Apinum MN,
yes it is fun to find a like mind. It is even more fun, that we do not agree on some basic things.
"If one can show there is no God than it means one is not accountable for what one does."
I disagree, it makes one totally accountable. In fact, I envy Christians their faith, it must give them great peace of mind. In my world, there is no "God's will". You have to find the answer to everything yourself, or decide to let it pass. This requires much effort of will, for the "what ifs" would drive one mad. Many people in business, hide behind loudly proclaimed christian principles, to try to get an easier opportunity to swindle you. So an excuse to do as they want to, cuts both ways.
I agree with you about the Hollywood portrayl of things. It does history a great disservice. I would find it almost iconcieveable, that Jesus of Aramathea, was not swarthy skinned, hook nosed, with dark beady eyes. Just like Arafat, or any other Palestinian of today. The Egyptians, living in a country such as theirs, would certainly have been brown skinned. "He who walks in the sun, must necessarily become darkened."
My view of Jesus, is that of the Jews. I have no argument with the fact of his existence. However, I take great issue with the notion that he was the son of God. He was a leader of his people, and the greatest that they have had so far. But I do not think he was as great a leader as Ghandi. By passive resistance, Ghandi also got rid of the invader out of his country. Something Jesus did not achieve. The Romans finally left, a few centuries later.
Democracy and Capatalism, are not automatically the best way for a developing country. Capatilism, is perhaps the best business model. A benevolent dictator such as Dr Mahatir, is probably best for a developing nation. Provided of course, one can avoid a corrupt bureaucracy, and not become another Nigeria.
My background - I am a fifth generation Aussie. My Grandfather's grandfather came out from Scotland, and estalished Tambo property, in central western Queensland. Not that you would guess my Scot's ancestry, for I am dark skinned. Which is very handy in this climate. German is a second language for me. It was very handy in my work. A lot of the equipment, was made by Glunz and Jenkensen in Denmark. So die Ersatzteile (spare parts manuals) war in Deutsch. German literature is great. I love poetry, so I enjoy Hesse and Goethe. Once again, my working life has been to busy, to pursue my literary interests too much. A career, a home, and a family, takes up all one's time. It would be churlish to wish for more, but being human, we do. Oh, yes! I have a business on the outskirts of Brisbane, but I have spent time in PNG. I was the senior Computer Engineer for my last company, for 19.5 years. The PNG Branch was in Vahare Rd. Gordons, in Mosbi.
The legends and stories of your people, do need chronicling. The translations into Tokpisin that I have read, certainly seem slanted by the beliefs of the people doing the translations. One person, after translating several legends, stated that he could not understand why everyone killed each other. eg: After a man had found his son, brought him back to the men's house, and informed him of the various things that are itambu. Well, the son broke a major taboo. In his shame, the man killed his son, and because the shame on the family was so great, he then killed himself. I thought, that if the translator could not understand the role of shame in a traditional society, then he had missed the point. In fact, some mission people I have met, won't have PNG wood carvings in there house. Their explanation is, that many of the carvings are satanic. Curiouser and curiouser, as Alice said. Of course, as I don't believe in God, I don't believe in the Devil.
I must go now, work calls. I just worry that we are stultifying dicussion, by so dominating this forum with our debate. I hope others do not feel we are inconsiderate to do so. Should this be the case, I apologise to them.
Regards......Ralph.
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