I love my parents. Honestly, I do.

However, for the past couple of months, and especially the past couple of days, my family and I have found ourselves divided on certain issues we both find important.

Point number one: The War.

Yes, I was raised a Right Wing Evangelical Christian. My Parents had the best intentions, but as I keep telling myself in my head, “Some of the worst things have happened because of the best intentions.” I was raised to think that war was a necessary device by which America (and by America, we obviously mean all Christians) fights on the behalf of others for justice (whatever that is). Key Words: Augustine-Just War Theory

I now find that there are better alternatives to war and that Jesus teachings direct us toward peace. And that is the best way.

Key Word: Jesus

Point number two: Intentional Communities.

Yeah, my parents really don’t understand the whole aspect of community living in close proximity. My parents are all about “privacy” and “space.” Thus I am misunderstood when I discuss living together with other people.

Obviously, “traditional” and “modernist” church promotes the idea of Community as getting together one day a week, singing some songs, and eating a mini-bread and mini-juice every once and a while.

I desire true community. Real meals together. And of Course, Singing the Song of Life together and inviting others to join.

Point number three: Social Justice and Racial Reconciliation

My parents make regular tithes to the church. They don’t understand my desire to get out and be with the people who have nothing. They don’t understand my want to restore right relationship with those who may look different than me and to develop true community with these people. They will fear for my safety if I move downtown, because that is what Christianity has been based on for so long now- Fear.

I believe there is Hope. Hope greater than fear.

Point number four: Emergent Conversation

My parents think I’m in a cult. Ha. Alright.

Difficult to understand? Perhaps.

But, that’s what I like. A God that can’t be figured out- that shrouds God’s self in mystery. A God that beckons “Come and seek. See what you’ve been missing. Discover the inner workings of the infinite, incomprehensible, ground-breaking, earth-shattering, the always- understanding-yet-misunderstood God of all Creation.

 Conclusion

So, as much division as my family is facing in views, it makes up in love of the same misunderstood God.

I just Joined and Indoor Climbing Gym called Inner Peaks in Charlotte. If there is anyone who wants to climb with me once, twice, or even three times a week- just let me know!