Transcendentalism

Transcendentalism is on the move, its everywhere. From posters, pamphlets, newspapers, to advertisements saying that it is a good thing… but what is it? As a Christian, the question becomes, who is this authority figure, and who makes the judgement calls from what is right, verses what is wrong?  The definition of transcendentalism is a simple idea. It is the indication of equality; people, men and women, having knowledge about themselves and the world around them that goes beyond what they see, touch, taste or hear. According to philosophers, this knowledge comes from intuition and imagination, not through logic or the senses. People can trust themselves to be their own authority on what is right. A transcendentalist is a person who accepts these ideas not as religious beliefs but as a way of understanding life relationships. However, I do not agree with what a transcendentalist may proclaim.

The whole idea of Transcendentalism originated in the 1960’s when Maharishi Mahesh Yogi came to the United States and was torn by all the issues at hand: race, riots, drugs, that all were ruining upcoming youth. He began lecturing on the virtues of “scientific” answers to all spiritual parts of man. People thought of him as a “savior”, who brought a time of “meditation” to many people. Transcendentalism can also be a type of meditation that claims to relieve anxiety, and fears. Essentially, it “opens the mind to greater things.” However, the worst anxiety a person can have is far deeper then stress, it has to do with life or death. Only God can eliminate that kind of anxiety.

Those who wanted to participate in this new ideology were asked to bring fruit, flowers and a handkerchief to their first session. These items were then placed in front of a picture of Maharishis master, Guru Nev, who passed away. The instructor proceeds to sing a song in ancient Sanskrit, language of the Hindu religion and the newcomer is supposed to bow afterwards. This song is in parses of Hindu gods and meant to invoke the spirits. One might be asking where the church stood with all this. Surly they didn’t buy into all of this. Wrong. Even the church leaders were sold on the idea and promoting it to their congregations. Christ is missing from the equation, replaced by idles, breaking the first commandment: “No other gods before me” God speaking.

God gives us clear guidelines to live by, told to us in the bible. We are told that our ignorant activities and fears are caused by our separation from Him.  We are not divine and cannot reach God by our own efforts; we cannot save ourselves, nor can we exercise or meditate ourselves out of our anxieties...only the Holy Spirit can help. The Bible warns about evil powers and spirits.  Evil spirits are real beings: they are personalities not just 'forces'.  Human beings cannot stand against beings that are made mightier than us, unless God is on our side. He is the highest authority and reins over everything, creator of all. (Genesis 1:1). He is the one who gives us courage and strength from evil. He still gives us the right to choose, acting the way we want. However, all he asks of us is to shine His light and spread his word to others to know that they are loved and can be forgiven.

As far as whether I am a Transcendentalist, I’m far from it. It goes against all my beliefs, and against everything that God stands for. He is my highest authority, not spirits nor any idles.

The Great Gatsby

Fitzgerald’s novel, the Great Gatsby, and Baz Luhrmann’s version of the movie were similar yet, different in a lot of ways. Though the movie stayed to the main plot, a few changes were done concerning Nick and Jordan, Gatsby’s murder by George and Gatsby’s death and funeral.

In Fitzgerald’s novel, the romance between Nick and Jordan almost seemed to be obvious. The way they looked at each other, or even when they kissed under the moonlight. In the novel they become a couple and break up near the end of the summer. However, in the movie it is not as distinct that they liked each other. Rather, close friends.  During one of Gatsby’s parties, Jordan was whisked away from Nike by another man, who danced with her and left with her.

Near the end of the book, Gatsby is murdered by George Wilson, the mechanic husband of Tom’s mistress. In the novel, Tom just says it was Gatsby’s yellow car that ran over Myrtle. In the movie, it made to have Tom look like a major villain convincing Wilson that it was all Gatsby. He was the one who slept with Myrtle and he must be stopped. In the novel and film, Gatsby is waiting for a phone call from Daisy by the pool, so they could make plans together and run away. However, in the movie, the phone rings. The viewer can see the hope in Gatsby’s eyes right before George shoots him. People watching then know it wasn’t Daisy; it was Nick calling to see if Gatsby was alright.  None of this happens in the book, besides George killing Gatsby.

In both versions, Gatsby is lonely in death. In the novel the only person besides Nick that shows up is Gatsby’s real father who saw that Gatsby had died in a newspaper. He was mourning saying he never saw Gatsby since he ran away from home, but he knew he would of made a change in the world. However, the film depicted his funeral and death in a curler way.  No one shows up, no one cared. Not even Daisy.

All in all, the movie was a good reflection on the book. Though some changes were made to enhance the drama filled romance of this time, overall it was a good movie that kept the viewer wanting to watch more—to see what happens next.

"Bowling for Columbine"

After watching “Bowling for Columbine,” I talked with my mom and asked what she remembered hearing when this horrendous event occurred. The shooters didn’t just shoot anyone at Columbine, but asked each victim whether they were a Christian, athlete, or of a different ethnicity. My mom remembers hearing about two girls in particular that were killed. One was a girl named Rachel. Everyone knew her as the girl who made every person welcome. She was a Christian, very involved with her youth group and fellowship of Christians at her school. She was the kind of person who didn’t leave anyone feeling left out. She was even acquaintances with one of the shooters. However, she was the very first target. Her parents found her diary after she passed away. Rachel had mentioned that she wanted some meaning to come out of her life. Her family created a program called Rachel’s Challenge, a program that equips students to bring positive change in there schools around the country. This program has helped students to not only include others and bond with their peers, but to give assistance to those students who think they are not worthy enough to live. In addition, there was another girl named Cassie who had also been asked if she was a Christian. She stood up for her faith. Michael W. Smith, a very famous Christian song writer and singer, wrote a song in her memory called “This is your time.” This tragic school shooting killed and injured many students and teachers. However, there was a positive that came out of it all. Schools developed new ways and technology to keep students safer.

Ever since that morning, on April of 1999 at Columbine High school, there have been numerous school shootings and other tragic deaths. According to the movie, there are 11,127 deaths in America from guns, more than any other country. Many say that it’s because of America’s history of violence, the mixed ethnicity, or even the problems that our country encountered with civil rights in the very beginning. Even though this is a major problem in our Country, we have to view having the guns is not the whole issue that is at hand. The gun isn’t the “one” who pulls the trigger, the person does. They fear what could happen. Some of this fear was shown in the movie, from the 911 attacks to other shootings that caused Americans to not trust one another. In order to feel safe, even in their own home, they feel like they have to have a gun loaded and ready for anyone who threatens them.

 Some people also do not have the mental stableness to be able to have this huge responsibility. We all have to view each individual as a human being who knows and feels pain--we are all equal. In the New York’s newspaper article we read, about Japan’s 4 rules and laws to own a gun, I believe they are on the right track as to what the steps are to require such a weapon. Japan has each individual attend classes, pass a written test, a drug test and a background check.  The question arises for a similar issue, why do we go through so many obstacles to be able to drive a motorized vehicle? In Virginia I had to drive for 40 hours practicing with a parent, drive with an instructor around a course and on the main roads for 2 hours at a time for a whole week, and go to a court hearing for 4 hours, instructions on how a car can be dangerous and to be used responsibly. I feel as though these issues are very similar, and a type of process America should be taking.