Letters to the Editor
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Thank you all
As a writer, editor and atheist who is currently editing the manuscript of one of the most clear-headed books ever written about what Christianity really is and should be, I thank you all. Seeing the unanimous derision and ideological spanking that the lunatic fringe of the Jesus Brigade is getting on these pages reminds me that there are many intelligent folks who do not buy into the delusional hate speech of these foul creatures in the slightest. It's a hopeful sign.
And Loula, thank you for a letter that made me laugh so hard I snorted Diet Dr. Pepper out my nose. I'm a sucker for a Holy Grail-based headline, I guess.
PS: Look for the book "God is Not a Christian" in the fall. It's already got Pat Robertson pissed and it's not even out yet. That's a very good sign.
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We have GOT to stop rolling over
There are two problems, as I see them. First, based on personal experience, people on the "religious left"--of all faiths--tend to go about their work and not draw attention to themselves.
The second problem, specific to Christians, is education. Fundamentalist megachurches offer scands of Bible study classes, and it allows people to speak with a voice of authority even as they twist or ignore scripture which contradicts their viewpoints. More progressive Christians need to seek out opportunities for Bible study so that they can, as the article says, engage the religious right in a theological debate.
Finally, the Democrats have to stop shying away from tying these extremists around the GOP's neck like a millstone. They've been doing this for a long time--child molester and cult leader David Koresh had his defenders on the right, don't forget. It can never hurt to expose the belief of these fringe elements to the light of day.
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This I know
I don't know, maybe there is a God. I can't prove that there's not, any more than the wingnuts can prove that there is.
I also don't know, maybe there is a Heaven. Can't prove that there's not.
One thing I know for sure. If there is a God and there is a Heaven, and God has decided that the folks at this conference are going there, then I would much rather go to Hell.
Actually, it's hard to imagine a better definition of Hell than being condemned to spend eternity in the company of people who take Tom Delay seriously.
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What would Ganesha say?
This is why we have to fight for our right to learn Hunduism in the schools.
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Would you PLEASE stop calling them CHRISTIANS?
The Christian faith/religion/whatever encompasses a wide variety of sects, denominations and practices...from Roman Catholic to German Lutheran to Egyptian Coptic...and yet, somehow, the word has now become shorthand for what I call "Militant Protestants." They represent a cult-within-the-faith, preaching doctrines NOT accepted by all or perhaps even most followers of Christ.
There has got to be a better word somewhere in the dictionary, or perhaps wikipedia, to describe this segment of Christianity. Any suggestions, people?
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The fundamental misunderstanding of separation of church and state
This is in answer to Gene:
I have heard of these instances of suppression of public speech about religion. Most of these seem to be done by persons in some kind of authority (principals of schools, mayors), but not by the court. They don't even ask the court, they just do it. (i.e. they're officious idiots.)
I think people misunderstand the ammendment. It means that the STATE can't support a religion. It shouldn't mean that individual people can't talk about religion in a public setting.
So students should be able to have their own prayer groups before and after school, but the teachers shouldn't be imposing their religion upon their students, or leading prayer in class. If a child chooses to talk about a religious figure or book, when given a an open choice of any topic, that's the child's right. (Isn't part of teaching about religious tolerance learning about other's religious beliefs?)
Heckling a child for belief or for lack of belief should be forbidden.
The state or city shouldn't put up a religious monument, but it should be ok to offer the space to any group to put up a decoration in rotation. The decorations honoring those killed at Columbine were the people's choice, and should have allowed Christian and other religious symbols. I've heard one story of a group using a local park to perform outdoor baptisms, and being (improperly)denied that right, even though anyone else could use the space any they way they wanted to. Giving space for religion isn't the same as establishing a religion.
Even singing religious songs shouldn't be outlawed; it is part of our cultural heritage. Do we really think that person's of different faith (or no faith) cannot enjoy religious music, and honor the impulse to create it, even if they don't share that faith?
This interpretation of the separation of church and state would satisfy me, but probably not those who want a state religion.(!) However, if we could point to the freedoms they have, and stop needlessly annoying them, it would be helpful.
Robin W.
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Progressive Christians
It is not inherently contradictory to be both progressive and Christian. I fervently hope I am both. It's certainly my intention. These fascists masquerading as disciples- Delay, Falwell, Robertson, Bush, Scarborough, et al- are indeed Biblical figures. You can read about them prominently in the New Testament. They are called Pharisees, and are among the few specifically condemned by Jesus. There's a warm welcome waiting for these hypocrites in the next life. Real, real warm. Hell got a couple more for the eternal BBQ yesterday when Weinberger and Noffziger bought the farm. Toasty!
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Tha' f--k???
These wingnuts advocate the "execution of homosexuals, apostates and women who are unchaste before marriage". EXECUTE? Holy Hand Grenade, Batman, these people are completely whack!
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Mainstreaming Reconstructionists???
Look out. I mean it. If these fools are being even partially embraced by those in real political power then the America of "A Handmaid's Tale" is in play, if not actually achieved. That's beyond frightening.
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The danger of confusing Christ and Country
When I read about the hate and bile at this conference, it made me wonder if they had forgotten all they learned in Sunday School and church over the years. You can't square hate with Christianity. Jesus said that outsiders would be able to tell who his followers were by their love. The Apostle Paul wrote that nothing we do is of any value if we lack love. He also warned Christians to not use the "weapons of this world" for God's purposes. The Apostle Peter said we should be gentle and respectful in our dealings with others. The Apostle John warned us that we can't claim to love God whom we can't see if we hate our brothers and sisters whom we see (at times) all too well. The brother of Jesus, James, made it clear that our anger doesn't lead to righeousness.
It's a shame that it's gotten to the point in my dealings with skeptics and inquirers that I have to spend time convincing them that one can be a Christian without having to also become a conservative Republican. I am a conservative Republican, but I recognize the difference between Christianity and conservatism. Evidently, many of the people at this conference have confused the two.