History Will Repeat Itself

In 1607 a group of people fled their country to escape religious persecution. They faced disease, government bullies, squalls, and the unknown in the name of religious freedom. These people the Pilgrims had so much faith in their God, that despite the hurdles they kept going and paved the way for this beautiful country.

It's now (ironically) Thanksgiving season 2008 and I feel like in a lot of ways our country has reversed it's ideas of religion. Now, to be honest I'm not a "religious" person. I don't think Jesus would have considered himself a "religious" person either. He spoke and taught about the importance of our Father's love for us and how we need to respect and love others and reciprocate God's love. The only way to see God's face after we leave here is through Jesus Christ and having a relationship (or way of life) with Him. Not Religion.

Religion has completely mutated the face of Christianity. Religion has distanced God from His children. Religion has bored more children on Sunday mornings than plain grits. Religion has taken my rights from me.

As I get older I realize how often I'm afraid to tell people my beliefs, I'm terrified that if "they" know I'm a Christian I'll be punished for it, or ostracised at work. Are they afraid I'll pick up a Bible and throw it at them. Are they afraid I'll sit them down and have them confess their sins....for the love of it all I don't even want to hear those. (Because nobody I know probably wants to hear all mine) But because I'm not going to throw the Kings James at anybodies head, do not take away my "One Nation Under God"; do not throw a law suit at my church for not marrying two people of the same sex; do not judge me!

I'm writing this now outraged, because I've just realized how society has labeled me "ignorant" because of what I believe. That terrible less than accurate word has scared many Christians into social hiding. Being Christ like is being bold just as Jesus was bold. This is where it gets misinterpreted; don't be a Bible thumping jerk, that has never led anybody to Christ. Continue to stand up for what we believe in, persevere, be that disciple that we are called to be; and do all these things with love.

With that said, we should never back down. In 1607 the Pilgrims didn't stop, and Jesus did not let discrimination halt His purpose.

So Help Me.....

Treading lightly is what I need to do right now. *Uh hmmm, let me clear my throat.

Like most Californians I find myself in my car for a good part of the week (of course when I'm not riding my bike to and fro *wink). Please shed some light on this for me....please.

Why do people find it necessary to flaunt their afterlife destination on their expensive gas guzzling, two lane taking, luxury SUVs?

 

Damn the NOTW bumper sticker and it's trendy cool font and swirly designs.

Really? I mean if you ultimately believe we're Not Of This World then why aren't you still driving the perfectly older car you traded in two years ago? I mean come on, life is short, tell the Jones' to shove it, tell them you don't care about what you show up in at the kid's water polo games! Be extreme and live below your means. (wow-and it rhymes)

Let me encourage you, Christians, be bold! Let people know where you're destined to be when you leave this world. Not by your bumper sticker that you purchase for $2.99 from a "hip, and super funky" Christian retail store but by the way you love the people around you. 

When Did Christians Begin to Loathe Treehuggers?

Growing up in Southern California the environment, especially the ocean has become just as much a part of me as the traffic is bad. There is no better place to experience God in all His glory than in crystal clear water sitting on a board, and watching dolphins play nearby. 

* Gag me I know. That's all I could muster out without causing serious dumb chills for myself. 

In all seriousness I truly believe that. I also believe that as a Christian it is my responsibility to protect God's creation. After all, God did place Adam in charge of the land and sea; so why have environmental issues been tossed aside by Christians labeling them "Liberal" or "Left Wing"? 

I'm not suggesting that we should all become Granola eating (although it's tasty), Carbon footprint calculating (that's not a bad habit to form), bike riding (why not do it for your health), bring your own bag to the store (but if you do Trader Joe's enters you into a raffle), Hybrid driving (I couldn't get financed for one), patchouli wearing (reminds me of my mom) hippie! Start small by changing out light bulbs for energy saving ones, taking quicker showers, don't leave lights on too long; small changes however small they might be will have such an impact.

The argument can be made that "there are bigger issues out there like world hunger, corrupt governments, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic". Halting the effects of Global Warming certainly won't cure any of those issues, but neither will that excuse and neither will that much apathy.