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Leaders vs Followers

Leaders versus Followers is an article meant to help you discover whether you are a leader, a follower, or both. This article will help you discover both the advantages and disadvantages of being a leader or a follower in this modern world. With that said, let us, deep-dive, into it, head-on.

Who Is A Leader?

A leader according to me is someone who has a natural ability to lead the way, and the rest of the crowd follows after. A leader is a natural talent, a natural ability.

A leader leads people from one place to another. He or she does what people want or expect, but he or she may also use some force to make people do certain things for the benefit of the people, or that of his or her own.

Humans have a natural ability to lead, but not all humans are born leaders. Animals have their own leaders, naturally, but not all animals are good leaders. Leaders are leaders, whether are good or bad. There is a need for a leader in every area of life.

In a family, a man and a woman are leaders in different ways. A man is known to the top leader in the house. A woman is the second in command in each family. In my culture, a man is responsible for the things a woman may not be able to do physically. A man has to bring things from far, but a woman has to take care of things at home.

Related: Life Coaching Ultimate Guide

Some people may still argue that leaders are both born and made, but I don’t think so. Leaders may be improved, but if they are not leaders in the first place, they can’t be made leaders, no matter how they are trained to be. Just as there is no human who can recreate or completely change their lives and nature, there is in the same way, no human that can make him or herself a leader through training.

If one has the ability to lead, that’s natural. I have also seen during my days on earth that people be forced to be what they are not, naturally, I think that’s why self-discovery is very important. Your parents, your friends, your colleagues, your co-workers, and your siblings or even your very own partner may want you to be what you are not.

Even though our culture teaches that men are always heads or leaders of their family, some women born leaders have proved to be leaders, too. This means leadership has no gender issues. Any gender can be a good leader if they are born leaders.

What Are The Advantages Of Being A Leader?

There are many advantages of being a leader. Some advantages are for the leader, and others are for his or her followers. For those who love recognition (and most leaders do!), recognition is one huge advantage of being a leader. People recognize you for your outstanding leadership abilities. People may also have their own expectations of a good leader.

If you don’t meet those expectations, then you may not be a leader according to them. But because you might already be a leader, you might have some kind of influence even among the people, and you will always win them as followers through those influences.

Fame may be one of the advantages. Resources (especially in Africa) are those advantages of being a leader. Wealth and authorities are some of the advantages of being a leader. Honour and social respect are some of those goodies of being a leader in a society.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Being A Leader?

In everything, there are both advantages and disadvantages. When it comes to leadership, there are both advantages and disadvantages too. One disadvantage is that leadership is a huge responsibility for many people to bear. But if one fears responsibility, then he or she may not be a born leader.

Having many enemies is a disadvantage of being a leader because every successful human or animal has his or her own enemies. Also, the followers always blame their leaders for some things, and this can be a disadvantage for a leader or leaders. Sometimes, people blame their leader or leaders for some failures in the leadership system.

For example, if there is no food at home, the children may look for help, or blame their parents for this failure. A husband may blame his wife for some things. A wife may blame a husband for some leadership things at home. A village may blame their leaders. A county may blame its leaders, and the list of blemish may continue from level to the other.

I know the fact that for some people, these disadvantages may be advantages as well, depending on certain circumstances, or mind-sets. But commonly speaking, blaming leaders can be a big difference between leaders and their followers. The pain that comes with blaming depends on whether the blames are based on facts, or on mere personal opinions, fuelled by hate and dislikes.

The rivalry was, is, and will be the most form of leadership disadvantage in human history on earth. When one is a leader, he or she will always have those who want to challenge him or her for the same position. This competition comes with lots of other unwanted actions for most people. Thus, some people may not desire to take the lead.

Who Is A Follower?

Now, a follower is someone who walks after the leader. This happens in the real world where two or more people are walking to a place, and one person may lead the rest. To walk after or behind a person is to follow the person. But this following can also mean when you have someone you listen to in life and follow them by following their advice, or by doing what they command or suggest.

Christians follow Jesus for spiritual walks and guidance. Buddhists follow Buddha for some enlightenment lessons and practices. Muslims follow Mohammed for spiritual teachings, and of course, most Africans follow some deities for spiritual nourishment and life. These are examples of both leaders and followers in spiritual matters.

