A really upsetting graph

I ran in to this graph today, and it really troubled me.   The inequality in our country is something I feel very passionately about, and would like to see reversed.   In our day and time, a family needs both parents to work, and to take on ever increasing amounts of personal debt, just to survive.   This is unsustainable.   Something that struck me, was the income ranges for each fifth of society.   So many are struggling.

loveismyreligion

Hello Gladstone community,

loveismyreligion

I am a spiritual, non-religious, love-based/ focused open-hearted human male
seeking intentional community that truly utilize the power of intention and
mutual cooperation.

I would like to know your avail. to rent ASAP, the cost, what options you have
for space, and the overall process.

I have solid references and I am an emotionally mature 42 year old male
seeking to share my rich well-developed gifts and natural talents if possible
for mutual well-being and empowerment.

loveismyreligion

Steve
passionatecheetah with compassionate, empathetic, and gentle gazelle

Kindergarten Communism

"[Christianity is] the best kindergarten of communism possible." - Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand and I don't see eye to eye on much, but we do have some commonality in our understanding of Christian morality.   Of course, she hated Christian morality, but that's beside the point.

We both understand that Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit are about people.  

Here is one God in three parts - whether or not you believe in God, or whether or not this trinity idea is possible, community and interconnectedness are built in to the very being of God.   And as the story goes (and I believe), God has put Himself out there on behalf of others.   And He calls Christians to do the same!

How can you be about others and hold individualism as your highest value at the same time?

Eventually, one of these is going to have to give somewhat - and I have chosen to give along my borders.   I am more than the sum of my parts, in fact my [parts] wouldn't even exist without others!

The bummer is, if I start looking toward others.   If I start offering to community - within the church, within my neighborhood and city - parts of myself that compromise my individuality, I become more about community than I am about myself.   And when that happens... it's just a slippery slope to communism.

At least that is what Ayn and I think.

Is pet care part of your rapture readiness plan?

Now it can be!

Need.

I just read the transcript of an interview Noam Chomsky recently gave around the situation in Egypt, and I am at a complete loss.   The need for the kingdom is incredible, and my affective reality of God needs to grow if I am to trust His word that the good work He began will ultimately be brought to completion.

I believe, help my unbelief.  

Where is the hope?

I came across this article today by Eugene Cho, and I felt that it really struck a chord.  

I relate to the person who can't accept God in the face of evil.   Not that I think God couldn't exist if evil does, but rather it is extremely hard to have hope.   It is really hard to trust that God will bring about good He promises.