Five Rules of Christian Civility

Link to Article: Obama, Perkins, Palin and a Please for Christian Civility

Five Rules of Christian Civility (by Jim Wallis):

1. We Christians should be in the pocket of no political party, but should evaluate both candidates and parties by our biblically-based moral compass.
2. We don't vote on only one issue, but see biblical foundations for our concerns over many issues.
3. We advocate for a consistent ethic of life from womb to tomb, and one that challenges the selective moralities of both the left and the right.
4. We will respect the integrity of our Christian brothers and sisters in their sincere efforts to apply Christian commitments to the important decisions of this election, knowing that people of faith and conscience will be voting both ways in this election year.
5. We will not attack our fellow Christians as Democratic or Republican partisans, but rather will expect and respect the practice of putting our faith first in this election year, even if we reach different conclusions.

On Nov. 4, Christians will not be able to vote for the kingdom of God. It is not on the ballot. Yet there are very important choices to make that will significantly impact the common good and the health of this nation -- and of the world. So we urge our Christian brothers and sisters to exercise their crucial right to vote and to apply their Christian conscience to those decisions. And in the finite and imperfect political decisions of this and any election, we promise to respect the Christian political conscience of our brothers and sisters in Christ."

Great stuff! Thanks to Jeremy for making me aware of this article. If you're interested in hearing passionate people try and debate some of Wallis' "rules" in a civil manner, check out the rest of the article.

Who knew that I was a centrist?

"We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country. The reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than for those plagued by gang-violence in Cleveland, but don't tell me we can't uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals. I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination. Passions fly on immigration, but I don't know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers. This too is part of America's promise - the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in common effort." - Sen. Barack Obama, 08/28/2008

Immediately after Obama's speech last night, a number of analysts from various news networks pointed to this passage as Obama's nod to the large portion of the country that could ultimately swing the election. I'm personally tired of politicos saying that the answers to such important issues must be either black or white. I've been living in the gray for years--irrespective of how I vote in November, I find this stuff absolutely refreshing.

Link to full transcript: http://www.demconvention.com/barack-obama/

Yet another sign of the Apocalypse...

Link to Product: Guitar Praise - Solid Rock

Who needs Guitar Hero when you can have your very own bastardized Christian sub-culture version (aka Guitar Hero for the Godly)?

I suppose I can appreciate the concept of "redeeming something worldly" to make it appropriate for those who are earnestly and sincerely trying to follow The Way. In reality, though, how often have we seen straight rips fall horribly short of the real deal? Think copycat Christian contemporary music, cheesy tv, video games, etc., etc. Here's hoping this doesn't suck, too.

Please Holmy, Don't Cut 'Em

Justin Forsett is my top candidate for this year's "I'll be sick if this guy doesn't make the team" award.

There are rumors abound that the 'Hawks can't afford the roster spot because they're saving room for a couple injured WRs. I say boot David Kirtman and eat TJ Duckett's signing bonus and make sure Dave Meggett Part Deux doesn't end up on some other team.

French Work Week

Link to Article: France steps back from 35-hour work week

OK, so I never really had reason to care enough about entering the "do I love or hate France" conversation. However, after reading this completely whiny quote from some French guy protesting the end of his country's 35-hour work week, count me in as one of the haters:

""If I'm forced to work 235 days, my personal life will suffer," said demonstrator Arnaud de la Bergerie, a 27-year-old mechanical engineer. "We'll have more pay but less time to spend our salary."

Waaaaahhhhh!!!!! Whatever.

Delirious? - Say it isn't so!

Link to Article: Press Release - The End of an Era...

Whoa, I didn't see this coming at all.

I was one of the early few who shared the privilege of watching the band (called "The Cutting Edge" back then) play in little schoolhouse auditoriums in Littlehampton circa 1994-1995. Who could have guessed that they'd have such a massive impact on the worldwide worship music scene just a few short years later.

I tip my hat to the one Christian band that has been a huge influence on me personally for the last 14 years.

Goodbye, Sonics...Good riddance, NBA

Link to Article: Sonics, city reach settlement

I'll be the first to admit that I don't have an intimate understanding of the inner-workings behind the city's decision to settle--effectively meaning that the team will be leaving Seattle for good. My gut reaction is that the city feels that it was going to lose the lawsuit and decided to simply sell out for a little bit of cash.

I grew up admiring David Stern for sheparding the NBA to lofty heights on the backs of Magic, Bird and Jordan. Now I sit here feeling like I'd be just fine if I never saw an NBA game again.

Come on NFL Football Season...You can't get here soon enough.