General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Evangelicals.... [View all]TheBlackAdder
(28,070 posts).
You would not believe how strangely wired their thought processes are above traditional religions. Over the course of 4 decades, most Christian churches push concepts that even the most sheepish follower struggles with--but instead of questioning further, they have adopted the position of just accepting whatever bullshit comes their way. This is why, mainly Evangelicals and Charismatics, support Trump as they are the most conditioned to be accepting and unquestioning followers.
Unfortunately, there have been a few dramatic developments in religion that will screw us all.
1) There was a cult group that pushed that there is Biblical Inerrancy, meaning that the Bible is correct. This finally became accepted in the late 70's with the Chicago Statement of Biblical Inerrancy. Many of the educated clergy and researchers were told to either accept this position, and ignore the over 300 errors in the Bible or quit or be forced out of their positions. Most left the church and their positions were filled by hacks who invented excuses to justify the Bible is without error, even fabricating backstories. Traditional Christian churches began adopting this position too. This causes people to not to question their religion, and this translates into them not questioning their political leaders they align with--they become sheep who fall in line with power.
2) The adoption of Two-Stage Baptisms, where the Holy Spirit enters a person, mainly demonstrated by Glossolalia (speaking in tongue). Charismatics believe that this is just a temporary visitation to convey a message to the person or church body. Pentecostals believe that once the Holy Spirit chooses you, it remains within you and everything you do is effectively sanctioned by God. As such, there is a big push for parishioners to speak in tongue so they can be accepted--because if the HS doesn't enter you, there must be a reason you are not worthy. This bullshit started in the early 1900s. This is why pious people think they can do whatever or that they will sit by the right side of Jesus when they die.
3) Since traditional religions place God on the outside, there is the attraction for people to feel more connected to God. Many of these traditional churches are now adopting the Pentecostal position that the HS enters a person to attract congregants. There is some resistance with older church members so you will see that many churches are holding two sets of services, a traditional one and a New/Contemporary service that pushes this bullshit.
See, the main problem is that there are a bunch of charlatans starting their own churches as a way to gain respect, have control over others, get free labor, and obtain a source of income. This, along with younger people drifting away from religion, is causing cash constraints on traditional mainly Christian churches--so they are doing everything they can to attract people to build their membership and tithings. Take notice, when you drive by churches, that they are offering multiple services and/or or allowing other churches to use their space.
.