The Freedom to Think What I Will.

Yesterday, North Park Played host to Jim Wallis, author and speaker, in our weekly Chapel Service. The event was rather large, including the gospel choir participating in worship as well as a camera crew from ABC's Good Morning America capturing the event. Despite being a uniquely-privilaged attendee of the Republican National Convention in 2004 (which was a great experience, dont' get me wrong), I've found recently that politics generally don't perk my intrigue, especially liberals and conservatives trying to convince me that one's right and the other wrong. Of course, I suppose that's what politics is. Anyway, as Wallis' booming voice rang throughout the walls of Anderson Chapel, I could only get vibes of North Park marinating in the publicity, err potential publicity, it will recieve as a result, rather than really condoning or being concerned about the man's message. They made a big deal about him and I had high expectations, but I suppose that along with the new, independent living styles I've seemed to grasp came new, independent thinking styles, too. I no longer need to adopt "default" opinions of my family or church as I once would. In the same way, I now more clearly understand my freedom to think what I will - In this case, I could sense a genuine dissatisfaction in Jim Wallis' speech.

Perhaps I came in with a slightly skeptical bent towards the Christian left, however, I attempted to remain open-minded nonetheless. Janna may have put it best when she simply said, "Yeah, he really didn't make any good points." Jim Wallis has earned credibility, sure, but nothing he said seemed worthwhile and internally motivating. What is Wallis' plan to save the world? Eliminating poverty. And, of course, "[we] are the generation to do it." Hmm, heard that before? I think Jesus told people (or at least implied) to get off their butts and do something about it, too. Maybe even people after him, and for the following 2000 years. Do we need to hear it? Yes, certainly. I definately do not do enough to help the poor and homeless. Does Jim Wallis proactively do anything about it? Beats me. I don't feel like promoting a book, coming on television, manipulating the audience by mentioning then side-stepping emotionally-captivating issues like abortion, and misusing other politically-based rhetoric was an acceptable way of addressing the said issue. I needn't go into more, but I was dissatisfied and dissapointed with his speech. Furthermore, NPU's following responsive prayer where we confessed that we often misaddress important issues in the world such as focusing on abortion and gay-marriage rather than poverty perturbed me as well.

Welcome to the world, Peter. I ought to say, that when I say I now have the freedom to think on my own, its moreso a mindset of actually doing it. When within the influence of my parents and church, I was mainly exposed to the conservative right side, and thus believed them by default. Now, I can address the said issues and controversies without that influence, where my opinions are tested. I certainly don't disagree...I'm just communicating that I can come to those conclusions on my own, moreso, now.
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More "freshman moments." The most notable: I was caught red-handed with a dirty trumpet in my lesson. The following 20 minutes now escalated to the top in the scale of "most humiliating minutes of the year" (though my first dialogue essay critiqued in class is a close second). After Joe worked his magic, I'm playing a new trumpet. Proof? Today in orchestra Dr. Zelle complimented me on a much improved tone with a good sense of senority/superiority during my solo. Go figure...I found myself saying, "Never Again" much like my pal in the previous post.