October 2008

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Christianity and Faith
You Gotta Keep ‘em Separated.
10.24.08 | Permalink | 5 Comments |

Church culture. I guess that term means different things to different groups and denominations. I come from a denomination where separation is emphasized. You often hear the verse “come out from among them, and be ye separate” as a source of supporting scripture.

What does it mean to be separate? Does it mean that our women wear skirts when everyone else wears pants? Does it mean that I don’t go to sporting events or movies? Does it mean that I isolate myself from the rest of the world? Maybe. Honestly, maybe it does. But I don’t think so.

Could it mean that you behave differently than what one might consider typical? Do you return that $20 bill you saw that person drop without noticing? Does it mean you don’t curse at that driver that cut you off. Does it mean that you show mercy when someone else might take advantage? I think that’s a start. The truth of the matter is that a lot of people behave decently - Christians, athiests, Buddhists, Muslims. So in light of that, what makes us separate? It should be God’s light shining through us. It should be us doing good as a reflection of Him. It should be less judgment and more support. We should be a refuge to those who need it.

I’m really tired of church culture. I hate to generalize, but when something runs rampant and unchecked, it can become twisted and ultimately a distortion of its original intent. We often turn into an arrogant bunch of elitists with a distorted view of the world and the people in it.

I love my church. But I spent my first 8 years not being a part of any church organization. I was allowed to watch Bugs Bunny and Speed Racer, my parents listened to the Beatles, I went roller skating and saw Raiders of the Lost Ark at a theatre, I didn’t feel out of place at family get togethers, and I felt like a normal kid at school (well, sorta). I learned to appreciate that most people out there are good people - whether they label themselves a Christian or not.

When I became a Christian at 8 years old, it was an adjustment, but I thank God that he found my family. I understood the sacrifices we made, and I knew why. It is a part of the journey that transformed my life in a positive way. I thank my parents for bringing me up in a Christian home.

That being said, I don’t regret having a healthy exposure to the culture around me. To this day, I don’t think that’s a bad thing.

I’ll probably have more to say on this, but I’ve gone on long enough for now.
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Christianity and Faith
Official B.S.
10.01.08 | Permalink | 5 Comments |

Yes, that’s right. Belief System.

I think it’s probably a good idea to get some of my core beliefs in writing. You know - to let people know that I actually have some. Why should you care? I’ll assume you don’t. But it’s like putting a public declaration in the classifieds section of the newspaper. It’s for me. It’s a written record. It’s also a way for you to come back and call me out if I change my mind or screw up. Lucky me.

Maybe I’ll write a mission statement as well in an upcoming post. Maybe it will be worthy of engraving on a placard or something that I can put on my desk.

I’m going to start out simple. It may seem random, but it’s a start.

OBS - Part 1

- I believe that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - known as Yahweh - is the one true God. There may be others, but none come before Him.

- I believe that there is no positive version of the afterlife that does not include that God. I believe that after death, you will be either a) be with God in Heaven, b) be without God in Hell or c) your soul will completely cease to exist.

- I believe in the separation of church and state. I think this benefits the state, but more importantly, it benefits the church.

- I believe that abortion past a certain stage of development is murder, and should be allowed only in emergency situations. I do not know what that stage is, so I’ll just leave it at that and thank God that I will never personally have to make that judgement call.

- I believe that gays should be allowed to be legally married in the eyes of the United States government. The fact that I am personally opposed to the lifestyle, and that it does not conform to my view of biblical marriage, does not mean that gays should not be given the same financial considerations that I enjoy as a citizen.

- I believe that you will certainly go to hell if you watch too much reality tv.

- I believe cussing is ok if it’s after 10 pm and you don’t take the Lord’s name in vain.

- I believe in protecting our borders.

- I believe the war in Iraq was a mistake.

- I believe in the right to bear arms.

- I believe I can fly.

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