...
"I think the most important things we teach at our house have to do with love and kindness, respect and discipline, and how to deal with money." - extremely important values, if you ask me. You do not need me to tell you this but: carry on the great job, my friend :D!
Scott, thanks for sharing this with us...enriching comment *bowing*!
Cheers
Hello Alexys,
ReplyDeleteI was planning to stop by your place after replying to LS' comment, when I saw yours :D...I will be there in a while...
"It's never a dull moment with you. Your brain must keep you up a night too. :D" - lol my sista, remember that conversation we had about the brain...? I am glad you do not find me dull *bowing*...the feeling is reciprocal ;D.
"Raising a family is probably one of the most significant undertaking people do. That adage that it takes a village to raise a child is somewhat true." - I totally hear you...
"The way parents raise a child is the way he/she will respond/react to society; i.e., if a parent neglects a child and the child turns into a menace, society is the one who pays in the long run. Too many students are being shot in schools today. Students that have done nothing but try to make positive strides to better themselves by contributing to their education are being wiped out right and left because of a killer's warped sensibility." - I couldn't agree more with you. And that is exactly what parents should think of "I have the responsibility to make this being a good human, so that whatever he does in society is constructive" cause society should not have to pay for parents' lack of competence to raise kids.
It is true what you said about students being shot in schools...*nodding*....
"One has to ask oneself why this keeps happening? What is going on at home that a student wants to kill? How does that child grow up? What happens behind closed doors?" - indeed; whom do they want to shoot in reality: dad, mom; both; siblings? Perhaps that child has been neglected at home...parents "live their own lives" instead of making their kids their life (which they are, their kids are their genetic perpetuity, their immortality) *nodding*...
"That's beautiful." - thank you, dear *bowing*!
"I think there are a lot of good parents out there who get pushed into the background when bad parenting is reported. What about the parents of those great individuals who have contributed significantly to society; the doctors, scientists, philosophers, etc." - true...true...but I think bad parenting is shocking to people, as if something inside would tell them that parents should equal the divine (as the extension of God's role).
"Then there are those cases when no matter what a parent does, the child seems to have his own agenda to be destructive. Maybe from a chemical imbalance or the way they feel about themselves?" - this is very interesting and I remember telling someone this last month...indeed there are parents who are absolutely adorable, and practice good parenting too, yet their kid is messed up (and some are even evil); I ask: is it karmic? And if so what can be done? If not, they should do like Martin Sheen: be courageous enough to turn your own kid in to the authorities...(and I can imagine that it must be one of the hardest things to do, however it must be done)
"The burden that criminals place on society is tremendous. In California, we have the death penalty. When someone is on death row, it takes 15 years to execute them. The amount of money it costs in the interim is huge." - I totally hear you...
"I think some families to protect their criminal offspring, but others turn them in to the authorities. We have to address WHAT is in the criminal mind and HOW it got there?" - I salute the ones that turn them in to the authorities. I agree...I am trying to understand criminal minds, and I have watched a few documentaries (and watch a few TV shows on this issue), and my conclusion is very faint cause I can't seem to grasp if it is plain evil or if environment contributed to it; and if it did why don't these people choose to seek the right path; why do they insist on doing wrong, on committing crime (for they know it is wrong, that it is a crime, yet they opt by perpetuating the wrong, the evil, the crime...); this is why my research is still feeble, but I will get there without losing my mind lol...
"In theory, this is great, but in practice, I think we have to evolve more as a species first." - you may very well be right, my friend...
"Great topic." - thank you, darling *bowing*!
Ultimate Balance Cheers
Hey Max excellent post and having kids something I can really relate to.
ReplyDeleteIn a perfect world Parents would do there responsibility and bring up there children properly, It has been my experience that a lot of parents believe their kids never do anything wrong, working in a large mall I see it over and over and over and over again, the kids have been caught red handed, whether it be shoplifiting, drugs or fighting, the parents refuse to believe the facts, this is so frustrating.
One thing having kids has shown me is how much God loves me, having my own kids and the pure love I have for them, I can only imagine the love that God has for me and his other children.
Wonderful reading this post....I agree with your thoughts entirely...we get the foundation of our behaviour very much from our family only, & leaving a few exceptions, our family background really shapes up our character, behaviour , attitude and culture and a good family background can really save our society a lot....well written!
ReplyDeleteHey Bob,
ReplyDelete"Hey Max excellent post and having kids something I can really relate to." - thank you so much, my friend *bowing*!
