Bumping into your past life

Monday, 03 October 2011 6:28pm

Today at the grocery store I ran into an old drinking buddy. He didn't recognize me. It's been several years since I realized drinking and spending all my off time in bars was a waste of time. For over ten years I was such a fixture in my local tavern the owner had a plaque with my name on it lacquered into the top surface of the bar where I normally sat.

Driving away from the store this morning I passed my old buddy as he walked along the road. He was a solemn figure walking along the road with a cigarette pinched between his lips and a small bag in his hand. From what I could tell, he appeared to be heading toward a low-cost housing unit. I don't know him anymore, nor do I know if he is still drinking. But statistics say that most people who are long-term addicts do not escape alive.

In my case, I was one of the lucky few who recognized that my bad habit was growing toward addiction. I managed to escape before it was too late. Life is now good. But looking at my former friend today made me realize how fortunate I've been. Oh, but for the grace of God go I.

Many of those who are addicts grew up in an abusive household. Many of whom justified their behavior by evoking religious dogma that is not of God but of man. My friend Vern Jones' new book (the first book released by Principia Media) is titled The Non-Religious Christian. In his book he tackles some of these very issues that can lead to abuse against others, including our sexuality, our treatment of the poor and our failure to accept those who differ from us. Vern's book is not scholarly and instead uses everyday language to address the huge issues of faith we all face whether good, bad or ugly.

I highly recommend his book to all who have ever felt judged by the church. Please believe it when I say that being judged is not your fault, but rather the result of acts perpetrated by those who take advantage of those who cannot fend for themselves.

By Dirk Wierenga, Principia Media Director of Publishing Services

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