| I am extremely bored, on my fourth day working for the University of TN Conferences as a bus monitor at the fabulous Courtyard by Marriott in Alcoa, TN. I work 18 hours a day practically sitting around and occasionally making sure that the bus is still running people back and forth between the hotel and the university. My friend Kevin got me this job, and hopefully I'll make over $800 in this one week. That should cover rent for the summer, hopefully  . I have been staying with my friend Kevin this week, and he is a very liberal democrat and also a Christian. Well, this sometimes awkward situation inevitably led to a quasi-debate on capitalism, socialism, social responsibility, the Church's responsibility, peace, war, salvation, homosexuality, etc. Needless to say, it was a fun time. I make my arguments from Scripture, but Kevin considers the Bible to be fallible. So, in Kevin's mind, some Scripture does not apply to us today. (Awkward pause) Ok. The arguments that Kevin makes are from the viewpoint of so-called "common sense," human logic, and human reasoning. Often he can quote famous musicians (for example, John Lennon and Bono) as well some "applicable" Scripture (for example, 1 John 3:17 as an argument for socialism). Specifically dealing with homosexuality, Kevin has used this argument every time we have discussed it (and I paraphrase)--"Why can't God make a homosexual? Is it that hard to comprehend?" Well, unfortunately for Kevin, this "logical" and "reasonable" argument does little to sway my Biblical persuasion. My brother also considers himself a "liberal Christian." Our religiolitical (religious and political) conversations have also sparked this post. As the screen should say, I recently read a book from an educated Christian minister that is very liberal in his politics and seeks to point out and correct the faults of the "Christian Right" as well as evangelical Protestants. I'm going to gather my thoughts on his thoughts, and I would be delighted to hear what anyone else has to say, but I'd like to share a few interesting quotes (and I'll try to give you context so that misinterpretation is not too much of an issue). (Arguing that trickle-down economics doesn't work and the government should be taxing all Americans, not just Christians, more) "The way the strong treat the weak is the ultimate ethical test, according to the Gospels..." (Commenting on the destruction the war in Iraq has caused) "It is impossible to love the world and not hate what destroys it." (I am somewhat confused by the absoluteness of the statement; also, read 1 John 2:15-17 and reread and reconsider the statement) (On the war in Iraq, considering it a pointless war) "The only truly religious response to an unnecessary war is rage." (Argument for pacifism and tolerance in the midst of the Iraq war) "At their center, peace is the singular obsession of all religions." He also made some good arguments that I agree with. The Church does have its many flaws. I agreed with him that Christians should do better in taking care of the earth, speaking the Truth in Love, and preserving life (in the case of the death penalty, or, at the very least, doing a better job of extending God's love and truth to those who have gone horribly awry). Please feel free to comment, if anyone happens to read this. Thanks for your time. |
, but I am "bummed" that there is not an assistantship available 
)
My graduate school decision needs to be made very soon, as other
people's lives (mainly Tim Rauscher and our respective families) also
depend on where I am next fall. I would very much like to just
declare that I am to stay at UNCG, but I wait to hear from UT and
perhaps some type of affirmation from God. If anyone hears from
Him before I do, please contact me immediately. I thank God for
shaping and molding my patience in Him, although it is quite difficult
at times. With that said, I also have found that I possess the
ability to turn into a dog. See pictures below.
