I am a 36 year old man who grew up in a conservative home; my father is an Independent Baptist Preacher. My parents were not oppressive but did have stout convictions of faith, some of which were based on their experiences, some based on what they heard or were taught during and immediately after their adult conversion to Christianity. I was “saved” at the age of 7, and I continue to hold to that conversion today. It’s my interpretation of what that event truly meant, and means that has sort of changed in the last 4-5 years.

I too have sensed a change in how “being saved” has been discussed and interpreted in the modern church. It is definitely an exciting time to be a Christian. I think if we look at Christianity with a wide angle lens instead of focusing on the last 500-600 years we can get an idea of where the true model of Christ following exists. I also think we need to be mindful of how the pendulum Christian Interpretations can swing in both directions. Yes we are starting to see it shifting from a right minded black and white “evangelical” dominated view to a more “Grace Centered” approach. But that pendulum if not check can shift entirely to a mystic New Age only interpretation of Christianity, and of life in general. Both extremes are flawed due to their dismissal of the other quadrants (Ken Wilbur). As a Christ follower who is striving to find the all important middle ground, I want to accept Grace; embrace my freedom to choose, and attempt to interpret what the Spirit is leading. At the same time I want to have a foundation built upon truth.

I agree with you about politics, I don’t think Christianity is synonymous with Republican, or Democrat. I do believe we are the salt and light of our society and with that comes the responsibility of making choices and encouraging choices that are reflective of a God centered life. That being said, I personally find that the conservative candidate which is usually Republican best exhibits these traits. I think a Christian voter should be socially conservative, and fiscally responsible. Of course the debates could go on as to what fiscally responsible really means, and how it is achieved.

Thanks for providing a blog for me to put my thoughts on paper…

I have never before replied to anything nor have I even read too many blogs…I am not even sure this will get to you but I hope it does. Yes, there is love in the body of Christ! Please know this! I walk in your shoes and have been stunned to learn that I “can’t be a Christian because I voted Democratic” as I never read that in my Bible or that because I believe that Christ loves us equally, because I don’t believe God discriminates I am discriminated against: it hurts. I am sorry that you hurt, too.

One of the biggest gifts I received this year was reading the Rohr quote found in this blog: God does not love you because you are good; God loves you because God is good. God does not love you because you are good; you are good because God loves you. ”

Wow! What a concept and how true! I am nothing but, because I am open to God, I can receive that which can never be earned: grace! We are so lucky and blessed!

My lovely and lively friend Annette gave me a very special little book for an Advent study by Joan Chittister who is an R.C nun….I want to share what she wrote today on this year’s end with you:

“The old year is over. Whatever we waited for this year, either it came or it did not. One thing is sure: if what we wanted did not come, something surely came in its place. The temptation is to count the change as loss. Julian of Norwich, the 13th century anchorite, wrote that even sin, “was behovable”-necessary, important in life, part of our growth and an opportunity for union with God. And, not to worry, she says, for “all shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.” If we are still waiting for something, we must remember that the New Year is waiting for us, too, with fresh challenge, virgin promise, rude discovery and confirming triumphs. Open your hearts to life’s new hurdles and simmering victories now. Life is waiting for your gift.”

Isn’t that lovely? And it can’t be a coincidence that, like the Virgin Mary who said “yes” to God this virgin year asks us to say the same. It can’t be a coincidence that I found you tonight,confirming my belief that life is waiting for our gifts!

I am very grateful to God that my new church, our piece of the body of Christ is truly filled with love and it is named for Julian, herself! Yes, there are a few…but honestly, I am very blessed and I wish the same for you and soon! I look forward to sharing 2010, the challenges, the triumphs and the many everyday moments it will bring us both as individuals and as members of the body of Christ, never as separate from one another or from God!

May 2010 surprise us daily with God’s grace!

Colette

Is there intelligence life on earth? Is there love in the body of Christ?
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