I try to avoid the subject and redirect whenever possible. People have strong opinions about politics and it gets emotional pretty fast. But, I have this blog...so...here we go.
Let's start with a positive...
I love America, I think it is the best country in the world because true virtue cannot be forced, forced virtue can only have the outward
semblance of virtue. I agree that all men are not angels and that we do need government. I think that America has done more positive than negative (maybe it's a close call, I'm not that up on my history).
And I love being able to voice my thoughts, even if they are uninformed or too naive or too cynical.
Why I lost faith...
I don't like the idea that faceless corporate entities can control the political will in this country.
I don't like the idea that our culture places higher value on power and profit over human rights and civil liberties.
I understand the concerns of people outside our borders, their concerns about the 500 pound gorilla of materialism and corruption influencing their culture.
So...if you hate corruption and you are thinking of going into politics...do it, you have my vote.
Why I reluctantly vote...
I've often heard that I have a civic duty and I agree with that. I would love to love to vote, and I will when there is a candidate that is wealthy enough to campaign but doesn't have any ties to pharmaceuticals, defense contractors, oil companies, insurance carriers, or any other profiteering ********s.
here's neat site 2008 Presidential Election
My personal priorities...
As a spiritual man I am more concerned with spiritual activism than political activism.
It takes a lot of personal investment to stay reliably informed on politics (I don't trust mainstream media either, but that's a different blog) and it's hard enough for me to just maintain a stupid blog let alone all my other immediate responsibilities.
But, since politics is tied to social justice (a very big spiritual issue, btw- I'll try to do a blog on genocide and human trafficing) I suppose there is something that I can do make sure the least evil candidate is put in office.
My response to fear based activism...
Many that subscribe to my religious views would say that you have to have freedom of religion to have spiritual freedom. I do not agree with that. I think that the opposite is what is seen in the story of the birth of the Christian church and can still be seen today. The fastest growing church is the underground church, this exists in areas where Christianity is prohibited and persecuted.
My response to politicizing faith...
I see great humanitarian initiatives come from the freedom and financial resources of the western church, but...I don't fear the loss of God moving in communities or myself because of what a culture or government would say that I could or couldn't do. I just don't feel threatened by policies that go against my beliefs. I guess it's easy for me to say these things while I am safe in suburbia. I might feel differently if my home was bulldozed, my baby killed, or my wife publicly lynched. I hope that I would be able to wish grace for people that would hurt me, but I have to acknowledge that grace comes from God and all I can do is hope to be blessed with divine love when I am put to the test.
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