Introduction to "THERE WAS EVER BLOOD."
This poem laments our connection with DNA that seems to inevitably revert to the "corruptness" posed by such 19th Century thinkers as Rousseau and Thomas Hobbes. But in "The Dawn of Everything" by Graeber and Wengrow we see that Rousseau, Hobbes and others posed these negative theses as mere rhetorical statements in order to elicit thinking about the Genetic assumptions by Mendel. They weren't speaking literally, saying "Humnan Genetics is evil and corrupt." The answer to the question "How will we escape her?" is: Intervention by spiritual forces we do not yet understand, by actors who have the most beneficent motives for helping humanity.
I was meditating on this Introduction during the night and the term "exclusive vs inclusive" was given to me. I went to Google's Gemini AI and posed the question:
Tell me the semantical usage of the word "exclusive."
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The Semantic Usage of "Exclusive"
Exclusive is an adjective that generally implies a state of being limited or restricted to a particular group or individual. It often connotes the idea of privilege or superiority, as something that is exclusive is often desired or sought after.
Key Semantic Connotations:
- Limitation: Exclusive things are often available only to a select few.
- Privilege: Exclusivity can suggest a sense of special status or entitlement.
- Superiority: Exclusive items or experiences are often perceived as being of higher quality or more desirable.
Examples of Usage:
- Exclusive club: A social or professional group that has strict membership requirements.
- Exclusive neighborhood: A residential area that is characterized by high property values and limited access.
- Exclusive offer: A promotion or deal that is available only to a specific group of customers.
- Exclusive rights: Legal or contractual privileges that are granted to a particular individual or entity.
In essence, the word "exclusive" conveys a sense of restriction, privilege, and desirability.
Ok ... does the Judaeo/Christian religious tradition capitalize on those aspects you quoted, above?
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Yes, the Judaeo-Christian religious tradition does capitalize on the aspects of exclusivity associated with the word.
Here's how:
- Divine Covenant: Both Judaism and Christianity emphasize a special covenant or relationship between God and a chosen people. This covenant grants exclusive privileges and blessings.
- Sacred Texts: The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and New Testament are considered sacred texts, accessible primarily to those within the respective religious traditions. This exclusivity reinforces a sense of special status.
- Salvation: Both religions offer a path to salvation or eternal life, often available exclusively through faith in God and adherence to specific beliefs and practices.
- Holy Places: Jerusalem, as a holy city, is a focal point for both Judaism and Christianity. Access to certain sacred sites within these religions can be exclusive to believers or those of a specific faith.
While these traditions also promote inclusivity and universal love, the concept of exclusivity plays a significant role in defining their identity and practices.
My comment:
The disconnect posed by Gemini's final, little paragraph, and the preponderous discrepancy of all the rhetoric above it, can be a real challenge to a Christian's understanding of his or her own faith. That's why we, "non-christians" need to be sympathetic and help Christians "ease into" a more balanced approach to the "Knock, Knock, Knock of DOCtrine, DOCtrine, DOCtrine."