The title Will Smith movie (there I go with celebrities again) “The Pursuit of Happyness“, is one piece of a hendiatris that most Americans know by heart.  It’s from the Declaration of Independence.  Life and liberty are also listed as “unalienable rights” that are due to all mankind, not just Americans.  There are some limits to this, of course.  If my pursuit of happiness ends your life or encroaches on your happiness, then the motto fails.  It is an “all or nothing” idea that must be true for all in order to be true for one.

The reason that I give Brad Pitt’s beliefs on God so much respect is because I give my own beliefs the same respect.  I know that my actions are informed by my beliefs (if not sometimes completely caused by them).  Nearly everything I do flows out of my beliefs, whether I am conscious of it or not.  In a sense, my existence hinges on my beliefs.  ”I think, therefore I am.”  Thanks Descartes.  I’m on board with you there.  Whether my beliefs are good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, positive or negative, they are the core of who I am.

If Brad Pitt is being honest with his thoughts, then he has my respect.  He is only acting and reacting from the stimuli of his life, as we all are.  I’m not sure how to qualify any of this as a “less than” or “greater than”.  I believe that Mr. Halcomb knows more about biblical studies than Mr. Pitt, but I’m not sure that that translates to a actual knowledge of God that is superior.

I’m not sure if belief in God falls into the “pursuit of happiness” bucket, or if another one should be created.  What I do know (ahem… BELIEVE), is that alive or dead, I should know more in the future than I know today.  Until then, I’m not going to stake my flag where I’m standing, as it relates to most ideas.  I’d probably be pulling it up soon anyway.  Here’s to continuing the journey…  Cheers!