Jesus Is My Guy

Christianity and Politics

Having been raised by good Southern Baptists, I went to church every Sunday, heard and memorized stories and verses, and got at least a sense of what Jesus was all about. As I got older, I could pick out the missteps congregants made (including my parents) and sometimes point them out. As usual with dealing with our humanity, I saw less conflict in my behavior. I did struggle with scripture and verse, especially with the conflicts of death and alienation.

During my conflicts with my faith, I searched for other schools of thought and different ceremonies and doctrines to find something that resonated with my soul. Initially, this was with different protestant religions (Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal). Later I checked out the Catholic, some Baba devotees, Budda teachings, and other gurus. I found great solace with the Quakers, especially the meditations. I can now acknowledge all as having value, and I am comfortable that I can freely say, “Jesus is my guy.”

In surveying my friends who have varied and different spiritual beliefs, it seems that many of us are miffed at the radicalization of our organized religions. I have numerous friends who are Muslim and many who are Jewish and are frustrated with the state leaders who are perpetuating that war. I am also miffed at the seeming insistence of my Christian friends who seem determined to be persecuted. Examples follow…

Some recent postings from my Christian friends have included statements like “First time in 70…