The Human Circus (Updated from 5/20/2015)

 

"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut."

-- Ernest Hemingway

Have you ever just gone into a tavern, bar, or restaurant, for the express purpose of watching the people? If you pay close enough attention you will be treated to a great parade of the human condition. 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; those who 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, who never seemed to make it passed the fame of their youth.

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 dinner, a beer, or both.

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

Have we become so accustomed to seeing this circus of humanity, the constant onslaught of sideshows, that we numb ourselves to everyone around us?  Will we know the second coming of Christ when it happens, or will He become lost in the background clutter of human drama?  Will you hear Him when He speaks, and will you listen to what He says?  Why would you, and what would you think, not realizing it is Him?  What does your answer say about you, your faith, and society?

When the crazy guy in the robe gets arrested for vagrancy, illegal gathering, and/or creating a public nuisance, how many times will you deny him?  Three?

We can all hope there is great fanfare upon His return.  We want there to be little doubt of who He is.  But, hasn't this always been about faith, always doing what's right, and 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?  He'd probably love to go to the local watering hole and watch the colorful parade of humanity.

He's probably already there, tending bar, listening to confessions of the patrons, and taking copious notes.

By the way, please leave a tip. 

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 view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, 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.

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a 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 United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

Ordained in 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As a weapon for his war on intolerance, he chose the pen. He 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 personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

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