Rambling thoughts from the Fighting Mermaid

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity. Einstein

There are times when I wish I could stop questioning, but it just isn't in me. I spend a lot of time questioning, pondering, meditating on why I believe the things I do, and I am probably no closer to answers than when I first began...I only develop new questions. The questioning can begin with something small, and seemingly simple, and before I have a chance to draw in a single breath the whole puzzle begins to morph and I struggle to put the pieces back, to put the pieces back into a puzzle that no longer has the same shape where the pieces can no longer fit.

So tonight I read somewhere that Jesus was a Conservative and that the U.S. is on a fast track towards Socialism, and now after a few moments in utter amazement, I am contemplating faith and government and trying to understand why I believe the things I do. Be forewarned...you are about to get a glimpse into the workings of a mind that won't be stilled, where the pieces of the puzzle may not appear to fit where they should...this is Krista's brain on religion and politics and to tell you right from the start...I don't buy into either.  If I had to use labels, I guess I would say I am a Radical Leftist Christian Treehugger, but honestly, I'm laughing right now at having written that. Labels don't get us any closer to understanding...

A few pieces of my puzzle.

• I am a huge fan of Jesus. What to say beyond that, I don't know. The personal relationship means everything to me. I am happy to share my own experience, but I am not going to beat you over the head with dogma, because that never really worked for me.
• I believe that God's love is limitless and that the experience of grace is so wildly insane that it defies description. It is life altering... and it exists for everyone. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you're not included.
• I don't think evolutionary theory contradicts a belief in the Creator.
• I believe that the world's major religions share in common a message of hope, compassion and love, and that God gives me the ability to love and care for people of all faiths. 
• I don't think I would use the term "conservative" in any of its meanings to describe Jesus. To me, he was radical, revolutionary, and his love was meant for all.
• I think the best government is one that strikes a careful balance between individual liberties and the good of all.. including the least fortunate and the least deserving.
• I think that the place where we find ourselves now in American politics reflects not the failure of individuals to lead but the failure of the two party system which has so polarized us that we are no longer able to see our many points in common. We make blue and red decisions when we are all just little purple people clinging to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
• I think those who think we are headed toward socialism have no idea what a socialist government really looks like. The short term government solutions to some of our recent financial problems for me just aren't enough to herald the death of capitalism in a country where it is all about the Benjamins.
• I think the way out of the political mess is to rid ourselves of labels, stop the spread of party lies, and be the change we wish to see in the world...yes, thank you, Ghandi...so that means getting our hands dirty, giving up time and money and stepping outside our little boxes to enact positive change.
• I think dealing with differences whether they be politcal, cultural or spiritual requires understanding on a very basic human level. I don't think we get to this understanding without love. We have to care.

Just some of the pieces of my puzzle...
 Peace and Love, Krista