Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Why "Values From Scratch"?

Welcome to my new blog.  Right now it doesn't look like much, but here's the plan.  I want this to be a safe place to have a conversation.  Conversations about life, about love, about religion, and about politics.  In short, conversations about values, and what people value in life.  If you're a Democrat or a Republican, a Christian or an Atheist, Single or Married, Dead or Alive, or any other category that doesn't fit into my nice literary dichotomies, I want you here.  In fact, I need you here, to join the conversation with me.

Because the safe place to have the conversation isn't for you, it's for me. Ah, see how selfish I am?  But truly, this is why the values are "from scratch."  Because I grew up my whole life as an evangelical Christian knowing exactly what I was supposed to believe.  Then about a year ago... I stopped.  I couldn't believe it anymore.  I didn't know what I believed.  I couldn't believe in God anymore, but I couldn't NOT believe in Him either.

Here's where I am now.  I'm still a Christian.  I do believe in God (most days).  But on a lot of issues that Christians care about, I feel uncertain.  In fact, I think the opposite about a lot of issues.  It's left me feeling like I don't fit in anywhere.  It's left me feeling like there's nowhere safe to sort through my beliefs, my values.  And it's left me feeling like there is no one to talk to, no one who will listen.

So if you're here, welcome.  Please listen.  Please talk.  Please join the conversation.  I don't have it all figured out yet but I'm excited to start the journey... and be part of the conversation.

Much love,
Marian