Greetings and salutations!

Further Ponderings...
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Preamble: Often (such as the case below) the fragments I write may seem dark and brooding, and that is a side of my nature that I explore, a side of everyone's nature really. But it is also important to recognize that there are truths that offer joy and hope embedded in such thoughts, just remember that nothing is ever the entire picture in and of itself....

Forays into dark moments of despair and whistful fantasies hurl me into seductive chaos. I sink into the depths of hopelessness and hate, forgetting what the light feels like as it kisses my skin and blankets my eyes. I am cold and alone in this empty tomb, but I am comfortable and aware, lucid and clairvoyant. Tears fall from joy and sorrow adding to the pool in which I now drown safely.

Moving on....

I am an evolutionist in the sense that I accept the idea of micro evolution though not macro evolution. I support the idea of intelligent design and certainly don't pretend that creationism is science (not to suggest there is no scientific support for it). That being said I also challenge those who consider themselves "scientists" to admit that science is also highly dependent on faith.

I actually consider humanity to be the best defense of and best detractor of evolutionary theory. The fact that humanity continues to be a waring, hateful, barbourous and competitive species, supports evolutionary constructs, while the idea that those facets of humanity that are reproducing the most are the least qualified and equipped to do so is particularly damaging to such constructs.

On another point....

One way to look at the truth pertaining to spirituality, religion, faith, and so on is to say that there is certainly a spiritual mainframe in place. As part of its design, this mainframe can be accessed in a variety of ways (alternative religions, lifestyles, etc.) However, regardless of the multiple ways by which this mainframe can be connected to, it remains that it is owned and operated by God, and to access the system core, a dedicated, personal connection is required.

We cannot understand in order to believe; we must believe in order to understand...

Actual thoughts on Japan....

Japan is a stunningly gorgeous place, and I've been into the art and music for some time. Some of the cultural and historical aspects are fascinating, but there's also a deep isolationist/formality of politness dynamic here that is saddening at times. At first glance, most everyone is very nice, but you quickly learn that they keep to themselves a great deal and rarely open up. Their kindness may be largely a formality rather than genuine, and their entire language and series of behaviours is essentially based on set traditional levels of politness which change based on the given situation.

If anyone has any questions they'd like to ask about Japan, please feel free.

With Hope,
Joseph