First
United Methodist Church 
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On Being Secular-Religious
Conversations with a Non-Believing Skeptic
February 3, 2008
When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” He answered, “I have not troubled Israel; but you have, and your father’s house, because you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD. -I Kings 18:17-18
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor… Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers…Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, -Romans 12:9-19a
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship…All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. -Acts 2:42-47
- Listening to the questions from skeptics.
- Can I be a Christian and not be a right-wing conservative?
- Don’t all Christians oppose rights for women?
- Don’t Christians have too much control of the corridors of power?
- Aren’t Christian politicians hypocrites?
- Many Christians want an authentic blend of faith and politics.
- What can we expect from our political leaders in terms of their faith?
- Can equally devout Christians come to different conclusions?
- Do diverse people share the same deepest yearnings?
- Shouldn’t there be a division between church and state?
- III. Learnings from the barbershop and the dinner table.