If you love reading these articles, you may be my follower. People also follow each other on social media these days, or on platforms such as WordPress, and much more. The followers get updates from their leaders or their friends. These updates are the interests of the followers as well as those of the leaders or providers. Each human being has a gift, a passion. Each passion is for a good purpose. So yes, a follower is someone who followers another person, or other people.

In each and every family, there is a leader or several leaders. There are also followers in each family, clan, tribe, and society. In fact, life is all about following and being followed. Men and women lead their families in their own ways. Children may lead other children, too.

The following can be forced or chosen at will. It can be a voluntary action, or a forced or dictated the action. It depends on the leader or the follower to lead or follow the course willingly or grudgingly.

But naturally, there are people who love being followers instead of being leaders, and this is perfectly okay. Not everyone is or should be a born or made leader. I believe that leaders are born, not made.

What Are The Advantages Of Being A Follower?

If you follow a good course or a good leader, chances are that there are so many benefits to doing so. But being good and being bad can sometimes be determined differently by different people, and for many different and even conflicting reasons. So what does the “Good,” mean?

In this article, I explained what I know so well about the definitions of good and evil. Go ahead and read that, and they have a sense of what good or evil means. But in case that will distract you a bit, I believe there are both personal and universal goods and evils. If the majority of people agree that something is evil, that’s universal, or common sense. The same process applies to bad or evil.

If you are not a born leader, you will enjoy the goodies that come with following your leaders. But this depends on who those leaders are to you. If the leaders are good, then following them is a good thing. If the leaders are evil, or hurting you in one way or another, then following them may be hard or difficult.

If you are a follower, you may not fall prey to the blames and insults that others in the group usually direct to your leaders. Your sole responsibility in the group may be to follow the leader and his or her ways of life. However, following others may come with its own pains and disappointments.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Being A Follower?

Yes, there are disadvantages to being a follower, even if one enjoys following others in this world. One of the pains you may experience as a following is a feeling of being spoon-fed or being used for another person’s own gains and joys. This of course depends on who your leader is.

As a follower, you may be forced to do or accept to do things you don’t want to accept or do. You may not be allowed to share your views and express yourself as much as possible, especially if your leader is a dictator. Dictators have their own places in life. There are some conditions where dictatorship works best for the goodness of the followers, especially if the purpose is for the benefits of both leaders and followers.

If you are a born leader, you may always find it harder to be led, or be under someone else’s leadership and guidance. But good leaders are good followers. We learn from each other in life before we even start to teach our very own students. This means we have to be students of other leaders before we lead our own teams or groups. Leadership can be learned, but I still believe we only improve at what we already love doing, not the other way around.

Again, what I termed here as a disadvantage may be termed as an advantage by someone else somewhere on the planet. There is nothing wrong with having different and even conflicting views because this makes us uniquely different from the rest of the world’s people. Even my parents are non me, and I am not them. I am who I am.

Wisdom from John Monyjok Maluth

As usual, I think in everything, there a need for a balance. Leaders are also followers, and followers, and also leaders. Thinking only of one side of the coin can bring you much trouble than peace. It may bring you more harm than good because you will be persistent, and even rigid to let things go freely.

Are you a leader right now? Then be a leader. Are you a follower right now? Then be a follower. Trying to be good or even the best can lead to other unknown stumbling blocks, leading to dissatisfaction, and other life issues. But having a balance will not only keep you upright, but it will also keep you fit.

Further Readings

I hope this article has been helpful to you, personally. Would you like to leave a comment below?

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Rural versus Urban

Rural vs Urban

“Rural versus Urban” is an article designed to explore the pros and cons of residing in each setting, offering insights on enhancing your personal life. It aims to impart knowledge about the contemporary world and guide you towards achieving inner peace, regardless of circumstances. With that introduction, let’s delve deeper.

What Is A Rural Area?

A rural area is essentially a village nestled almost within the bush, devoid of modern structures. In South Sudan, such a village lacks roads to connect it to any nearby towns, which may not even exist. These villages typically feature numerous grass-thatched houses, often constructed in a circular pattern, with varying degrees of modern ventilation.

