The last straw - Focus and friends pushing Jewish leaders’ patience

[Freedom_from_Chains]

The recent scandal over Christian proselytizing at the U.S. Air Force Academy has done more than just shake things up at the prestigious school north of Colorado Springs.
For some Jewish groups, it also has proven the last straw in a series of incidents that have strained relations between them and powerful evangelical organizations.

Complaining that the religious right has gone too far in pushing to "Christianize" America, some prominent Jews now say enough is enough.

The issue was brought to the forefront last month by Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, an organization dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism. In a highly publicized speech, Foxman blasted a "sophisticated, coordinated, unified, energized, and organized coalition of groups" for trying to "implement their Christian worldview."

Among the groups Foxman singled out was Focus on the Family, the powerful evangelical ministry in north Colorado Springs whose founder, James Dobson, has called for restoring America's "biblical foundations."

"Make no mistake," Foxman said. "We are facing an emerging Christian right leadership that intends to 'Christianize' all aspects of American life, from the halls of government to the libraries, to the movies, to recording studios, to the playing fields and locker rooms of professional, collegiate and amateur sports, from the military to SpongeBob SquarePants."

Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the Union for Reform Judaism -- representing 900 Reform synagogues in North America -- has joined Foxman in his criticism, warning that Christian "zealots" are trying to "make their religion the religion of everyone else."

(con't) http://www.csindy.com/csindy/2005-12-29/news.html

[bryant69]

1. He's right

The Dominionists are pretty scary - and they will do their best to eliminate non-Christian believers, atheists, and agnostics from the public square (along with any Christians who don't measure up to what their vision of Christianity is).

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Random_Australian]

2. Yes! More people speaking up against the likes of Dobson is a good thing!

(I'm back! Ok now I'm leaving again work to do)

[TheBaldyMan]

3. I agree, the RW Fundies seem to think some religions should be freer than others

but IMO the constitution is very clear on freedom of religion. The FotFF should respect that right.

[immoderate]

4. Good.

The brilliance of the founders in secularizing government was not anti-religious. It recognized that religion is anti-objective, and allows for fanaticism. If we last as a country, that will be a fundamental reason.

--IMM

[Meshuga]

5. Our rabbi...

...who worked as a chaplain for a governmental organization (which I prefer not to mention by name) is in the process of being removed from his post for speaking out against his fundie boss who believes that as far as religious services to be provided to members of this organization, one size should fit all. As long as it's his "size", obviously.

For example, this man created rules that made it really hard for catholic members to see a catholic priest, in case they wanted to see one. In fact, even the pope would have difficulty visiting this person. The catholic chaplain was fired for speaking out against this man and my rabbi is next for speaking out against some pretty disturbing events that happened lately.

I understand people having their religion and having the right to practice their faith. But to these people, freedom of religion means having the freedom to impose their crap down people's throats.