General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Ed Schultz EXPOSES Cause Of Racism In The South [View all]CherokeeDem
(3,709 posts)the majority of my family members are Methodists, and I attended a Methodist Church for most of my childhood. I fully agree the Methodists are much more liberal and less likely to preach hatred. However, there is that little pesky problem with the AME churches.
Perhaps I didn't make myself clear enough, the minister in the Baptist church service in Naples, Fl was preaching Right Wing talking points, I only listed a few of the topics he ranted about. While many denominations certainly oppose abortion, his rhetoric surpassed the usual condemnations. As for women's rights and working women, when someone stresses 'traditional family values and traditional family roles, along with the importance of a mother at home, you do the math. There is only one conclusion to be reached regarding that opinion.
Naples is a very white and very conservative town. There is a very large Mexican and Jamaican/Haitian population but they are relegated to the outskirts of town. There wasn't a face of color in the entire congregation the day I attended that service.
The fact is that churches are located in communities and their attendees will reflect that community. So you are correct, not all churches are segregated for ulterior purposes. However, the Republican Party has used the bully pulpit to dispense their venom. As one poster expressed in another reply to the OP, often people use their church to validate their views.
As for the Southern location, I grew up in South Carolina and the South Carolina of today is not one I recognize. So much more hatred and bitterness than I remember growing up. I personally feel that racism is prevalent in all corners of this country but more visible in the South. It would be nice if that wasn't the case.