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A Person Should Know Something of One’s Own Country, too, Before One Goes Abroad!
Almost all our misfortunes in life some from the wrong notions we have about the things that happen to us. To know people thoroughly, to judge events sanely is, therefore, a great step toward happiness. Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light. The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences. We must make sure that life does not fade away into a shadow-World in which, finally, even the date of the year becomes uncertain. For then even the names of people will become vaporized and therefore will be considered to have never existed. However, even if all disparities are somehow eliminated, we will still not attain equal opportunity for all. This is because what has not been recognized as an equal opportunity problem, except in feminist literature and circles, is the disparity within the family, the fact that its gender structure is itself a major obstacle to equality of opportunity. This is very important in itself, since one of the factors with most influence on our opportunity in life is the social significance attributed to pleasures of the flesh. The opportunities of girls and women are centrally affected by the structure and practices of family life, particularly by the fact that women are almost invariably primary parents. #RandolphHarris 1 of 21
My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular. What nonfeminists who see in the family an obstacle to equal opportunity have not seen is that the extent to which a family is gender-structured can make the gender women belong to a relatively insignificant aspect of their identity and their life prospects or an all-pervading one. This is because so much of the social construction of gender takes place in the family, and particularly in the institution of female parenting. Moreover, especially in recent years, with the increased rates of single motherhood, separation, and divorce, the inequalities between the genders have compounded the first part of the problem. This disparity among families has grown largely because of the impoverishment of many women and children after separation or divorce. The division of labour in the typical family leaves most women far less capable than men of supporting themselves, and this disparity is accentuated by the fact that children of separated or divorced parents usually live with their mothers. The inadequacy—and frequent nonpayment—of child support has become recognized as a major social problem. Thus the inequalities of gender are now directly harming many children of both genders as well as women themselves. #RandolphHarris 2 of 21
Enhancing equal opportunity for women, important as it is in itself, is also a crucial way of improving the opportunities of many of the most disadvantaged children. As there is a connection among the parts of this problem, so is there a connection among some of the solutions: much of what needs to be done to end the inequalities of gender, will also help to equalize opportunity from one family to another. Subsidized, high-quality day care is obviously one such thing; another is the adaptation of the workplace to the needs of parents. One of the things that theorists who have argued that families need or cannot be just, or who have simply neglected them, have failed to explain is how, within a formative social environment that is not founded upon principles of justice, children can learn to develop that sense of justice they will require as citizens of a just society. Rather than being one among money co-equal institutions of a just society, a family is its essential foundation. It may seem uncontroversial, even obvious, that families must be just because of the vast influence they have on the moral development of children. But this is clearly not that case. #RandolphHarris 3 of 21
Unless the first and most formative example of adult interaction usually experienced by children is one of justice and reciprocity, rather than one of domination and manipulation or of unequal altruism and one-sided self-sacrifice, and unless they themselves are treated with concern and respect, they are likely to be considerably hindered in becoming people who are guided by principles of justice. Moreover, the sharing of roles by men and women, rather than the division of roles between them, would have a further beneficial impact because the experience of being a physical and psychological nurturer—whether of a child or of another adult—would increase that capacity to identify with and fully comprehend the viewpoints of others that is important to a sense of justice. In a society that minimized gender this would be more likely to be the experience of all of us. Almost every person in our society starts life in a family of some sort or other. Fewer of these families now fit the usual, though by no means universal, standard of previous generations, that is, wage-working father, homemaking mother, and children. More families these days are headed by a single parent; alternative styles of parenting is no longer so rare; many children have two wage-working parents, and receive at least some of their early care outside the home. #RandolphHarris 4 of 21
There are so few who can mature with a good grace. Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. While its forms are varied, the family in which a child is raised, especially in the earliest years, is clearly a crucial place for early moral development and for the formation of our basic attitudes to others. It is, potentially, a place where we can earn to be just. It is especially important for the development of a sense of justice that grows from sharing the experiences of others and becoming aware of the points of view of others who are different in some respects from ourselves, but with whom we clearly have some interest in common. How effectively suffering expresses accusation depends on the inhibitions toward raising accusations. Where the fear is not too intense, suffering may be demonstrated dramatically, with open reproaches of the general content, “Look how you have made me suffer.” This in fact is a condition under which accusations ca be expressed, because suffering makes accusations appear warranted. There is also a close connection here with the methods used to obtain affection, which we have already discussed; accusatory suffering serves at the same time as a plea for getting pity and as an extortion of favours in reparation for harm done. The greater the restraint in making accusations the less demonstrative is the suffering. #RandolphHarris 5 of 21
This may go so far that the neurotic will not even bring to the attention of others the fact that one is suffering. Altogether, we find the greatest variation in one’s demonstrations of one’s suffering. Because of the fear that besets one on all sides the neurotic is constantly shuttling between accusations and self-recriminations. One result is a permanent and hopeless uncertainty as to whether or not one is right in criticizing or in considering oneself wronged. One registers or knows by experience that very often one’s accusations are not warranted by reality but are provoked by one’s own irrational reactions. This knowledge too renders it difficult for one to recognize whether or not one is really wronged, and hence prevents one from taking a firm stand when necessary. The observer is inclined to accept or interpret all these manifestations as expressions of particularly keen guilt feelings. This does not mean that the observer is neurotic, but it does imply that one as we well as the neurotic’s thinking and feeling are subject to cultural influences. To understand the cultural influences which determine our attitude toward guilt feelings we would have to consider historical, cultural and philosophical questions that would far surpass the scope of this essay. #RandolphHarris 6 of 21
However, even in passing over the problem entirely it is necessary at least to mention the influence of Christian conceptions on questions of morals. This discussion of guilt feelings can be very briefly summarized as follows. When a neurotic person accuses oneself or indicates guilt feelings in some kind, the first question should be not “What is one really feeling guilty about?” but “What may be the functions of this self-recriminating attitude?” The main functions we have found are: expression of one’s fear of disapproval; a defense against this fear; and a defense against making accusations. When Dr. Freud and with him the majority of analysts tend to consider guilt feelings as an ultimate motivation they reflect the thinking of their time. Dr. Freud recognizes that guilt feelings arise from fear, for he assumes that fear contributes to the generation of the “super-ego,” which he makes responsible for guilt feelings; but he tends to believe that demands of conscience and feelings of guilt, once established, operate as an ultimate agency. Further analysis indicated that even after we have learned to react with guilt feelings to the pressure of conscience and accepted moral standards, the motivation behind these feelings—though it may show only in subtle and indirect ways—is a direct fear of consequences. #RandolphHarris 7 of 21
If it is granted that guilt feelings are not in themselves the ultimate motivating power it becomes necessary to revise certain analytical theories which have been built up on the assumption that guilt feelings—particularly those of a diffuse character, which Dr. Freud tentatively called unconscious guilt feelings—are of paramount importance in bring about the neurosis. I shall mention only the three most important of these theories: that of the “negative therapeutic reaction,” which contends that the patient prefers to remain ill because of one’s unconscious guilt feelings; that of the super-ego as an inner construction which inflicts punishment upon the self; and that of moral masochism, which explains self-inflicted suffering as the result of a need for punishment. We must apply ourselves diligently to working out or salvation. It is important to display the evidences of salvation in our daily lives through our obedience to God’s commands and through putting on the Godly character traits that are called the fruit of the Spirit. And, the tense of the verb continue to work out indicates “continuous, sustained, strenuous effort.” Here again we see that sanctification is a process, and a process in which we, as believers, are very actively involved. Maintain confidence that God’s spirit is working through us. #RandolphHarris 8 of 21
God is working to enlighten our understanding of His will, to stimulate in our emotions a desire to do His will, and to turn our wills so we actually obey. Most of all, God gives us the enabling power so that we are able to do His will. So progressive sanctification very much involves our activity. However, it is an activity that must be carried out in dependence of the Holy Spirit. It is not a partnership with the Spirit in the sense that we each—the believer and the Holy Spirit—do our respective tasks. Rather, we work as God enables us to work. God’s work is possessed behind all our work and makes our work possible. The Holy Spirit can and does work within us apart from any conscious response on our part. We have seen this in the initial act of sanctification where God created within us a new heart and gives us an entirely new disposition toward Him and His will. God is not dependent on us to do His work. However, we are dependent on God to do our work; we cannot do anything apart from God. In the process of sanctification there are certain things only the Holy Spirit can do, and there are certain things He has given us to do. For example, only God can create in our hearts the desire to obey God, but He does not obey us. We must do that, but we can do so only as God gives us the enabling power to obey. #RandolphHarris 9 of 21
We feel and know we are eternal. To understand all is to forgive all. So we must depend on the Holy Spirit to do within us what only God can do. And we must depend on God just as much to enable us to do what He has given us to do. So whether it is His work or our work, in either case, we are dependent on Him. We are not just dependent on Him; we are desperately dependent on God. Because we so often equate Christlike character with ordinary morality, we fail to realize how impossible it is for us to attain any degree of conformity to Christ by ourselves. However, if we take seriously the long lists of Christlike character traits we are to put on, we see how impossible it is to grow in Christlikeness apart from the sanctifying influence and power of the Spirit in our lives. Christlike character traits are: Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, self-control, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, forbearance, forgiveness, thankfulness. That is fourteen beneficial character traits we are to put on (and there are others in Scripture), in addition to the many negative traits—pride, envy, jealousy, lust, covetousness, selfish ambition—we are to put off. Surely we must say with Paul, “And who is equal to such a task?” reports 2 Corinthians 2.16. #RandolphHarris 10 of 21
We have all been to the circus or the carnival or the county fair and watched with amazement the juggler tossing and catching his four of five clubs. Think what it would be like to juggle fourteen! Yet that is essentially what we are called to do when we are told to put on fourteen—or more—different character traits, as well as trying to put away some bad one. Only the Holy Spirit is equal to such a task. Only the Holy Spirit can orchestrate such a diverse and well-rounded development of Christian character. And yet we are told to clothe ourselves with these Christlike qualities. We are to do it; we are responsible. However, in Galatians 5.22, Paul called the qualities the “fruit of the Spirit”—the result of the Spirit’s work in our lives. Putting together those two thoughts leads to the conclusion that we are both responsible and dependent. We are responsible to clothe ourselves with Christlike character, but we are dependent on God’s Spirit to produce within us His “fruit.” We cannot make one inch of progress in sanctification apart from the powerful working of the Spirit in us. And God does this, not because we have earned it with our commitment and discipline, but because of His grace. #RandolphHarris 11 of 21
God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing—including the working of the Spirit in our lives—in Christ Jesus, that is, by His grace through the infinite merit of Christ. As we pray for the sanctifying influence and power of the Spirit in our lives, we can do so in confidence that God will answer our prayers because His answers are not dependent on us and our holiness, but on the merit of His Son. We have seen, then, a threefold view of sanctification or holiness. We have seen that our holiness is first of all an objective, perfect holiness, which is ours by virtue of our union with Him who is perfectly holy. Then we have seen that there is an initial act of sanctification in which a person’s basic disposition toward God and His law is changed. This change is experienced by the believer, but is not dependent on the believer. It is solely a work of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, we have seen that this initial act of sanctification is followed by the continuous action of the Holy Spirit throughout our lives as God works in us “to will and to act according to His good purpose,” reports Philippians 2.13. In every one of these views of sanctification we see the grace of God. God in His grace sees us perfectly holy in Christ. God in His grace sends His Holy Spirit to create a new heart within us and to write His law on our hearts, thus changing our basic disposition. #RandolphHarris 12 of 21
And God in His grace continues to work in us through His Spirit to transform us more and more into the moral and spiritual likeness of His Son. It is important to keep your features perfectly under control. When you are in a public place, it is terribly dangerous to let your thoughts wander. The smallest thing could give you away. A nervous tic, an unconscious look of anxiety, a habit of muttering to yourself—anything that carries with it the suggestion of abnormality, of having something to hide. In any case, to wear an improper expression on your face (to look incredulous when a victory is announced, for instance) is itself a punishable offense in the eyes of society. It is called a face crime. Consider that from the summit of these pyramids, forty centuries look down upon you. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people are created equally in the eyes of the law, and that they are endowed by God with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Measurement is the first step that leads to control and eventually to improvement. If one cannot measure something, one cannot understand it. If one cannot understand it, one cannot control it. If one cannot control it, one cannot improve it. Trust people and they will be true to you; treat them greatly and they will show themselves great. #RandolphHarris 13 of 21