"In a perfect world Parents would do there responsibility and bring up there children properly, It has been my experience that a lot of parents believe their kids never do anything wrong, working in a large mall I see it over and over and over and over again, the kids have been caught red handed, whether it be shoplifiting, drugs or fighting, the parents refuse to believe the facts, this is so frustrating." - I appreciate what you are saying here, and besides being frustrating it must also be sad to see parents in so much denial, eh? *nodding*...perhaps they do not wish to face the fact that that junior criminal is their product *nodding*...
"One thing having kids has shown me is how much God loves me, having my own kids and the pure love I have for them, I can only imagine the love that God has for me and his other children." - ooh, this is so, but so, beautiful; Bob :D!!! I will not add another word to this so that it won't be spoiled :D!
Thank you so much for this marvellous comment, my friend; I loved it *bowing*!
Cheers
Hi Kalyan!
ReplyDelete"Wonderful reading this post...." - always so kind....thank you *bowing*!
"I agree with your thoughts entirely...we get the foundation of our behaviour very much from our family only, & leaving a few exceptions, our family background really shapes up our character, behaviour , attitude and culture and a good family background can really save our society a lot....well written!" - you said it all, my friend! I do not wish to ruin your words, so all I'll do is to sign below your words lol :).
Thank you so much, Kalyan *bowing*!
Cheers
Hey Max,
ReplyDeleteMax you said: 'I couldn't agree more with you; kids should be our number one focus from the second they are born onwards (or from the second we hold them in our arms onwards - in case of adoption)...' - Max also I would like to add the 9 months and the planning time before. It is different kind of responsibility, but health of parents (physical and emotional) is important in the further child development. I know that the caring for the pre-born child may not have much to do with this post, but I really think that bringing up a healthy child we can accomplish much better job. What I am talking about is stress, smoking, drinking, eating junk food, etc during pregnancy and after too. People still do that stuff, and it is sad. Sometimes we blame children for misbehaving thinking it is a social factor, but chemical imbalance in children can cause lot of issues down the road, and hard time for parents to discipline them once they realized that things they did before were not right.
Max you said: 'I bet your parents used to talk a lot to you and your brothers :)...' - actually it was different for us. We grew up in the very disciplined environment. Cannot really blame them for that. There are things that when I think about them now, that I wouldn't do with my children, but then these things were kind of passed on from generation to generation, and I think it is also part of the Slavic ethnic groups, and partially something to do with education too. Like I said I don't blame them for that, because they work hard to raise us and give us the best what they thought.
Max you said: 'and it could teach them two things: 1- avoid consumerism, 2- keep them busy enough so that they won't have time to think about nasty things...' - you are absolutely right.
Max you said: 'That is why I wrote this article, cause I am thinking about having kids soon and I am already asking myself all the questions that need to be asked...' - you are smart woman Max, see you are already in the planning mode, so I have to say you will be one fine mother one day (not to forget the father) and I can see you just being a perfect example to many.
Must say, this is quite educational post Max. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Anna :)
Hello Anna,
ReplyDelete"Max also I would like to add the 9 months and the planning time before." - absolutely! You are right :)! The planning is also very important cause it helps us have conscience of our responsibilities and root them in our brain....
"It is different kind of responsibility, but health of parents (physical and emotional) is important in the further child development." - you are absolutely correct!
"I know that the caring for the pre-born child may not have much to do with this post, but I really think that bringing up a healthy child we can accomplish much better job. What I am talking about is stress, smoking, drinking, eating junk food, etc during pregnancy and after too. People still do that stuff, and it is sad." - no, you did well to bring it up (it is an important issue): I find it hard to understand pregnant women who smoke, drink, eat badly and do not part from stressful situations *nodding*. Once we realise that we are pregnant, I think we should radically change our life and habits (our baby must be our main concern, we should talk to our belly - baby - read him stories, listen to music, dance, meditate, work but shield out stress...bring peace onto the phoetus...). It is sad indeed, specially because information is out there and people just neglect it *nodding*.
"Sometimes we blame children for misbehaving thinking it is a social factor, but chemical imbalance in children can cause lot of issues down the road, and hard time for parents to discipline them once they realized that things they did before were not right." - I totally hear you, darling!
"actually it was different for us. We grew up in the very disciplined environment. Cannot really blame them for that. There are things that when I think about them now, that I wouldn't do with my children, but then these things were kind of passed on from generation to generation, and I think it is also part of the Slavic ethnic groups, and partially something to do with education too. Like I said I don't blame them for that, because they work hard to raise us and give us the best what they thought." - I see...just like you said: "these things were kind of passed on from generation to generation" and many times it is hard to change...but you will have the chance to change that :D. That's right; your family did the best they could and they did a wonderful job....look at you :D! And in the end they are always there, right?
"you are smart woman Max, see you are already in the planning mode, so I have to say you will be one fine mother one day (not to forget the father) and I can see you just being a perfect example to many." - thank you :). lol yeah, I am already in the planning mode :)...
