Waiting on the World to Change
This John Mayer song captures the tension a lot of people feel ... between hope and cynicism about change happening in our world. I certainly feel cynical at times, but for me, hope wins (along with faith and love).
These two songs by Ben Harper - With My Own Two Hands ... and Picture of Jesus ... express that hope.
As does this video from "Songs from a Revolution of Hope"
By the way, we'll be in Indianapolis for a reprise of the Tour this weekend! Check it out here ...
The lyrics are included after the jump ...
0 Comments2 Minutes
Why I’m voting for Barack Obama … and I hope you will too. Reason 5
Reason 5: The Sacredness of Life
(You can read my earlier posts beginning here ...)
Some of my friends and relatives have been reading my reasons for voting for Barack Obama, but the issue of abortion is a major roadblock for them. They believe that a vote for Obama is a vote for abortion, and a vote for McCain is a vote against abortion. They are surprised to learn that I believe an Obama presidency could actually take us farther in reducing abortion than a McCain presidency, and it could do so through a wiser, less-divisive, more effective strategy. Here’s why.
Again and again over the last 30 years, Republican presidents and other politicians have used the issue of abortion to get elected and raise funds, but then, once in office, they have said little about abortion and done even less. Some say that their silence doesn’t matter, because the only way abortion can be reduced is by electing presidents who will appoint Supreme Court justices who will overturn Roe vs. Wade. This strategy is being quietly pursued, they say, so the plan is working. But there are good reasons to question this logic.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Jim Wallis on Voting your Values
I am so impressed by Jim's articulation of key moral priorities in this election season.
My Personal ‘Faith Priorities’ for this Election
by Jim Wallis 10-23-2008
In 2004, several conservative Catholic Bishops and a few megachurch pastors like Rick Warren issued their list of “non-negotiables,” which were intended to be a voter guide for their followers. All of them were relatively the same list of issues: abortion, gay marriage, stem cell research, etc. None of them even included the word “poverty,” only one example of the missing issues which are found quite clearly in the Bible. All of them were also relatively the same as official Republican Party Web sites of “non-negotiables.” The political connections and commitments of the religious non-negotiable writers were quite clear.
I want to suggest a different approach this year and share my personal list of “faith priorities” that will guide me in making the imperfect choices that always confront us in any election year — and suggest that each of you come up with your own list of “faith” or “moral” priorities for this election year and take them into the polling place with you.
You can read the whole post here ...
It's well worth reading and passing on!
0 Comments1 Minutes
Book Update
Amazon has the softcover Secret Message of Jesus on sale for $5.49 ... amazingly cheap! And Barnes and Noble has the hard-cover available even cheaper - for $5.38!
Everything Must Change is $14.95 from amazon and $15.83 from Barnes and Noble ...
And the new DVD study guide for Everything Must Change is also available now. It's $39.99 from Amazon and $31.99 from Barnes and Noble ... It came out really well, and if you're leading a book study group, I think you'll find the 8 video intros and additional discussion questions really helpful.
BTW - Finding Our Way Again is $12.23 from amazon and $14.39 from Barnes and Noble.
0 Comments1 Minute
Congo Vampires …
Through the amahoro-africa network, I have developed many good friends from the Congo. If you're not aware of the emergency there, this is a disturbing overview.
0 Comments1 Minute