Jim Wallis: Welcome!

Those of us in Asia will be eavesdropping :-)>

Hum, M Southall. I tend to agree, but perhaps we need to see what he writes. It will surely be very interesting.>

Jim Wallis says that this blog will be a place for real dialogue and that he finds "...people across the political and religious spectrum who are looking for the 'moral center' of our public life, for the moral choices and challenges below the surface of our political debates, for a true values politics that challenges the selective moralities of both the right and the left...". I hope we will have opportunity, here, to get some sense of that... opportunity for liberals and conservatives to realize that we do share in the values that are described in the book, and that, together, we can speak out to candidates and elected officials of both major parties (for example, in support of persons in poverty here in our country and in countries which experience extreme poverty). And, on what might be one of the most difficult topics, may we have the opportunity, here, to learn what liberals and conservatives might be able to do, together, to encourage candidates and elected officials to support programs that will actually do something to reduce the number of abortions in our country. Jim Wallis encourages us, liberals and conservatives, to "Change the Wind", a term he uses to characterize this outreach to candidates and elected officials of both parties. May this blog help us all gain some understanding of how conservatives and liberals might accomplish that, together, in our various legislative and congressional districts and states. Perhaps participation by well known conservative personalities (for example, Ralph Reed) will encourage participation by other conservatives, thereby allowing the necessary dialogue to occur, here, and thereby enabling us to begin the effort to "Change the Wind". I've been hesitant to try, in part because I don't want to do more harm than good. Being able to observe and participate on this blog may give me the wisdom and confidence to try.>

Ralph Reed has long represented and helped set direction for the Religious Right . . . and he is certainly not alone among those of his ilk who have been recently discredited. Frankly, I'm not sure Reed would have accepted the invitation before recent revelations; politically, I imagine he would have thought he had nothing to gain. And, personally, I find him no less credibly now than before. I'm sure that Wallis would be quite willing to accept others that aren't considered tarnished; the question is, would they accept the invitation? In the meantime, let's hear what Reed has to say. Besides, remember that Jesus guy--He was known for hanging out with bribe-takers and assorted other sinners . . . ;-)>

Dropping by at the eaves ;)>

Jim - Looking forward to it!>

Can't wait to read it, Jim. Thanks for putting this together.>

I was absolutely thrilled when I first heard about this project, and I'm even more excited now that I've read more of what's to come. Jim Wallace has single handedly renewed my faith in the power of the Christian community to be a powerful, but gentle, force for justice and peace in the world. So many times I've become frustrated and discouraged by the harsh, authoritarian Christian groups dominating the political landscape in America, but the people at Sojo have given me hope that humble dicipleship is still alive and well. I can't thank you enough. Best wishes on the blog!>

Well...this should be fun!>

Welcome!!!! This should be fun... And please bring Anne Lamott aboard!!!>

I'm one more of your northern neighbours who will be eavesdropping. Hopefully people of good will on all sides of the political spectrum will be able to avoid labelling, stereotyping, and rancour, and exchange ideas with a healthy measure of humility. I strongly believe that Jesus calls us to love our enemies. I also strongly believe that we'd better start by learning to love the people whose political ideas we disagree with. There's not a lot of that around, even in the Christian world.>

It would be nice if Beliefnet hosted blogs by a Buddhist, Hindu, and Pagan, if they would. They should have like one blog for each major faith they have listed...>

I would like to see you cover the following topic sometime in your blog; it may be able to shed some light on the road toward the middle: I believe that the call to help the poor and the hungry is clear in the message of Jesus, and that most Christians and I'm sure a great many of those in other religions agree. One of the sticking points seems to be "How?" I have heard it said that the difference between liberal and conservative approaches to poverty issues is that one group (conservative) sees the problems of the poor as arising from a lack of discipline or character, and that they are in need of a paternal influence to impose discipline upon them in order to correct the problem. The other camp assumes that "there, but for the grace of God, go I" and that all they need is a little help, perhaps a few tools to get them over their temporary setbacks, and that they will work to help themselves if given a chance. If seen in this light, it is understandable if conservatives believe that too much help will corrupt the poor and deprive them of motivation. So, is there truth behind the assertion that the poor need not money, but rehabilitation? If so, how much truth? Is there any way to resolve this dichotomy? How are we to best focus our efforts to bring hunger to an end?>

Definately Anne Lamott should be invited. A little earthy practicality would be a good thing.>

I think this project is great. As a Baptist Sunday school teacher in the state of Texas, it gets lonely. When I've had enough I tell then the Antichrist real win approval from a Republican President. There are few church members who are tired of the Religious Right. We're neither right of left, but bow at the foot of the cross. Ralph Reed is a good example of the failure of the Religious Right. He got caught up in the moment. He should've known better than to hedge his "bets." Thank, Jim>

