So, I love politics, but I have reserved from sharing much on it recently. . . why?. . . because it seems to be such a divisive issue for people – I did not want to restrict myself to only have conversations with supporters of one side.

I did post earlier the VIDEO interview that Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life) with both candidates – click on this link to go to that post    – it is at the bottom of the post.

OK, let’s DO THIS – let’s vote on who you would vote for right now if you could – just fill out this poll – and let’s have some fun with this

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Politics is so complicated. . . issues are so complex. . . solutions are so difficult. . . truth is difficult to discern. . . and I LOVE it!

I love the fact that amidst that “black and white” opinions out there of truth that there is soooooo much gray to explore that many people simply refuse to discuss. Our brains are wired to seek categorization/clear boundaries. . . it is incredibly comfortable isn’t it, to know for sure, I mean for sure, whether something is right or wrong. In fact many times,  like a mythological siren, it seduces us into believing that there is no worth in talking about the uncomfortable, hard to figure out gray areas.

The only problem is. . . when we christians refuse to objectively educate ourselves in the intricacies of stem cell research, homosexual civil unions vs. marriage, universal health care, war, foreign policy, education, the death penalty, illegal immigrants, etc… - then, from my recent experience,. . . we look pretty ridiculous to the outside world. I AM NOT SAYING THAT YOU HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR OPINION on things. What I am saying is that we need to be able to have an intelligent discussion about the presence of difficult gray areas in some issues, as opposed to authoratatively mandating that no such gray areas exist; which, inevitably leaves a massive wake of destruction in the very people we are supposed to be loving and giving mercy to. Unfortunately, this has been the stereotype of we, the church, for some time now (myself is sooo included in this!!!!!).

You all probably know this, but Rick Warren (author of Purpose Driven Life, Purpose Driven Church) recently sat down with both Obama and McCain asking them direct questions. I think this is fascinating, because I want to educate myself – - – not just so that I can build some fabrication of defense mechanisms/arguments the next time I talk politics with someone, which would likely leave them feeling judged, hurt, and unacceptable for me (the church) - – - but, so I can become more educated, create more empathy, and hoan my skills of objectively considering these issues and their possible solutions.

Oh  man. . . it is tough to do sometimes, our opinions are strong. . .  our biases are steadfast. . . but I want my desire for connection with those “searching” to be greater than all of my opinions – I believe that objective discussion is NOT justification of false truth or being a traitor, objective discussion is an opportunity for relevant connection. In a time where we, the church, appear to be entirely irrelevant to much of our society – what an opportunity this is to reawaken the power of relating to others through simple conversation. People may not want to talk about church, Jesus, God, but the economy, education, the war. . . sure. . . let’s chat. . . and let’s see how God will love others through our simple conversations.

I hope this has started a fire or two inside of you. . . I know that it has in me :). Let’s journey together in this. . . Here is the link to all of the video responses by Obama and McCain – enjoy this year’s race of the presidency. . . this is one place to start. . .

http://links.mkt1031.com/servlet/MailView?ms=MTc2MjgxS0&r=NjM1MDQyNTI3S0&j=NjMxMTQxNgS2&mt=1&rt=0