Thanks for taking the time to leave your thoughtful comment. I get beaten up so often by commentators (well, they think I'm taking hits but they can't touch my soul); it's nice to have someone who handles what I'm saying without being highly offended.

Thanks for sharing about your congregations. I wonder if I'll ever have one where it's agreed that total pacifism and harmlessness mean giving and sharing all together. I wonder who will not be a capitalist at heart (but maybe still working for mammon since it's forced on us) while knowing that homosexuality is always harmful and also while believing in God and Jesus in a figurative and literal way (spirit and letter — not just strict-constructionist letter).

I get "liberals" who say I have to accept homosexuals. I get "conservatives" who say I have to accept militarism and/or selfish economics. When will I get real Christians who love it?

If you do ever make it up this way, be prepared for one who lives on the poverty line. If I didn't have a car (that I barely ever drive), I'd qualify for food stamps. I just got so tired of trying to push myself for myself — pretend that I wanted the self-centered American Dream. I hated every second of it. It made me sick.

Now I "earn" mammon solely for the cause of this blog, being able to speak to the issue of bringing forth the Christian Commons.

Peace to you, Scott.

Tom

Fortunately my Poli Sci Prof did not ding me for my views (He was pretty left wing politically). Seems like almost every paper I did or researched I ended up criticizing those in power regardless of their political view (real or stated).

Both the churches I attend are off shoots of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa to some degree. Calvary Chapel San Juan Capistrano is a smaller congregation. If you had to classify it I would say it is a more politically conservative group but liberal in their heart for sharing. Very biblical church, the Pastor John Randall has been a very supportive and compassionate teacher. He sticks to the Bible, so you won't here him endorsing anything that is stated as sin in the Bible. They are not into any new or emerging stuff whatsoever. I remember him telling us about a Pastors conference he went to where they were asking all the attendees what they were doing in their church to grow with the times and attract new people, he said "nothing, we study the Bible".

Our other church, Capo Beach Calvary was actually started by Chuck Smith's son, however he is no longer there. From a political stand point, I think you would have to classify it as liberal. The congregation is much bigger and more varied (someone with head to toe tattoos sitting next to a cop, then an older hippy, then Cleaver family sitting next to us). A real melting pot of Christ lovers.

I love both churches and all the fellowship. Both places love worshiping with music.

Keep praying brother, maybe someday we will make it up your way and spend some time in the Word together. You are in my prayers!