Hmm. Definitely different worldviews. Though I'd argue that a mutual fondness for sparrows puts us squarely in the same universe. Isn't it lovely that we can disagree about God and yet still agree about sparrows?
If you don't believe in God, then it makes sense that you'd think of religion as something man-made and controlling. And most certainly some people use religion to control others, which is terrible spiritual abuse. We can agree on that as well. If religion is controlling, that is an evil thing.
I see Christianity as the true myth. And the source of my freedom.
Anyway. Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Jim. You're always welcome to stop by anytime.
House sparrows aren't native to North America either. The story goes that hey were brought here--along with starlings-- by a Shakespeare aficionado who wanted to have all the birds mentioned in the Bard's plays.
Birders often consider them a nuisance because they are an invasive species that outcompetes our native sparrows, like the song sparrow, the chipping sparrow, the white-capped sparrow.
I go back and forth. I love our native sparrows, who all have much lovelier songs. And I want them to thrive. I sometimes get annoyed when the house sparrows crowd out the other birds at my feeder. But it's hard to hate them because they are truly lovely. I really can't bring myself to hate any living thing-- though it's hard to love mosquitos. But I don't want our native sparrows to disappear.
Sparrows need more love.
Indeed.
"and not one of them is forgotten before God"
I’m sorry Melanie. You and I do not live in the same universe as I see all religions as myths used to control people.
Hmm. Definitely different worldviews. Though I'd argue that a mutual fondness for sparrows puts us squarely in the same universe. Isn't it lovely that we can disagree about God and yet still agree about sparrows?
If you don't believe in God, then it makes sense that you'd think of religion as something man-made and controlling. And most certainly some people use religion to control others, which is terrible spiritual abuse. We can agree on that as well. If religion is controlling, that is an evil thing.
I see Christianity as the true myth. And the source of my freedom.
Anyway. Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Jim. You're always welcome to stop by anytime.
I recognize that many people disagree on this issue. At least we have done this without acrimony.
Good bye.
I have always loved sparrows - tiny and usually overlooked though they are, (and largely for that very reason).
They are not native to Australia, and therefore mostly unloved - but that’s not their fault.
They are less numerous here now than they once were. Perhaps they are losing the competition with other species….
Melanie, Your sparrow poetry is a delight !
Best Wishes - Dave :)
Thank you, David!
House sparrows aren't native to North America either. The story goes that hey were brought here--along with starlings-- by a Shakespeare aficionado who wanted to have all the birds mentioned in the Bard's plays.
Birders often consider them a nuisance because they are an invasive species that outcompetes our native sparrows, like the song sparrow, the chipping sparrow, the white-capped sparrow.
I go back and forth. I love our native sparrows, who all have much lovelier songs. And I want them to thrive. I sometimes get annoyed when the house sparrows crowd out the other birds at my feeder. But it's hard to hate them because they are truly lovely. I really can't bring myself to hate any living thing-- though it's hard to love mosquitos. But I don't want our native sparrows to disappear.
They are everywhere, singing their poems and scratching them into the snow ... and Melanie is listening! 💛🌿
May I never become deaf to the poems of the sparrows!