Hopefully this time I'm getting the diary out early enough for people to read it before bed. I'm off tonight so I have the chance to do that.
Is Christianity a good thing or a bad thing? Well, it's done a lot of bad stuff in its history, or people have done a lot of bad things in its name. I'm sure a lot of good things have also been done. I think if you look back through history you will see that most of the times when "Christianity" was doing some pretty bad things, like the Spaniards bringing the word of God wrapped around the ball of a musket to the natives, it was when Christianity became too intertwined with the state. In fact, there truly are no good instances of when a religion and a state have combined and it has provided positive results. The Dark Ages directly correlate to control of Europe by the Roman Catholics. But there's definitely good Christians out their, progressive Christians. You have the progressive Christians and the oppressive Christians, the theocrats.
Is there any easy way to tell when Christianity is being progressive and
when it is being oppressive
Is there any easy way to tell when Christianity is being
progressive and when it is being oppressive? Are there any progressive
Christians left? What are some of the terms for and ways to identify oppressive
Christianity, perhaps so that we can take the Christian name off it? I would
hesitate to do that however, because since the West is so easily to refer to
Muslim extremism as Muslim
extremism, I see no reason why we shouldn't refer to oppressive Christianity as
oppressive Christianity. I do,
however, think that we should also give credit where credit is due, especially
to the progressive Christians who are called evil and Satanic by the oppressive
"my way or the devil's highway" types.
Here's some common and nearly universally applicable terms for
the oppressive Christians:
Theocrats
Dominionists
Reconstructionists
Fundies
American Taliban (thanks
Kos)
Identification and location of the theocrats is not difficult.
Look for the following:
They tend to linger outside of abortion clinics
Those are great childhood memories,
seeing pictures of aborted fetuses glued to crudely made signs
They wear t-shirts with a big cross on the front
my mom actually has one of these that she
is fond of wearing, it complements her Big Black Attack Bible very well when she
goes evangelizing.
They like massive churches that seem a long way from what Jesus and the early
church intended. Far from gothic styling, these churches look hip and modern, to
appeal to a younger crowd.
My parents church once spent *Fifteen
thousand dollars on an espresso machine*
so they could appeal to a younger "Generation Next" crowd. Imagine how many
people across the world could have been fed with that money. My dad, to his
credit, fought it tooth and nail and I think it was part of the reason he
stepped down from being an elder.
They believe that Biblical law supercedes the law of our nation. They fear
federal courts and the federal court system, at least until they can gain
control of it too. Basically, they do not care about any law save their own.
Of course, were the theocrats ever to
gain control, you would see them torn asunder from inside, since every branch of
looney fundy has its own "unique" mix of beliefs, and it would be a constant
bloody struggle for control between them.
The believe everyone is a pervert except themselves, and they hate themselves
for their perversions, which they obsessively work to keep hidden.
They have bumper stickers and ribbons on their vehicles saying things like
"Under God!", ignorant as they are to the history of that phrase.
*Theocrats and Dominionists are
very fond of using works of religious fiction as holy books. They love to
make scare books and movies and pamphlets, showing their worst nightmares of
society as it will be when evil wins, and convince themselves that it's reality.
As if seeing a film of it means it's already happened. An excellent example is
the Left Behind series. This is dangerous because they can take any crazy thing
and make it "gospel".*
Oh, I could go on. Basically, theocracy is literally one of the
greatest threats we face in
America today.
It's effing serious, mates. We have extensive historical background for what
happens when religion takes control of any government. They re-write the rules
to fit them and then start up the purges. What can Theocracy do to you? Well, if
you're a woman with a job, they want that to stop. Your place is in the kitchen,
they say. If you're gay, you'll burn. If you're a non-Christian, you should have
no rights. They want to teach your children that science lies and God made the
world in 7 days. They want more then anything for the world to end so they can
go be with Jesus. Any resistance given them only proves further to them the
rightness of their cause, as it's the devil acting through you that causes you
to question them. The theocrats also are not peaceful people, they will most
certainly and readily use violence and militaristic nationalism to achieve their
goals. They have before. Theocrats have existed for centuries, even millennia.
These people are frigging nuts, and they've got a lot of people
in their ranks, not to mention control of two branches of government and eyes on
a third. It's not only the atheists and pagans and such that recognize the
threat that the theocrats pose, though, and that brings me to the second half of
my piece.
