Notes (for future wiking, though perhaps elsewhere):

• Optimum Population Density?
• True Religion?/Working Magic?

  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

  James 1:27 (in context)

  Faith without works is dead being alone. - Paul

  By their fruit, shall ye know them. - Christ

  Changing oneself or one's relationship with others by consciously choosing a course of action.

  Follow up to Redemption.

• Applying Science And Engineering To Political Systems?
• Balance

  Light is the left hand of darkness / and darkness the right hand of light.

  The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

  One should seek harmony in all things.

  Yet apathy is death.

  Example of marriage: Paradox of being oneself while being together.

  Example of worship: Paradox of submitting to God while exerting one's free will.

  http://swordsaints.typepad.com/weblog/2005/06/choosing_no_cho.html

• Redemption

  One cannot undo past mistakes, therefore forgiveness cannot be earned. God's mercy is defined by the fact that it is undeserved. Forgiving others is a way we can experience Keter (Godhood). Redemption is always possible.

  And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

  Genesis 18:23 (KJV)

  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

  Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

• The Miraculous?

  I see God's handiwork in even the most mundane events, and I perceive mystery and wonder in everyday happenings.

• Just No Reason?
• Blasphemy
• Scientific Inquiry?
• Personal God?

  I want to believe in something higher than me (a.k.a. the Divine, the Unknowable, Ein Sof) that takes a personal interest in my existence.

• The ends do not justify the means
• Way of the Righteous

  (summarize here)