Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, James Dobson -- Axis of Evil?

[Cyrano]

You probably know who Falwell and Robertson are. If you don't know Dobson, he has a bigger audience than both of them. His radio show is "Focus on the Family."

What these hate mongers have in common is that they believe that the U.S. should be a Christian theocracy. And they're counting on Bush to make it happen if he's re-selected.

We already know what kind of judges Bush will appoint. What's to stop him, Ashcroft et al from turning us into the country that Falwell, Robertson and Dobson would like to see? Most DUers know that these people are, in effect, American Talibans. They are no better than the fanatics of any other religion, but try explaining that to the poor dupes who are their followers.

My question is, where are the moderate to liberal churches? Why aren't their leaders speaking out, if not screaming out? In short, where is the mainline Christian answer to these peddlers of hatred and intolerance?

[camaro69]

1. My question is, where are the moderate to liberal churches?

Christian Science, Unification, New Age, etc.

The mainline churches use the Bible and it is not very liberal. It's pretty black and white. The Bible is full of compassion and forgiveness for the repentant, but also quick and sure in judgement and consequences for the disobedient......

[Cyrano]

3. camaro69, welcome to DU

During the Vietnam War, the mainstream churches took the lead in the anti-war movement and their goal was not to transform the country into a Christian theocracy. Google William Sloan Coffin. He was a great religious leader who was a voice of sanity during an insane time. And of course, there's no need to remind anyone that Martin Luther King Jr. was among the first Christian ministers to condemn Vietnam. Neither of these men were agents of hatred and intolerance.

[camaro69]

6. The past few decades

have seen amazing growth in the "Bible based" churches. I think this has had an effect on the historical denominations that were more accepting of "certain" sin. The fundamental churches have exploded and the traditional churches (Episcopal) for example have suffered great losses as a result of their stance on controversial family issues.

[realisticphish]

9. but a christian church

is by requirement a bible-based church. i think the issue is the testament on which the church is based. i.e., most protestant churches focus on the new testament, that actual teachings of Christ. fundie churches put far more stock in the old testament, and the vengeful god doctrine


:hippie: The Incorrigible Democrat

[camaro69]

10. Nothing in the Old Testament

was disputed in the New Testament. In fact the New Testament IS the proof in the pudding. Still pretty much black and white......

[realisticphish]

14. when christ died

that ended all the old covenents. the Old Testement is NOT christian law. we do NOT have to obey the ten commandments. it's as simple as that. there is no point to the old testement for christians, except for entertainment value.


:hippie: The Incorrigible Democrat

[dave502d]

2. Hell

If their a hell, they will be their.

[Cyrano]

4. Hope not. I'll probably end up there and who would want them as roommates?

[dave502d]

5. Yes

But just think what you can do to them!

[Cyrano]

8. Forget it. They've already got the pitchforks. All I have is moral outrage

[realisticphish]

7. i think

in a lot of cases, its a matter of, "what they're saying is their interpretation, theres not point in getting into arguments over such things" (at least thats the thinking of my moderate lutheran congregation). also, i think that its just a matter of volume. liberal and moderate churches just arent loud; its the same as with right/left politics, the conservatives tend to be MUCH louder, even if they're not correct

:hippie: The Incorrigible Democrat

[terrya]

11. Add the "Concerned Women of America" in that axis, please.

Just as evil as the people and groups you mentioned. Hateful, Stepford Wife types...and homophobic to the extreme.

[Cyrano]

12. You're right. I just stopped with those three as representative of

the entire wingnut, fanatical religious (and non-religious) Republicans who are threatening our freedoms in more ways than we probably even know about.

I believe this country is teetering on the edge of a cliff and unless people wake up and get rid of this incredibly dangerous regime on November 2, we will fall into a deep abyss.

Then again, even if we win on Nov. 2, I won't really feel comfortable until Jan. 20 when these people are removed from the levers of power.

[GreenPartyVoter]

13. I'll buy that they are the axis. The rest of us are speaking

out, but bear in mind that being the pluralistic types of folks that we are tou may hear us speaking out against issues without ever bringing our faith into it.

(Me, I've decided to bring my faith into it after all, because I am sick of the conservative evangelicals thinking they are the only voice for God.)

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And God told His children: "I love you. Play nice."

Would Jesus love a liberal? You bet!
http://www.geocities.com/greenpartyvoter/liberalchristians.htm

[chaumont58]

15. Has Fallwell or Robertson said God is angry with Florida?

The Fallwell/Robertson blaming gays/abortion/no prayer in school for God abandoning Merika on 9/11 is permanently burned into my memory. I keep wondering if logic demands they God for all the hurricanes to visit Florida this season?
Probably not, wouldn't be convenient. Back to the 700 Club!