this is the beginning of the fruit of my journalling...

i think i'm starting to understand shane claiborne's concept of spiritual masturbation--"feel-good, emotionally charged Christianity that feels good but never really gives birth to anything." i just picked up claiborne's book, at the recommendation of a few good friends, and have been reading and processing for a few days now.

but the concept of spiritual masturbation didn't sink in until i attended my family's church this past sunday (where the theology is as shallow as the conversation): a sermon that encourages church members to "turn to God," "follow Jesus more closely," and "try to make a difference for God this week." the pastor's conclusion was something like this: "it's ok if you don't want to change your actions to reflect Christ because God still loves you... but just try, ok?" follow this by an explosive praise song--"days of elijah," wtf?--and you've got orgasm. everybody goes home feeling better about their "relationship with God" but it doesn't change the way they act with their families or in traffic or how they spend their time or their money.

when did Jesus' gospel become a porn magazine to encourage this spiritual masturbation?

i am so frustrated with american christianity.