Tired of Christian Politics...

There were two words I heard often among my colleagues at the United Methodist East Ohio Annual Conference a couple weeks ago: "CONSERVATIVE" and "LIBERAL". It seems now that each person must fit into one of these categories for the sake of others' "picture" of everyone else. It appears that every comment in discussions and every denominational decision raises suspicion as to whom is on what "side." It's almost inconceivable that someone may not have an agenda anymore.

Of course, as Americans, this is nothing new. The aisle between Democrat and Republican has been neatly marked off...and children, there's no playing in the aisle! I'm still young, but I don't remember the country being so polarized than last November and the months leading up to the Presidential Election. If you read back on some of my blogs, I got caught up in the hoopla as well. But that's ok. We've been a two-party nation for quite some time, and heated debate on both sides is to be expected in America.

It is clear, however, that the polarization of our country has infiltrated the Church. Party lines have scribbled a mess on Christian unity. We are no longer brothers and sisters, we are "them" or "those". Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." There is a pattern in our culture -that you must belong to one side or the other. I urge you, Church, not to conform to that pattern. Yes, renew your mind. And to all you "Conservatives" out there - you need your "Liberal" brothers and sisters. And to all you "Liberals" out there -you need your "Conservative" brothers and sisters. Because together we complete a wonderfully made Body of Christ.

Christianity and Health Care -Public or Private?

In the spring quarter of seminary, I took the class Christian Ethics. An assignment for the class was to do a group project/presentation on a specific ethical issue that Christians face here in the U.S. My group was charged with the daunting task of presenting HEALTH CARE through the eyes of the Christian faith. Most of us agreed that it should be our desire that people have access to health care, but our group was split as to the best way to accomplish that -specifically how much the government should be involved. In churches we don't often discuss health care in terms of ethics, but it really is an interesting topic. As it stands, there are many individuals who cannot afford health care. Faith groups have begun free clinics and other services. If you have an interest in doing something about our health care crisis, these faith-based programs might be right up your alley.

So what do you feel is the best way to resolve the health care crisis?

Neda and U.S. Diplomacy

I would like to take just a moment to honor the courage and bravery of the young woman, Neda, who was shot and killed at public protest in Iran. She has become a powerful symbol for Iranians and the world now; and Neda, or "the calling," is calling out to the world for peace and freedom. Those who are opposing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have gained world-wide support and sympathy. Pretty soon, someone may be forced to do something.

Some who have shared the world-wide outrage of government oppression in Iran feel that the U.S. and President Obama are being too soft. My question to these critics is: what is the best thing we can do for Iran at this time? Not too long ago we invaded Iraq without the support from the world community, leaving the U.S. in quite a pickle. Quite frankly, Neda is doing more now than anyone else can do. The world is watching and listening, and soon Neda will force the world -not just the U.S.- to act.

What do you think?

I Was There One Week Ago...

My mind is filled with many thoughts about the tragic events that took place at the National Holocaust Museum. It's been exactly one week, last Friday, since I was there myself. Amanda and I were taking a day to experience our nation's capitol, and just sort of landed at the Holocaust Museum. The displays were simply moving. At two different times I and Amanda shed tears. The Museum does something to you when you go through -suddenly the Holocaust was not done to some foreign people in some far off land. The Museum challenges you to place yourself at the scene, to imagine yourself in the victims' shoes, and to care.

The attack of James von Brunn at the Museum that led to the killing of officer Stephen Tyrone Johns only enhances that experience I had at the Museum. Racism, bigotry, hate-crimes, genocide...it all exists TODAY. I am not a bystander or man in the stands; I'm on the field -I'm a part of this world. Therefore, I have a voice and I can do something. Maybe it's just a little at a time, but I'll do something. What I love about the Christian faith is that it doesn't ignore differences or disagreements, but simply calls its people to love above what we may dislike in another. I may not lead a SWAT team to take down a terrorist, but I can certainly love. I can do something.

"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." -1st John 4:12

My Body is a Temple...or maybe a White Castle

My story is an all too common one. I vowed not to gain what we call "wedding weight," only to pack on the pounds following our nuptuals. I'm writing to you in a state of conviction, for last night I ate a pizza. A whole one. Oh, and I had fast food earlier in the day.

I've been critical of our culture of food, how we consume and waste. Over the more recent years, the sins of our nation has corrupted our children in the form of child obesity. The National Association of Children's Hospitals (NACHRI...all too close to NACHO) says this:

"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16
percent of children (over 9 million) 6-19 years old are overweight or obese -- a
number that has tripled since 1980. In addition to the 16 percent of children
and teens ages 6 to 19 who were overweight in 1999-2002, another 15 percent were
considered at risk of becoming overweight. ("Prevalence of Overweight and
Obesity Among Children and Adolescents: United States, 1999-2002"; Oct. 6,
2004)"

We all know this is a growing problem, so what do we do about it? Well, if I am the problem, the solution starts with me. I will update soon on my progress of resolving this issue or lack there of.