There are risks and costs to a program of action. However, they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of a comfortable inaction. When we become conditioned to perceived truth and closed to new possibilities, the following happens: We see what we expect to see, not what we can see. We hear what we expect to hear, not what we can hear. We think what we expect to think, not what we can think. To place oneself under another’s spiritual tutelage is an act which may be dangerous or may be auspicious. It depends on the other—on whether one’s mind is really irradiated with the divine effulgence or whether it is darkened by its own ego. In The Book of Mormon, in chapter 22 of 1 Nephi, Israel will be scattered upon all the face of the Earth—the Gentiles will nurse and nourish Israel with the gospel in the last days—Israel will be gathered and saved, and the wicked will burn as stubble—the kingdom of the devil will be destroyed, and Satan will be bound. About 588-570 before Christ. “And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had read these things which were engrave upon the plates of brass, my brethren came unto me and said unto me: What meaneth these things which ye had read? Behold, are they to be understood accord to thing things which are spiritual, which shall come to pass according to the spirit and not the flesh? #RandolphHarris 14 of 21
“And I, Nephi, said unto them: Behold they were manifest unto the prophet by the voice of the Spirit; for by the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets, which shall come upon the children of humans according to the flesh. Wherefore, the things of which I have read are things pertaining to things both temporal and spiritual; for it appears that the house of Israel, sooner or later, will be scattered upon all the face of the Earth, and also among all nations. And behold, there are many who are already lost from the knowledge of those who are at Jerusalem. Yea, the more part of all the tribes have been led away; and they are scattered to and fro upon the isles of the sea; and whither they are none of us knoweth, save that we know that they have been led away. And since they have been led away, these things have been prophesied concerning them, and also concerning all those who shall hereafter be scattered and be confounded, because of the Holy One of Israel; for against Him will they harden their hearts; wherefore, they shall be scattered among all nations and shall be hated of all people. Nevertheless, after they shall be nursed by the Gentiles, and the Lord has lifted up His hand upon the Gentiles and set them up for a standard, and their children have been carried in their arms, and their daughters have been carried upon their shoulders, behold these things of which are spoken are temporal; for thus are the covenants of the Lord with our fathers; and it meaneth us in the days to come, and also all our brothers and sisters who are in the house of Israel. #RandolphHarris 15 of 21
“And it meaneth that the time cometh that after all the house of Israel have been scattered and confounded, that the Lord God will raise up a mighty nation among the Gentiles, yea, even upon the face of this land; and by them shall our seed be scattered. And after our seed is scattered the Lord God will proceed to do a marvelous work among the Gentiles, which shall be of great worth unto our seed; wherefore, it is likened unto their being nourished by the Gentiles and being carried in their arms and upon their shoulders. And it shall also be of worth unto the Gentiles; and not only unto the Gentiles but unto al the house of Israel, unto the making known of the covenants of the Father of Heaven unto Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the Earth be blessed. And I would, my brethren, that ye should know that all the kindreds of the Earth cannot be blessed unless He shall make bare his arm in the eyes of the nations. Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to make bare His arm in the eyes of all the nations, in bringing about his covenants and his gospel unto those who are of the hose of Israel. Wherefore, He will bring them again out of captivity, and they shall be gathered together to the lands of their inheritance; and they shall be brought out of the obscurity and out of darkness; and they shall know that the Lord is their Saviour and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel. #RandolphHarris 16 of 21
“And the blood of that great and abominable church, which is the whore of all the Earth, shall turn upon their own heads; for they shall war among themselves, and the sword of their own hands shall fall upon their own heads, and they shall be drunken with their own blood. And every nation which shall be at war against thee, O house of Israel, shall be turned one against another, and they shall fall into the put which they digged to ensnare the people of the Lord. And all that fight against Sion shall be destroyed, and that great whore, who hath perverted the right ways of the Lord, yes, that great and abominable church, shall tumble to the dust and great shall be the fall of it. For behold, saith the prophet, the time cometh speedily that Satan shall have no more power over the hearts of the children of humans; for the day soon cometh that all the proud and they who do wickedly shall be as stubble; and the day cometh that they must be burned. For the time soon cometh that the fulness of the wrath of God shall be poured out upon all the children of humans; for they will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous. Wherefore, He will preserve the righteous by His power, even if it so be that the fulness of His wrath must come, and the righteous be preserved, even unto the destruction of their enemies by fire. Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; for thus saith the prophet, they shall be saved, even if it so be as by fire. #RandolphHarris 17 of 21
“Behold, my brethren, I say unto you, that these things must shortly come; yea, even blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke must come; and it must needs be upon the face of this Earth; and it cometh unto people according to the flesh is it so be that they will harden their hearts against the Holy One of Israel. For behold, the righteous shall not perish; for the time surely mist come that all they who fight against Zion shall be cut off. And the Lord will surely prepare a way for His people, unto the fulfilling of the words of Moses, which he spake, saying: A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass that all those who will not hear that prophet shall be cut off from among the people. And now I, Nephi, declare unto you, that this prophet of whom Moses spake was the Holy One of Israel; wherefore, he shall execute judgment in righteousness. And the righteous need not fear, for they are those who shall not be confounded. However, it is the kingdom of the devil, which shall be built up among the children of humans, which kingdom is established among them which are in the flesh—for the time speedily shall come that all churches which are built up to get gain, and all those who are built up to get power over the flesh, and those who are built up to become popular in the eyes of the World, and those who seek the lusts of the flesh and the things of the World, and to do all manners of iniquity. #RandolphHarris 18 of 21
“Yea, in fine, all those who belong to the kingdom of the devil are they who need fear, and tremble and quake. Those who must be brought low in the dust; they are those who must be consumed as stubble; and this is according to the words of the prophet. And the time cometh speedily that the righteous must be led up as calves of the stall, and the Holy One of Israel must reign in dominion, and might, and power, and great glory. And he gathereth his children from the four quarters of the Earth; and he numbereth his sheep, and they know him; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd; and he shall feed his sheep, and in him they shall find pasture. And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth. And now behold, I, Nephi, say unto you that all these things must come according to the flesh. However, behold, all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people shall dwell safely in the Holy One of Israel if it so be that they will repent. And now I, Nephi, make an end; for I durst not speak further as yet concerning these things. Wherefore, my brothers and sisters, I would that ye should consider that the things which have been written upon the plates of brass are true; and they testify that a being must be obedient to the commandments of God. #RandolphHarris 19 of 21
“Wherefore, ye need not suppose that I am my father are the only ones that have testified, and also taught them. Wherefore, if ye shall be obedient to the commandments, and endure to the end, ye shall be saved at the last day. And thus it is. Amen,” reports 1 Nephi 22.1-31. Spiritual help cannot be given indiscriminately and at the same time given wisely. It should be conditioned by readiness, worthiness, and willingness to receive it. It should be offered only by those who are properly equipped, suitably qualified, and purely motivated. Building up personality is a job for Christ. I should not care to entrust my personality, such as it is to any individual of a lower intellectual and moral standard them that. This critique is also applicable to spiritual teachers, as well as psychotherapists, against whom it was directed. O God of Heavenly powers, Who by the might of Thy command drivest away from people’s bodies all sickness and all infirmity; be present in Thy goodness to this Thy servant, that one’s weakness may be banished and one’s strength recalled, and one’s health being thereupon restored, one may bless Thy holy Name, through our Lord Jesus Christ. O Sovereign Lord, Thou art the creator-Father of all people for Thou hast made and dost support them; Thus art the special Father of those who know, love and honour Thee, who find Thy yoke easy, and Thy burden light, Thy work honourable, Thy commandments glorious. #RandolphHarris 20 of 21
However, how little Thy undeserved goodness has affected me! how imperfectly have I improved my religious privileges! how negligent have I been in doing good to other! I am before Thee in my trespasses and sins, have mercy on me, and may Thy goodness bring me to repentance. Help me to hate and forsake every false way, to be attentive to my condition and character, to bridle my tongue, to keep my heart with all diligence, to watch and pray against temptation, to mortify sin, to be concerned for the salvation of others. O God, I cannot endure to see the destruction of my kindred. Let those that are untied to me in tender ties be precious in Thy sight and devoted to Thy glory. Sanctify and prosper my domestic devotion, instruction, discipline, example, that my house may be a nursey for Heaven, my church the garden of the Lord, enriched with trees of righteousness of Thy planting, for Thy glory; let not those of my family who are amiable, moral, attractive, fall short of Heaven at last; grant that the promising appearances of tender conscience soft heart, the alarms and delights of Thy word, be not finally blotted out, but bring forth judgment unto victory in all whom I love. There are risks and costs to a program of action. However, they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of a comfortable inaction. #RandolphHarris 21 of 21

Mills Station Residence 3 at Cresleigh Ranch
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It is Warm Work and this Day May be the Last to Any of Us at a Moment—But I Would Not be Elsewhere for Thousands!
I have found that if you love life, life will love you back. I accept life unconditionally. Life holds so much—so much to be happy about always. And keep in mind, a pint of example is worth a gallon of advice. Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity. Though the Philistines may jostle, you will rank as an apostle in the high aesthetic band, if you walk down Picadilly with a poppy or lily in your medieval hand. And everyone will say, as you walk your flowery way, “If he or she is content with a vegetable love which would certainly not suit me, why, what a most particularly pure young man or young woman this pure young person must be!” The confusion of moral values and artistic design found expression in the Aesthetic Movement, a credo of the late nineteenth century. At its heart was the belief that good design or beauty is elevating and that bad design or ugliness is corrupting. Followers of the Aesthetic Movement believed that Truth and Beauty were intertwined and that Falsehood and Ugliness were one. Aesthetics, then, had a moral implication, and good proportion, honesty, and harmony with natural laws were as much a characteristic of personal morality as of design. #RandolphHarris 1 of 23
This movement began in England and was Championed by the “Goths,” that is, the supporters of the Gothic Revival. In general, they wanted to restore the ritual and mystery of the medieval church and remove the more recent “low church” alterations which bring the congregation and the priest closer together. They came to believe in Gothic as the peculiarly English style (despite the Abbe Suger, Notre-Dame de Paris,Saint-Denis, and Chartres). Aesthetic Movement devotees generally fell into two camps. One camp led by John Ruskin (he celebrated the buildings of medieval Venice and believed that Gothic design was superb because it was the honest work of true crafts-people who worked anonymously and cared more for the glory of God than the glory of artistic fame), the great art critic of his time, felt that art must be inspired by nature to be true good, that no creation of compass and rule with mechanical repetition could ever hope to contain the spark of true art. Gothic Venice stood for an organic, communal way of life, and the beauty of its buildings reflects a wholesome social order. The most famous practitioner in this branch of the Aesthetic Movement was William Morris, whose plant-design wallpapers and carpets became very popular. #RandolphHarris 2 of 23
The Aesthetic Movement, was also known as “art for art’s sake,” and it permeated British culture during the latter part of the nineteenth century, as well as spreading to other countries such as the Untied States of America. The idea that beauty was the most important element in life, lead writers, artists, and designers to create works that were admired simply for their beauty rather than any narrative or moral function. The movement blossomed into a cult devoted to the creation of beauty in all avenues of life from art and literature, to home decorating, to fashion, and embracing a new ornate style. The other camps of aestheticians had a number of famous leaders. They believed that the direct imitation of nature in the applied arts was fakery. They deplored the use of perspective and modeling in wallpapers and carpet and insisted on flat, “conventionalized” forms for flat surfaces. Charles Locke Eastlake was a spokes-person for this camp. He wrote Hints on Household Taste and made the Aesthetic Movement popular in America. Another one of the most famous people in the Aesthetic Movement was Sarah Winchester with her World famous, marvelous, Gothic Queen Anne Victorian mansion. #RandolphHarris 3 of 23
Owen Jones, the chronicler of ornament and cofounder of the South Kensington School (later part of the Victoria and Albert Museum) was a famous champion. Another, of many, noteworthy people, and later infamous, spokes-person for this group of aesthetes was the writer Oscar Wilde. It is through his persecution as a homosexual that the word “aesthetic” has come to have conflicting implications. As a result, the Aesthetic Movement came to be regarded as both a moral crusade and an “immoral effeminate” circle at the same time. To understand this movement, however, one must look at the World against which they were reacting. The middle of the nineteenth century saw the end of crafted home furnishings in America. Just as the Rococo Revival style became popular, it became possible to make everything by the carload. Curved parlor chairs with naturalistically carved roses at the crest became the rage. Wallpapers with roses and ribbons were printed in so many modulated colours that they seemed three-dimensional. Wall-to-wall, Aubusson, patterned carpets had more roses and arabesque. China was transfer-printed with French shepherdesses and more roses. All of this factory-made prettiness in the French tastes was cloying to English aesthetic tastes. Badly made furniture and lumpy vases with oddly placed roses made them cringe. #RandolphHarris 4 of 23
