ORTHODIXIE ... Southern, Orthodox, Convert, Etc.

Unless I detox myself of all reactionary tendencies (major, major endeavor) this blog may never become a DVC-Free Zone. The residue of that oil spill continues.

For instance, Madonna. Slamming Christianity is in vogue these days. Ranks right up there with being anti-Bush. In fact, the two usually go hand in hand. Eventually, if not immediately, it do get tiresome.

In the same vein, The Da Vinci Code phenomenon certainly allows for many "teaching moments." Yet, it may just wear us all out. Sort of like Disco. It was fun for a while ... but you just can't boogie-oogie-oogie ALL the time!

Here in Houston, the Fine Arts Museum has been showcasing the works of Xul Solar. I've walked through it several times -- and, though not my favorite, have enjoyed it. My soon-to-be-12-year-old toured the museum with me one day and after about 30 minutes viewing Solar's works she said, "Dad ... uh, I think this guy had a lot of problems ... and he just wanted the world to know it."

Can't that be said about much of what passes (perhaps always has past) for Art?

"I've got problems. Real problems. Here ... let me show you."

Exhibitionists are always able to find willing voyeurs, and vice versa. This is never more true than in our moor-less age of apostasy and anarchy. I'm not sure if right-believing Christians are supposed to simply ignore it, speak up, or -- of course -- pray more.

Reading the lives of the Saints one could get the idea that, compared to their words and deeds concerning heresy, we are lukewarm. As Scarlett O'Hara said: "Tomorrow is another day."

But is it? When is the day that turns the corner past all reason? Then again, my typical thought on seeing Christians up in arms and protesting is: "Oh. My. Gosh." And, like the Pharisee, I secretly thank God I'm not like them.

Inaction can be viewed as sophistication. Perhaps, in God's eyes, too smart by half.

When I was a kid, someone gave us a dog named "Satan." He ran away. How do you pray for "Satan?"

I have a similar struggle when it is suggested that I pray for "Madonna."
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