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The Gay Marriage Issue
From Yahoo! News: Bush makes gay marriage election issue.
I wish I did not have to repeat it, but as Jesus talks about in Mark: ”Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” - Mark 12:28-31
I honestly do not understand why we can not allow committed Homosexual couples the same rights and legal freedoms as committed Heterosexual couples. This is not a religious issue it is a LEGAL issue. If we are to use the word "marriage" I understand the religious implications. However, because of those religious implications we should rid the legal code of the word "marriage" and define the joining of a committed couple of any orientation as a "Union" or a "Civil Union". This would not be ground shattering, it would not change the way our country is run. It would continue our long tradition of equal rights for all. IT IS THAT SIMPLE! A Constitutional Amendment regarding Marriage would be completely ridiculous. If we are to make an Amendment based on this issue we should then go ahead and forget writing laws and just pass Amendments. If that is the case I want a Constitutional Amendment banning cigarette smoking in public places, a Constitutional Amendment against the showing of automobile commercials during NCAA Men's Basketball Games, a Constitutional Amendment restricting the right of my neighbor to own a Lexus and a Constitutional Amendment restricting the usage of National Parks by natural blondes. These things all upset me and I demand that the US Government adhere to my wishes. I hope you are listening Mr. President! (And yes I am being sarcastic).
FATHER, I pray for those in this world who have hatred in their hearts for any of YOUR creations. I pray that you show them how powerful YOUR LOVE is and how essential it is to LOVE all of their neighbors despite their differences. If we are to follow the ways of YOUR SON then we must LOVE one another and treat each other with respect. AMEN.
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Monday, February 23, 2004
A Thought at 3am
"Three A.M.! Doctors say the body's at low tide then. The soul is out. The blood moves slow. You're the nearest to dead you'll ever be save dying. Sleep is a patch of death, but three in the morn, full wide-eyed staring, is living death! You dream with your eyes open. God, if you had strength to rouse up, you'd slaughter your halfdreams with buckshot! But no, you lie pinned to a deep well-bottom that's burned dry. The moon rolls by to look at you down there, with its idiot face. It's a long way back to sunset, a far way on to dawn, so you summon all the fool things of your life, the stupid lovely things done with people known so very well who are now so very dead - and wasn't it true, had he read it somewhere, more people in hospitals die at 3 A.M. than any other time...?"
- Charles Halloway in Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes
"Three A.M.! Doctors say the body's at low tide then. The soul is out. The blood moves slow. You're the nearest to dead you'll ever be save dying. Sleep is a patch of death, but three in the morn, full wide-eyed staring, is living death! You dream with your eyes open. God, if you had strength to rouse up, you'd slaughter your halfdreams with buckshot! But no, you lie pinned to a deep well-bottom that's burned dry. The moon rolls by to look at you down there, with its idiot face. It's a long way back to sunset, a far way on to dawn, so you summon all the fool things of your life, the stupid lovely things done with people known so very well who are now so very dead - and wasn't it true, had he read it somewhere, more people in hospitals die at 3 A.M. than any other time...?"
- Charles Halloway in Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes
Saturday, February 21, 2004
A Question of Religiosity
On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. - 1 Corinthians 12:22-26
Recently a friend sent an email out to a group of acquaintances. In the email this friend highlights many of the things that he/she likes about each individual. I really enjoyed this email because all of the recipients know one another and it was very interesting to see how this person perceives the rest of the group. However, in the email this friend chooses a few of the recipients and comments on their “Christianity”, rather, makes light of their Christian virtues. I found this odd because not all of those in the group who are Christians had a comment about their Christianity. Rather, those who talk more about themselves as Christians where the ones with the comments on their religion. This is not the first time I’ve encountered a situation like this. Each time I question why this happens. I will not debate whether or not these people are Christians, as God knows what lies in their heart, but I do question whether or not one is more commonly perceived as a Christian the more they talk as opposed to the more they act (with some talk) of being Christian? Basically, who is more commonly believed to be a Christian: a) The person who always talks about being a Christian and wanting to be like Christ or b) The person who acts with the belief that they want to be like Christ and still talks about being a Christian, but is more reserved?
As I mentioned earlier, I am not the person to decide whether or not someone else is a Christian, God knows what is in the heart of each person. I get frustrated when Christians judge me as not being a Christian. I’ve accepted Jesus Christ in my heart, God knows this. I am still a sinner, I am not perfect and I do not deny this. I may do some activities that are not sins, but are against the wishes of some churches. This does not make me any less of a Christian, nor does it make anyone else less of a Christian. Maybe I am rambling, or maybe I’ve not slept enough and have seen too much publicity on The Passion of the Christ. Regardless, I think I’ve written enough.
”Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” - Mark 12:28-31
On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. - 1 Corinthians 12:22-26
Recently a friend sent an email out to a group of acquaintances. In the email this friend highlights many of the things that he/she likes about each individual. I really enjoyed this email because all of the recipients know one another and it was very interesting to see how this person perceives the rest of the group. However, in the email this friend chooses a few of the recipients and comments on their “Christianity”, rather, makes light of their Christian virtues. I found this odd because not all of those in the group who are Christians had a comment about their Christianity. Rather, those who talk more about themselves as Christians where the ones with the comments on their religion. This is not the first time I’ve encountered a situation like this. Each time I question why this happens. I will not debate whether or not these people are Christians, as God knows what lies in their heart, but I do question whether or not one is more commonly perceived as a Christian the more they talk as opposed to the more they act (with some talk) of being Christian? Basically, who is more commonly believed to be a Christian: a) The person who always talks about being a Christian and wanting to be like Christ or b) The person who acts with the belief that they want to be like Christ and still talks about being a Christian, but is more reserved?
