h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I neglected you, dear journal, almost immediately. Inconstancy in a notated relationship with myself is a feature of my life - I have diaries with only entries for January to offer as evidence.

My absence (for which I hope you do not grow too fond) was due to an engagement with a fellow researcher on the topic of GOD. Big word, Big Guy.

I don't suggest anyone read the frenetic e-mail tennis - its a dialectic that I suspect has one of those "AGREE TO DIFFER" endings to it.

But it has brought a curious thought to mind - that is "Everyone is Fundamentalist". I don't mean we all adhere to the word of God. But we do all adhere to our personal world view, and are limpet-like in our adhesion, too. Even an aetheist has belief even if it is only in himself (a very unrewarding return is often derived when one makes a deposit in a self-employed entrepreneur, but there we are).

I received, in response to expressing concern over my understanding of the fate of another individual, outright contempt. I am meddlesome and opinionated - I know this. But it bugged me none the less that the road to a small personal hell of hurt was paved with my own good intentions. Normally if someone reacts badly to me it is jsutified by my selfishness or my arrogance, not any spontaneuous and ill-judged sympathy.

Actually, I won't moan. It was cathartic. I recognise that, though I am engaged in a caring and responsible profession, actually employed to put others best interests at heart, there are people who DO NOT WANT MY BLOODY HELP! It reminds me of the story of the medical student who failed an exam because he recommended a tracheotomy in a choking scenario - the correct answer? "A firm slap of the hand between the shoulder blades". Too much help is a bad thing.

I have since toned down my participation in the discussion and I think I may terminate it as a fruitless exercise. The guide entry concerned is very clever but disingenuous in my opinion. However, it is more in the spirit of h2g2 than in Chambers dictionary or The Encyclopaedia Brittanica, so if it stands it will not surprise me.

Hey Glider

Don't let it all get you down

H2G2 is a great place to be, but some things are hard I've learnt from reading around that there are certain subjects that attrract 'strong opinions' often from the same people and often reiterating the same opinions. Subjects in question include:
- Sexuality
- Religion: in particular Christianity
- Tolkien

You have to be pretty thick-skinned if you want to take part in these as people don't pull punches. You may also find cases where it is all talk and no listening. You may simply want to keep to 'safe' subjects I don't like to feel restricted, but some subjects get me so cross that I just keep to myself...

I don't want to denigrate my fellow researchers. Everybody's entitles to a rant. I'm sure I do it. And it seems that some just go looking for it...

I don't know if you've found the H2G2 Christians page: http://www.h2g2.com/A202519. You may find similar discussions there, but more besides.

And hopefully there's plenty of conversations aorund

Cloviscat (Not a practising Christian, for the record, but an ecclesiastical historian once upon a time and generally tolerant person )

Cheers. As a new researcher I didn't realise that the Journal could be read by others until I got your reply. Ironic really, considering the subject matter of the discussion thus far, to be kind of thinking aloud, making a confession and then obtaining a completely unexpected response.

Thanks for being a tolerant person - the world needs more of them

Hey, Glider, if you really want to talk about God, I'm willing to listen. I am not a fundamentalist Christian, I am rather openminded about the subject of religion and I have a few ideas also that I would like to discuss. Give me a buzz if you want to have a deep conversation without nastiness.

Thanks for the reply - Read your entry. You get as emotional as I do about things. Actually, I have knocked H2G2 on the head until I can use it at home - work frown on us spending too much time on this stuff.

Glider

P.S. My family are from South Africa and I sympathise with your views enormously. It is a great country but seems destined to always carry a burden or birthmark around with it.

I'll be in touch.