The Christian Left
Here is an excellent article which discusses how the Democratic Party can "win back" the religious moderates. It's a great read and makes some really interesting points. Here is my favorite part of the article:
I personally know at least a dozen Republicans who voted against their party in last November’s elections in part because they recognize...that their party has been hijacked by those who’ve taken scissors to their Bibles and cut them so severely that their version now begins with the Old Testament and ends with Revelations, with little resembling Jesus’ teachings left in between.
At some level, I think I've always known that this was true, but having it laid out in words somehow really hits the point home. Right-wing Christians believe that, once they have been "saved" by Jesus, they can do anything they want to their neighbor, their environment, or their soul, and God will take care of them regardless. Us leftwardly-leaning Christians to some degree also believe in the concept of being "born again," though most of us believe this on a more abstract level. To be "born again" means that you want to follow the teachings and principles of Jesus and model your life after his example. This is a constant struggle, but all we can do is our best and strive towards that destination. The Christian Right, however, believes that they have already reached the destination the minute they are born again, and nothing else matters. Jesus had a lot to say about this type of thinking, and none of it is kind.
I personally know at least a dozen Republicans who voted against their party in last November’s elections in part because they recognize...that their party has been hijacked by those who’ve taken scissors to their Bibles and cut them so severely that their version now begins with the Old Testament and ends with Revelations, with little resembling Jesus’ teachings left in between.
At some level, I think I've always known that this was true, but having it laid out in words somehow really hits the point home. Right-wing Christians believe that, once they have been "saved" by Jesus, they can do anything they want to their neighbor, their environment, or their soul, and God will take care of them regardless. Us leftwardly-leaning Christians to some degree also believe in the concept of being "born again," though most of us believe this on a more abstract level. To be "born again" means that you want to follow the teachings and principles of Jesus and model your life after his example. This is a constant struggle, but all we can do is our best and strive towards that destination. The Christian Right, however, believes that they have already reached the destination the minute they are born again, and nothing else matters. Jesus had a lot to say about this type of thinking, and none of it is kind.