Welcome to Street Prophets Coffee Hour! Thermal for the warmth of a good cup of coffee or your preferred beverage, as well as the warmth of a more progressive religion and community.
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Please Note Disclaimer: I write about Christianity because I was raised in the Church, so it’s what I know. Furthermore, I know of several instances where people commenting about another religion have gotten it wrong, so I feel that I am not qualified to branch out. Nothing here should be taken as implying that Christianity is better than any other religion or no religion.
You can see the array of topics Street Prophets cover here; and if you would also like to write for the series, please see the Street Prophets profile: “All who seek to promote a new conversation about the role of religion in America's public life are welcome here.” Just drop Street Prophets a Kosmail.
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Today’s Topic: Mikey Weinstein had another excellent diary yesterday on the latest outrage from the Jesus pushers at the Air Force Academy. Of course this is a problem because of the obvious discrimination and potential for discrimination in leadership showing an overt preference for followers of their right-wing brand of Christianity. Anyone with half a brain should be able to realise that this will make non-Christians feel marginalised and unwanted. It is not good for military cohesion, brotherhood, and all those positive group qualities that the military wants to encourage in their troops. It could potentially thwart the ambitions of talented leaders of other faiths or no faith who may have just the qualities we really need in a military leader. The Air Force Academy continues to push, however, giving Mikey unending opportunities to fight them again and again, taking them to court when necessary. Clearly they have a problem with diversity and tolerance.
But I want to point out another big problem I have with this from a progressive Christian perspective: I do not worship a God who cheers for one side in a war! Yes, I recognise that there are dictator wannabes (Putin, looking at you) and legitimate fights in defense of homes and lives (Ukraine, looking at you). But I don’t want to cheer for death and destruction and I won’t worship an image of God who does so either. War is tragedy — perhaps only second to submission to oppression. I cheer for it to be over soon with the best possible outcome for all concerned. When I am in a savage “beat them all” mood, I’m not feeling very godlike. I do not think Warrior God is our highest ideal.
Given the number of times that militaries in general, and the US military in particular, have been aggressors rather than defenders, my image of God informed by my reading of the Bible has no place at any military academy. We have no idea what their next orders will be. I think it is OK for you to think that God is on your side. But not that She is on your side more than on the other side. It is often impossible to know if you are on the side of justice or war crimes until after military action, sometimes long after. The Bible provides many passages about loving one’s enemies.
In addition, too often wars for Christianity have become wars fought by many with unquestioning enthusiasm, and drag on with the intention to oppress people with other beliefs and/or “the wrong kinds of beliefs,” such as Catholic versus Protestant. We need to move beyond that and embrace diversity. For a deep dive into whether religions promote war or peace and under what conditions, see this paper by J. William Frost for the Friends Association. I want my religion to stand for peace and not be corrupted to justify war. I certainly am not the only one, as point 6 of a formal statement of progressive Christianity is peace and justice.
War should be the last resort and its goals limited to fighting oppression. Fight for freedom. Fight for the right to self determination. Do NOT fight for Christianity — there are other religions, and none, that have just as much validity and deserve equal respect.
I strongly believe that war, like government, functions best with secular structures and purposes. And religion does best keeping its focus on spirituality.
Finally as always, let’s elevate our Community Cred and repost The Needs List! From Aashirs nani (with permission) on Helping Humpday — with congratulations for getting a diary up on Wednesday!:
PLEASE NOTE:
When sending via PayPal, be sure to select “Send to family/friend” to avoid fees on either end. Be aware, both donor and recipient, that GFM not only charges fees, but also money received through that platform is treated as taxable income. If you are requesting help through GFM, also be aware that there can be delays in accessing the money.
COMMUNITY NEEDS LIST AS OF 3/15/23:
Fundraisers who want a diary to be or stay on the list: PLEASE kosmail requests and donations received to njm5000 by Tuesday evening to be included on the Wednesday morning updated list.
Living on the financial edge—need help? Check out the Helping Directories before your next emergency.
Housing and Living Expenses Fundraisers and Other Links
When sending via PayPal, be sure to select “Send to family/friend” to avoid fees on either end.
morgansmom—needs help towards major car repairs and moving to a better environment. $8000 7950 7900 7850 7750 7725 7615 7605 7565 7465 7415 7375 7275 7175 7025 6920 6820 6570 6470 6360 6350 6150 5650 4685 43854360 Radiator is repaired & will soon get a new estimate for the front end rebuild. Current medical issues come 1st • Visit the KoFi page to see some cool artwork & donate! • PayPal: wingednag at gmail dot com.
J Graham—Woot!
Kos Katalogue 2022 is here—please Kosmail BeadLady if you have corrections or additions.
Falcon Hawke—could use some help right now and has a goal of $10,000 8300 5620 5470±. Here’s the diary. • PayPal—celtichart1 at aol dot com • Venmo—celtichart1 at aol dot com • Zelle celtichart1 at aol dot comwww.gofundme.com/…
I haven’t heard from Falcon Hawke since 1/17. Is anyone in contact with him? I updated the list with the last 3 donations on GFM only. I can only hope that he’s OK.
anotherdemocrat—has a diary up: Anyone know where I can find a 2nd job? She’s in Austin and is suddenly $24000 in debt, mainly due to an HOA assessment! From the diary: “So, $24,000 is more money than I can ask even a big community like Daily Kos to donate. I have a venmo: at Becky-Helton, Cashapp: $B3ckyHelt0n, and GoFundMe, if anyone wants to help with next month’s payments but for a big total like that, I need a 2nd job. My day job is M-F from 8-5, so it would have to be evenings & weekends.” and “Skills: writing, 20+ years of customer service work, super reliable…” anotherdemocrat has payments covered for a couple of months (thanks, donors <3) and wants to pause donations. She does ask for help updating her resume. “There are part-time remote jobs that look good. Just need an updated resume to upload.” Kosmail, if you can help.
michelewln—Woot!
Coloradowoodsman. needs help to save his home. The time has been extended a little and the money is somewhat reduced. GFM or PayPal We can bring this home.
aznaturegrrrl has a diary, On behalf of my cats. . . Needs 1350 900 This is urgent. Work is seasonal, with little income between now and May to feed and care for the cats.
Please note also that Chef Bobby Neary, “@nuevopioneer,” has passed away. We will continue to post his favourite charity to honour him — please consider a donation to the Satos, the street pets of Puerto Rico! Bobby adopted his own Sato, Missilu, as well as raised funds for PR’s Satos.
I’m in for a mickle each week toward a variety of DKos members on the Needs List. I hope you’ll join me. Always glad to see the needed amounts gradually decreasing!
If helping financially isn’t the right choice for you at this time, you can still help. Tip and rec the diary so it stays visible. Share on social media: Twitter, Facebook, whatever platform you use, to bring the attention of others outside our daily readers. And offer words of encouragement to people who are struggling. It can be scary to be struggling, and it can feel lonely. Let them know we understand and are here to help.
If you have time, please visit the diaries above and leave comments for their authors. Those words of encouragement are vital!
If you don’t like fundraisers, please just move along. They are a longstanding tradition at DKos — Until we vote in enough progressives to create a much stronger social safety net! (Maybe in 2 years.)
And finally, please note: I am sole caregiver for my Mom, so sometimes get interrupted to take care of her. Otherwise, I will be here to engage in Comments. Meanwhilst, please chat amongst yourselves, take a coffee break, post aminal photos, food/drink and tunes, spread the word and invite your friends, etc.! Thanks to all!