Right-Wing Christianity = NOT
Since the 1980’s, and more predominantly with the advent of the Conservative power Movement in the US. There has come to the forefront a theology that has greatly harmed the cause of Christianity. They are people who call themselves Christians and have just about taken over public discourse in the news, when it comes to the subject of Religion.
They can be recognized at times by the buzz phrases they love to repeat…“if your not with us, your against us”; “baby killers”; “Communist Liberals”“Jesus believes in war”; etc. etc.
Often heard, quoting The Old Testament when they are condemning others and commonly refrain from using passages that talk about their personal responsibilities. We never hear them quote the Beatitudes and verses like “what you do unto the least of these, you do also unto me”
They adhere to extreme right wing fundamentalism much like the Taliban do with Islam.
Fortunately, they DO NOT represent the majority of people who refer to themselves as Christian! The phrase “Christian” is intended to refer to someone who follows the teaching of Christ, who’s words are found in the New Testament. He is the one who gave his life for mankind to atone for mankind’s sin.
The ultimate liberal, Christ taught love and sacrifice for others… He overrode the old law (10 commandments) with just one commandment,” love your neighbor, as yourself” and preached giving up worldly things to follow Him. He also preached to “give unto Caesar, what is Caesars’”. (Caesar widely viewed as government concerning taxes.)
There is no use going on about Christ’s teaching.. you know where to find them.
What these so-called Christian’s want you to believe, is they alone speak for God, Bible and Christianity, and nothing could be further from the truth. They ultimately end up in daily discourse in America, because they want power and control and shout loudest to get it. In their warped view of Christianity, they focus all they know about God as a sharp sword to promote their personal hate, resentments, greed and bigotry that have nothing to do with Christ, but all to do with their inner problems.
I want to repeat, they DO NOT represent the majority of people who refer to themselves as Christian! Contrary to what you see in the news and on the street, these people are really a minority. In years past, they were pretty well confined to the rural, southern part of the US. Controlling some of that area through peer pressure and intimidation for years And still do in some cases. Even the KKK aligned themselves with them for many years. And that brings up another point , they are almost exclusively white.
Through their misused evangelical recruiting, and the refining of their message, they have entrapped well meaning people who don’t have a history of reading, researching and studying the bible. A lot of them have always aquired their religion through other people instead of themselves, basically just followers of doctrine. This is how they have moved out of the South and into the rest of America.
Preachers learned along time ago in the US, if they could enlist the rich and the well off, it would be possible to create rather nice cash flows through the church and give them clout in the community. One of those was Jerry Falwell, a very misguided but powerful entertainer of the Christian Community. Falwell, became involved with power brokers who helped him package a commercial and political version of right wing fundamentalism. They very skillfully recruited corporations into buying their product and used the money to go after power in Washington. The next thing you know, this group has taken over public discourse and convinced many semi and non-Christian that they spoke for everyone else of faith. Gaining power, they failed to watch for how power breeds corruption and eventually some of the organizations they founded ended in corruption. But others were taken over by political power brokers and lobbyist, for purely political means.. ie more corruption.
In the real world, there are millions of good, decent, humble Christians that believe to be right-wing goes against the very life, teachings and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Christ preached humility and personal reflection. This has historically made it hard for those who follow Christ from speaking out and getting involved. Maybe that is the way God planned it. To let those who misuse the grace He gives all people, and misuse His Word, he may have intend for them to suffer from their own deeds.
But either through weakness in humility or through indignation, I can no longer remain silent as one who believes in the ancient teachings. That is why I wrote this post. Call it opinion, call it ranting or whatever… Just remember……it’s your personal relationship with God that matters…. Not what anyone writes a book about, or says from the pulpit or shouts at others with a bible in their hand.
((Disclaimer: I am not a writer, and am not pretending to be. I am just an old fart with stuff rambling thru my head that I need to put somewhere. I thought I would try here.))
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 85
You got your point across.
You did good Dexter.
Great article
I agree 100%
(I'm not so sure about the writer thing, but thanks a lot.)
