Christian author has problem with conservatives (Religious Left)

AP via CNN.com ^ | January 24, 2008

[rightwingintelligentsia]

ORLANDO, Florida (AP) -- Donald Miller still loves God and Jesus. Don't misunderstand him.

His problem is with Christianity, at least how it's often practiced.

"It's a dangerous term so I try to avoid it," said Miller, who considered giving up his career as a Christian writer and leaving the church in 2003 because he couldn't attend services without getting angry.

For him, the word conjured up conservative politics, suburban consumerism and an "insensitivity to people who aren't like us."

To quell his rage, he sat in his boxer shorts and banged out a memoir of his experiences with God, stripped of the trappings of religion.

"Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality" sold just enough to pay a few months rent. Then five years later, spurred by a grass-roots movement of 20-something Christians longing to connect to God without ties to the religious right, the book became a sudden hit.

Fans were buying caseloads and passing out copies to friends. It peaked at No. 18 on The New York Times list of best-sellers among paperback nonfiction in November. He was mobbed by fans after a recent Young Life conference in Orlando where he addressed a crowd of roughly 4,000.

[tx_eggman]

Ah, so toward whom was the 'white washed sepulchur' comment directed

As I already pointed out, it was a question, not a comment ... either way, it sure struck a sensitive spot on your very thin skin.

Got it now?

Have a nice day.

[MEGoody]

As I already pointed out, it was a question

And what was the purpose of the question since that passage of scripture was not the topic of discussion?

[tx_eggman]

what was the purpose of the question since that passage of scripture was not the topic of discussion

That passage of scripture was germane not because of the topic of the discussion but because of the nature of your responses about "rage filled leftist Christians" and blowup Hillary dolls.

As I've already noted, the question struck a nerve ... it's not up to me to figure out why.

Happy trails

[MEGoody]

That passage of scripture was germane not because of the topic of the discussion but because of the nature of your responses about "rage filled leftist Christians" and blowup Hillary dolls.

So you were directing it at me.

And then you lied and tried to say it wasn't.

Nuff said.

[tx_eggman]

So you were directing it at me.

And then you lied and tried to say it wasn't.

Nope, didn't happen.

The question ... you know, the one that hit a nerve, was a question ... not a value judgement.

The scripture I quoted, on the other hand, was directed at you ... as I said "because of the nature of your responses"

You identified with whitewashed sepulchre all by yourself.

Peace out, homie.

<]:^)

[MEGoody]

Nope, didn't happen.

Gosh, you even lie to yourself.

[newheart]

My dear Theophilus,
My apologies for not responding earlier. It has been a very busy time. Your comments are thoughtful and welcome.

"many of whom would seem to argue that only a vote for (plug in name of candidate) can prove you are a real Chrisitan."

You asked to be directed to a thread where that has literally happened. Of course, since my statement was a bit of hyperbole qualified by the word "seem", I can't send you to a post like that. However, the nearly fanatic vitriol with which almost every candidate has been attacked by some on this forum is what I am arguing against. Such blatant ad hominem attacks do little to raise the level of civilized dialogue. Frankly I don't understand the source of the hatred for Romney, Huckabee, McCain, Giuliani. I even saw where Hunter was attacked after he withdrew and endorsed Huckabee--people had previously thought Hunter was a smart conservative but now they had to decide they were completely wrong about Hunter. Absurd. Our tendency to eat our own suggests that we don't really value these men as human beings. I am very tired of it.As conservatives and especially as Christians we ought to be better than that.

Yes it is true that Jesus came to bring a sword. Yet he is also called the Prince of Peace. I am not a "peace at any cost" Christian. But it is possible to wield that sword recklessly, doing more harm than good. And it is also very important to remember that our enemies are not each other, but powers and principalities. Thanks

[Theophilus]

Frankly I don't understand the source of the hatred for Romney, Huckabee, McCain, Giuliani.

I don't understand it either, but I know that it comes from our own sinfull natures. Even in the case of true Christians it is restrained but still there.

However, please try to make distinctions between "hatred" and vehament arguments against the bid for excessive power of ambitious men who are in many cases: dishonest, deceptive, egotistical, elitist, hubristic, delusional, condescending, irresponsible, selfish, disaffectionate, unprincipled and ignorant: just like the rest of us.

And it is also very important to remember that our enemies are not each other, but powers and principalities. Thanks

Thats a good point!

Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

I feel convicted that I should spend less time debating and much more time praying.

Love, Theophilus.

[bmwcyle]

Another little boy who can’t grow up.

[airborne]

Did you ever notice?

Left wing liberal Christians are really intolerant!

[ohioman]

Funny one I’ll give you that.

If one has to be a liberal (like this turd author) to get into heaven, then I know I’ll never see the Pearly Gates.

[newheart]

I feel convicted that I should spend less time debating and much more time praying.

As do I, my brother.