The only pathways linking these rural villages are those carved out by the feet of locals as they traverse from one village to another. When rivers lie between these settlements, inhabitants rely on handcrafted wooden canoes for crossing. Rural areas are abundant with various elements, from mosquitoes and wild animals to other hazardous insects and food sources.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in a Rural Area

Considering the straightforward definitions of rural areas, living in such areas comes with its pros and cons, particularly for people accustomed to urban life. An advantage is the abundance of healthy food, free from processed sugars, with only natural sugars present. The night sky often dazzles with numerous stars, clear and bright.

However, rural living also brings challenges, such as the presence of harmful insects, including mosquitoes that can transmit serious and sometimes fatal diseases like Malaria and Dengue fever. Additionally, marketing produce can be difficult due to the lack of roads or because villagers may already possess similar goods.

While you might be surrounded by childhood friends and family, which is beneficial, there’s also the possibility of encountering adversaries who might take justice into their own hands. This could mean that legal recourse is not as readily available as it is in urban settings, where one might find a lawyer to navigate through legal issues.

What Is an Urban Area?

An urban area stands in contrast to a rural area. It is characterized not by villages but by towns or developed settlements, where people reside in concrete or modern houses, unlike the grass-thatched dwellings typical of villages. In contrast to the overcrowded conditions often found in rural areas, urban areas are well-connected by roads to other towns and villages.

Urban areas feature various modes of transportation for public and private use, including cars, motorbikes, bicycles, buses, boats, and even airplanes, available in both small and large towns. Additionally, urban areas are melting pots of diversity, home to people from different tribes, cultures, worldviews, experiences, and countries.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in an Urban Area

As illustrated, living in an urban area comes with its set of pros and cons. A notable con is the scarcity of food for everyone. On the pro side, there’s the accessibility of transportation. With well-maintained roads, one has the freedom to travel to any region of the country at any hour, be it night or day. In East Africa, for instance, one could embark on a journey to Kenya or Uganda at 2:30 a.m.

While there might be an abundance of food, it often comes with a high price tag. Urban dwellers typically live independently or support only their immediate family and close relatives. Unlike in rural areas, nothing is free in the city. Every valuable item in an urban setting comes at a cost.

Just as crimes occur in rural areas, urban areas also experience serious crimes. The convergence of people from all walks of life in towns leads to the breaking of various rules.

Urban areas, with their diverse perceptions of right and wrong, become hotbeds for various crimes and criminal activities. The presence of people from different nationalities in one urban area contributes to the ever-increasing crime rates.

Despite government efforts to provide security in urban areas, crimes continue to be a daily occurrence. Some people steal out of desperation and hunger, while others do so for leisure.

In urban areas, the difficulty of survival may compel some women and girls, in the absence of parents or husbands, to engage in prostitution as a means of earning money to sustain themselves, even if it is against their personal wishes. This can lead to addiction and make future rehabilitation challenging.

Furthermore, the desperation caused by hunger and unemployment may drive men and young boys to form criminal groups that engage in robbery to make ends meet. Even members of the armed forces, trusted to uphold the law, might resort to criminal activities, not out of desire, but out of necessity to survive in an urban environment.

My Final Words

Understanding what it’s like to live in any place requires time and firsthand experience. Having lived in both areas myself, I offer my advice, hoping you will listen attentively and with an open mind.

If you’ve followed my narrative this far, you’re likely open to hearing my concluding thoughts. My counsel is this: seek balance in all things. Life is fleeting and inherently uncertain, filled with both pain and unpredictability. Yet, we must persevere as long as we draw breath. This realization can fortify us against the harshest trials of life.

Every individual carries their own burdens in life. You are not alone in this. While you may feel that your struggles are particularly severe, this may not be the case. It’s true that you understand your own issues better than anyone else, but remember, others may lead lives beyond your imagination, yet they persist and continue to live. And so can you!

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I would appreciate your honest feedback. Your insights will assist me in crafting even better posts and articles like this one, as sharing knowledge and experiences is a significant part of my full-time job. Please leave your candid thoughts in the comments section below.

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Educated versus Uneducated

Educated vs Uneducated

“Educated versus Uneducated” is an article designed to enhance your self-discovery. Within its contents, you will explore the significance of being educated and its importance. Additionally, it will elucidate the meaning of being uneducated. With this introduction, let us delve into the details of the article.

What Is Education And Why Is It Important?