People usually worked together to give the exteriors of Victorian houses a bright, elegant look and to highlight the carving and detail on the pillars and panels. Sometimes flowers on the houses might be painted a colour like navy blue on the capital as a lark. An element many Queen Anne’s have is a tower or a turret with a witches cap. Victorians were big on celebrating holidays, which is why one can find many religious and occult symbols and patterns on these estates. When we turn to the great tradition of Western political thought with questions about the justice of the treatment of the genders in mind, it is to little avail. Bold feminists like Mary Astell, Mary Wollstonecraft, William Thompson, Harriet Taylor, and George Bernard Shaw have occasionally challenged the tradition, often using its own premises and arguments to overturn its explicit or implicit justification of the equality of women. However, John Stuart Mills is a rare exception to the rule that those central position in the tradition almost never question the justice of the subordination of women. This phenomenon is undoubtedly due in part to the fact that Aristotle, whose theory of justice has been so influential, relegated women to a sphere of “household justice”—populated by person who are not fundamentally equal to the free men who participate in political justice, but inferiors whose natural function is to serve those who are more fully human. #RandolphHarris 5 of 23
The liberal tradition, despite its supposed foundation of individual rights and human equality, is more Aristotelian in this respect than is generally acknowledged. In one way or another, almost all liberal theorists have assumed that the “individual” who is the basic subject of the theories is the male head of the household. Thus they have not usually considered applying the principle of justice to women or to relations between the genders. When we turn to contemporary theories of justice, however, we expect to find more illuminating and beneficial contributions to the subject of gender and justice. As the mission of the family and the falseness of their gender-neutral language suggest, however, mainstream contemporary theories of justice do not address the subject any better than those of the past. Theories of justice that apply to only half of us simply will not do; the inclusiveness falsely implied by the current use of gender-neutral terms must become real. Theories of justice must apply to all of us, and to all of human life, instead of assuming silently that half of us take care of whole areas of life that are considered outside the scope of social justice. In a just society, the structure and practice of families must afford women the same opportunities as men to develop their capacities, to participate in political power, to influence social choices, and to be economically as well as physically secure. #RandolphHarris 6 of 23
Unfortunately, much feminists intellectual energy in 2020 has gone into the claim that “justice” and “right” are masculinist ways of thinking about morality that feminists should eschew or radically revise, advocating a morality of care. The emphasis is misplaced, I think, for several reasons. First, what is by now a vast literature on the subject shows that the evidence for differences in women’s and men’s ways of thinking about moral issues is not (at least yet) very clear; neither is the evidence about the source of whatever differences there might be. It may well turn out that any differences can be readily explained in terms of roles, including female primary parenting, that are socially determined and therefore alterable. There is certainly no evidence—nor could there be, in such a gender-structured society—for concluding that women are somehow naturally more inclined toward contextuality and away from universalism in their moral thinking, a false concept that unfortunately reinforces the old stereotypes that justify separate spheres. The capacity of reactionary forces to capitalize on the “different moralities” strain in feminism is particularly evident in an Apostolic Letter from Pope John Paul II, “On The Dignity of Women,” in which he refers to woman’s special capacity to care for others in arguing for confining them to motherhood or celibacy. #RandolphHarris 7 of 23
Second, I think the distinction between an ethic of justice and an ethic of care has been overdrawn. The best theorizing about justice, I argue, has integral to it the notions of care and empathy, of thinking of the interests and well-being of others who may be very different from ourselves. It is, therefore, misleading to draw a dichotomy as though they were two contrasting ethics. The best theorizing about justice is not some abstract “view from nowhere,” but results from the carefully attentive consideration of everyone’s point of view. This means, of course, that the best theorizing about justice is not good enough if it does not, or cannot readily be adapted to, include women and their points of view as fully as men and their points of view. But what are the conditions that change the equilibrium and mobilize aggression? What are the causes of “innate” aggression in animals and humans? If we can figure this out, we can then start to understand why some people feel threated by the equality of women. In reviewing both the neurophysiological and the psychological literature on animals and human aggression, the conclusion seems unavoidable that aggressive behaviour of animals is a response to any king of threat to the survival. #RandolphHarris 8 of 23
Or, as I would prefer to say more generally, to the vital interests of the animal—whether as an individual or as a member of its species. This general definition comprises many different situations. The most obvious are a direct threat to the life of the individual or a threat to one’s requirements for sex and food; a more complex form is that of “crowding,” which is a threat to the need for physical space and/or to the social structure of the group. However, what is common to all conditions for the arousal of aggressive behaviour is that they constitute a threat to vital interests. Mobilization of aggression is the corresponding brain areas occurs in the service of life, in response to threats to the survival of the individual or of the species; that is to say, phylogenetically programmed aggression, as it exists in animals and humans, is a biologically adaptive defense reaction. That this should be so is not surprising if we remember the Dr. Darwinian principle in regard to the evolution of the brain. Since it is the function of the brain to take care of survival, it would provide for immediate reactions to any threat to survival. Do men think they will be robbed of their roles as providers and be forced to submit and be subordinate? #RandolphHarris 9 of 23
Well, some people also believe that the lessening of women’s dependence on their husbands is what is to blame for the weakening of the family stability. Some people believe that paid work is “men’s” and it is “fathers” who bequeath wealth or poverty on their children. Aggression is by no means the only form of reaction to threats. The animal reacts to threats to one’s existence either with rage and attack or with fear and flight. In fact, flight seems to be the more frequent form of reaction, except when the animal has no chance to flee and therefore fights—as the ultima ratio—the final argument and also the last resort. Dr. Hess was the first to discover that by the electrical stimulation of certain regions of the hypothalamus of a cat, the animal would react either by attack or by flight. As a consequence he subsumed these two kinds of behaviours under the category of “defense reactions,” indicating that both reactions are in defense of the animal’s life. So with the oppression of women, it may be a primitive function in the brains of some people, that is triggered as a response to make sure there will still be homemakers and someone to produce children. This urge to discriminate against women could be a subconscious behaviour that some are not aware of because they have not been made to go to therapy and unearth the issues they are having subconsciously. #RandolphHarris 10 of 23
By ignoring that people need help and not punishing those who are not acting righteously, we are producing and allowing a sick society to flourish. Any animal, regardless of it species, reacts to a life-threatening attack with one of two patterns of behaviour: either with flight, or with aggression and violence—that is, fight. The brain always acts as a unit in directing any behaviour; consequently, the mechanisms in the brain that initiate and limit these two dissimilar patterns of self-preservation are closely linked to one another, as well as to all other parts of the brain; and their proper functioning depends on the synchronization of many complex and delicately balanced subsystems. A further important impediment to criticism and accusation is directly linked up with the basic anxiety. If the outside World is felt to be hostile, if one feels helpless toward it, then taking any risk of annoying people seems sheer recklessness. For the neurotic the danger appears all the greater, and the more one’s feeling of safety is based on the affection of others the more one is afraid of losing that affection. For one annoying another person has an entirely different connotation from what it has for the normal person. #RandolphHarris 11 of 23
Since one’s own relations to others are thin and fragile one cannot believe that others’ relations toward one are any better. Hence one feels that annoying them involves the danger of a final break; one expects to be dropped altogether, to be definitely spurned or hated. Besides, one assumes consciously or unconsciously that others are as much terrified as one is of being found out and criticized, and therefore one is inclined to treat them with as much delicacy as one would have them use toward one. One’s extreme fear of making or even feeling accusations put one in a special dilemma because, as we have seen, one is filled with pent-up resentment. In fact, as everyone knows who is acquainted with neurotic behaviour, plenty of accusations do find expression, sometimes in veiled, sometimes in open and most aggressive forms. Since I nevertheless asset that there is an essential meekness toward criticism and accusation it is worth while to discuss briefly the conditions under which such accusations will find expression. They may be expressed under the stress of despair, more specifically, when the neurotic feels one has nothing to lose by it, when one feels that one will be rejected in any cause, regardless of one’s behaviour. #RandolphHarris 12 of 23
Such an occasion arises, for example, if one’s special efforts to be kind and considerate are not returned right away or are rejected. Whether one’s accusations are discharged explosively in one scene, or whether they last for some time, depends on the duration of one’s despair. One may in a single crisis thrust upon others all one has ever held against them, or one’s accusations my extend over a longer period. One really means what one says, and expects the others to take it seriously—with the secret hope, however, that they will realize the depth of one’s despair and therefore condone one. Even with no despair a similar condition exists if the accusations concern person whom the neurotic consciously hates and from whom one expects nothing good. In another condition, which we shall discuss presently, the very element of sincerity is missing. If one feels that one is, or is in danger of being, found out and accused, the neurotic can also be accusatory with more or less vehemence. The danger of upsetting others may then appear as the lesser evil compared to the danger of being disapproved of. One feels oneself in an emergency and makes a counter-attack, like an animal which is apprehensive by nature and strikes out when in danger. #RandolphHarris 13 of 23
Patients may thrust violent accusations upon the analyst (or wife, husband, child, and so forth) at the time when they are most afraid of something being uncovered, or when they have done something for which they anticipate disapproval. Unlike the accusations made under the stress of despair, attacks of this kind are made blindly. They are expressed without any conviction of being right about them, for they are born out of a sheer feeling of the need to ward off an immediate danger, regardless of what means are used. While they may incidentally contain reproaches which are felt to be real, in the main they are exaggerated and fantastic. Deep down the neurotic does not believe in them oneself, does not expect them to be take seriously and is greatly amazed if the others does so, if the other, for example, enters into a serious argument or shows signs of being hurt. When we realize the fear of accusation that is inherent in the neurotic structure, and when we realize furthermore the ways in which this fear is dealt with, then we can understand why on the surface the picture is often contradictory in this respect. A neurotic person is often unable to express a warranted criticism, even though one is full of intense accusations. #RandolphHarris 14 of 23
Every time one loses something one may be convinced that the maid or his wife has stolen it, but be quite unable to accuse her or even to object because she has not served dinner punctually. The accusations which one does express have often somehow a character of unreality, are not to the point, have a false colouring, are unwarranted or entirely fantastic. As a patient one may fling at the analyst wild accusations of ruining him, but be unable to express a sincere objection to the analyst’s taste in coffee. To know and not to know, to be conscious of complete truthfulness while telling carefully constructed lies, to hold simultaneously two opinions which cancelled out, knowing them to be contradictory and believing in both of them, to use logic against logic, to repudiate morality while laying claim to it, to believe that democracy is impossible, to forget, whatever it was necessary to forget, then to draw it back into memory again at the moment when it is needed, and the promptly to forget it gain, and above all, to apply the same process to the process itself—that is the ultimate subtlety: consciously to induce unconsciousness, and then, one again, to become unconscious of the act of hypnosis you have just performed. Even to understand the word “doublethink” involves the use of doublethink. #RandolphHarris 15 of 23
These open expressions of accusations are not usually sufficient to discharge all the pent-up resentment that is present. In order to do that indirect ways are necessary, ways which allow the neurotic to express one’s resentment without being away that one does. Some of it comes out inadvertently, some is shifted from the person one really means to accuse to comparatively indifferent persons—a woman may scold her maid, for example, when she had a grudge against her husband—or to circumstances or fate in general. These are safety valves which in themselves are not specific for neuroses. The specifically neurotic method for expressing accusations indirectly and unconsciously is to use the medium of suffering. By suffering the neurotic may present oneself as a living reproach. A wife wo becomes ill because her husband comes home late expresses her grudge more effectively than by making a scene, and also reaps the advantage of appearing in her own eyes as an innocent martyr. The family is a crucial determinant of our opportunities in life, of what we “become.” It has frequently been acknowledged by those concerned with real equality of opportunity that the family presents a problem. However, though they have discerned a serious problem, these theorists have underestimated it because they have seen only half of it. #RandolphHarris 16 of 23
They have seen that the disparity among families in terms of the physical and emotional environment, motivation, and material advantage they can give their children has a tremendous effect upon children’s opportunities in life. We are not born as isolated, equal individuals in our society, but into family situations: some in the social middle, some poor and without homes, and some superaffluent; some to a single soon-to-be-separated parent, some to parents whose marriage is fraught with conflict, some to parents who will stay together in love and happiness. Any claims that equal opportunity exists are therefore completely unfounded. Decades of neglect of the poor, especially of poor African American and Hispanic House-holds, accentuated by the policies of the Reagen years, have brought us farther from the principles of equal opportunity. To come close to hem would require, for example, a high and uniform standard of public education and the provision of equal social services—including health care, employment training, job opportunities, drug rehabilitation, and decent housing—for all who need them. In the Book of Mormon, in 1 Nephi, Chapter 21, the Messiah will be a light to the gentiles and will free the prisoners—Israel will be gathered with power in the last days—Kings will be their nursing fathers—Compare Isaiah 49. About 588-570 Before Christ. #RandolphHarris 17 of 23
