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Critical Thinking

  Responsibility to yourself means refusing to let others do your thinking, talking, and naming for you; it means learning to respect and use your own brains and instincts; hence, grappling with hard work. – Adrienne Rich At the age of eleven, my parents made the decision for our family to begin attending church regularly. At that time, my understanding of church was limited, and my primary concern revolved around the prospect of wearing a dress, as I had always identified more as a tomboy. Prior to this, I lacked significant critical thinking skills, but as we became frequent attendees at church, I gradually began to adopt its perspectives. During my teenage years, I remained largely unaware of political matters, focusing instead on more immediate concerns such as my current boyfriend and the latest albums I wished to acquire. As I matured, I began to observe the church's engagement with political issues, particularly during the elections involving Gore and Bush. The cong...
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The Instant Fix

  During my time as a believer, one of the initial factors that prompted me to question my faith was the apparent lack of transformation among Christians. The doctrine emphasizes that by accepting Jesus, one will experience a profound change, have their sins erased, and become a different person. This approach is not conducive to healthy coping mechanisms and can ultimately undermine mental well-being. Any licensed therapist would affirm that healing is a gradual process. Throughout our lives, we have internalized negative behaviors and coping strategies, and it takes time to unlearn these patterns. Simply reciting a prayer does not resolve deep-seated issues, particularly in the context of addiction. This situation often leads individuals who struggle to overcome their challenges to doubt their commitment to God. When they seek guidance, they are frequently advised to read the Bible more or to pray. While it may be suggested that they consult a pastor for counseling, it is importa...
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Desensitization

Desensitization, coupled with a diminished sense of empathy, has led us to perceive others as fundamentally different from ourselves. In light of the events that have transpired over the past two decades, it appears that we have constructed a protective barrier, convinced that the intentions of others are inherently negative based on information we have encountered or their online expressions. The ease with which social media allows for the dissemination of quick thoughts has exacerbated this issue. In the comment sections, it is common to witness individuals attacking others for their outspoken views, and before we realize it, we find ourselves ensnared in the very trap they have set. Even something as innocuous as a photo can become a target for unprovoked criticism regarding one’s appearance, revealing a tendency towards bullying without justification. This observation aligns with my previous discussions, highlighting how our inflated egos contribute to our desensitization. Regardle...
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Ego Breeds Entitlement

" Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time; the need for mankind to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Mankind must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. " – Martin Luther King Jr. The recent assassination of CEO Brian Thompson has elicited a range of emotions regarding the incident. While some individuals express unwavering support for his assailant, Luigi Mangione, others advocate for a more peaceful resolution. Personally, I align with the latter perspective. It is evident that our healthcare system is fraught with numerous issues; however, resorting to murder will not resolve these systemic problems. Luigi's actions represent a temporary fix, and it is likely that a successor to Brian has already been appointed and is prepared to assume the role he once held. There is no justification for the absence of free healthcare in A...
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Moving Forward

In light of the recent election results, a sense of defeat has permeated many of us. While we were aware of the existence of hate, the extent of it has been shocking. For those who endeavored to act with integrity, grief has set in, followed by a troubling sense of resentment. My initial reaction was to ponder why mediocrity often prevails. Have our standards diminished over time? I believe they have. The advent of the internet has brought forth numerous advancements; however, it has also contributed to a decline in our collective humanity. The combination of the vast online landscape and the influence of reality tv has fostered a culture that encourages a lack of education and the freedom to express any thought, regardless of its merit, with the assurance that one will still be embraced by others. When I refer to uneducated individuals, I do not imply a flawless academic record or the mere attendance of a college. Rather, I am emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and reas...
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