The Prodigal Son

[Rhondazvous]

Several thoughts

- The father's reaction is understandable and justified. His one son was obviously not fit to lead the business, and while he squandered a lot of money, it was, effectively, invested in his becoming a better, responsible person through life experience, which can arguably be more important than the money lost and pay off manifold in the future

I guess the story does have some value when you look at it in such secular terms.

Of course, the Church would advise us to see its spiritual message.
As such, it loses all value. If we see the father as god, the message is stay close to god or you'll wind up in the pigpen. It's so obvious that these are not our only parameters.

Since my parents raised me to be able to survive in a world where they don't exist, knowing that one day I might have to, I can't relate to teachings that say dependence is good while leaving my father's house is evil.