Ranters

I have recently been acquainted to a group of people who I observe are "ranters". This sort of individual as demonstrated by my recent acquaintances' behaviours, is committed to proving continuously that their opinion is the correct one. The matter they rant about endlessly it seems, is of a religious or non-religious theory depending upon which side you take, but it is to those looking on, and having to suffer it benignly, excruciating because of its repetitive nature.  I have known these folks for a few years and it amazes me that they use so much of their time and energy scouting about in the act of proving that they are right and the other side is wrong. As far as I can determine, nothing new has come up to refresh their theory one way or another but it does not stop them from The Quest. There is a difference between mere research and a Quest. Research is rather an innocent and even relaxing endeavor while being on a Quest, requires blood, sweat and yes, tears. A Quest is an all-encompassing job. And these folks engaged in their particular Quest, sit at their computers wandering like lost souls searching for any kind of agreement for their ideas. When they do, they send them to all of those who are already in agreement with them and thus, build up the walls of their righteousness reaching even higher to enrich their status amongst those who agree with them and have done so since they set out together. It continues to mystify me. They do not see what a great waste of time this must be. When a new book comes out that remotely reflects their adopted opinions, they all rush out to buy it so that they can discuss the matter over the dinner table, the pub pint or the back porch chat and pat themselves on their backs for being so astute in their beliefs. While these sorts purport to be irreligious, they have, in fact, developed their very own religion.  Not that it is their invention. It's been done before. A religion is a deeply felt belief that enters one's life and becomes a living thing. It colours everything that the convert does and thinks and feels and sees. It is a chosen life-style. The people of my acquaintance are seeking converts as well to their theory or "religion". They speak loudly of their convictions in the presence of those not of their beliefs. When asked about them, they gladly spread their word and invite argument. They are prepared to enter into their debate on the matter.  Contention is common and heated, and rightfully, illuminating discussions are borne in this manner that supposedly rectify both sides of the issue.  Discussion or debate is enlightening. It forces one to take on an opinion as fact and then try to prove that it is, indeed, truth. Unfortunately, the ideas of my recent acquaintances have never been proved on this earth and are highly unlikely to see the light of that proof in the future. Matters of the religious vein are difficult to prove there being the matter of death as the determining factor. The attempts to find the truth does bind these folks together and they enjoy criss-crossing their information they find through the internet and other more ancient sources to one another endlessly and joyously each thinking they are enlightening the other. But the people who have the best show, as in all good tennis matches, are those of us on the outside looking on.