|
Language Language is alien to this planet. Language symbolizes thought. It is what makes us human and separates humankind from everything else on this planet. Consider - is language tangible? Some argue language is the evolution of intelligence. Intelligence exists in various species of animals on earth. Language does not. Is it communication? Communication exists among most living things. A plant can communicate its readiness to reproduce. A barking dog can communicate to other animals to keep away. Language can be used for communication, but communication is a subset of language. Language can express things that do not exist! Language can symbolize non-tangible ideas. Language can express belief. I believe that words are what makes us separate from this world - that part of us that many people call "spiritual". It is language that is pointed to when God said, 'Let us make man in our image'. Mythology points to this - but as with most mythology it is obscured. ...When all things began, the Word already was. The Word dwelt with God, and what God was, the Word was. The Word, then, was with God at the beginning, and though him all things came to be; no single thing was created without him... This is the part of us that was created in the image of God. We create - nothing on this planet creates but us. Our creations all begin with words we use to convey to ourselves or to others what we intend to create. Once we utter what we will create - it is. ...God said, 'Let there be light', and there was light... Creation exists only with language. The words we use to create are synonymous with us. What we are, apart from all other things on the earth, is what our creator is. This is an example of the demonstrable truth of obscure mythology. The myth of the Word and Creation is totally synonymous with what we know about ourselves. Words can be stolen and used to bend truth. Ironically, they can be used to deny the existence of anything that cannot be physically seen, even though words themselves cannot be seen - yet exist. Words cannot be erased, because the media they are ultimately imprinted upon is not physical. Words carry with them undeniable power. But while words (or symbols) can be defined and redefined - at their root is one truth. Darkness is the cover over the meaning of symbols. Light is the power of interpreted symbols. An example. The stereotypical Bible-thumping TV evangelist, interested only with lining his pockets, waving a Bible in the air, tells listeners what is inside. He quotes often, but seldom in context. He convinces followers that the Bible, the Word, says that God wishes them to "support his ministry". He profits. He distorts the messages in the Bible. Should he be perceived as a hypocrite, many will assume that the Bible is as full of falsehood as the preacher, and will turn away from God. He profits from those who believe his mumbo jumbo, and creates disbelief in those who see through his charlatanism. However, his misuse of the Bible assures its survival. This age old misuse of the biblical Word has misled countless individuals, but it has also kept the Word of the Bible available. Humankind's belief in the Bible keeps it available - and so too does humankind's misuse of it. With this is mind let's reread the first verses from the first chapter of John. Italics are mine. When all things began, the Word already was. The Word dwelt with God, and what God was, the Word was. The Word, then, was with God at the beginning, and through him all things came to be; no single thing was created without him. [the Word] All that came to be was alive with his [the Word's] life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines on in the dark, and the darkness has never mastered it. This example demonstrates that myth, widely regarded as
mumbo jumbo, can be made plain as day. Though it may have been obscured
by false teachings it is still available. The truth can still be extracted
from it. All symbols can be resolved. Truth is immediately recognizable. |