Soon enough, some heated debate, a bit of acrimony and a Republican jumps up, thumps on his Bible and yells, "God is on our side! God will smite you! God is great!" Of course, not to be outdone, a Democrat jumps up, "Toss your Bible, good sir! God is in our hearts! We have no need for books made of trees to tell us this! God is on our side! God will smite you! God is great!" This Muslim cleric preens his shaggy beard, assumes a brow beating stern look then leaps up, "You infidels! The only book you need is the Koran! God is on our side. God will smite you! God is great! Peace be upon Him."
Sitting out in the audience, I am confused. I need an answer to this question, "On whose side is God?" I devise a devious test. Like those great minds, I jump up, stand on my folding chair, pull off all my clothes then holler, "My body is a temple! My womb a giver of life! My breasts a river of life sustaining milk! I am a life giver! Is God on my side?"
Women cover their mouths in surprise, avert their eyes. Men look to make sure their wives are not looking, then gawk at me with the slightest hints of smiles on their faces. Somewhere in the back a tight white collared priest pontificates, "Ye shall rot in the halls of Hades for this!"
I stand strong, I stand assertive, "I want to know. Is God on my side?"
Up front, all the seated speakers of God stare in disbelief. A Republican stands and yells, "Call the police, this woman is to be arrested for lewd and lascivious conduct! Throw her in jail for life, she corrupts the very fabric of our God fearing nation!"
A Democrat takes the soapbox, "Please, ma’am, you are shocking my sensibilities, you are hurting my feelings, you are making women cry and causing men to blush. This is not politically correct. Please, young woman, dress yourself before God touches you with His hands of both generous welfare and justice. We can talk about this, on this beautiful day in the neighborhood."
Boy howdy, this Muslim cleric is really agitated. He jumps up, almost flips his turban, draws a large long scary looking sword, "Infidels, everywhere I look, infidels! Your bare flesh is the greatest sin of all! You offend Allah! I shall saw your head off you wanton whore!"
Inherently, we American Indians are never rattled by much of anything; we are very pragmatic. I calmly address this panel of great religious minds and their audience, "I take this to mean God is not on my side. Then whose side is God on?"
Rather amusing to encounter these people who claim God to be on their side simply to justify their beliefs, simply to justify whatever this is they are doing. "God is on our side!"
God is not a politician nor does God play dice with our universe. God, in Her infinite wisdom, knows better than to argue religion and politics. God does not have to campaign, God does not have to sell Herself to the masses, God has no worry about votes. God is the greatest despot of the universe; She is totally in charge without lifting so much as Her little finger.
So, whose side is God on?
I think we have reached a stage of enlightenment all of us should knock off this "God is on our side" silliness. Preaching religion and politics these days only annoys people.
God is not a politician nor does She care to become involved in politics; She is a very busy Girl taking care of our universe. I mean, like She is going to give us Her full attention rather than take care of the zillions of people out there in our vast universe?
God is not a politician nor is God exclusively ours to claim.
I will put my clothes back on now but I still want to know, "Whose side is God on?"
