In a recent discussion I had with a friend, it became apparent that his version of “God” was very different than mine. My upbringing and my search since has primarily been around the Judeo-Christian concept of God. Ok, so it’s impossible for any of us to get our mind around even that version of the ultimate presence — or whatever you want to call “it” — see, even our language is inadequate!
At any rate, I was making the point that the New Testament account of the life and teachings of Jesus are difficult enough — look at how we come up short in our efforts to live a life that even starts to emulate his.
For example, we call the United States a “Christian Nation,” right? Those who profess to hold the sanctity of life as a principle generally restrict their actions to oppose abortion, while — generally, again — supporting the death penalty, another life-extinguishing practice in most of our country. And, something like 80% of “evangelical Christians” supported the invasion of Iraq!
Jim Wallis of the Sojourners continues to point out that our national budget is a statement of our moral priorities. So what do we make of recent actions by our elected representatives to limit or even eliminate programs that help what Jesus and the prophets call “the least of these,” while taking actions that enhance the wealth of the already-very-wealthy?
Sorry this is a bit of a rambling post — but this is NOT the America I hoped to see in the 21st Century!
We can .. We must .. Do better, Be better than this –