The lights of hope shining in the darkness...

Most of the Northwest is not religious. Indeed we have the lowest regular church attendance in the nation, which I believe is a standard of free thought, individualism, and tolerance. This is a libertarian community and although much of the Rockies to the south of us are dominated by the Mormon Church-here in the north it is far more "live and let live".

"Church" is found just by walking out the front door and dialogue with the creator finds inspiration in everything around us.

That's not to say that folks here don't love their God or take their faith seriously...whether its at pow wow, rodeo, or the drag races, we say our prayers religiously. We just don't claim to be wise enough to know what others should pray or to whom.

I will never forget last years rodeos in Pend Oreille County. When Bullrider Stormy Covington went down, I witnessed 5,000 people stand in unison and pray earnestly for that kid. Each fan, in their own way, sending petitions toward heaven...When he passed away later that night on an airflight to Spokane, the next day at the rodeo the stands were solemn and subdued. Maybe many people were questioning God. How could it be with so many people praying, that Stormy didn't make it.

Later in the summer, at the Pend Oreille County Fair and Rodeo, another heartfelt tribute united our community after the accidental passing of a local 4H leader during a cattle drive. Again a rodeo arena filled with those whose lives had been touched by the selfless acts of a man who died way before his time. In the crowded stands many people had their conversations with God and sought answers as they mourned.

Our community isn't perfect. We've endured a few cross burnings lately in Chateroy and Spirit Lake- stupid kids doing really stupid things...but the community's united response to those actions also shows where the majority of this community's heart is.

I believe change is in the air, and it's change that is coming for the better. Here are a couple essays forwarded me by fans of the site. They are written by evangelical religious leaders who have bucked the facism of James Dobson, Jerry Falwell, and Pat Robertson...among others. Men of faith are questioning everything about the current regime of religious based totalitarism. Read these essays. They offer encouragement. Dobson, Falwell and Robertson are finally being held accountable.

Jesus is Not a Republican by Randall Balmer
http://chronicle.com/free/v52/i42/42b00601.htm

A faith based take on a new "Christian Video Game" based on The Left Behind Serries
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-de-zengotita/some-really-scary-stuff-f_b_23700.html

An open letter to Evangelicals by Tony Compela
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tony-campolo/
And Compela's take here on "being an oxymoron...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tony-campolo/being-an-oxymoron_b_22895.html

And there's this tale about a conservative pastor who is bucking the religious right's political agenda...
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/30/us/30pastor.html?ex=1154664000&en=304c373abd2cc406&ei=5087%0A

Throughout the country, religious faith-based, evangelical organizations are answerings the bigotry. Many of the folks leading these organizations are heterosexual. Their witness is strong and they are worthy of our support.


http://www.straightintogayamerica.com/

http://www.faithinamerica.info/newSite/index.html

http://www.soulforce.org/