Jeff September 4th, 2007

Steve,
I firmly agree with what you are saying here. Erik sent me a copy of Irresistible Revolution and I have almost read the entire thing. It really got me to wondering if I have gotten this whole thing with Iraq, who I vote for, and how I help the poor (or not) all wrong. It was starting to really make me think that maybe I am not a Christian. Then, as you say, a moment of sanity hit me. I am struggling with these things like everyone else and when I get home, God will affirm what I did right. We do have enough room to be wrong (even if I don't sell everything and move into the inner city).

Jordan (w.m.s.n.b.s) September 5th, 2007

I consider myself an apoliticist. I don't believe in politics. Politics is an illusion to keep the masses in line which is why we have a two party system. I personally think we should have a 7 billion party system, but I suppose that would be too unruly. Where would the news media get their gossip? Anyway, I vote and I support and love America; It's not the government or the people that I detest. Its simply politics. Where is it written in the constitution that the people should vote for a party. The party system is destroying our republic. Politicians work not for the good of our country but for the good of their own career. I think you and Tony are pretty close together where it counts–as individuals. We mustn't forget that this country is still run by the individual. Both you and Mr. Campolo are pretty awesome individuals.

(To call me an Independent or a Libertarian would be a huge reification. I'm am me.)

Bill Ragsdale September 7th, 2007

Dear Steve,
I am involved professionally in politics and I have learned to be in awe of the good part and be embarassed by the bad. In a democracy, politics is the essential art of compromise where a large mass of people may be governed without resorting to a dictatorship. A dictatorship is the most efficient but, for the most part, the most unpleasant systems of government. All governments and systems are temporary until the Lord comes for us.
Those people who say they are "apolitical" and "despise politics and politicians" only delude themselves. I have yet to meet a person who was not a politician in his own microcosm. For their own needs and wants; they will politicize. At the child's school, the workplace, little league or church, people use political technique to get their way.
The politics that makes me literally sick to my stomach is within our ecclesia (spelling okay?) Many , if not all, of our little groups of believers will hurt anyone who opposes the paradigms of their group or denomination. I had never known that church could be a blood sport, like hockey, until I became involved in church administration. Oh wow! Now that's politics in the raw. I have never seen anyone hurt so deeply as a believer who "went across the grain". That is sin. The world is the world; sick and dying… but only the church will kill and eat their wounded.
World politics is a stop gap that will self destruct and in its absolute best will never equal God, though it really would like to. We cannot do much or even expect much from it. But the church… that is something to really be concerned with. I believe we could do better. Think about that.

Steve in Washington September 7th, 2007

Hey Steve,

I never imagined you'd have a blog! I'm glad. It gives me hope that God is capable of radical change in a person's life!

Sorry to hear about Fred. I am sure his passing is a great loss.

I have listened to you for many years now. It has taken me most of those years to understand how you could affirm Tony Campolo and his left leaning opinions on so many topics. My tendancy would be to demonize Tony in dealing with the differences.

Over the years you have taught me to affirm those who claim to love Jesus. I am doing better now.

Rob Bell writes of loving people into their future. I like that very much however, I find as we get together, there are always agendas and politics that emerge over time and things simply get messy, espeically when we are pushing our own agendas. As much as I do not care for the chaos and confusion in the mess, the chaos and confusion is where God seems to show up.

Personally, I am finding the challenge is to stay engaged with the people I disagree with, to find a way to affirm their love for God if I can, and argue the benefits of my opinion.

After all, I have worked very hard on my opinions. If they were wrong, I would change them!

Doc April 15th, 2008

So the governments of man are all screwed up. And that is surprising …. how? Thank God, one day, we will all have a perfect government, administered by Christ Jesus. Till then, God is giving us a Good dose of what it is like, when we try to run things for ourselves.

Frankly, it's kind of funny when you think about it. We think we have things going along pretty smooth and then God drags His finger across the ant trail. We just go crazy, Oh no, the situation has changed. The Muslims have all the oil and they don't like us. Oh no, we've borrowed money from a shady loan shark and now my rates have gone through the ceiling and I can't pay. Oh, no, it's getting hotter, and hotter, and hotter. Oh, no, the sky is falling.

You get the picture. Things happen and we dance, all the while looking for the best band leader to play to the music. Oh we of little faith. With the faith of a mustard seed, we could move mountains but we have none.

God reminds us daily where we should be looking for guidance but we ignore His call. We look to ourselves or to someone who thinks they have the ability to lead. In vain, we search for the perfect ant trail to get from point A to point B and never realize that the only way to get from any point to any other point is to go through point G.