Responses to Leaving the Faith

UNDERCOVER

A few weeks ago, Ojo Taylor invited me to write a post for his blog (head over and check it out). I have been a fan of Ojo's work for a long time, literally since I was a kid, so I was glad for the opportunity.

I wore this shirt out!

I was probably about 15 when I first saw Ojo with the band, Undercover. I had recently been "saved", though I had been attending a Christian school for years and had grown up in church. Undercover had a humble, yet "in your face" punk rock style that appealed to a Christian 15 year old with a rebellious religious streak. My friends and I used to get in trouble at our Christian high school for going to see bands like Undercover. I remember being sent to the office and enduring a lecture by one administrator because my friends and I had spent the weekend at the Christian music festival Ichthus (this administrator, unbeknownst to me at the time, was having sex with girls at the school).

Undercover's change in lyrical content over the years often reflected what was happening in my perspective of life and faith. The writers of "Jesus Girl" and "God Rules" took on a new tone that kept me listening into my twenties and beyond.

Undercover at Cornerstone 2000
I am in the lower right.

A few years ago, I read an interview with Ojo where he was talking about the questions he had in regard to his faith - and how little his faith was holding up to the process.  I related entirely. Now in 2012, we both stand outside the Christian religion.

The 15 year old me would be utterly repulsed at what has become of my faith - but he probably couldn't help but air guitar at the thought that I got to write for Ojo Taylor.

(You can find a great talk that Ojo gave at the Freedom from Religion Foundation convention here.)

You Didn't See Anything

In the above video, you get some varied opinions about homosexuality by Christian Evangelicals.  Interestingly enough, they seem to vary along generational lines - the younger, the more accepting.

Greg Boyd brought up the Barna poll which shows that the number one item both Christians and non-Christians associate Christians with is an anti-gay stance.  Chuck Colson, feeling that Greg and Shane were giving away the farm, denied  anti-gay sentiments among Christians.  He says, "I have yet to hear a Christian bash a homosexual."

This is, to me, a rather incredulous statement.  I can't began to count the snide, condescending, hurtful, and judgmental comments I have heard Christians make about homosexuals to their faces and behind their backs.  I just read one this morning.  A friend of mine was being lectured by a Christian, using all of the usual arguments (eg. God made Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve).  The parting remark was "Gays make me sick".

So, how is it that Chuck never hears any of this?  It seems to me that one of two things must be happening.  He is either so defensive of Christianity that he interprets reality to suit his prejudices (he really doesn't see it), or his bar for what is considered "bashing" is really, really low.

In any case, he is a leader in the Christian community, and it is statements and perspectives like his that give permission to Christians all over the world to hold and perpetuate prejudiced and bigoted dialogue.

I know Christians who are quick to point out that "not all Christians are like that", but at some point, Christians have to start taking responsibility for their community. Obviously, there is something in the ethos that allows so much of this to fester. You don't find people who are ambivalent about ecology in Greenpeace... why do we find so many people ambivalent and hostile to love in Christianity?

Jesus Of The Fineprint

I don't think this cartoon is a fair portrayal of Jesus.  I don't think the words of Jesus lend themselves to this interpretation.  However, I think this is the Jesus of the fineprint.  As I stated in an earlier post, if you delve into the "What We Believe" portion of most church websites, this is the Jesus you will find.  The church may spend their Sunday morning preaching about grace and love, but this is the Jesus you find waiting for you when all of the theological dust settles.

I do not think the fineprint Jesus is the Jesus most people attending church want, but he is the medieval carryover they feel compelled to accept.

This excellent cartoon was created by David Hayward a.k.a. the NakedPastor.

Let's Not Quibble

I'll make this quick.  I don't like the way both Democrats and Republicans are going after Mitt over his "concern for the poor" gaffe.  He has said similar statements before, but not in a way that was convenient to simply focus on and make use of the one phrase.  We know what he meant, we don't need to play these games.

The problem with this approach to sound bites is that it allows lazy thinkers a way out of future issues.  They do not need to consider the use of their own "team's" words against them, because they can simply shrug and say "it's out of context".  Pretty soon, folks hear nothing but the pretty hum of their own rhetoric- never again needing to be bothered with serious self analysis and reflection.

