so i went to youth group with melissa. I've been freaking out about it all day - my people skills are lacking and I wasn't sure how well I'd fit with a room full of seventeen year old baptists still kind of high from the Harvey Ceders Bible Conference being that word on the street is that i am a high class heretic (univesal reconciliation makes respectable christians squirm). Needless to say, i went in sort of prejudiced.

I kept repeating my mantra to myself 'I have nothing to prove and no one to impress' and that kept me pretty sane

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Their worship was really innovative and everyone was really sweet.

But there was one thing -

One of the youth pastors spoke a message contrasting the new age movement from christianity through a lens of Psalm 24 which was pretty cool I thought and then I realized that he was shreading this faith apart and growing up I never let my friends pick on anyone - even people I didn't like. I mean, if i get an A on a test and everyone else gets like a C - lowering their grades wouldn't make mine higher would it?

NO

Its theological bullying and its not nice and it makes it difficult for me to sympathize when people cry about how much the world hates christians. I wouldn't like a people who could unravel panethiesm and makes people who do crystal meditation look like idiots and then talk about love.

Its embarassing for me - a person who seriously strives to be the polar opposite. I guess my faith is based on different things.

what does that mean liz?

i had this conversation with a woman trying to 'witness' to me in new york.

Lady trying to give Liz a Chick Tract: Darling, are you saved?
Liz: I don't know, i never really thought about it
LTTGLACT: Well are you a christian?
Liz: Yeah.
LTTGLACT: Are you born again?
Liz: with all due respect, i came out pretty alright the first time.
LTTGLACT: what is your faith based on? " you know none may enter the kingdom of heaven without..."
Liz: oh i don't really care about any of that stuff.
LTTGLACT: stuff?
Liz: I'm a christian because I believe the gospel can change the world and i wanna be a part of that. not for a get out of jail free card.
LTTGLACT: You know, you are cheapening the cross!
Liz: But atleast I dont just want jesus for his blood. have a nice day ma'am.

my head hurts and i've gotta get up early to hang with the Slut

goodnight everyone