text: I grew up in west Eugene and was forced under duress (by my mother) to attend a local Lutheran church.  There I was exposed to the teachings of Jesus; caring for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the outcast, and my favorite.. the Sermon on the Mount.  I was inspired.  But I was inspired in the midst of a largely racist, sexist, xenophobic, tribalist and intolerant church that appeared to have put Jesus on a pedestal so high, they could no longer hear what he said.
  
  I got out as soon as I completed my mother's imposed sentence, with time off for good behavior.  But I still remember those teachings from my readings and study among the "faithful."  And I try to apply them in my life.  I am not a Christian, but neither was Jesus.