Let’s look at this book – for that is what it is, a book. What separates it from all others though, is that it unashamedly claims to be the Word of God. That is, a message, or messages from the one who created everything in the Universe has found its way to its pages… this ‘claim’ alone, whether you believe it or not, is one of the central reasons why it is the world’s bestselling book, and has been for generations. Plot Synopsis The Story starts with all creation and the creation of Man, and then after that, God created Woman. It then progresses to the fall of man (with the intervention of Satan and the realization of Good and Evil), who chooses himself over his creator, severing that bond and welcoming sin, and death, into the world. His descendants then strive to rule the world and each other. But the story continues, focusing on an array of people and their unique walk/lives and relationship with God. God though (the creator of it all), is angered by his creation’s choice of disobedience, and the subsequent slavery to sin and death. Despite that, God still loves the world, so much so he sends his only son. The plan is to reunite his people to himself and break the bondage that sin has over his people. Enter Jesus (A coming which was prophesized). The son of God would then be beaten, tortured and crucified, killed… a man, who was without sin, who was pure, would carry the weight of sin on himself. An ordinary man, who was born in Heaven, would form the crux of existence, as his death and subsequent resurrection would break the hold that sin has over this world, forming a spiritual gateway to reunite Man with his creator. Target You. It’s for every man, woman and child walking this earth. Another reason it’s a bestseller – because it has such wide appeal. Bottom Line “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son…” – you’ve heard that line countless times that it’s almost become a religious cliché. What’s really at the centre of it though, is the coming together of two different worlds – a material one, and a spiritual one. In the Beginning (another cliché) these two worlds were very close (God and Man had open conversations, the world was a beautiful Eden), but then came the fall, and the separation. Ever since, God has tried to find a way back for us, as we in turn have tried to find the answers to the existential questions we have about ourselves. As the bible says, Man was never intended to have to deal with death, sin was never part of creation, women were never meant to experience pain in childbirth… every pain we endure is thus simply echoes of the pain felt in that fateful moment when man disobeyed God (*** The First physical wound experienced in the Bible is by Adam, when God removes his rib to form Eve - yet there's no record of pain being felt, and the healing was instantaneous - because God did the healing himself***). Hence the two worlds have separated – the material world held ransom to sin and slavery (ruled by Satan), and God’s quest to free Man… and aid him in the realization that he is not of this world, to reawaken his spiritual existence. In a stunning move (call it the checkmate move) God sacrificed his only beloved son. (when Jesus is hanging on the cross he screams “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” – this marks the first time the son addresses his father as ‘God’, indicative of the separation. God turned his back on his son for that moment, so that we (mankind) may be reconciled with our spiritual father). But Satan has no hold over Jesus (heaven’s own), and a material death of his fleshly body does not (cannot) hold. As a book, this is a fantastic story, when you think of it in a finite sense, with authors and writers that compose stories, books, bestsellers etc.one has to wonder, who could conceive this story, who came up with such a work, with such daring portrayals and claims. Well, it wasn’t one man or woman, it was many (over 40 authors – there were incomplete gospels that weren’t included, as well as number of anonymous authors), and it was written and compiled over a period of over 1500 years. It truly is a special book – I almost said ‘one of a kind’ but then my thoughts turned to the Torah (focussing on the narrative of the Jewish people) and Quran (the central religious text of Islam and greatest piece of literature in the Arabic language) … the fact that these three books/manuscripts/compilations are so similar is a staggering thought. Are they plagiarized – copies of one another just taken with different meanings and interpretations, and emphasis on different events? What’s certain is that they have far more similarities than differences. (The one glaring difference is the regard or emphasis placed on the life of Jesus – he is central to the Bible, but a bit-part player, almost cameo in the other two by comparison). But back to the Bible (which doesn’t have one spelling error in any copy I’ve seen) – since I don’t speak Hebrew/Aramaic or Arabic unfortunately – it must be said that it warrants a read simply because of the questions it poses of oneself (whether you’re willing to accept the answers it offers, is up to you.) The fact that it can be used as a daily devotional guide and life study book is also indicative of its influence and power – and it’s hard to argue against the fact that this book has power – even if its just in a material sense. (My grandmother, a woman well into her 80’s still faithfully