If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason for that predicament is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.
In many ways, there are lots of people like the buzzard They are struggling "all about" with all their problems and frustrations, not ever realizing that the answer is right there “above" them. This is not a biblical reference intentionally – although many of you may see it that way (a few of you will tell me that it should be the ONLY reference). I will just say God Bless You and let’s move on to my point….
Every day during my adult life I have either answered questions or asked questions. In my younger days I know I questioned everything - probably still do. Normally, I have tons of empirical data to support any claim I make. I must admit though, on this one I do not. So, I am going into some uncommon “waters” here and maybe I will not drown. I will state however, that I feel that I have often learned more and TAUGHT more by asking questions than giving answers. What I have found is that more people believe what they themselves say – however obscure, rather than almost anything that I say. Much like the buzzard, people want to believe that the way they have believed, felt and heard all the days of their lives is the truth. I am not much of a scientist, but I do understand the Socratic Method and statistical analysis. So as I go about pondering what I am told, instead of telling - I ask questions so that when the answers come out - I did not say them - the other person does. People do have a tendency to belief themselves. Which is why I ask this question:
When did the Conservatives Steal God?
Oh some of you may think you have the answer. On the Conservative side : Let me guess #1 "When the liberals took prayer out of school" #2 "when that activist Court set up Roe v Wade #3 "When the Libs gave up" All those sound nice and neat. Are they valid? Do you really think so? On the Liberal side #1 "God never left us" #2 'We did not want to offend anyone" # 3 "That's funny! A conservative stealing" All quite cute answers - "don't make any sense" - but they are topical statements. You guys are suppose to be pointy head brainiacs - those are your best answers?
What if I asked you these questions:
The Conservatives had to steal God because he did not want to go? There is not enough God for everyone? When did God choose sides? How long have you felt this way? Do your friends all agree with you? Do you have any agnostic friends? Any Muslim friends? Any Jewish friends? Do you have any friends at all? Is God a political statement? These questions could be tough. Are you angry now because of the questions or because the questions actually question the statements you were going to make? If you were on trial, would your statements make a jury of your peers convict you on your convictions? Would the jury simply be unable to reach a decision? Would the jury acquit? Questions do not prove anything - but the truthful answers to them do. I do not have the answers. Of course, if I were Mark Driscoll, I would - for he thinks asking questions shows weakness. I say are you sure Mark? Questions may not solve the world's problems - then again - in a world where we tell much more than we ask - you never know.....My thoughts have been questions for almost 50 years now and I wish that I may never grow up. What do you think? Careful, your answer says a lot. Remember, I think I am a fairly smart old buzzard and I do have 11 feet of space cleared. My statement is not even a question I know I am going up.
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