Somewhere along the way, I was told that there was nothing worse than church politics. As I recall, it was said in a somewhat boastful way. I was never a player, not even sexually. I was told that I had an ideal concept of the church, that there was a future shock ahead of me, and that there were "ways" to get things done. Of course, there was even more to it all. I eventually realized (duh!) that church politics often reflected national politics, whether passively or actively. There was no denying it. And it wasn't just the camel's nose. Sides were chosen, positions were taken, opponents were maligned, divisions were deepened, salvation was questioned, true representatives were determined, faith was prescribed, and agendas were obvious. Needless to say, this wasn't what I had signed on for.
Since then, things have only worsened. The extremes have become the norm. Liberals and Conservatives, both, no longer have any room, or tolerance, for moderates. And Jesus is a registered Republican or Democrat, as the situation warrants. Both parties apparently know What Jesus Would Do. But I think that might be harder than it's hoped to be.
The other day I was listening to a podcast that had two religious figures debating the recent child immigration situation. One of them quoted the usual "welcoming" verses from the Bible. The other said that they couldn't be used that way and then proceeded to quote "obeying authorities" verses which conveniently could be used that way. Oddly enough, congress debates in the same way, only there, it's the Constitution that is quoted.
WHY? WHY? WHY?
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| APPARENTLY EXCHANGING WEDDING VOWS. ONLY PROBLEM IS, WHAT DO THEY DO ON THEIR HONEYMOON? |
Is there any difference between a Church lie and a Political lie? ...A Church hypocrisy and a Political hypocrisy? ...A Church sex scandal and a Political sex scandal? Probably so, but it's getting smaller all the time. The separation of church and state looks more like a couple teenagers in the backseat of a car. (I think I just dated myself.) Ironically, this seems to be an area that Liberals and Conservatives still agree on.
APPARENTLY NEVER HAD TO DEAL WITH THE IRS
AS WELL AS IT SHOULD BE
PLAY THE GOD CARD ...IF YOU HAVE ONE
CHANCES ARE IT WAS WORTH IT
NORWEGIAN WOOD TASTES SO GOOD
I HOPE IT'S IN TIME FOR MY TRIP
ALWAYS PROTECT YOUR BACKSIDE
BECAUSE THAT'S WHERE ALL THE CATHOLICS ARE GOING
There's plenty to consider in the theatrical productions of Liberals and Conservatives on Church and Congressional stages with their ever flickering and waving stars. The debates are numerous, heated and packaged, leaving listeners still in need of facts, common sense solutions and veracity. This struggle for power and control at all costs easily explains why no one group should have their way, especially if they represent an extreme agenda.
Both sides believe you are too stupid (they wouldn't say that out loud) to decide for yourself. They believe you are easily influenced and can be manipulated. Both have an "I bet you're glad that we have all the answers" attitude which is promoted by radio pundits and waring cable news channels. Sure, I have an opinion, but I also have an asshole, even if I forget sometimes. We all get to believe what we want, but we all can't be right. The truth is out there. I suspect there will be a few surprises.
NOW THIS IS ART!
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| This must be saying that we're all made of the same thing; it's just that some have more layers than others. |
Unless you are completely devoted to one person's take, or have just accepted the boxed package that was left on your doorstep, or get your opinions from only acceptable sources. You likely have to sort your way through all the claims and come up with what you think is right for yourself. Hopefully, careful listening and vigilante watching will continue to pay off. But I must admit, the process is painfully slow and lives are lost in many different ways.
From when I first began to question, it took a long time, a lot of thought and some serious drinking for me to come to a position of smug rightness. Granted I have not reached the level of self-righteousness superiority that Liberals and Conservative have, but I think I'll eventually get there. At best, I still can only share the journey. ...Stumbles and all.
BONUS PIC
CREDITS: ART DAILY, GETTY, HUFF POST-Paige Lavender, Ed Mazza, Igor Bobic, Yasmine Hafiz, Shadee Ashtari, Christina Wilkie, Ryran Glenoble, Michael McAuliff AP - Stephen Ohlemacher REUTERS, ALCO
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