Volume 3 Issue 11

But the country is still polarized over Vietnam and is again over another war. There is no disagreement in America about the need to protect our families, our nation, and the world against terrorism, and that this vicious and, yes, evil terrorist violence must be defeated. But whether that goal and our national security were advanced or whether they were seriously damaged by the war in Iraq is indeed the real and divisive question. Nobody was willing to "take the word of a madman" as the president caricatured his war opponents, but many of us, including most every major Christian body in the world, believed this "war of choice" to be unnecessary and unjust. –Jim Wallis, SojoMail 09/03/04
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As I sat on our balcony this morning, enjoying a beautiful day unfold while Rebecca prepared breakfast for all of us (Rachel and Steve are spending the holiday weekend in Las Vegas), I was filled with an overwhelming sense of what a fortunate, blessed person I truly am. In the safety and security of my own home I read a newspaper of my choosing without any qualms about disagreeing with what I found printed there, my whole family was present and accounted for, the challenge of the day would be to not eat too much (rather than wonder if there was going to be anything to eat), and the most pressing decisions to be made would concern what ways we would choose to observe this national holiday that focuses upon the privilege that is ours to live and work in America. It also occurred to me that the surest way I could “blow it”—perhaps a more vernacular expression for “sin”—would be to fail to be mindful of those who this day do not share in my many blessings. I do thank God for the grace that is bestowed upon me, and I pray that my life be dedicated to ensuring that the whole people of God have the opportunity to share equally in that blessing.
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A new sermon is in the works but not yet finished. I have a pretty good sense of where it’s headed, but I’m always open to some input along the way. So, to that end I provide the opening paragraph:
The State of Florida is principally responsible for illegitimately placing the Antichrist in the White House in 2000. As His way of expressing His great unhappiness with such an immoral atrocity, and to ensure that such a thing does not happen again in 2004, God has—in less than a month—twice visited His wrath upon Florida’s evil population; a very real reminder of His great displeasure with them. Those Floridians wishing not to have more havoc wreaked upon them for the remainder of this hurricane season would do well to leave absolutely no question in God’s mind but what the 2004 election will be fair, impartial and anti-Bush!
Reactions may be addressed to me personally via e-mail, although the Bulletin Board is always available for those brave and daring enough to go public (this meaning my mom, dad, wife and daughters).
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You are invited to share in the wisdom and inspiration available at these sites:
The Sojourners Community evolved into Sojourners ministries in the early 1970s. Jim Wallis, editor-in-chief of “Sojourners” magazine, is renowned for his ability to profoundly articulate the relationship between scripture and social justice. The internet version of his publication, “Sojourners”, may be viewed at: http://www.sojo.net/
Since 1917 “The Witness” has been a voice of gospel justice, based in the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion. As an independent publishing organization, unaffiliated with the institutional church, “The Witness” proudly serves as a communications and organizing vehicle for the progressive movement within the church: http://www.thewitness.org/
Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, hosted by veteran journalist Bob Abernethy, is the only national TV newsmagazine program devoted entirely to the news of religion and spirituality, and major ethical issues. Learn more about the top moral questions facing the country and profiles the most interesting people and groups in the world of religion and ethics by going to: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/
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Until next time…….Shalom!