Often in my 53 years of life I have pondered the meaning of life. I’ve researched the topic, read the bible and other non-canonical works, and I continue to research other points of view. I will continue to read other works of faith and spirituality. Today I saw the movie trailer for the Life of Pi and then researched about the story and the author Yann Martel. On Wikipedia I read this:
In a 2002 interview with PBS, Martel revealed his inspiration for his novel, “I was sort of looking for a story, not only with a small ‘s’ but sort of with a capital ‘S’ – something that would direct my life.” He spoke of being lonely and needing direction in his life. The novel became that direction and purpose for his life.
I will read this book and watch this movie, because this is what interests me at this stage of my life. I admit that I too look for direction and purpose in life. I am a person of faith, but one that does not believe in everything a religious institution tells me to believe. My faith is my own, I will not will it upon others, although I love a lively debate. We each can interpret religious text to our own needs if we choose, which is my belief that such choice was the gift of free will by our creator. We are given this freedom of choice, but we are not free of the consequences. Many of our moral and ethical beliefs are derived from thousands of years of religious beliefs. We have the ten commandments and the three major religions from the line of Abraham. Do not kill and treat others as you would have them treat you seems a simple instruction. Yet we have so much sorrow and despair over the argument of faith. Is it due to an invisible interference that creates woe? Is there a literal war taking place in the ethereal world? Many believe so, some believe it is pure myth. If such things do not exist and we are no more than an intelligent animal, why then do we not just simply take what we want without worry of our own death?
There is very little description of heaven. Dante provided a startling description of hell, but what about heaven? We look into the night skies and ponder the powerful forces that created it and that which holds it together, and we call them the heavens. What is our purpose in death and in an afterlife?
If you enjoy this realm of thinking, then I believe my trilogy – The Chosen One of Allivar, and the upcoming chronicles will give you thought in the form of a fantasy adventure mythology. Mythologies revolve around a very simple story line: Creation, life, and end of times. In this mythology, I created the very questions I have and then attempted to answer my own questions. Life is a test and we cannot pass the test until we understand its meaning. Is mankind doomed to constant failures of this test and when, if ever, we will stand together as one to pass this test?
I look forward to a civil and robust discussion on the source of your beliefs. We have much to learn from each other, if we respect each others beliefs. In my mythical creation, Allivar means “The One Family”, and I sincerely believe my creator desires us to act as one. The hero, Arimar, is the chosen one, but why was he chosen and chosen for what? Surely you must want to know.
