Would Jesus Be Republican or Democrat?

A woman in our Friday Family Fellowship group shook her head in disgust, "Why are all those Democrats mad at George Bush? What do they have to be mad about?"

"Yeah...like he's some villain," another nodded in angry assent. "Did you hear that speech last night? Don't get me started...." Many sighed in more disgust. Some were strangely silent.

"Uh......is everyone here Republican? Aren't there Democrats here too?" asked a puzzled first-time visitor last night to our group. "Isn't it Republicans and Democrats here?"

Two women looked around, "No Democrats here...at least none that would admit to it." They laughed and laughed. They failed to notice embarrassed discomfort on several faces. It's a family church group.....people don't want to cause a fuss, even in the face of ideological bullying and prejudice.

Besides....... it sounds like they have inside info that Jesus is a Republican, and that all real Christians are Republicans.

I vote both sides of the political party aisle, depending on the candidate and the issues. I've been known to switch parties merely to vote in particular primaries. Political affiliation is certainly not my identity. I believe that automatic voting strictly along party lines is an abrogation of our civic duties, and sad disrespect for the precious right to vote. It's lazy, too. Like giving your brain a permanent vacation.

So after the two women's self-assured remarks last night, I started wondering....would Jesus choose to be a Republican or Democrat?

Here is my heartfelt conclusion...if our Savior had to choose, he would join the Democratic Party. The party of compassion and mercy....the party that champions the downtrodden....the party that actively fights poverty, racism and lack of health insurance...the party that pushes for peace, not war.

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth....Blessed are the merciful for they shall be shown mercy....Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God...."
--- excerpts from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5

But of course, it's outrageously selfish and silly to imagine that Jesus would join a particular political party. Jesus, son of God, part of the Holy Trinity, is far bigger than trivial human matters.

Initially, my feelings were hurt last night by the arrogant remarks of a few. I pulled the first-time visitor aside, and assured him that Democrats also attend our group...that this is not a group with a proscribed political agenda.

I hope it's not, anyway. I was always taught, and teach, that God loves us all.

Music to American Ears

"I will be a commander in chief who will never mislead us into war. I will have a vice president who will not conduct secret meetings with polluters to rewrite our environment laws. I will have a secretary of defense who will listen to the advice of our military leaders. And I will appoint an attorney general who will uphold the Constitution."

John Kerry, accepting the Democratic nomination as candidate for the US Presidency

"I was mayor of Cleveland, and I have seen weapons of mass destruction----in our cities. Poverty is a weapon of mass destruction. Joblessness is a weapon of mass destruction, homelessness is a weapon of mass destruction, racism is a weapon of mass destruction. We must disarm these weapons and we must turn the military budget into books, schools, teachers, housing, health care, job creation and stronger neighborhoods."
 
Dennis Kucinich, former presidential candidate, at the Democratic Convention

 

Husband Analysis - Engagement or Merely Toleration?

I'm not a political junkie...honestly, I'm not. But I care about our country, and I believe that it's the duty of every citizen to be informed, interested and involved. Ron, on the other hand, tolerates. In fact, I strongly suspect that he tolerates only because I care.

Here are my clues as to his interest-level in the ongoing Democratic Convention.....

When I leave the room and then return, the channel has been turned to the Angels game.

The first night, I insisted that he stay up late to watch a particular speech. The second night, I told him that he could either see an exceptional speech at 6:30 PM or 11 PM. He made sure he was home early.

His eyes kept falling shut during John Edwards' acceptance speech last night.

He suddenly finds Jon Stewart's humor on "The Daily Show" to be laugh-out-loud funny when it pokes fun at the convention. And he's wide awake again when it airs at 11 PM.

Hmmm...what do you think? Is he merely tolerating it for my favor?

If so, that's fine with me. One more informed citizen.

Rev Al Gives a Preaching Lesson

"I thought I was in church," remarked Rev. Al  Sharpton about his raucous, emotional, blow-off-the-roof speech last night to the Democratic Convention. He connected at the deepest levels with his congregation...no doubt about it. His sermon was credible and incredibly authentic, dazzlingly clever and a great time.
 
At a distance. Up close, he scares me.
 