There are plenty of clear differences to be wrestled with... muddying the waters with these elementary playground antics should be beneath all of us.

Romney's Mormonism Not A Problem

I have read a few blogs and articles lately that are conjecturing about how much Romney's Mormonism is going to be a problem once the primaries are over.  They believe Evangelicals (whom he would need to carry) are going to be tepid in their support for him at best.  Bill Maher has been stating that once folks start Googling Mormonism, it will be all over for Romney.

I hope no one is counting on this, because I just don't see it happening.  First, none of the GOP candidates have really gone there.  If his Mormonism has been of no real issue in the primaries, why would anyone suspect it will be an issue once he secures the nomination?  Democrats may decry religious conservatism in general, but I don't think we will ever see them going after Mitt's Mormonism.

Second, no one outside of Evangelicalism (and fundamental Baptists) cares that Mitt is a Mormon.  It is just another religion among many.  If Mitt does not make it an issue, I do not believe it will be an issue to most Americans.

Third, conservative Evangelicals ultimately won't care because... well... religion was moved to the sidebar in their worldview quite a while ago.  So long as Mitt talks about free markets and values, mentions the Constitution and our Founding Fathers, and gives the occasional hat-tip to "God" while promoting a strong military, they will be more than satisfied.

If you don't think conservative Evangelicals have moved a political worldview to the forefront of what drives them - just listen to their rhetoric.  Honestly,  I get shocked on a regular basis by what conservative Evangelicals say.  I want to interrupt, "You do know you claim to follow Jesus... right??"  There is a blog I subscribe to where the author takes pictures of Jesus and puts statements made by his followers in bubble quotes as if coming from him.  It is rather fascinating to see Jesus calling for public executions.

So no... in the end, I think Romney's faith will be of little account in the coming election. There may be a "few" evangelicals who stay home rather than vote for a Mormon; but those numbers will be matched by Democrats who stay home because they will not vote for anyone but a liberal.

Bloom : King of Dreams

I am uber grateful for my newly acquired, and apparently extremely rare, Joseph: King of Dreams soundtrack. You may have picked that up from my previous post.  Aside from the beauty of the music, John Bucchino writes wonderful, meaningful lyrics.  So, I have to share the song Bloom. It occurs twice in the movie, once sung by Joseph's mother and later by his wife. In each case, these women are calling Joseph to listen to the better part of himself.

Bloom
You've seen the damage words can do,
When full of thoughtless pride,
Now heed the wiser voice in you,
That calls to be your guide,
The flowers reaching for the sun are all uniquely blessed,
But though each is special not a one is better than the rest
Bloom, bloom, may you know, The wisdom only time breeds,
There's room, bloom and you'll grow, To follow where your heart leads,
Bloom and may you bring, Your colours to the vast bouquet,
There's room, bloom, learn one thing,
Your gifts are meant to give away




Bloom (reprise)
How long must there be anger here,
Before we can rejoice,
Embracing love instead of fear, Is but a simple choice,
It's hard for me to see you fall, So bitter and so blind,
When the truest nature of us all,
Invites us to be kind,
Bloom, bloom, may you know, The wisdom only time breeds,
There's room, bloom and you'll grow,
To follow where your heart leads,
Bloom and may you live, The way your life was meant to be,
There's room, bloom and forgive...
May sweet compassion set you free

Better Than I

I am a fan of Dreamworks' Prince of Egypt and its direct to video follow-up King of Dreams.  The Prince of Egypt soundtrack was written by Stephen Schwartz and Hans Zimmer.  It is a stunning soundtrack and if ever an animated movie deserved to be moved to the live stage, this one is it.

King of Dreams, its less well known sibling, also has a wonderful soundtrack.  The music was written by Danny Pelfrey and John Bucchino.  Unfortunately, Dreamworks never made the soundtrack available. No CD of the music was ever published.

My favorite song from the movie is "Better Than I". It is one of the finest songs of faith I have ever heard.  John Bucchino included it on a compilation CD (Grateful), and though the artist from the movie does the vocals, it does not have the orchestrated music from the soundtrack.  I was glad to have the version provided on Grateful, but I have always desired to have a copy of the version from the movie.