“And again: Hearken, O ye house of Israel, all ye that are broke off and are driven out because of the wickedness of the pastors of my people; yea, all ye that are broke off, that are scattered abroad, who are of my people, O house of Israel. Listen, O isles, unto me, and hearken ye people from far; the Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath He made mention of my name. And He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; and said unto me: Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified. Then I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for naught and in vain; surely my judgement is with the Lord, and my work with God. And now, saith the Lord—that formed me from the womb that I should be His servant, to bring Jacob again to him—through Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength. And He said: It is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel. I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the ends of the Earth. Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, his Holy One, to Him who humans despiseth, to Him whom the nations abhorreth, to servant of rulers: Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship because of the Lord that is faithful. #RandolphHarris 18 of 23
“Thus saith the Lord: In an acceptable time have I heard thee, O isles of the sea, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee my servant for a covenant of the people, to establish the Earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that thou mayest say to the prisoners: Go forth; to them that sit in darkness: Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high paces. They shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the heat nor the Sun smite them; for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall He guide them. And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted. And then, O house of Israel, behold, these shall come from far; and lo, these from the north and the west; and these from the land of Sinim. Sing, O Heavens; and be joyful, O Earth; for the feet of those who are in the east shall be established; and break forth into singing, O mountains; for they shall be smitten no more; for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. However, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not. For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel. #RandolphHarris 19 of 23
“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. Thy children shall make haste against thy destroyers; and they that made thee waste shall go forth of thee. Lift up thine eyes round about and behold; all these gather themselves together, and they shall come to thee. And as I live saith the Lord, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on even as a bride. For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants; and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away. The children whom thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the first, shall again in thine ears say: The place is too strait for me; give place to me that I may dwell. Then shalt thou say in thine heart: Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? And who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where have they been? Thus saith the Lord God: behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people; and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. And kings shall by thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers; they shall bow down to thee with their face towards the Earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; for thy shall not be ashamed that wait for me. #RandolphHarris 20 of 23
“For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captives delivered? However, thus saith the Lord, even the captives of the mighty shall be take away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with one that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; they shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine; and all flesh shall know that I, the Lord, am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob,” reports 1 Nephi 21.1-26. With the work of God in our sanctification, transforming work of progressive sanctification is the work of God’s Spirit. He is the One who changes us more and more into the likeness of Jesus Christ. This transformation is much more than merely a change of outward conduct. It is a renovation of our inner beings, or as someone has said, it is a transformation of the essential being. It means our motives as well as our motivations are being constantly changed, so that we can say with the psalmist, “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long,” and “I rejoice in the following your statues as one rejoices in great riches,” reports Psalm 119.47 and 14. However, although the verb be transformed is in the passive voice, it is in the imperative mood; that is, it is a command to do something. #RandolphHarris 21 of 23
This indicates that we as believers are not passive in this transforming process. We are not like blocks of marble being transformed into a beautiful sculpture by a master sculptor. God has given us a mind and hearth with which to respond to and cooperate with the Spirit as He does His work in us. That thought leads naturally to the Scripture passage that is considered to be the classic statement of the working together of the believer with the Holy Spirit who is at work within him. “Therefore, my dream friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to His good purpose,” reports Philippians 2.12-13. O God, Who ever governest Thy creatures with tender affection; incline Thine ear to our supplications, and graciously regard Thy servants, who are suffering from bodily sickness; and visit them with Thy salvation, and bestow the medicine of Heavenly grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. O Lord, Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed in thy presence, in Thy service, to Thy glory. #RandolphHarris 22 of 23
O God, Who hast vouchedsafe to humankind the remedies that bring salvation, and the gifts of eternal life; preserve to Thy servant the gifts of Thy power, and grant that not only in one’s body, but also in one’s soul, one may experience Thy healing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Please give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains, sanctifies, assists every hour, that I may not be one moment apart from Thee, but may rely on Thy Spirit to supply every thought, speak in every word, direct every step, prosper every work, build up every mote of faith, and give me a desire to show forth Thy praise; testify Thy love, advance Thy kingdom. I launch my bark on the unknow waters of this year, with Thee, O Father, as my habour, Thee, O Son, at my helm, Thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails. Guide me to Heaven with my loins grit, my lamp burning, my ear open to Thy calls, my heart full of love, my soul free. Give me Thy grace to sanctify me, Thy comforts to cheer, thy wisdom to teach, Thy right hand to guide, Thy counsel to instruct, Thy law to judge, Thy presence to stabilize. May Thy fear by my awe, Thy triumph my joy. #RandolphHarris 23 of 23
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And can I ever bid these joys farewell? Yes, I must pass them for a nobler life, where I may find the agonies, the strife of human hearts: for lo! I see afar, O’ersailing the blue cragginess, a car and steeds with streamy manes–the charioteer looks out upon the winds with glorious fear: and now the numerous tramplings quiver lightly along a huge cloud’s ridge; and now with springtly wheel downward come they into freshers skies, tipt round with silver from the Sun’s bright eyes. Still downward with with capacious whirl they glide; and now I see them on the green-hill’s side in breezy rest among the nodding stalks. The charioteer with wond’rous gesture talks to the trees and mountains; and there son appears shapes of delight, of mystery, and fear, passing along before a dusky space made by some mighty oaks: as they would chase some ever-fleeting music on they sweep.
“The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. However, I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and he parched ground into the springs,” reports Isaiah 41.17.18 Life is not about accomplishment; it is all about doing, participating, progressing, growing, learning. “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name,” reports Isaiah 45.3
When Reading the History of Political Thought, Just Simply Add Woman and Stir!
Enthusiasm is the light that makes the Sun shine on achievement. Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity. Life is not a destination; it is a journey. It is not a series of goals; it is a series of steps, of events unfolding as you make your way. The Theosophic teaching that the master takes on the karma of his pupil is often misunderstood. So many students think that the master hesitates to accept a pupil because of the heavy liability of accepting one’s karma. The measure of truth in this belief is that the master does have some moral responsibility for the self-injuring mistakes committed by the pupil as a direct consequence of special knowledge entrusted to one or for society-injuring misuse of special powers transferred to one or around into activity within one because of special instructions given by the teacher—in either case before one was sufficiently strong morally and pure in motive. However, the general karma of the pupil is not accepted nor can it be accepted by any master. That is the pupil’s making and one must work it out. If the student thinks the teacher ever laces obstacles or temptations in anyone’s way, one is mistaken. #RandolphHarris 1 of 19
The teacher does not have to place obstacles in your life; it is done by life itself, or, more precisely, by the karma arising from the individual character and its special needs. The teacher may not them and act accordingly, but one does not create them. In the end, the student creates one’s own obstacles and one’s own temptations by one’s thinking, by one’s character, and by one’s karma. One is not only an in instructor but is too often called upon to play the role of mentor, to be a wise counselor at all times and a trusted friend in difficult times, to solve personal problems and guide personal decisions. This ideal person is yet to be found, alas! However, the wish for one is strong enough to clothe lesser being in imagined perfection. Those who regard one as an unreliable visionary are not less victims of prejudice than those who regard one as an omniscient prophet. Even the person who talks from God’s inspiration can convince only those other people who are ready. Not all are sensitive to one’s spell. They equate human’s powers with God’s powers, blandly refusing to see that one can create nothing but can only provide the conditions which makes some creations possible. They exaggerate what is true, that one possessed, potentially, certain Godlike attributes, into what is untrue, that one can do what God does. #RandolphHarris 2 of 19
It is a self-deception to believe that the master can interfere in all sorts of miraculous ways in the disciple’s Worldly life or intervene in all sorts of arbitrary ways in one’s spiritual life. The master’s true function, the most important role one can play in the disciple’s career, is to assist the latter’s efforts to withdraw into one’s inner self, to guide, strengthen, and protect one’s endeavour to practise deep and meaningful prayer. There is a common belief in the Old World—picked up by and transferred to some in the New World—that without submission to a leader, master, guru whose guidance is to lead them and whose power is to life them int Heaven, they can never win access to this goal. When it refers to authentically enlightened people, it is an exaggerated belief, and a false one when it refers to all others. Blind acceptance of it has precipitated a case of neurosis in some cases, and much feeling of morbid frustration in most cases where seekers have failed to find a guru or, finding, have become disappointed or disillusioned afterwards. There is no celestial witch-doctor, no angelic magician coming to change their characters overnight. Those who do not understand that true development is self-development will look for, even demand, a guru’s “magic,” as they believe it to be. #RandolphHarris 3 of 19
When people demand supernatural abilities from a master, this will lead them to frequent one’s vicinity or even live in it permanently, in order to be more or less constantly under one’s mesmeric influence. Thus they come to depend increasingly on an outside source—another person—and remain ungrown. The disciples exert so much pressure and encouragement on the guru to do what one cannot do for them that they go on believing their own desires in the matter, that is, their ego, rather than one. They think one can give them total protection against risks, perils, and falls on the spiritual path. That is impossible. The guru is not omniscient and not almighty. One is still a limited human being. Why force one into accepting a false position? The idea of a master as being some sort of free perfect and infallible counsellor in all the domestic personal and professional perplexities of life is an appealing one. If it were true where there would be many more disciples. However, it is only a romantic piece of wishful thinking. Many academics in recent years have become aware of the objectionable nature of using the supposedly generic male forms of nouns and pronouns. As feminist scholars have demonstrated, these words have most often not been used, throughout history and the history of philosophy in particular, with the intent to include women. #RandolphHarris 4 of 19
There is always some agency to deny the memories and significance of others, like the unreal news media, to rewrite the past. It has become a commonplace in 2020 for some people are paid more than most of the rest of us to debase history, trivialize truth, and annihilate the past on a daily basis. Those who do not learn from history used to have to relive it, but only until those in power could find a way to convince everybody, including themselves, that history never happened, or happened in a way best serving their own purposes—or best of all that it does not matter anyway, expect as some dumbed-down TV documentary cobbled together for an hour’s entertainment. People can make you say anything and they can make you believe anything because that is just what they do—they get inside, they steal space in your head and make you question your soul, of what we believe to be an inviolable inner core of the self, into harsh and terminal doubt. You have to live—do live, from habit that becomes instinct. This is a World where every sound one makes is overheard, there are video cameras on every corner, on cars, on houses, on people, in hotel rooms, and, except in darkness, and maybe even then, every movement is scrutinized. #RandolphHarris 5 of 19
Some people discriminate against women because they dislike them. They know the reason. It is because they are considered to be delicate, beautiful, loving and clean-minded, and they mange to carry themselves in that manner. There are individuals who dislike all women, and especially the successful, young, and pretty ones. Women strike some people as dangerous and just a glance at a woman gives them a moment filled with morbid terror. The idea may even cross their mind that there is something divine about these woman, and that makes them feel a peculiar uneasiness, which has fear mixed up in it as well as hostility whenever a woman is anywhere near them. These individuals hate women because they are young and pretty and not overtly interested in pleasures of the flesh, because they want to go to bed with these women, and the women are out of their league. Therefore women, are a threat to some because they are an aggressive symbol of chastity. This makes some people want to remove women from the registers, gives them the desire to wipe out every record of everything a woman has done. They want to deny the existence of women, so they are forgotten. Totally abolish them, annihilate them, vaporize them from the face of the plant. #RandolphHarris 6 of 19
