DISCLAIMER: So, I want to preface this blog with the fact that I am not fully knowledgable on politics, in fact I just registered to vote a few months ago. So, if I am wrong with some of my opinions because I am too naive, then so be it, but this is how things are as I understand them.
I just finished reading a book called I Sold My Soul on Ebay. Ok, so before you start blasting me, let me explain, briefly, the premise of this book. The author is an atheist (self-proclaimed at the "friendly atheist) who "Sold his Soul" on Ebay. In the auction he has stated that for every $10 that the bidder paid for him, he would go to church for one hour. Any church that the bidder wanted. He is very knowledgable about the Christian faith, but he wanted to see what church would look like through the eyes of an atheist. Long story short, an organization called Off The Map won his "soul" for $504. Now, if you are doing the math, that would mean he would be in church almost every Sunday for the next year. They made a deal with him that he would go to 15 churches (of differing types), and write a book about his findings. This book is about what he discovered as an atheist in Christian churches. Some of his observations are a little unsettling...
One of the things the author felt the church lacked was social justice. There were plently of sermons preached that told people how to better their lives, but what about bettering the society we live in? While he heard some churches talking about social justice issues, he didn't hear of many churches that were actually practicing social justice issues. Now, as I understand it, the Democratic party is one that mainly focuses on social justice, and the Republican party mainly focuses on moral issues. But, I pose the question, aren't these connected? Isn't social justice a moral issue? At least it is for me. What would help our society more? Taking care of the poor and the homeless, or outlawing abortion? Is it enough to say, "You can't abort babies, but once they get into the world, we aren't responsible for taking care of them as a society!"? (Ok, I AM Pro Life, but can you see the point that I am making here?) After all, what did Jesus spend his life doing? Telling people what they could or couldn't do, or taking care of the poor and oppressed?
Alright, so I understand that this blog is a bit controversial! I would love to have dialogue about it! I would welcome for you to leave comments, and we can have a discussion! I am still wrestling through things myself. But, if you lovingly want to engage me in a conversation about this blog, I would welcome it openly!
No comments:
Post a Comment