So since I blogged last, none of the 'beginning of the year' stuff had happened. Well, just wanted to let you know that it has since happened. There, don't you feel like you were actually there? Thought so.
I'd much rather talk about other things that are happening, not necessarily having to do with just me. I do feel like I should give you an update on my previous iPhone envy post...it is no longer envy, it is a reality, in my pocket right now. Yeah, sugar momma Cheryl and I went out and got iPhone'd. Folks, these things are great. Right now, I use email more than anything. My gmail inbox has gone from 20 emails each time I check it on a computer during the day to not even needing to get on a computer to check it. Right now my inbox has a whopping THREE emails in it. Glorious. One thing I do need to get up and running is my schedule. I am hesitating using the phone as my COMPLETE calendar, since I would like to keep my planner still. But I am anticipating working in the Calendar on the iPhone to my habits.
The OKC 1st college group is now meeting over at the house on Wednesday nights. The first night of them coming over was last night, and we had a good time. There was pizza and drinks, and we got to talk with Brandon, the new college pastor. I enjoyed myself, and am looking forward to next week.
Okay, here's what you really came here to read:
This week, I've been so sick of this Country First theme that the GOP has been harping. Unfortunately, the theme is no stranger to the Church. A readerboard down the road from school states the following: "Love God, Love America, Vote the Bible." Okay, if I have learned anything in my theology classes over four years, it's this: you will be hard-pressed to find any universal truths in the Bible (aside from the resurrection of Jesus, of course.) What then is this sign telling me to do? Vote "Bible" under the write-in candidate line for President? Truth: Jesus does not like America any more than any other country in the world. Please don't attach your patriotism to Jesus' holiness... they do not belong hand-in-hand.
Folks, one of the first things I liked about Senator Obama is that he is a Christian (but also, just a person) with his head on straight! Thankfully, the American propaganda machine hasn't been able to get to him, unlike Palin. Now, I'm sure there is pandering by the candidates on both sides going on, and I'm not dumb enough to think that this is a black and white issue. But what I don't understand is this: why is the craze over Palin stil there after she called the war in Iraq "God's task?" It all comes back to the point I try to tell people all the time: Christians need to re-focus their "values" by which they vote by. Abortion is almost certainly at the top of this list. Whenever I am talking to someone who is a self-described "member of the religious right" I can always count on abortion coming to the conversation. Please, folks, can we talk about abortion, plus other issues like global warming, genocide around the world, and global poverty as well? It is hard to find a "member of the religious right" who is quick to mention any of those issues.
Anyways, excuse me for seeming high and mighty, but how does a person not laugh when reading (or listening) the following?
I am befuddled that someone claiming that the war in Iraq is in "God's will" and that constructing a pipeline to haul a chemical that is killing our planet faster than we think is also in "God's will." Now please do not get me wrong, I have absolutely nothing against following the will of God. In fact, I happen to think that following what is best for you and the people around you in the community probably isn't against the will of God for your life. But doesn't this language sound familiar to anyone? Think back about eight years ago... any familiar bells ringing? Now please look at our current situation.In the address at the Assembly of God Church here, Ms. Palin’s ease in talking about the intersection of faith and public life was clear. Among other things, she encouraged the group of young church leaders to pray that “God’s will” be done in bringing about the construction of a big pipeline in the state, and suggested her work as governor would be hampered “if the people of Alaska’s heart isn’t right with God.”
She also told the group that her eldest child, Track, would soon be deployed by the Army to Iraq, and that they should pray “that our national leaders are sending them out on a task that is from God, that’s what we have to make sure we are praying for, that there is a plan, and that plan is God’s plan.” [1]
Why do we want to do this to ourselves again?
We already shot ourselves in one foot... please America... don't shoot the other one too.
P.S. With my fun-money I have for the month, I bought this book. Haven't started it yet, but i can't wait to!
UPDATE: Looks like Matt Damon says it better than I can:
