Churchianity vs Christianity

I am halfway through a tremendous book by Michael Spencer titled: Mere Churchianity. For those of us who have left the "Church" this is our book of books. Michael has identified what we have seen, felt, and experienced in our attempt to "fit in" with the organized religions in America. I find his title very appropriate as C.S. Lewis wrote the definitive book on Christianity (Mere Christianity). Why have churches left their first love? Answer:

"Our big problem with Jesus is that we want to control things, and he turns out to be remarkable difficult to control. In the Christian enterprise, we like to formulate definitions, establish norms, and set parameters for acceptable experiences. We have empowered ourselves to determine what is and is not an appropriate relationship with Jesus, based on how we think Christianity should look and work." (page 50, emphasis mine)

Where are the churches for the "miss-fits"? Remember the Christmas cartoon Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer?

Video Clip found on YouTube

Or as Michael Spencer writes so eloquently:

"Jesus was an expert on including those who were officially excluded." (pg. 51)

Food for Thought
If you are Hungry

C'ya
Eagle Driver
check 6

Spritual Narcissism

While on a trip I spent some time reading some of my favorite blogs and web sites. I came across an incredible article on Spiritual Narcissism and gained great wisdom. Here is a quote from it:

"While complaining about others and shaming a rule-breaker at an event intended to teach equanimity is -- like the story in the beginning of this blog -- ironic, it teaches an important warning: The desire to control others in order to create a "perfect" environment that nurtures our sensitivities is a calling card of spiritual narcissism. It is not a spiritual feat to feel equanimity only when everything is going exactly as one would like. True spirituality takes place in the holy messiness of the world, in open-hearted relationship with others, and in a kind smile to one who accidentally stepped on your foot."

Many pearls of wisdom in this article.

C'ya
Eagle Driver
check 6

Life is Great

In all the belly-aching, sky-is-falling, woe-is-me, talking-head-idiots-on-tv, unreality-is-king garbage we hear and see, I am determined to remind myself that life is great even in turmoil. Laughter is truly a great medicine as witnessed by the only real news programs like The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. So I tip my whiskey glass and enjoy a good cigar to what the late and great Paul Harvey would say, "and now you know the rest of the story."

The Rest of the Story

Picture found here: http://weasel11889.tumblr.com/post/2565025403/lets-see-you-try-without-any-preplanning-first

Be Careful out There

Eagle Driver
check 6