Authority Issues, Me? Never!

So, today in Ministry Seminar I became a little devious, opening my mouth when perhaps I should have kept it shut. In comparing the difference between the UCC and the Methodist church I'm currently working at, I talked myself in circles about the distrust I have in hierarchal structures and anyone or thing that says it has authority over how I act, what I think or say. It's one thing to not want to shock the public with my radical tendencies, but it's another to be micro-managed by supervisors, patronized by mentors or teachers, or told I have to believe a certain way, etc.

It ultimately comes down to respect and trust... it's a two-way street for me. A title, degree, or even a position as a supervisor means squat to me if I don't trust or respect you. And why in the world would I give something like the bible ultimate authority over my faith and interpretation of Christianity? While one of the most packed anthologies of spiritual wisdom, it's also one of the most patchwork-written, inconsistent, and sketchy documents ever compiled. Besides, if God created us with the ability to observe the universe and society... would that not inform our decisions as well? Don't get me wrong, I have limitless amounts of trust and respect for many people as well as how the bible can inform my life and faith. But, for example, the Methodists have a "Book of Discipline" Just the very title makes my skin crawl. :) Thank goodness that within the UCC, I am not subjected to such harsh restrictions, or I'd never stay in the Church.

Becky and I went to Kaldi's in Kirkwood for lunch. I meant to run errands, but she was gone for 4 whole days, so we had to catch up. Kaldi's reminds me of the bohemian/hippy part of Lawrence... it makes me miss my home town. sigh. I'm not meant for this city living. Too many people, the very thought of no open space/countryside for 10 or more miles really freaks me out. Lawrence is perfect in that regard... all the benefits of a university town, only 1/2 hour to the city, and still 5 minutes away from farmland and lakes, etc.

I'm going to go and read more depressing stuff on the state of the world and how it's all going down the drain... mostly because of people in authority. :)