Church?

[bcipam]

Pam, I would LOVE to go to Rick Warren's church! I think he's a great speaker. Have you ever gone there?

It's funny you say that... Have actually been to Saddleback a number of times - it' one of the local mega churches and actually competes with my Church (Coast Hills). Warren is a dynamic speaker but there is something about him I well just don't like. I liked my old pastor who was quiet, and sweet, but very passionate about his faith. Saddleback is quite the powerhouse and many of my friends attend services there
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One thing I am concerned about that folks equate conservative religion with not being tolerant, or compassionate etc. My church gives a large portion of its collected money to help the poor. It established "Hope's House" a retreat for battered and abuse women. It regularly makes trips to Mexico to build houses and treat the needy with medical care. I give as much as I can to a number of charities and do support special governmental programs for those in need. These beliefs do not just belong to liberals. In addition, what is tolerance? I hear all too often conservatives are not tolerate but liberals only "tolerant" viewpoints that support their own. Both sides have their own agenda. Tolerance BTW does not mean condoning or accepting someone or something it means to allow without prohibiting or opposing. In other words, I believe abortion is wrong however, I tolerate one's belief to make that choice.

I don't think Fox News speaks for the conservative right. Most of those guys (especially Bill O'Reilly and Rush Limbaugh) are hacks. Talk about trolls!

Bottom line the evangelical church is not filled with only right wing conservatives, there are people there from all walks of life, both right and left (I'm in the middle but have been registered Democrat most of my life). Worshipping God is far above any petty( or not so petty) earthly issue. Again, I think churches by and large have gotten a bad rap. There are all sorts, ones to suit any needs, thoughts and desire as long as in your heart you are there to worship God. I agree church and state should be separate; religion and politics are definitely two separate issues.