Terry Ann Online
Friday, April 19, 2024
Last Will Be First
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Defective
Friday, July 7, 2023
Progressives Vote Against Their Economic Interests
Saturday, August 27, 2022
We Need to Stop Treating Secularism as a Neutral Value System
There seems to be an underlying belief in American society that secularism is a neutral value system. Public displays of religiosity are taboo but promotion of all things irreligious are applauded. Being irreligious is just as much a value system as being religious. A truly neutral society wouldn't take sides between religion or the irreligious.
A good example of this is in our school system. Prayer is forbidden but secular humanism is not a problem to teach students. It's a belief system just like Christianity, Judaism, Islam and any another religion but because our society views the irreligious as neutral, it's not an issue.
Another place where this is seen is in the abortion debate. Many pro-choicers seem to think they have the reasoned argument simply because they make specious secular arguments and pro-lifers sometimes use religious arguments (although they fail to recognize not every pro-lifer is religious). They think because they're secular it means they're "neutral", never mind their secularism has a belief system that isn't neutral.
Secularism isn't neutral. It's a value system. It's a system of ethics. Secularism has a set of beliefs. Its adherents can be zealous. Let's stop treating secularism as neutral.
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Oliva Rodrigo's Song 'Drivers License' is Anti-Environment
Just like we always talked about
'Cause you were so excited for me
To finally drive up to your house
But today I drove through the suburbs
Cryin' 'cause you weren't around
I still see your face in the white cars, front yards
Can't drive past the places we used to go to
Friday, June 10, 2022
Places to Visit in Alabama for Hikers and Explorers
This autumn it will be two years since I've moved to Alabama from Texas. It's been fun exploring a state I had no previous experience with. I have discovered a very green state with some nice landscapes with mountains, waterfalls, covered bridges, caves, and beaches. I thought I would share some hiking spots and some other worthwhile places (including some places I intend to visit). Lawnstarter.com recently aggregated a list of the best hiking cities in the country, and Huntsville was the first Southeast city (outside of Florida) on it.
Hiking
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
What #Vanlife Says About our Culture
There is something appealing about being lost, isolated and disconnected. I have been watching a lot of #Vanlfe videos on YouTube. They have no daily agenda, get to travel where they want, experiences places where they don't know a single person. I can see how this can life can be enticing. No direction! You have no idea what tomorrow brings!
Unsurprisingly, #Vanlife became extremely popular during isolating times, the COVID pandemic. Even with all the amazing scenery, these #Vanlifers also seem to be the most unhappy, anxious people! They lament not having a stable community because of the constant moving around. Those "views" can't replace being grounded and community.
This also makes me think of social media, which is supposed to connect us and help us build online "communities". It does the opposite. It provides a false sense of community that often leaves us isolated and disconnected.
I see a lost and directionless society. I see an unhappy society filled with anxiety and distrust. We were sold that being lost and directionless is a way to pave our own way. But we need meaning, purpose, and community. We need God. We need family, friends, and others. There's a reason why our ancestors went from directionless nomads to building communities/cities to settle down in. We all need roots.
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Great Wedding Songs List (A Lot of 90s music)
For some reason, I keep a running list of wedding songs. Here is my list (feel free to comment on a song you think should be added):
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Songs I Will Forever Relate to the COVID Pandemic
As we all know that music has a way of taking you back in time. Reminds you of what you were going through when you were listening to that song and how it spoke to you.
I have two songs that I believe will forever remind me of the pandemic.
1) Jeremy Camp - Keep Me in the Moment - This video came out the week of the lockdowns. It is about time, slowing down, and appreciating loved ones. The lockdowns really did slow down everything. Made me realize how important relationships are!
I’ve been thinking ‘bout time And where does it go How can I stop my life from passing me by I don’t know I’ve been thinking ‘bout family and how it’s going so fast Will I wake up one morning just wishing that I could go back I’ve been thinking ‘bout lately maybe I can make a change and let You change me So, with all of my heart this is my prayer Singing Oh Lord keep me in the moment Help me live with my eyes wide open ‘Cause I don’t wanna miss what You have for me Singing Oh Lord show me what matters Throw away what I’m chasing after ‘Cause I don’t wanna miss what You have for me Keep me in the moment Keep me in the moment Keep me in the moment ‘Cause I don’t wanna miss what You have for me When I wake up in the morning Lord, search my heart Don’t let me stray, I just wanna stay where You are All I got is one shot, one try One go around in this beautiful life Nothing is wasted when everything’s placed in Your hands I’ve been thinking about heaven And the promise You hold So, it’s all eyes on You until the day You call me home