I do think the term “calling” is confusing and probably a bit overused.  I’ve never believed that there is necessarily a “purpose” for everything in our lives, or that God necessarily has a meticulous and detailed plan for all of us.  However, I do believe that God can direct us when we ask for direction, and that he knows much better than we do what the right decisions are.

That’s where I struggle.  I constantly ask God for direction.  I’m never 100% satisfied with my life, because I realize how much closer I can still get to God.  And I’m constantly praying for God to show me how to get closer.  He often does show me, but it always seems to be in a haphazard way that I don’t even recognize until after the fact.  For once, I would love to be directed in an obvious way.  Clearly, though, there must be a reason for his approach.

So, when I talk about my “calling”, I’m open to the possibility of a life change or a vocational change, but that’s not really the primary focus for me.  Right now in my life, I’d love for God to tell me to “go to this church.”  Because I know that I’ll likely end up second-guessing whatever choice Amber and I finally make, unless somehow I could receive some sort of sure-fire confirmation from God.

I know that God can and will use me no matter where I’m at, or where I go to church.  My struggle, though, is that I want to do what’s best, and not just what works.  Since I generally don’t have any idea, I’m always running to God for the answers.  I probably always get them, but I rarely recognize it and it’s usually just the way things turn out.  Perhaps I need to stop worrying about it and just have faith that things will turn out to be the best.

As far as any kind of a ministerial position, I don’t feel that I would be well-suited for any kind of a traditional position (for lots of reasons that I won’t begin to get into).  Nor do I really have a desire to be a minister.

I do, however, have some kind of a desire to do something radical along the lines of missionary work.  I’ve been searching for some kind of a push for a while, though, and I’m not convinced that it’s not just myself getting restless.  Still, at least I’m open to future opportunities.  That’s where I start second-guessing myself.

Anyway, that’s where those thoughts come from.  I’m not about to take a huge risk with finances and my family unless I have full confidence that the Lord is somehow pushing me in that direction.

Thanks again, Tom.  I’ll look into those scriptures you sent me as well.

• I never really know what God is or is not calling me to do.  When I think I know, I start to doubt it, and then I end up even more confused.
• I’ve been told several times before that “if I’m doubting it” that “it’s probably from God.”  I don’t buy that.
• I sometimes feel guilty for sharing what I believe to be the “truth” with others, because I’ve seen how the truth can make people miserable.  For many people, ignorance really can be bliss.  This is a deep subject and I can provide specific examples, but this probably isn’t the place.  I’m thinking I might start a new blog post about this concept.

Hmmm…how many new directions can we take this one? ;)

I’m encouraged by your remark about Bethel; we’re planning on being “free” of our obligations by the end of October.  Amber is pushing for us to go to the Sterling Nazarene church because of the friends that she’s made there, but I’ll be pushing to make sure we try Bethel as well and pray long and hard about it before making a decision.  More than anything, I’d really like to be part of your class.

From what I’m hearing, it sounds like the Sterling Nazarene church and Bethel seem to be very similar politically.  Both churches appear to have the same problem.  I like your “missionary to Evangelicals” perspective; I suppose that has been my view as well in the church for the past few years.  It does feel good to identify it though (but I have to admit that I do have a bit of guilt in trying to “modify” others’ views).

Still, it is very clear to me that the Republican financial perspective is the opposite of where it should be, and leads to greed and poverty.  I agree with Karrie when she says that much of the current right-wing agendas are rooted in racism and anti-intellectualism, and it is clear that we need to do something about it, especially in the church.

Thanks, Tom.  Pray for Amber and I in our decision.  I’ll be praying for you and for Bethel and the Sterling Nazarene church.  Let’s make a difference.

I do find that I am often a “lone voice” in the “right-eously wrathful wilderness” and I would like nothing more than to escape from it.  But, sadly, around here it is difficult to find people who are on the right track both spiritually and politically.  So difficult, in fact, that the percentage of nearby spiritual friends I have that are not passionate right-wing supporters is probably less than 1%.  I think a lot of it is the area I live in.

Anyway, yes, I very much understand and it’s been very obvious to me that you can’t change these deep-rooted beliefs without a long and dirty battle.  And even if you do change their mind they’re not likely to admit it to you.  Part of my reason for posting was simply to vent because I’m forced not to vent in real life; I will not bring the subject up without it being externally provoked.

