Read the Original

Well I’m finally doing it, the thing everyone does and that I’ve always been hesitant to do. I’m blogging dad, look at me writing.

I’ve always been hesitant to write publicly because I don’t feel qualified.

I didn’t go to school to be a historian, a political scientist, or a theologian (which is funny because those three subjects encapsulate what I’m most interested in). I got a teaching degree in high school English and then never used it, choosing instead to work as a youth and children’s pastor.

I love to research but I’m terrible at finishing non-fiction books. I prefer a white paper (a peer-reviewed article published in a reputable magazine, for anyone who isn’t a nerd), a news article, or a published study.

I think my best argument for my own qualifications is that I am good at synthesizing information, I’m good at explaining it in plain language, and I really, really care about honoring and exploring the intentions of authors.

So I guess, in terms of why I’m writing at all, it’s because I feel that writing is all I can do.

The current political situation is so upsetting. Whether you’re conservative or liberal or you avoid politics altogether, the disregard for the United States constitution, the disdain for basic human decency, and the derision of dissenters should bother you.

The current state of the church in America is also upsetting. Christian Nationalism and Christian Identity (the problematic theology, not personal identification with Jesus) is common enough that it’s easy to become numb to its presence.

As rational people, I fear we are going scent-blind to violations that, just a few years ago, would have had us calling for impeachment of politicians and dismissal of religious leaders.

The problem for me is that I’m a stay-at-home mom of three children five and under. I can’t fly to Washington D.C. or Chicago to protest; honestly it’s been impossible to even get out the door for a protest in my own town. But I’m not a person who does nothing. I can’t just sit still and watch.

So writing it is. I don’t know if anyone will read this or consider my opinions, but I need an outlet, and I’m hoping you’ll give me a chance. I am hoping you’ll see my sincerity and give some of these a read, even if it’s just to disagree with me.

We have to consider thoughts beyond our own. We have to read what our most treasured documents actually say. We the people have to be informed, not just on current events but on what our neighbors actually believe.

I hope you’ll come along.