But Who Will Care?

I think I actually get the point, Chris. I just disagree with the importance and application of the observation itself. Why would anyone care about the so-called "highest human qualities" to begin with? We have no common ground on which to base an assumption of some sort of list of the highest human qualities. Sure, the church has a very authoritative list, but why will anyone else care unless they're exposed to their own depravity first? Actually, I kinda think we may just be making the same point, but in different words.

Human Soul?

Chris brings up many stimulating thoughts, but I am caught on this: "It wouldn't be too much to say that many of our peers probably doubt they even have a soul." Well, yes. If everyone agreed that we had a soul, then we would be preoccupied with trying to satisfy this part of our life. The soul is fascinating. We are comprised of three parts: body, mind, and spirit... right? Okay, where does the spirit dwell? Could this just be a state of mind? Hmm...

My desire is to better understand our soul issue. There are several assumptions that I need to state before the argument ensues. First, every human being has a soul (if you disagree, please let me know). This includes mentally handicapped and unborn human beings (different issue, but important none the less). This soul resides in our physical body while alive on earth. It is eternal, but I believe that it was created upon conception. Upon death, the soul goes somewhere; I would argue that is either heaven or hell.

Now, what evidence to we have to support the claim that a soul resides in us? This is not a tangible entity. We cannot separate it from the body, nor can we see it in the body. I would argue each person has a soul, but I am afraid I have very little evidence to support my assertion.

I need your help.

But What Are We Really Missing?

I agree with whatsisname. There really is no standard or template for being "good" or "upstanding" anymore. Back in the day, we at least had some semblance of guidance via forced churchgoing (not by the government, of course, but by a free-market society in which everyone else guilted you into going), but alas, that's been deemed "unconstitutional" and "intolerant" and "generally just plain lame." So sad. But then again, Chris, do we really want people to be aware that they have a soul? Other than fire-and-brimstone preaching, which no longer exists, why would anyone care where their so-called soul will end up after they die? I think the apathy to issues of the spirit and soul is actually a symptom of a greater problem: apathy on the part of the church to literally "scaring the hell" out of people who aren't believers.

What is this place?

Due to lack of understanding on your part, I am obligated to share with you the meaning of this title, "Gates of Gehenna." Believe it or not, at one point in my life, I had no idea what the term "Gehenna" meant, but nearly twenty-one years later, I am fully versed. Soon, you too, will be a learned individual. Here it goes:

'"Gehenna" is a word tracing to Greek, ultimately from Hebrew Gai-Ben-Hinnom meaning Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and is still called Gai Ben Hinnom in Modern Hebrew (גיא בן הינום), though this is sometimes shortened to Gai-Hinnom in rabbinical texts. An alternate way to transliterate this word is Gehinnom. Originally it referred to a garbage dump in a deep narrow valley right outside the walls of Jerusalem (in modern-day Israel) where fires were kept burning to consume the refuse and keep down the stench. It is also the location where bodies of executed criminals, or individuals denied a proper burial, would be dumped. Today, "Gehenna" is often used as a synonym for Hell.

According to Smith’s Dictionary of the Bible Volume I, “It [Gehenna] became the common lay-stall garbage dump of the city, where the dead bodies of criminals, and the carcasses of animals, and every other kind of filth was cast.”

So, with much pleasure, I extend an invitation to the Gates of Gehenna. Enjoy!

Way To Steal My Thunder, Chris

Andrew here.

I was actually planning on posting something very similar to Chris' previous offering. However, seeing as how I don't care about originality as much as I care about propriety, I'm still going to do it.

I'm a 21 year old Pisces who enjoys sleeping, eating, dreaming about eating, laughing at those less fortunate than myself, and kicking babies right in the face. I'm currently a Junior at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS), and I'm majoring in Communication. No "s". It's not comunicationS. I'm not majoring in cell phone sales. I plan on doing this for a living. Yes, this right here. Writing. Can you possibly think of a more roudabout way to become a writer than to get an undergrad degree in Communication, go to law school, practice law for long enough to finance a career in writing, and then actually begin searching for jobs in that field? I can't.

