Obama – Savior of the World? January 22, 2009
Posted by theguyoutsidethewalls in Change, Politics and Religion.Tags: Catholicism, Change, Christianity, Gay, Gay Catholic, Gay Christian, Politics, President Obama, Religion, Salvation, Self Help, Spirituality
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Read this passage: Mark 3: 7-12
Does is sound familiar to the events of a couple of days ago? People come from many parts and from great distances because they have heard of this Jesus and all that he does and can do. They press around him to hear him, get a glimpse of him and, if they’re lucky, to actually touch him. It’s funny, it even seems like Jesus has his entourage, his “Secret Service” as it were, as he asks them to have a fishing boat ready for him so he could avoid the press of the crowd around him. Sound familiar?
I certainly wish President Obama all the best in his administration. And although a part of me hesitates at the amount of money spent on it during these hard economic times, his inauguration was indeed one of a kind, bringing together people of every race, background, lifestyle, economic bracket etc. I hold out great, but realistic hope for what can be done, under his leadership. I fear though that many look to him as the savior, the one who, single handedly, is going to lead the world out of its mire of economic woes, poverty and violence to the promised land. I sincerely hope for that possibility, but I think it’s good for us to keep in mind the consistent message that we’re hearing from his administration: it can’t be done alone. We all must take responsibility and do our part to make things better. If anything, he stands as a beackon, a light that is energizing many people to realize their OWN power and their possibility of making a concrete difference in the world.
In some ways I think Jesus did the same. Did he “save” the world? Was everything better after he died and rose? No. But what he did do is stand as a beackon, a light that pointed to what is possible for those who BELIEVE that they CAN be healed, that hungry masses CAN be fed and that new life CAN come from seemingly death dealing situations.
So what am I saying here? Sometimes we have a tendency to look to someone to lead us out of our darkness. We look to a savior to take us by the hand and give us everything that we want or need. I truly believe that there is a Power that can carry us and do unimaginable things within us; but I also believe that we must cooperate with that Power and do what we can to take responsibility for our lives and those of others – leading from darkness to light and new possibility.
What within me or my world needs to be “saved?” What action can I take to be a “savior” in those situations?
The Election November 3, 2008
Posted by theguyoutsidethewalls in Politics and Religion.Tags: Humility, November 4th 2008, Politics, Religion, Spirituality, U.S. Election
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When you look at your Party, at your candidate, how well have they lived up to this statement? And how well do ”I” live up to this statement?
Obama = “Evil??” October 30, 2008
Posted by theguyoutsidethewalls in Words.Tags: Perception, Politics, Relationships, Religion, Spirituality, Words
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This reflection is not about Obama. It’s about the power of words, particularly the word “evil.”
This morning, listening to the News, I heard a McCain supporter who had gone out to see Sarah Palin last night say that Obama is evil and that she is frightened of him. I bristled at the use of the word “evil” to characterize Obama (or Bush for that matter) because speading such a perception could be very dangerous. Words are powerful and form perception. It’s also interesting to note the difference in perception as to what is “evil” or, let’s just say “bad” for the country or world. Some think that hammering a young, unenlightened connection with an anti – American terrorist and the perception of socialism is evil, frightening or bad. Others think that going to war under false pretences, pandering to the wealthiest among us and an isolationist foreign policy is evil, frightening or bad.
No matter what our political affiliation or perception, I think it’s dangerous to use highly charged, emotional and dangerous words like “evil” to characterize a political opponant. No matter what I may think or feel about past Presidents and the choices they have made and the directions that they have taken us, I would not use the word “evil” to characterize them. I may well wonder how they can sleep at night, but I would not use such a dangerous word.
When I was growing up, my Mom use to tell us to be very careful about the words that we use, because words can hurt and cause more damage than physical violence. I think she’s right, . . . not only only on the personal level, but on the world stage as well. Whether it’s about the upcoming election, an issue at work or school, or a relationship difficulty, it’s probably better to step back and use our minds, rather than spouting emotionally charged words.
Perhaps out political campaigns would then take on a more civil and clear minded character, rather than throwing highly charged words around which serve to further polarize instead of bringing people together to form reasoned solutions.
Political and Religious Humility October 29, 2008
Posted by theguyoutsidethewalls in Humility, Politics and Religion.Tags: Election, Humility, Politics, Religion, Spirituality
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Luke 13: 22-30
“ ‘We ate and drank in your company. You taught in our streets.’ But he will answer, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from!’”
