dumbed down religion

Hello all....sorry it's been so long since the last post, but I've had loads to think about. I am currently in Rochester,NY looking at a potential graduate school, Eastman School of Music. It has been absolutely fabulous so far. But enough about me, on to the matter at hand....So I usually go to my own church service before I go to my church jobs on Sunday mornings, simply because I do not get spiritually fed at these other church. Point being I got a surprising shock this past Sunday at the Congregational church I work at. There was a point that the pastor made that just screamed truth to me.We live in such a technologically advanced world. We have progressed so much in this fashion, despite the "dumbing down of america" phase that we've been in and are still in. Despite all of these advances in technology, knowledge, etc....we have not progressed that way in our faith! We have sugar coated the Gospel/ Bible so that we shut our ears to any law. We are so afraid of offending those around us with our religious ideals that we simply don't speak about it at all. The founding fathers of this country came here to further study and practice their religion/faith. Despite what the times tell us, you can not separate church and state. Our government was founded on Christian principles, how can one possibly expect a separation of their government and the beliefs on which they were founded? I'm not saying that we should lash out at people, no! Nor should we try to prove that we are right, however....whatever happened to just religions discussion and study? We shouldn't turn all of it into a debate! Listen to what God says about this in Colossians:


"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." -Colossians 4:5-6


Not only have we become a society that has gone against speaking about one's faith, we have also dumbed it down...there is so much to learn, study and discover in God's word!!!! Just jump in and start exploring! Unfortunately I have to sum up this entry rather quickly, but do not be afraid to talk about your beliefs. Just because you speak about it doesn't mean that you have to prove yourself right about everything, however be diligent in your study of God's word and have the occasional religious topical discussions. They are truly eye opening.


_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _Prayer requests:


-Elsa in the hospital and her dying son. Please pray for healing spiritually and physically for both.


-Scott going back to Iraq this week. Please pray for his safety and protection of him and his family while they are apart.


-Our country and families going under financial crisis.


-A small one for me for safe travels back home on Thursday morning.