Perhaps I have too much idle time, but I'm sitting here with my mind focused on an issue that I know is so basic to all people, that no one can be untouched by it...OWNERSHIP. But contrary to what one may think at first glance, it's not nearly as simple of an issue as it may appear. I expect that my little dissertation will have so many twists and turns, that I may lose most people before I approach my conclusion, but that shall not deter me.
The meaning of this word goes far beyond anything found in a law book or dictionary, because they generally deal with only tangible objects and their use of them. By tangible, I do not exclude items with "intellectual rights", such as music, books, software, etc. To truely own anything, means that the owner cannot lose it, by taxation, theft, loss or even death. A court has no jurisdiction or power over ownership. Since it is obvious that anything tangible can be taken away, "ownership" of these is another matter.
What can a person take to their death? The simple answer is their soul, but in reality, the subject is much more complex. The soul owns things that it has acquired in life, be they good or evil, or perhaps more commonly termed love and hate. But, because of the inevitable distortion of words, even these may be insufficient to convey what I have in mind. But considering the limitations of a forum post, I doubt that I can relate this without misunderstandings.
So, if no one really owns any tangible items, how should these things be considered? The pocession of all of these are temporary and their use would be better termed "privileges"...privileges are conditional and can be changed or removed. That does not mean that these privileges are frivilous or arbitrary. These privileges are what enable a person to retain, pay or give to others as they feel obliged, desire or need. Since I do not believe it necessary to explain need or obligation, I shall focus on desire.
One thing that I don't think that enough people understand, is that pocession of tangible items, which I shall collectively refer to as "wealth", carries with it a burden and responsibility. People are often admired because of their wealth, and this may have some merit. But, few understand the load that wealth places on a person, because this wealth invariably fosters the negative aspects of life, such as hate, envy, jealously, vanity, etc. This is why Jesus said that "It is harder for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle" (cited from memory).
Does this mean that we should discard all things, and become a band of vagabonds...in no way! We have as great of a responsibility to use wealth, regardless of it's size, to do good. Good includes both taking care of ourselves and loved ones and helping others. But, simply paying or contributing taxes or tithes does not replace personal acts of love or charity. It is through these actions, that we foster an environment which promotes love within ourselves and others.
Unfortunately, too little of what we give to the government or churches reaches those in true need, and even when they do, the recipient is too often lacking gratitude, which is an essential ingredient in love. Although this form of charity is essential to sustaining life, it would be better served, if dealt with in a personal fashion. If you say that you don't have time for that, then you might as well keep your money, because your charity will do little good.
If it sounds as though I'm preaching, I will only respond by saying that I'm "preaching" to myself as much as anyone else.
The meaning of this word goes far beyond anything found in a law book or dictionary, because they generally deal with only tangible objects and their use of them. By tangible, I do not exclude items with "intellectual rights", such as music, books, software, etc. To truely own anything, means that the owner cannot lose it, by taxation, theft, loss or even death. A court has no jurisdiction or power over ownership. Since it is obvious that anything tangible can be taken away, "ownership" of these is another matter.
What can a person take to their death? The simple answer is their soul, but in reality, the subject is much more complex. The soul owns things that it has acquired in life, be they good or evil, or perhaps more commonly termed love and hate. But, because of the inevitable distortion of words, even these may be insufficient to convey what I have in mind. But considering the limitations of a forum post, I doubt that I can relate this without misunderstandings.
So, if no one really owns any tangible items, how should these things be considered? The pocession of all of these are temporary and their use would be better termed "privileges"...privileges are conditional and can be changed or removed. That does not mean that these privileges are frivilous or arbitrary. These privileges are what enable a person to retain, pay or give to others as they feel obliged, desire or need. Since I do not believe it necessary to explain need or obligation, I shall focus on desire.
One thing that I don't think that enough people understand, is that pocession of tangible items, which I shall collectively refer to as "wealth", carries with it a burden and responsibility. People are often admired because of their wealth, and this may have some merit. But, few understand the load that wealth places on a person, because this wealth invariably fosters the negative aspects of life, such as hate, envy, jealously, vanity, etc. This is why Jesus said that "It is harder for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle" (cited from memory).
Does this mean that we should discard all things, and become a band of vagabonds...in no way! We have as great of a responsibility to use wealth, regardless of it's size, to do good. Good includes both taking care of ourselves and loved ones and helping others. But, simply paying or contributing taxes or tithes does not replace personal acts of love or charity. It is through these actions, that we foster an environment which promotes love within ourselves and others.
Unfortunately, too little of what we give to the government or churches reaches those in true need, and even when they do, the recipient is too often lacking gratitude, which is an essential ingredient in love. Although this form of charity is essential to sustaining life, it would be better served, if dealt with in a personal fashion. If you say that you don't have time for that, then you might as well keep your money, because your charity will do little good.
If it sounds as though I'm preaching, I will only respond by saying that I'm "preaching" to myself as much as anyone else.
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