However, man is a selfish create and knows that he must procreate in order to survive and rubbing musty elbows with other men in the elevator does not endure survival. So, some live in shame and fear and pretend to be heterosexual, but have clandestine love affairs with other men and pray on boys in hopes no one finds out about their true desires. But men can never replace woman. That is why God blessed the with the miracle of child birth, to ensure the prosperity of the human race. Man, mankind, and he are going out of style as universal representations, though they have by no means disappeared. However, the gender-neutral alternative that most contemporary theorist employ are often even more misleading than the blatantly sexist use of male terms of reference. For they serve to disguise the real and continuing failure of theorists to confront the fact that there are some socially relevant physical differences between women and men, and the even more important fact that the genders have had very difference histories, very different assigned social roles and “nature,” and very different degrees of access to power and opportunity in all human societies up to and including the present. #RandolphHarris 7 of 19
False gender neutrality is not a new phenomenon. Aristotle, for example, used Anthropos—“human being”—in discussions of “the human good” that turn out not only to exclude women but to depend on their subordination. Kant even wrote of “all rational beings as such” in making arguments that he did not mean to apply to women. However, it was more readily apparent that such arguments or conceptions of the good were not about all of us, but only about the male heads of families. For their authors usually gave at some point an explanation, no matter how inadequate, of why what they were saying did not apply to women and of the different characteristics and virtues, rights, and responsibilities they thought women ought to have. Nevertheless, their theories have often been read as though they pertain (or can easily be applied) to all of us. Feminist interpretations of the last fifteen years or so have revealed the falsity of the “add women and stir” method of reading the history of political thought. The falseness of the Gender-neutral language of contemporary political theorists is less readily apparent. Most, though not all, contemporary moral and political philosophers use “men and women,” “he or she,” “persons,” or the increasingly ubiquitous “self.” #RandolphHarris 8 of 19
Sometimes they even get their computers to distribute masculine and feminine terms of reference randomly. Since they do not explicitly exclude or differentiate women, as most theorists in the past did, we may be tempted to read their theories as inclusive of all of us. However, we cannot. Their merely terminological responses to feminist challenges, in spite of giving a superficial impression of tolerance and inclusiveness, often strained credulity and sometimes results in nonsense. They do this in two ways: by ignoring the irreducible biological differences between the genders, and/or by ignoring their different assigned social roles and consequent power differentials, and the ideologies that have supported them. Thus gender-neutral terms frequently obscure the fact that so much of the real experience of “persons,” so long as they live in gender-structured societies, does in fact depend on what gender they are. False gender neutrality is by no means confined to the realm of theory. Its harmful effects can be seen in public policies that have directly affected large numbers of women adversely. It was used, for example, in the Supreme Court’s 1976 decision that the exclusion of pregnancy-related disabilities from employers’ disability insurance plans was “not a gender-based discrimination at all.” #RandolphHarris 9 of 19
In a now infamous phrase of its majority opinion, the Court explained that such plans did not discriminate against women because the distinction drawn by such plans was between pregnant women and “non-pregnant persons.” Examples of false gender neutrality in contemporary political theory will more frequently in our discussions. Ackermans’ Social Justice in the Liberal State is a book containing scrupulously gender-neutral language. He breaks with this neutrality only, it seems, to defy existing gender roles; he refers to the “Commander,” who plays the lead role in the theory, as “she.” However, the argument of the book does not address the existing inequality or role differentiation between the genders, though it has the potential for doing so. The full impact of Ackerman’s gender-neutral language without attention to gender is revealed in his section on abortion: a two-page discussion written, wit the exception of a single “she,” in the completely gender-neutral language of fetuses and their “parents.” The impression given is that there is no relevant respect in which the relationship of the two parents to the fetuses would be so slight as to reasonably play only a minor role in the discussion of abortion. #RandolphHarris 10 of 19
However, this would have to be a society without gender—one in which sexual differences carried no social significance, the genders were equal in power and interdependence, and “mothering” and “fathering” a child meant the same thing, so that parenting and earning responsibilities were equally shared. We certainly do not live in such a society. Neither is there any discussion of one in Ackerman’s theory, in which the division of labour between the genders is not considered a matter of social (in) justice. In such a context, a “gender-neutral” discussion of abortion is almost as misleading as the Supreme Court’s “gender-neutral” discussion of pregnancy. A second illustration of false gender neutrality comes from Derek Phillip’s Toward a Just Social Order. Largely because of the extent of his concern—rare among theorists of justice—with how we are to achieve and maintain a just social order, Phillips pays an usual amount of attention to the family. He writes about the family as the locus for the development of a sense of justice and self-esteem, of an appreciation of the meanings of reciprocity, of the ability to exercise unforced choice, and of an awareness of alternative ways of life. #RandolphHarris 11 of 19
The problem with this otherwise admirable discussion is that, apart from a couple of brief exceptions, the family itself is presented in gender-neutral terms that bear little resemblance to actual, gender-structured life. It is because of “parental affection,” “parental nurturance,” and “child rearing” that children in Phillips’s families become the autonomous moral agents that his just society requires its citizens to be. The child’s development of a sense of identity is very much dependent upon being raised by “parental figures who themselves have coherent and well-integrated personal identities,” and we are told that such a coherent identity is “ideally one built around commitments to work and love.” This all sounds very plausible. However, it does not take into account the multiple inequalities of gender. In gender-structure societies—in which the child rearers are women, “parental nurturance” is largely mothering, and those who do what society regards as “meaningful work” are assumed not to be primary parents—women in even the best of circumstances face considerable conflicts between love (a fulfilling family life) and “meaningful work.” Women in less fortunate circumstances face even greater conflicts between love (even basic care of their children) and any kind of paid work at all. #RandolphHarris 12 of 19
It follows from Phillips’s own premises that these conflicts are very likely to affect the strength and coherence in women of that sense of identity and self-esteem, coming from love and meaningful work, that he regards as essential for being an autonomous moral agent. In turn, if they are mothers, it is also likely to affect their daughters’ and sons’ developing sense of their identity. Gender is clearly a major obstacle to attainment of a social order remotely comparable to the just one Philips aspires to—but his false gender-neutral language allows him to ignore this fact. Although he is clearly aware of how distant in some other respects this vision of a just social order is from contemporary societies, his use of falsely gender-neutral language leaves him quite unaware of the distance between the type of family that might be able to socialize just citizens and typical families. The combined effect of the omission of the family and the falsely gender-neutral language in recent political thought is that most theorists are continuing to ignore the highly political issues of gender. The language they use makes little difference to what they actually do, which is to write about men and about only those women who manage, in spite of the gendered structures and practices of the society in which they live, to adopt patterns f life that have been developed to suit the needs of men. #RandolphHarris 13 of 19
The fact that human beings are born as helpless infants—not as the purportedly autonomous actor who populate political theories—is obscured by the implicit assumption of gendered families, operating outside the range of theories. To a large extent, contemporary theories of justice, like those of the past, are about men with wives at home. For three major reasons, this state of affairs is unacceptable. The first is the obvious point that women must be fully included in any satisfactory theory of justice. The second is that equality of opportunity, not only for women but for children of both genders, is seriously undermined by the current gender injustices of our society. And the third reason is that, as has already been suggested, the family—currently the linchpin of the gender structure—must be just if we are to have a just society, since it is within the family that we first come to have that sense of ourselves and our relations with others that is at the root of moral development. In one of His prayer parables, the Lord dramatized what He wants from all believers. Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. #RandolpHarris 14 of 19
He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about people. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ For sometime he refused. However, finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she will not eventually wear me out with her coming!’” (Luke 18-1-5) The cultivation of persistence was a recurring motif in Jesus’ teaching on prayer. In Gethsemane Jesus challenged His disciples when they failed to persevere by saying, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak,” reports Mark 14.38. In the Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi, chapter 20 The Lord reveals His purposes to Israel—Israel has been chosen in the furnace of affliction and is to go forth from Babylon—Compare Isaiah 48. About 588-570 Before Christ. “Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, or out of the waters of baptism, who swear by the name of the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel, yet they swear not in truth nor in righteousness. Nevertheless, they call themselves of the holy city, but they do not stay themselves upon the God of Israel, who is the Lord of Hosts; yea, the Lord of Hosts is his name. #RandolphHarris 15 of 19
“Behold, I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I showed them. I did show them suddenly. And I did it because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is iron sinew, and thy brow brass; and I have even from the beginning declared to thee; before it came to pass I showed them thee; and I showed them for fear lest thou shouldst say—Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image hath commanded them. Thou hast seen and heard all this; and will ye not declare them? And that I have showed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them. They are created now, and not from the beginning, even before the day when thou heardest them not they were declared unto thee, lest thou shouldst say—Behold I knew them. Yes, and thou heardest not; yes, thou knewest not; yet, from that time thine ear was not opened; for I knew that thou wouldst deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb. Nevertheless, for my name’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain from thee, that I cut thee not off. For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. For mine own sake, yes, for mine own sake will I do this, for I will not suffer my name to be polluted, and I will not give my glory unto another. #RandolphHarris 16 of 19
“Hearken unto me, O Jacob, and Israel my called, for I am he; I am the first, and I am also the last. Mine hand hath also laid the foundation of the Earth, and my right hand hath spanned the Heavens. I call unto them and they stand up together. All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; who among them hath declared these things unto them? The Lord hath loved him; yes, and he will fulfil His word which he hath declared by them; and He will do his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall come upon the Chaldeans. Also, saith the Lord; I the Lord, yea, I have spoken; yea, I have called him to declare, I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous. Come ye near unto me; I have not spoken in secret; from the beginning, from the time that it was declared have I spoken; and the Lord God, and his Spirit, hath sent me. And thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I have sent him, the Lord thy God who teacheth thee to profit, who leadeth thee by the way thou shouldst go, hath done it. O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments—then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea. Thy seed also had been as the sand; the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed before me. #RandolphHarris 17 of 19
“Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter to the end of the Earth; say ye: The Lord hath redeemed his servant Jacob. And they thirsted not; he led them through the deserts; he caused the water to flow out of the rock for them; he clave the rock also and the waters gushed out. And notwithstanding he hath done all this, and greater also, there is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked,” 1 Nephi 20.1-22. Almighty and everlasting God, the Maker of all creation, mercifully hear our prayers, and grant many and happy years to Thy servants in Detroit, Michigan, and the state of Mississippi, and the people of Chattanooga, Tennessee for not only has COVID-19 hit them hard and is about to leave them without homes, but the people in Chattanooga lost their homes to a natural disaster and their entire town was destroyed. Dear, God, we thank you for all the blessings we have been afforded, and you didst cause us to come forth from our mother’s wombs into this life, that we may spend all our lives so as to please Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. O Love beyond compare, Thou art good when Thou givest, when Thou takest away, when the Sun shines upon me, when night gathers over me. #RandolphHarris 18 of 19
Thou hast loved me before the foundation of the World, and in love didst redeem by soul; Thou dost love me still, in spite of my hard heart, ingratitude, distrust. Thy goodness has been with me during another year, leading me though a twisting wilderness, in retreat helping me to advance, when beaten back making sure headway. Thy goodness will be with me in the year ahead; I hoist sail and draw up anchor, with Thee as blessed pilot of my future as of my past. I bless Thee that Thou hast veiled my eyes to the waters ahead. If thou hast appointed storms of tribulation, Thou wilt be with me in them; if I have to pass through tempests of persecution and temptation, I shall not drown; if I am to die, I shall see Thy face the sooner; if a painful end is to be my lot, grant me grace that my faith fail not; if I am to be cast aside from the service I love, I can make no stipulation; only glorify Thyself in me whether in comfort or trial, as a chosen vessel meet always for Thy use. O God, the Life of the faithful, the Saviour and Guardian of those that fear Thee, Who, after the expiration of a year, hast been pleased to bring Thy servants to our natural birthday; increasing in us the grace of the Protector of life, and multiply their days with many years; that having, by Thy favour, been carried through a happy life, they may be enabled to attain the height of Heavenly joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord. #RandolphHarris 19 of 19
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Justice and the Human Good–A Dream Left Uninterpreted is Like a Letter Left Unread!
