Ray McGovern: Christians Largely Mum on Torture

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Christians Largely Mum on Torture

By Ray McGovern
July 31, 2009

Anyone harboring doubts that the institutional Church is riding shotgun for the system, even regarding heinous sin like torture, should be chastened by the results of a recent survey by the Pew Research Center.

Who but the cowardly crew leading the “Christian” churches can be held responsible for the fact that many of their flock believe torture of suspected terrorists is “justified?”

Those polled were white non-Hispanic Catholics, white Evangelicals, and white mainline Protestants. A majority (54 percent) of those who attend church regularly said torture could be “justified,” while a majority of those not attending church regularly responded that torture was rarely or never justified.

I am not a psychologist or sociologist. But I recall that one of the first things Hitler did on assuming power was to ensure there was a pastor in every Lutheran and Catholic parish in Germany. Why? Because he calculated, correctly, that here would be a force for stability for his regime.

Thus began another horrid chapter in the history of those professing to be followers of Jesus of Nazareth but had forgotten his repeated admonition, Do not be afraid.

A mere seven decades after the utter failure of church leaders in Germany, their current American counterparts have again yielded to fear, and have condoned evils like torture by their deafening silence.

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http://www.consortiumnews.com/2009/073109b.html

[gratuitous]

1. It should not be surprising

The three historic "peace" denominations (Quakers, Mennonites and Church of the Brethren) are also the smallest. But for some reason, the popular media just can't quite see their way clear to publicizing peaceful, non-violent people of faith. It doesn't yield the sexy, exciting visuals of lots of stuff blowin' up reel gud.

[HelenWheels]

2. No surprise there

When a group you affiliate yourself with does something you don't approve up, either by commission or omission it is your duty to speak up.

[groovedaddy]

3. Central and South America has seen some exceptions, i.e. arch-bishop Romero in El Salvador, who was

assassinated for his efforts. Still, organized religion, more frequently than not, serves the dominant system. Your reward is in heaven so why give a hoot about the affairs of man? - seems to be the standard line.

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