Dexter, I imagine you meant to write: "if you're not with us, you're against us"
Thank you for this post.
I have gotten to the point that I realize the greatest compliment is when Non-Christians tell me I am not a "normal" Christian. In my most recent post, I mentioned something from the bible they like to forget, Jesus said that a man cannot serve 2 masters, and if you want to hold onto money more than help your fellow man, then Money or Greed are the masters you serve, NOT Christ.
The message of Christianity wasn't about money, power, or control over others. It was simple like you stated, Dexter. People need to keep their religion in their hearts and minds and not on their lips all the time.
About 2 years ago or so I was comment stalking the article they went to was a rant about taking their child to the ER and the ER doc calling CPS and a psychiatrist.
The story was this. The child I think she was about 8 years old had done something to another child and in the process had gotten hurt themselves. When the doctor questioned the child...the child replied that the devil TOLD her to do it.
Based on this the doctor called CPS and a head shrink.
I told the poster that maybe the doctor had jumped the gun a little and maybe should have talked to the parents first but I would also encourage the continued use of a psychiatrist since obviously the child was delusional if she felt the devil was telling her to do things.
The poster called me the anti christ.
She didnt see anything wrong with what her child said and in fact it seemed as if this person believed that the devil was talking thru her child.
Gather war ensues.
When it is over and done with the person emails me.
She tells me that I dont need to appologize to her that she is sure I dont mean to be as awful as I am.
It appears the mother is more delusional that the average Right wing nut... but not because she believed it.. but because she actually posted it in public.
Then she proceeded to pray for me because I needed it.
I am going to tread lightly here (although I don't really want to) lest I be falsely labeled with the sorts of things you invented for this article. As a conservative, I couldn't disagree with you more.
It is a horrible thing when factions of the Christian body seem to be so at odds as you describe.
I don't pretend to speak exclusively for Christ or anything of the sort.
Christ did say to give to “give unto Caesar, what is Caesars’”, the rest of course is to give to God that which is God's . He also told people to sell all they own and give to the poor. He didn't say , " Sell all that you own and give it to Caesar so he can give it to the poor". In fact, one difference between the Old and New Testaments is the shift from tribes and groups and peoples to individual duties. Each human heart has to individually choose to serve Christ, you don't get there because you are a Jew, or of a certain Tribe or a Spaniard or a Virginian or whatever. Before God, we are single hearts, not nations.
Can nations be blessed? Sure they can but ask yourself if the same government that seemingly prohibits the mention of God in an innocent prayer at a school would encourage Christ to show up at the bedside of a dying person in a government-funded hospital?
A large portion of the left wants a secular America, no public religion, No God to interfere or convict the heart etc. They don't want to be responsible to a higher power. Obviously the Christian left doesn't feel that way but why do they so closely align?
There are solid statistics that show that generally conservatives are more charitable with their own money than are those on the left. See [ http://newsbusters.org/node/9323 and http://www.city-journal.org/html/rev2007-01-18hh.html ]
I have no idea why this is. Do you have an idea?
Perhaps the difference is that conservatives are willing to accept personal responsibility for helping others while liberal choose to use the government as their tool of compassion. If I give a man a fish he doesn't necessarily ever have to learn to fish.
I apologize for rambling upon your important topic (but perhaps more later).
The statistics you mention show the frequency and distribution of giving but not the depth.... the Waltons as an example who are right wingers... are often praised for giving so much away.. but if you took how much they give away and compared to their wealth, you would see that its the same as an average worker making $60,000 per year giving $7.00 to charity.
Its not charity unless your giving from "your need", instead of your excess.
I am not going to waste others time on here by arguing doctrine or interpretations with you.. We obviously have two sets of beliefs. My concern is when ones beliefs drive people away from Christ and ignore HIS generosity and call for humility and sacrifice. And when it harms the very people Christ asked us to treat the same as He treated US.
When people get into a verse war, each one could take from the bible things out of context, or twisted with different meanings to prove whatever they want. Its not my purpose on the internet to "prove" anything. I just want to stand up for what I and others believe against what we feel is destructive use of the God's Word by letting people know that Right Wing Fundamentalist are not the only voices out here.
