Sometimes I just get pissed . . . . .
One of the tragedies of the last few decades is that religious extremists have become the voice of religion in the world. Whether you are talking about Al-Queda or the Fundamentalist Christian Right - they've been shouting for too long as if their version of faith is 'the' only version. It isn't.
Moderate voices of faith are usually quiet voices. It isn't that their faith is less strong - on the contrary, it is a much more profound faith. It does not depend upon strident shouting.
Here is the flaw of the extremists - they think they can control the outcome. In their arrogance they have usurped the prerogatives of God.
Changing the world is not about convincing people you are right. It's not about scaring people into action you think they should take. It's not about threatening people into doing what you want them to do.
Faith doesn't need to threaten. Faith doesn't need to frighten. Faith doesn't have to prove itself. It simply is.
For too long moderate people of faith have stayed silent. It's understandable. I don't need to prove to you that God exists. I don't have any desire to argue with you about religion. I certainly am not going to behave badly or rudely because I think my fath is better than yours. I do my best to live my faith. I pray for the wisdom to recognize what is in my power to change and what needs to be given over to God's care.
I know without a doubt that with God's grace and love I can change the world. I know that the power of God can shine through my life. I know that the grace of God can change the unchangeable.
I find it appalling that the sociopath that killed 32 people in Virginia compared himself to Jesus. No doubt this will become fodder for those that denounce religion and faith as the home of extremists. It isn't.
It is time for more measured voices to be heard. It is time to call religious extremism what it really is - a mockery of faith.