Viewing others with contempt...

And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ “But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ “I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” Luke 18:9-17


I want to end my relationship with the brand of Christianity that produces such heavy handed judgments and pronouncements as the kind that I have been receiving and reading from chrisitan brothers and sisters and pastors during this political season.

I do not believe its the spirit of Jesus...I think it's corrupt, deceptive, ugly, pessimistic, it's dark and filled with dusk, not dawn in its thinking.

I think its rooted in OT law, failures, types and shadows and not in NT accomplishments found in and through Christ. It uses language and methods that I find hard pressed to find in the way, truth and life of Jesus.

I believe this version of religion is at the very roots of our slide towards a Christ-less national experience. It cements our disdainful position in the eyes of our perplexed pre-faith communities as they look at the gospel Jesus and then listen to us, and gag.

I think is borders on a dark hue of fundamentalist induced mental illness that is preoccupied with destruction, evil and anger. It spawns and sparks the subculture of half cocked conspiracy theories, aliens and religious pulp fiction.

I think this stuff is the byproduct of the extreme end of the anti-study, anti-education, anti-thinking charismatic christianity. It's superstitious, rooted in fear and produces a bully like Christian subculture. It often presents itself as prophetic but in truth its abusive, phobic and guilty of chewing up sincere young minds and hearts.

My prayer is that the Lord would uproot this stuff out of my own heart first and foremost and empower me to live love in such a way, that the world would know that I am one of His disciples.

I am thankful for those of you who engage the issues, push back and forth, enjoy the serious work of reasoning, accept one another's differences and are able to walk with those who you choose agree to disagree with. I appreciate open minds, sharp wit, deep thought, sincere passion even if it is hot. I admire well thought out positions and value the perspectives gained by race, sex, age and background or culture even if I don't agree with some.

I am better because of you...keep reading, posting and disagreeing...but if you start busting blood vessels and spouting stuff that is evil and destructive...you are not welcome here...move on and go burn another persons house down with your angry words.

peace.