When we encounter discussions contrasting educated versus uneducated perspectives, many thoughts arise. This article posits that education is a system through which we acquire knowledge and skills that are actionable.

Knowledge that falls short of being specialized is considered general education, which often equates to theoretical knowledge rather than practical. Merely learning to read and write does not constitute a complete education; these are tools that facilitate education.

True education entails the capacity to learn both in theory and in practice. If education remains purely theoretical, it is incomplete. A comprehensive education necessitates the integration of both theoretical understanding and practical application.

From the simplest definition of education, its importance becomes evident, particularly in today’s world which values individualism. Learning skills and applying them effectively can significantly improve your prospects in the modern job market.

Governments and both local and international NGOs seek educated individuals. Being educated might also entail the capability to write and read in one or two internationally recognized languages, like English and Arabic. While Swahili is predominantly a regional language, it is increasingly being acknowledged in modern communication systems as an international language.

Being educated enables you to read this post and many other significant messages. Reading expands your thinking and wisdom. It allows you to approach issues with maturity, unlike when you were uneducated or before you learned to read and write. It also raises the question of whether everyone can learn these skills. Education, in my view, transcends reading and writing because it includes applying what has been learned.

Therefore, it’s possible for someone to learn how to perform tasks without initially knowing how to read and write. If they have mastered a skill, they are educated in that domain, even if they cannot read or write in any recognized human language. For instance, if you understand the principles of buying and selling, you are educated in sales. Similarly, if you can swim, you are educated in swimming.

Understanding how to construct a house means you are educated in that field, even without formal certification. If you can perform a task well, you are knowledgeable in it, which is more valuable than having a certificate without practical experience.

Consider those who have studied health science but lack experience in diagnosis, prescribing medication, or administering injections. They may have credentials, but their knowledge is incomplete; they only grasp the theoretical aspect.

In my view, they are not truly educated until they can apply their knowledge practically. They possess theoretical understanding, not practical skills. Only when they acquire hands-on experience will they have reached full competency.

Pros of Education

  • Easy access to valuable information
  • Being able to read and write
  • Travelling the world through books
  • Having a comprehensive knowledge of things
  • Being less dogmatic
  • Self-discovery and self-improvement
  • Personal productivities

Cons of Education

  • Having too much and unused information
  • Reading both good and bad materials
  • Losing one’s own cultures
  • Too much knowledge
  • Having no single faith or doctrines
  • Focusing much on the self
  • Being independent

What Does It Mean To Be Uneducated?

When discussing educated versus uneducated, it’s important to note that being educated extends beyond the ability to read or write in any human language. It encompasses the capability to learn and perform tasks as expected. Conversely, being uneducated doesn’t merely refer to the absence of reading and writing skills; it also implies a lack of the necessary skills and processes to carry out a task. For instance, one may be literate but not possess the expertise to be a medical professional.

Similarly, being uneducated can mean a failure to perform as required or expected, equating to an inability to execute tasks correctly. It also encompasses illiteracy, which is the inability to read and write in any language. Thus, while reading and writing are integral to education, they are distinct concepts within the context of this discussion.

Reading and writing serve as conduits to education, guiding one to understand processes and enabling them to replicate those processes independently. For instance, I must read an article about self-publishing to grasp it on a practical, personal level. However, without the ability to read and write, learning anything that involves these skills becomes challenging, if not unattainable.

The inability to read or write can significantly hinder self-education and self-learning, particularly when the subject matter necessitates these essential modern skills. Nonetheless, literacy is not a prerequisite for education in every field; expertise and continuous improvement in any endeavor can also be indicative of one’s education.

For instance, if you are already a professional fisherman, you possess knowledge in that area and can impart it to others who might surpass you in reading and writing. Sometimes, those who are illiterate may have superior ideas, which they can share with individuals who can express them in written form on their behalf.

This demonstrates that literacy is not the sole indicator of true education. One cannot write about concepts they do not understand. As my late uncle used to say, “education does not prevent a fool from being a fool,” which I believe to be profoundly true. Education does not alter or reinvent our inherent nature.

Education serves only to enhance us. It is a tool that allows us to improve ourselves, but it does not change our inherent nature. Consider the views you hold; do you believe you hold them because you are educated? No, your support for them is not merely a result of education.