The Theocrats are a dark, dark force. Nearly at polar opposites
to them is the progressive Christians. There's a lot of them, even if they don't
seem so apparent. The Theocrats present themselves as being the only true face
of Christianity, but they couldn't be more wrong. There are churches out there,
whole denominations even, that are taking a stand against the forces of
theocracy. The Unitarian Universalists, the United Church of Christ, many of the
Methodists I've met, they are all shining examples of what Christianity should
be. Progressive Christians, once you know what to look for, are easily
identified:
They are condemned by theocrats for holding to principles of
religious pluralism
They are condemned by theocrats because they consider the bible to be more a
figurative guidebook for life then a literal work to be taken literally
They will speak out in support of separation of church and state, because they
know what happens when the two are mixed
They are condemned for saying that it's more how you live your life that
determines where you'll go when you die, not strict adherence to doctrine
They believe in helping out the poor and being a good person, instead of
preaching fire and brimstone to the unsaved
If you ask a progressive Christian a hard question about Christianity, they will
often explain their viewpoint or confess that they've never thought of it that
way, and then contemplate what you've said. A theocrat is trying to exorcize you
before you even get the question out.
There's a lot of these guys out there, and they need our support.
At best, they are considered by the theocrats to be misguided brothers and
sister, and at worst they are considered vile Satanic heretics, meant to
infiltrate and weaken the body of Christ. I don't doubt that if the theocrats
ever get full control, the progressives will be up against the wall just as fast
as the pagans.
So when you argue against Christianity as often as I find myself
doing, remember that it's the oppressive Christians you have to worry about, and
the progressive Christians are the good guys.
Good guys (see what they believe and what you can do to help):
http://www.theocracywatch.org/
http://talk2action.blogspot.com/
Unitarians:
http://www.uua.org/
United Church of Christ:
http://www.ucc.org/index3.html
Christian
Alliance
for Progress: http://www.christianalliance.org
Bad guys (see why you'd want to help out the good guys, and what
nuts these people are):
Jack Chick: www.chick.com
Dobsonite central, Focus on the Family:
http://www.family.org/
Operation Rescue (If you're an abortion doctor, they want you dead):
http://www.operationrescue.org/
Left Behind, the big pack of scary lies peddled by LaHaye and Jenkins, a pair of
snake oil salesmen if ever I saw any:
http://www.leftbehind.com/
Jerry Falwell, who I expect you're all familiar with, seeing as how he blamed
9/11 on feminists and homosexuals:
http://www.falwell.com/?a=
About Jerry Falwell:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Falwell
Christian Coalition (if the theocrats ever get all branches of government
solidly in their pocket, I expect that the militant moral enforcement wing of
the government will have little CC pins on their lapels):
http://www.cc.org/
Remember, theocracy bad, protect the good Christians. And as a
warning for the progressive Christians reading this: You're good guys, I know
the oppressive Christianity lines can be tempting, even now it still is a little
bit for me, but follow your heart. Don't let these hacks confuse you, in the
guise of strengthening your faith or some rot like that. Keep strong to your
principles.
Update: "By their own words shall you know them"
I looked at the link provided by phinky, and found actual comments from Falwell
followers that the CAP recieved after Falwell said unhappy things about them.
CAP reposted these letters on their website. I can't think of a better way to
illustrate the differences between Progressive and Oppressive, as well as
illustration of how closely Religion and Political Party mix with the theocrats.
God's Official Party indeed.
<<ANOTHER GROUP ARRIVES TO COMBAT THE ‘RELIGIOUS RIGHT’
Last month, a new leftist religious organization announced its inception to
battle the alleged domination that Dr. James Dobson, Pat Robertson and I have on
modern-day politics. This organization, the Christian Alliance for Progress, is
hardly “Christian.”
You may say, Falwell, that’s a pretty harsh statement. Well, let’s take a look
at this new group so we can determine if they are actually exhibiting the
precepts of true Christianity.
In announcing its formation, the Christian Alliance for Progress unveiled what
it called its “Jacksonville Declaration,” an open letter to the political and
church leaders of the religious right, which “challenges and invites them to
return to a Christian foundation of compassion and justice, values that Jesus
passionately taught and lived.”
First, the sole purpose for Jesus’ ministry on earth was stated in His own
words: “… for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost”
(Luke 19:30).
Any organization that deems to calls itself “Christian,” simply must have as its
basis the reality that Jesus asserted that salvation could come only through
Him.
I wonder if the leadership of the Christian Alliance for Progress would state
that Jesus Christ, who conquered death following His crucifixion, is the
singular avenue to eternal life in heaven? If not, how can the name Christian be
suitable for this organization?
Second, the Christian Alliance for Progress says it will “speak out when
conservative Christians misrepresent the gospel to support their misguided
political positions.” These positions include “equality for gays and lesbians”
and “honoring the sanctity of childbearing decisions through effective
prevention, not criminalization of abortion.”
