Appeal of the Religious Right

**TJ Cline** · 06-12-2006, 11:37 PM

Appeal of the Religious Right
A Sense of Belonging

The goal of dominion is alien to moderate Republicans and may not be shared by many members of fundamentalist, Pentecostal and charismatic churches. These church members should be made aware of how they are being politically manipulated by their leadership.
It's important to note that there are good reasons why so many people join fundamentalist, Pentecostal and charismatic churches. First of all, many of the churches I visited had very lively services which I enjoyed; that is until the preacher started talking about Satan, the role of women, the biblical call to beat children, the Rapture, or God's mandate to get involved politically.
These churches have been very successful in helping people give up drug addictions. And people have told me that the quality of their lives improved significantly once they took Jesus Christ as their Savior. This personal relationship with Christ can be a very positive experience, especially when it infuses one's life with a sense of a loving light.
And most of all, the churches offer practitioners a real sense of belonging. Whenever I attended church services, I was always warmly greeted by people who gave me a sense that if I joined, I would never feel alone. This sense of belonging goes right to the core of one of the most troubling aspects of our modern, affluent society - a feeling of alienation. It is this need to belong and have a higher purpose to life which is, unfortunately, being politically exploited by the Religious Right.
Some of the Church services I have attended have been very emotional. Sometimes members seem to be ecstatic. Some of the churches appear to offer a kind of group catharsis, not unlike some forms of therapy. In a time of great stress, the Holy Laughter Movement, which encourages deep belly laughing and weeping, is growing rapidly. The Holy Laughter Movement makes me think of the physician, Patch Adams who advocates healing through laughter. There is a reason so many people are drawn to these ministries, and it's useful to understand the appeal.

Read story by Joan Bokaer called Getting Saved in Amarillo.

This article about the popularity of the Passion Experience for young people demonstrates the appeal of the form of

worship found in Pentecostal and charismatic churches. This worship can be a positive experience if it is not overlain with a political message that is anti-women, anti-environment, anti-arms control, anti-social justice, and anti-democratic. Unfortunately, a joyful experience becomes grounds for political manipulation. Photographer: Michelle V. Agins/The New York Times.

**TJ Cline** · 06-12-2006, 11:38 PM

Satan

If the Religious Right gains dominion over society, we will all have to deal with Satan because he plays such a dominant role in their belief system. Anyone who is not born-again is vulnerable to Satan, for they are lacking the protective shield of Christ. The world is clearly divided into "good" and "evil", "Christ" and "Satan." R.J. Rushdoony, the man who is considered the father of Reconstructionism called on his followers to "administer justice upon all disobedience in every area of life where we encounter it. To deny the cultural mandate is to deny Christ and to surrender the world to the devil." (The Institutes of Biblical Law, 1973)
Dr. Elaine Pagels, professor of History of Religion at Princeton University wrote a book titled The Origins of Satan. She explains in an interview with Ellen Kushner on WGBH, Boston Public Radio, what can happen when a society has a 'good vs. evil' world view:

"Every group and tribe has had ways of feeling superior to every other. I mean, every anthropologist knows that, but what's really different here is that you have a moral view - 'we are good, and you are evil.'
And what happens then," Pagels continues, "as was put into the mouth of Jesus in the Gospel of John: whoever kills you will think he's doing service to God. So that if a conflict between us and them turns into a moral conflict, so we're God's people, they are Satan's people, we can do anything we like with them. I think of that when I hear the term "ethnic cleansing." It's like there's dirt there. You know, it's a good thing to get rid of dirt."

Falwell sees "a day when God will unleash his wrath and judgment upon unbelievers. He will crush them beneath his thumb." (Nuclear War and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, 1983.) While Falwell himself does not seem like a violent man, at what point will violence toward "unbelievers" be seen as "doing service to God" by his followers?
In New York magazine, August, 1986, Robertson made the following statement: "The people who have come into institutions [today - 1986] are primarily termites. They are destroying institutions that have been built by Christians, whether it is universities, governments, our own traditions that we have. The termites are in charge now, and that is not the way it ought to be, and the time has come for a godly fumigation."
Supreme Court Justice Scalia writes: [Government] "is the minister of God with powers to 'revenge', execute wrath ..." Scalia hints in his article in First Things, May, 2002, that the death penalty should be expanded. Scalia's comments are particularly disturbing in the context of the Religious Right gaining dominion over society.
The Reverend Timothy LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, authors of the best selling Left Behind series, describe in Glorious Appearing, the latest book of their series, the violence that Jesus will show non-believers upon His return:

"Men and women soldiers and horses seemed to explode where they stood," Dr. LaHaye and Mr. Jenkins write. "It was as if the very words of the Lord had superheated their blood, causing it to burst through their veins and skin.'' The authors add, "Even as they struggled, their own flesh dissolved, their eyes melted and their tongues disintegrated."