Oh, we will have to wait and see if I will be a fine mom or not...I'll let you know when my kids leave for college LOL LOL ;D. Oh, the father will be a terrific one, I am sure :D!! Don't make me blush now...lol....
"Must say, this is quite educational post Max. Thanks for sharing your thoughts." - your comment was quite educational *bowing*! Thank you :).
You are most welcome...sharing thoughts is precious, isn't it? :D
Cheers
Hey Max, I thought I add few little things to this comment. You said "Once we realize that we are pregnant, I think we should radically change our life and habits (our baby must be our main concern, we should talk to our belly - baby - read him stories, listen to music, dance, meditate, work but shield out stress...bring peace onto the phoetus...).' - one day when you are there you will also find out that father will be the only one that will be able to kiss the belly, lol. Birth is a miracle. Thanks Max for all your wise inputs. Hey Max nothing like healthy blushing - supplies more nutrients to your face through blood. Got to run, lol. Anna :) btw 'sharing thoughts is precious' - yes it is!
ReplyDeleteAnna,
ReplyDeleteI was about to call in the night when I saw your comment :)!
"I thought I add few little things to this comment." - you are most welcome to do so ;)....
"one day when you are there you will also find out that father will be the only one that will be able to kiss the belly, lol." - LOL LOL LOL LOL I guess you are right...LOL that was a good one. And I am sure he will love doing it :)!
"Birth is a miracle." - Amen, darling; Amen!
"Thanks Max for all your wise inputs. Hey Max nothing like healthy blushing - supplies more nutrients to your face through blood." - don't mention it :D! LOL then I will blush away ;D...
"Got to run, lol. Anna :) btw 'sharing thoughts is precious' - yes it is! " - thanks for your amazing adding-up; you are adorable, Anna :D!
Cheers
Thanks Max, and sweet dreams. And now I AM BLUSHING lol lol, by mistake I post this message on LS blog, lol, hope he does not mind along with other thousand of commentators, lol. Anna :)
ReplyDeleteMax,
ReplyDelete"...whom do they want to shoot in reality: dad, mom; both; siblings? Perhaps that child has been neglected at home...parents "live their own lives" instead of making their kids their life (which they are, their kids are their genetic perpetuity, their immortality)."
There is a reason we are born with an umbilical cord; to maintain a connection, not have it severed for life. Initially it has to be severed, but that doesn't mean the bond has to be bludgeoned to death. Parents consciously or unconsciously create their children for the most part. They create their environment, their social skills, they way they feel about themselves, emotions, etc. When you have children, that is it, you no longer have yourself - they are still a part of you.
"...indeed there are parents who are absolutely adorable, and practice good parenting too, yet their kid is messed up (and some are even evil); I ask: is it karmic?"
I believe it is karmic. Souls travel in groups. So if the parent was meant to have a rotten child, it is part of their (parent and child's) karmic debt.
The criminal mind is a clever mind in reverse. In other words, they are clever enough to commit the crime (it takes weeks of planning, ingenuity, lots of brain power and pain.) Put those ingredients together and it is explosive. Instead of using their mind for good, they use it to harm - that's why I call it a reversal of thought; like reverse engineering. They can't separate the pain.
Pain Free Cheers
Hey Max!
ReplyDeletegrazie della visita,
quella del Proto non la sapevo...
di solito si viene vedere da tecnorati se ti linka qualcuno, ma il suo link verso di me è inattivo...
bene,
lui traduce proprio bene,
ha quel intuito artistico..
il link è questo
Invece la poesia mia da tradurre sarebbe questa:
Orchidea,
sempre se hai voglia di sperimentare.
Grazie dei commenti, un giorno mi ci metto a leggerti e tradurre con più insistenza...ora scappo,
ciao Max!
buon finesettimana XXXKISSXXX
Anna,
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome; and thank you! As I replied (in LS' blog), I actually had sweet dreams...you are a doll :)!
LS doesn't mind, I am sure :D!
Cheers
Alexys,
ReplyDelete"There is a reason we are born with an umbilical cord; to maintain a connection, not have it severed for life. Initially it has to be severed, but that doesn't mean the bond has to be bludgeoned to death." - this is so beautiful, sista! And I totally agree...beautiful, wow... :D
"Parents consciously or unconsciously create their children for the most part. They create their environment, their social skills, they way they feel about themselves, emotions, etc. When you have children, that is it, you no longer have yourself - they are still a part of you." - absolutely, absolutely! Girl, you are inspired (well, you are always) *bowing*!!
"I believe it is karmic. Souls travel in groups. So if the parent was meant to have a rotten child, it is part of their (parent and child's) karmic debt." - I hear you, girl! I gather you also believe that we choose our family before we reincarnate (or incarnate - for first timers)?
