thinking

Most of this was originally a letter to my dear friend Mr. Robertson but I wanted to open up the conversation to any opinions. I do qualify that with, I don't want to argue with anyone but I love a lively discussion. And feel free to only respond to a part.

In the car ride home tonight my mom and I were discussing lots of thoughts and these are some of mine... political institutions are chained to their procedures and an institution can't change a person, the person has to change first. I think one of the biggest problems in America is bad education-- the population not only needs to be challenged but taught values-- especially not selfishness.

Also, capitalism is in someways based on greed or self-ambition and I think what America needs is to find balance from its individualism... but what is an answer to capitalism that actually works, a free market with caps... the best of both words... getting over consumerism. I don't think we can put our faith in a political position but, if the people were changed and living from things like ... to risk sounding a bit communist or socialist-- the brotherhood of man-- what could that look like? The funny thing about politics nowadays is its much more like philosophy-- good ideas that can't get accomplished because democrats and republicans alike are fighting-- always fighting. (Good thing I'm Independent, huh? [teasing.])

And how do you teach tolerance and acceptance in the face of one truth... I suppose it's something like, all people are entitled to believe what they want (even if they happen to be wrong...) because it's the churches job to get out there in the streets and love like Jesus. That will reach people not a government.)

Another tanget, what would a peaceful response to the opression of Iraqi people look like (I'm not saying thats why we went to war, but as a lover of peace I am wondering what the creative answers to war are... because often sanctions hurt the people not the governments.) I think one of the loveliest things would be if culture could stay intact without nationality... so that instead of thinking of what's best for America we could just be humans. What would government look like under God? That is what I wonder. The UN can't save the world, but how much should our allegiance be to our country over the world?

What does a truly organic walk with God and total surrender and obedience to Him look like in every sphere of life-- culture, politics, education, health, etc. It's confusing and a question I'll be seeking to answer (and follow the implications of) for my whole life.

Other thoughts still, the death penalty... is that something God's given authority too through government? And in someways its more humane (although the method isn't) then having someone spend their whole life in prison (and I think prisons need major reforms as well.) Ah, there is so much I want to change (but not through politics) ... I hope to find my voice, to tell stories that disturb people into action. I really believe that is my role, to be a storyteller (among other things: an intercessor, a lover, a worshipper, an artist, a wanderer, etc.) I think the world's biggest hope is for the church to rise and sink to her knees.

I love the emerging church. I love the expressions of life and creating from hope and joy vs. the HUGE artist mentality of creation from despair... I love the emerging church, but I hate how I see the spirit of judgement and close-mindness that they hate emerging in them... they judge the traditionalist, they judge them and call them "religious" without knowing their hearts the same way the tradionalists see them as rebellious without knowing their hearts. erg. I've seen it in myself, in wanting the old to be open to the new I am often really saying, "the new way is the right way, change." instead of finding the value and worth of both... and you know, the old generation doesn't always need to change -- we both need that acceptance, tolerance, and understanding. Love. I very much want to reshape the church, but not with chronologial snobbery (which is technically a logical fallacy. haha.)

I have one last thing to throw your way... my heart is torn between America and communities of artist, and the unreached... how do we deal with that quote, "why should some hear twice when some have never heard?" I still ache to go to the Middle East someday (and to Europe and Africa too...) Maybe it's just seasons... but I feel almost like I'm settling for an easier life, even though its things I am very passionate about. There's probably no right answer, it depends on God's leading... and maybe He'll take me to the world someday.