Some things have been rambling about the old noggin and I wanted to write them down.
In the big picture, President Obama is more right than left and more authoritarian than libertarian, just like the majority of elected officials in the U.S.of A. When people gripe about what a commie the President is, I laugh because it is such an ignorant opinion. I am not for that position, I am merely observing where people fall realistically on the political spectrum.
In the big picture, I have yet to hear a compelling argument that taking scripture literally is a necessity. This goes for any scripture. Some may think this goes too far. The idea among Christians that Christ only figuratively died for the world is quite unpopular. I am well aware of that. As far as the bigger focus of this: I also don't find compelling arguments that any reading of scripture (other than literal) conflicts with science. When a person sets up dialogue with a preconceived notion that it does, they have already shut down the dialogue significantly.
In the same vein of science vs. faith, I have to wonder about something. I don't mean to be sacrilegious or blasphemous, but when one presume to know God well enough to make such statements pitting science against faith, I have to wonder how much one really knows about God. In my meager 33 years on earth (at least this time around), I have come to find that the person who knows God the most is the one who knows God through personal, intimate and sacred knowledge. Do you know what that means? It means a clear lack of theology or doctrine about God. God is not to be known this way. Sure, I can have my own theology or doctrine. I just want to not be a guiding force for me or my family and I don't want it to be in any argument I use. If I encounter it, I wish I could articulate this in such a way as to have it be effective. "To each his own" should be a guideline in discussion. I realize here that applying this guideline to any science/faith discussion can possibly effectively void 90% of the discussion.
I have hope for the future of what I believe is a very corporate, bureaucratic, business-oriented church. Structurally speaking, we are quite organized. As far as human relations, I believe we are more than lacking. On an individual level, there may very well be over 90% of our members going about doing good at every turn, being liberal in their giving and time, befriending those in need, breaking their backs to lift a stranger, etc. Yet, it is quite apparent that at the organized, church level, translating what Christ really said while on earth isn't being done correctly. I admit I am critical. I admit this will show my hand. I admit I am part of the problem.
Keeping in that same vein of liberal charity, I find myself in paradox. I enjoy my American lifestyle, and continue my stingy ways primarily out of selfishness. I want my money for me and my family. Yet, more and more often, I think about dropping everything and dedicating my life to real, purposeful service: Helping though truly in need. Giving my time and energy to lifting another. Building real, personal, human relationships.
That's all I can think of right now. It's after 6 am and I have stayed up all night due to working the graveyard shift.