At what point do Reconstructionists, who advocate the death penalty for unrepentant homosexuals, abortionists, and blasphemers convince others that it is time to eliminate those characterized as Satan? The goal of Reconstructionism is to do away with sin. How can you do away with sin without eliminating Satan?
Fred Clarkson notes

"the potential for bloodthirsty episodes on the order of the Salem witchcraft trials or the Spanish Inquisition is inadvertently revealed by Reconstructionist theologian Rev. Ray Sutton, who claims that the Reconstructed Biblical theocracies would be 'happy' places, to which people would flock because 'capital punishment is one of the best evangelistic tools of a society.'" (What is Christian Reconstructionism? The Public Eye)

From Nicholas Kristoff of the New York Times, July 17, 2004:

No, I don't think the readers of "Glorious Appearing" will ram planes into buildings. But we did imprison thousands of Muslims here and abroad after 9/11, and ordinary Americans joined in the torture of prisoners at Abu Ghraib in part because of a lack of empathy for the prisoners. It's harder to feel empathy for such people if we regard them as infidels and expect Jesus to dissolve their tongues and eyes any day now.

While this scenario seems extreme and impossible in our pluralistic, democratic society, if the Religious Right succeeds in dominating all of our major institutions including the Presidency, Congress, Courts and media, this country will become a very different kind of place. Historically, such forces tend to rise up and look for scapegoats when the economy is in trouble. In this century our democracy survived a major economic depression intact, but we didn't have such a large, politically organized culture focused on Satan at that time.
Capital crimes in a theocracy, Theocracy Alert, July 27, 2005

**SuperFlex** · 06-13-2006, 01:06 AM

There's a HUGE difference between the church's politics and knowing God... To me it seems the church is just another business of sorts 99% of the time. Belonging is good and all, but not why someone shuld attend a church. When I went to church I didn't go to belong to anything or anyone, except God. That relationship was ALL that mattered...

That's what your faith MUST be based on! Nothing else... If you rely on the pastor or the purity and strength of others you're likely to be let down. Most "Christians" can resist anything but temptation. When you boil them down and look inside they're not much different. Maybe even worse, seeing as they should know better...

All that should matter when picking a church is that you feel God takes notice of that church. That his spirit is there. He's the reason everyone should be there. Not for each other. Sorry, but it's true. In reality it's not about you or anyone else there. Those things will take care of themselves when the church aligns itself with God.

The pastors need money to operate the church, but rather than begging for it or seeing as part of their job, they need to do what God has called them to do. Lead the church into righteousness... When you find a man with true light in his heart he will affect those around him. That is without question...

If pastors would moreso seek to draw their church to God, and stop trying to run a business, they'd find an abundance of resources. That includes money, volunteers, time, and whatever else is needed. I say that because I know. I've tried to be true. In doing so I made myself and whatever I had available unto God. Not a church, but God. I was not blind to the politics they played, so instead of following man I gave ear to God. If I felt I should give, I gave. If not, then don't... Just obey.

In his eyes the church is his children, not the building they run... When you get to know him in secret it will indeed bring focus into your life. You'll give as it's put upon your heart to do. Not as you're told... Be that in time, money, knowledge, or all these things and more...

I only wish I could find myself with him again. I went through some things that aren't important to talk about here, but when all was set against me. All... I was down, God picked me up and dusted me off. No one else lifted a hand but to stab me in the back. The dirt that stained my life was clearly removed and things began to happen. What was meant for wrong was turned into something good. It was made into new found strength, understanding, wisdom, and vision...

I was given gifts of a spiritual nature and dreams to follow. However, I looked back, and in a moment, I found myself in sin. Been there ever since. I only hope I did not let God down. I only hope that despite my failure he will finish what he started. For in me, he began to build a man would could do even his heart well...

What I went through has proven to me that God does care for us. It may seem only at times, or not very much, but he cares. For whatever reason I was downcast, no one to turn to, and the God of creation, God, helped me... God...helped me... How can I not be grateful. How can I not do as he ask of me. He is after all the one who showed me love when I was truly undeserving...

