Christianity & Politics

Published at August 19, 2008 in Church, Politics and Spirituality. 2 Comments

The War on Terror versus Loving, forgiving, & serving my enemies:

Should we apply the teachings of Jesus to a national government? If so, how do we, as Christians, justify voting for officials who will use war & violence at some level against our enemies? If they do not apply, why not? 

I’ve really been wrestling with these & countless other questions with regard to the upcoming elections. The more I look at the life & teachings of Jesus, the less that this jives with American government & American life in general. I’ve never been one to desire Christianity’s teachings to be enforced by the government. I believe that church & state should remain separate. I believe that gluttony is a sin, & one of the big ones that the Lord hates, but I don’t think cops should start arresting people at their local Chinese buffets. So, obviously, I prefer the government to remain neutral on religious matters & I can certainly support a government that does so. But, what if the government doesn’t simply remain neutral but acts in a way that stands in direct opposition to the way of Christ. Can I participate in the democratic process of that government, thus lending my support to it’s actions? 

Understand, I’m not trying to bait anyone here. I am honestly struggling with these questions right now.

Any thoughts or advice? 

How Dumb Do They Think We Are?

Published at August 12, 2008 in Politics and Humor. 3 Comments

As I follow the upcoming election, the sheer amount of political spin coming from both sides is enough to give me motion sickness. I’m sure that you’ve noticed it: “Obama supports infanticide.” “McCain is a racist.” “Obama is merely a celebrity out to feed his own ego.” “McCain is merely a senile, bitter old man.” “Obama is a Muslim.” I mean, where can they go from here? We’ve got a long time yet until the election, what’s next, “Obama wants to shoot puppies in the face” “McCain likes to tease disabled veterans”?!

Can’t we all just realize that these 2 men are in the position to run for president because they are both very capable & intelligent people? They both want to pursue good things & ideals for the American people. They agree on several good things they would like to see happen, but they disagree on the best way to get them done. They agree on many good ideals to strive for, but they disagree on how to begin heading in that direction. They also disagree on many issues.

My point is that we’ve got to be intelligent citizens & voters. Part of doing that is refusing to take part in these worthless conversations & making sure that we look at where the candidates actually stand before making our decision.

So, next time someone comes up to you & says something to the effect of, “Well, you know Obama was one of the 9/11 conspirators,” or, “Have you heard about McCain’s drug smuggling operations in South America?” just kick them as hard as you can right in their shins. Hey! If they can use unfair tactics, then so can you.

What’s the worst spin you’ve seen so far in this election year?

Church Update

Published at August 4, 2008 in Personal Update, Church, Fun, Family, Spirituality and Humor. 3 Comments

We’ve finally found a church that draws as few lines as possible. They really, really, really want to include as many people as possible. 

Church Sign 

Don’t worry. We aren’t really going to this church. However, this is a church in Boston. My new friend David took this picture of the church down the street from his house. I had to have it because it is, far & away, the best sign I’ve ever seen. I know some folks at Harding that would be furious about this sign. I mean, their good name is being associated with not one, not two, not three, but four different abominations; 1) Baptists, 2) Methodists, 3) Female leadership, & 4) Notice the “Gay Pride” rainbow at the bottom. (Sarcasm fully intended in previous sentence).

But seriously, we have made some serious headway in the church hunt. After visiting several different churches Brooklynne & I have finally found a promising group. We’ve been to 2 Sunday morning gatherings & 2 small group activities so far. We have met several younger couples that we seem to hit it off with as well as some older couples who could possibly be excellent role models for our young marriage. The church is called Community of Faith Christian Fellowship. They are a nondenominational church. We have really loved their worship time & the welcoming & generous spirit that they have extended towards us. Most of all, they really do seem to value community & to love one another. They meet together as a body & as small groups frequently during the week. They also get together socially throughout the week. We aren’t fully committed yet, but we are very, very optimistic. Wish us luck!

An Open Letter to Movie Theaters

Published at July 29, 2008 in Movies, Fun and Humor. 3 Comments

 

Dear Movie Theaters,

I love movies. You show movies on large screens with excellent picture & sound quality. I like where your head’s at. It would seem that we were a match made in heaven. However, I do have a few issues with you.

First of all, what’s with the ticket prices? I know the dollar ain’t what it used to be, but let’s be honest here, neither are the movies most of the time. I’m not even sure that this is your fault. If it is, please fix it. If it isn’t start complaining to the person in charge of these things.

Secondly, what’s with the food & beverage prices? I can understand up charging a little bit for the convenience, but its just gotten out of hand at this point. I realize that you’re all very busy charging a great deal for tickets, cleaning up theaters, tearing tickets, & so on. You probably don’t get a chance to see very much of the outside world anymore. Let me help you out a bit here. You see, $5 for a couple of handfuls of Reese’s Pieces is really, how to say this… ABSOLUTELY FLIPPING INSANE!!! The $6 for that large drink could buy me two 12 packs at the grocery store. Sure, you offer a free refill which is great, but this is a difficult task. Which brings me to my final beef with you. 

Why don’t you set up separate lines for those who merely need refills. Most people who buy large drinks get finished with the first filling about midway through the movie. Obviously, nobody likes getting up during the movie, but you could really do a lot for your customers by having a fast lane for refills only. I already have to get up in the middle of the flick, which stinks, no matter how much of the film you have to miss. But it really, really stinks when you leave the movie only to wait in a 20 minute line behind people who’s movie hasn’t even begun yet. I mean, come on, this one is really just common sense. Get with the program people!

In closing I’d like to say that nobody is going to stop enjoying movies, but you could really help us all to enjoy the experience a lot more by taking these few simple things into account. Until you do so, I will continue to go to the store beforehand to buy drinks & snacks for my wife to smuggle into the theater in her purse. So, you’re really just hurting yourself by not taking my suggestions. I’m just trying to help you out. 

Yours Truly,

BigSam82 

I’m a Counselor!!!

Published at July 24, 2008 in Personal Update, Marriage, Being a Man, Family and Humor. 3 Comments

I finally got a job doing counseling!!!! I’m so excited!!!!! I’m completely pumped!!!!! Exclamation points all around!!!!!! As many as you want!!!!!!! They’re on the house!!!!!! 

But seriously folks, I am officially working part time at the Center for Health Resources. I’ll be picking up individual clients as they come & occasionally teaching mandatory classes for drug offenders at the courthouse. I know what you’re thinking, & you’re right. It is the most awesome job on the planet. Unfortunately, it is only part time for now. So, I still have to keep looking for full time employment. However, after 2 months of searching, this is the only firm that is willing to give this rookie a shot. The experience alone is invaluable to my future career, so I am just loving life right now. 

I believe congratulations are in order.