Christian or Gandhian

I was just watching a PBS special on the "Pentagon Papers," and I began to contemplate a Buffett axiom that in order to be a great investor, we must first be absolutely honest with ourselves.

In that vein, I have been troubled with my Christian background since the reading a few years ago of a book entitled, "Jesus, Interrupted," by Bart D. Ehrman. I can no longer defend the pretense that Christian Truth is equivalent to Gandhian Truth. There are real problems in Christian Truth that are quite subjective and quantifiably errant, and I will allow the above described book speak for itself. Gandhi stated, "I worship God as truth only." I do believe that there exists a spirit about the universe that is both math-centric and truth-centric. This spirit seems benign, other than to say that there are laws based in math and cause-and-effect truth. This is what drives me into the study of economics. I must conclude that I am no longer to be classified as Christian but Gandhian: "I worship God as truth only."

Gene Chapman

CFA

I just requested clarification on taking the CFA exams. They propose that in January, 2011, one must present an International passport in order to sit for the exam. I asked if a religious exception is made for anyone, as I am too committed to my world view to throw it utterly to the wind, just to take a test (see: Revelation 13:16). This world is becoming too hard to navigate in a religious context, I fear.

Today's events reminded me of why I went to school for the host of off-the-grid degrees I hold and pursue. Maybe auto repair is a better investment for the years ahead, but I imagine that economics will be of use no matter what doors the Global Marxist government may close.

S&P Downgrades US Debt

Well, it's a first in United States History, I understand. Standard and Poor's downgraded the US National Debt from AAA to AA+. I cannot imagine that this will put upward pressure on stock prices, so I'm glad I'm working a job so i can buy stocks over the next year or two.

I was looking at my opportunity cost of the Welding Degree I finished in May, and I'm $85K in the opposite direction I could have been in had I kept working those two years. Also, had I put $30K in Crocs in 2008 and just walked away, I'd be well on my way to my first million dollars. Funny how life turns on such small dimes.

I'm still pushing for an economics degree to carry through my investing the rest of my life. I guess you'd say that I've entered the "Gravy Phase" of my life. It's all "building up wealth" from here.

Gene