I have been a subscriber of Relevant Magazine for about the last five or so years. It is a magazine aimed at Christian 20/30 somethings, but is not overly cheesy or cliche. I really like it. And I like their website a lot too. There’s new stuff up every day and they have great new music to find too (along with some older favorites). But the editor/publisher, Cameron Strang, has been sort of in the public light recently because of his acceptence and then decline of an invitation to pray at the DNC. He covers that quite effectively here.
But his First Word column in the magazine is usually a well thought out perspective on some important issues. The column in the Sept/Oct issue is a real thought provoker I believe. You can read the entire article here, but I’ll include a few quotes below as well. Let me know what you think.
I’m someone who tries to think independently and objectively, rather than simply follow what the pundits tell me to think. Because of that, I’ve realized I cannot fully embrace either political party. Both sides of the aisle have some great ideas and goals. But both also have areas where they simply get it wrong…
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The problem is, many Christians vote these convictions, but that’s largely where their personal involvement in the issues stops. Are the government leaders we vote for meant to do our job for us?
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I’ve heard that only 5 percent of people who attend church regularly actually serve in any way. I’ve read that if every Christian in America actually tithed 10 percent of their income, we would have enough financial resources to wipe out global poverty.
There’s more power lying dormant in pews around the nation than any government could hope to provide, and that’s where our focus should be.
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If you have a passion for an issue, rather than judging someone who doesn’t share that passion or viewpoint, just go do something about it. Give your life to it. Be the change you want to see.
It’s not up to Washington, it’s up to us—and I say it’s time we step up and lead the charge. But that means with our lives, our finances and our actions every day. Not just Nov. 4.
“I’ve read that if every Christian in America actually tithed 10 percent of their income, we would have enough financial resources to wipe out global poverty.” — It is a crime that people are starving while we who eat hold tight to our wallets.
I am also “someone who tries to think independently and objectively, rather than simply follow what the pundits tell me to think.” The way I am beginning to look at it is this: Obama has no more experience than Palin, who people seem to think has no experience to qualify her for the White House. While, in order to vote his conscience and to do what he thinks is right, McCain functions somewhat as an independent (“maverick”) and crosses party lines. McCain also was tortured and remained in captivity rather than “give up” his country, while Obama, with his more charismatic personality, has had largely a self-promoting political career.
I am not embracing any political party, but I am beginning to see these presidential contenders more clearly now. More to the point of your above entry, I agree with Strang’s Gandhi quote, “Be the change you want to see.” (though I think it’s actually, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”)