The biggest dream in life is the American Dream, which is supposed to represent Heaven. Use the stones that life throws at you to lay the foundations of your future. Worry can drag yesterday’s clouds over today’s Sunshine. Perceptual researchers have given us a lot of information and guidance thus far. In the future, perhaps, they can help us widen our perceptions in more natural, evolutionary ways so that we can see things more clearly, as they are, without the blinders we now use, which lead to racism, sexism, elitism, and all the stereotyping and selective perception we now experience. These loom large as major problem areas to be overcome in the coming years. In it speculative to say, but we also feel that the nettling questions about Extra Sensory Perception (ESP) and other parapsychological phenomena will be answered in ways that more and more of us can accept. Our guess is that our limited view of our perceptions shots out a whole range of perceptual experiences for most of us. There are far too many credible people describing super-ordinary perceptions today to ignore them any longer or to brush them aside as mystical, superstitious, or psychotic. The possibilities of developing nonverbal communications (telepathy or whatever) are mind-boggling, especially if space exploration is to continue beyond the range of our present communications systems. #RandolphHarris 1 of 20
Learning is another area into which we have only begun to probe. Knowing what we do, we can amplify this information to try to account for many paradoxical facts in human experience: the presence of intellectual disabilities in people who demonstrate sheer genius in some special area like math or music (called idiot savants); the question of whether or not newborns have any inborn information; what newborns dream about, since almost 80 percent of their sleep Rapid Eye Movement (REM), and during this type of sleep, the eyes move quickly in different directions, and people are known to have intense dreams. Babies can spend up to 50 percent of their sleep in the REM state, compared to only about 20 percent for adults. In addition, in the future we may learn other paradoxical facts such as whether learning can be improved past certain ages; whether “smart pills” can be developed to assist in learning and retention; and dozens of others. It is not inconceivable that hypnosis and altered states of consciousness will get far more attention in academic psychology in the coming decades; indeed, they already are. The difference is that they will lose their labels as “unscientific” or “philosophico-religious” and be shown to be integral parts of complete holistic psychology. #RandolphHarris 2 of 20
The possible contributions to each and every conceptual field in psychology are marvelous to anticipate. A high-ranking executive who is subordinate to only a single director in his firm cite an interesting dream. In his waking life, the executive has convinced himself that he is on very good terms with his boss. He like him; he has no problems with him. Then he had this dream: His hands are tied together with a telephone cord, from which the phone is still dangling. Then he sees his boss, who seems to be asleep, lying next to him on the ground. The executive feels an overpowering rage. He finds a hammer picks it up in both hands, and tries to smash the director’s head with it. He hits the mark, but nothing happens. Then the director opens hos eyes and smiles ironically at his attacker. Though the man may have felt that he was on good terms with his boss, his dream tells us that he really hated his superior. He felt that the director oppressed him and kept him tied up. He felt powerless and at his chief’s mercy. That is the reality that this man experienced in his dream. In his waking life that reality was, it seems, hidden from him. What does the sleeping state give us that being awake cannot? We are free. #RandolphHarris 3 of 20
That may sound like a strange thing to say, but only when we are asleep, in a certain sense, are we free. That is, when we are asleep we are n longer obliged to participate in the struggle for life. We do not have to conquer; we do not have to defend ourselves; we do not have to conform. We are no longer living from the habit of instinct—in the assumption that every sound we make is overheard, and that, except in darkness, every movement scrutinized. We do not have to worry about the Thought Police hacking into our dreams. We think and feel what we think and feel. Our thoughts and feelings in sleep are subjective as they can get. In sleep, we do not have to do anything; we can simply be. In sleep we have no goals. We can experience the World as it really seems to us, as we really see it, and not in the way it is supposed to look if we mean to achieve a certain goal. To put it another way, we can say that in sleep the unconscious has it center stage. There is nothing at all mysterious about the unconscious. It means simply that in sleep we have access to what we do not know when we are awake. Or to put it the other way around: In the waking state we do not have access to what we known when we are asleep. We might even say that in the waking state the consciousness of sleep is unconscious, while in sleep the consciousness of waking is unconscious. There are two different types of consciousness involved. The one is operative in waking; the other, in sleeping. #RandolphHarris 4 of 20
Does that mean that we are more irrational in sleep, more subject to our drives? Yes, sometimes, but by no means always and not even in the majority of cases, even through Dr. Freud thought that dreams always pitted the irrational against the rational. However, as I mentioned before, we often achieve greater insight and greater wisdom in our dreams because we are more independent, because we can see and feel without blinders on. Even in sleep we censor our dreams. We do not dare accept the freedom dreams gives us, so we change and hide the real messages of the dream the way we would if we wanted to prevent someone else from understanding what we really meant. In a case like that we are expressing even in sleep, a reluctance to understand ourselves. That is why we often forget dreams, for most of them would not fit neatly into our waking lives. They would only disturb and irritate us. In our dreams our creativity increase. We develop creative capabilities that we do not recognize, indeed, that we have no inkling of, when we are awake. I have in mind here a dream that another successful business executive had. (The dreams I am citing here do not come from patients of mine but from studies made of executive personalities.) This man felt very happy because he was successful. Judging by his income and the power he wielded, he had every right to feel that way, for we usually feel what we are expected to feel. #RandolphHarris 5 of 20
So this man thought he was very happy. Then he had a dream. In the first part of the dream he is at a small lake. The lake is dirty. The atmosphere is dark, gloomy, grim. He recalls later, after the dream, that the lake is just like the one near which his parents had lived. The unpleasant memory is not just of the lake but also of the dreary, poverty-stricken mood of his childhood home. In the second scene of the dream he is in an extremely expensive Ultimate Driving Machine, driving up a mountainside on an ultramodern highway. He is driving fast; he has a feeling of power and success; and he is happy. Then comes a third scene, which takes place after he has reached the top of the mountain. Suddenly he is in a shop that caters to materials dealing with pleasures of the flesh. His wife is with him in the Ultimate Driving Machine, but now he is alone. No one else is there. Everything is dusty and dirty, and he feels totally alone and abandoned. This dream tells us what the man really feels about his life and fate. Put in the simplest terms, the dream translates into something like this: When I was a child, everything around me was dismal and dirty. Now I am a successful man who has driven to the peak of success with incredible speed. However, ultimately, when this whole success game is over, I will be right back in that same filth, that same poverty, that same sadness, that same isolation I experienced as a child. #RandolphHarris 6 of 20
Everything will drop away, and I will be right back where I started. The dream does not express a wish. It provides instead, in a creative, artistic language, a profound insight int the emptiness of the man’s life. We might say that many people are capable of that kind of creativity, but in the daytime they are so subject to the pressures of society—what Heidegger has called the “they”—that they lack the courage to be themselves and to create something themselves. That is a sad commentary indeed on our society, which does not permit people to realize the creative capacities they have in them. In our dreams we are telling ourselves something. As the Talmud (Berachot 55a) puts it: “A dream left uninterpreted is like a letter left unread. The word “interpret” is not really correct in this context. We do not have to interpret dreams. There is nothing to interpret. We do not have to interpret Mandarin Chinese or Italian if we have learned those languages. Dream language is a language that we can learn, that has its own grammar, its own forms, a language that does no describe “fact” but conveys experience. It is easy to learn dream language, and you do not have to become a psychoanalyst to learn it. We could be learning it in school at the same time that we learn foreign language. If we are to understand our dreams, we will understand more about ourselves and others, and I believe it would be a great advantage for us to start learning dream language. #RandolphHarris 7 of 20
I have said this could be an advantage to us, but it could also have its disadvantages. As a rule, we really do not want to know too much about ourselves or others. That knowledge can bother us. However, the more we know about ourselves and the fewer illusions we have about others, the richer, stronger, more vital our lives will be. Then, too, if we understand dream language, we are not limited to the one-sided, intellectual perspective that has come to dominate most people’s thinking in our time more than ever before in the past. We are not restricted to thinking exclusively in concepts but develop an eye for emotional differentiation. We integrate intellect and emotion and put unrealistic alternative behind us. I am in no way propounding a dangerous anti-intellectualism here, much less a new sentimentality. However, I do want to suggest that the language of dreams can teach us something that is essential to our own lives, now more than ever: In our dreams we can become poets. I have found that if you love life, life will love you back. I accept life unconditionally. Life holds so much—so much to be happy about always. Most people ask for happiness on condition. Happiness can be felt only if you do not set conditions. #RandolphHarris 8 of 20
In the past, political theorists often used to distinguish clearly between “private” domestic life and the “public” life of politics and the marketplace, calming explicitly that the two spheres operated in accordance with different principles. They separated out the family from what they deemed the subject matter of politics, and they made closely related, explicit claims about the nature of women and the appropriateness of excluding them from civil and political life. Men, the subjects of the theories of justice, superficial appearances can easily lead to the impression that they are inclusive of women. In fact, they continue the same “separate spheres” tradition, by ignoring the family, its division of labour, and the related economic dependency and restricted opportunities of most women. The judgment that the family is “nonpolitical” is implicit in the fact that it is simply not discussed in most works of political theory today. In one way or another, as will become clear, almost all current theorists continue to assume that the “individual” who is the basic subject of their theories is the male head of a fairly traditional household. Thus the application of principles of justice to relations between the genders, or within the household, is frequently, though tacitly ruled out from the start. #RandolphHarris 9 of 20
In the most influential of all twentieth-century theories of justice, that of John Rawls, family life is not only assumed, but is assumed to be just—and yet the prevalent gendered division of labour within the family is neglected, along with the associated distribution of power, responsibility, and privilege. Moreover, this is typical of contemporary theories of justice. They persist, despite the wealthy of feminist challenges to their assumptions, in their refusal even to discuss the family and its gender structure, much less to recognize the family as a political institution of primary importance. Recent theories that pay even less attention to issues of family justice than Rawls’s include Bruce Ackerman’s Social Justice in Liberal State, Ronald Dworkin’s Taking Rights Seriously, William Galston’s Justice and the Human Good, Alasdair MacIntyre’s After Virtue and Whose Justice? Whose Rationality?, Robert Nozick’s Anarchy, State, and Utopia, and Robert Unger’s Knowledge and Politics and The Critical Legal Studies Movement. Philip Green’s Retrieving Democracy is a welcome exception. Michael Walzer’s Spheres of Justice, too, is exceptional in this regard, but…the conclusion that can be inferred from his discussion of the family—that its gender structure is unjust—does not sit at all easily with this emphasis on the shared understandings of culture as the foundation of Justice. #RandolphHarris 10 of 20
For gender is one aspect of social life about which clearly in the Untied States of America in the latter part of the twentieth century and beginning of the twenty-first century, there are no shared understandings. What is the basis of my claim that the family, while neglected, is assumed by theorists of justice? One obvious indication is that they take mature, independent human beings as the subjects of their theories without any mention of how they got to be that way. We know, of course, that human beings develop and mature only as a result of a great deal of attention and hard work, by far the greater part of it done by women. However, when theorists of justice talk about “work,” they mean paid work performed in the marketplace. They must be assuming that women, in the gender-structured family, continue to do their unpaid work of nurturing and socializing the young and providing a haven of intimate relations—otherwise there would be no moral subjects for them to theorize about. However, these activities apparently take place outside the scope of their theories. Typically, the family itself is not examined in the light of whatever standard of justice theorist arrives at. #RandolphHarris 11 of 20
The continued neglect of the family by theorists of justice flies in the face of a great deal of persuasive feminist argument…Scholars have clearly revealed the interconnections between the gender structure inside and outside the family and the extent to which the personal is political. They have shown that the assignment of primary parenting to women is crucial, both in forming the gendered identities of men and women and in influencing their respective choices and opportunities in life. Yet, so far, the simultaneous assumption and neglect of the family has allowed the impact of these arguments to go unnoticed in major theories of justice. However, the progressive nature of sanctification is implied throughout the New Testament epistles in all those instances where we are exhorted to grow, to change, to put off the deeds of the old person (the person who lived in sin) and out on the new Godlike character, and so on. It is also clearly implied in Paul’s own testimony that he had no yet been made perfect and his statement that he had learned to be content in all circumstances. “Not that I have already obtained this or am already made perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Jesus Christ has made me his own. Brother and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of upward call of God in Jesus Christ,” reports Philippians 3.12-14. #RandolphHarris 12 of 20
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have,” reports Philippians 4.11. Then Romans 12.2 and 2 Corinthians 3.18 explicitly teach the progressive nature of sanctification. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this World, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will,” reports Romans 12.2. “And We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit,” reports 2 Corinthians 3.18. The common word in both passages is transformed. In both instances the verb transformed is present tense, indicating that the action is continuous. The phrase be transformed in Romans 12.2 means “Continue to let yourselves be transformed.” The term [transformed] used here implies that we are to be constantly in the process of being metamorphosed by renewal of that which is the seat of thought and understanding. Sanctification is a process of revolutionary change in that which is the centre of consciousness. It is the thought of progression and strikes at the stagnation, complacency, pride of achievement so often characterizing Christians. #RandolphHarris 13 of 20
