I only recently re-launched this blog, and it turns out that much has changed since the original “serve-learn-grow” idea of 2011.  My fingernails have grown, I acquired four grey hairs, and *NSYNC did a one-time reunion gig.  Given all these dramatic cultural and personal shifts, my blog name simply does not make sense anymore.  Like a butterfly emerging from the cocoon, it needs to leave behind its literary caterpillar and find a new identity.

With so few readers, now seems like as good a time as any to rethink the blog, its purpose, and most importantly, its name.  So here is the rationale for the new name, followed by some possible tag-lines.  Help me pick the best one!

Why “Life Reconciling”?

The blog has moved steadily toward the wide realm of “cultural commentary:”  Stories and thoughts all aimed at the big questions of who we are as individuals living in society.  Like Tom Wolfe and South Park, I am ever-fascinated in the ways we make fools of ourselves together.

Within this umbrella, I am particularly interested in the relationship between people of diverse viewpoints.  My twitter description once read: “Seeking what separates and unites us all.”  Aside from being incurably vague, it is also a pretty good description of the blog.

Moreover, in a world of increasing polarization, more people are crying out for a way to have strong opinions without having to fall into one of two set categories.  “Polarization” is the movement of people and ideas to two extreme “poles,” leaving the space between empty.  Look at the major issues like homosexuality, abortion or women’s rights in religion and politics, and you see this kind of vitriolic division.   My goal is to help fill that gap and reconcile these two poles.  At the very least, we need something beyond the exaggerated Right/Left where the opposite view is evil and wrong.  The Rally to Restore Sanity (And/Or Fear) in 2010 was just such a pushback against the political polarization of the country over the past few decades.

From where I stand, this blog could help navigate a road beyond simple Right/Left polarization by looking at the particular middle grounds of faith, politics and daily life.  I am passionate about challenging myself and others to think outside of the Black/White dualities of our current culture and see the many (not 50) shades of grey that constitute reality.

What’s In a Tag-Line?

As you will soon see, coming up with creative tag-lines is not my forte.  Please add your own, shoot these down, or give a thumbs up:

“Finding Peace in the Time of Culture Wars”

“Cultural Commentary on Faith, Politics, and Everyday Life”

“Telling a Different Story”

“Kicking polarization in its red and blue ass”

What other suggestions do you have?