two lists
Things in which I am interested:
• In-depth discussion of theological concepts
• Questioning the “fundamental” tenets of Christianity (but not with the implicit precept being that in the end we’ll all discover what we believe was Right All Along)
• Entertaining the thought that maybe there is not just one “right” way to practice Christianity
Things in which I am not interested:
• The same old religion repackaged in a fancier way, either with orgiastic worship or lots of ancient rituals and shit
• Pithy responses to serious questions (”Just trust in Jesus.” “God will win in the end.”)
• Christianity that agrees with political and economic conservatism
Tonight I had a discussion with a man who believes that our society is built around Christian concepts and believes, in terms of the legal system and such. I said no freakin’ way. We live in a capitalist society, and capitalism requires inequality and explotation to function. Inequality and exploitation are completely in opposition to the teachings of Christ. Capitalists say that the market can provide for all, but obviously that doesn’t happen. Our society is built around our economy, and the economy is not Christian in its values. Yes, philanthropy and humanitarianism is valued in our Western culture by Christians and others alike, but no amount of philanthropy that is currently done is enough to balance the inequalities, and certainly is not enough to prevent those inequalities from occuring in the first place.
But then again I am a young woman and he is a middle-aged man; both of our positions in life cause us to lean towards leftism and conservatism, respectively. And don’t get me wrong, I love this man. He is a wonderful person and a valued member of my faith community. He also works in upper management at a bank. (Heh, I feel like right-wingers who say, “Some of my friends are homosexual.” Now I can say, “Some of my friends are conservative capitalists!” And he is a really great guy, you’d love him.)