I was out of it, and had missed this, before. From the
WaPo, we learn that DeLay's religious friends (Dobson, Bauer, Wildmon, Weyrich) are already elevating DeLay to divine status:
House majority leader because he was indicted by a Texas grand jury on charges of money laundering and conspiracy, or because of his extensive ties to lawbreaking lobbyist Jack Abramoff. But they would be wrong.
In fact, the Texas Republican fell from power because he is a Christian.
That, at least, is the view of Rick Scarborough, convener of a conference this week called "The War on Christians."
"I believe the most damaging thing that Tom DeLay has done in his life is take his faith seriously into public office, which made him a target for all those who despise the cause of Christ," Scarborough said, introducing DeLay yesterday. When DeLay finished, the host reminded the politician: "God always does his best work right after a crucifixion."
Greg Saunders at This Modern World provides the visuals.
Simply amazing. Here's a
fairly recent profile of Scarborough, one of the rising stars of militant Christianity.
Though ostensibly a minister, Scarborough couldn't possibly become a bigger anti-Christian worm. That people follow him -- that he likely will never have to apologize for this -- continues to demonstrate to me that true Christianity, in America, is lost. Those true to the actual faith continue to be marginalized, while a hundred televised devils quote Scripture and form PACs.
It is patently obvious to anyone who has studied Christ's teachings to any degree that the faith has been twisted, by Scarborough and his ilk, beyond all recognition. The newest militant language of the movement -- a transparent lifting of Christian rhetoric and tactics from right-wing "Christian" militias and organized hate groups -- is only the latest step in the bloodied corruption of the faith in subservience to politics, and oppression, and hate. Now it has become an eruption. Now this brand of G.I. Joe gun-toting false Christianity is being mainstreamed openly, and adopted as preeminently Republican.
As far as I'm concerned, Republicans can have it.
Scarborough and the others are right, of course, about one thing: there is a War on Christians. That much is obvious, and what has been done in Christ's name by these circus freaks of religion, these last years, demonstrates the point.
In any event, I am not sure I have ever heard more chilling words in my life, than the words used to justify all of this.
"Sides are being chosen, and the future of man hangs in the balance!" [DeLay] warned. "The enemies of virtue may be on the march, but they have not won, and if we put our trust in Christ, they never will. ... It is for us then to do as our heroes have always done and put our faith in the perfect redeeming love of Jesus Christ."
DeLay basked in the rapturous ovation that followed. "Keep your eyes on Jesus," Scarborough called after the fallen leader as he departed the stage.
As for myself, I feel the need to write, somewhere, in some small public place, that I am not of this ilk, and that I condemn it. As a Christian, it is incumbent upon me.