My Hubby and I attend church faithfully...I say this not to brag or boast!
I attend church because I NEED it...it is my "easy button" to remember God is in charge...not me! I also need to be reminded of His Grace and that I constantly need it and that I need to
give Grace to others... I don't believe you have to attend church to worship God...I do it, because I need it in my life. That being said...I have noticed that during the service and the Sunday School hour... our congregation is becoming separated along party lines...not all of us...but many, many of us. I have included myself in the "us" because I am a known liberal Democrat and I am not afraid to engage in any discussion about politics. I love politics! BUT... I LOVE GOD , HIS PEOPLE AND HIS CREATION, MUCH, MUCH MORE! I have many, many Republican friends...so I don't think that it is because I am intolerant that I am having this problem but...it might be that I am wrong!
The Sunday School class I attend is studying a book called
Eat This Book by Eugene H. Peterson and the premise of the book as far as I can see (I am only into the second chapter) would be the importance of Christians using the Bible as opposed to other contemporary literature for listening to God and responding in prayer and obedience.
The opening devotion used by the teacher of this class was an OP ED piece by Judith Miller...the irony it would seem was lost on my Sunday School teacher...We discussed an obvious political piece in our Sunday School class during a discussion about the importance of using the bible for our instruction!
Now, I ask you if God can turn Lot's wife into a pillar of salt...Why can't he render me speechless for 25 minutes! I am sure this teacher and I both made a room full of people uncomfortable ...as I could see members of the room aligning with each of us! Why does Politics have to invade my time with my church family? My very best friend is a fairly conservative Republican and she loves me and has even bought me an
Obama T shirt...and yet, I have another friend who I also love who sends me political cartoons characterizing my party as socialists! Why do some people think that your faith defines your party? But, if you do feel that way ...Why can't you see and allow this for others outside your particular party?
I ask that you pray for me...I want to drop out of this class...My Hubby said that he thinks I need to stay because my voice needs to be heard. I feel like this teacher is willing to give of his time to our class and I am grateful but he has a definite agenda as to what "Christians" should think and feel about current issues! I think he is intolerant and I am a distraction! This is a good man who loves God but he doesn't leave his politics outside the class and I don't look good in a muzzle...So, what is a girl to do? I am asking for guidance as I don't want to feel like this after leaving worship and I don't want others to feel this way because of me and my viewpoints! Okay...please comment...I can take it! Really...
Thanks...
Don't forget to watch
Bonnie Hunt! Don't forget to enter the writing contest at
Travel with Ronda! You have until this Wednesday and then I close the contest and the voting begins!