"Mankind is not primarily defined by sin." -J. Kranzusch

thought one:
cognitive dissonance:

"According to cognitive dissonance theory, there is a tendency for individuals to seek consistency among their cognitions (i.e., beliefs, opinions). When there is an inconsistency between attitudes or behaviors (dissonance), something must change to eliminate the dissonance. In the case of a discrepancy between attitudes and behavior, it is most likely that the attitude will change to accommodate the behavior.

Two factors affect the strength of the dissonance: the number of dissonant beliefs, and the importance attached to each belief. There are three ways to eliminate dissonance: (1) reduce the importance of the dissonant beliefs, (2) add more consonant beliefs that outweigh the dissonant beliefs, or (3) change the dissonant beliefs so that they are no longer inconsistent.

Dissonance occurs most often in situations where an individual must choose between two incompatible beliefs or actions. The greatest dissonance is created when the two alternatives are equally attractive...

Example:
Consider someone who buys an expensive car but discovers that it is not comfortable on long drives. Dissonance exists between their beliefs that they have bought a good car and that a good car should be comfortable. Dissonance could be eliminated by deciding that it does not matter since the car is mainly used for short trips (reducing the importance of the dissonant belief) or focusing on the cars strengths such as safety, appearance, handling (thereby adding more consonant beliefs). The dissonance could also be eliminated by getting rid of the car, but this behavior is a lot harder to achieve than changing beliefs. "

thought two: re: eros (uh-oh... thats never a good sign)

why "falling" in love? from what i have observed (being very observant about such things), it's far more, "letting love go," as in releasing a flood, or breaking down in tears, or belching, or some other uncouth thing. falling in love sounds so innocent, like "accidentally" stepping in a mud puddle. there's nothing accidental about it.

and opera is kinda sick. pretty sometimes, but sick.

thought three:
"Josephus, writing late in the 1st X A.D., say s that Cyrus read the prophecies about himself in Isaiah [45:1] and wished to fulfill them."

who ever said exegesis isn't fun?

musical though of the day: ('cause thinking in music is nice)

Everybody I know says they need just "one thing"
And what they really mean is that they need just one thing more
And everybody seems to think they've got it coming
Well I know that I don't deserve You
Still I want to love and serve You more and more
You're my one thing

Save me from those things that might distract me
Please take them away and purify my heart
I don't want to lose the eternal for the things that are passing
'Cause what will I have when the world is gone
If it isn't for the love that goes on and on with

[chorus]
My one thing
You're my one thing
And the pure in heart shall see God
You're my one thing
You're my one thing
And the pure in heart shall see God

Who have I in Heaven but You Jesus
And what better could I hope to find down here on earth
I could cross the most distant reaches
Of this world but I'd just be wasting my time
'Cause I'm certain already I'm sure I'd find

[Repeat chorus]

Every night and every day
You hold on tight
Or you drift away
And you're left to live
With the choices you make
Oh Lord please give me the strength
To watch and work and love and sing and pray

Whom have I in heaven but You, Jesus...
and what better could i hope to find down here on earth...
[repeat verse 3]





R. Mullins, thank you.