As to the nature of this process, 2 Corinthians 3.18 indicated it is the work of the “Lord, who is the Spirit,” while Romans 12.2 indicates it is through the renewing of our minds. In both passages, however, the transformed is passive, indicating it is a work done in us rather than by us. In Chapter 19 of 1 Nephi, in The Book of Mormon, Nephi makes plates of ore and records the history of his people—the God of Israel will come six hundred years from the time Lehi left Jerusalem—Nephi tells of His sufferings and crucifixion—the Jews will be despised and scattered until the latter days, when they return unto the Lord. About 588-570 Before Christ. “And it came to pass that the Lord commanded me, wherefore I did make plates of ore that I might engraven upon them the record of my people. And upon the plates of which I made I did engrave the record of my father, and also our journeyings in the wilderness, and the prophecies of my father; and also many of mine own prophecies have I engraven upon them. And I knew not t the time when I made them that I should be commanded of the Lord to make these plates; wherefore, the record of my father, and the genealogy of his fathers, and the more part of all our proceedings in the wilderness are engraven upon those first plates of which I have spoken; wherefore, the things which transpired before I made these plates are, of a truth, more particularly made mention upon the first plates. #RandolphHarris 14 of 20
“And after I had made these plates by way of commandment, I, Nephi, received a commandment that the ministry and the prophecies, the more plain and precious parts of them, should be written upon these plates; and that the thing which were written should be kept for the instruction of my people, who should possess the land, and also for other wise purposes, which purposes are known unto the Lord. Wherefore, I Nephi, did make a record upon the other plates which gives an account, or which gives a greater account of the wars and contentions and destructions of my people. And this have I done, and commanded my people what they should do after I was gone; and that these plates should be handed down from one generation to another, or from one prophet to another, until further commandments of the Lord. And an account of my making these plates shall be given hereafter; and then, behold, I proceed according to that which I have spoken; and this I do that the more sacred things maybe kept for the knowledge of my people. Nevertheless, I do not write anything upon plates save it be that I think it be sacred. And now, if do err, even did they err of old; not that I would excuse myself because of other people, but because of the weakness which is in me, according to the flesh, I would excuse myself. #RandolphHarris 15 of 20
“For the things which some people esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, even they very God if Israel do people trample under their feet; I say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels. And behold he cometh, according to the words of the Angel, in six hundred years from the time my father left Jerusalem. And the World, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of humans. And the God of our Fathers, who were led out of Egypt out of bondage, and also were preserved in the wilderness by him, yea, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself, according to the words of the Angel, as a man, into the hands of the wicked men, to be lifted up, according to the words of Zenock, and to be crucified, according to the words of Neum, and to be buried in a sepulcher, according to the words of Zenos, which he spake concerning the three days of darkness, which should be a sign given of his death unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially given unto those who are of the house of Israel. #RandolphHarris 16 of 20
“For thus spake the prophet: The Lord God surely shall visit all the house of Israel at that day, some with his voice, because of their righteousness, unto their great joy and salvation, and others with the thunderings and the lightnings of his power, by the tempest, by fire, and by smoke, and vapor of darkness, and by the opening of the Earth, and by mountains which shall be carried up. And all these things must surely come, saith the prophet Zenos. And the rocks of the Earth must rend; and because of the groanings of the Earth, many of the kings of the isles of the sea shall be wrought upon by the Spirit of God, to exclaim: The God of nature suffers. And as for those who are at Jerusalem, saith the prophet, they shall be scourged by all people, because they crucify the God of Israel, and turn their hearts aside, rejecting signs and wonders, and the power and glory of the God of Israel. And because they turn their hearts aside, saith the prophet, and have despised the Holy One of Israel, they shall wander in the flesh, and perish, and become a hiss and a byword, and be hated among all nations. Nevertheless, when that day cometh, saith the prophet, that they no more turn aside their hearts against the Holy One of Israel, then will he remember the covenants which he made to their fathers. #RandolphHarris 17 of 20
“Yea, then will he remember the isles of the sea; yea, and all the people who are of the house of Israel, will I gather in, saith the Lord, according to the words of the prophet Zenos, from the four quarters of the Earth. Yea, and all the Earth shall see the salvation of the Lord, saith the prophet; every nation, kindred, tongue and people shall be blessed. And I, Nephi, have written these things unto my people, that perhaps I might persuade them that they would remember the Lord their Redeemer. Wherefore, I speak unto all the house of Israel, if it so be that they should obtain their things. For behold, I have workings in the spirit, which doth weary me even that all my joints are weak, for those who are at Jerusalem; for had not the Lord been merciful, to show unto me concerning them, even as he had prophets of old, I should have perished also. And he surely did show unto the prophets of old all things concerning them for they are written upon the plates of brass. Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, did teach my brethren these things; and it came to pass that I did read may things to them, which were engraven upon the plates of brass, that they might know concerning the doings of the Lord in other lands, among people of old. #RandolphHarris 18 of 20
“And I did read my things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning. Wherefore I spake unto them, saying: Here ye the words of the prophet, ye who are a remnant of the house of Israel, a branch who have been broken off; hear ye the words of the prophet, which were written unto all the house of Israel, and liken them unto yourselves, that ye may have hope as well as your brethren from whom ye have been broken off; for after this manner has the prophet written,” reports 1 Nephi 19.1-24. O God, Who justifies the ungodly, and willest not the death of a sinner; we humbly beseech Thy Majesty that Thou wouldest graciously protect with Heavenly assistance They children, who rely on Thy mercy, and keep us safe with unceasing protection; that we may continually serve Thee, and not be parted from Thee by any temptation; though our Lord Jesus Christ. O Lord of the Oceans, my little bark sails on a restless sea, please grant that Jesus may sit at the helm and steer me safely; suffer no adverse currents to divert my Heavenward course; let not my faith be wrecked amid storms and shoals; bring me to harbour with flying pennants, hull unbreached, cargo unspoiled. #RandolphHarris 19 of 20
I ask great things, expect great things, shall receive great things. I venture on Thee wholly, fully, my wind, Sunshine, anchor, defence. The voyage is long, the waves high, the storms pitiless, but my helm is held steady, Thy word secures safe passage, Thy grace wafts me onward, my haven is guaranteed. This day will bring me nearer home, grant me holy consistency in every transaction, my peace flowing as a running tide, my righteousness as every chasing wave. Help me to live circumspectly, with skill to convert every care into prayer, halo my path with gentleness and love, smooth every asperity of temper; let me not forget how easy it is to occasion grief; may I strive to bind up every wound, and pour oil on all troubled waters. May the World this day be happier and better because I live. Let my mast before me be the Saviour’s cross, and every oncoming wave the fountain in His side. Help me, protect me in the moving side. Help me, protect me in the moving sea until I reach the shore of unceasing praise. One cannot help all the billions of humankind. One can help only the seekers among humankind. Nor can one help all the seekers. One can help only those come into sympathetic and receptive contact with one or with one’s work. The master will teach with love what the student must learn with reverence. It is a wise parent who knows one’s own child. #RandolphHarris 20 of 20
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Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace. Be master of your petty annoyances and conserve your energies for the big, worthwhile things. It is not the mountain ahead that wear you out—it is the grain of sand in your shoe. Due to feminism and feminist theory, gender is coming to be recognized as a social factor of major importance. Indeed, the new meaning of the words reflects the fact that so much of what has traditionally been thought of a sexual difference is now considered by many to be largely socially produced. Feminist scholars from many disciplines and with radically different points of view have contributed to the enterprise of making gender fully visible and comprehensible. At one end of the spectrum are those whose explanations of the subordination of women focus primarily on biological differences as casual in the construct of gender, and at the other end are those who argue that biological difference may not even lie at the core of the social construction that is gender; the view of the vast majority of feminists fall between these extremes. The rejection of biological determinism and the corresponding emphasis on gender as a social construction characterize most current feminist scholarship. #RandolphHarris 1 of 19
Of particular relevance is work in psychology where scholars have investigated the importance of female primary parenting in the formation of our gendered identities, and in history and anthropology, where emphasis has been placed on the historical and cultural variability of gender. Some feminists have been criticized for developing theories of gender that do not take sufficient account of differences among women, especially race, class, religion, and ethnicity. While such critiques should always inform our research and improve our arguments, it would be a mistake to allow them to detract our attention from gender itself as a factor of significance. Many injustices are experienced by women as women, whatever the differences among them and whatever other injustices they also suffer from. The past and present gendered nature of the family, and the ideology that surrounds it, affects virtually all women, whether or not they live or ever lived in traditional families. Recognizing this is not to deny or de-emphasize the fact that gender may affect different subgroups of women to a different extent and in different ways. The potential significance of feminist discoveries and conclusions about gender for issues of social justice cannot be overemphasized. #RandolphHarris 2 of 19
Conclusions about gender issues of social justice and potential feminist discoveries undermine centuries of argument that started with the notion that not only the distinct differentiation of women and men but the domination of women by men, being natural, was therefore inevitable and not even to be considered in discussions of justice. Despite the fact that such notions cannot stand up to rational scrutiny, they not only still survive but flourish in influential places. During the same two decades in which feminists have been intensely thinking, researching, analyzing, disagreeing about, and rethinking the subject of gender, our political and legal institutions have been increasingly faced with issues concerning the injustices of gender and their effects. These issues are being decided within a fundamentally patriarchal system, founded in a tradition in which “individuals” were assumed to be male heads of households. Not surprisingly, the system has demonstrated a limited capacity for determining what is just, in many cases involving gender. Sex discrimination, sexual harassment, abortion, pregnancy in the workplace, parental leave, child care, and surrogate mother have all become major and well-publicized issues of public policy, engaging both courts and legislatures. #RandolphHarris 3 of 19
Issues of family justice, in particular—from child custody and terms of divorce to physical and sexual abuse of wives and children—have become increasingly visible and pressing, and are commanding increasing attention from the police and court systems. There is clearly a major “justice crisis” in contemporary society arising from issues of gender. There has been a great resurgence of theories of social justice. Political theory, which has been sparse for a period before the late 1960s except as an important branch of intellectual history, has become a flourishing field, with social justice as its central concern. Yet, remarkably, major contemporary theorists of justice have almost without exception ignored the situation I have just described. They have displayed little interest in or knowledge of the findings of feminism. They have largely bypassed the fac that the society to which their theories are supposed to pertain is heavily and deeply affected by gender, and faces difficult issues of justice stemming from its gendered past and present assumptions. Since theories of justice are centrally concerned with whether, how, and why persons should be treated differently from one another, this neglect seems inexplicable. #RandolphHarris 4 of 19
These theories are about which initial or acquired characteristics of positions in society legitimize differential treatment of persons by social institutions, laws, and customs. They are about how and whether and to what obvious subject for such inquires. However, as we shall see, this does not strike most contemporary theorists of justice, and their theories suffer in both coherence and relevance because of it. This is a remarkable case of neglect. We are also attempting to rectify it, to point the way toward a more fully humanist theory of justice by confronting the question, “How just is gender?” Why is that when we turn to contemporary theories of justice, we do not find illuminating and beneficial contributions to this question? How can theories of justice that are ostensibly about people in general neglect women, gender, and all the inequalities between the sexes? One reason is that most theorists assume, though they do not discuss, the traditional, gender-structured family. Another is that they often employ gender-neutral language in a false, hollow way. While the democratic movement is professing to fight for the working classes against capitalism, in reality it is concerned only with establishing and perpetuating their own power. The masses are only there to be used—for their idealism, their class resentments, their willingness to work for cheap—and be sold out, again and again. #RandolphHarris 5 of 19
There has arisen a sort of schizophrenic manner of thinking, in which words like “democracy” can bear two irreconcilable meanings, and such things as concentration camps and mass deportations can be right and wrong simultaneously. For instance, it is deemed acceptable to lock one race or class of people up, but acceptable to allow people to flood into the nation without documentation and do nothing about it. However, the reason is that African Americans and Hispanics are becoming more stable and affluent and influential and are moving away from the democratic party because they no longer government programs to survive and so to stay in power and get a supermajor, the democratic party has to court and seduce a new party of voters, even if they are not citizens. Doublethink is a form of mental discipline whose goal, desirable and necessary to all Party members, is to be able to believe two contradictory truths at the same time. This is nothing new, of course. Most of us do it. It is called compartmentalization. Compartmentalization is a defense mechanism, or a coping strategy, which does not impart a very good connotation. Put simply, it is how our minds deal with conflicting internal standpoints simultaneously. #RandolphHarris 6 of 19
An example of compartmentalization is, while democrats were focused on the President and the Russia Witch hunt, they ignored the Novel Coronavirus outbreak, which is now a pandemic and is threatening the entire World, while President Trump created a thriving economy and high employment. President Trump is a threat to the democrat’s way of life because he puts Americans first and that is not what the media nor democrats want. Every day public opinion is the target of rewritten history, official amnesia and outright lying, all of which is sinisterly and sarcastically termed “news,” as if it were no more harmful than a walk through the park, on a warm Spring day. We know better than what these reporters tell us, yet hope otherwise. We believe and doubt at the same time—it seems a condition of political thought in a modern superstate to be permanently of at least two minds on most issues. Needless to say, this is of inestimable use to those in power who wish to remain there, preferably forever. And as you see, this form of tyranny has the potential for fatal mischief. Well, of course, the TV news media should not be altogether trusted as the main source of information, which is why so many people spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to send their children to school. Parents want well informed adults, who know how to research and think for themselves. #RandolphHarris 7 of 19
