Children of light, children of darkness

Anonymous This picture makes me think of light and dark through the sunlight and shadows. However, the layering affect makes me think not necessarily of the opposing dualism, but of the realtionship between the two. There are not always clear lines between light and dark, and as the picture shows shawdows and light become mixed and fluxuate. Distinguishing the differences in identity, actions, culture, and just life as a whole, can be difficult and not clear or evenly split off, like that of a square.

I also think on the dependent relationship between light and dark. We can't know the light without the dark and vice-versa. To recognize the darkness you must have light. Along with this class I think as we go along our identities begin to look like this picture; intermixed into a bundle of contradictions. We must find a way to live with ourselves, and be at peace with our contradictions. Growth requires change and assimilation, which I think is about finding where you want to draw the lines between the light and darkness. Child of Light or Child of Darkness all depends on perspective, and change as easily as the shadows do.

Children of Light, Children of Darkness

Anonymous

Hannah is a child of the light, I am a child of darkness.

Well, not really, but as we were sitting in our apartment, I was sitting in darkness, and she was sitting in light, and of course our blog topic was immediately what we thought of.

I think this subject pretty much describes my life here in Athens. We go out during the day, and stay out for a good part of the night drinking coffee. That's just kind of the culture, and I love it.

I think this topic also made me reflect on dualism, and the difference between my life at home and my life here in Athens. It's very different; PLU kind of feels like a world away, or a dream. Then again, I kind of feel like I'm living in a dream here. I've developed a short part of my life here, and it's refreshing to compare the differences.

In much of what we've been studying, various sects of Israelites believed that only they were the chosen ones who would live eternally. Studying the eschatological theories of these different people has caused me to think about my own religious identity. Is there an afterlife? Does being a Christian mean that I will someday see this afterlife? And even if there isn't, doesn't Christianity give me fair guidelines on how to fulfill this life and live it the best way I can?

I think this photo just kind of says it all.

I a child of light and of darkness; I am finding my balance.

Children of light, children of darkness

Anonymous

The contrast of dark and light is often used as a metaphor for good and evil. The Qumranrites would argue that they are the children of light and that all outsiders are children of darkness. They would not see the darkness as a positive thing. But I see greatness in both dark and light.

The concept of Yin and Yang suggests that the dark and the light need each other to exist. It wouldn't be possible to tell what was light if nothing was dark, and what was dark if nothing was light. Light and dark each serve their own purpose in this world.

Consider the brownies and ice cream I had for dessert the other night. The light vanilla ice cream and the dark chocolate brownie and drizzle combined together to make something truly delicious.

The contrasts in our lives are what make them interesting to live and taste as good as that brownie did! And the contrasts between Greek and American culture are what make this travel experience so extraordinary.