Red Letter Christians:

I just started reading this book by Tony Campolo. The sub-title is "A Citizen's Guide to Faith & Politics". It's so interesting. I have to admit, I get really interested in the political process, but it equally fascinates and frustrates me.

I get particularly "riled" (yup, I'm a Hoosier) when the religious right speaks out and then is taken by the "average American" to be representative of all "Christians"...makes me NUTTY! And yet, Christians should be the very ones who have wise solutions to offer about the poor, the immigrants, education, WAR, etc. It seems though, that all that can be focused on is abortion...abortion...and oh yeah, abortion.

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I'm in favor of abortion, it's just that seems to be the singular "sin issue" that gets focused on by the radical right....and in doing so, followers of Christ have been "side lined".

SO, I'm loving this book and am hoping to get some good insight about how to think about these things and how to be the right kind of advocate/activist based on the teachings of Jesus: you know the things that get put in red print in some Bibles.

My prayer: Father, teach me how to be a Red Letter Christian, to follow the words and ways of the very One you sent to teach me. Give me the wisdom and discernment to make wise decisions based on Jesus' values, and not the worldly interpretation that we have. Help all of us that believe to remember that You are neither Democrat or Republican! Help us to respectfully bring to mind that these are human organizations and You cannot be reduced to such a "membership". Forgive us when we do that, it is so patently wrong. Oh yeah, and please help us to live at peace, even when we disagree with others or others disagree with us. Jesus wouldn't have it any other way!
AMEN :-)