from: msmurray1255@gmail.com
to: Bloodstone43956@i-mail.irs
Dear Sir:
Now that I’m getting over the surprise of your recent “I-mail,” I’ve decided to write a reply. This is of course difficult for me, since I have yet to discover whether or not the messages I have intercepted are a deliberate hoax, the delusions of a madman, or somehow tangible evidence of a realm I try not to think about. So, I’m writing this not because I expect it to arrive in a particular place or be read by someone known as Bloodstone. I merely want to answer some of the accusations and remarks addressed to me as a sort of representative of humanity.
I don’t think I need to believe in a literal devil to confront the idea that, as you bluntly put it, “we are still here.” Through the convenience of radio, television, and the internet, I’ve been a witness to every terrible thing you listed: war, famine, oppression, and all manner of discord and distrust, not to mention all the lies and “bullshit” I encounter in day-to-day living. If you meant your comments as an indictment of humankind, we are guilty as charged. It’s true we as a species have not always chosen wisely and often have fallen for a wide variety of temptations. In a sense, it doesn’t matter whether you exist or not, because we have done enough on our own to make evil real. Some say we don’t need demons because we can play that role so well on our own. There are even a few historical characters that deserve special recognition for playing their part. I can only imagine what rewards they might be getting from you and your associates.
I agree intellectuals are frequently to blame for violence and suffering. As a group, we tend to debate when we should take action, and generally fail to come to complete agreement. Some of us even perpetrate atrocities. By the standards of our own ethics, as well as the morality of your “Competitor,” the physically and mentally strong are supposed to protect and defend the weak, not exploit or ignore them. The statement, “the poor are always with you,” means we are expected to do right by the less fortunate, not just use this phrase as an excuse to go about business as usual. So, yes, “my kind” has often failed to use their considerable influence to stop injustice and fix old problems. I won’t even try to make excuses for that, since the self-delusion of excuses seems to be exactly what you’re looking for.
For your information, I admit I didn’t always treat my children with patience and kindness and I’m very sorry for all the mistakes I’ve made. The good news is somehow we’ve been able to come to terms with the past and move on towards the future. No, I’m not proud of some of what I’ve done; quite the opposite. Yet, it could be your Competitor has had something to do with the place we now find ourselves. It’s strange you didn’t mention this possibility. It’s pointless to talk on and on about things we can’t change. All we can do is try to make better choices from now on.
This thought brings me to three reasons I believe you will not win, Bloodstone.
- Humans have the power to choose what they will become. While it’s true some of us choose to become more like reptiles than angels, we still have the opportunity to become something greater, something you might be tempted to worship if you had any humility left, Bloodstone. With this power comes responsibility as well. And even you might admit many of your potential “clients” have shouldered their responsibility very well. Not every human is a fool or a fake. Some show exceptional valor and nobility of spirit when the chips are down. I’m optimistic our ability to choose will prove to be your undoing.
- Humans are curious and imaginative. We are called “homo sapiens” for good reason. We investigate our world, climb mountains, explore oceans, and travel into space. While we are not perfect; our curiosity has gotten us into trouble and our discoveries are often a mixed blessing, our ability to learn, understand, plan, and invent has already meant the difference between oblivion and survival. We were created with intelligence and the capacity to gain wisdom. You can tempt us as much as you want, but one day we might become smart enough to resist. A few of us are already realizing this potential. In the end, an independent being who asks the right questions has the power to overcome a legion of tempters.
- Humans have an enormous capacity to love. I know this word disturbs you, but there is no better word to describe what humans are like at their best. Yes, love can go horribly wrong. People sometimes get jealous, take revenge and even kill for “love.” But, the best among us know love is a verb, not a noun. Love means putting the welfare of others before oneself. How many contracts have you claimed from humans who sacrificed their lives for others? None, right? Another point you failed to mention is that people love one another every day. Some show love through simple gratitude, kindness, and generosity. Others make the difficult choice to forgive those who have hurt them deeply. And some lose their lives just by doing their jobs, so others might go on living, or live better lives. Every day hundreds of miners, linemen, firefighters, police officers, soldiers, and others die in the line of duty. How many of their contracts have you been able to claim? Not many, I think, because it’s true “No one shows greater love than when he lays down his life for his friends.” Even you might on occasion be tempted to admit Your “Executive” is powerless against this kind of love.
We humans are remarkable creatures, Bloodstone. As soon as you think you’ve seen some of us “little vermin” at our worst, others accomplish something absolutely wonderful. Could it be we have been guided by an unseen hand, maybe even “What’s His Name,” towards Goodness, Truth, and Beauty?
Here is what will ultimately cause your defeat: Your Executive sees us only as “resources,” like plants, animals, minerals, coal, and oil; to be exploited, plundered, and consumed at will, with no thought to our long-term value. On the other hand, your “Competitor” has always seen us as beings with limitless potential and infinite worth. Further, only Your Competitor offers us virtually unlimited chances to rewrite our “contracts,” to start over, to be redeemed through His love. For Him, life isn’t about taking or claiming, but giving. If “The Book” you’ve so smugly ridiculed teaches us nothing else, we can at least learn we are loved by Your Competitor ~ Our Creator ~ and therefore should love one another as well. Whenever we decide to “love our neighbors as ourselves” amazing things begin to happen. Your temptations become pointless, for one. Beyond that, we begin to learn the real value of our “contracts” in the scheme of things. We can also begin to understand that all knowledge eventually turns out to be self-knowledge; and with true knowledge of ourselves comes the wisdom to realize the self is not all that matters. We can then freely choose to devote our lives to something greater than ourselves and elevate others as we do so. And as we rise, you, Dear Bloodstone, will fall.
Your Adversary,
M. Murray
MurrayWorks 