(no subject)
In order to write about this, I have to come clean about one thing first. I am a bit of an internet voyeur. Not a stalker -- just very inquisitive about human beings.
I have to premise this by saying that I am, for the most part, happy about the results of the election -- though I remain very scared about the state of the world, and profoundly disappointed in legislation like Prop. 8.
I also have to premise this by saying that the River Church in Poughkeepsie recently burned to the ground. I have several friends from high school who continue to be part of this congregation, and while I have always upheld a different set of beliefs, I believe that Christianity has the potential to do wonderful things for people on an individual basis. That said, I have become interested in reading the responses of all of the people who have been affected by this situation. One does not have to be remotely religious to recognize that it is an historical tragedy when one of the oldest buildings in the city of Poughkeepsie is reduced to ruins. Or, if you are pathologically cynical, you can at least appreciate the irony of it all.
On to the point. My investigative tactics unearthed the following myspace status: "[Person X] is looking forward to a sucessful assassination and hoping that moral deficiency and socialism isnt a permanent direction for our great nation."
Spelling and grammar aside, I am unable to fathom the logic that links Christianity with statements such as this. Christianity is founded upon the principles of human fallibility AND the idea of spreading the wealth (material or spiritual). Turning five loaves of bread and two fish into enough to feed the masses. It is an inherently socialist (even communist) idea. To each according to his needs, from each according to his ability. We will be the best human beings that we can be, for the sake of one another -- that is all we can do. Above all, I can say with absolute certainty, that Christianity NEVER and I repeat, NEVER would condone murder as a valid solution to any dissent. It is about teaching, question and answer, about turning the other cheek. I am ultimately appalled by any linking of religion with violence. It is terrorism through and through.
Unfortunately, I cannot dismiss statements like these as invalid, because I fear that all too many Americans uphold like points of view.
Not only do I have to worry about Obama's sucess as President in the worst of times. But I have to worry about his living to see the day of his inauguration.
Thanks America -- way to keep the faith.
I have to premise this by saying that I am, for the most part, happy about the results of the election -- though I remain very scared about the state of the world, and profoundly disappointed in legislation like Prop. 8.
I also have to premise this by saying that the River Church in Poughkeepsie recently burned to the ground. I have several friends from high school who continue to be part of this congregation, and while I have always upheld a different set of beliefs, I believe that Christianity has the potential to do wonderful things for people on an individual basis. That said, I have become interested in reading the responses of all of the people who have been affected by this situation. One does not have to be remotely religious to recognize that it is an historical tragedy when one of the oldest buildings in the city of Poughkeepsie is reduced to ruins. Or, if you are pathologically cynical, you can at least appreciate the irony of it all.
On to the point. My investigative tactics unearthed the following myspace status: "[Person X] is looking forward to a sucessful assassination and hoping that moral deficiency and socialism isnt a permanent direction for our great nation."
Spelling and grammar aside, I am unable to fathom the logic that links Christianity with statements such as this. Christianity is founded upon the principles of human fallibility AND the idea of spreading the wealth (material or spiritual). Turning five loaves of bread and two fish into enough to feed the masses. It is an inherently socialist (even communist) idea. To each according to his needs, from each according to his ability. We will be the best human beings that we can be, for the sake of one another -- that is all we can do. Above all, I can say with absolute certainty, that Christianity NEVER and I repeat, NEVER would condone murder as a valid solution to any dissent. It is about teaching, question and answer, about turning the other cheek. I am ultimately appalled by any linking of religion with violence. It is terrorism through and through.
Unfortunately, I cannot dismiss statements like these as invalid, because I fear that all too many Americans uphold like points of view.
Not only do I have to worry about Obama's sucess as President in the worst of times. But I have to worry about his living to see the day of his inauguration.
Thanks America -- way to keep the faith.