As I mentioned earlier, I am not the person to decide whether or not someone else is a Christian, God knows what is in the heart of each person. I get frustrated when Christians judge me as not being a Christian. I’ve accepted Jesus Christ in my heart, God knows this. I am still a sinner, I am not perfect and I do not deny this. I may do some activities that are not sins, but are against the wishes of some churches. This does not make me any less of a Christian, nor does it make anyone else less of a Christian. Maybe I am rambling, or maybe I’ve not slept enough and have seen too much publicity on The Passion of the Christ. Regardless, I think I’ve written enough.
”Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” - Mark 12:28-31
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
The Road Paved Ordinary
A week ago at 3:30pm I hopped on a bus headed towards Colorado. At 3:45pm the next day I arrived. At 9:30am on Sunday morning I made the trip back. During the 48 or so odd hours I had an experience like no other in my life. I will not go saying that it was a life changing experience, but rather an experience that opened my eyes to things I had not seen or did not want to see. While my time in Durango was great and well worth it to spend Valentine's Day with my g/f, not all of the good things happened off the bus...
I plan on writing more on this later...but as of now a few observations:
1) Riding the bus (that is Greyhound or some other "public" bus service as opposed to a charter) is a very humbling experience. I come from a middle class background and I work in education and go to graduate school so I do not get to interact with people outside this sphere very often. The people that ride the bus are the average Americans. They are the blue collar and working class of this country. They are the waitresses in the all night diners and the construction workers who build the infrastructure of America. I thank God that I was allowed this experience so I could once again realize that not all people are in similar situations to me and the people I know.
2) Many of the people with whom I rode with were content on having nothing to do on the bus. This was amazing to see. In the world in which I live people must be occupied 24/7. It was refreshing to see this.
I had a lot of time to think and I thought about a lot. More coming in the near future...
A week ago at 3:30pm I hopped on a bus headed towards Colorado. At 3:45pm the next day I arrived. At 9:30am on Sunday morning I made the trip back. During the 48 or so odd hours I had an experience like no other in my life. I will not go saying that it was a life changing experience, but rather an experience that opened my eyes to things I had not seen or did not want to see. While my time in Durango was great and well worth it to spend Valentine's Day with my g/f, not all of the good things happened off the bus...
I plan on writing more on this later...but as of now a few observations:
1) Riding the bus (that is Greyhound or some other "public" bus service as opposed to a charter) is a very humbling experience. I come from a middle class background and I work in education and go to graduate school so I do not get to interact with people outside this sphere very often. The people that ride the bus are the average Americans. They are the blue collar and working class of this country. They are the waitresses in the all night diners and the construction workers who build the infrastructure of America. I thank God that I was allowed this experience so I could once again realize that not all people are in similar situations to me and the people I know.
2) Many of the people with whom I rode with were content on having nothing to do on the bus. This was amazing to see. In the world in which I live people must be occupied 24/7. It was refreshing to see this.
I had a lot of time to think and I thought about a lot. More coming in the near future...
Monday, February 09, 2004
Doubts
My heart continually aches for peace. Whether this peace is personal or for the world around me, I am never too clear. I despise my own pain, but I doubt despise it as much as the pain others are going through. At times I wish I could stop what I was doing in order to help others but then doubts fill my mind. Sometimes I think that what I am doing now will enable me to better help others in the future. At other times I think that I am just procrastinating helping others. Once again and in many more areas of my life, I am left with only doubt.
My heart continually aches for peace. Whether this peace is personal or for the world around me, I am never too clear. I despise my own pain, but I doubt despise it as much as the pain others are going through. At times I wish I could stop what I was doing in order to help others but then doubts fill my mind. Sometimes I think that what I am doing now will enable me to better help others in the future. At other times I think that I am just procrastinating helping others. Once again and in many more areas of my life, I am left with only doubt.
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
One more political post...
Dear Gen. Clark and Gov. Dean,
As a concerned American Citizen I encourage you to stay in the race for Democratic Presidential Candidate through the Democratic National Convention. Americans need clear and defined opponents to President Bush. You two are our best candidates for that job. While Senators Kerry and Edwards are good men and good candidates they are too much like our President. As an American Citizen I want change, progressive change. While I may disagree with the both of you on certain issues, I know that you will take this country forward, not backward. Thank you for your efforts, they are greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
A Mainstreet American
Dear Gen. Clark and Gov. Dean,
As a concerned American Citizen I encourage you to stay in the race for Democratic Presidential Candidate through the Democratic National Convention. Americans need clear and defined opponents to President Bush. You two are our best candidates for that job. While Senators Kerry and Edwards are good men and good candidates they are too much like our President. As an American Citizen I want change, progressive change. While I may disagree with the both of you on certain issues, I know that you will take this country forward, not backward. Thank you for your efforts, they are greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
A Mainstreet American
Tuesday, February 03, 2004
A mi, no me importa
Top News Stories that I do not want to hear any more about:
1) The Super Bowl Half Time Show
2) Howard Dean's Campaign Budget
3) The Academy Awards
What I'd like to hear about instead:
1) Powell Says New Data May Have Affected War Decision and Iraq WMD inquiry details unveiled
2) Deficit Is $521 Billion In Bush Budget
3) HIV Rate Still Pretoria's Secret
Top News Stories that I do not want to hear any more about:
1) The Super Bowl Half Time Show
2) Howard Dean's Campaign Budget
3) The Academy Awards
What I'd like to hear about instead:
1) Powell Says New Data May Have Affected War Decision and Iraq WMD inquiry details unveiled
2) Deficit Is $521 Billion In Bush Budget
3) HIV Rate Still Pretoria's Secret
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