Here’s a Thought: Not a Christian Comedian, Part 2

Just so there isn’t a question about where I stand - whether you’re a regular reader of my little dissertations here at New Christian Voices, or on my website, or at one of my personal appearances – I’ve offered up some defenses and some definitions of exactly what I believe. (See Here’s a Thought: I Am not a Christian Comedian.)

I follow Jesus Christ. I have for most of my life, in one form or another, regardless of my actions (often questionable and stupid) and the perception of what I’ve done. I don’t claim to be “born again.” I was born once (no need to repeat that), then I made a choice, and I have stuck with it. I think loyalty, perseverance and consistency are important in life, and while those may not be solely attributed to my faith, those characteristics are certainly part of my faith.

I believe that Christ was put on earth for a reason. I believe Him to be the Son of God, and that He is my Savior. I’m happy to discuss and describe in detail that leap of faith with anyone who cares to do so. Be forewarned: I am very comfortable, very confident and very committed to my core beliefs. I’ve been grilled about it, insulted and snubbed because of it, but it’s part of who I am and I don’t waiver.

I’m not superior to anybody else, Christian or not, and I certainly don’t have all the answers to life’s most difficult questions. I don’t think all the answers are in The Bible, either. That would make things easy, but God has given us souls and brains and abilities to work things out, although we seem to do our best to ignore those God-given traits.

I think I’m probably a “liberal” Christian, whatever that means; I don’t hate any particular group of people – I certainly do not hold ill feelings or an extreme dislike for gay people, whom I see as children of God, just like you and I – and I try hard to be compassionate and forgiving with those whom I disagree with and don’t respect (murderers, criminals, celebrities are three examples); I vote for the person I think is the best person for the job, which means I have no allegiance to a particular political party, and I would not be opposed to voting for someone of a different faith – or no faith – if I felt he/she was the best person for the job; I totally believe in freedom of religion; if I am forced to decide, I will always opt for “pro life,” but I feel duplicitous just writing that because who am I to tell a woman what to do with her body? Especially someone I don’t know?

I like people, all people, and that includes Jews, Muslims, atheists, agnostics, Keith Olbermann and even Pastor Rick Warren (who holds no love for yours truly). I’m not a hater. I might disagree with you, but I will try not to argue my case. I’ll try and make it.

The fact that I don’t use profanity on stage during live performances has nothing to do with my being Christian. The reason I am “clean” is a calculated preference on my part.

I am not a Christian comedian. I’m a comedian who is a Christian, and that is a very important distinction.

I am not defined by my job.

At the same time, there are Christian comedians who I find to be as funny as anyone in the country: Jeff Allen, Tim Hawkins, Daren Streblow and Kerri Pomarelli, among others.

I’d be their opening act any day.

Read more of Taylor Mason's Here's a Thought columns.