(no subject)
I saw this entry at another forum and i thought it was worth posting here. It's by a forum user called "cumstainedpants":
I make a big distinction between Christians (true followers of the teachings of Jesus) and christianists. Christianists are the same as Islamists -- they are attempting to hijack a religious identity for political or other reasons.
Unfortunately, the culture of christianists, as embodied in many televangelists, revolves around money, "feel good" sermons, and an "us versus them" mentality:
-- Jesus, of course, would be apalled at the constant emphasis from these "churches" on raising money, especially for the purpose of building bigger churches! He was all about giving to the poor.
-- Christianists go to church to feel better about themselves without performing the selfless acts which benefit others and bring true happiness and fulfillment.
-- "They" are the people who don't believe exactly as "we" do. Gays, Muslims, Jews, doctors who perform abortions -- they are all fair game to the christianists. Since "they" are not part of "us," they can be killed, discriminated against, marginalized, or even bombed into oblivion -- all things that would horrify the humble rabbi Jesus.
And finally, it is my opinion that any church which advocates for a political candidate from the pulpit should have its non-profit status revoked. True Christians need to take back their church, and true conservatives (ala Barry Goldwater) need to take back their party. My $0.02.
I make a big distinction between Christians (true followers of the teachings of Jesus) and christianists. Christianists are the same as Islamists -- they are attempting to hijack a religious identity for political or other reasons.
Unfortunately, the culture of christianists, as embodied in many televangelists, revolves around money, "feel good" sermons, and an "us versus them" mentality:
-- Jesus, of course, would be apalled at the constant emphasis from these "churches" on raising money, especially for the purpose of building bigger churches! He was all about giving to the poor.
-- Christianists go to church to feel better about themselves without performing the selfless acts which benefit others and bring true happiness and fulfillment.
-- "They" are the people who don't believe exactly as "we" do. Gays, Muslims, Jews, doctors who perform abortions -- they are all fair game to the christianists. Since "they" are not part of "us," they can be killed, discriminated against, marginalized, or even bombed into oblivion -- all things that would horrify the humble rabbi Jesus.
And finally, it is my opinion that any church which advocates for a political candidate from the pulpit should have its non-profit status revoked. True Christians need to take back their church, and true conservatives (ala Barry Goldwater) need to take back their party. My $0.02.