Reply #67: random thoughts here;

[yellowdogintexas]

on mythology vs religion: My Old Testament professor (at a United Methodist College) opened class on the first day of Intro to Old Testament (required course) by stating that we were going to study mythology for a few weeks. He declared that Genesis is the mythology of the Ancient Hebrews, then went on to define it as a means of seeking to explain how and why things happen, in a time before the science existed to explain it. Bear in mind he was a VERY devout and sincere man, and an ordained United Methodist Minister.

on superstition: My ex husband ( who also studied under this professor) has a degree from the Harvard Divinity School. He used to tell people who asked him why he attended church services so rarely that he was "religious but not superstitious" meaning that one's faith is always with him/her, and attendance in a building or constant espousing of one's faith is not a requirement of being faithful.

on "airs of superiority" oh yeah it is there all right..it is rampant in the very fundamentalist Protestant groups/denominations..the entire focus of their faith seems to be getting their feet in the door at Heaven, and in being the only ones there apparantly since they think no one else is making it. Believe me, I have known people who were so sacrosanct that they pretty much believed Heaven was only going to be their particular congregation, and their blood relatives of course.
Arrogance, oh boy ! Did not stop me from appreciating the inclusive and embracing philosopy of Methodism, and ignoring their down the nose looks. It also did not stop me from having deep discussions with my mom about how wacko this all was (oh boy could she rant on that topic too!!!).

Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, James Dobson, Jan and Paul whatever, Bennie HInn, etc all have this arrogant, smarmy attitude of being the only ones who are right...I shudder...I think these Pharisees and hypocrites are in for some surprises.

on the right wing in general: no doubt about it, they have Pinky and the Brain syndrome, wanting to take over the world, and they knew that one of the easiest ways to do it was to infiltrate the narrow religionists. But the narrow religionists do NOT own Christianity, never forget that!!!!! The Republican Right does not have an exclusive franchise.

running out of profound things to say