"Appointing a man who has publicly attacked the pope and other religious leaders for their support of traditional marriage is deeply offensive to millions of Americans in the faith-based community he is appointed to serve," said Pence in a statement.
The remarks that Pence is referring to seem to relate to his role as a gay-rights activist. He said the Knights of Columbus "were foot soldiers of a discredited army of oppression," referring to the knights' support of a California state amendment that overturned same-sex marriages. He spoke out against the pope's statement that condoms increase the spread of AIDS. Knox also challenged President Obama's decision to have conservative Pastor Rick Warren give the inaugural invocation because of Warren's stance on marriage. This is pretty regular stuff for a gay-rights activist.
What I don't understand is why Pence would call for the removal of a man who was acting in accordance with his beliefs as an activist. As a congressman who applies his beliefs to such political hot-topics as gay marriage and abortion, why would he be so against another person who is doing the same?
On his Web site Pence describes himself as "'a Christian, a conservative and a Republican,' in that order." His voting record shows that since September Pence has voted the party line in all but three cases, according to the Washington Post's voting database. He has only missed 4 percent of over 5,000 votes. It seems to me that the man is a fairly regular party member. This makes me think that perhaps the comments he made regarding Knox have more to do with his stance as a Christian Republican and less to do with what Knox said.
Which makes me wonder, how many Christians--republican or otherwise--say or believe something simply because they are expected to? Easter was this week, and I have never seen parking lots so full at churches. How many of those attending were simply paying up on fire insurance?
There's a movie I love called "Saved." It's a high school drama, but it's set in a private Christian school. The two main characters are former best friends. One gets pregnant, the other gets critical. As the movie progresses, the critical one becomes increasingly harsh, even attempting an exorcism on her pregnant friend. She eventually begins to question herself; not her faith, but her actions. Why was she doing what she was doing?
I feel that this is a question that is not asked often enough in churches. So often there is a large emphasis on the action itself but relatively little emphasis on internal motivation past "because God said so." Perhaps if we Christians knew why we did what we did, we could have a more open dialogue about why others don't. Otherwise, we're doomed to condemn others who don't agree with us. There are enough finger pointers in the world. Let's not get mixed up with them.
Quick question Meagan: From what I've gathered you a very spritual, yet more realistic about the best ways to reach out to people, for lack of better words at the moment, all up in your face and I'm right kinda of attitue- to me thats not you, and i respect that so much. Some can be overbearing. And I think that is the kind of person you are which means this blog will be great for me, becasue when God was a big part of my life, I was drawn away by people who had that, my was ways are the right ways kind of attitude.
ReplyDeletewhen i said the kind of personmi thought you are I meant not overbarring with that kind of snotty attiute, I was saying that about you being more realistic about the best ways to reach people.
ReplyDelete:) I'm not offended, Joe. I do try and be realistic, though I don't think I have all the answers. What works downtown doesn't work in Kettering. What works in inner East Dayton doesn't work in Old North Dayton. Far be it from me to be anyone's spiritual advisor our counselor (which is not what I think you're saying), but if the blog helps you ask important questions, then I'm glad. That's what I'm going for.
ReplyDeleteMeagan you sure do put a lot into your post. I almost wished we were able to give you some story ideas that would give you the freedom to just write a long, elaborate story. But as far as your post goes I agree with the whole thing about churches being packed on Easter. I try to attend some church every once in a while I was thinking that God probably doesn't put you in a higher light if you make to Easter Sunday. If anything he may hold you in a lesser light. But that's beside the point, good work Meagan.
ReplyDeleteI love your posts. This was a great topic. I'm a Christian and I feel so confused and embarrassed sometimes, when other people claiming to be Christians are so critical of others who don't agree with them. I believe in traditional marriage, but I would never deny someone to hold a position that they are qualified for simply because of my opinion. I think it all begins with looking at ourself, then we should try to accept other's differences with love and humor, instead of trying to force our beliefs on someone else.
ReplyDeleteQuite nice. I like your assessment of "what works in inner East Dayton doesn't work in Old North Dayton."
ReplyDeletePeople need to stop bickering over the petty things and get back to doing the basic principles of the teachings of Christ.