I really enjoy film. I came *this* close to majoring in film production, but I selfishly decided I wanted to actually make enough money to eat everyday, so that idea was quickly scrapped. I still consider myself a film buff. Just look for the posts that have references to movies and TV shows in them, and it's a safe bet they're mine.

Unlike Chris, I'm not ashamed to admit that I like 80's hair metal. I actually have a framed "Asia" poster in my room right now (see the above section for an explanation). I don't, however, consider myself knowledgeable in music at all. Don't ask me questions about music unless you enjoy reading answers like, "Oh, they really suck," or "Oh yeah? Well their drummer is SO GAY!"

My true passion, if I'm going to be honest with myself, is full-body latex jumpsuits. I'm actually wearing several of them right now. I really like the feeling of sweating until I've dropped a shirt size. It makes me feel like I've done something, even if all I did that day was reorganize my DVD collection and call some old guy "a Social-Security-sucking drag on our economy."

The Alluring Scent of Morning Glories

What scattered hills pepper the vast trails of man's destiny; what sorted trails lie untouched in the darkened precipices of our journey? When once death comes what side of what gate shall I stand in trepidatory silence? With each step death comes ever and immanently closer to the fearful and unknown. What wise philosophers, poets, and prophets have so long told us of the land beyond? And yet ringing in our ears are the hardened and ardent words of only one man who dared to stand boldly in the face of death.

One may here choose to turn back, for the stench of the preacher's hand is poignant and full. However, fears and prejudices aside, only one has dared to face death in boldness and humility; in courage and strength; in humbleness and submission. And so it is that only one has seemingly gained victory over it. Early Palestine paints a picture of a world not seen in human history before. The Roman Empire, in the length of its history, would stretch from Great Britain to Asia, and all would bow to Caesar or death would be their ally. And yet, Caesar had a problem.

Domitian would little, and pretty much not, tolerate resistance, but, nonetheless a small band of rebels stood firm in their convictions against the tyrant; the dragon; the beast. No hand would make them bow; no one would gain their reverence except the one who saved them. For them death was no enemy, and its hand held no treachery. Their only fear was that of neglecting their awed and joyful love for Christ. Who is it that they should fear? Can the one who has power over the flesh in any way bring more terror than he who has power over the spirit?

No indeed, just as Lazarus knew the depths of the life after and the refreshing ascent to the flesh once more, so too have we been buried through baptism into death in order that we too may experience new life. We must march boldly on in the light of the life that we have, for we are assured, as believers in the true way of Christ, that our life is all enduring and will burn ablaze for eternity. We are that scent-full and energetic blossom of a morning glory that is breaking the till and bursting forth from the ground in new life and exuberance; we are in Christ who, being buried in a garden, has ushered in the new spring season of our spirits and enraptured us in the breadth of His life-giving hand in order that we too may have new life. No seed that has not been buried may seek new life and new salvation. With what courage and ferocity may I bury myself to myself? With what boldness may I stand toe to toe with the ceaselessness of existence? With what faith may I submit myself to death? What life may I lay down in order to find it?

Hey, y'all! I will post something friggin's sweet soon, but until then check out my personal blog site at www.thegardenneargolgotha.blogspot.com. -- a post on death soon to come!!!

Yeah, Abandon Hope...

Ohh, yes... Here is what you have been seeking. This is what you have been longing for. This is beauty, life, and hope. Yes...

What are the intentions of this sick ass, super blog? To probe the deep issues in life. We aim to provide quality entertainment for the world. We will rock you at the core of your being. Where are we going? Who cares?

Who are we? We are the brightest minds on this planet. We are unique. We are bold, confident, courageous, daring, and motivated. We are young punks that live with a screw the system mentality. We love life. We are fully alive. Don’t “f” with us.

This is the beginning. This is the end.

Reckless Abandonment,

-Z