A few weeks ago, by chance, I was googling some info on the King of Dreams when I came across the soundtrack.  Apparently, a few promotional copies were printed prior to the movie's release and a cd store in LA was selling their copy.  The information was scant, but I figured I would roll the dice... to have an orchestrated version of Better Than I, along with the other wonderful songs from that soundtrack written by Mr. Bucchino, was worth a chance.

It came in the mail today.  I rolled 7.  It was exactly what I was hoping for!

 

Leaving The Faith

Chris, Brandon, me, and Tony as sons of Jacob

I want to share a post by my friend Brandon. When I met Brandon a few years ago in local theater, he was a full fledged Mormon. In fact, from what I can tell of the religion and its culture, he was a true credit to his Faith.

Since that time, he went through a period of questioning... and at the end of all of his questioning, he left the faith in which he had been raised.

With the usual excellence Brandon applies to everything he sets out to do, he wrote a detailed document about the questions, concerns, and process he experienced that ultimately led him to leave his faith.

Though Brandon chronicles his thoughts and exit from Mormonism, I believe his story is an important read that would apply to anyone dealing with faith issues. The themes and questions he addresses are universal; as I read I found myself repeatedly saying, "Yes!" "Exactly" "Did that!" "Me too!"  What he experienced, and his reasons for leaving, so often mirrored my own exit from Christianity.

What Brandon has done, which I and many others who have left our faith have not, is give a detailed account of the progression and reasoning. In addition... he is absolutely graceful about it. Something I have not always been good about.

Here is a quote from his document that I completely resonate with.  I think religious people would find it counter-intuitive, but it is a common thread amongst those who leave their faith:

"(Having left the church) I don’t judge people as much. I can look at somebody and be their friend without having to worry about their salvation, or somehow steering the conversation toward the church to help them find the “right” path. Consequently, my relationships are now more genuine, and I am filled with more love for people, regardless of their religion, sexual orientation, or race. It’s also easier to make new friends."

So go to his blog here and look for the PDF at the bottom of the article.

Nicely explained my friend; peace with your continued journey.

Shallow Understanding From People of Good Will

If you have never read Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from a Birmingham Jail", let me encourage you to do so in honor of this MLK day.  It is as profound as any work of poetry, and as cutting as the words of any prophets in the scriptures.  Truth is timeless, and the words expressed in this letter apply to us as much now as they did then.

I did not read this letter until I was in my 40s.  I had been in Christian churches for 30 years... and this letter was never part of my spiritual education.  I believe Rev. King describes many of our churches, and their lack of education at the congregational level, when he speaks of  "shallow understanding from people of good will" in the following quote:

"I must make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers. First, I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action"; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a "more convenient season." Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.


I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and that when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress. I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that the present tension in the South is a necessary phase of the transition from an obnoxious negative peace, in which the Negro passively accepted his unjust plight, to a substantive and positive peace, in which all men will respect the dignity and worth of human personality. Actually, we who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive. We bring it out in the open, where it can be seen and dealt with. Like a boil that can never be cured so long as it is covered up but must be opened with all its ugliness to the natural medicines of air and light, injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates, to the light of human conscience and the air of national opinion before it can be cured."

Fundraising Post

Dear Friends and Family,

My daughter, Kathryn, is part of the Wasatch Youth Ensemble, which is “a high energy group of young violinists.”  She rehearses weekly and practices nightly for a string of performances which will begin this spring.  Her last half dozen shows will be performed in Hawaii.  To that end, she and her ensemble are actively participating in many fund raising activities to pay for their trip.

One of those fundraisers involves selling the Dominos Pizza “Delivering the Dough” cards.  Each card has 10 “Buy One Get One Free” cards. They are:

4-  Buy one pizza at menu price and receive one pizza of equal or lesser value free.

6—Buy one large pizza at menu price and receive one medium one topping pizza free.

All of the coupons on the card are good until 12-31-13

Cards are $10 and funds from the cards purchased from us will go directly toward Kathryn’s trip.  Don’t feel any obligation, but if you are a pizza person, consider that this card will give value to your pizza habit while supporting a good cause.

If you know us locally, you can buy the cards from us when you see us.  If you are out of state,  you can purchase one through the secure Paypal link below (you do not have to have a Paypal account, you can check out as a guest) or you can mail me a check.  In either case, we will get it mailed out to you right away.  Thank You!