attends weekly Bible study – this just exemplifies the fact that it has a lasting impression and that it does offer practically an unending fount of deep information. One could study this book your entire life, read it multiple times, and still find new meaning in it, daily – in fact, some say that performing this act will lead you to a better life, by applying something simple like the 10 Commandments to your life, and meditating on scripture. These practices have proven to have a profound effect on the individual and those around them. Truth be told it’s hard to write a book review on the bible because it is so vast and even prophesizes/predicts events yet to come (and lets not forget to mention that this book has proven quite reliable in that approximately 80% of the prophesies foretold in the Bible, have been fulfilled - to the letter - whilst the remaining prophesies reach further into our future!), but for an individual, if you’ve read this book, whether from beginning to end, or just jumping in in the middle somewhere (another unique feature), it might benefit you to review what you’ve read, as you would any other book. There are of course boring bits – this book does of course cover life, and the lives of many people, even some mundane bits, but that’s also part of the beauty, because it translates to everyone, to everyday life. In the Bible you’ll find beggars, Kings, prostitutes, fishermen, taxmen, farmers, murderers, doctors, philosophers, Angels, talking animals, carpenters, scholars, prophets, Demons, soldiers… people from every walk of life… many people, many generations, the creation of the world, and even a message of unconditional and undeserving Love. So, whether you believe that all these people were indeed onto something or that it’s just a collection of wild, outrageous and sometimes brutal stories collected and compiled over centuries (who or what drove so many people to write about this with such conviction, to be translated into so many languages and in varying versions et al.), you cannot deny it truly is fully worth its status as the world’s bestselling book, and why it's often referred to as the “Holy Bible” – the only book in the world claiming to be the actual ‘Word of God’. This is not a book about religion, its a book about reclaiming and restoring a lost Love; sacrificing everything and going to war for your true love. It may not look it, but war and love are on two sides of the same coin in this book, as they are in most books. Its a fight, a war for your heart... the message is, God wants you back, in his embrace. Humanity is often referred to as the 'bride of Christ', destined to join him in heaven; so the story effectively is about a man who sacrifices himself (appears as payment/exchange/ransom) to set free his captive, yet unfaithful love from the shackles of death. (There is no conceivable rating for such a book – it kind sets the standard) Question: if it indeed be true, if this is in fact the Word of God... what then, at the very least it should not be ignored. And, if this book is a work of fiction, then it is a fantastic piece, but since all art (since fiction is art) imitates life, what does this book say about reality? Mark Twain (notable fiction writer/author) said Truth is stranger than fiction, well for those who believe this to be a work of fiction... then I shudder to think of what truth lay as seed of inspiration for this work. Either way, plenty of food for many a deep thought!
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Today is a rather special day in the calendar of my family and I, perhaps not for the reason we would like, but it will remain a landmark day... eight years ago we lost a father, husband, brother and son. >> My Dad, Keith Benjamin. I was planning something else for today, but events led me to this post... I've never really made this blog personal as such, apart from one or two rare posts, and I'm not about to start, but for today I'll make a concession. A couple of weeks ago it was my Birthday - and how beautiful it was, with the rain and cloud disappearing for just that day, it seemed. It was a yet another reminder of how blessed I am. I've been counting my blessings of late - being alive for one, as I was involved in what could have been a very bad car accident in pouring rain, thankfully that too is behind me, just about. The times above is when you're most acutely aware of you're own mortality, conscious of your next breath, laughing with your family - it realigns your perspective, clears away the complications, of which there are many. So today I thought I'd take stock; this past year has been both big and small for me... one 'event' that passed by without much fuss was that this, my blog, turned one year old (in mid July), but more important than that milestone, is the journey I've been on in the interim. It's a strange thing, the spirit; to say that my spirit has grown so much in the past year can mean many great things, and yet for some, can mean absolutely nothing at all. You see, the world doesn't measure greatness, or success or even development by that thing called your spirit... It really is a strange thing, both ancient, and alien to us; for those who acknowledge it anyway. It's kind of like undertaking a long arduous journey, requiring great mental and physical fortitude (as I did along with some friends earlier this year, and last year as well). At the end of it though, what are you left with