I believe a sign of authentic spirituality is a palatable humility. I get very nervous around those who think their way is THE way and who look down on others. Jesus, in this passage from Luke, is talking to such people. You think you are on the right path, he says, but you are so off the path. Humble yourselves and open your eyes!
Humility is not a virtue held in high esteem in our culture. To be humble is perceived as being weak, wishy washy and unsure. Just look at our political landscape. Strength, being “right,” and fighting are the qualities that are respected. Unfortunately, such qualities even spill over to our religious landscape. Personally, I think that a politician who exhibited a sense of humility would be a great leader. How very refreshing this would be!
Do I stand in a place of humility with others? Or, am I closed off from others, thinking that my way, is the only way?
Politics and Religion: Are You A Christian? October 6, 2008
Posted by theguyoutsidethewalls in Politics and Religion.Tags: Christianity and Politics, Democratic Party, Family Values, Liberty University, NPR, Politics, Politics and Religion, Relgion, Republican Party, Spirituality
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I was listening to NPR this morning. They had a segment on the political campaign in key States, one of which is Virginia. Liberty University, a Baptist University founded by Jerry Falwell was featured in the segment. They are canceling classes on election day and bussing students to the poles to vote in hopes that they will get John McCain elected. It’s estimated that 80-90% of the school is Republican. What intrigued me is when the News Anchor from NPR asked around if anyone knew of a student there who was a Democrat. No one did. One student said she used to know one, but he transferred out. The News Anchor didn’t give up, but kept up her search and eventually found a couple of Liberty University students working Obama’s campaign. She asked the students what reaction they get from fellow Liberty U students when they say they’re working on Obama’s campaign. One commented that oftentimes the immediate comment from students is: “Are you Christian?”
It amazes me that Christianity in some parts has been reduced to and identified with a strictly right wing, Republican platform. To such people, to vote otherwise is to be “un-Christian.” How very sad and shortsighted. Of course such thinking often comes down to being “Pro-Life” (although this same camp lined up to support war, probably would be for the death penalty, and supports policies which strangle struggling families). The other policy which makes these people upstanding “Christians” is an anti-gay marriage stance. (although I hear very little from this camp about outlawing divorce in an age of rampant divorce, when gay people are seeking to make a commitment!).
And lest I be labeled a die hard Democrat, I would have the same issues if being “Christian” was associated with the Democratic party.
In my estimation, for one who is a follower of Christ, to vote is a very difficult thing to do indeed, as neither political Party lines up fully with Christ’s values, like the preciousness of life, care and concern for the poor and the least among us, embracing the marginalized, selling what we have and giving it to the poor, being more concerned with others than ourselves, loving one’s enemies, etc. To identify one political party as being “Christian” is to be blind and narrowly defines “Christian” values. Read the Gospels. Just read the Gospels. Get to know the person of Christ. If we do, one would not easily embrace any political party as fully embodying Christian values as over against another. If we truly get to know the person of Christ and seek to emulate his teaching, would we, like him, have anywhere to lay our heads?
Politics: Mind Your Own Business! September 12, 2008
Posted by theguyoutsidethewalls in Prejudice.Tags: Focus, Gay, gay spirituality, Personal Growth, Politics, Prejudice, Religion, Self Help, Spirituality
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Today as I jogged I was listening to National Public Radio and to their coverage of the political campaigns. I found myself quickly getting all riled up! Then I round the corner back to my house and find that my neighbors, with whom I have a good relationship, have placed two very large political signs in their yard, recommending a Representative that I have little respect for. Again, I quickly found bad feeling rising to the surface toward my neighbors.
Today I am reminded of another key to freedom. Mind your own business! That is, instead of always thinking of the bad qualities of whatever person or people we don’t like, or with whom we disagree, keep the focus on you. What do YOU need to change? How do YOU need to act and what is the person that YOU want to become? What are the solutions that YOU can put forth? Think of how this might change the political landscape! If the focus wasn’t on the opponent, but on what they can do, perhaps more would get done. Imagine if a politician could actually speak in humility and admit that they’re not perfect (for after all who is?); and then place before people what they CAN do and what they have to offer – instead of smearing their opponent? When more time is spent smearing the opponent than on the issues at hand, vision gets clouded.
The same is true for any of us. When we are constantly concentrating on those who have hurt us, or those with whom we disagree, our vision gets clouded. Perhaps we simply need to keep the focus on our own growth and the solutions that we can put forth in our corner of the world, instead of wasting time and emotion on our opponents.
“Can a blind person act as a guide to a blind person? . . .Remove the plank from your own eye first; then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your (opponent’s) eye.” See Luke 6: 39-42
