:: hitchhiking across viewpoints

For the past couple of years I've made some interesting shifts in my religious views. Most notably, I made a drastic shift from the bible-pushing/right-wing/conservative arena and began flirting with a more progressive/liberal agenda. It's interesting to see what has come of two years of this game of cat and mouse.

I believe it began when this new fad of the pseudo-intellectual bashing of religion began sweeping the hearts of my generation. It went from the ever-so-popular "YOU'RE A REPUBLICAN??", gradually moved to "you believe in God??", and then began making its way to a more harsh "You're a $#!@%ing christian??". Essentially, we've integrated the hatred of conflicting political views with years of conflicting religious views.

What's interesting to me is that I specifically fled from the "right-wing"-religious standpoint for ONE specific reason: while I ultimately believe in sharing my faith, I strongly disagree with shoving it down one's throat and pressing the issue when it's clearly not welcomed. Let's face it though: at some point you draw the line, right? Boiling it down: I believe that what I believe is right. I do my best to keep an open mind to other religions (those of you that know me can attest to this) however, at some point I have to make that attempt to have you share my views. If you don't agree with me, part of me will be disappointed but that won't hurt our friendship. I'm also not going to tell you that "you're going to hell" and begin cursing you...

What's even MORE interesting to me is that the opposite field has came across the same problem (admittedly I am using some serious stereotypes here). We are no longer are able to hold logical and diplomatic conversations. Rather than shoving Christianity down someone's throat, I see the opposite. No efforts are taken to understand either viewpoint, instead it's black and white, no gray area in sight.

People often wonder why my particular religious views seem different than most "Christians". Here's a few things I have chosen to believe that I find of importance:

1. You do not have to throw away your intelligence at the door (a.k.a.: You can be an Intellectual Christian)
   
2. While other religions may hold conflicting viewpoints, we can learn from everything (e.g. taoist viewpoints in exercising is not the work of the devil...)
3. Listening to "Secular" music does not condemn you to hell (Can you believe people think this?)
4. Religious multimedia currently SUCKS
   
1. This one might need clarification...have you ever listened to Christian music or watched a religious video? Did you die inside while you did? That's my point...
5. You can use witty remarks without going to hell
6. You can BE PROGRESSIVE

I swear, the ignorance and lack of decorum of "the church" frustrates me enough to make it difficult for me to attend. I think it's the naivety that gets me. It's the Christian-camp, home-schooled, never spoken to a real person kids that kill me the most. Seriously, if you expect to actually talk to someone...what the HELL are you going to talk about? How many grasshoppers you caught the last time you were at Camp Maplewood and the latest hymnal that you sang along to? If you can't put enough effort into waking yourself up and existing in the real world vs. your perfect religious bubble then you're never going to get anywhere. I'm sorry, even as a Christian, I would find it difficult to converse with you.

So many "taboos" have been put in place by people before us and they're adhered to without question. Perhaps because one of them happens to be "don't ask questions"? Seriously, do you really wonder why you're called BLIND? I wonder what most of you would think of a "men's fellowship" night where a bunch of guys got together and hung out watching a football game and drinking a couple of beers. I beg of you to tell me ONE thing that's biblically wrong with this notion. How about a "youth group" outing where they attended a non-Christian event? Oh how your boats would be rocked by these ideas...

Show me ONE church that lets me not only think these thoughts but VOICE them and you'll have my weekly attendance (if not more). Until then, I'm sick of searching for churches. You invite me in, don't even acknowledge me, and expect me to conform to your narrow-minded ways of thinking. It's not happening.

I stand for a progressive movement within the Christian world and I'll gladly do it alone for now.