For those of you reading this..... take not my word or this mans..... if you wan tto understand, search for the truth on your on. Not trough some Preacher, Church, author or organization. Talk to God and let Him alone guide you in your search.. if it is Christ you believe in, compare it all to the bible asking for Gods guidence. The answeres will come to you in Gods time frame. LET NO ONE explain it to you without first studing it your self.
Trust only your God and no one else... For the only thing that really matters when it is said and done is your relationship with Him as you both work it out.
2 questions only as I don't want to interfere with your agree-a-fest:
Why does the Christian left apparently align itself politically with the secular faction that, as I alluded above, doesn't want religion in the public square at all?
Why does the Christian left support a President that been a consistent and extreme supporter of all manner of abortion rights?
It would seem that Christian principles and political goals are in conflict?
You, of course, don't have to answer and you could delete my comment if you want.
1.) I can speak for anyone really in detail other than myself... but as a Christian, the secular faction, as you say, causes me no alarm or discomfort.. I am very secure in my spiritual beliefs, they come from years of soul searching, studying, and much prayer. I believe in a loving and accepting God who values all people on a level that a poor mortal could never understand. I am not God's salesman in charge of promotion... I am only a child of Christ who expects me first to focus on my relationship with him, and the only honest way I can "spread the good news", is through that relationship as an example, and only talk to people about their personal relationship with God when invited to do so.. Man has a free will, and unless he comes to a realization of needing a relationship with God on his own, it does no good to drive him to it thru force or fear or coercion. from another mortal.
2.) Abortion is a personal choice a woman has to make between her and God. She alone has to deal with the result of her choice. To use the law to enforce my or anyone else’s belief on her is to elevate myself to the level of God.. and it would attempt her gift and responsibility of free will.
I personally agree that abortion is not good. But we are taught to rejoice at death and cry at birth. I believe God is big and good enough to handle the death of a fetus as well as an adult. I believe he will take care of any problems of the fetus. If we truly believe in eternity, how else can we believe ?
I don’t believe God endorses any politician, or country. But I do believe President Obama has good intentions, and honestly has strong beliefs.
I support him , because in my heart, he is the only one I had to choose from that would at least contain some of the values I hold dear.. One should not vote what is in their best interest, but given the choices they have, they should vote for the person they feel would in be in the best interest of the country as a whole.
Sorry folks but I felt it was important to state my position here to Ken.
I am no longer a Christian, because of the spiritual abuse I received. I do believe in the Holy Trinity, but do not ascribe divinity only to this being. I too have studied religion extensively. Now I refer to myself as a Completed Wiccan, and place no value on what any other mortal has to say; you will not control my life in any way shape or form.
While its principles are ancient, (tell em if I am wrong) I believe Wicca as it is practiced today is relatively could be described as historically rather not that old.
I also believe that is holds many principles that reflects well on the Creator and not a threat to Christianity.
I'll agree with you on all you said, and then some. Ken S. would like to see a theocracy (although he claims not), as shown by "A large portion of the left wants a secular America, no public religion, No God to interfere or convict the heart etc. They don't want to be responsible to a higher power." Unfortunately, any theocracy would make short work of the "Kens" of this world.
And I'll be honest... you need a tad more re-reading before you post. I know it's hard in the little box you get to "share" in... that's why I do articles like this in Word, first. It's important, because some of the errors can be distracting, or, worse yet, can change your meaning something fierce. You were lucky - yours were only distracting.
I have discovered, when I write, that this stuff just shows up in my head and runs down to the keyboard. I can talk it out in my head as it comes but its a ruff trip to print the written word. Then I try to re-read it and by then its done out of my head and I don’t get much from it. I make a mistake in the typing but when I read I am reading what came from my head regardless what the letters are. I really do this on impulse instead from planning. Then I get in a hurry to get it up before my enthusiasm wanes.
I need all the help I can get . Please send me an email and give me some pointers on my post whenever you can.. I have so much to say but so little skill and education in writing.