You naturally support them, even before becoming aware of them. You possess your own perspectives, even if the collective worldviews and teachings discourage their expression. Indeed, lacking education, particularly in basic life skills, is detrimental. Life becomes significantly more challenging without leisure activities. Money is not the sole measure of life’s fulfillment. Mastery in what you do is crucial. Without engaging in what we are passionate about, life loses its meaning.

Pros of Being Uneducated

  • Having little and mostly usable knowledge
  • Not exposed to bad materials through books and other media
  • Holding on to one’s own culture
  • Focusing much on the collective goodness
  • Being dependent on the group
  • Holding on to one’s faith and doctrines

Cons of Being Uneducated

  • Lack of access to valuable information
  • Not being able to read and write
  • Travelling only the physical world
  • Having a narrow understanding and knowledge of things
  • Being dogmatic and rigid to beliefs
  • Lack of self-discovery and self-improvement
  • Collective productivities

You Have a Personal Choice

Now, the choice is yours, as they often said on the BBC. It’s your turn to decide what you believe is correct. Do you concur that education extends beyond just reading and writing abilities? Do you agree that those who are illiterate can still contribute something valuable?

You possess a perspective on what it means to be educated. The viewpoint I’ve presented is mine. The aspect of individualism I cherish most is the liberty to think. I have a mind for thought and personal opinions to share with the world on all aspects of life.

However, you must still make a decision. You need to choose your stance, defend it, or simply articulate your viewpoint. You’re not obliged to concur with everything I’ve stated. But if you disagree, you should provide reasons, just as I have in this discussion.

My Final Advice

In conclusion of this insightful article, I offer a final piece of advice. As with all my writings, I advocate for balance, particularly when addressing polarizing perspectives such as these. It’s unnecessary to be inflexible about being educated in any form. Agreement or not, we remain human and should foster friendship. No one possesses superior knowledge over another regarding the essence of education.

Similarly, no individual surpasses another in what it means to be uneducated. Educated or not, all are people, equal in worth simply by virtue of being Homo sapiens. In Swahili, the phrase ‘watu ni watu’ resonates with me, affirming that indeed, people are people. This holds true regardless of religious or secular beliefs; education does not alter our fundamental humanity.

Therefore, balance is essential. We need not gravitate towards extremes, though some may disregard this counsel. Embrace this guidance, and you will find success and peace, living harmoniously with others by not considering yourself superior in any respect. If this post resonates with you, please share your thoughts. If not, I welcome feedback to refine my writing as an educational tool.

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Shalom!

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Good versus Evil: Pros and Cons for Modern Humans

Good versus Evil

“Good versus Evil” is an article designed to assist you in enhancing your self-awareness. It aims to clarify the concepts of good and evil in a contemporary world where truth often appears relative. Despite varying definitions, there seems to be a universal human instinct for discerning right from wrong. With this in mind, let us delve further into the subject.

First, What Is Good, And Why Is It Important?

The notion that what is “good” for one person may be “bad” or even “evil” for another has its limitations. Firstly, there is a universal human understanding of right and wrong. For instance, it is universally unacceptable for one person to urinate on another. While this example may seem simplistic, it serves to illustrate the point. The concept of good versus evil is essentially a comparison of life’s dualities.

Secondly, if you express your dislike for something and I proceed to do it anyway, it implies that I am acting intentionally. Such behavior is deemed wrong because it disregards your expressed preferences.

For instance, if you dislike cigarette smoking for personal reasons and have informed me of this, yet I persist in smoking around you, then my actions are intentional. Conversely, if you haven’t communicated your aversion to it, I might assume it’s acceptable to smoke in your presence. This scenario illustrates a basic concept of right and wrong.

Related: Life Coaching Ultimate Guide

From the simple examples provided, it is evident that humans inherently understand the concepts of good and evil, right and wrong. Regardless of tribal or cultural background, there is no excuse for ignorance of these moral distinctions.

Nevertheless, it is also true that individuals may engage in actions that others might view as negative, or even evil, within their cultural context. For instance, the method I use to prepare my food could eventually lead you to dislike it. While the ingredients remain the same, the preparation techniques can vary significantly.

