So, in typical conservative evangelical Christian fashion, the American Family Association has called for a boycott of Radio Shack. Why? Because Radio Shack wishes customers a “happy holiday” instead of a “merry Christmas”. I know, it’s ridiculously offensive. I’m sure Jesus sheds a tear every single time a Radio Shack employee wishes someone a “happy holiday” or saves money as a result of the “holiday savings event”.

Could it be that Radio Shack and many other businesses who have gone the way of observing “holidays” rather than “Christmas” realize that we live in a pluralistic society? Could it be that these businesses prefer not to disenfranchise customers who don’t happen to be Christians? Could it be that these businesses understand that not all customers celebrate Christmas?

Do we understand that saying “merry Christmas” does not make a person or a business anymore of a “Christian” than those saying “happy holidays”?

Do we not realize that the person who we desire to wish us a “merry Christmas” might be a Muslim, Hindu, Jew, atheist or something other than Christian?

Are we Christians really this narrow-minded? Are we Christians really this petty? Unfortunately, I’m afraid the answer might be “yes”.

Maybe instead of wishing customers a “happy holiday”, businesses should wish customers a “merry Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Festivus, whatever!” But, many of my Christian brothers and sisters would not be satisfied. That kind of political correctness would be equally offensive…because we’ve bought into the myth of a Christian nation and believe that, “Dammit, this is America! We love us some Jesus. So wish me a merry freakin’ Christmas.”

So, a “Christian” organization is calling for a boycott over words. That makes sense. It’s totally appropriate to over-react to the use of pleasant words meant to spread a bit of joy into your daily routine. The way we over-react to the “war on Christmas” gives the impression that some of my Christian brothers and sisters believe this to be persecution!

I’ll be honest, I’m more offended by the businesses that say “merry Christmas” but fail to pay their employees enough to actually have a merry Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Festivus, or whatever. Many “merry Christmas” companies fail to realize that there is a major difference between minimum wage and a living wage. And, don’t even get me started on the lack of healthcare and benefits many “merry Christmas” companies fail to offer the employees they supposedly care so much about…

I guess I’d rather call for a boycott on companies based on their actions. Let’s boycott companies that demonstrate a lack of concern for their employees rather than for whether or not they wish me a “merry Christmas.” And, guess what, there are many churches and “Christian” businesses that would make the boycott list. I’m all for boycott’s, let’s just boycott for the right reasons. Boycott businesses that exploit employees and customers. Boycott businesses that discriminate. Boycott businesses that try to run out organizations and other businesses that help those in need. But, boycotting over holiday greetings? That’s just ridiculously childish.

What does the “merry Christmas” greeting accomplish anyway? My guess is that it somehow makes Christians feel better about exploiting the birth of Jesus as a way to practice extravagant greed and materialistic consumption. So, when the cashier (who, let us remember, doesn’t make enough money to have a “merry Christmas”) wishes me a “merry Christmas” when I’m spending hundreds of dollars on a bunch of crap, I feel that I’m doing my part to honor the birth of Christ and stimulate the economy. It’s a win/win!

So, here is my unofficial greeting to you: Happy Holidays! Merry Xmas! Festivus for the Rest of Us! Chag Sameach! Joyous Kwanzaa! Peaceful Nothing! Whatever! Happy Birthday, Jesus…I hope you like crap!

Can you imagine a day where you set all your technology aside and embrace the presence of those around you?

That’s my challenge for Thanksgiving…put your phones and tablets down…consider turning them off…leave them in the car and simply “be” with those you gather with tomorrow.

Here’s the deal…The world won’t end if you miss posting your uber-cheesy 30 days of thanks entry. No one will miss the pictures of your turkey or pie or that amazing bottle of hard-to-find craft beer. Let’s be honest…none of us are so important that others will suffer if we take a break from technology for a day.

For some of us, we’re so consumed by technology that we miss what’s going on right in front of us. Put it down and embrace, be, and live in the moment.

Surely we can all wait to post our adorable pictures, witty comments (trust me, most of us aren’t nearly as funny as we think we are), political posts that reveal how gullible and ill-informed we are, and “Jesus will cry if you don’t post this on your wall” crap.

You’ve been challenged. On Friday, I’ll check Facebook and Twitter and self-righteously judge all of you who don’t take the challenge.

Some days, I wonder if I’m too cynical to be in ministry.

Now, don’t read that as if I’m questioning my choice of career. I absolutely feel called to ministry. What I’m really questioning is whether or not I need to work on my overly-cynical disposition.

It all came to a head the other night when my facebook wall and twitter feed were blowing up with folks posting about the homeless man randomly walking into a Christian music artist video and started freestyling.

Many of those posting made positive comments about how awesome it was and that it could only be God at work.

My immediate reaction was, “It was probably a set-up to manipulate people and sell more records.”