"The criminal mind is a clever mind in reverse. In other words, they are clever enough to commit the crime (it takes weeks of planning, ingenuity, lots of brain power and pain.) Put those ingredients together and it is explosive. Instead of using their mind for good, they use it to harm - that's why I call it a reversal of thought; like reverse engineering. They can't separate the pain." - very interesting *taking notes*...thanks for having shared this, my dear friend :D!
Soothing Cheers
Ciao Hanna!
ReplyDelete"grazie della visita," - prego :D!
"quella del Proto non la sapevo...di solito si viene vedere da tecnorati se ti linka qualcuno, ma il suo link verso di me è inattivo...bene, lui traduce proprio bene, ha quel intuito artistico.." - è vero, lui traduce beníssimo!! Devo ringraziarti per avermi datto il suo link, in quanto mi piace bene leggere tutti i suoi posts...
"il link è questo Invece la poesia mia da tradurre sarebbe questa: Orchidea, sempre se hai voglia di sperimentare." - ma chiaro che ho voglia di sperimentare! Quando finisco di la tradurre ti dirò qualcosa, vabbenne?
"Grazie dei commenti, un giorno mi ci metto a leggerti e tradurre con più insistenza...ora scappo," - non c'è di che, bella ;)! Non c'è problema; prenditi il proprio tempo :)!
"buon finesettimana XXXKISSXXX " - grazie mille, buon finesettimana anche per te!!
Baci
As usual, interesting post, Max!!! I hope that I can become a wise mother in all my imperfection. I'd definitely hope to be given a teachable heart and mind at all times (because I'm so stubborn and rebellious sometimes).
ReplyDeleteAnd btw, GOOD NEWS, we bought the tickets to Indo already. Hopefully there's no hindrances in going there in October (7-24 October) and that I can see my brother's baby then he he he...
And hopefully when I get back, I can get pregnant quickly HI HI HI HI HI...
Max,
ReplyDelete"Girl, you are inspired (well, you are always) *bowing*!!"
Oh thank you my dear. You must bring it out. :D
"I gather you also believe that we choose our family before we reincarnate (or incarnate - for first timers)?"
Yes.
Wishing you a happy weekend and for Gods sake, stay out of trouble will ya? LOL
Trouble Free Cheers
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi! Much has already been said in regards to reasons and possible solutions for the lawlessness and disrespect shown by some juveniles. So I’ll take another slant on things.
ReplyDeleteIn by gone days children were entertained by their parents, extended family and the occasional school outing. Areas of enjoyment were normally restricted to the close quarters of home under parental supervision. If not, other parents and or teachers would fill that void.
At home any trouble would be dealt with quite firmly and so short-lived. If not children were restricted to barracks until they learnt better.
If away from the nest, they would be sent home with their tails between their legs, expecting and getting the worse.
The ‘polluting of young minds” was kept to a minium. As TV and other forms of enjoyment were far cleaner than today.
Today the ‘polluting of young minds” is way out of control. Why? Supervision is minimal or non-existent as both parents normally work, young people travel far from the nest unsupervised to seek out their friends and fun and they’re exposed to things that their parents would never allow them to experience until adulthood.
That brings me to another point; children want to grow up too fast and to experience things before their time. With hindsight, what is the rush!
So whom do we blame? Ourselves for a start. Wanting to deliver the goods to make their lives happy and fun and to put a roof over their heads, we end up both working.
In other cases, we just give in to their whims in order not to create waves.
When we see things going wrong way down the track, we only then think one of us should have stayed at home or done things differently.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing but it doesn’t repair the damage done to our children.
So whom do we blame next? Well, it’s a long list but to make a long story short, this problem may never have happened if the family unit had stuck together in the first place.
I may be wrong but they’re my thoughts for today!
Now! where can I buy some of that utopia?
Take care,
Peter
PS the deleted comment was me! Sorry!
Hi Peter!
ReplyDelete"In by gone days children were entertained by their parents, extended family and the occasional school outing. Areas of enjoyment were normally restricted to the close quarters of home under parental supervision. If not, other parents and or teachers would fill that void." - indeed...
"At home any trouble would be dealt with quite firmly and so short-lived. If not children were restricted to barracks until they learnt better." - I suppose you're right, my friend....
"The ‘polluting of young minds” was kept to a minium. As TV and other forms enjoyment were far cleaner than today." - I totally hear you on this one...
"Today the ‘polluting of young minds” is way out of control." - mind pollution...I like this!
"Why? Supervision is minimal or non-existent as both parents normally work, young people travel far from the nest unsupervised to seek out their friends and fun and they’re exposed to things that their parents would never allow them to experience until adulthood." - so true, so true...*nodding*...