It sounds like the
Alliance
got its talking points from Howard Dean. The group is simply falling in line
with untold numbers of past liberal church groups that have promoted
abortion-rights, homosexual rights and anti-war sentiments.
Joseph Loconte recently commented in the Wall Street Journal (July 1, 2005) that
while the Christian Alliance for Progress claims to be “firmly founded on the
teachings of the Gospel,” students of the Gospel “may be surprised at how neatly
such an agenda fits the Democratic Party platform.”
Here is a reality of the Bible: it clearly forbids homosexual behavior and, for
that matter, any sexual activity outside the bonds of male-female marriage. The
Word of God unmistakably speaks against homosexual behavior in Romans chapter 1,
describing a time in history when, as today, men and women gave themselves over
to unnatural sexual relations. There can be no mistaking that these passages
condemn same-sex relationships.
The Christian Alliance for Progress can label themselves “Christian,” but they
are willfully daring to distort and dispute biblical writings forbidding
homosexuality.
Further, abortion is clearly not the will of God. The Bible does not expressly
address abortion, but in Psalm 139, we see a beautiful and remarkable picture of
Almighty God ministering to us even within the womb:
“But you covered my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Marvelous are Your works” (Psalm 139: 13, 14)
Bottom line: personhood begins in the womb at conception; and the Bible is clear
— “Thou shalt not kill.”
I often wonder how in the world leftist theologians can read this dramatic
passage and continue to be lost in their abortion-rights quagmire.
The Christian Alliance for Progress describes themselves as “progressive,” but
their so-called broad-minded efforts toward tolerance have blinded them to how
the Bible instructs us to live.
Finally, the
Alliance
calls for peace and an end to war, but they cannot understand that the only true
peace that man can know comes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
He was not a hippie do-gooder, but rather the Son of the Living God who came to
earth to pave the one way to heaven for mankind. To present Him as anything less
is an outrage.
Dr. Ed Hindson, renowned theologian and Liberty University professor, writing in
the August issue of National Liberty Journal, stated: “If liberals want to
debate these issues on biblical grounds, let them go right ahead. Because they
will lose, not only the debate, but also any influence they might hope to have
among spiritually minded people. They are correct when they insist we do not
speak for them and they certainly don’t speak for us. Their new Alliance for
Progress will simply result in one more organization in regress.”
Many Americans are seeking to discover the true peace of Christ and real meaning
for their lives. While evangelical Christians will continue to be denounced and
despised by the fashionable left, we must continue to devotedly and passionately
take the truth of the Gospel into the world.
It is my sincere pleasure and privilege to be laughed at and scorned because I
have chosen to walk with and live out my life in servitude to the Christ of the
Bible.>>
Here’s what his minions had to say to the CAP:
Rev. Falwell's Followers Respond
The Sunday after Reverend Falwell’s email, the Christian
Alliance for Progress received several messages from those who agree with his
harsh words. Here is what they had to say.
your organization is just another Ant-Christ radical
organization
Dr Robert - Pueblo, CO
I had hoped for another CHRISTIAN effort to obey GOD'S
WORD. Instesd I find that your organization is just another Ant-Christ radical
organization in disobedience to God's Bible and His Commanments! Shame on you
who all all destined for Hell...True Christians (the only kind) will see through
you immediately.
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You do not follow scripture
Hank - Placentia, CA
Your agenda sounds to me like what the apostles went up
against in their journeys, Judizers and false profets. You do not follow
scripture, only the parts you feel suit you and cross out the scripture you are
offended by. You belong in the left wing column right along with the Wall Street
Paper.
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You are preaching aposticy
Marlo - Cedar Falls, IA
You are preaching aposticy. You cannot claim Christianity.
You are lying to people and even if you gain in this world, you lose eternity
which is for everyone who accepts Jesus as the one and only way to redemption. I
will pray you find your way for you are truely lost. What really matters in this
world is Jesus and not politics.
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you are just another name for the Democtatic party
Patrick - Clearwater, FL
Today, I had learned of this organization and came to the
site to read what it is all about. As I read, I am led to believe that you are
just another name for the Democtatic party. Yes, Jesus loves all, BUT, He does
not condone all that everyone does. Now, don't go saying that I am close minded.
I am a Christian who follows the bible. You are the ones who give Christianity a
bad name so stop calling yourselves Christians and stand up and call yourselves
what you are Democrats.
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this organization has really missed the boat
Nathan - Clevelan, TN
Many individuals have acted shamefully in the name of
Christianity by bombing abortion clinics or homosexual-hating counter-parades.
