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June 05, 2005

The One About God

The One About God

Standing at platform one in Heuston Station I find myself thinking about God. Not my usual train of thought while waiting for the 5.18pm Arrow. I'm thinking about how everyone I know (including myself) chooses not to go to Mass these days. This gives rise to a fascinating thought. If the majority of my generation doesn't go to Mass does this mean that the next generation, our children, will be brought up in an Ireland where from birth they are not swamped by religion? A somewhat reversal of fortunes. For my generation, it has reached a point where what stance you take on religion can be determined by one simple question: After death do you go six feet under or seven miles up? Sigh. If Irish Rail trains ran on time I wouldn't have time to put so much thought into this. When my train eventually does arrive, I discover I've forgotten to bring a book or my Walkman to speed up the journey so I'm left with again with too much time for my thoughts. I figure like I tried to discover "what is love?" on a train journey last year I shall attempt to find some sort of conclsuion to my cluttered religious thoughts. I forward a text message to every one in my phone book that simply asks: "Is there a God?" Certain that knowing my friends opinions, I'm probably not going to be any the wiser when I reach Newbridge but how and ever its worth a shot. Cherry Orchard. First station. First reply and its from scouser Paul Winters. Is there a God? "She is black," he says. Not such a good start. With lines like that I'll only be asking more questions.

Second reply and it comes from $chmackey. Is there a God? "There is. Or should I say are Gods. There is one ruling God with many different Gods too." Much like the first reply I'm only going to end up asking more questions than when I started. Hopefully the next text will enlighten me somewhat. Its from my Letterkenny amigo, Ally. Is there a God? "Is this for one of your articles? You always send the most bizarre texts, Liam." Sigh. At this rate I'll be an atheist by the end of my journey. Next up is Hank "lock up your daughters" Tree who replies to my question with "Why do you ask?" Whoever said ask and you shall receive was blantently lying. I text Hank saying "Thats not the question," only to have him reply, "Your not the question." Already at Sallins/Naas Station, I simply don't have time to argue. The next "revelation" comes in from Madeline. Is there a God? "Thats the 64 million dollar question," she says. And at this point I'd be willing to pay twice that just for a straight answer. Obviously deriving some amusment at my question I receive another text from the legend Paul Winters in which he says, "The last thing Jesus wants to see is a cross. A fish is much better." This is hopeless. Keara's up next. Is there a God? "Lets say that there is. I don't think any human description of God is fitting nor any concept." Interesting but ultimatly doesn't satisfy my thoughts. We're approaching Newbridge Station and my last hope of finding some sort of solice comes in the form of Steven Neville who has actually rang me instead of texting. "So, is there a God, Steven?" Silence and then, "This anwser is pretty profound, Liam," he says. I listen attentively. "I don't no," he says. More silence followed by "Or, there could be."

Trains, Buses & Automobiles by Liam Geraghty appears every week in the Kildare Nationalist (page 6)

Posted by LiamG at June 5, 2005 10:27 PM