Back in the library again. Today we discussed the religious dimension of Socrates, how Edmund Burke fits into American conservative thought, and Whittaker Chambers' Witness. A topic that came up over and over again in the latter class was Chambers' comment that he left Communism because it was evil, but he felt himself on the "losing side" of history as a result. He thought Communism would win, because of the corruption he saw in American society, a culture that claimed to be based on God. And yet he became a Christian. People's failings didn't keep him from God. I thought that was neat.

Our own discussion, though, revolved around the pervading feeling that the effort to maintain morality in our culture is failing. Some of us felt this pessimism; some didn't. Some, like me, felt both pessimism and optimism working together. I tried to pin down this conflict inside me, and I came to the conclusion that I feel essentially pessimistic for this world, but optimistic for eternity. The pessimism comes from human pain, and the way our race continually tries to harm itself. The optimism comes from the fact that God wants to save some of us, and plans to save some of us who will listen to Him. I feel very sad that He will not save everyone, but I am also certain that He can do whatever He wants with His creation, and I am very thankful that He has chosen me and many of my friends. The good thing is that, if I am a Christian, God will never leave me. He will always pull me back before I get too far away.

Today I am very tired, and I need a nap. I am thinking about watching that ballroom dancing documentary that recently came out, however. I located the Princeton movie theatre, which is showing it. None of the theatres in my area decided to carry the documentary, so this may be my only chance. :) If necessary, I can just nap in the theatre itself. :D  ¶ 12:28 PM