A missionary came up to me yesterday on the train in the city. He was an Asian American from California, probably in his late twenties. At first I was annoyed when he tried converting me to Christianity. lol. After a while he kinda gave up and we just chatted about life.
He told me before "finding god" he only pursued momentary happiness such as nightclubs, drinking, fast cars, gaming etc. However, after the adrenalin quickly wore off and an empty void followed. As if something was missing. In consequence he has voluntarily "sacrificed" 2 years of his life to come to Melbourne to do missionary work. This means no distractions (music, fun) whatsoever for two years. Daily as he tried to preach the word of god he would receive abuse, violence ,judgmental glares and even be spit upon from the people he crosses paths with on the street. Rather than become depressed, god has given him the strength to hold his head high and walk on.
Although i did not agree with everything he said, to be able to go against all of society to follow something that he truly believed in, he won my respect and admiration.
And in some ways I could relate. Many times I have drooled over material goods only to go "meh" after laying my grubby hands it. Many times I have reached a goal then thought "now what?".
Has capitalist society really become a place where we are all willing to step on others on our way to the top of the ladder? Do individuals have inherent moral virtue or are our actions determined solely by greed and fear of condemnation or god?
Most importantly of all, can we find true happiness and fulfillment on our own accord or do we have to believe in what some would call an illusion?
p.s sorry for the mass rhetorical questions. i promise to start answering instead of asking soon
:)
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