Just so you know, I wrote this back in November. I'm editing this right before January when it goes up, but the thoughts remain timeless!
Channeling my inner Joe – On this unusually cold November night in
The topic I have chosen is similar to Joe’s previous topic of politics and religion but jettisons the idea of politics and gets down to the religious part. As someone who has traveled to several countries and have visited several places of worship for different gods, I find a constant question echoing in the halls of my mind: what does it mean to be truly religious? I have been to temples honoring Taoist gods which seemed to be simple representations of moods. The sad people go in, pray to the happiness god and leave happy. The angry people go in, pray to the anger god, and leave peaceful. The rich people go in, pray to the giving god, and leave with their fortune. They seem satisfied with their gods Isaiah mentioned were simply the opposite end of the tree from their firewood. But at the same time, I have visited orthodox churches in
We know what James wrote on this subject, help widows and orphans and keep unspotted from the world, but the second part is still quite vague. How can one be spotted in the world? Is it simply an action?
In November we discussed whether a politician should be a Christian to get elected. One of the major problems with the positive answer most people give is the practical problem of no politician living up to that standard. But as mentioned, someone who answers the negative may not feel obligated to a higher power and can become corrupt (absolute power corrupts absolutely). So as we plunge to a new year, my question this month is:
With the myriad of attempts to worship the One God, how can one truly live up to James’ standard and are Americans falling into the indifference trap of the polytheists and Christian idolaters?
I was told to give a book to read, also. Most people who know me know I love to talk about anything, but mostly politics and ecnomics. In light of the economic crisis hitting the world right now, it's been interesting to see those with money verses those with debt. Therefore, I recommend my favorite American, Dave Ramsey. Some of you may be aquainted with him, but for those who are not, let me give you his opening for his radio show:
"Welcome to the 21st century, where debt is dumb, cash is king and the paid off home mortgage has taken the place of the BMW as the status symbol of choice!"
He's written several books, but the one that is the most up to date is the Total Money Makeover. If you're going through an economic crisis, pick it up. If you're married, it'll change your family tree. If you aren't it'll help you be like me and not take part in the recession.
If you're already in good standing financially, look for Dan Miller's book 48 Days to the Work You Love. It'll help you find a job that's not a j-o-b.