Because of what was shown to me I know that all things are possible through God. It may seem like he's out of reach but he's not. He will answer your call. Don't jump straight in with demands of him or questioning his way but rather loose yourself. Look for an answer and know that he holds it for you... When you become less, he will become more. When you've done all that you can, he'll take your burden from you. That's the way it works.

When he does, thank him, and give him the credit. In doing so you will be wise... Often we ask for things we ourselves can do. Not going to happen... God will step in when your resources are out! He is after all letting you learn along the way... He will bless, but when shown you're able to handle his blessing. If he didn't do so it could become your curse.

You can be brought to a point when what you ask is granted. But in all honesty, when you're at that point, what you desire will be much different than what you want now...

I've said all this because I felt the need to. Just something in me... I'm currently a bad example of these things, but still, I wrote this because I felt led to. I'm sure it will hold meaning for someone. I don't know who, but all that matters is that they take notice. In all honesty of late church related things turn me off. I find myself far from where I should be. Still, this needed to be written for someone and I was used to do it. So for whoever it is, this is for you. Not me. Like I said, I'm a little surprised that I listened.

Don't be turned off by church is the jest of it all. Men can be idiots and screw up even the most pure and vital of things. Sometimes even with the best intentions! Don't let church politics keep you from getting to know God. He has a plan for your life. Few will seek it out, but those who hold onto it until it arrives are the most fortunate of us all. God bless.......

**CRASHMAN** · 06-13-2006, 01:12 AM

Birth-> Life -> Death -> Ground -> Dirt -> End.

**SuperFlex** · 06-13-2006, 01:14 AM

Originally Posted by CRASHMAN

Human > Death > Dirt

Very true, but not for the soul...

**CRASHMAN** · 06-13-2006, 01:14 AM

Originally Posted by SuperFlex

Very true, but not for the soul...

I edited it a little

**SuperFlex** · 06-13-2006, 01:17 AM

Originally Posted by CRASHMAN

Birth-> Life -> Death -> Ground -> Dirt -> End -> New Beginning

That makes more sense...

Just think about this man, the world is far too organized and life is far too rare to be by chance...

**CRASHMAN** · 06-13-2006, 01:18 AM

If it is so organized how is chance possible?

**CRASHMAN** · 06-13-2006, 01:20 AM

life isn't rare there are over thosands of species on the planet, and the other 9 planets we can see well they all can't be winners

**TJ Cline** · 06-13-2006, 01:22 AM

Originally Posted by SuperFlex

That makes more sense...

Just think about this man, the world is far too organized and life is far too rare to be by chance...

That logic is wacked son....If there was a "God" then that God would be a billion times more organized and complicated than life on Earth. And prove life is rare......with 70 sextillion suns and even more planets I'm sure life is all over the place.

**maniclion** · 06-13-2006, 01:36 AM

Birth-> Life -> Death -> Ground -> Dirt -> End -> New Beginning as a millipede

**CRASHMAN** · 06-13-2006, 03:33 AM

bad people come back to life as toilet paper.

**busyLivin** · 06-13-2006, 05:13 AM

Originally Posted by ForemanRules

And prove life is rare......with 70 sextillion suns and even more planets I'm sure life is all over the place.

Prove? Can you prove that life isn't rare?

**busyLivin** · 06-13-2006, 05:17 AM

Originally Posted by ForemanRules

That logic is wacked son....If there was a "God" then that God would be a billion times more organized and complicated than life on Earth.

Says foreman?

**BigDyl** · 06-13-2006, 06:43 AM

Originally Posted by CRASHMAN

Birth-> Life -> Flex -> Ground -> Dirt -> End.

**TJ Cline** · 06-13-2006, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by busyLivin

Prove? Can you prove that life isn't rare?

I just did.

**TJ Cline** · 06-13-2006, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by busyLivin

Says foreman?

So you think "God" is less complex than life on Earth

**busyLivin** · 06-13-2006, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by ForemanRules

So you think "God" is less complex than life on Earth

sorry, I read that wrong.. thought you said that the earth would be more organized if God created it.

**SuperFlex** · 06-13-2006, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by ForemanRules

That logic is wacked son....If there was a "God" then that God would be a billion times more organized and complicated than life on Earth. And prove life is rare......with 70 sextillion suns and even more planets I'm sure life is all over the place.

He is... You can't begin to see all that's involved or that exist. Free will runs loss on earth. Yet, there is still a scheme to things. I think you know that very well...