aside from memories? There is no material pay-off, only your mind feels enriched, your muscles feel weaker (for a little while immediately afterwards anyway) before healing. You may even feel older, or maybe just downright tired. And yet, the investment is there, in the spirit also. And so I'll say this - this past year has been big for me personally, and the next one will be even greater. To achieve the biggest arc and the highest heights, one must pull back the arrow the full length, till only the arrowhead remains in front of the bow - when the tension is at its greatest - and with it, its potential... I've been on a deep spiritual journey, discovering what it really takes to be a man - that journey is an on going affair, and its essential, especially considering the timing of it. My tree may not be bearing much fruit right now, but I assure you it will - as is always the case when leading a spirit led life. To everyone who has read this blog, commented and liked etc, I thank you. To all my friends, both personal and professional, you support has been invaluable. Thank you to my family for your endless support, without you I'd be living on the streets right, if not for the grace of God, and to wit, my biggest thank you of to my Lord and saviour, without you, I wouldn't be living at all. Lastly, I'd like to congratulate my friend for finding the woman of his heart. Wishing Vaughan and Monique all God's richest blessings. The wedding was beautiful - may it set the tone for your future, and may you strive to reflect God's love for one another. Much Love, dear friends! Steven To all married couples: "earthly marital unions were established by God to be a type and shadow of the greater marriage between God and man" A Return to the Wilderness, Part 1 I write this whilst mentally planning for a hike. Hopefully this time next week I’ll be writing from the proverbial “other side” of that mountain. It doesn’t seem like much I know, like making a fuss over something hundreds, if not thousands have done before me, and more still will do after, but allow me to put things in context… For the last few years I’ve been telling people that I’ve written a book, and only one person really, beyond a shadow of a doubt can back me up on that claim, yes my family has seen snippets as well as some friends and professionals I’ve networked with, but largely, it remains a feat that for the most part people just have to take on my word. But that doesn’t say much. On this journey I’ve seemingly gone about things in my own way – backwards that is… Leon Uris wrote that to be a writer we have to acknowledge within ourselves that we’re either insane or very naïve; this I have discovered over and over again. Can I compete with the best out there? Is my work good enough (even as I work constantly to improve it)? Do people actually want to hear what I have to say? – And on that note: What exactly do I have to say that warrants such an endeavour? - These are questions every writer faces. Inevitably, I’ve also learned that we preach about what we ourselves need to learn, and that, is what I’ve been doing for the last few years (in the very least anyway), learning. Which brings me back to the mountain; I was once asked how it is that I’m such a good climber (referring in that instance to rock climbing) – truthfully I’m not that great at it, but let’s just say that I’m “contextually adept”… this was when I first started, and as a beginner my reply was: “I guess I was always a rock climber in my mind, except that physically, I just wasn’t. So then, when I eventually got the opportunity, it all sort of felt natural” – this is something I’ve been working to apply to my writing career as well, because once you actually make that huge leap, or take the first step/hold on that first climb, are you really what you claim to be, what you believe yourself to be? That is where Faith creeps into the reckoning. Needless to say we all have our personal journey and have to travel it and negotiate its challenges in our own way. The Spiritual life cannot be made suburban. It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed. I’ve been doing some interesting reading of late, earnestly this time (the first real reading, that wasn’t specified research of some kind, since I started writing my book), from books that have appealed to me personally (one of which I reviewed a couple of weeks back). The one I’m currently about to finish is titled ‘Wild at Heart’ about defining, seeking and understanding the true heart of a man. It’s a book every man, or anyone who calls himself one, should read. I’ll zero in on one thing though… that of the wilderness. You see, within the heart of the true man lies the desire to explore, to be the frontiersman and lay foot upon unbroken ground, to return to the wild. It’s interesting that when people do this (not just men), they inexplicably relate the experience as being something akin to spiritual, because in reality, it is our spiritual home. So if you acknowledge the spirit within a man, within yourself, then you must realize that that Spirit, is in fact wild as well. The flesh is weak and confining and finite, but the spirit is unrestricted and strong and eternal, but only if we embrace it. Take the Bible for what it is physically – a book – and in this book of stories from many writers there is a tale of when God made Adam (in the wilderness) and brought him into the Garden of Eden (where he made