church is no place for widescreen tv's

the boys were talking religion over poker the other night. interpretations from the bible, christian theology, and worship in general. the conversation soon turned to church. churches themselves, and the evolution of the place where people go for fellowship and acceptance, to feel god, to pray for hope and salvation, and celebrate the promise of eternal life.

one of the guys at poker is shopping for a new church. he said he tried one of those fancy new places you see on sunday morning tv. comfy padded folding chairs, wide screen tv's pumping up the pastor's image, ornate podiums, high tech microphones, electric guitars and clean cut choirs. the congregation is a mix of cultures and ages and backgrounds, eyes glistening with tears inspired and bred by the holy spirit. they sway alot and wave their arms alot and they are wrapped up in the love of god.

i see nothing wrong with this, but i admit it makes me a little uncomfortable. church should be about stained glass windows with images of lambs and the crucifixion, heavy wooden pews that hurt your back and your butt (reminding you of the importance of pain and sacrifice), and the seats are filled with tiny old bent ladies who miss their husbands and feel the pain of sin, even though they haven't committed too many themselves. the choir is all dressed in crimson "gowns" with white flowy tops, and their sheet music shakes as they hit the high notes. which some of them can get to but some of them can't.

the pastor is a smiley guy with a nicely pressed suit who is delighted to remind us all of about cookies and coffee and punch downstairs after the service and let's all pray for myla's loss, and saturday the youth group is sponsoring a car wash so come on down and get a good deal and clean hubcaps too.

we all choose how to worship, and where, and most importantly

if.

a friend of mine recently told me story after story of how god guides her every move, and how satan visited one lonely night when she was feeling vulnerable and scared. but her friends came by and prayed with her and she made it through and praise god praise god. and that is all good, very very good.

as for me, my prayers are directed to the universe, all of it, of which god is a part. but the depth of my belief in a greater power extends beyond god to the angels, and to my moms and dads and old friends and late hounds who are watching and believing in me, and in my happiness. fire, water, wind, and earth -- the power of all of these things freshens my spirit in the miracle of their constancy. these things we can depend on. these things bring comfort because of that, and for that

praise god.

however you define it, and whereever it leads you

praise god.