In Uganda or Equatoria, the preparation of okras differs from our methods in the Upper Nile or the northern parts of South Sudan. We crush them into a paste, which they do not. Our foods may seem odd or unrecognizable as food to Ugandans or Equatorians. You probably had many thoughts about good versus evil, right?

The way we eat also varies greatly, influenced by the upbringing in our respective communities and cultures. Our speech, gait, and even our posture may differ. While others might view our actions negatively, we pride ourselves on being the best. We might judge others’ actions as wrong or evil, even when they are not, but this does not negate the existence of good and evil.

Despite the varied definitions of good and evil, there are universal aspects to each. Universal rights and wrongs exist, as do good and bad things that affect every human being. This means that people worldwide can recognize something as bad, good, evil, wrong, or right, even if they don’t share common beliefs or traditions.

Humans possess this understanding simply because they are human. They have an innate sense of what is wrong, correct, right, evil, and good. They don’t need to be religious or hold any particular beliefs to discern right from wrong. They inherently know because they are human. Despite minor differences, there is common ground where humans universally concur on many aspects.

Pros of the good

  • Most if not all people prefer good over evil
  • It’s the most wanted commodity in the world
  • It’s the positive side of things
  • It gives us hope and purpose in life

Cons of the good

  • Different people see it differently
  • Not what should always is
  • Positive may be the unwanted in some situations
  • Hope and purpose may just be mere wishes

Second, What Is Evil, And Why Is It Important?

On the contrary, evil, as previously described, is that which causes harm or pain to any human or animal. If my actions cause you pain, then they are evil, harmful, or wrong. Evil stands in direct opposition to good. As mentioned before, ignorance of what constitutes evil versus good is inexcusable, given that humans naturally possess the ability to discern between the two.

While personal preferences do exist, there are overt and undeniable offenses that must be eschewed to ensure peaceful and harmonious coexistence among humans. However, it is important to remember that not all humans are, or are expected to be, equally virtuous.

Some believe that certain individuals are inherently evil and take pleasure in this nature. They argue that human nature is fundamental and precedes our thoughts, words, actions, and character traits. Nonetheless, this inherent nature is not a justification for perpetually committing evil acts. Those who do evil face repercussions, not only potentially in the afterlife but also in the present world.

To demonstrate that humans can discern good from evil, one might consider the consequences of committing an evil act. The existence of laws and regulations is a testament to society’s recognition of evil. The prevalence of wrongdoing has led to the establishment of stringent laws, although those in positions of power may manipulate these laws for personal gain.

Evil inflicts harm not only physically but also mentally and spiritually. The mind, spirit, soul, and heart, in my belief, all refer to the same immaterial essence of every human or animal. Indeed, I believe animals possess souls or spirits, as my Bible does not state otherwise.

It has been repeatedly stated that every human is aware of what causes pain. They understand the concepts of good and evil, right and wrong. They are familiar with the pain associated with harm, yet they continue to hurt others or are hurt by others, both intentionally and unintentionally.

Good and evil are two facets of the same entity, life. Life cannot exist without these dualities: good and evil, negative and positive, right and wrong. In this world, opposites coexist, seemingly opposing yet contributing to the betterment of each other or the collective. Consider this: how can we gauge the virtue of something without evil to contrast it? How can we assess the luminosity of light without the presence of darkness?

Evil exists, whether we accept it or not. It has always been, is now, and will persist. Regardless of our beliefs, sacred or secular, we are bound to encounter both good and evil in the present. As long as we are alive, we must navigate life as it presents itself, embracing both its benevolent and malevolent aspects. Life is not singular in nature; it is indeed a coin with two distinct sides.

Indeed, this may not sit well with the devout, but it is a reality, not a tale. It’s not merely my belief or fantasy; it’s the truth we face. Hearing bad news is never pleasant, but it’s an inevitable part of life. You might have recently learned of something shocking happening to someone close to you, and that’s exactly what I’m addressing.

What occurs to them today will occur to us tomorrow. Such is the nature of life, and we must come to terms with it. Life is beyond our control, despite our attempts to influence it. Even with our advanced scientific understanding, we still fall short in many respects. The essence of life eludes us. No amount of knowledge allows us to preserve or prevent life from fading away.

Could we possibly revive life with our scientific advancements in the distant future? That would be a remarkable achievement. I hope that someone might revive me a million years from now, so I can revisit these words and chuckle with delight. Whether this will happen remains to be seen.

