I respect all people who choose to follow the teachings of any religious tradition and those to choose to follow none. I hope the decision is a conscious one and not simply a decision to ignore the subject.

As a self-professed Christian who was born to a religious family life, it has not been a straight and narrow path. There have been periods of close community and periods where I walked a lonely road. There were successes punctuated by dramatic failures but one thing has never wavered, I knew I was not alone.

Music and worship have been part of my life from my youngest years even though there were long periods where I was absent from any community of believers. I learned the stories of the Bible and the many ways to sin. I learned of salvation and eternal life but everyone had their own idea of what was needed to be saved. Scholars spent their life in study of the Bible in an attempt to unlock its secrets, while others believed a literal reading would unlock the secrets. I have always believed there are no secrets, reading and contemplation guided by the force existing beyond time will provide understanding. All that is necessary is to be free of preconceived ideas and to recognize the stories are about people living with other societal norms but the stories have embed truths relevant to all times.

For me, it’s not the reward at the end that is important but the journey.

Religion on the whole today is not popular and those enjoying some popularity seem to be popular because of what they promise, not what they ask. Many say religion is not relevant to today and many religious people strive to make their religion more entertaining or socially relevant to those who can fund their activities.

As a Christian what am I called to do?

Honor and respect God above all else

Live an honest life, not deceiving others and assuring any information I pass to others does not deceive or mislead.

Protect the lives and humanity of all

Treat my neighbor as I would like to be treated

Protect the poor and the weak

Care for the sick in mind or body

Feed the hungry

Assure all in prison are treated with humanity and respect

Respect and care for this world we share

Can I do this alone, of course not. I can do what I can but my efforts are multiplied by a community who cares. We cannot leave it to others, we are called to live our beliefs daily through our communities.

If we all, Christians and Non-Christians alike, lived and acted on these simple rules we would not have to stridently claim to be a Christian nation, we would be known by our actions alone.

A. Darden