This is http://www.essayz.com/a9811142.htm Previous-Essay <== This-Essay ==> Following-Essay Click HERE on this line to find essays via Your-Key-Words. {Most frequent wordstarts of each essay will be put here.} ========================================================== %REFLEXIVE REALITIES OBJECTIVE SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVE+981114 %TECHNOLOGY MEANS COMPETENCY COMPETITION ALIENATE+981114 %EVIL SIN GOOD GOD SALVATION RIGHTEOUS RELATIONSHIP+981114 %COLLUSIVE GAME MUTUAL SELF DECEPTION DISHONESTY+981114 %PERSONAL COMMUNAL INTEGRITY HEALTH WHOLENESS LOVE 981114 While some realities participate in essential ways in reflexivity (self referential relationships); we are prone to try to perceive and treat them as if they were realities which are lacking in reflexive aspects. The following list suggests and points toward many such realities: ALIENATION ESTRANGEMENT EVIL SIN ARROGANCE RIGHTEOUSNESS DISAFFECTION INSANITY DERANGEMENT MADNESS UNBALANCE CRAZINESS LUNACY EXTREMISM FANATICAL SALVATION REDEMPTION LIBERATION RESCUE DELIVERANCE INTEGRATION EXTRICATION EMANCIPATION DESEGREGATION RECONCILIATION CONCILIATION RAPPROCHEMENT COOPERATION FRIENDSHIP AFFECTION ENDEARMENT INTIMACY LOVE HEALING REPENTANCE FELLOWSHIP CONFLICT RESOLUTION PEACE SHALOM TRANQUILITY RELAXATION Our disposition to try to treat the realities which are pointed to by the above list --- is a disposition which is itself pointed to by the notion of original sin. The disposition is not at all original to anybody who has the disposition to try to treat the realities which are pointed to by the above --- as if they were other than reflexive, self-referential and inherently relational in nature. We fail and fall when we seek to achieve, attain, get, create and/or enjoy the positive aspects of what the latter words in the above list point to. This is especially so when we seek to do so: independently, on-our-own, by-ourselves, for-ourselves-only, competitively, exclusively, self-righteously, arrogantly, etc. It is also especially so when we seek to do so unilaterally on behalf of another person or other persons; whether our efforts be as individuals, or cooperatively with others who are much like us. In these latter instances our efforts are often futile/tragic attempts to prove that we are "better" than those whom we seek to "rescue" or "transcend". All too often we try to do and be "good" within the context of exclusive groups with which we feel "at home". Such exclusive "goodness" is not authentic, honest or healing in any practical way. It does not bear the sweet fruits of personal and communal integration and integrity. (c) 2005 by Paul A. Smith in (On Being Yourself, Whole and Healthy) ==========================================================