OpEdNews - Page 2 of Article: Whither Christianity?

Q: How do you view people like Palin and Beck?

Freddie: "Personally, I don't take them too seriously. They're just a pair of talking heads -- clowns really. I don't much care what they or any other pundits have to say. They all seem to be talking out of their asses. But we, as Christians, are not to judge lest we be judged ourselves. We are to judge the sin, not the sinner. The rants and raves of people like Palin and Beck, and even myself, just confirms to others that we as Christians are flawed, just like everybody else."

Q: Do you think Palin and Beck actually believe, or is it all an act?

Freddie: "The only one that really knows one's 'true heart' as a Christian is God. But the fruits we bear and the way we treat one another is a good barometer for others to determine whether or not we're 'the real deal.'"

Q: Do you think they use hatred to achieve their goals?

Freddie: "I don't think they use hate tactics to achieve their goals. I think they use fear tactics. I think that some of their extremist rhetoric conjures an imaginary 'enemy.' But true Christians already know who the enemy is... "

Q: What would God think about all this nonsense?

Freddie: "God would want us to pray for them, and for all the misguided opportunists who fail to to follow his teachings."

Q: What are your feelings about the Manhattan Mosque Project?

Freddie: "The toughest thing for a so-called Christian to achieve is a forgiving and non-judgmental heart. By nature we're not wired that way, but it is what is required of all true Christians. We are to forgive the sins/crimes of all people, even terrorists. We are not to judge millions of Muslims for the sins of a few. This country was founded on belief in the freedom of speech, and the freedom of religion for everyone, not just Christians. If we are opposed to the Manhattan Mosque Project, it means we are judging all Muslims -- and it also shows that we still haven't healed from 9/11."

Q: What do you think Christianity really is? How is it relevant to us today?

Freddie: "Christianity is about a single-minded purpose -- to love one another as God loves us. God has always been relevant. As long as we continue to have selfish motives and refuse to have a single-minded purpose of loving God, and loving one another as he teaches, there will always be trouble in the world. Unless we follow the spirit of the law, the letter of the law is meaningless."

He left me with a lot to think about. I wasn't sure I believed it, wasn't sure if I ever could. But Freddie did help me understand the true nature of both the words "puritan" and "pilgrim." Beck, Palin, Engle and the rest seem the "puritans" -- eager for us to do as they command under the banner of Calvin's flawed assumptions and their own arrogance.

But Freddie Salas? The word "puritan" isn't applicable here. Rather "pilgrim" explains -- defines -- the road Salas is on, his "quest" for truth and perfection according to his God's will for him. I believe he believes in his walk. He's the "real deal."

And while I might not buy it myself, Freddie's sincerity reminded that religion is really nothing more than faith, faith in some nebulous spirituality to outline human morality and bid us act accordingly. I can't help but think that if only we could all grasp just a bit of Freddie Salas' energy, some of his faith in at least something, anything, we might begin to heal both ourselves and those around us.

And that would be a very good thing.

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