The Hidden Religious Focus of the Wars in the Middle East Sets the Tone

[MineralMan]

17. Well, traditionally, the Christian Right

doesn't much like Catholicism. It likes the RCC's anti-abortion message, but that's about it. If you're familiar with fundamentalist Christianity, you know that many think the RCC and the Pope are the literal anti-Christ. The Wisconsin Synod of the Lutheran Church even has that very statement written in its doctrine.

So, while there is some lip service given to the RCC by the fundamentalist Christians, it's pretty shallow, really. Most of the fundamentalist denominations derive from Calvinism, but have splintered off even further.

There's history of dislike not just for Catholics, but for Judaism and especially Islam. It's sometimes said directly, but usually is kept out of public view.

In the end, it's scary as can be. But, in all of the religions, the fundamentalists tend to hold the most hatred for everyone who is not part of their worship community. Islam has its fundamentalists. Judaism has it's ultra conservative sector, and Christianity has a whole flock of sects and denominations that take a very, very narrow view of most things.

That's why keeping religion out of government and government out of religion is so important. If that principle gets lost, there's real trouble ahead.