I put this post up last night.
Then, I deleted it.
I decided to sleep on it.
What is my motivation?
Am I just trying to stir the pot?
Do I risk offending people?
The night before, Todd and I had an amazing discussion about Jesus. About religion. About how our current administration has taken Jesus and used His name to do its bidding. About how a whole nation has been hoodwinked into thinking they are not Godly or patriotic if they don't practice Christianity or if they happen to interpret its message differently than some do.
Recently I felt myself reluctant to sing the Star Spangled Banner at an event because I am so ashamed of my country. Ashamed that we didn't collectively take a stand at the beginning of this war and say "Hell no!" Ashamed that some lives (including the unborn) are given more value than others. Iraqi civilians are snuffed out with a shrug, like it's nothing. As a country we don't take care of the children we do have. Katrina. Our inner cities. Our rural poor. It is sickening.
It's morning. Sunday morning, and I'm going to go ahead and post. In a way...it feels like I'm standing up for Jesus if I do. It's the least I could do for such a good Friend.
If you follow Kelly's link, make sure you stay through to the end. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go get my kids ready for church.
Here it is:
For those of you (Christian and non-Christian alike) discouraged by the high-jacking of Jesus by religious extremists, check out this Bill Maher clip at Kellyology.
http://kellyology.blogspot.com/
Thanks Kelly!
About Me
- Michelle O'Neil
- I've written for Literary Mama,The Imperfect Parent,Cool Cleveland,The Mad as Hell Club and the anthologies pictured below. I'm also a contributor to Hopeful Parents. In recent former lives, I worked in radio news and as a registered nurse. I blog about one Hot Toddy,two great kiddos,spirituality, autism and whatever else tickles me. Our daughter Riley is nine and has Asperger's,our son Seth is seven. Thanks for stopping! Make yourself at home.
Anthologies I've contributed to:
Countdown to Riley's Service Dog
I support gay marriage
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12 comments:
This is a great post. I wish more people felt comfortable talking about Jesus, but the mere word makes people head for the hills, fearing that others will think they're right wing nuts. Religion, as a result, has become a hugely private thing for me, and I wish sometimes I didn't feel the need to keep my beliefs to myself.
I think it's very interesting that the moderates (like my political label? I hate them normally, but can't think of a better word) out there have become afraid to express our opinions about controversial issues. I also hesitated putting up the Bill Maher video because I was afraid of the crazy extremists...from either direction.
Anyway, here's to your bravery!
And thanks for the link!
I for one appreciate your post. You're preaching to the choir here, sister. Bill Maher brings it home.
Sometimes there's such a disconnect for me with regard to the policies of our country (and the possibility that that's how the rest of the coutry actually feels), I am in denial. Total denial. Either that or we've been completely bullied by this current administration's dictatorship that we've been brainwashed into complacency. Perhaps that's what they intended all along.
And don't forget the cuts that this administration is making that is "saving money" on the backs of our old people. Who is going to take care of them? You and me...or no one.
I am positive that Jesus would be taking money from the old poor and giving it to the old RICH people...just like our president.
Hmm...didn't this happen at least once before in history? A "let them eat cake" moment?
I am so glad that you risked "stirring the pot" by posting this, Michelle. I truly believe that the only way to more fully understand each other and our similarities is to take risks like this and share our beliefs with others, no matter how frightening. You go, girl!
...it feels like I'm standing up for Jesus if I do. It's the least I could do for such a good Friend.
If more people asked
...it feels like I'm standing up for Jesus if I do. It's the least I could do for such a good Friend.
If more people asked themselves What would Jesus do, the world would certainly be a better place Michelle.
I would love to see a Take Back Christianity movement among moderate and liberal thinkers. Jesus was someone to be emulated rather than used as a weapon.
I'm just glad someone else is stirring the pot. I'm lonely at the stove!
Hi. I came to you through Kim G.
I am a Christian who has become more and more passionate about the Independant political road. And also getting people to stop pulling "the party line" on either side. I think it has just turned people against eachother so much, that we have stopped listening to reason.
Also I appauld you speaking your thoughts, and risking people not agreeing with you. It is the only way to come to a place where we can discuss, and disagree, and come to understand. DOWN with our P.C obsession!
:)
Good post Michelle. I find myself reluctant to admit I'm a Christian for similar reasons you're reluctant to sing The Star Spangled Banner -- I'm ashamed of the way other "Christians" have acted. Of course, that's exactly what God's true enemies would want -- genuine believers to keep their mouths shut. Glad you're talking!
Love this post -
I saw this bumper sticker today in West Marin, CA
"Goddess is coming and she is beautiful"
I love it! Do you want one for Lunchburg?
Michelle - Thanks for setting a great example and keeping your blog true to you. I understand why people are frustrated with how Christianity has been hijacked in so many ways - many Christians are as well. I will admit that I feel like when some people find out I'm a Christian, they automatically make assumptions about me that are not true. It has been a good lesson/reminder that I need to not do the same for other faiths/lifestyles/political persuasions. And for the record, I laughed pretty hard at the Bill Maher video clip. We do have a sense of humor! ;)
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