Losing my Religion.

I’ve been at odds recently over my religion… Not my ‘faith’ mind you, but my religion. Like I’ve discussed previously, I am Episcopalian… The Episcopal Church as a whole has always been leaps and bounds ahead of other “Christian” Churches regarding gay issues, women’s issues, etc. An exclamation on that point was the Episcopal Church of NJ’s allowing Gay Marriages (Civil Unions) to be performed in the Church. I know our wedding, which meant the world to us, was even more special because it took place within our Church. My issue though is that no matter how much I tout my pride in being Episcopalian… that when it comes down to it, I am a Christian.

Now, being the dork that I am, I enjoy reading news from all different websites. I read the news on what would be considered to be more liberal sources as well as more conservative. And yes, I even read the news on the Christian Coalition’s website…. Not because I agree with them on anything but moreso I’m fascinated how people on opposing sides see the same story so differently.

It never ceases to amazes me that despite so many of the stories, blogs and comments I read being so extreme, that the most extreme, the most hateful and mean are usually from the “Christian” perspective. Some of these people are down right evil. Notice my quotes around the word Christian, because my thought has long been that the most outspoken “Christians” are the least Christ-like. I don’t and can’t blame Christianity for this ignorance, rather that weak and hateful people shield themselves behind their “faith” in order to excuse their prejudice.

Think for a moment all of the “Christian” time and money spent on trying prevent gay couples from being able to marry or adopt children. Think about them not trying to meddle into private familial decisions concerning women’s reproductive rights. Instead, think of all of that time and money being used to provide food and shelter to the homeless, or to aid a battered women’s shelter. Imagine if they used their time and energy for causes that promoted positivity and growth as opposed to just repression and trying to control how others’ lead their lives.

If there is a God, and I believe there is, I believe he would want to find a way to bring people… all different kinds of people… to his table, not figure out way to turn people away.

Many have turned away from the Church, choosing to label themselves spiritual, not religious. Maybe they have the right idea. I’m not at that point yet and who knows if I will get there, but I certainly understand the inclination.