I think the distinction between heaven and hell, good and evil, light and dark, blondes and brunettes, is so much fainter than high literature would describe. The most apt way I can put this, and with much pondering and years of opinion forming which I have not the patience to write in full example, nor would you ever wish to endure reading, is thus: Diners vs Café’s.

One is ultimately good, just, right, conscious, fitting, welcoming, designed as well as designing, appropriate, and timely. The other is fouled, stained, fading, over grown, discouraging, and ever shuffling its z-coiled feet towards oblivion. How glorious the café! An may the diner one day reach its casket only to unearthed in amused memoriam of a time when all was thought endless and claimed.

I watched this video on modern shitbox/shopping mall churches and how they could have possibly come from the grand and beautiful cathedrals and mosques and whatever temple your choice, yet there it is in your mind! High above and stanced, taller than any great cities skyscraper. Longer lasting than our roads, with message clear.

God, we are trying.

 What does the little church snuggled inbetween an American Home and Furniture and a Chipotle tell not only you wayward worshipper on Sunday before breakfast and the football game, but God, the world, the neighbors yet to be believers?

God, we like tax breaks.

Or hand on I don’t know.

God, we are not even bothering with the glass-stained windows anymore.

I can’t really think of a statement, in fact it merely makes me smirk in disgust. No wonder I don’t have any plans for Sunday.

The video, which I fail to find (or look hard for really) diagnosed the change in thinking among the religions, away from nature and glory and an unconquerable relationship between the humble self and the creator, and towards a buddy-buddy ‘it’s the thought that counts’ type of gospel. In many ways, I agree with the new think. I don’t think God much cares what clothes you wear, or whether you spend your weekend in full contemplation of … something. Everything? Whatever. I do think the personal relationship to God is more appropriate. And tolerant. To know that every person has their own faith and piece of God that they carry, seems a lot less likely to cause a siege of Constantinople. Or the slavery of Christians, or the persecution of muslims, or jews, I’m not sure which anymore.

(Perhaps the fact that WORD insists I capitalize muslim, but not jew, is some indication. But maybe not. I don’t know squat about Israel. Or history. Or anything.)

What does this have to do with Diners? I have stated in an earlier post, and continue to hold the view that the Diner is a function of American waste ideology, held up only by the old population as a sense of comfort in these dire times. The formula of such a restaurant is antithetical to health and community. I don’t care how nice your old waitress is, by the time she finishes her next cigarette break you will not even be a thought in her mind. I don’t care how good you think the food is, it isn’t. The portions are too big, the architecture rivals those new-fangled Christian outlet mall churches, and the whole process is detestable. See, See I say! Through your fog of tradition and nostalgia, through the memories of grandma and post soccer games of youth. The parking lot, wait to sit, get your drink, order, wait, eat, wait, check, leave your plate at the table, pay, leave. Imagine it, every step of the journey. So many times you have done it, your little mind can’t comprehend any other way. You are thinking, right this second, how else could it be? Fool. Foolish folly. Falsehoods and fickle fortune upon you! This cannot be the way. Take the medium from the equation. Consider only the food. Frozen, fried, stacked, sugared, served in huge plates.

What’s the difference you’re thinking. A café focuses on the coffee more? Has expensively dainty plates with pastries? Some art on the wall? Seating that isn’t booths? It’s so nearly there. What’s the difference really. Good and evil. The line of thinking in the place is entirely different.

I can tell I’m not getting through to you.

You are a pagan. And I am some missionary come. I have the book. I know the word. What can I do to convince you? I could show you the light. Take you from your hovel and not into my home, corrupted mortal I am, but to the cathedral. See the masses praying yourself! See them come from far, many like you, more that differ. Approach the building like a mount. Enter and feel the silence of a thousand worshippers in awe. Look up, and see mirrored the night’s sky in color and wonder and depiction of ideal.

What does a cafe say?

We are trying.

What does a diner say?

Here is your slop.