I keep returning to the point where we really look at the message of the gospel and the true freedom it brings. Last week, the Fuller Youth Institute hosted a summit and during one of the small group times, someone shared how we need to constantly remember that Jesus' message was to an oppressed people group and how we as Westerners living in America really aren't an oppressed group of people (the person was also referencing the fact or existence of "white privilege" and the majority of Caucasians that still exist in America). So how should we really understand Jesus' message of freedom when looking at the context that the gospels were written in or that Jesus lived? So I am once again reminded of the fact that Jesus was a rebel and came to empower the poor, marginalized, and oppressed. The notion that Paul O'Frare (I didn't catch the spelling) empowered the people by helping to ask questions and to stand up for their rights is so great. I am continually struggling with the question though of how Christendom fits into the whole principle that Jesus goes against the grain of society? Especially since when we look at history, Christendom only seems to draw the church further away from the teachings of Jesus and closer to material and political greed. If Christendom is able to honor the true spirit and foundation of the gospel, then what would that look like?! Would our churches and society be different? There was a youth worker who said that in his church, all the elders giving out Communion meal are required to wear an American flag tie... REALLY?!?! Yes, really. Is that what Christ teaches? Is this what's supposed to define me as a Christian? My patriotism to my country? I mean, I'm Korean but I still consider myself an American and get teary when I watch the Olympics and hear the Star Spangled Banner get played. But what does that have to do with my faith in Jesus? What does that have anything to do with Jesus' teaching of feeding the poor, giving to those in need and being a community of love? Jesus came to free us... I just can't shake the feeling that Christendom tries to just tie me back down.