An old post, then 'Lock and Load'

"I am so out of tune, with you"  I'm very fond of these lyrics because they describe my existential disposition. So often I am forced to choose between complete isolation and inane social interaction through de-humanizing social mediums (i.e. Facebook) While I'm on the subject. I hate Facebook. It's worthless. For me, it has no redeeming value, intellectually, or relationally, and yet, I cannot seem to garner enough courage to shut my facebook off. And thus, I hate it that much more. Back to my lifestyle dilemma, I often gladly choose complete emotional isolation because lets face it, it is far easier to really be and feel alone, then to have "friends" around you or just a mouse click away and still feel alone. But, here I am, pouring my heart onto a blog that no one will read, that I will keep secret, just for myself. So how is this any different? I don't know.  That was a snippet from an earlier blog that I have since abandoned. I feel that it is still applicable. I should be studying, but I won't concentrate until I write a little. So, let's just get straight to the big issues. I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about this whole "followers of Christ" vs. "Christians" debate that I (surely I am not the only one) have been over-exposed to. Both sides have their charges filed, ready at a moments notice to deride the other as "incomplete" (a term that I will substitute for all of the other labels and names). I know Christians who say that the followers of Jesus are too experientially focused, and followers of Jesus who claim that the Christians are too pharisaical or legalistic and you know something? I wish they'd both give it a rest. I claim the mantle of "follower of Jesus" because, well, let's face it, I hate religion. I hate that we have a religious culture that now that is so wrapped up in being a part of an institutionalized system of beliefs which have led us to a point where it is more important that you go to the "right" church, listen to the "right" music, have the "right" friends, vote for the "right" issues, and on and on and on. In fact, picking apart the beliefs of judgmental, hypocritical, bigoted, over-zealous Christians is as easy as shooting fish in a barrel. Now, the important part. As a follower of Jesus, I am called to love people. This means I gotta love everyone. Not just those who love God. I gotta love the Atheists, the Agnostics, Muslims, Flying Spaghetti Monster-ists, Jews, Satanists, Pagans, Hindus, Buddhists, Heaven's Gate-ists...oh, wait..., Mormons, Scientologists, Pro-Americans, Anti-Americans, Hetero-Homo-A-Bi-Sexuals, crusaders, jihadists, etc., etc., etc. Most followers of Christ will agree with what I have just said. But the thing that most followers of Christ forget, and it is a kicker, is that we have to love the judgmental, hypocritical, bigoted, over-zealous Christians just like we do the rest of 'em. This means I have to love Fred Phelps, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell...oh, wait..., and the scary lady from that creepy Jesus Camp movie. In conclusion, hypocrisy, judgmental-ism, bigotry, and in-your-face-zealotry are all really annoying, especially in a pseudo-religious context. Calling out those type of Christians really is as easy as shooting fish in a barrel, but for the love of God (literally, if you like), leave the fish alone. Because after all, life in the barrel that is "religion" can't be too pleasant, and our bullets are only going to keep them swimming in circles. Song of the post (a brand new, and soon to be, regular feature): "Foregone Conclusions" - Pedro the Lion