But I see now that this organization has really missed the boat. When I found
this website and began reading the values it stands for, it sounds like Howard
Dean is writing everything. What part of Romans 1 don't you get about how the
Word of God condemns homosexuality? There are no equal rights for anyone who
wants to participate in these disgusting habits. You should not use Christianity
to distort and dispute biblical writings forbidding homosexuality. And abortion.
Murder trumps rights, people. "Thou shalt not kill." That's in the Bible. Now if
we could just establish when life begins...How about this: “But you covered my
inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am
fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works” (Psalm 139: 13, 14).
Yes, that's in the Bible too. Now peace. When the British were telling you how
to worship and would kill you if did anything else, would hold up two fingers
and say "Peace, man." And if you were in Iraq, and your best friends just got
burned alive and dragged through the streets, would you serve cookies and milk
to the next terroist that came in? The only true peace countries have is being
prepared, at any time, to go to war. We cannot cower down in a fetal position
like you want us to and hope to continue living in a free society. Instead of
starting another leftist rights group, you should have devoted your time and
resources to seeking out those individuals who take Christianity too far. Now,
it seems you have joined the groups you set out to bring and, like them, you
will not last.
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this organization has been and is deceiving many
Gary - Fitchburg, MA
After reviewing Christian Alliance for Progress I have come
to the conclusion that this organization has been and is deceiving many by
underminig "compassion and justice" as defined and led by man, not God. This
know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be
lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient
to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false
accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors,
heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form
of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this
sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with
sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the
knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:1-7 Therefore seeing we have this ministry,
as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of
dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully;
but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience
in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not,
lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should
shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:1-4 You may wish to challenge your "Christian
Doctrine" at http://www.earstohear.net/Kingdom
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Shame on you
Anonymous - Anonymous, UT
I don't see anything in here about Jesus Christ being the
one true way to heaven. Seems like you folks are real close to the Democratic
Platform to me!!
Shame on you!!!
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Please disband
David - Round Rock, TX
Grevious sin was the focus of the teachings of Jesus and
Dr. Martin Luther King and should be for regenerate "Christians". I do not see
any reference to the sin problem of homosexuality(Romans 1:27), the routine
murder of innocents in Iraq and other countries the lack of support of the poor,
the elderly in your thrust. You have missed the Christian experience of the Holy
Spirit yet again. Please disband (you won't, I know) and join the church of
Christ in advancing holiness and defeating evil where you find it.
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Please change your title
Susan - Key Largo, FL
Please change your title to something else other than
Christian. Christian you are not. Jesus said, "I am the way the truth and the
life no one comes to the Father but by me." So you see His was not your wishy
washy view of things.
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It's a travesty that your group has taken the "Christian"
name
R - Middleton, IN
To be "Christian" as you have titled yourselves, means to
espouse ALL the teachings of Jesus Christ, not just some of them. "All" the
teachings of Jesus include the fact that killing (abortion) as well as
homosexual behavior are sins and these behaviors cannot be encouraged. I've read
your beliefs. There's nothing "Christian" about it the promotion of these
behaviors. While we love those who practice these behaviors, we do NOT approve
of the behaviors themselves, nor do we support any group that does promote these
actions. It's a travesty that your group has taken the "Christian" name. I
admonish you to please remove it from your title.
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Homos are disgusting
Bill - Jacksonville, FL
You cannot be labled "Christian" if promote gay rights.
Romans 1:26-30 states that homos are the only buncg that God ever gave up on.
Homos are disgusting, God even called them an "Abomination."
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another Left wing site
Jason - East Peoria, IL
"The movement to reclaim Christianity". Shouldn't your
slogan be, "The movement to warp Christianity" ? Come on, just looking down your
list of tenants on the home page, this is appears like another Left wing site
that could be grouped in with the likes of Moveon.org and MichaelMoore.com.
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A TRUE CHRISTIAN KNOWS homosexuality IS NOT ACCEPTABLE
David - Camp Hill, PA
you can call youselves christians, but, calling yourselves
something DOES NOT make it true. if that were true, then I could make myself a
Buick Regal just by calling myself a Buick Regal. you can only be a TRUE
CHRISTIAN ACCEPTING JESUS CHRIST INTO YOUR HEART, AND BEING SAVED BY GRACE
THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS. A TRUE CHRISTIAN KNOWS homosexuality IS NOT ACCEPTABLE
(REMEMBER SODOM AND GOMORRAH?), ABORTION IS NOT BIBLICAL (WHAT PART OF THOU
SHALT NOT do yuou not understand?), AND GOD HAS USED WAR MANY TIMES TO TEACH A
LESSON TO OR GIVE A GROUP OF PEOPLE AN "ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT