P and Q Theology

So here's my theory. It's been moldering around inside my head for about a year. It's the near-perfect analogy---> P and Q = a somewhat pessimistic view of religion. It's one interpretation, from a young theologian.

1. Janis is God.

a. He is the creator of this site.
b. He created the Ten Commandments of the site.
c. Unfortunately, he is a creator that falls into a mostly Deistic theology. He got this thing rolling, and has been apparently absent from his creation ever since.
d. Occasionally Janis deigns to return to his creation, and He is then hailed like the deity He is. Praises are heaped upon him. Miracles are worked. Earlier complaints are buried, in thankfulness for His brief presence.

2. The Mods are priests.

a. They are here to promote the rules that have been set down by The Supreme Janis.
b. Unfortunately, due to the absence of Janis, they are often left to fend for themselves. This results in:
-interpretations of rules that, in the best situation, are still liable to be filled with "human" error, since we can't ask Janis what was in His mind.
-in the worst situations, these rules can be used like divine laws passed by greedy priests - for the furthering of their own causes.
-they are forced, unfortunately, to present a united front, sometimes at the expense of an effective position.
c. the Mod priests are also having to deal with doubt - they must doubt that Janis will return, doubt that he really wants what's best for His creation (which they will not admit, outside of their own hearts, in an effort to prove immutability and solidarity) doubt... in fact... about whether Janis even exists at all. Oh, the drama.

3. The members of the site are the laypeople
a. they are sheep, who must (at least according to some) be led in flocks, and watched closely to keep from being too stupid and eating each other. You know... cannibalistic sheep.
b. They are also dealing with crises of doubt. They don't know where their prayers/appeals go. They don't know if they are taken seriously. They don't know whether the priests speak truly, or whether they are dishonest or confused.
c. They do know, though, that to speak too loudly or too roughly against the priests, God, or the religion can get them censured, blacklisted, and even excommunicated.

4. There exists a group of heretics.
a. We tread a dangerous position, but it's all we can do. Having become dissatisfied with what we see as potential corruption within the current system, we have been forced to band together, a group of (sexy, intelligent) outlaws.
b. We are dangerous - and in danger - because we sometimes scorn the priests. We invite doubt into a world that ought, according to the modlings, be established on faith alone.
c. We have our own problems as well. We glorify the struggle. We martyr ourselves. We are in danger of losing our original purpose, for the sake of our egos and our passion. We might have trouble putting ourselves in the shoes of our hierarchical leaders. Furthermore, any group that dares to point out flaws in the system have the danger of it crashing down around them. This is bad, because...

d. Like in other religions, there is goodness in this site. There is inspiration and beauty and soul, however tricky it might be to find in a world of cliche and hollow verses. However much this religion has been tainted by human corruption, there's still something we love about it, or else we wouldn't be fighting to save it. Hopefully it need not be a violent struggle. There is such thing as peaceful communion, even among rivals.

Amen.

LOVETHIS. some of it is far too generous though.

;]

"you know I was thinking, which I rarely do, but there are many members on this site who would be a huge asset to the forums, and yet they wouldn't participate if you paid them...why do you think that is.....actually there are a few reasons, but the main ones are so evident, yet no one will come to grips with it...."

My take is that those that could contribute something of value are too intelligent, independent, or what not, to place as much value in this poetry site, outside of the poetry aspect, as some of us do. Better things to do...

I disagree with you, Amanda. We are all on this website to voice our opinions in one way or another, and for the majority if us, that is through poetry. If anything, the timid ones would feel inclined to participate in the discussion sections, because the internet protects us from the recluse of our shy, introverted personalities in "real" life. Then there are those of us who participate because we are outspoken in most aspects of our lives, want to help others, have serious issues, or have nothin' better to do. And there you have it.

I spend so much time here because I'm undeniably lazy, you lot are semi-entertaining, and I like writing. I can't really think of one solid GOOD reason why any of us spend the time we do writing in discussion boards. It's always better to talk to people in "real" life, me thinks.

I guess I'm with both Britt and Jane on this one.. but other than that, it was a good laugh.

Are the mods like Catholic priests?

Hopefully not in all ways. You know.

I've met some very awesome ones, personally. One interviewed me for an arts scholarship at a Catholic college once. We ended up talking about books, philosophy, life paths, destiny... it was an excellent conversation. Very smart fellow, but absolutely humble. You could tell he just had this joy for life. Actually, he might have been a monk, not a priest. Hmm....

I think I remember Bob having some specific opinions about some Catholic priests... am I making that up?

Haha, because we don't still -have- a pope? ; )

I thought this site needed an injection of humour... maybe not.

I'm... rather confused right now.

Yes, it seems as though a contradiction has just occurred.

Ahem!

....

lol

Heretics and priests are often quite similar, except heretics usually preach much more.

I BELIEVE....SAVE ME....SAVEEEEEE ME

Come on over, little man. I'll show you the way to salvation. ; )

Sillybean its perfectly normal to be confused... just dont stray from the straight and narrow my dear child... or you will go to P&Q HELL!

And A.Sol... shouldn't that be AMEN not AHEM...? :)

Why am I becoming president, Betta Belle?

President... of the WORLD?

Haha! ...Fine. : ) I actually would NOT want to be the president of most anything. Uh uh. Too much power, too much pressure.

Let's NOT get carried away? Huh...Where's the fun in that?