The 1st amendment is about freedom of religion, not freedom FROM religion. George Washington said that we can't really expect to have morality without religion. If you disagree with, and somehow I expect that you might, then where does morality come from?
\* Caution! Caution! possible trap question *\
What makes you think morality comes from religion? So far as I can tell it comes mostly from enlightened self interest.
A quick example from CS Lewis: Suppose you and I are generals in the ole days. Our armies fight every morning at 0800 at "Filbert's Field". There is , however, a spy that tells you every evening what I am planning. We both hold his actions as despicable despite the fact that he helps you (acts in your self-interest) and hurts me. Our shared morality comes from a higher place than what individually benefits us.
Your ideology will never be realized, argue as you may. The fact of the matter is that The God(s) gave humanity free choice; there will never be any mortal who will be allowed to take it away. What Dexter said is correct; worship, belief and all things spiritual are a private matter between each person and their God. It is none of your business.
If you say that the 1st amendment allows you to be 'free' from any exposure to my religion in the public square then you are actually saying that I am not free to exercise my religion in the public square. That position must be false because it allows only one leg of the first amendment religion clause to stand.
Joyce, What?
I didn't say that it was my business. I was making a argument (to Larry) that morality comes from someplace beyond what is good for you or I. That generic nature of morality comes from a place or a being that is therefore not man-centered and that many, including me, believe is God.
Your snide remarks should not go unchallenged. Your self superior attitude is precisely what is being addressed in this post, regardless whom you are addressing in your comments. Others are just as capable as yourself in writing snide, arrogant prose that slaps and stings equally well as yours does.
I personally do not care what you say; I am not a Christian, left or right or midway between. I will, however, support an individual who is trying very hard to shed light on a religion that is broken down into bickering factions. His aim was one of peace; yours was one of hostility. I agree with what he says and turn my back in disagreement on what you said.
Very open-minded of you. Such a perspective will surely prompt a useful discussion.
"If you say that the 1st amendment allows you to be 'free' from any exposure to my religion in the public square then you are actually saying that I am not free to exercise my religion in the public square. That position must be false because it allows only one leg of the first amendment religion clause to stand."
It doesnt mean you dont have freedom to voice your biefs in the public square. It just means your rights dont overide my right not to be harrassed or be preached to by someone I disagree with. And that your beliefs should not interfer with mine. Freedom from religion is freedom of religion, wihtout it , there is no freedom of religion....
i had a catholic upbringing in that we went to church on christmas eve each year & i was baptised in a catholic church. i don't usually call myself a christian; i've never read the bible (didn't own one until one was given to me as a gift.); i don't like someone who tries to push the gospel down my throat to save me from myself.
i enjoyed reading this article. you've given me much to think about. i wish those who claim to be peaceful christians would stop being so hateful to those that don't think exactly as they do.
thank you, dexter. please keep writing & posting. :)
Thanks
I'm a Christian, have been my whole life. I believe with every fiber of my being. I have never once questioned it, either. I have also been through some things that would make one question their faith, but I never have, ever. I attend a Bible study once a week and I attend services just about every Sunday. I may use bad words, but I very rarely take the Lord's name in vain. I also struggle a lot because there are certain tenets that in my heart I disagree with. I never, ever proselytize, unless I can't escape those who come to my door with pamphlets. I try to avoid them, but if I can't, I will listen to what they have to say and then stand in front of the door and force them to listen to me.
Because of free will, I'm a sinner and the first one to admit it (we all are) but I'll be damned if I will listen to someone accuse me of it, who I don't know, who doesn't know me, or attack me with the wrath of hell because of something I said or wrote. I move on.
I'm the one who has to atone for my sins, no one else. That's between me and God. The Right-Wing Christians that you describe are called "dangerous Christians" where I come from.
They are entitled to thier beliefs however, it is just when they try to exert power and control in the name of Christianity that they casue the most damage.
"Non-cooperation with evil is as much a duty as is cooperation with good. "
- Mohandas Gandhi
"An eye for an eye will just make us all blind"
with this last line, you've summed it all up. love ya ol' timer!