You, Too, Can Become a Christian: (And a Social Conservative-or Not!)

We cannot continue fighting among ourselves. If we as a nation hope to continue to be a beacon of freedom, we must begin to work together: Democrat and Republican - Catholic and Protestant - Christian, Jewish and Moslem. Religious freedom was a major part of America's foundation and it can play a major role in bringing us back together. But faith has no chance of mending any fences when we continue to insist that there's only one right way to believe. As a father I know that I'd not disown nor reject a child who missteps because he/she misunderstands or even fails to honor a request for a certain type of behavior. I'm more concerned with seeing an atoning, loving, giving, and grateful child develop. How can our Heavenly Father be any less? How can it matter whether a follower is Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, or any other specific denomination? If the heart is in the right place, if forgiveness, help, and understanding are pled for, if thanks is given, if it is realized that Christ died for our sins and was resurrected to show us our future, how can one's choice of church matter? Jesus didn't share the Prodigal Son story for no reason. I do believe church is important. But I also believe that the church that makes a Paul more Christ-like may not make a Thomas more Christ-like. You have to find what works for you. There's a Tanzanian Proverb that says: "Do not mend your neighbor's fence before seeing to your own." This collection of opinions, reflections, and activities is intended to help you understand your Father, his Word and his Way better. If it creates a spark, Pass It On (hymn by Kurt Kaiser). God's hope is for all Christians to be disciples for Christ. Let it be.