"That brings me to another point; children want to grow up too fast and to experience things before their time. With hindsight, what is the rush!" - I ask that same question: what is the rush? Why want to be an adult so fast...and then when they get to adulthood they wish they were young again...complex....
"So whom do we blame? Ourselves for a start. Wanting to deliver the goods to make their lives happy and fun and to put a roof over their heads, we end up both working." - I hear you, my friend...
"In other cases, we just give in to their whims in order not to create waves." - but that is a gross mistake, isn't it? Making waves is one of parents' duties, confronting their kids comes with the turf...I can still remember my mom making waves, and she did a great job (if I may say so)...
"When we see things going wrong way down the track, we only then think one of us should have stayed at home or done things differently." - I have seen this happening...
"Hindsight is a wonderful thing but it doesn’t repair the damage done to our children." - true!
"So whom do we blame next? Well, it’s a long list but to make a long story short, this problem may never have happened if the family unit had stuck together in the first place." - Amen!
"I may be wrong but they’re my thoughts for today!" - you are not wrong, Peter! I loved your thoughts for today, and I thank you for having shared your views with us. I know you have kids and I consider your input a most valuable one, coming from a parent who has certainly asked himself lots of questions :).
"Now! where can I buy some of that utopia?" - LOL LOL I will let you know, my friend LOL....
Thanks for this awesome comment, my friend...needless to say that I am your fan *bowing*!
Cheers
P.S: It's ok, Peter! :D
Amelia,
ReplyDelete"As usual, interesting post, Max!!! I hope that I can become a wise mother in all my imperfection. I'd definitely hope to be given a teachable heart and mind at all times (because I'm so stubborn and rebellious sometimes)." - Thank you, girl :D!!! All you need to do to be a good mother is to be there for your kids, that's all they need :D! Hopefully, once you have babies, you will put their needs first (without obliterating your own needs of course, but your ego will be place aside for a few years)....
"And btw, GOOD NEWS, we bought the tickets to Indo already. Hopefully there's no hindrances in going there in October (7-24 October) and that I can see my brother's baby then he he he..." - Good news, indeed!!!!! I am so happy for you, girlfriend :D!!! Everything will be fine :)!
"And hopefully when I get back, I can get pregnant quickly HI HI HI HI HI..." - lol do what you have to do and I am sure you will, girl ;D!
Thanks for the news, and for your thoughts *bowing*! I missed you :)!
Cheers
Alexys,
ReplyDelete"Oh thank you my dear. You must bring it out. :D" - you are most welcome *bowing*! LOL I must, I must LOL ;)!
"Yes." - we are one of a kind....
"Wishing you a happy weekend and for Gods sake, stay out of trouble will ya? LOL" - LOL LOL I will; I promise lol! Thank you, darling; and I hope you had a wonderful one too :D!
Not even near the police station Cheers
hi Max, I have completed your tag. You can visit the post directly. The link is http://kalyansuman.blogspot.com/2007/11/behind-garden.html. Thanks:)
ReplyDeleteHey Kalyan,
ReplyDeleteI am on my way, buddy! Thanks for having participated :D!
Don't mention it!
Cheers
Hi Max!
ReplyDeleteBetter late than never LOL
You said:
"Interesting piece of art..(scroll down to learn more about it, *smile*, scroll back up to look at it) the usual Caravaggio excellence." - absolutely...it is incredible how he's almost perfect, nearly divine...
I respond:
LOL
Yes he was very good…..
You said:
Is the inclusion of the “saints” a tip towards the assistance of the Church or at least community in helping with children? :) Intentional or unintentional? Hmmm you do everything with intention so why? Hmmmm" - LOL LOL...it could be a mix of both: the community helping with children, and the divine which watches over parents to see if they are fulfilling their role (as the extension of God's role) properly :). I could also admit that I chose "Nativity" because it represents family. I selected this particular one (with the saints) as a symbol of families that have a specified mission on earth: they have the responsibility of watching over children that were sent by God to complete certain missions that will be part of history. The dark colours symbolise that the path won't always be easy, yet the Angels are there to assist them; and in the end the plan will be completed. This was so very true for Jesus, n'est-ce pas? :)
I respond:
Interesting “saints”… :)
Max I am wondering why you high cap “Angels”?
It is true of Jesus and of course He was directly in communion with God the Holy Spirit; and God the Father.
You said:
"LOL Would you like to define family Max?" - a family is a group of people that takes care of a child or children. These children (or child) can be blood related, or adopted. A family is a united group of people who works for the sake of the family, which on earth always comes first. A true family is one that always defends the interests of the whole familial group. I could go on, but I don't wish to be compared to Michael Corleone LOL LOL...
I respond:
LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL
Excellent line with “Michael Corleone”!! LOL
**High five!**
You said:
"Children, you belong to the Lord, and you do the right thing when you obey your parents. The first commandment with a promise says, "Obey your father and your mother, and you will have a long and happy life." Parents, don't be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord. - - Ephesians 6:1-4" - another good advice...do you think Paul had a good relationship with his parents, given his first job?
I respond:
Paul was a devout Jew, very well educated, he was a Pharisee as was his father, from an influential city in the Roman province of Cilicia (the city being Tarsus) and was a citizen of the Empire. He had opportunity, how much was because of his upbringing, and how much by his own initiative is interesting to think about, he was under the tutelage of the great Jewish teacher Gamaliel from a young age, so one would guess that he must have held promise at a young age. The Jewish authorities supported Paul in his actions as we will see in the next article on him. (I have already collected the art work for it)
You said:
"Your thoughts on God’s role as a Parent to humanity is a good point….(I think I may have heard this before LOL)" - LOL well, I did say that I had conversed about this with a friend...I wonder whom he might be lol.... :)
I respond:
LOL
I knew what you were saying, it was cute……
You said:
"Respect for parents should be expected; of course parents are to act in ways worthy of respect. If a parent goes against clear teaching from God the parent is wrong." - LOL now, why am I not surprised? *nodding*....LS, imagine that a person is not Bible inclined, and doesn't read it; yet he teaches his children how to be good and part from evil...is this parent wrong?
I respond:
LOL No they are not wrong, it would be one of the effects of common grace, being made in the image of God and having an inward knowledge of God’s plans for ALL people, the law is not just for one select small group of people, it is to convict ALL of their sin.
Many non-Christians can be better parents than Christians in many ways. Just because a Christian is a parent dose not mean they will do a good job of it. Abraham for example was a devout man of faith but also a horrible sinner, bad husband and father. Yet he is righteous before God by faith…. We don’t even have to get into David!!!
You said:
"Here we fall into the dilemma of post-modernist thought (yes again LOL). If people believe there is no absolute right and wrong or absolute Authority then havoc will begin to pervade society, not in all cases of course (thanks to common grace)." - LOL...LS, there are people who do not believe in absolute right and wrong and still do a better job (in raising children) than some of those who believe in the absolute Authority and preach to follow Jesus' teachings...
I respond:
I agree with you. I am speaking of society in general. However I would say that if those people did believe in absolute truth they would be even better, plus it would be better for society. It is the same as being a Christian, you certainly are not perfect when you become one, I certainly am not. Yet there should be a transformation, an upgrade, this is available to all….It may not make me better than my neighbor (by the way I try very hard not to compare myself to others so I am speaking in the language of logical argument here) but it will make me better than what I would have been otherwise.
You said:
"Often parents seem to feel they “lack jurisdiction” even with their own children. Enhancing this is the fact that in general more often parents are spending less time with their children; this has the effect of growing more problems." - this was what I was about to add in the previous point...parents, regardless of their beliefs, need to spend time with their kids, need to teach them who the authority is (parents nowadays empower 3 years old kids when they indulge them with everything they want, whenever they want it *nodding*...kids learn, very early, how to blackmail their parents to get what they want); but basically they need to make kids their centrepiece. Lack of jurisdiction occurs because parents want to be friends with their kids instead of upbringing them (I believe that family is our best friend, in a sense that friends come and go, yet family is always there [even if they are the worse family in the world, in the end they're there]; however when it comes to raising a child parents need to focus primarily in disciplining her, in preparing her for life first, and then worry about being her friend).
I respond:
I agree with you Max. I am sure that you also realize that you and I are actually quite similar in how we regard the family and society; it is nice to debate the different positions to see what we can learn. We are both just running with whatever “slack” the other is giving.
You said:
"Some parents abrogate their responsibilities as parents in favor of “being their friends”. Others are to busy with their own lives and are negligent in their parental relationship. Of course then often they try to make of for this with material goods that cannot replace the lost relationship building." - LOL (I am reading this paragraph by paragraph, so I didn't read this part prior to replying the previous one). Yes, and there lies the modern societal mistake: parents do not have "their own lives" when having children (and when they do the result is the one we know so well)! Material compensation for the lost (rather non invested) parental quality time is psychologically perilous; what message are they trying to send?
I respond
LOL That happens to me all the time with our conversations, it actually makes them very interesting! LOL
We are on the same page…. The messages parents are sending are in some ways confusing and in other way quite misleading.
You said:
"I would not per say your life is over but is drastically different (children are a blessing)." - I did say "as we know it" meaning that our comfortable routine "dies" (i.e. changes), thus the "our life is over" as in "dead"...
I respond:
I’m with you….
You said:
"Often one of the great tragedies is that people start living for their children and then their marriages fall apart which is awful for the children. A solid relationship between the parents is best for the children.This relationship also acts as a model for the children." - we have also talked about the Apollonian measure...which should be applied to everything in life. Fostering a healthy relationship with your spouse is providing a good life to your children; it is teaching them what a family is (this is why divorce can be so damaging for kids: their sense of family is completely shattered); is giving them peace, the peace they need to grow up healthly...
Now, I am aware that there are mono-parental families, and I am not against it; but truth being told kids like (and need) to have both a male and feminine figures for their own personal balance (our soul knows that we need opposite energies to be balanced).
I respond:
I agree Max….except for the cute “opposite energies” part unless you mean inherent differences in gender and personalities….
You said:
"Disrespect for civil law is a natural development of post-modernist thought. If all truths are equal then who are you to tell anybody what to do? We are then down to might makes right…." - lol lol...LS, all truths are not equal; and the proof is what is true for me, is not true for you (since the truth is whatever our mind is willing to accept as such - yes, again LOL) and vice-versa.
I respond:
LOL
All truth is not equal because they don’t all match up to the Standard of truth the same way.
Opinion is not truth.
You said:
"At the same time there are so many broken marriages, a lack of overall truth to appeal to as a moral standard that it is a morass that is inextricably suffocating the health out of society, yet most are in denial, or are self deluded. The drug issue alone is a horror. A free society demands citizens that will work together to better the society." - broken marriages abound not because of lack of an overall truth, but because of lack of respect, of patience, of planning, of knowing what one wants to do with his life...so many factors, LS. There are people who do not defend absolute truth yet have healthy and long marriages.
I respond:
LOL LOL
Actually respect, patience, planning etc are impotent without absolute truth; you are recommending concepts that must be under girded with truth. The vast majority of people in actuality do believe in absolute truth they just choose to go against it at times when it is inconvenient to their personal desires. People believe in absolute truth but try to use smoke and mirrors to hide it. I know of no truly happy healthy long marriages that do not have an appeal to absolute truth somewhere within their framework…
You said:
"When such a large part of society is “dysfunctional” how can it help itself?" - the small part of society can help by setting the example, so that others can follow their example....little by little, family by family, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, community by community....
I respond:
I think there is a lot of this going on, and as this has helped in the past it should help in the present….
You said:
"One of the keys is volunteerism. Those who are healthy must volunteer their time, energy, talent and yes wealth to help those who cannot carry their burden. Organized volunteers can and do make a huge difference in society." - I hear you, my friend *bowing*...but volunteering starts inside the family. If families would come together and help each other there wouldn't be so many misfortunate and abandoned people...
I respond:
Here the drug issue is so bad for some areas, the ones causing much of the crime that they are irrational and cannot help themselves, it will take the larger part of society to help them change. The drug issue is so bad here that many want to legalize illicit drugs. Fortunately most of those proponents won’t make it to the polling booths….
You said:
"Max you have interesting thoughts throughout this article, many of which lead me to thinking of Plato’s The Republic, and Thomas More’s Utopia (perhaps you are alluding to it?)." - indeed, I am...*bowing*....
I respond:
LOL LOL
Easy to pick out as I had the book on my computer desk while reading your article!! LOL
More had some good ideas, although he also had some that were off the mark, he certainly was influential with the book….
Excellent conversation Max, thanks for the stimulation and thought provoking interaction, you are soooo good!
Hello LS!
ReplyDelete"Better late than never LOL" - LOL LOL you know?
"LOL Yes he was very good….." - lol what on earth are you laughing at...? lol
"Interesting “saints”… :)" - lol thank you... :)
"Max I am wondering why you high cap “Angels”?" - Angels are High Ranked Spirits; they are God's Messengers...plus they receive direct orders from Him, and not from other low ranked angels.
"It is true of Jesus and of course He was directly in communion with God the Holy Spirit; and God the Father." - so I hear Christians saying, my friend...
"LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL Excellent line with “Michael Corleone”!! LOL **High five!**" - LOL LOL I knew you would like it LOL *high five*! lol....
"Paul was a devout Jew, very well educated, he was a Pharisee as was his father, from an influential city in the Roman province of Cilicia (the city being Tarsus) and was a citizen of the Empire. He had opportunity, how much was because of his upbringing, and how much by his own initiative is interesting to think about, he was under the tutelage of the great Jewish teacher Gamaliel from a young age, so one would guess that he must have held promise at a young age. The Jewish authorities supported Paul in his actions as we will see in the next article on him. (I have already collected the art work for it)" - lol I have already read that article: an excellent one if I may say so *bowing*! And the art work is superb too: congrats :D! Interesting, Paul's history....very interesting...so, it isn't specified how good it was his relationship with his parents, eh? It is funny how in history people never write these things....
"LOL I knew what you were saying, it was cute……" - LOL cute? That was not my intention lol....
"LOL No they are not wrong, it would be one of the effects of common grace, being made in the image of God and having an inward knowledge of God’s plans for ALL people, the law is not just for one select small group of people, it is to convict ALL of their sin." - LOL I see where you are going to with this lol *nodding*. I agree that we all have innate knowledge of God's plans, even if one denies His existence - it is there and there's nothing one can do. You know my thoughts about the Law (since you referred to sin): it was meant for God's chosen people, and I don't think it convicts anyone; it rather offers the chosen ones a guide to a life of success...
"Many non-Christians can be better parents than Christians in many ways. Just because a Christian is a parent dose not mean they will do a good job of it. Abraham for example was a devout man of faith but also a horrible sinner, bad husband and father. Yet he is righteous before God by faith…. We don’t even have to get into David!!!" - what makes you say that Abraham was a bad husband and a lousy father? LOL what is wrong with David (apart from Bathsheba) *shifty eyes*?
"I agree with you. I am speaking of society in general. However I would say that if those people did believe in absolute truth they would be even better, plus it would be better for society." - I see where you're coming from....
"It is the same as being a Christian, you certainly are not perfect when you become one, I certainly am not. Yet there should be a transformation, an upgrade, this is available to all….It may not make me better than my neighbor (by the way I try very hard not to compare myself to others so I am speaking in the language of logical argument here) but it will make me better than what I would have been otherwise." - interesting, LS...I accept your explanation *bowing*...
"I agree with you Max. I am sure that you also realize that you and I are actually quite similar in how we regard the family and society; it is nice to debate the different positions to see what we can learn. We are both just running with whatever “slack” the other is giving." - lol yes, I have realised that we have similar views on family and society...but you know us: we are in for the conversation...we converse, we learn that's what we do lol...
"LOL That happens to me all the time with our conversations, it actually makes them very interesting! LOL" - I agree....lol
"We are on the same page…. The messages parents are sending are in some ways confusing and in other way quite misleading." - we are definitely on the same page...
"I’m with you…." - *bowing*....
"I agree Max….except for the cute “opposite energies” part unless you mean inherent differences in gender and personalities…." - LOL LOL cute!? LOL LS, take my words as you wish...but I meant "opposite energies" lol...
"LOL All truth is not equal because they don’t all match up to the Standard of truth the same way." - all truth is not equal because people close their minds to certain concepts which are part of the Truth; right, LS? :)....
"Opinion is not truth." - true. But I was not talking about opinion, I was really speaking of truth...your truth is not my truth; yet the Truth is.
"LOL LOL Actually respect, patience, planning etc are impotent without absolute truth; you are recommending concepts that must be under girded with truth. The vast majority of people in actuality do believe in absolute truth they just choose to go against it at times when it is inconvenient to their personal desires. People believe in absolute truth but try to use smoke and mirrors to hide it. I know of no truly happy healthy long marriages that do not have an appeal to absolute truth somewhere within their framework…" - LOL you are so provocative, I am shocked (I thought I was the only one LOL)! Are you accusing the majority of people of being ambiguous, hypocritical (since they speak against something they believe)? Are you promoting an elite group that believes in Absolute Truth? Oh, so besides being ambiguous and hypocritical couples who state not to appeal to absolute truth are also counterfeiters of happiness LOL LOL....*nodding*...
"I think there is a lot of this going on, and as this has helped in the past it should help in the present…." - we are on the same page then...
"Here the drug issue is so bad for some areas, the ones causing much of the crime that they are irrational and cannot help themselves, it will take the larger part of society to help them change. The drug issue is so bad here that many want to legalize illicit drugs. Fortunately most of those proponents won’t make it to the polling booths…." - I see, I see...well, drugs are a serious issue and I agree with you when you say that it will take the larger portion of society to help....
"LOL LOL Easy to pick out as I had the book on my computer desk while reading your article!! LOL" - LOL LOL do you think it is a coincidence LOL :)?
"More had some good ideas, although he also had some that were off the mark, he certainly was influential with the book…." - if you ask me it was a form of socialism....and more I say not....
"Excellent conversation Max, thanks for the stimulation and thought provoking interaction, you are soooo good!" - no, my friend; I thank you *bowing*! You are a very interesting book, and I learn a lot from you :D! LOL LOL thank you, LS
...it is an honour coming from such a brilliant mind *bowing*.... :)
Cheers