Grumblers and Malcontents:A warning to Christian churches about the intrusion of extremist politics

[lees1975]

Last edited Mon Mar 20, 2023, 10:02 AM - Edit history (1)

https://signalpress.blogspot.com/2023/03/grumblers-malcontents-and-loud-mouthed.html

I can think of several, "loud mouthed boasters" among the maga cult.

A present day application of the New Testament book of Jude would be to consider the book a warning, in fairly harsh terms, against infiltration and perversion of the message of the gospel by what Paul references as "philosophy and empty deceit," and the "elemental spirits of this world," in his epistle to the Colossians, which bears some similarity to Jude's message. In that aspect of its interpretation, Jude is a Biblical warning to Christians in American churches of the infiltration of malcontents and loud-mouthed boasters who are leading Christians astray into alliances with extremist right wing political philosophies, mainly the MAGA cult of Trumpism, that are, indeed, bringing heresy right into the church's pulpits and rendering congregations apostate because they are, indeed, perverting the gospel message of Jesus Christ. And it is being done, as it was in Jude's day, by trusted leaders of the church who don't know any better.

There is no question that the MAGA cult has completely disrupted American politics, bringing, as Jude says, it is these scoffers, worldly people following their own passions who have caused division in government. They worked themselves up into a mob and attacked the Capitol with the intention of pulling off a coup against the American constitutional republic. And they are dividing the churches which they are infiltrating, setting their feet on the path to destructive heresy and declared apostasy.

The book of Jude is a warning against intruders in the church, bringing in false teaching and worldly influence when it comes to righteous living according to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I can no longer read the book and not see images of what's going on in American politics today.

[usonian]

1. Big discussion this morning on "Why white Christian nationalists are in such a panic"

https://democraticunderground.com/100217740301

on the article by Jennifer Rubin.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/03/19/poll-religion-christian-white/
https://archive.ph/7O06M

Growing up, it didn't bother me all that much to see lax Christians. Most were. But the "Enchantments of Mammon" as McCarrraher puts it(*) and then the turn to anti-Christianity by people who call themselves Christians were just too much.

But religious groups have in the past, in whole or in part been hijacked.


IMO. Corrupt "religious leaders" succumbed to
⦁ Oligarchs (money)
⦁ Politicians, (secular power)
⦁ Our perpetual curses: racism and anti-semitism. How they gave in to these is entirely beyond me.
  But they do.

A very unholy alliance. Part of the fascist playbook to hijack religion.

(*) McCarraher
The Enchantments of Mammon
How Capitalism Became
the Religion of Modernity

[czarjak]

2. You mean using religion to defend your hateful ignorance isn't allowed? Who knew!

[radical noodle]

3. MAGAs are primarily responsible for

causing a split in the United Methodist Church right now. Local churches, particularly in red states and/or red counties are leaving in droves. True, loving, inclusive UMC members are being left with no churches to attend. Ministers who preach love, diversity, and acceptance are being driven out of their parishes with nowhere to go.

Magas can pay an "apportionment" and take over the property and all other assets. Some churches are just closing their doors rather than accepting a "progressive or centrist" doctrine. Memorial gifts to UMC churches in memory of loved ones are being gobbled up by MAGAs with no recourse for those who gave the memorials.

On the plus side, we will be rid of these hateful people and be able to grow in a more positive direction, but it's heartbreaking to watch.