By Jared Fields, Editor in Chief

We care too much about the opinions and words of other people. Growing up, I was taught kiddie-level existentialism in the form of, “what’s important is what you think.”

Taken with a solid moral upbringing, I find this true.

Along with confidence in my own thoughts, I want to know as much as I can.

Sometimes I just think about questions to ask God. I want heaven to be that way.

My first question for God when I die and go to heaven will be, “What’s up with aliens?”

After hearing the answer, one of the next questions will be, “What’s up with dinosaurs?”

These questions fascinate me and stir up some discussion among disagreeing people.

I have more confidence in my own answer to the second question, but going without much mention in the Bible, I want to make sure I let God set the record straight when I ask Him.

Someone may have some interesting insight, but it’s nothing more. I’ll take the ideas out there and form my own conclusion, instead of letting someone else decide for me.

People who try to let the Bible answer their questions may find it difficult to do so with this question. The book doesn’t discuss dinosaurs specifically, so some – the type who wants a book, chapter and verse for everything – conclude they aren’t real.

Another opposing side takes the “Pulp Fiction” route and says the absence of evidence isn’t the evidence of absence.

Yet others believe man and dinosaur walked side-byside before the great flood.

Personally, a description of the earth as a 10,000-year-old planet where Trex and man lived together doesn’t seem right, but I’ll leave my opinion to that.

Each side can find Biblical or scientific evidence to support their argument. A pre-existing bias won’t change anyone’s mind despite the evidence the other side presents. Just like slavery in the old South, a person can claim the Bible supports a view of almost anything.

I’ve learned recently that people care a surprising amount what other people think. From celebrities’ views on politics to weathermen to my predictions of Sing Song, we care too much.

Like dinosaurs, aliens or JFK’s assassin, a definitive answer isn’t always in the good book. Let’s use our freedom to think for ourselves.

We aren’t meant to know everything, and there’s a reason for that. The reward is in the journey.