Originally about religion and perhaps a little politics, this blog has become more about politics and maybe a little religion. A lapsed Catholic, the author was born and raised into the conservative Republican tradition, weaned on William F. Buckley and National Review and an early listener of Rush Limbaugh. Which meant that, when it was time to give religion another shot, conservative neo-Evangelical Protestantism was the most ideologically comfortable fit.
Unfortunately, taking the Gospels to heart made it very difficult to place market principles above those of Jesus and learning to adopt a more forgiving altitude resulted in a more open mind and a willingness to entertain different religious and political opinions. Amazingly, the author found himself no longer identifying as a conservative or even (what many define) as a Christian. The author is passionate about interfaith dialogue, particularly between Christians and Muslims, as well as fostering respect and mutual appreciation between atheists and theists. Hailing from the politically dominant position of American Christianity means that the author will, more often than not, side with the underdog, even (or especially) if it upsets the status quo. There are no sacred cows deserving of the status.
Today this blog tries to walk the middle path, between Conservative and Liberal, between Christian and everything else (although an outright rejection of Christian Fundamentalism and the current Tea Party ideology has likely tilted it more to the Left). The author’s main goal with this blog is to point out where the so-called fundamentals - our cherished bed rock principles and beliefs (our sacred cows)- are not necessarily as solid and as permanent (or as sacred) as many believe. A slavish devotion to these fundamentals, whether they are religious, spiritual, historical or scientific, usually does more harm than good.
Understanding all this, the author realizes that he cannot write his opinions in stone any more than anyone else should, and a sampling of writings over the past 4 years will reveal an evolution away from modernistic and traditional thinking. To help him avoid adopting his own imperfect ideas and opinions as just another (flawed) orthodoxy, the author invites others to engage in (hopefully) spirited, intelligent and respectful debate on just about any topics. Hence the name of this blog, “Sharp Iron”, which is an allusion to Proverbs 27:17:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one sharpens another.”
#1 by Christian Beyer on March 12, 2009 - 10:32 pm
Yes, I can email you (just did), the thought processes are not that deep (you should know) and get a FACEBOOK!? Are you nuts? I’m half a century old, fer cryin’ out loud!
#2 by Christian Beyer on March 12, 2009 - 10:33 pm
But I have been contemplating the idea.
#3 by Mike on May 1, 2010 - 4:00 pm
Hello, Otto–
We at notjesusfault.com just wanted to say “thanks” for helping spread the word about our website by posting the logo/banner on your blog.
After reading your self-description in “Otto’s Motto” (“I’m not too crazy about “religion” and have little patience for the orthodoxies and dogmas that other people try to lay on me”), please know that we reeeeeaaaally understand what you mean.
Ultimately, it’s not about religion — it’s about relationships. You hit the nail on the head when you say: “the farther away I get from religion, the stronger my faith seems to get.” Just as Jesus and other spiritual greats seem to have known, the “hidden” truth is actually simple and profound: the”kingdom of God” is within each of us, and the answers have been there all along.
Anyway, thanks again for your support — and for your own efforts to foster dialogue with others. It’s great to read a blog that reflects the good-willed, genuine, heartfelt journey of a fellow seeker of truth.
Mike
#4 by Barney on August 23, 2010 - 3:14 pm
why did you spell metal as Mettle?
#5 by Christian Beyer on August 23, 2010 - 3:29 pm
Oop! Forget to use Spellcheck.
#6 by John on March 13, 2012 - 2:22 pm
I think mettle has a different meaning, referring to the Cambridge online dictionary….. What is this blog all about? Are you a Christian? And, if so, what IS a Christian?
I have a different religion, although I grew up in a Christian society. But the views expressed here would not be considered Christian by those Christians. I am led to believe some of the first Christians gathered in Antioch. Ever been there? Some of the first Christians were known as “gnostics” I think that;s a Greek word for knowledge, possibly indicating that those people did not only rely on faith, but knew something more…… after all, belief excluding knowledge could be considered blind
#7 by Christian Beyer on March 13, 2012 - 2:35 pm
Definition of METTLE
1a : vigor and strength of spirit or temperament b : staying quality : stamina
2: quality of temperament or disposition
Anyway, I lot of Christians would not consider me a Christian, you are right. But they would be wrong.
And some of the first Christians were gnostic. But not all. That being said, I would never recommend blind belief. But as for faith, which I see more as trust. that is a different issue.