To be perfectly honest, it was really walks and A restaurant, but I did feel well enough to go on some excursions today.  That's a definite blessing and a win (thanks, God!).  I started the day being somewhat "slantsy" as Ken coined the term--a combination of sleepy and ansty brought on by the lack of sleep the last few days and by the compazine, I believe, which has been so effective at managing the nausea but also has a jumpiness side effect.  Hence...slantsy.

After the compazine wore away, with no ill effects literally, we braved an outing to our favorite local Mexican restaurant (Avila's Restaurant on La Paz) where I had chicken soup.  Somewhat typically, I saved half of the soup for dinner and then forgot it on the table.  <sigh>

The rest of the day has been passed in the pleasant pursuits of phone conversations with friends and family, of hanging out with Cindy, with Ken and Dan, in watching a documentary (more on that later) and in talking an afternoon constitutional.  The weather is exceptional outside...a nice change from the frigid temperatures we've been having.  I didn't walk as far as I have walked but I walked farther than yesterday.  As Cindy Siler said in her post the other day..."Welcome to the roller coaster ride called 'fighting cancer.' "  I must say, I prefer these upward days.

The documentary we watched was called Jesus Camp.  The film follows a youth pastor (Becky Fischer) as she seeks to influence young kids for Christ.  Her perspective is staunchly conservative, evangelical and charismatic.  It was fascinating to watch, no matter which side of the political or religious spectrum from which you hie, the influence of group dynamics on these kids.

I found the kids' sincerity to be uplifiting and ultimately hopeful.  I found the conflation of religion and politics to be disturbing.  I found Miss Fischer to be a compelling and sympathetic person whose absolute conviction of the truth of her brand of Christianity to be entirely in sync with her efforts.

Overall, I thought the movie came from a left bias.  Cindy and I were not sure if producers were aware of the ironies provided by the left(ish) broadcaster who appeared in parts of the film with his own brand of "true religion."

The film sparked a wonderful conversation among Ken, Cindy and me as we discussed various aspects of our faith, and shared some quotes, prayers and verses that have been meaningful to us on our spiritual journies. 

I find the topic of interest because, as I've indicated before on this blog, I started my Christian life at a fairly young age, progressed from Methodist to Conservative Baptist, to Presbyterian and back to Baptist--all the while coming to terms with "articles of faith" that I did not find illustrated in the Bible or in the lives of Christians who clearly loved and followed God.  (Sometimes despite what they said.)  I've come to believe in a Creator of infinite compassion.  I believe in that Creator within the framework of Christianity because that it is the religion that speaks to my heart of a central truth...a God who loves the world so much that he gives his only begotten son so that no one would perish.  I don't know the mysteries or intricacies of how that works.

And that statement alone is probably what led to my break with the conservative church.  It has long been my prayer that if I err, I hope it is on the side of compassion.

At any rate, with regard to the film, I'd say if you have an interest in Christianity and Politics...and the crossroads at which they meet in our nation, this film is worth your time.

Rent it.  Watch it with someone who will be willing to discuss it. 

Leave a Reply