"That's me in the corner...that's me in the spot light..."

I noticed that I have yet to really post anything of a religious nature. I don't know what this speaks about me personally, or about my stance on evangelism of any kind. I guess it comes down to the fact that my faith is a natural part of my life. Not a centerpiece, a flower arrangement on a coffee table, but a frame. "Wallpaper" on a computer screen. Background. Gives perspective, definition. I don't mean this analogy to explain importance. I don't know what i mean. What I'm getting at is that I'm not the type of person who will seek out "sinners" and try to rescue them. Most of the time, I'm in need of rescuing myself. And I refuse to stoop to such hypocrisy as claiming to have all the answers, or in some cases, even a good idea. I am broken. As such, I can't fix anyone else.

If asked, I could point you in the right direction, though.

So. All this to say, from time to time I may make some observations about "the church" or "religious people" in general. I can do this, in the manner of "Dogma" 's Kevin Smith, because I am one of them. Do not interpret this to be an "attack" on religion. That is not (usually) my intention. I just want to...comment, from time to time.

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I never realized how gruesome the Christian faith is. Not in terms of brutality, mind you (settle down, all you Puritan hordes), but in terms of terminology. How gothic sounding can you get: "Draw me nearer to thy precious bleeding side"... "There is a fountain filled with blood..." "Up from the Grave He arose"... No wonder people outside the faith get a bit spooked. Hundreds of people singing in minor chords, verse upon verse about wanting to be covered in blood. All with sour faces. Creepy.

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My church has grown over the past several years. We just opened up the new sanctuary recently. A marvel of technology and showmanship. Very nice stage facility. However one of the recent changes is a little odd. The music minister used to stand behind the podium and sing into the microphone. Then he started using a hand-held cordless microphone, which was okay. However, now, the AV people have him using an ear-piece microphone like Garth Brooks or a motivational guru. This would not be as bad, if it were not for the fact that this week, he was wearing an entirely too-hip collarless black sports coat, black slacks and shoes, with a black shirt under the jacket. There he was, shiny-faced, receding blond hair perfectly poofed and styled, making sweeping gestures as he slowly walks back and forth around the stage, leading the music. I half expected that at the end of the first song, for him to step to the front of the stage, and say, "Well, I hope you enjoyed your chicken salad lunch. So let's begin our second session. Now--how do we find your personal "Winner Within"..." Tony Robbins, watch your back.