The Culture of Life vs The Culture of Death

Two Paths: The Culture of Life vs. The Culture of Death

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Introduction

Have you ever considered that two distinct cultures coexist in our world? One is the culture of life, and the other is the culture of death.

Hello, I’m David Lowry, and this is Presence and Peace.

The Culture of Death

While most people cherish life, there are those whose experiences have been so marked by misery and unhappiness that they can see no future with anything positive ahead. They often feel victimized by life and its cruelties to the point of no hope. The idea of a blissful afterlife seems ridiculous or dubious at best.

Manifestations of the Culture of Death

The culture of death manifests in various forms across a broad spectrum.

Hopelessness and Lack of Purpose

At one end, you find individuals who see no purpose or reason for living, much less improving the lives of others. They believe Earth would be better if no people were on it.

Superiority and Anti-Charity Beliefs

Other people may outwardly appear ordinary, but their beliefs reveal a darker anti-life truth. They consider themselves superior to certain people and don’t believe everyone deserves a rich and happy life. This mindset often translates into resentment toward acts of charity, such as providing food for the poor and homeless. In some places, individuals try to leverage their influence to advocate for laws that criminalize homelessness, to the point of denying these individuals basic human necessities like shelter from harsh weather.

Prioritization of Wealth Over Humanity

Many anti-life people consider money, profit, and possessions to be more important than people. They game financial markets to their benefit and squeeze the poor for increased profit by refusing to pay people what they need to live while paying themselves salaries in the millions. They charge exorbitant prices for food, medicines, healthcare, housing, and other necessities. They use their considerable fortunes to influence politicians to create laws favorable to them.

Extremes of Violence and Hatred

At the extreme end of this anti-life spectrum are those who willingly engage in violent acts, such as school shootings, terrorist bombings, and other forms of mass violence. These individuals hold such a low regard for themselves and others that they see death and violence as a justifiable solution for their grievances. History is replete with examples of genocides perpetrated by those who believed they were ridding the world of “undeserving” people.

The Culture of Life

On the other hand, some embody the culture of life. These individuals also fall along a spectrum, ranging from good, honest people who care for their families and loved ones to those who have awakened to what can be described as “The Presence within.”

Awakening to The Presence Within

When a person awakens to this Presence—a divine spark representing their true self—they see the world through a lens of unity and love. This awakening transforms their perspective, fostering a deep connection and compassion towards all living beings.

Caring for All Life

Those awakened to The Presence within care for the earth, its climate, its creatures, and all human beings. In other words, they have come to see that The Presence that lives in them is also in everything that lives. Because of this, they care about all life.

Characteristics of the Culture of Life

A person awakened to The Presence within is characterized by empathy, generosity, and a commitment to the well-being of others. This stands in stark contrast to the culture of death, which is rooted in selfishness, indifference, and a disregard for the value of human life.

Embracing a Life-Affirming Personal Culture

The culture of life is rich, abundant, and meaningful. It begins when you become aware of The Presence within and decide to listen to the life-affirming messages it will tell you.

For Presence and Peace, this is David Lowry. I wish you all good things as you learn more about developing a life-affirming personal culture.


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