Apparently, that is his Sunday morning preaching style. It reminds me that we all worship God in different ways. My church holds an annual joint church service with the predominantly black Baptist church down the street, but Ron and I never attend it. For me, worship is quiet and reflective, genuinely joyful in prayer, learning and listening for God's voice and to the pastor's voice. My private worship is reading, writing and praying....finding that peaceful center.
 
I find an exuberant, high-decibel, openly emotional worship style to be overwhelming. But it sure looks like fun!

Political Responsibility of Being My Brother's Keeper

"If there's a child on the South Side of Chicago who can't read, that matters to me, even if it's not my child. If there's a senior citizen somewhere who can't pay for their prescription and has to choose between medicine and the rent, that makes my life poorer, even if it's not my grandparent. If there's an Arab-American family being rounded up without benefit of an attorney or due process, that threatens my civil liberties.
 
It is that fundamental belief---it is that fundamental belief---I am my brother's keeper---that makes this country work."
 
Barack Obama, last night at the Democratic Convention. You owe it to yourself to read the entire transcript of his speech.

Thoughts on a Lazy Summer Day

We relaxed in the warm summer night air last evening at Anaheim Stadium.  Munching peanuts and red vines....holding hands...watching a young father play hide-and-seek with his giggling little girl....savoring Andrea and her friend laughing and gaily chatting....cheering for the home team.....singing Take Me Out to the Ball Game....kissing after each homerun (even if not by our team!)....booing for calls that don't go our way....admiring center-aisle dance moves of a teenage fan enjoying the music....applauding our hometown baseball heroes.
 
Ah, the sweet languid magic of summer baseball.
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A bona fide star was born tonight at the Democratic Convention......Barack Obama. Remember that name.  Martin Luther King, Jr must be smiling down from above. His torch has finally been passed to an articulate new standardbearer.
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The Democratic Convention (now in progress) seems like a gigantic Toastmasters club get-together. Lots of fancy, spell-binding speeches with all the oratorical bells and whistles, mainly just for the sake of speechmaking. With better parties, though. And placards. 
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Ron and I want to admire Lance Armstrong as a great American hero. We really do. Cancer survivor, six-time victor of a grueling international athletic competition, generous supporter of cancer charities. But I keep seeing the faces of his three young children who barely know their father....whose mother is being divorced by Armstrong for his rock star girlfriend. And Ron read an article about all the drugs and body machinations that bicyclists like Armstrong do to win. He says it's semi-grotesque....it bothers him. I guess we admire his achievements. but the price seems awfully high.
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Per a newly released survey by University of Chicago of 43,000 Americans, America's Protestant majority will no longer be a majority religion by the end of this year. For the first time in our country's history, Protestant religions will no longer be the faith of choice by more than 50% of Americans. The Catholic population has remained steady for years at 25%. Those without a faith has risen radically to be 14% of all Americans, and non-Christian faiths continue to rise, as well. 

It seems odd that as evangelical churches rise and mainline Protestant churches fall in membership rolls, that Protestant adherants have decreased significantly in the US. By definiton, evangelism efforts are not working. Sounds like a fresh look at methods and message is overdue.

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Friendly neighbors are a great everyday joy.  A grocery bag of homegrown tomatoes left hanging on our front door....an invitation to share coffee and to hold a brand new grandchild....a gentle wave between passing cars. And that was just today.

Mrs Kerry Tells Reporter to Shove It

Teresa Heinz Kerry, wife of presidential candidate John Kerry, nicely told a reporter to "Shove it." I saw film of it on CNN this morning.  The reporter was part of a crowd, shouting for her attention as she rushed through a building. She broke away from her protection and approached the reporter. 

"You said something I didn't say," she muttered with a knowing smile. "You can shove it." She turned firmly and rushed off to her next appointment.
 
These five infamous seconds are national headlines today. Reporters are atwitter at Mrs. Kerry's indiscretion. They assume that the public will be equally shocked by her lack of respect for the reporter.
 
I admit...hers were not words that I would choose. But she firmly, efficiently and unashamedly addressed what she considered to be a public transgression. It was a rare moment of authenticity on the campaign trail. And then she was done with it.  She moved on.  
 
To the chagrin of the intrusive and often untruthful press, Mrs. Kerry may be more admired than dissed for her words.  As for me, I like her a bit better for it.