Comparative Religions

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

Gandalf was sure that he had forgotten something.
But the table was set with enough food to please a hobbithole full for two hours, and his Staff was neatly set aside in a well protected place.

Glamdring was by his desk, just incase he needed it.

He smiled and sat by his desk, inconspicious


"Now, let us see who time and circumstance brings us."

Comments

[m-samuelle.livejournal.com]

I'm torn, sir.

In some ways I would say that there is no such thing as "God" or any all-powerful type being - my life certainly has not suggested such. But there are so many who have a faith that is so... *real* and who do not appear in any way to be fools or deluded, that it is hard to know what is real. In a way I feel as though I am left out in the cold looking into a house filled with light and warmth and knowing I can never go in.

But is religion based on something real? Or is it a delusion created by humans to explain things they don't understand, to find reasons for the things that happen, or to give themselves a feeling that there *is* a meaning to life - that it's not all just hopelessness and futility? I don't know.

Perhaps I thought that I might come to some sort of deeper understanding while I'm here.

I'm not sure if that's what you were asking, but...

*Michael's voice trails off and he becomes quiet, looking a bit embarrassed at having spoken this way and perhaps exposed too much of himself and his doubts.*

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

Well spoken.
Well thought.

I cannot promise answers. But I will promise more questions.

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

Now, please tell me, if you will.. what is worship?

[m-samuelle.livejournal.com]

Worship... Worship, well, I don't know in a religious sense, but worship is when you have this feeling - this acknowledgement - that something is so much larger and deeper and more amazing than anything you have ever experienced before. The acknowledgement of that, I think.

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

and what do you worship, Micheal?

[m-samuelle.livejournal.com]

*Looks forbiddingly at his classmates and tries hard not to answer, but something about the professor's eyes and voice...*

Nikita. Not *her* really, but her freedom and her belief that there should be *more*, that there should be a fairness in life - her ferocity in believing that there *can* be more, that there must be a way out of the hell we are living in.

I...

*He looks at the others with a blank stillness which is frightening in it's intensity.*

This conversation will *not* leave this classroom. Are we clear on that?

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

yes, absolutely. You are - protected, here.

[m-samuelle.livejournal.com]

Good. Thank you.

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

you are most welcome

[m-samuelle.livejournal.com]

Sometimes I think my life is all questions and no answers. Perhaps part of the reason I am here is to see if there is a place where I can find some answers. Is religion real and is there a path to salvation even for those like me?

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

There is salvation for all people

[m-samuelle.livejournal.com]

You don't know what I am or what I have done. You probbaly should not be so quick to assure me of that.

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

I have seen people from many worlds, with many backgrounds, with many pasts.

All have been able to find peace... one way or another.

[m-samuelle.livejournal.com]

Perhaps you are right in that. But I fear that my peace will come only with death.

I hope it is, at least, not a meaningless one.

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

Next class then, 100 words on the fear of death.

I will see you then. Enjoy the feast.

[m-samuelle.livejournal.com]

Thank you, sir. Good night.

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

Peace be with you.