ISSUES

“I have opinions of my own - strong opinions - but I don’t always agree with them.” (George Bush)

I have deliberately stayed away from blogging about my beliefs on specific issues for a couple of reasons. The first is because that is not what this blog is about. In fact, I have written fairly extensively on my rejection of belief as central to my identity. This blog was about the bigger picture. I have at times mentioned or hinted how I feel about specific issues, but the nature of Christ and my relationship to him has been much more of a significant focus, not just for the blog, but for me. However, even though I feel that rejection of belief is central to the gospel of Christ, I do feel the need to position myself somewhat better. The second reason that I have avoided addressing specific issues in depth is because of the controversial nature of issues. I have been surprised how little I have offended my evangelical friends who read my blog. I challenge the very nature of faith and Christianity. However, comments that I have received through this blog, on Facebook, and in person have been fairly supportive of the dialogue. Perhaps this is because I have been open about my struggle and have taken very few stands. This has allowed me to engage in conversations with traditional believers as well as fellow seekers in a positive and constructive way. (Although it is probably due more to the high quality of friends that I have.)

While debates have at times emerged, they have remained positive. But by addressing issues it somehow becomes much more personal. This surprises me. Why would my view on gun laws be more personal than the existence of God? But it is. I am concerned that despite the wisdom and maturity of those who have engaged me in dialogue previously with respect, that the tone will become less constructive and, in turn, counterproductive. But again, I feel compelled. But there may be a more developmental reason for this need to address issues. We tend to believe that it is our core beliefs that shape our opinions on topical issues. But I contend that it is the other way around, or at least systemic. I believe that because it is so much easier to teach and learn and therefore develop opinions, that most peoples’ faith paradigm is rooted in their opinions about various issues. Peoples’ faith paradigm is the foundation for the opinions, but the understanding of the foundation is contingent on how they engage in the world, not how they engage in the spiritual.

So- over the course of the summer I am going to back away from the theoretical and engage in the practical. I will likely post less often as I want to spend time reflecting on these issues. I am not stating this because I believe that anyone is waiting for my thoughts before they can form their own, but because I want to assure you that I am taking my position on each of these issues seriously. Before I begin I would love to hear from you on these issues. But most important to me is that if you read this blog that you don’t become overly invested in any of my thoughts. They are just my thoughts as of the day that I post. My views on each of these changes rapidly. I ask that if you have thoughts or concerns that you engage me and not simply discredit me. The purpose of a blog is that it gives each person a voice- the one who keeps the blog and the one who reads the blog. I invite you to help me better shape my thoughts.

I know that the few people who actually stumble upon my blog and stick around to read it are anxiously waiting for me to start establishing my position on various topics, but I am not quite ready yet. It has been difficult to figure out what issues I want to write about. There are simply far too many. What I have decided to do is break down the topics into major areas. Even still, this may take some time longer than the summer to get through. Additionally, I am not going to go into much detail with any of them. For one thing, I still hold to the position that beliefs should be secondary and to spend too much time on any one of them could discredit me. Secondly, I don’t want to make it appear as though I have too strong of a position on any one of these. I may be wrong, am willing to be convinced that I am wrong, and fully expect that my position will change for any one of these at some point in the future. That s think you stated, I still believe that I am right about each of these. Being open minded doesn’t mean that you think that you might be wrong, only that you are willing to be proven wrong.

Below are the topics that I intend to cover over the course of the next few months:

Sanctity of Life- Those issues that relate to the overall value of the human life and what decision man can make about the ending of that life voluntarily. Topics will include: Abortion, Suicide, Euthanasia, and Capital Punishment.

Global Issues- Those issues that relate to the planet and our responsibilities in the treatment of that planet. Topics will include: Population, Global Warming, Environment, and Protection of Endangered Species.

Sexuality- Those issues related to human sexuality and the expression of that sexuality. Topics will include: Pornography, Homosexuality, Masturbation, and Sexual Expression within Marriage.

Medical- Those issues related to medical research and the limits of science in society. Topics will include: Stem Cells, Cloning, Bioethics, and Genetic Engineering.

Role of Government- Those topics that are specifically related to the role that government should have in society. Obviously, all previous and following issues have some connection to Role of Government. Topics include: Poverty, Gun Control, Health Care, Censorship, Welfare, Homelessness, National Security, Terrorism, Immigration, and Gay Marriage.

Use of Chemicals- Those topics related to the individual use of alcohol, tobacco, and elicit drugs.

Education- Those topics that address educational issues that are debated at a deeper level that pedagogy and more so at the level of morality. Topics will include: Prayer in School, School Violence, Tenure, and Sex Education.

Violence- Those topics that address issues of violence in society. Topics include: Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Violence in Media, and Concealed Handguns.

Middle East- This will specifically address my views on America’s relationship with and involvement in Middle Eastern affairs.

Rights- Topics will include topics related to the rights of specific race, sex, and others underrepresented groups.

Religion- Possibly the most prolific of all issues since it relates to all topics, this entry will look at issues specifically addressed within the church. Topics will include Predestination, Evil, Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Gifts of the Spirit, Women in Ministry, Divorce, and Prosperity.