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Christian, Not Conservative

March 11, 2009 | Category: Nearer, My God, to thee



I'm a committed Christian. I'm NOT conservative.

These two positions were natural to me and my world viewpoint. Until I move to the Midwest and discovered - I'm a spotted tiger.

First time I heard Mark 12 (The commandment of Jesus is Love) in Sunday School at St. John's), I flipped. Revelatory moment.

So I've been a Christian since I was 10.

When I moved to the Chicago area at 18, I discovered that there was a political agenda attached to being Christian.

And I don't agree with it.

This was profoundly confusing. How can I be of such like minds with a congregation in so many ways and SO split in others?

One of the key reasons I have remained a staunch Episcopalian is because it is a church that seeks inclusiveness. Does it often fail? Um, yup. But the seeking is important. The seeking is what resonates with me.

I spend much of my days with people who live their Christianity out loud. As someone prays fervently and often, studies the Bible, and looks for God's guidance in my choices - it can be really comfortable to be around others who don't freak when I bow my head in Thanks before I dig into my orange chicken.

But I love agnostics, atheists, Buddhists, Jews, and everyone else, too... I've even broken bread with the Krishnas and not once did I fear for my soul. In fact, we had a pretty cool time.

Then election season comes along. Signs start popping up on the lawns of those folks I hang with. Conservative signs.

And our lawn? Stays empty.

I sometimes vote conservative.

I usually don't.

Does this make me less "Christian"? Sometimes, it feels that way.

Living in the "Bible Belt" there seems to be a standardized definition of what Christians should vote. But what if you disagree (sometimes violently) with the popular opinion? How much faith is needed to outweigh societal norms?

This is what is bedeviling my mind this morning.


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Tagged: Christianity, politics, Episcopal, Bible belt Corporate, Mommy, Life
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Comments


Hey, girl. sorry I've been absent.

I'm like you. Christian but non-political. Vote the way.I.Want.

Amen.

Posted by: Janie on March 14, 2009 10:14 PM


I'm not sure who gets to define "Christian" any more authoritatively than you do for yourself. Live consistently by your own definition. (I also take it a step further and respectfully ignore those who think their interpretation of a few choice bible verses are THE ones that count.)

In any regard, I couldn't help but remember these words, spoken by your Junior Senator back in August...

"We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country. The reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than for those plagued by gang-violence in Cleveland, but don't tell me we can't uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals. I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination. Passions fly on immigration, but I don't know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers. This too is part of America's promise - the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in common effort."

Posted by: Shannon on March 11, 2009 09:58 PM