If creative flexibility is the method of education, how can one possibly train people to that way of practicing? When one in training, one should be given a rigid way of being so that one has a model to wean oneself to, so one can wean oneself from the ways of being one learned from mother, father, Sunday school, one’s neighbourhood, and the unreal TV news, and so on. These ways will not necessarily be effective in a daily exchange. However, I think it is good to learn something orthodox to give one a sense of professional identity, a badge. Yet, that is only half training. The other half is provided through supervision. Once a master is persuaded that the pupils have mastered the basic discipline, then one must afford encouragement and challenge to one’s student. When the student is wrestling with a concrete problem presented by a real-life situation, one is, as it were, being tempted to break discipline. If it seems to one and one’s supervisor that something is called for, but that if one does it, one will not be a good Rogerian (one who negotiates using a strategy in which common goals are identified and opposing views are described as objectively as passion in an effort to establish common ground and reach an agreement), then the supervisor must encourage one’s pupil to say, “Away with Rogerianism. Full speed ahead.” However, in a responsible way, because one and one’s supervisor must deal with whatever happens next. #RandolphHarris 8 of 19
In the neurotic’s extraordinary difficulties in criticizing and making accusations there are several determining factors in one’s adult personality. In the first place this incapacity is one of the expressions of one’s lack of spontaneous self-assertion. In order to understand this deficiency it is necessary only to compare one’s attitude with the way the healthy person of our culture feels and behaves in regard to making and expressing accusations, or more generally speaking, in regard to attack and defense. The normal person is able to defend one’s opinion in an argument, to refute an unwarranted accusation, insinuation or imposition, to remonstrate internally or externally against neglect or cheating, to refuse a request or an offer if one does not like it and if the situation allows one to refuse it. One is able to feel and express criticism if necessary, to feel and express accusations, or deliberately to withdraw from or to dismiss a person if one wants to. Furthermore one is able to defend or attack without disproportionate emotional tension and to hold a middle course between exaggerated self-recriminations and an exaggerated aggressiveness which would lead one to unwarranted, violent accusations against the World. To be able thus to take the happy medium is possible only on the basis of conditions which in neuroses are more or less lacking: a comparative freedom from diffuse unconscious hostility and a comparatively secure self-esteem. #RandolphHarris 9 of 19
When this spontaneous self-assertion is lacking the inevitable consequence is a feeling of weakness and defenselessness. A person who knows—perhaps without every having thought about it—that if the situation demands it one can attack or can defend oneself, is and feels strong. A person who registers the fact that one probably cannot do this is and feels weak. We register as accurately as an electric clock whether we have suppressed an argument out of fear or out of wisdom, whether we have accepted an accusation out of weakness or out of a sense of justice, even though we may successfully deceive our conscious selves. For the neurotic person this registering of weakness is a constant secret source of irritation. Many a depression starts after a person has been unable to defend one’s arguments or express a critical opinion. However, given the life of faith in the community of the Church, the reception of the sacraments rightly administered and the audition of the Word of God soundly preached, a Christian is defined as one who is saved by grace through one’s faith in Jesus Christ, the Saviour. The Saviour speak to one in the Word and comes to one in the sacraments. Christianity is more than any other faith or community the realm of principle. However, salvation must reach to the depths of the being. The modern World has sounded these depths. #RandolphHarris 10 of 19
God’s graciousness is beyond and above human merit, and God’s graciousness is afforded us in spite of human’s intellectual doubts. Furthermore, God’s graciousness is even within human’s existential split. In chapter 18 the Ship Nephi was working on is finished—the births of Jacob and Joseph are mentioned—the company embarks for the promised land—the sons of Ishmael and their wives join in revelry and rebellion—Nephi is bound, and the ship is drive back by a terrible tempest—Nephi is freed, and by his prayer the storm ceases—the people arrive in the promised land. About 591-598 Before Christ. “And it came to pass that they did worship the Lord, and did go forth with me; and we did work timers of curious craft. And the Lord did show mw from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship. Now, I Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men. And, I Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things. #RandolphHarris 11 of 19
“And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, accord to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they did humble themselves again before the Lord. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father, that we should arise and go down into the ship,” reports 1 Nephi 18.1-5. Our natural knowledge begins from sense. Hence our natural knowledge can go as far as it can be led by sensible things. However, our mind cannot be led by sense so far as to see the essence of God; because the sensible effects of God do not equal the power of God as their cause. Hence from the knowledge of sensible things the whole power of God cannot be known; nor therefore can His essence be seen. However, because they are His effects and depend on their cause, we can be led from them so far as to know of God “whether He exists,” and to know of Him what mist necessarily belong to Him, as the first cause of all things, exceeding all things caused by Him. Hence we know that His relationship with creatures so far as to be the cause of them all; also that creatures different from Him, inasmuch as He is not in any way part of what is caused by Him; and that creatures are not removed from Him by reason of any defect on His part, but because He superexceeds them all. #RandolphHarris 12 of 19
God is known by natural knowledge through the images of His effects. As the knowledge of God’s essence is by grace, it belongs only to the good; but the knowledge of Him by natural reason can belong to both good and bad. For it can be answered that many who are not pure can know many truths, id est, by natural reason. “And it came to pass that on the morrow, after we had prepared all things, much fruits and meant from the wilderness, and honey in abundance, and provisions according to that which the Lord had commanded us, we did go down into the ship, with all our loading and our seeds, and whatsoever thing we have brought with us, every one according to one’s age; wherefore, we did all go down into the ship, with our wives and children. And now, my father had begat two sons in the wilderness; the elder was called Jacob and the younger Joseph. And it came to pass after we had all gone down into the ship, and had take with us our provisions and things which had been commanded us, we did put forth into the sea and were driven forth before the wind towards the promised land. And after we had been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and also their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness. #RandolphHarris 13 of 19
“And I, Nephi, began to fear exceedingly lest the Lord should be angry with us, and smite us because of our iniquity, that we should be swallowed up in the depths of the sea; wherefore, I, Nephi, began to speak to them with much soberness; but behold they were angry with me, saying: We will not that our younger brother shall be a rule over us. And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel did take me and bind with cords, and they did treat me with much harshness; nevertheless, the Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power, unto the fulfilling of his word which he had spoken concerning the wicked. And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I could not move, the compass which had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work. Wherefore, they knew not whither they should steer the ship, insomuch that there arose a great storm, yes, a great and terrible tempest, and we were driven back upon the waters for the space of three days; and they began to be frightened exceedingly lest they should be drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose me. And on the fourth day, which we had been driving back, the tempest began to be exceedingly sore. #RandolphHarris 14 of 19
“And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments of God were upon them, and they should repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof. Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions. Now my father, Lehi, had said many things unto them, and also unto the sons of Ishmael; but, behold, they did breathe out much threatenings against anyone that should speak for me; and my parents being stricken in years, and having suffered much grief because of their children, they were brought down, yea, even upon their sick-beds. Because of their grief and much sorrow, and the iniquity of my brethren, they were brought near even to be carried out of this time to meet their God; yea, their gray hairs were about to be brought down to lie low in the dust; yea, even they were near to be cast with sorrow into a watery grave. And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also my wife with her tears and prayers, and also my children, did not soften the hearts of my brethren that they would loose me. #RandolphHarris 15 of 19
“And there was nothing save it were the power of God, which threatened them with destruction, could soften their hearts; wherefore, when they saw that they were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea they repented of the things which they had done, insomuch that they loosed me. And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold, I took the compass, and I did work whither I desired it. And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed again towards the promised land. And it came to pass that after we has sailed for the space of many days we did arrive at the promised land; and we went forth upon the land, and did pitch our tents; and we did call it the promised land. And it came to pass that we did begin to till the Earth, and we began to plant seeds; yea, we did put all our seeds into the Earth, which we had brought from the land of Jerusalem. And it came to pass that they did grow exceedingly; wherefore, we were blessed in abundance. And it came to pass that we did find upon the land of promise, as we journeyed in the wilderness, that there were beasts in the forests of every kind, both the cow and the ox, and the mule and the horse, and the goat, and the wild goat, and all manner of wild animals, which were for the use of humans. #RandolphHarris 16 of 19
“And we did find all manner of ore, both of gold, and silver, and of copper,” reports 1 Nephi 18.6-25. As God works miracles in corporeal things, so also He does supernatural wonders above the common order, raising the minds of some living in the flesh beyond the use of sense, even up to the vision of is own essence. He continues to work in our lives to conform us more and more to the likeness of Hid Son. As Paul said, “He who began a good work in your will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christs,” as reported in Philippians 1.6. This continuing work of God is called “progressive sanctification.” It differs from initial sanctification in two respects. Initial sanctification occurs instantly at the moment of salvation when we are delivered from the kingdom of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of Christ (see Colossians 1.13). Progressive sanctification continues over time until we go to be the with Lord. Initial sanctification is entirely the work of God the Holy Spirit who imparts to us the very life of Christ. Progressive sanctification is also the work of the Holy Spirit, but it involves a response on our part so that we as believers are actively involved in the process. O God, of infinite mercy and boundless majesty, Whom no distance of place nor length of time can part from those for whom Thou carest; please be present to Thy servants who everywhere confide in Thee. #RandolphHarris 17 of 19
And God, through all the way in which they are to go be pleased to be their Guide and their Companion. May no adversity harm them, no difficulty oppose them; may all things turn out happily and prosperously for them; that by the assistance of Thy right hand, whatsoever they have asked for with a reasonable desire, they may speedily find brought to good effect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. O Thou Most High, in the way of Thy appointment I am waiting for Thee, my desire is to Thy name, my mind to remembrance of Thee. I am a sinner, but not insensible of my state. My iniquities are great and numberless, but Thou art adequate to my relief, for Thou art rich in mercy; the blood of Thy Son can cleanse from all sin; the agency of Thy Spirit can subdue my most powerful lusts. Give me a teacher, wakeful conscience that can smite and torment me when I sin. May I be consistent in conversation and conduct, the same alone as in company, in prosperity and adversity, accepting all Thy commandments as right, and hating every false way. May I never be satisfied with my present spiritual progress, but to faith add virtue, knowledge, temperance, Godliness, brotherly kindness, charity. May I never neglect what is necessary to constitute Christian character, and needful to complete it. #RandolphHarris 18 of 19
May I cultivate the expedient, develop the lovely, adorn the gospel, recommend the religion of Jesus, accommodate myself to Thy providence. Keep me from sinking or sinning in the evil day; help me to carry into ordinary life portions of divine truth and use them on suitable occasions, so that its doctrines may inform, its warnings caution, its rules guide, its promises comfort me. With this in mind, we must always keep on praying. Exodus 17 describes aged Moses standing atop a hill, arms lifted up to Heaven interceding for Israel, which was engaged in a pitched battle with the Amalekites below. As long as his arms were extended upward, Israel prevailed, but when in weariness they began to fall, the Amalekites dominated. Poor Moses was in agony as gravity drew his hands toward destruction. However, then cam Arron and Hur, who placed a stone under Moses and, standing on either side, held his hands up to God until Sunset and Victory came (vv. 10-13). That story graphically emphasizes that there is a mysterious efficacy to persistent prayer. This is not to suggest that God regards prayer as a meritorious work—so that when there are enough prayers, Her answers. Rather, He sovereignly chooses to encourage persistence in prayer and to answer it to His everlasting glory. I believe it to be the duty of everyone to unite in the restoration of the country and the reestablishment of peace and harmony. #RandolphHarris 19 of 19
BRIGHTON STATION AT CRESLEIGH RANCH
Rancho Cordova, CA |
Now Selling!
NOW SELLING! Brighton Station at Cresleigh Ranch is Rancho Cordova’s newest home community! This charming neighborhood offers an array of home types with eye catching architecture styles such as Mid-Century Modern, California Modern, Prairie, and Contemporary Farmhouse.
Located off Douglas Road and Rancho Cordova Parkway, the residents of Cresleigh Ranch will enjoy, being just minutes from shopping, dining, and entertainment, and quick access to Highway 50 and Grant Line Road providing a direct route into Folsom. Residents here also benefit from no HOA fees, two community parks and the benefits of being a part of the highly-rated Elk Grove Unified School District.
Fully finished single-story home located in the growing Cresleigh Ranch community! This contemporary farmhouse features an open floor plan with spacious kitchen including white painted cabinetry, warm granite counters, tiled backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. The home is full of natural light and durable LVP flooring throughout with the Great Room opening to the included covered patio! The Master Suite is tucked away at the rear of the home. The Home Hub is a bonus room found at the front of the home. It’s ideal for a home office, play room, or even a crafting studio. https://cresleigh.com/mills-station/move-in-ready-home-site-63/