From the Christian left....Conquering fear

[cally]

This is a great editorial. We need more like it.


Conquering fear in our church
Yvette Flunder

...

In fact, we are in a new Reformation. Open your eyes; take a look. The leadership of the Christian church has become more concerned with institutional and political strength than the needs of the people. They have created two kinds of Christianity: one official, one real.

Official Christians have official Christian bumper stickers, CDs, key chains, bookmarks, signals, sins and a Christian look, a serious official Christian look (they don't grin a lot). There is even a "Christian vote" to identify voter preference in election day exit polling.

What does the real Christianity do? It feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, shelters the homeless and comforts the afflicted. It loves them that hate you.

It's time to change. Today, Christians find their religious beliefs defined by hateful rhetoric, a redefinition of "moral values" and creation of a very real atmosphere of fear. Christianity is becoming the most intolerant, exclusive religion of all time. We say we know Christ, yet we can't stand one another. Christianity is leaning, and it needs to right itself.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/12/21/EDGEKAEQ9I1.DTL

[freedom_to_read]

1. Christianity is leaning

... and it needs to left itself!

[Nadienne]

2. I've once heard it said

(or seen it written) that the last true Christian was Jesus.

To that I say, "Yes, and no." Most of us (myself included) have a tendency to interpret things in a way we like. Jesus's teachings have been interpreted by his disciples, who put their interpretive stamp on it, by preachers, even by translators, and by ourselves.

But I would say that the intentions of his teachings outweigh the actual words. "Treat others the way you want to be treated" being the main thing.

Religion has often been used as a means of "one-upmanship". "I am holier than thou, and so you must listen to me." And even if there is a Reformation of Christianity - more like a return to the actual intentions of Jesus - I think it would be short-lived. I think that the numbers of followers (who need someone to tell them that this is wrong, and that is right) far outweigh the numbers of free-thinkers and leaders. Christianity in particular sets itself up for corruption in the ranks of leaders.

[rkc3]

6. I like your point of ...

Christians "who need someone to tell them that this is wrong, and that is right."

I've always wondered why few people ever take a philosophy course these days. I recognize reading most philosophers requires some mental patience (they read a bit tougher than getting through Survivor), but you can't create your own set of morals by going to church on Sundays or listening to Jerry Falwell.

Combining this is right and this is wrong with the holier than thou attitude makes for a deadly combination of arrogance and stupidity - which a good number of bush voters exhibit when you talk with them.

[Nadienne]

7. You can't get your own set of morals

via going to church on Sundays or watching Jerry Falwell, but you can use them to vindicate your judgements of others.

I, for instance, am a Catholic, but as I am not a practicing Catholic, my criticisms of Bush from a Catholic standpoint don't hold much water with other Catholics.

I think that Christians want vindication, the reward of heaven (or the avoidance of hell), to be thought of highly by their peers, etc; I think the percentage of Christians who sincerely want good things for others is relatively small.

Besides, as you say, reading up on philosophy - and actually thinking about whether Christian practices and words are consistent with your own personal morality or even the teachings of Jesus - may be a bit tougher than getting through Survivor. And the risks (for instance, of being ostracized) make the effort even less appealing.

[StClone]

3. Christianity loses virginity to dirty old man politics -- AGAIN!

Christians need to step back and reclaim religion from the money grubbers, power scammers and those dirty old Republican white guys cruising the church parking lots.

[Rowdyboy]

4. Excellent piece!

Thanks so much for the link. My priest will love it (he's one of the real Christians who opposes war and homophobia)

[arwalden]

5. Wow.

[anti-fundie]

8. I just love bush's moral values in action...

I'm sure the illegally held prisoners at Gitmo would agree during their torture.