Wednesday November 7 - Even My Enemies

Wednesday November 7 - Even My Enemies


I used to be a very staunch Evangelical. I would argue with most that I never quite "fully" made it into the "fundamentalist" camp, although I did associate with many of that persuasion. Still, in much of my language there is a remnant of this influence. I will contend now that although these were the affiliations I had, and still respect (for the most part), I never actually was a die-hard, down to the nitty-gritty Orthodox "Christian". Now, understand, I did learn a great deal from many teachers, some who would hardly ever be considered such, and I do not without qualification reject Orthodox theology whole heartedly. I do find it to be too literal minded and misses the point in too many of its supposed absolutes. I do believe there is the need for reassessing the whole of the "Christian" faith in light of historical accuracies and more contemporary scientific insights. To put it plain, Let's cut the "fairy tales" and focus on the truth.

Now I know what I am writing will offend a large number in the "Orthodox" community who I have had friendly, and better than friendly relationships with. I also know that my more "open minded" friends who are not Christian, or affiliated with any such religious or "spiritual" affiliation will also take offense at my more verbal position. Well, get over it. I am what I am and not too disposed to change or accommodate anyone's particular understanding of "God", "reality" or the universe … whatever.

I believe I truly have made friends across the spectrum of religious and political ideologies and appreciate you all, BUT, I am me, and I am (as might be expressed by my Evangelical brethren) following "God" as I hear him, and as I find him. This does not please many. You don't understand me. You may wish that I would get it together and get a job, and get over all this … whatever it is that I am into. Well … this is the way it is … And this is me … Take me, or leave me.

Yes I believe I am following God, as "He" communicates to and through me. To tell the truth, I'm not sure I like the word "God". It as antiquated and over used and abused by virtually any and every "religious" entity wanting to garner support for their "pet" "religious" cause. And I cannot leave out the secularist who really haven't a clue as to the difference between true "spirituality" and defunct religion … In your own way … It's all a load of crap. But that does not affect or disqualify that which truly is an innate human quality, in relation to higher virtues and character, some things not so easily defined in our lexicon of human traits.

I find even amongst those I would scarcely ever reach out to as friend, a drawing near that quite frankly in the natural I would have a great deal of problem explaining. Not by trying to influence or going out of my way to be friendly (As a matter of fact I am quite cautious and reserved in who I extend friendship too) but by being myself, (reserved as that may be) I draw those who I would otherwise reject. And they extend their friendship to me. We find an acceptance, for who we are, as we are what it is that we are. This may sound "cryptic", but it is perfectly natural. Being myself, not knowing the effect I have on others, They are drawn. Some may say it is "God", some that which is the natural working of our connectedness and the nature of the universe. I say, It doesn't matter … It's all one and the same.

Over the past few days I have noticed a picture several friends have posted with a quote by Thomas Jefferson relating that differences in religion, politics or "whatever" do not qualify as a reason to drop a friend. Proverbs 16:7 says "When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."

I have found such … such who would normally be considered an "enemy". But He respects me, He thinks I'm "cool" and has given me a nick name. And all I have been doing since I have been here is rejecting his offers to "Make some money", illegally or at the least, questionable. But, we can be friends. I think it only takes a little understanding … on my part … he is only trying to survive.