SEARCHING FOR THE REBELS

We have a handful of DVD’s that really aren’t entertainment. We haul them out about once a year just keep us grounded and to remember the costs. Today it was Why We Fight.

This time my reaction was different. Yes, I’m still disgusted at the lies, deception, ambition, indifference that led us into two largely voluntary wars that still seem never-ending. The blatant attempt at a power grab by the fundagelicals brought something into laser sharp focus. The list of reasons to grant tax exemptions for the churches usually include the charitable work of the churches and the moral example the churches offer for society. Lies, deception, ambition, indifference, often with the right wing churches leading the charge. Many of the churches have certainly done an excellent job.

Lisa has started a series on her blog. She asks when we’ll get angry. I passed angry a long time ago, am in the middle of totally pissed off and heading for cold, icy disgust and contempt. But, I have to remind myself that these emotions may get us moving but you can’t rebuild a society if those are the only materials you have to work with.

This is an old Jackson Brown piece.

The Rebel Jesus

All the streets are filled with laughter and light
And the music of the season
And the merchants' windows are all bright
With the faces of the children
And the families hurrying to their homes
While the sky darkens and freezes
Will be gathering around the hearths and tables
Giving thanks for God's graces
And the birth of the rebel Jesus

Well they call him by 'the Prince of Peace'
And they call him by 'the Savior'
And they pray to him upon the seas
And in every bold endeavor
And they fill his churches with their pride and gold
As their faith in him increases
But they've turned the nature that I worship in
From a temple to a robber's den
In the words of the rebel Jesus

Well we guard our world with locks and guns
And we guard our fine possessions
And once a year when Christmas comes
We give to our relations
And perhaps we give a little to the poor
If the generosity should seize us
But if any one of us should interfere
In the business of why there are poor
They get the same as the rebel Jesus

Now pardon me if I have seemed
To take the tone of judgment
For I've no wish to come between
This day and your enjoyment
In a life of hardship and of earthly toil
There's a need for anything that frees us
So I bid you pleasure
And I bid you cheer
From a heathen and a pagan
On the side of the rebel Jesus

Jackson Brown

This heathen is going out looking for the rebel.