Eve)… the point being this: there is a reason why men often put up pictures of untamed landscapes in their house or office, and it is about way more than simply beauty. It is the CALL of the wild, beckoning him to come home, and re-energize for his daily battles. Incidentally, the Bible also states that our spirit is our direct link to God (if you take it as more than just a book of stories). (It begs the question: where does this spiritual realm come from?) Your spirit is wild, which is why so many choose to ignore it, or don’t acknowledge it at all, because it is also dangerous, but it remains the key to you coming alive. So, I’m heading up to a mountain (along with over a dozen other brave souls, male and female), into that wintery cold, clouds and snow, to in some way symbolically cap off or underscore this mini chapter in my life – which just so happens to coincide with the near completion of the third draft of my novel (which I’ve renamed Peacekeeper – about a man who discovers what it really takes to fight the battles he faces, even when he doesn’t see it coming, when he’s alone and outmatched). The true heart of man is not a mere fleshy pump in his chest, but is in, and is, his spirit and the exploration of the vast untamed mystery of this creation we like to call life. Yes, there will be splendor, but there will also be pain lurking in that dangerous unknown, this is a battle after all. I pity those who think less of it… but there is always hope. Part of it is living on the border between life and death, or living on the border between the material and immaterial, and learning how to apply that spiritual world, to the natural of everyday. Getting back to the wild then, is about getting back to the frontier for easier access into the transcendent part of ourselves which is more than elemental. For me, personally, it’s about getting closer to God. Watch This trailer in FULL Screen mode. These Guys are just as crazy - I admire them because I suck at slack-lining and I've never attempted highlining, and wish I could do those things, but I cannot, and I cannot condone this either, even though its cool! - Leave it to the Frenchies! The problem with being a writer, is that we see things a little differently. It’s not as though we’re trying that hard, but the more you write, the more you look, and whether it be for inspiration for a story, or just where to fit ourselves into the picture (because sometimes we need to be chameleon-like), our odd angle on life, just happens . It’s a bit like those poetic lyrics by Kris Kristofferson: “He's a walking contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction (- a little random I know, but I’ve really been looking for moment to use those lines, and FYI, you don't have to be a writer to see the world in a different light) Truth is, we’re always looking for an avenue to explore. Sometimes it doesn’t feel natural, (or foreboding even) and usually that’s exactly what persuades us to take that route. We live in our heads, conjuring worlds and characters, and sometimes, or most times, it can get quite cluttered… so a little downtime is always in order. A far as strolls on the beachfront goes, well, it is kind of clichéd, but it only became so because it works, otherwise, there’s the mountain and Cliff side hike, for some real fresh air. Keeping with mountains, there’s real value to it you know… The clean air begins to invigorate you as you fill your lungs, then you start to climb and your muscles really start to work, forcing you to suck even more oxygen. Then you get higher and the oxygen levels decrease and your body starts to burn more energy to compensate. And the reality is, you haven’t even gone that far yet – its only just begun. That feeling you’re feeling; your muscles, your lungs, quickening breath and all… that is the feeling of literally being, more alive! Seriously though, you literally ARE using more of your body - awakening many particles and molecules that were sleeping. And as luck would have it, being alive kind of helps to tell better stories too, that’s generally how these things work. Anyway, on this recent trip, I may not have learned anything especially new (or gone on a hike), but certain things were clarified a bit more, with regard to my life as well as my storytelling… Most times it’s not about what or how much you know, but rather the way in which you apply the knowledge already amassed, and asking yourself the right – difficult to answer – questions. Both obviously and primarily apply to your life, and that will automatically filter into your work. Its all there or in front of your face, we just need (as is so often the case) to be reminded how to use it, or illustrate it, like the way a photographer uses light, or a master-chef brings certain flavors to the fore . Have a great weekend! Ciao - All pics by me... location: Durban promenade, with the World Cup Stadium arch featuring in the last two images. It was a little breezy, but not too chilly.