I Think I Am
Posted by Ronald Huereca 
I came across a poem entitled I think I am? by my co-worker Lou Sciaroni.
Just because I think I am
Makes me even more a man
But when I think that I am not
I end up closer to I Am
I made a lot of assumptions with my interpretation of the poem, but overall I think the poem is talking about becoming less like man and more like God (or Christ in my beliefs). When man is selfish and only thinking about himself, that person is far from God. But when man is selfless and humble, that person has a better chance of becoming more like Christ.
Join the Discussion (5 Comments)
After reading what you said, I figured out why the poem bothered me.
If you read Francis Schaeffer, he talks about the “mannishness” of man (speaking of humanity…), which relates to how we are created in God’s image. A Christian becomes more Christ-like, he (she) grows closer to what man started out as. It is a direct relationship, not indirect (now, self vs. God is indirect, but that is a different topic).
The other part I don’t like is the implication that thinking less will bring me closer to God. That is too close to Eastern mysticism for my taste. We are to use our minds to come to know God, not empty our minds so we can “feel” God.
cetroyer
Posted on March 19th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
I don’t think the poem was talking about “thinking less” but thinking less about oneself. Perhaps becoming more humble. Granted, being humble and thinking less about oneself does not equate to godliness, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Posted on March 19th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
I don’t think you can easily make that assumption, when you take his introduction to the poem. The quote from Descartes has to do with proving man’s existence. The proof is that thinking proves the man, thus not thinking would undo the man.
Thinking less of oneself, ie humility, does not deal with your existence as a man.
If he hadn’t introduced his poem like that, I’d probably be ok with your assumption.
cetroyer
Posted on March 20th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Is it possible to ignore the intro?
I see your point, but we’re going to have to agree to disagree on this one.
Posted on March 23rd, 2007 at 2:14 pm
Nope, it isn’t possible to ignore the intro.
Ok, as long as you are comfortable with your assumptions…
cetroyer
Posted on March 26th, 2007 at 10:41 am