General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: 'How were we so easily fooled?' Top evangelical leader calls for reckoning in the wake of Trump [View all]JT45242
(2,269 posts)Let me start by saying that I grew up in a fundamentalist denomination that does not allow women to speak in church (they cannot read scripture, lead a prayer, give a sermon, serve communion, etc). I went to Abilene Christian University for a year. So, I know what this fundamentalism is about.
The religion is based on being told exactly what to believe, who is acceptable, what rules are important etc.
Like all fundamental movements it is AHISTORICAL. IT takes Jesus out of his historical context and does not allow the teachings to be interpreted through a new lens as time changes.
From a young age, I was taught that I should convince my friends who went to other churches, especially Catholic churches or ones with instrumental music, to to convert to our church so that they would not go to hell. Gays...going to hell, unless they stop being gay. People who cheat on their wives, going to hell if they don't repent. A lot of everyone not like me is going to sent to hell. No real talk of Christian charity...no emphasis on Jesus teaching whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me. So, no soup kitchens, food pantries, coat drives for poor people. More importantly, they tell you to believe what is precahed and not to delve into the Bible to make your own interpretations (that would be heresy)
Here is a guy who claims to hate the people I have been taught to hate if I was still in that branch of Christianity. He hates Muslims (they are going to hell), he makes fun of jews (they are going to hell), he hates mexicans and other brown people (they are catholic and going to hell).
It is hard to leave. I loved dearly my church friends even when I no longer agreed with their theology. I understand Jimmy Carter struggling to leave his denomination because he loves his congregants but can no longer abide by false teachings at the denomination level.
Fundamentally, Christianity is supposed to be about two great commandments -- Love God to the best of your ability and Love your neighbor -- everything else is above our paygrade.
I switched to a mainline denomination that teaches acceptance of all. Works on issues like affordable housing, cofounded a food pantry with other mainline churches in our area.
Unfortunately, fundamentalism leads to people being easily duped because they are taught never to question. Never to think for themselves. Never to look for the contradictions. Trump was the perfect vehicle for their message of hate.