- I'm not the biggest fan of the Zombie apocalypse genre, but AMC's The Walking Dead ranks as my favorite take. I believe the TV series format aids in fleshing out the concept, more so than films, although there have been a few very decent ones through the years. Here's a list of serious life lessons one can learn, or relearn from the series. They're highlighted very well by the character driven show - which is why its so good, making the scenario more realistic - when you see how normal human beings would react to something so foul. 1. Do not allow circumstance to change who you are. Of course we all change in some way with life and defining moments eliciting due reaction, a tragic loss of a loved one, hope diminishing… but we should not allow such things to alter who we are – our nature. Of course this is speaking in general terms because quite frankly some people need to change for the better (but this is targeted at those mostly outside the realm of extreme criminality). 2. The world is a dark and depressing place. It has always been so – because of mankind – the evils we see around us, in the news on a daily basis, is nothing new. Just think of people baying for blood in the roman Colosseum, an empire which also crucified people. Then there's the Holocaust, cannibalism, human trafficking, rape, mutilation, serial killers... 3. We live in a complicated world. But of course we made it so; by constantly cluttering our lives with material nonsense. When, ahem, if, the Zombie apocalypse makes landfall, one thing it will do for all concerned, is refocus our minds onto what is important – In Other Words – Prioritize… this is no time to be persnickety. 4. You’re only as good as your ‘worst’ member (reflecting the sentiments of ‘the health of a nation can be judged by its prisoners’). When in survival mode, people tend to make bizarre decisions… When things become really complicated – because of humans – deciding the fate of a fellow human being and having to play judge, jury and executioner, surely does provide ample opportunity to gauge the nature of the collective group. 5. Norman Reedus is still cool, it was looking dodgy after the curios case of Boondock: All Saints (Not a life lesson? – HA, your argument is invalid) No really, a redneck hillbilly makes for a valued ally when battling the dead, especially when he has many redeemable qualities… and if you're able to look past the personal hygiene issues. 6. You need human interaction to survive. You may be a bit like me, a person who is okay on your own, alone. Most writers don’t really suffer from loneliness, but when humanity is under threat, and you’re surrounded by moaning walkers and impending doom, a fellow healthy human is the prefect remedy to that sinking feeling… or at the very least, you’ll have some company when facing the darkness – whether literal, mental or that perceived darkness of death closing in. 7. And on that note: sort out your views/beliefs regarding death. I’m not a religious man, I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, so when the world descends further into apparent anarchy, best be at peace with death – I believe it is but a gateway, though this doesn’t mean I will not go down lightly; with a samurai sword in one hand and a spear in the other (and a pistol/Uzi and survival knife as backups) "I shall rage against the dying of the light!". 8. Learning some useful skills is always an advantage. There’s no need to be an expert, but a few seemingly abstract expertise will reveal their use in extreme situations. Everyone has a skill-set, the more the better, which means you’ll be a credit to your group – a pool of talent - indispensable even, improving their willingness to save you when in peril. 9. Being fit and healthy is a huge plus. You never know when you’ll be required to run for your life, sprint for a mile on an empty stomach, with full backpack of rations and medical supplies, with freaks on your tail, and your entire group depending on you. In all, okay most, apocalyptic tales, running is usually involved… 10. Self-control - an underestimated virtue. (you may find this a useful attribute in normal society too) Many people don’t know the true nature of their interactions with other people (living). Everyone has their own variety of oddities, though in a highly stressful environment it will behoove you to NOT be a nuisance to your fellow humans. IOW – Keep it together. That's right Eric, KEEP YOUR S%#T TOGETHER! The zombie apocalypse is no time to wig out and be a burden on your already jittery cohorts; otherwise you’ll be on the receiving end of some uncompromising WUP-ASS. UPDATE: Here's an alternate list of "10 Life Lessons The Walking Dead teaches us" by WHATCULTURE.com published December 2013. I think we only share (sort of) 2 lessons, though theirs carries slightly different emphasis on both, see if you can spot which ones I'm referring to... News:
Apart from the TV show, here's my two favourite Zombie films: 28 Days Later and Shawn of the Dead. The former's movie poster was creepy so I chickened out and added two screenshots. 28 Days Later just BTW, was directed by Danny Boyle and also starred current Bond girl Noamie Harris and Brendan (aka Braveheart's Hamish) Gleeson. FYI 2013 has a couple of zombie films on the way, namely the big budget Brad Pitt vs the world "World War Z", then there's the comedy Warm Bodies - which looks at things from the perspective of a zombie... this one actually looks like fun. Jury's still out on World War Z though because they chose to use CGI zombies; I'm not sure what your take is on this but if memory serves, I am Legend didn't fare too well with faux zombies, a decent film, but it kind of detracts from the overall experience, distancing one from the perceived threat - because we can all see its fake... In my opinion. |
[Banner illustration by Joel Kanar]
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