It just seemed all-too-convenient. The artist happened to be recording a live video. The “homeless” man simply wandered up and started singing. No one from the film crew stopped the man. They happened to know he was homeless. No one has seen or heard from “Danny” since the video. Looking up the video, it is several years old and has conveniently had new life breathed into it.

Many found the video moving…I found it to be suspect. Many gave God glory as a result…I’m waiting for the scandal.

So, I found myself wondering what’s wrong with me that I couldn’t just say, “Wow, that’s really awesome!”

Is it because I have a fragile ego and can’t understand why this kind of stuff doesn’t happen to me? I mean, who doesn’t want extra traffic driven to their blog, twitter account, or church?

Is it because I’ve seen too many of “these” types of Christian stories that are later debunked?

Is it because I’ve seen too many of “these” Christian stories that end up doing more damage than good?

Is it because I’m generally an arrogant, sarcastic jerk that simply doesn’t want to acknowledge that this could have been real?

Is it because I’m too entrenched in the Christian world…that I know that we are human…and fall victim to using schemes (often referred to as the “old bait and switch) to drive people into our churches…that Christians can often play on emotions in order to manipulate folks?

Is my cynicism a defense mechanism? I mean, if I simply look for the worst, I won’t be disappointed or surprised when it comes true.

Is it because I’m a fan of  the late, great George Carlin and I took it to heart when he encouraged us to teach children to “question everything”?

In reality, I hope the video is legit. I don’t know anything about the artist, outside of what a short google search and quick visit to his website reveals. I’m sure he’s a great guy and has a wonderful ministry. So, my hopes are that this is a wonderful, true story and that I’m simply a jerk for hesitating to believe and having questions regarding its authenticity.

As the UMC has spent the last several days closely watching the Pennsylvania clergy trial and the Council of Bishops gathering, I find myself remaining proud to be a part of the United Methodist Church.

While I may be disappointed in the outcome of the trial, I understand that there really wasn’t an alternative outcome.

While I think 2016 is too far off to revisit the discussion in regards to the Book of Discipline, I am thankful for the discussions taking place in local churches, districts, conferences, and on social media. These discussions might lead towards faithful and fruitful resolutions in regards to issues surrounding human sexuality.

At the end of the day, I remain proud to be a follower of Christ in the United Methodist tradition. At least we’re having the conversation. At least we can admit that we don’t agree and that’s okay. At least we can join together, liberals, moderates, conservatives, and focus on the Christ that unites. At least we leave room for those on opposite sides to gather together around the table.

Currently, a clergy trial is under way in Pennsylvania. It surrounds a pastor who performed a same-sex wedding ceremony for his son. The Book of Discipline is fairly clear that UM clergy are not to perform same-sex weddings. The “guilty” verdict was not a surprise. The clergy trial was not held to make a decision on whether or not the BOD position is just, but whether or not it was violated. The pastor in question admitted he was fully aware his decision was in violation of the BOD. Again, no surprises. It really doesn’t matter what side of the coin you are on, the reality is that the BOD, as it currently stands, was disregarded when the pastor performed the wedding ceremony. Now, we are waiting to learn what the nature of the penalty will be…

For me, it boils down to a matter of priority.

Throughout my ministry, I have been told the following numerous times…

“God first. Family second. Then the church.”

However, I’ve also seen too many instances where this message is spoken, but not intended to be taken seriously.

Was the pastor wrong in granting the desire of his son and partner to have him perform the wedding? Is he wrong to refuse to repent of something he believes to be right? Is this act of disobedience what it takes to shed light on an unjust position?

In my opinion, the pastor made a decision to honor his family before the church. If one of my daughters asks me to perform her wedding ceremony, regardless of sexual orientation, my answer would be “yes”. Why? Because I love my daughters. My daughters will always be more important than a paragraph in the Book of Discipline. Of course, in doing so, I know that would be the last “official” duty I would perform as a UM clergy person. But, in my opinion, it would be worth it.

Again, in my opinion, the church is sending a message that while we claim “God first. Family second. Then the church.”, it has its limitations.

The issue of human sexuality has been graciously and not-so-graciously debated in the UMC for as long as I can remember. The online interactions between the “conservatives” and “liberals” is less-than-fruitful, un-Christ-like, and void of love. While we are trying our best to be faithful to God, to our neighbor, and to the tradition of the UMC, we are creating a large divide between the various factions within the denomination. We are creating a larger divide between the church and those outside the church.

At the end of the day, we could be wrong. I could be wrong.

I am one who longs for an all-inclusive church. I believe it is time to break down the barrier. But, I wonder if too much damage has been done. Are we headed towards a division within the church? Are we so divided on this one issue that we cannot imagine a third way? While we have so much that unites us, will we let one issue lead to our demise?

I wonder, are we sending a clear message of “open hearts, open minds, and open doors?” Are we teaching people proper priorities?