Conservative no more.

[intheflow]

I just spent the weekend with my conservative mother and two aunts.

It was my graduation from what many have referred to as a left-wing political seminary. How left? We were on the Denver Spy Files list. And during the charge to the graduates, the professors sternly advised the graduates to challenge the dominance of colonializing world structures and to not use Christianity as a spiritual weapon against immigrants, women, and the GLBT community. I mean, that's pretty left! LOL

My mother and my aunts and I did not talk politics directly. But based on our religious conversations, I'd have to say they have shifted dramatically from Billy Graham-bordering-on-Jerry Falwell kind of Christians to Jim Wallis kind of Christians. Still Christian, but not at all into this war, suppression of homosexuality, or limiting reproductive rights. We had theological discussions about all of these issues, and I was amazed at how eager they were to agree with my lefty views. This is a 180-degree turn for these women.

I've read the threads on DU about conservative family members showing signs of awakening, but I never thought it could actually happen in my family. It's hard for me to believe it, but my (lefty) adult son said the same thing to me before he left to go back to his home, so I know I didn't imagine it.

So have hope! I honestly believe this is a sign that the backlash is beginning.

[HeeBGBz]

1. I notice it all around me

They are wavering.

[FreedomAngel82]

2. Congrats to your family!

Always nice to hear when someone experiences that. It gives me hope for the future. Now if only people go vote in midterms and vote democratic. ;) That's my only worry.

[intheflow]

8. I wish we advertised candidates in the midterms

like we do for the presidency. People don't vote because it's not on their radar screens. :(

[Quakerfriend]

3. That's great to hear, in the flow!

Yes, same sort of thing happening in my repug family.

True Christians don't like this nonsense at all.

[Warpy]

4. Congrats to your family

and three cheers for Rev. Wallis. I think he's exactly what has been needed for a very long time, a mainstream religious figure who will stand up and tell the truth to shame the devil.

If only we could persuade more mainstream ministers to join him, I'll bet they'd stop the loss of church members to those vile fundy megachurches and I'll bet those GOP members they've been so terribly afraid of offending are already long gone.

I suspect people are as desperate to hear the real message of Christianity as they are to hear about pro labor economics and anti corporate politics. Most people are feeling pretty dehumanized these days. The churches can help a great deal, if only they'll stand up and be counted against fascism.

[Tux]

6. One already does

If it wasn't for UUA, I'd have no church. Borderline fundie churches dominate here. My family is very conservative religiously. How they can tolerate me and my gf for thinking for ourselves, I don't know. They still support Bush and think DeLay's case in TX is a result of activist judges. Some people sacrificed reason for faith and can never get back.

[intheflow]

7. Sacrificing reason for faith.

I wonder if the world is just too confusing for some people. What we face is overwhelming: poverty, injustice, racism. I think those people can only concentrate on the little picture because they're afraid if they looked at the big picture it'd blow their little minds. But then... their little minds get bigger. Some of the big picture leaks through. And as you undoubtedly know, once you've had a glimpse of the big picture, the hole it shows through keeps growing.

Here's to growing holes of reason, Tux! :toast:

[deadparrot]

5. Good to hear.

Always nice to hear about these kinds of stories...gives me hope. :)