Amen-thanks for pointing out these inconsistencies with our laws, ethics, and ideals. Furthermore, can you perhaps (without being obvious to point of turning off those who might avoid the Bible) point out some basic precepts of Christianity that specifically teaches us 'how' to act among our fellow humans. The direct and actual words of Christ and the Apostles usually tend to reform those who would spout ridiculous racist tropes. Thanks again for all you do.
Thank you for your comments. I do agree that the words of Jesus and the Apostles can be a corrective. Unfortunately, to my great frustration as a Christian, many, maybe even a majority of the people doing these things are Christians and go to church, where allegedly they hear the Gospel. Be assured, I have been writing about this and related subjects for years on my old blog, and I do try to point out the teachings of Jesus, the Apostles, and the Prophets of the Old Testament. When I did, I seldom got push back from non-believers, but, when there was push back it came from self-described Christians. Yet, I persevere.
As a member of “the chosen people “, l find it difficult to reconcile this concept against the equally to which we are also subscribe. Does this mean that those who are not of my faith are not favoured and therefore less worthy?
Hypocrisy seems to be an essential element of religious belief and yet if you do not subscribe to a religious order, are you less deserving of favour and more disfavoured?
The perspective we own is an inherited one, not based on reason but on blind faith. But membership in a designated tribe cannot preclude taking exception to matters of conscience. Ultimately each of us must made a choice. The problem is further complicated when our personal choices is in conflict with others who otherwise share our values.
Learning to disagree is one of the most significant lesson we can teach our children. It promotes tolerance, a concept that is lost on those how favor mob rule.
I know. You got it exactly right. The recently departed Gary North, who mentored many of the current GOP leaders including Rand Paul wrote:
“The long-term goal of Christians in politics should be to gain exclusive control over the franchise. Those who refuse to submit publicly to the eternal sanctions of God by submitting to His Church’s public marks of the covenant–baptism and holy communion–must be denied citizenship, just as they were in ancient Israel.”
The attitudes of such people are so far from the highest ideals of our nation and against a sane reading of the Bible. But, then, these people don’t believe in those ideals. They are frightening people who believe that they are doing God’s will. Even Barry Goldwater warned us about them in 1994 when he told John Dean:
“Mark my word, if and when these preachers get control of the [Republican] party, and they’re sure trying to do so, it’s going to be a terrible damn problem. Frankly, these people frighten me. Politics and governing demand compromise. But these Christians believe they are acting in the name of God, so they can’t and won’t compromise. I know, I’ve tried to deal with them.” November, 1994, in John Dean, Conservatives Without Conscience.
What a disgusting statement -- and one that hundreds of millions around the world believe. (I'm thinking of the Uyghurs in China as I write this.) That a nasty old man here in the United States truly believes this, as do millions of Americans, is sickening and disheartening. If it were me, and I had my wits about me (which I'm sure I wouldn't have had), I'd have laughed and said, "George Orwell! Terrific!", and then smiled and walked away leaving the old geezer scratching his head. ("Who?")
Amen-thanks for pointing out these inconsistencies with our laws, ethics, and ideals. Furthermore, can you perhaps (without being obvious to point of turning off those who might avoid the Bible) point out some basic precepts of Christianity that specifically teaches us 'how' to act among our fellow humans. The direct and actual words of Christ and the Apostles usually tend to reform those who would spout ridiculous racist tropes. Thanks again for all you do.
Joseph,
Thank you for your comments. I do agree that the words of Jesus and the Apostles can be a corrective. Unfortunately, to my great frustration as a Christian, many, maybe even a majority of the people doing these things are Christians and go to church, where allegedly they hear the Gospel. Be assured, I have been writing about this and related subjects for years on my old blog, and I do try to point out the teachings of Jesus, the Apostles, and the Prophets of the Old Testament. When I did, I seldom got push back from non-believers, but, when there was push back it came from self-described Christians. Yet, I persevere.
Peace and blessings,
Steve
As a member of “the chosen people “, l find it difficult to reconcile this concept against the equally to which we are also subscribe. Does this mean that those who are not of my faith are not favoured and therefore less worthy?
Hypocrisy seems to be an essential element of religious belief and yet if you do not subscribe to a religious order, are you less deserving of favour and more disfavoured?
The perspective we own is an inherited one, not based on reason but on blind faith. But membership in a designated tribe cannot preclude taking exception to matters of conscience. Ultimately each of us must made a choice. The problem is further complicated when our personal choices is in conflict with others who otherwise share our values.
Learning to disagree is one of the most significant lesson we can teach our children. It promotes tolerance, a concept that is lost on those how favor mob rule.
Babette,
I know. You got it exactly right. The recently departed Gary North, who mentored many of the current GOP leaders including Rand Paul wrote:
“The long-term goal of Christians in politics should be to gain exclusive control over the franchise. Those who refuse to submit publicly to the eternal sanctions of God by submitting to His Church’s public marks of the covenant–baptism and holy communion–must be denied citizenship, just as they were in ancient Israel.”
The attitudes of such people are so far from the highest ideals of our nation and against a sane reading of the Bible. But, then, these people don’t believe in those ideals. They are frightening people who believe that they are doing God’s will. Even Barry Goldwater warned us about them in 1994 when he told John Dean:
“Mark my word, if and when these preachers get control of the [Republican] party, and they’re sure trying to do so, it’s going to be a terrible damn problem. Frankly, these people frighten me. Politics and governing demand compromise. But these Christians believe they are acting in the name of God, so they can’t and won’t compromise. I know, I’ve tried to deal with them.” November, 1994, in John Dean, Conservatives Without Conscience.
Just sad. Thank you for your comment.
Peace,
Steve
What a disgusting statement -- and one that hundreds of millions around the world believe. (I'm thinking of the Uyghurs in China as I write this.) That a nasty old man here in the United States truly believes this, as do millions of Americans, is sickening and disheartening. If it were me, and I had my wits about me (which I'm sure I wouldn't have had), I'd have laughed and said, "George Orwell! Terrific!", and then smiled and walked away leaving the old geezer scratching his head. ("Who?")