I have been asked about hope and where it fits in to what I have been writing. The purpose of having a rational element is to be able to sort things out. We have science where we observe and report consistencies, we have philosophy where we acquire a world view and we have practical applications of our knowledge. Our rational being or what some call our spirit is like a referee that hangs out in the background and applies each as it sees fit.

Today in our culture these areas are blurred and overlapped. We call philosophies science and pretend there is a practical application to philosophical things. The founders of our country had a grasp on this and fought to keep them separate. Lets take a little time and examine this.

We already discussed the so called “debate” on creationism. The fact is that none of this is based in science. There is a little sense to each side and either takes faith to believe. I am of the opinion that assistance was needed since it makes more sense but cant prove it as a matter of fact. I would have to show observable consistencies and that is impossible this far from the actual event. Just think of a crime scene a couple weeks and then twenty years later; not much evidence and open to conjecture. Origins; creationism or Darwinism, are therefore a philosophical subject. Neither belong in textbooks under the guise of science. Many evolutionists I have dealt with in the past simply have an anti-Christian philosophy. They thump science in the same way that Christians thump the Bible. But it is not possible for either philosophy to be proven scientifically.

Concerning government, we are looking for a practical application that will work for everyone. Theocracies have a tendency to contain people who claim authority over others based on their own philosophies. The fact is that we are all equal. No one has an appointed position by a god over other people. Those in government cannot appoint themselves the savior of their people either. Position doesn’t make one superior in wisdom to others. It is practical to have normal people who excel in normal life to become our representatives. We want someone who is sharp and yet one of us. Governing by this principle is more practical than having elites who want to push their own philosophical beliefs on us. We don’t want to feed their ego or become their subjects. We want them to do the job for us and that is it. Protect our rights and keep unity so we can be strong toward other countries.

We can discuss philosophical hope. The Bible can be applied figuratively or literally. Some believe that the judgment given in the New Testament applied toward the generation of that day. If you read history, there was literal destruction and mayhem for the Jews at that time. Some believe that it applies to our future. My experience is that they follow news stories and apply figurative things to current news. It is all nonsense. I believe in a creator and I believe in redemption. As far as contrasting it against judgment, I think better of God than that. Who would make such beauty and so many spirits with potential only to condemn them forever? It makes no sense philosophically. If someone saw fit to create me then he will also take care of me when I die. Otherwise he would be on the same level as a cruel torturer. He has a plan to help the people that I consider bad. I know it will turn out good. I believe he is love and see it as a driving force in the world and so I am going to go with it.

Practical hope would apply toward where I am going on this earth as a human. If I stay in shape and keep my mind sharp, I will have a better chance to contend with what life brings my way. Nothing is permanent. Depression and anxiety are a result of losing focus. Our happiness shouldn’t depend on others but others do bring us joy. So I do what I can to enjoy each moment, work toward goals and savor the past. Every lesson learned is golden but digging for it can be painful.  Depression and anxiety?; you have to admit that there is a certain pleasure to it. So don’t sweat it but look forward to the goodness to come.