I think my problem is that I am not amused, but rather saddened, by my observations.  I look at the damage that it causes and it takes everything in me not to attack the ignorance with violent words and attempt to shut up all of the stupidity.  But then I’d be no better than the right-wing enthusiasts…

Good thing for God-given self control…

Yeah, I work at a university.  Yeah, we are supposed to be educating people here, even if the Jon Stewart’s Emmy Award winning Daily Show shows us to be less than effective in reaching our goals. ;-)  You may be amused by the following video which we’ve found extremely funny:
http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsun/2009/05/daily_show_trashes_asu_we_laug.php

Agreed: Condemning an ignorant argument just to make a point is counter productive.  A gentle, compassionate response, as is suggested in Proverbs 15:1, turns away wrath.  But if you find that you are the lone voice in the Right-eously Wrathful wilderness perhaps your role as a Democratic apologist (a person who defends, in speech or writing, a faith, doctrine, idea, or action) you may compell you to find a fellowship more in tune with your leanings. 

In all this I have learned that you cannot save someone from his or her self.  The one who keeps a mindless subscription to an undefendable dogma fuels their own fire of ignorant rage once their stance is challenged. 

Be encouraged, however, in that if the person is earnest in truly seeking God’s wisdom, the heart may turn.

But have permission to be amused if you wish to laugh at the antics of those who flaunt their ignorance.  We can only assume that God has a sense of humor since he gave us the platypus, squirrels and those who speak or act w/o thinking…

I do have to say, though, that I disagree just a bit with your statement here:

“…people shouldn’t discuss politics or religion if they have not been educated about the theories or facts that comprise our understanding of these topics.”

I recognize how dangerous ignorant discussion can be, but I do believe that political (and religious) discussion is healthy at all levels of education, so long as the intentions of those discussing are to learn more and become more educated on the subject (rather than to force ignorant views).  Condemning ignorant discussion puts a rather large damper on the ability for the ignorant to learn more and broaden their views on the topic; I do believe it is better to at least make an ignorant attempt than to simply be ignorant and not care.  However, obviously there is certainly a difference between shouting ignorance on the rooftops (like O’Reilly?) and humbly trying to gain more knowledge on a subject.  Even still, I believe that attempting to mute ignorant speech is most often even more dangerous than the ignorant speech itself.

For example, we as a country were stupid enough to elect Bush as our president for 8 years (though of course he was never my choice).  We were better off suffering for our terrible decision and hopefully learning something than being bitter for however long because our stupid decision was not honored.

My conclusion here is simply that we will learn more if we are not censored and not asked to shut up about views that we are not an expert on.  Eventually our stupid words or actions will hopefully become obvious to us and we will know better in the future.

I am recognizing a parallel here with how God choses to give us free will, even though we are inherently stupid and will consistently make bad decisions.  Without free will, we would never learn anything, and we would be of little value.  And yet we are all ignorant.  This further pushes me into being against muting ignorant speech.  Your thoughts?

I do realize that this probably wasn’t the real point of your comments, though, Karrie.  I’m finding it easy to agree with everything else you’ve said, and I do appreciate the points you’ve made. :)

The best thing you can do is know exactly what you’re talking about. Unequivocally.  Know the basic criteria and definitions of those terms and philosophies being bandied about in the popular media and regurgitated by Ditto Heads.  You may politely challenge people’s assumptions if you point out that they may be misunderstanding what it is they claim to believe. Try saying ” I think there is a basic misunderstanding of what this or that is…” don’t make it personal, and try explaining it as a video-cultural phenomenon (What people see on Fox News).  Because of the lack of real understanding of different political philosophies by the larger percentage of the American public, one could argue that Christ himself would be considered a Communist or Socialist by some of these standards.  and these misunderstandings began waaay back after WWII with McCarthyism, the Red Scare and the Cold War.  So much was misunderstood and a lot of damage ensued.

One political party certainly does not have the corner on religious faith nor the absolute truth in this country. There are huge numbers of Democrats that are faithful Christians.  (And Anthropologists for that matter–another discussion for another time…)  What irks me is that the opinion about disagreeing with the president was considered a lack of faith or patriotism in the previous administration.  In the current administration those on the Right encourage it.  These things are not only blindly misguided, they have roots in racism and anti-intellectualism.
While I cannot speak for God or Christ, I know that the approach embraced by the Republican Far Right is incongruous with the interpretation of Christ’s teachings.