Day 85
11-04-2010
Well... I've been thinking a lot about politics and religion lately. Heavy topics, huh? But, with all the political crud going on of late and with Jason's friends and family being very Christian, I've had to try and verbalize my opinions and beliefs. Do you know how hard it is to tell a room of Republican Christians that you are a Liberal Agnostic? It just does not come out right. Neither does Democratic Non-Practicing Roman Catholic. I feel like it’s a no win situation… But, it isn’t their fault. It’s mine for not figuring out exactly what I believe and what labels I prescribe to.
11-04-2010
Express Your Views Today
Well... I've been thinking a lot about politics and religion lately. Heavy topics, huh? But, with all the political crud going on of late and with Jason's friends and family being very Christian, I've had to try and verbalize my opinions and beliefs. Do you know how hard it is to tell a room of Republican Christians that you are a Liberal Agnostic? It just does not come out right. Neither does Democratic Non-Practicing Roman Catholic. I feel like it’s a no win situation… But, it isn’t their fault. It’s mine for not figuring out exactly what I believe and what labels I prescribe to.
I recently changed my political party affiliation from Democrat to Independent. I like to have options. I tend towards social liberalism, but I’m more of a centrist when it comes to finance and big-government. I decided that by registering Independent, then I get to see the full ballot and make up my mind that way. Because, unlike many people I know, I do not vote for a “party” – I prefer to vote on the issues. I vote for candidates based on their beliefs being in line with mine; that does not mean that I always vote for a particular party. So, here’s a little list of things I believe:
Abortion is a choice – Leave politics out of it. It is not a decision anyone makes lightly and it should be up to the woman to deal with the morals and ethics for herself based on her own beliefs.
Homosexuality is real – Stop discriminating. Quit it with the hate and political second-class status. Gay couples should have the same rights as all other committed couples. And, since the government recognizes marriage regardless of faith, then they should also allow marriage regardless of gender. There should be no obstacles for adoption or inheritance, or anything else! They are legal citizens that should not be penalized for being themselves.
Separation of Church & State is legal – But, our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian ideals. I believe that they should remain separate, but they should be acknowledged as well. One of the hottest topics in this is religion in the public classrooms. I don’t think there should be prayer in school, but I think that clubs should be allowed to form around religious beliefs and that whatever form of worship they choose to practice should be respected. I don’t believe that creationism should be taught along side evolution. However, I do think it’d be wise to put into place a nation-wide high school curriculum that discusses world religions and the implications of history, politics and faith – Whilst being open-minded and non-partisan.
Education is lacking – In the bigger picture, most Americans know jack about world politics, religions, geography, etc. I think, as I mentioned above, that there should be a required class that discusses the World at large and the people in it. I believe that Fine Arts and Sports are just as essential to our children as arithmetic and spelling. I support initiatives that funnel money back into school programs. And, I think that there should be more options for children based upon their learning styles and goals. Standardization is outdated. I think that using social psychology and aptitude tests, we would be better servicing our children’s learning styles and needs.
Taxes are okay but I’d prefer to choose where the money is going – I support taxes. I don’t necessarily want them any higher than they are, but I understand that they are used to fund public programs that better us as a nation. BUT, I don’t want to pay for lazy people to sit on their asses and pop out a ton of babies. That’s an extreme though, and what measures can we put into affect that would better define what it means to be “in need” and how long we, as a nation, can help you until you find yourself a job. I say yes to programs that help, but with stronger restrictions on who and how long. If a parent is paying property taxes, then I think they should have the right to choose to place their children in private school and allow their tax contribution to be funded back to the institution of their choice. I would like to see a balanced budget with unnecessary expenditures reduced and instead have a national education fund started.
That’s as far as my brain will take me today on politics. I know there are a lot of topics that I did not touch base on… I have opinions on medical marijuana, the draft, death penalty, gun control, job out-sourcing, etc. But, I’ll need to get to them another time. Right now, my brain hurts. I can tell you though that, according to PoliticalCompass.com, I fall in line with Gandhi.
However, here are a few ideas on what I believe as far as religion goes; if you can help point me in the right direction of the correct faith for me, I’d really appreciate it. In the mean time, according to BeliefNet.com, I am apparently best lined up with Reformed Judaism.
- I feel there is one god that is non-corporeal and indivisible.
- The idea of an afterlife is nice, but most likely, we just die.
- I do not believe in original sin or that I have to be ‘saved’ or repent.
- I think adhering to a generally accepted set of morals and ethics is advisable, but the most important thing is to be a good person.
- You do not need to go church in order to have a relationship with god.
- Church is a social creation and should be a place of peaceful discussion, friendship, and understanding.
- There is no ‘right’ answer.
- Have an open mind and respect others’ beliefs and walks of life.
- No race, gender, sexuality, or religion is evil or inferior.
- We are all equal.
- I believe in science and research and I believe it is guided by god.
- Most people are hypocrites in one way or another – Do not point fingers.
- Treat other as you would like to be treated.
- You should give what you can of yourself to those less fortunate, because you want to.
- I believe in the idea of karma – What goes around comes around, so you’d better be a good person.
- We are all human, and therefore who are we to judge others?
- The bible and other religious texts are just that: Religious texts. They are somewhat historic, translated and transcribed, and just books. They are there to teach morals, lessons, histories, doctrines, rules, etc… And all of them were created by humans. They are not the word of god. They are guidelines for living a good life as seen fit by the authors.
- Jesus, Moses, Buddha, etc… They were all prophetic teachers and visionaries, but I do not believe them to be god or aspects there of.
The Political Compass
Economic Left/Right: -5.00
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -2.87
1. Reform Judaism (100 %)
2. Liberal Quakers - Religious Society of Friends (90 %)
3. Unitarian Universalism (84 %)
4. Mainline - Liberal Christian Protestants (81 %)
5. Bahai (71 %)
6. Sikhism (68 %)
7. Neo-Pagan (67 %)
8. Secular Humanism (65 %)
9. Orthodox Judaism (62 %)
10. Islam (60 %)
11. New Age (58 %)
12. Jainism (54 %)
13. Mahayana Buddhism (54 %)
14. Orthodox Quaker - Religious Society of Friends (53 %)
15. New Thought (51 %)
16. Theravada Buddhism (48 %)
17. Scientology (44 %)
18. Taoism (44 %)
19. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (38 %)
20. Christian Science Church of Christ, Scientist (34 %)
21. Hinduism (33 %)
22. Non-theist (33 %)
23. Mainline - Conservative Christian Protestant (29 %)
24. Eastern Orthodox (28 %)
25. Roman Catholic (28 %)
26. Seventh Day Adventist (25 %)
27. Jehovahs Witness (20 %)
