My American Church

I am troubled. I try not to be critical of the people who are members of the church that I work for. I really do enjoy working at the church. I like the people there and the atmosphere of the community. I like working with the youth group and the kids in it.

However, there have been two things that have made me sad. Not because these things only happen in this church but that they happen at all. These are common things in the American church. Most of us don't even realize it until it is pointed out.

The first of which is a music video for a song by Carman. Now, I will admit that other than this song I am completely unfamiliar with the man's music. However, this video have definitely turned me off. In the song/video he claims that 20+ Biblical laws are mentioned by the writers of the Declaration of Independence. Interestingly enough, there is no mention of the Bible, Christianity, or Jesus Christ in the Declaration. Not to mention the fact that the only people who have rights in their minds were people who could own land or (for the most part) white men.

My biggest problem with the video is that it is filled with hate. Hate for people who are not like the American, Caucasian, Christian population. That video should be nowhere near Christianity or the Church.

My other issue is that at the beginning of Vacation Bible School we have pledges. First we do the pledge to the American flag, then the Christian flag, then the Bible. My problem is not with the pledges themselves but rather the order. It's completely backwards. Is our allegiance first to America or to our faith?

I don't feel like I can pledge to the American flag before either of the others.

"My first allegiance is not to a flag, a country or a man.
No, my first allegiance is not to democracy or blood.
It's to a King and a kingdom."
-Derek Webb

His Story

If you haven't heard yet, there is this guy named Josh Hamilton. He went to high school at Athens Drive (a local school). He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays and was going to have a great career. He got injured, got into drugs, and almost lost his career. After a few years out of baseball, he turned his life around and was signed by the Cincinnati Reds. This past offseason, they reluctantly traded him to the Texas Rangers for Edinson Volquez (a trade that has worked out for both teams). Yesterday, he was chosen as a starter for the AL All Stars. His efforts to turn his life around have paid off. If you get the chance, read his story.

God bless Josh Hamilton for realizing his potential and not settling for less.