Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Ozzy, Jesus-Lovers and the Next American Christendom

Lately I have been hangin' with some 'rough people.' You know the type . . . long hair, riding motorcycles with American flags hanging off of the back seat . . .

Needless to say this is somewhat shocking because I, as a Republican, dress quite conservatively, with tie, and blue long sleeve button down dress shirt (yes, in Florida's heat!).

For example, my new friend (anonymous) is this motorcycle ridin' Jesus Lover who listens to Ozzy Osbourne, hangs out in Jimmy Buffet style at the local beach and well, looks a bit 'rough' compared to many of the 'blue blood' aristocratic types.

But he, similar to another "biker for Jesus" whom I know, have the strongest of Christian convictions. Jesus died on the cross for their sins and these men believe this firmly, and with passion & conviction!

As I have spent some time with my new friend, I have reflected briefly on the nature of the New America. America is a Christian society. Sure, there are the minority religious groups, to apparently even include things like witchcraft now (wicca). Sure, there are sizable mormon, and Islamic populations in the United States that espouse a different type of 'monotheism' than Christianity (or of Judaism). Sure, there is also a Constitutional amendment prohibiting any 'official' state-supported Church (like the Anglican Church in the U.K. or the Lutheran Churches of Germany and Scandinavia).

Although we are officially not a "State-supported church" type of Federal Government, regarding our common religious culture, when push comes to shove, we ARE a Christian Nation. From Billy Graham Crusades to Benny Hinn to Catholic Council of Bishops "Voter Guides" given prior to U.S. Elections, the Christian population, although highly heterogeneous culturally (everyone from Yale blue-bloods like George W. Bush to "Bikers for Jesus"!) is nevertheless a distinctively Christian Nation.

So, although Ozzy Osbourne might well replace "classical" music such as Bach, Beethoven, et al (likely, it already has been replaced), and although Christians now come in all "shapes" and sizes to include motorcycle riders and Yalies, and even "Domers" like myself (i.e. Notre Dame football fans ;-) our common Christian culture, however imperfect, and often from the backs of "Bikers for Jesus" types is nonetheless holding on strong and even advancing the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Long live Yalies such as George W. Bush and long live "Bikers for Jesus" who although they might listen to Ozzy Osbourne, are nonetheless stalwart in the faith!

God Bless,
Rob J King, Republican Candidate for Jesus

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