Pros of the evil

  • It happens regardless of people’s views
  • It’s just part of God’s plan
  • It was, it is, and it will be here
  • We hate it but we find ourselves doing it all the time

Cons of the evil

  • It’s always not preferable
  • Most people don’t go for it
  • It sees hope as a mere wish
  • It’s the negative side of things

Third, You Have a Personal Choice

As you may have realized, there is always a place for you in my writings. This place belongs to you. It’s where you have the power to decide. You select what to embrace and what to reject. You choose what to carry with you and what to leave behind on these pages, be they digital or printed.

Indeed, good and evil exist, and all humans are aware of both aspects of life. People become angry because they sense an injustice. No one feels annoyance without cause, right? Of course, unless one is unwell, famished, or suffering mentally, which are valid reasons for anger, wouldn’t you say?

Do you believe that evil is both a universal and a personal concept? Do you think the same applies to good? Would you concur that what may be beneficial for one person could be harmful to another? Are you aware that we can reach a consensus on whether something is good or evil based on certain standards?

Finally, My Advice

Balance is always necessary, wouldn’t you agree? For instance, if someone thinks my diet is unhealthy, there’s no need for debate, as they are entitled to their opinion. What’s suitable for me may not be for you or others.

Both personal and universal concepts of good and evil exist. However, if you disagree, I won’t judge you based on my views. You are a complete individual with your own rights, just as I am an individual with my own beliefs and mistakes.

The best way to handle conflict, in my opinion, is to prevent it. Indeed, prevention is better than cure, which is true for conflicts as well. To prevent disputes, we must find balance and middle ground, making compromises for the collective good.

This doesn’t imply that everyone should think alike. I understand that humans are not and will never be identical in their thinking. Not everyone is prepared to abandon what they consider the only correct path for unity and peace. Some may continue to fight for their own realms. However, I believe balance is always necessary. After all, excess in anything can be detrimental, right? That’s my belief.

Good and evil exist in our world, whether we accept it or not. Finding a balance between them is a form of wisdom. It leads to righteous living among others. It fosters peace and harmony. It brings joy and happiness. It results in a life well-lived.

I hope this discourse on good versus evil has been enlightening for you. If it has, please share your thoughts below. If not, I welcome your feedback. For further inquiries, feel free to reach out at info@johnshalom.com.

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Religion versus God

Religion versus God

“Religion versus God” is an article designed to deepen your understanding of your beliefs and the significance of belief in human life on Earth. It aims to elucidate the key distinctions between religion and God. You might be questioning if there are any substantial differences between the two, and this article is set to explore that very question. So, let’s delve into the subject matter further.

What Is Religion, And Why Is It Important?

Religion is essentially a belief system centered around a God or multiple gods, encompassing diverse and sometimes conflicting traditions, teachings, doctrines, and practices. It represents a way of life, shaped by how each religious community perceives the divine. It prescribes moral directives on what is considered right or wrong by the tenets of a God or gods.

From this fundamental description, it’s apparent that religion serves as a means for humans to seek understanding of God, or to make sense of complex natural and supernatural phenomena.

Given the multitude of perspectives on the divine, the world hosts a vast array of religions. However, the presence of numerous differing beliefs does not negate the existence of the subject in question.

Every religion claims its teachings, doctrines, and traditions as the sole truth, leading to widespread confusion about accepting any religion. This has driven many to the conclusion that there is neither God nor gods.

Consequently, numerous individuals have adopted the belief that neither truth nor moral absolutes exist. Some have even determined that there is neither an afterlife nor life beyond death, with a few extending this belief to the point of deeming life entirely devoid of meaning.

Throughout history, religious disparities have sparked numerous wars, predominantly fueled by conflicting religious beliefs and teachings, although human nature itself often underlies these conflicts. Atrocities have been committed in the past, continue in the present, and are likely to persist in the future.

Nonetheless, it’s argued that religion is merely a convenient excuse; the core issue lies with humanity itself, irrespective of religious affiliation. Religion is a framework, and its practitioners are its stewards. Similarly, while money is inherently neutral, its ethical impact depends on the intentions of those who wield it.

