I have seen so many people come to positions of power with the best intentions, the desire to make positive changes in a world fraught with negative occurrences. Somewhere along the way, they become enamored of their own power, of the titles bestowed on them, and they forget the goal. I don't believe they make conscious choices to walk away from their altruistic dreams. It seems more like a drawing toward some kind of undefined glory. Captivated by their seeming omnipotence, they attempt to maneuver the world (and people) to fit their design. Rather like Dr Frankenstein they struggle to create "Life" or a form of Life that meshes with their own ideals.
Is this the ongoing struggle between Man and G-d? Is Man's desire to equal G-d what keeps us from uniting with G-d?
Bereshit 3
"4 And the serpent said unto the woman: 'Ye shall not surely die;
5 for G-d doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as G-d, knowing good and evil.'"
2 comments:
Just curious as to why you never actually spell out God....please let me know.
I guess I should add this to my profile, it's the second time I was asked! Questions are good though and I appreciate you asking!
It has become customary for pious traditional English-speaking Jews to write the word as "G-d" -- presumably by analogy with the usual substitution of adonai, "Lord," or even ha-Shem, "the Name," for the proper name of G_d in prayers or Scripture readings. "G-d" is actually a conflation of two commandments, one against blasphemy and the other against destroying or damaging Jewish holy books or holy names -- that is, one writes "G-d" so that one can toss or rip the paper with no qualms later on. Otherwise, one might have to treat the paper as one treats a used Torah scroll or even notes from studying Torah, putting it into a central storage facility and eventually having it buried. (And, yes, by extension one types "G-d," although I think the accepted opinion is that it's OK to delete a file with G_d's name in it in English as long as you don't tear up a printout. Maybe. It's still under discussion.)
Out of respect for this law I feel more comfortable writing G_d. It's sort of like the blasphemy of saying "Jesus Christ" when you stub your toe. Which by the way I also try to avoid doing out of respect for my Christian friends.
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