And I do get what you’re saying about the “labels”. My concern for balance requires some redefining perhaps, but then we can’t discuss anything without labels of some kind. And there are many tenets of modern organized religion that I think are healthy such as forgiveness, and altruism, which I believe is something of a misnomer as reaching out to someone else improves things for everyone.

I tell you, I’m more of an agnostic than an atheist. Until I can explain the origins of the universe down to the finest minutiae, I can’t be arrogant enough to declare that “that is all there is”. I do, however, believe that if there is a higher power, we don’t have the remotest idea of what it’s about outside of psychological instinct and a general sense of harmony. That’s why, when such a thing becomes explained in what I consider to be immature and melodramatic terms, I tend to shut off.

So many of the world’s religions repeat a common pattern and have done since the beginning of man. My ideas about how they “help” us are more scientifically based, but as I said, I won’t claim to be the final authority on anything. But as you said, “inside” is where to start. However you make that contact is likely a good thing.

Peace, back atcha.

Okay- I’m a labeler. And I get that you are saying something deeper that doesn’t apply to traditional labels. But, I do feel dark and feel light. Feel, not just think of them as labels- and that’s why I used those terms.

I would love a copy of your book. Good luck. And I guess I’ll see you on Nate’s blog. I feel like I should stop dropping by there since I’m not a published author. I’d hate to annoy the authors with my lameness.

And don’t dismiss the higher power thing completely.:) For me, God is inside me, not outside. But, that’s me.

Peace.

No worries about the the long comment. One look at my post, and you have to wonder if I really needed 2,000 words to describe the concept of looking within for strength instead of without.

I completely understand your reservations about the Pandora’s Box that exists in the heart of a great many unwashed. However, I think learning to draw strength from oneself rather than from a “higher power” can be learned, and that strength scares those who would use that higher power to control, as you also alluded to.

What happens if we don’t become comfortable with the full range of the natural universe is we trap some truths somewhere that find their way out eventually anyway, and by then they’re far more dangerous. If we focus on one side, physical law dictates that we’ll be unbalanced. I think somewhere in there is where we get weak and afraid. I also think that lack of balance contributes to some of our more deadly diseases, but that’s another song for another time.

My ideas have less to do with morality as they do with a general connection to ourselves and how we grow – which in essence, I feel, means truly learning about those things we’re afraid of rather than labeling them as “dark” or “evil”. There is affront to life and love in the world, no doubt, and my characters in sWitch run the gamut. In fact, it’s my “heroes” that are the ones who are trying to be something they’re not by striving for some identity that is actually tearing them apart. My “antagonists” draw them out in their own sick ways, but instead of saying that my heroes have reached their “heart of darkness”, I feel they’ve become “balanced”.

I really am pleased you took the time to comment, Jeanne. I do enjoy hearing the point of view of someone who is an active member of the Episcopalian Church with which I have some experience as my sister was married into that faith. I was raised Roman Catholic, but from a very young age I never felt I was getting the whole story. There was too much hidden and far too much division. That never felt healthy or right.

Anyway, I’ve gone on again. But thanks so much for visiting, reading and commenting so thoughtfully. Hopefully you’ll come back, and like I said, I’ll be letting everyone know when the book is ready. I’d be more than happy to send you a copy as my gift.

Cheers, see you at Nathan’s blog, and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Scott

Your story is very interesting. As are your thoughts about who we really are inside. Feel Good Satanism- that’s a term you don’t hear bandied about much.

If you ever went to my blog you’d see I’m a participant in the rotting old religion. But, I still agree with you about many things. For one thing, there is great power in darkness. I totally believe that. I also believe there is great evil in the modern Church. And great, great evil in some of the Leaders who use their “faith” to get what they want, win, etc…

I hate Church these days. I’ve been really outspoken about this in my life. I have a hard time dragging myself to Church. But, it has nothing to do with my actual faith in God. I have full faith in God and in “the light” as well as belief there is “dark” etc… One can’t exist without the other. To a certain extent, I think they crave each other. But, I think God has gotten lost in the modern Church. I think that it’s big business – and there is something very sinister about that. But, W.A.S.P. that I am, I can’t stop going altogether. I try to drown out what I hear there, and just think my own thoughts and pray my own prayers. I’m Episcopalian though- they don’t really care what you think or believe.

But, about the darkness. Yes, it’s real, and hot, and sexy, and powerful, and very easy to get lost in. And if I’m going to read a book that has a romantic aspect, it needs a shot of darkness. There is nothing hot about two overt Christians – well- you know what I mean.

But, I’m glad that a vast majority of the population keeps their minds closed and marches to the beat of the same, old drum. And the reason is- I don’t trust most of the population to have the intelligence or maturity to delve deeply into themselves, and evolve. I am terrified to think what a Pandora’s box that could be. I doubt many people have a deep, true love for, or comprehension of- dark, or light. Most people are followers, not experiencers (is that a word.):) But, if following works as a sort of strait jacket on the mass populus, then, good. You know? Good. Because it takes a great deal of depth, strength, maturity, and intelligence to go further. (I hope that makes sense.)

Well, that’s probably all I should write for now. Sorry this comment was so long.
I’m still interested in reading more.
Jeanne