There is much commons sense, much morality in religion, as there is with secularist positions as well. Neither side owns a monopoly on these ideas. There is also much that is not common sense, that is not moral, that only sees the 'other' as an outsider, without being able to walk in their shoes, demeaning them, making them susceptible to and targets of violence in many forms.
I have here presented a dichotomy between the intellectual and faith based arguments while understanding that there is a common thread between the two, that of the 'moral observer'. I write as best I can as a 'moral observer', hopefully applying as much common sense as can be garnered from the vast amounts of information and opinions that exist.
Even as I write from an intellectual position as posited by Ramzy Baroud and Noam Chomsky, I need to recognize that the 'moral observer' is similar to the intellectual who "no matter where his sympathies lie, remain[s] capable of dispassionately approaching the subject at hand." That line reflects fully the 'moral observer' who is "impartially sympathetic" and "impartially benevolent" in the description provided by the theological view of David Ray Griffin.
I do not know if what I write has transformed anyone's thinking, perhaps at best giving it a nudge and push one way or another, providing another perspective, perhaps as with the idea of the moral observer, building a bridge between what are commonly considered disparate thought processes, that of the intellect and that of faith. At best, I could hope that writing provides support, moral and intellectual, for those working towards justice and equality for all, that I can be an advocate for truth as I perceive it.
Above all then, I write for the truth, for it is the truth that is dangerous to the powers that be, the truth about their secret wars and manipulations to strengthen their own hold on power. The old maxim holds true: the pen is mightier than the sword. That is why the U.S. corporate-political-military structures are so efficient with their media propaganda, keeping the people satisfied with their massively debt ridden consumer lifestyle.
That is why it is important for everyone to keep writing, whether it is faith based, intellect based, a mixture of the two, or in many instances populist writing, the common sense of the common man who wants food clothing and shelter, who wants cultural, intellectual, and emotional stimulation so that life is enriched beyond the basic elements of survival. Letters to the editor, letters to representatives, letters to friends all can have the power to transform. Writing can support the truth and argue against the lies and manipulations of those seeking absolute power and control.
I write because I can. I write to support truth, justice, and equality against those that deny it.
[1] Baroud, Ramzy. "Palestine: Demoralisation and Absence." http://www.ramzybaroud.net/index.php
[2] Fleming, Eileen. Memoirs of A Nice Irish-American 'Girl's' Life in Occupied Territory and Keep Hope Alive. Outskirts Press, Inc. Boulder, CO. 2007.
[3] http://www.wearewideawake.org/
[4] http://www.christianzionism.org/
[5] Cobb, John B. et al. The American Empire and the Commonwealth of God. – A Political, Economic, Religious Statement. Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, Kentucky. 2006.
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