I believe other life probably exist out there as well Foreman. I hope so! I know if I was God I wouldn't stop with this sorry bunch!!! But seeing as the planets were pretty much formed in the same manner I feel life would be more common. I understand the planets have different climents and all that good stuff, but still. With the theory of evolution something would have taken hold just about everywhere by now. Things evolve but not as prescribed by man... Your own body is a wonder! Just look around with a free mindset and you'll see how amazing your surroundings are. VERY organized...

**TJ Cline** · 06-13-2006, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by SuperFlex

He is... You can't begin to see all that's involved or that exist. Free will runs loss on earth. Yet, there is still a scheme to things. I think you know that very well...

I believe other life probably exist out there as well Foreman. I hope so! I know if I was God I wouldn't stop with this sorry bunch!!! But seeing as the planets were pretty much formed in the same manner I feel life would be more common. I understand the planets have different climents and all that good stuff, but still. With the theory of evolution something would have taken hold just about everywhere by now. Things evolve but not as prescribed by man... Your own body is a wonder! Just look around with a free mindset and you'll see how amazing your surroundings are. VERY organized...

Again that is a foolish way to justify God, for God would be even more amazing than us or this Universe.....so that logic proves nothing at all. It is all about faith son.

**SuperFlex** · 06-13-2006, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by ForemanRules

Again that is a foolish way to justify God, for God would be even more amazing than us or this Universe.....so that logic proves nothing at all. It is all about faith son.

It is. You're right. But that helps people without faith to understand a little. They are the ones who need it the most.

**Dale Mabry** · 06-13-2006, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by SuperFlex

I believe other life probably exist out there as well Foreman. I hope so! I know if I was God I wouldn't stop with this sorry bunch!!! But seeing as the planets were pretty much formed in the same manner I feel life would be more common. Things evolve but not as prescribed by man... Your own body is a wonder! Just look around with a free mindset and you'll see how amazing your surroundings are. VERY organized...

Didn't god create us in his image? So, are you calling her sorry as well?

The only reason the world seems organized is because the theory of everything was developed by humans in order to explain shit. If I hit a bucket of golf balls ad I sliced 25% of the time, hooked 54% of the time, and hit it straight 21% of the time, you could put order to that even though there is none because you are defining what order is.

**BoneCrusher** · 06-13-2006, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by busyLivin

Prove? Can you prove that life isn't rare?

Busy you are ignoring the math provided by Foreman as proof of other life. Math requires no "faith" to fill in the gaps of its structured base of existence. Math requires nothing from us to exist at all. Religion ends with our species while math continues regardless of the frenetic pace we have set our selves on towards our own extinction ... God and faith not withstanding. After we are long gone and our planet is void of even its own atmosphere math will be unequivocally accurate while our concept of God will be done.

BTW ... good to see ya around again Busy

**busyLivin** · 06-13-2006, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by BoneCrusher

BTW ... good to see ya around again Busy

**BigDyl** · 06-13-2006, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by busyLivin

**TJ Cline** · 06-13-2006, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by SuperFlex

It is. You're right. But that helps people without faith to understand a little. They are the ones who need it the most.

It only helps your logic look silly and potentially keeps people away from the church.....when religions try to do battle with science they always end up looking barbaric and foolish. The only real selling point is faith.

**SuperFlex** · 06-13-2006, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by ForemanRules

It only helps your logic look silly and potentially keeps people away from the church.....when religions try to do battle with science they always end up looking barbaric and foolish. The only real selling point is faith.

I completely disagree... God and science could not possibly be more hand in hand!

**SuperFlex** · 06-13-2006, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by Dale Mabry

Didn't god create us in his image? So, are you calling her sorry as well?

The only reason the world seems organized is because the theory of everything was developed by humans in order to explain shit. If I hit a bucket of golf balls ad I sliced 25% of the time, hooked 54% of the time, and hit it straight 21% of the time, you could put order to that even though there is none because you are defining what order is.

Yeah, that explains it...

**TJ Cline** · 06-13-2006, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by SuperFlex

I completely disagree... God and science could not possibly be more hand in hand!

True story......in fantasy land.

**The Monkey Man** · 06-13-2006, 10:23 PM

"Hey, we cant really be dumb
If were just following gods orders!?!
Hey, lets get serious...
God knows what hes doin!
He wrote this book here...
An the book says:
He made us all to be just like him,
So...
If were dumb...
Then God is dumb...
(an maybe even a little ugly on the side)"

~Frank Zappa~

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