Welcome to the Center-LeftThis is not a blog. I don't expect to get responses and I'm not going to spend time reviewing comments in the online community. I offer these essays for thoughtful members of the center-left who remember civilized debates between conservatives and liberals. My "quiet revolution" essays cover two topics not discussed in polite society - religion and politics. I was able to stay out of the fray for a while, but recent events have drawn me back to the keyboard. In truth, I only publish these essays because I am concerned with the state of Christianity in America. I am concerned that the current theocratic government in Washington D.C. is going to destroy this great nation using the same tired European methods that ruined many good historical empires - the arrogant blending church and state. My view is simple - Christianity was never meant to be a political movement. Jesus came here to save souls, not save empires. Jesus preached peace and love, not war and conquest. He preached on how to hold proper relationships in your heart, not how to get ahead with manipulation and treachery. He was not the kind of warrior king anyone expected, and his message was too complex and too passive for many to accept. He expected us to live our faith - so our politics and our business dealings should be an extension - the outward glow of our beliefs. Holding the views of Jesus - actively arguing against war, telling people to not judge others and to turn the other cheek - is viewed as passive - and other people, more aggressive people, will hold you in contempt. But Jesus wasn't passive, He was passionate. Passionate about saving souls. Passionate about the human condition. His passion would manifest itself in joy, compassion, despair, and anger. It seems that Jesus had a temper which He displayed when people used God to make a profit. A smoldering anger jumps out of the Bible in passages where Jesus challenged the religious leaders who tried to put conditions on salvation. It is time for the silent majority who follow Jesus to show some emotion as well - maybe even some anger. It is time for us to take back the Word from the theocrats. We, the real majority, have a responsibility to call down, as Jesus did, those who spout half-truths in the name of faith. To save our religion we must challenge the people who misuse God. We have been silent too long. And here's a thought - it's as much of a sin to remain silent as it is to spread lies, for a lie left unchallenged is accepted as truth. If you believe in the Truth and the Light you have an obligation to spread and protect the Word. This website is my way of protecting the faith. You may use these essays as God directs you. On a more personal note, I promised my children I would leave the world a better place - which leads also me to speak up. If we tell our children to speak the truth and we do not speak up ourselves, what kind of behavior are we really teaching? - Nicholas Steele |
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Raising Children
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