Pros of a religion

  • Having a sense of community and identity
  • Organized teachings and doctrines
  • Well defined cultures and practices
  • Living a life of hope and faith in the afterlife
  • Trust and reliance on a divine power

Cons of a religion

  • Getting stuck in the crowd
  • Holding on to old teachings and doctrines
  • Old cultures and practices that don’t work in the modern world
  • Belief in fictional stories as truths
  • Being totally dependent on a God or gods

Next, let’s see who God really is.

Who Is God, And Why Is That Important?

On one hand, God is not merely a religious figure but the Creator of all, both seen and unseen. This concept may seem like another religious doctrine, but to me, it is not. God and religion are distinct entities. God is not confined to Christianity, Islam, or Hinduism. Instead, God exists in everything, works through everything, and is for everyone (Ephesians 4:5-6).

This perspective is known as the universality of religion, and when I refer to it, I do so without any specific religion in mind. However, many people associate anything spiritual with religion, which is not necessarily accurate according to the simplest definition of religion mentioned earlier.

Understanding the key differences between religion and God is crucial for modern individuals. This knowledge can resolve the tension between religious and secular societies, bringing numerous benefits. It fosters a peaceful coexistence with others by dissolving conflicts among people.

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Consider this perspective: if individuals do not believe in God because they were created that way, embracing this understanding can foster love for them as fellow humans. However, holding the belief that faith in God elevates one above non-believers is not inherently divine.

In this context, God transcends all religions. He exists independently, not confined to any religious denomination. Understanding this concept might be easier after reading the story in my book, “Beyond Religion,” which features a fictional South Sudanese character named Kiden.

Understanding God beyond any religious doctrines is the only way to truly live on Earth. It provides a broader perspective on life. Religious views are often narrow and merely human interpretations of God.

The story of the five blind men who went to ‘see’ an elephant illustrates this well. Each man touched a different part of the elephant and concluded that the elephant was just like the part they experienced.

Consider someone who touched an elephant’s tail; he might say that an elephant resembles a large stick. Another who touched the ear would have a different description, and others will undoubtedly report their varied and often conflicting observations.

This analogy applies when discussing God. Each religion may hold a fragment of information about the same deity, but none possess the complete picture. Despite this, many religious teachings, which may seem foolish or absurd, are fervently believed by people as if they are incapable of independent thought.

Often, believers are instructed or even commanded not to think for themselves about what is right or wrong in the world, deemed as evil by their religious guides. You may have been led to believe that you are no longer merely flesh and bones. If that’s the case, reconsider. You are still a human being, just like everyone else.

Pros of God

  • Separating God from gods and from religious views distorted by human cultures
  • Having a comprehensive understanding of God
  • Love for all humans and other God’s creatures

Cons of God

  • Controversial topics about God and gods
  • Different understandings of the same God and gods
  • Conflict between theists and atheists

You Have a Personal Choice

Having seen my perspective on God and religion, you’re faced with a choice. You may agree or disagree with me. Perhaps you believe that God and religion are inseparable. The decision is yours, and I appreciate that. It’s enriching when readers hold views different from mine, especially when they can articulate or justify their stance with logical or thoughtful reasoning.

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For instance, if one believes that God and religion are synonymous, could they explain their reasoning? If they concur with this perspective (perhaps already holding this belief), what is their rationale? It’s not necessary to be religious to hold a personal opinion, nor is it required to study religion to express thoughts on the subject.

Finally, My Advice

Here’s my counsel for you, dear reader. I believe that balance is necessary in all aspects of life, including our understanding of religion. We don’t possess complete knowledge about everything, and this includes the concept of God or gods. I’m not certain of God’s existence; my belief is based on certain reasons that suggest there is a God, amidst many false ones.

It’s perfectly acceptable if someone disagrees with me. We can remain friends regardless. Neither of us has all the answers, right? This is the essence of maturity. It means not clinging to beliefs and doctrines we don’t fully grasp. It acknowledges our humanity.

Maturity allows us to overlook minor issues and focus on the larger picture. We perceive life in its simplicity. We strive for peaceful coexistence with people, birds, animals, fish, plants, and all of God’s creatures. Thinking broadly leads to fewer relationship conflicts.

Thank you for reading. I’m eager to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Share your perspectives with me and other readers. May God bless you abundantly and keep you safe during these challenging times.