7 Things I Believe (that may make you like me less)

This blog has always focused on uniting, not dividing. I seek to be inclusive, not confrontational. That is just my style. But today w're going a different route. Today I share with you 7 things I believe that may well rub you the wrong way. And I'm not sorry.  It's time to get a little bold...

1. I believe that every act of violence against another human being is rooted in evil. While it is true that on occasion good people are called upon to control a situation with a violent response, this does not make the act any less abhorrent. And when good people begin to choose violence as their first response (rather than the last resort) to crisis situations we see societies crumble. All of us- and this includes our "peace officers"- need to live out their oath when it comes to human lives- To protect and to serve. Too many of us who claim to follow the Prince of Peace are horrified by the thought of actually turning the other cheek or walking the extra mile...
2. I believe in this day and age that patriotism and partisan politics are the enemy of the church of Jesus Christ. When we put country before God, Jesus weeps. And while I'm at it, the flag doesn't belong in a sanctuary. It's God's church, not America's.
3. I believe that if you told me I could have a ticket to one concert of my choice to see someone I have never seen live, I would choose Bruce Springsteen. But not before I thought long and hard about picking Garth Brooks. Yeah, I can't believe I just typed those words!
4. I believe that when Jesus told us to love our neighbors he meant people from other religions, undocumented immigrants, the LGBT crowd, people of color, people who disagree with us and even people who enjoy Jason Derulo. Everybody everywhere!!! If you don't believe things like racism, gender bias and homophobia still exist then you are not paying attention. And love is not a concept. It is a verb. The church has one agenda, and it was not set by a church board, or a pastor or a denomination. It was set by Jesus. So get out there and love your neighbor!
5. I believe that if we admit the truth that in any given year 50% of our congress is too busy trying to make sure the President fails to actually propose accomplishing anything then we will understand that we may never again have an effective leader in the White House. Don't believe me? I know many of you have zero use for President Obama. Yet his approval ratings are great when compared to those of Bush 43. In our current political climate, at least half of the country will always hate you. We should worry about the sanity of anyone who wants the job.
6. I believe that it speaks ironic volumes about the role of money and power in our society and the laughably tragic state of our legal system that Ray Rice is welcome to ride Disney's Tower of Terror...but not me. See what I did there? The Tower of Terror is an elevator ride...
7. I believe that if you say you haven't changed your beliefs, convictions or opinions in the last 20 years that you are not steadfast and consistent, you are simply hanging on to things someone else told you to believe. People change, the world changes, God gives new revelations (if you disagree with that then you are implying that God is no longer active) and we evolve and change with age. Thirty year old Carl would listen to 55 year old Carl and laugh in his face! Embrace traditions, hold fast to the truth that is Jesus, but do not become stagnant. Life was never meant to be a merry-go-round. It's a thrill ride!

So there you go. This is not an attempt to change your minds about anything; just a few statements to let you know where I stand. If any one of these makes you think outside the box a little, then I have done my job. Have a happy Thursday, my friends!

Because of Jesus,