I took this photo on 25th street in Ogden back in January. Recently, I edited it and brought the colors to life!
~J. A. Ross
© RossJ781.com 03/19/2019
I took this photo on 25th street in Ogden back in January. Recently, I edited it and brought the colors to life!
~J. A. Ross
© RossJ781.com 03/19/2019
*Disclaimer* This post is opinionated of course, and purely inquisitive/ intended to be thought provoking, and gain me some more understanding on this topic from other people. I am one who is hungry for knowledge and discussions when social matters are involved. I do still respect anyone’s point of view of course, as by our 1st Amendment right’s, we have our right to freedom of speech and I will defend yours. This topic today is just an important topic that I feel needs to be brought to light.
This comes to mind today. I always see loads of posts every day in my newsfeed telling other people that that should try to be more like Christ, or that they should try their faith. Well in my opinion, I feel like a lot people are almost the opposite and are fake; they try to use it as an excuse to spread their racism, or hate; or their own political agenda. Well here’s a few things.
For one, what’s with all these megachurches; all these other super fancy, and very expensive religious buildings? Buildings that can have room/seats for thousands of people. Do you really think that this is what Christ would want? I feel like he would tear all of them down and be utterly embarrassed. I think he instead would’ve used all those millions upon millions that are used in these buildings to go to the poor, and homeless. Also, to other important things like education, or things such as medical research to help make people well,etc.
In my eyes, I see people being manipulated into thinking this is alright. Well, some of you may wonder what us atheists, and other truly non-religious people that don’t follow any books (or specific guidelines) thinks about all this. I feel that many of them would share this same view. A lot of what people do today has been grossly perverted and turned into something else that defeats the entire purpose. These big time religious leaders make money off of people. Look at the televangelists, or owners of the megachurches. Do you really think they deeply care about you?
Many only tend care about money, image, and power. They get the best of many people by using charm and apparent word of God. I honestly believe that if people were to truly follow the goals of their religions, they would create simple shrines in their homes for worship, or build more basic/much less expensive buildings, and give as much money and help as possible to all of those who are in need. Instead, they keep making money, and breaching the separation of church and state that this country was built off of, to not have it interfere with our politics. (Utah politics greatly ignores this of course, not picking on you, just stating the truth.)
They’re also tax exempt. Seriously, why do they need to be tax exempt? They interfere with as much as they can get away with in our government. Churches pull in billions each year; do you honestly think that every available cent of that is going into the good of mankind? It pisses me off that I always have people try to tell me that religion is so good, and that I should follow. Well, I question everything and none of it adds up to me; I don’t just take someone’s word for everything and throw my life into their hands. So why do you guys feel the need to do this so desperately.
I personally, see that they’ve become very corrupt and use this to manipulate the American people. Look at other developed countries, they still have religion, but most of them don’t have it so entwined into their politics like a lot of folks in the US are trying to do here. The United States isn’t, and never was a ‘Christian Country’. ‘In God we trust’ didn’t appear on our money until the mid 1950’s, nor did ‘under God’ in the Pledge of Alliance. People need to get a history check, and get their facts straight.
Now, I’m 100% atheist and any religious references to Christ, or God, is purely to relate to any religious people end up reading this. I see many people making posts to defend their beliefs over and over. I feel it’s my turn as I normally chose against posting related material. I don’t care if people are religious, if it’s what you need to be happy in life; to give you purpose…well there’s nothing wrong with that. Do your thing! But I feel like people need to be more inquisitive to what’s going on this world, and not leave their mind closed to it. Especially to all of that occurring in third world nations.
Unfortunately, I strongly believe that America have become too ignorant and focused on themselves, and don’t really seem to care about the rest of the world much. Even though it can have direct effects to us long term. If you have an opinion, I want it to stay civil, no BS or it’s deleted.
~To restate~ This post is me wanting to get more info from other people, as I am curious a curious fellow. This isn’t just a jab at religion. It’s my opinions, and it has a purpose so I understand others more. As always, thanks to all of the continued support, and thanks for reading!
~J. A. Ross
© RossJ781.com 2/19/2016
Tonight, my friend Cera lost her home and possessions in a fire. She is currently displaced and I’ve created this gofundme profile with a goal of $10,000 to try and help her gain back new possessions, and a new place to call home. It’s a steep goal, but I feel with some helping hands, we can obtain it, or at least get a fair amount in to help her out in her time of desperation! I’m putting in the first donation with as much as I can spare, but I will be able to put in another this following week.
Link below:
https://www.gofundme.com/e7u9r8zw
We thank you for your help, kindness, and consideration for anyone who is able to donate in advance!
~J. A. Ross
Once again it’s that time of the year. The holiday season that is so beloved by many. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanuka, Kwanzaa,and more. This also means that the infamous Black Friday looms near. It all started back in 1924 after the first Macy’s Day Parade, and the term ‘Black Friday’ began to be used officially in the 1960’s. This means that this nonsense, all out shopping day has been going on for just over 90 years!
Whoever came up with the idea to put items on such absurd sales, and not expect there to be some violence, must have not not graduated high school. I’ll admit it has toned down a little over the years, but you still regularly hear in the news that so in so got stabbed, shot, or worse trampled. All of this over getting some temporarily inexpensive items, so cheap people can buy a bunch a stuff they most likely don’t need.
Many fail to release that the majority of these items on these crazy markdowns, will end up going on a large sale later anyways due to most of the items being older models that are being cycled out. Black Friday is a large company’s solution to getting rid of their old stock, and still profiting heavily from it. I know they do this; I work for a company that already has Black Friday sale’s going on. I see this type of thing every day I come to work (all price changes throughout the year).
Not only is Black Friday dangerous, but it’s also very unfair to any employee unfortunate to have to deal with all of the abrasive consumers. I wouldn’t wish that hell on anyone! If you haven’t ever had to work on a that day, you’re lucky! I’ve worked in store in the past, during this shopping event; it was a nightmare! It’s just an ocean of angry, stupid, and confused people. Sure not everyone fits that category. But it seems that the sale clicks something in their brains to make them turn into a bunch of assholes.
I do understand it’s a great event for people with lower incomes to get some gifts for their loved ones. But they should also realize that they just get swindled into buying more discounted items than one normally would. This often means less thought into the gifts too. They could’ve just waited until after the sale when the items sometimes get marked down much further, but without the mob.
For items they aren’t purchasing as gifts, why not just wait until the holidays are over. The after Christmas sale’s are nearly as good as the Black Friday sale, but you don’t get killed or maimed in the process! The point of this article is, that if you’re a regular participant on this after Thanksgiving shop-fest, you should put some consideration on at least being a decent human being. Remember to stay safe this Holiday Season and shop smart!
~ J. A. Ross
I would like to give all my condolences to France, and all of the family members grieving there. I also wish speedy recovery to all those who are injured. What a terrible tragedy that has taken place! I wish great well being on all those involved in this terrible, terrible event!
~ J. A. Ross
Here are a couple of my semi recent photos from Salt Lake City, Utah. The top is our state’s Capitol building; the other just has some random buildings.
~ J. A. Ross
Hey everyone! I won’t usually post too many things like this, but this is really important too me! I like to help make a difference whenever I can, and a friend of mine’s brother, really needs some help! It’s for a Cancer reconstruction surgery. Anything will help! I’m short on cash, but making a donation myself today! Thanks!
~ J. A. Ross
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