The Human Circus (Updated from the original of 5/20/15)

 

"If you're still in a bar when the lights go on, you are a loser."

-- Jessica Cutler

Have you ever just gone into a tavern, bar, or restaurant for the express purpose of just watching the people? If you pay close enough attention you will be treated to a great parade of the human condition.  They call it the "human circus." This is what I find myself doing when I go out to relax. I tend to frequent establishments that cater to a healthy cross-section of humanity; you know, those that have and have not, single and married, parents and those wishing to become so, gay, straight, and the undecided. Places where I'm sure to run into business owners, laborers, as well as old high school quarterbacks and cheerleaders that, at 50, never seemed to make it passed the fame of their youth. Places where you can run into covid, AIDS, and monkeypox, as easily as you can bump into your soon-to-be ex-wife.

I love to watch the drama, and lack thereof, while trying to figure out who is doing who, which husband is doing whose wife's boyfriend, and whether the tequila will finally override common sense to make the girl on the bar do a pole dance while wondering if the older gentlemen will succumb to the advances of the sixteen-year-old girl trying to act nineteen.  I look for who might be getting married and who, so obviously, isn't; who is playing some transparent game and who is just there for a burger, a beer, or both.

I watch patiently, hoping to be surprised by a different "cover" that is so much less interesting than the book.  The punk, cum goth, cum alternative lifestyle, cum the tattooed body with multiple piercings one expects to hear the never-ending stream of vulgarities from; or the loser diatribe of rebellious goth punks spewed forth at the older generation like we haven't been through it all before.  Instead, out of their black-lipped pie hole, I find myself listening to a cogent explanation of the quantum theory, warped space-time, God, spirituality, and their personal reason for being.  A Democrat. Has to be.  A Republican doesn't talk that much. 

Have we become so accustomed to seeing this circus of humanity, the constant onslaught of sideshows, that we numb ourselves to everyone around us?  As I pay my tab to leave, I can't help but look over this diverse crowd and wonder, which one is Jesus, come again? 

Will we know the second coming of Christ when it happens, or will He become lost in the background clutter of all the human drama?  Will you hear Him when He speaks, and will you listen to what He says?  Why would you? If you don't recognize the usual drunken drone, what would you think twice about the guy, not realizing it is Him?  What does your answer to any of this say about you, your "faith" and the society you live in?

When a crazy guy in the off-white robe gets arrested for vagrancy, illegal gathering, creating a public nuisance, washing feet, or blessing the homeless, how many times will you deny him?  Three?

We can hope there is great fanfare upon His return.  We want there to be little doubt of who He is.  But, hasn't the "second coming" always been about faith, always doing what's right, and always being prepared for what comes next?  If so, why would we care that He returns, other than to invite Him over for dinner and casual conversation?  Hell, he'd probably jump at the chance to go with you to the local watering hole and watch the colorful parade of humanity.  His take on patrons will definitely be better than mine.  He's probably already there, tending bar, listening to confessions of the patrons, and doling out penance like cheap bourbon.

Don't forget to leave a generous tip.   

“Bible teaching about the Second Coming of Christ was thought of as “doomsday” preaching. But not anymore. It is the only ray of hope that shines as an ever brightening beam in a darkening world.”

-- Billy Graham

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com