Welcome to the blogosphere. What took you so long? Did you get a copy of my book, Musings from the Christian Left? Drop me a line and we will have coffee sometime. Also, check out my blog at xianleft.blogspot.com. All the best. Mike>

I'm excited about this blog. As a progressive Catholic feminist, prolife, anti-war, anti death penalty, pro social justice, no political party represents me. I believe the time is ripe for a third party as I talk to more and more people who share my views and concerns. I look forward to sharing with all of you and getting insights.>

RE: Mr. Reed - A number of years ago I heard him speak and I thought then "Oh boy, here is another one! He says one thing but behind his eyes he is thinking another." The words from his mouth were kind but the thoughts were decidedly less so. So why I am I not surprised he fell from wherever his sort fall from. The idea of this blog and others like it such as the one from Michael Learner will help go a long way in starting a 3rd meaningful political party. In the mean time we must stop trying to work inside the "box". Congress and the President will not be listening. (Unfortunately in this country, we all too often do not send our very best to Congress and even less so to the office of the Presidency.) So we must build a network outside the "box" to help the poor, the uninsured, the loss teens, the homeless, etc. We all know the list of the things that needs to be done. Conservatives will be of little help because they have become part of the problem and heady on the wine of power, so we, the liberals, spiritual and religious progressives, must do the work and take the lead. If we do and build with strength the rest will follow. Y'hudit Leah>

I like this discussion but hate the name. God doesn't have --or need-- politics. People do, and we do a disservice to both God and to our politics when we insist on mixing them. Yes, our political stances will be influenced by our spiritual understanding, but to put the responsibility on a Divine Agent out there, when it's our responsibility is like looking for an excuse in advance.>

Observing the incredible movement of so many away from the rigid ideology of the Christian Right to a more centrist position is akin to watching the Titanic making a turn to port...slow but certain and awesome to behold! It is sort of humbling to see our God at work in the Creation. It is a deep hole we are in and it will take much patience and great care to maneuver ourselves out of it. Respectful, substantive discussion offers the promise of God's reconciling grace. The tough discussions have to take place. Our many issues need to be addressed head-on. Misplaced motives always have a way of being exposed when confronted to the light of fact and truth. I sense that the radical Right has misinterpreted the silence of left as a lack of spiritual faith. The arrogance of our current Administration has awakened a sleeping (if reticent)giant, led by the courageous likes of Jim Wallis, Bill Coffin, and many others. I believe I begin to see a faint light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel. Praise God!>

As this conversation continues I hope we will be active and support prophetic witness such as the thousans of people who demonstrated today outside the United Nations for an end to the war in Iraq and bringing all U.S. troops home. We are called to love all of our neighbors in this precious global village. Paul>

Wow, great to see a caring and educational discussion. All good points, but still, didn't the Master say something along the lines of "My Kingdom is not of this earth"?? I suspect the real release is in brining a bit of Heaven to the earth realm.>

Everyone talks so much , when it all so simple , after 50 years of study the issues, here is what I have found: The right and republicans are on GOD's side The left and democrates are on Satan's side Islam is a satanic religion, Allah is a word meaning Satan , that is the islamic so called god = in english Satan So lets look if I am correct then we could expect the left to support items of death as Satan does, and they do ! Aboration ,left supports, pro Islamic and pro terrorist , left supports both , anti bible , again left supports , via aclu, The right and republicans of course are just the opposite, they support GOD and the bible , they are taking action againt world terrorist , they are taking out islam and allah , yes the satanic forces are fighting that hard , with the help of democrates So now you've got to decide , God or Satan ,,,right or left ,republican or democrate Yes its that simple !!! So now decide ,, its your choice Which will it be?>

Esther, I appreciated your comments. IMO, God is all about relationship...in all its various permutations. I believe that the fact of relationship supersedes its form. During a discussion with fellow Christian a few years ago, this person observed that "where there is relationship there is grace, where there is no relationship there is judgment." I began to measure my ways of relating of people through the lens of that statement and it has changed my life. God's grace is truly amazing! Fundamentalists, much like the Pharisees are imposters. Jesus had harsh words for the Pharisees for judging instead of offering grace. Jesus persistence in offering grace got him killed. But in resurrection God had the final word. Grace won. We Christians must persevere. Those who attempt to hijack our faith must experience the grace of God or recall its power in their lives so that they might be transformed. Those contemporaries who chose to stay the course, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Oscar Romero among many others, paid a high price for their courage and persistence, but look what they accomplished! The Church must close ranks, stand firm, putting aside the false agenda of the radical Right. Is it possible that God may work his will for the creation through other faiths as well, i.e., Islam, Judaism, etc? But for the luck of the draw, you or I could have been born Muslim. We follow Jesus because of his compelling relationship to God. Could others throughout history have had similar compelling relationships that draw others toward God? We Christians must show God's reconciliation with the world in order to avoid a clash of civilizations that seems to be fomenting.>