this damn republican "co-opting God" thing is working on me (rant warning)

[progressiverealist]

and it frustrates me.

I am (maybe was is more accurate) a Lutheran who got quite a lot out of going to church. But recently I don't even want to go. Now, I am a member of a very inclusive congregation (welcoming of gays and lesbians for example) but I can't bear to even think about being Christian any more.

I think Christian and I think of George W. Bush, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, etc. They are far from Christian in the true sense of the word, but you know what? Tell most people you're Christian now and they assume you're a Republican. I can't stand that the Republicans have taken my flag and my faith. These latest "we will fund religion to save one soul at a time" comments are the last straw for me.

I hate this. I feel like Bush has taken over the flag and now christianity. Can anyone help me with dealing with this? Many of my liberal friends avoid and even fear religion and now I can see why.

<rant off>

[cheezus]

1. If it's any consolation

Jesus was a democrat too.

[BigDaddyLove]

2. Just because you think of GWB, Falwell et al........

when you think Christian doesn't mean everyone does. Not everyone who is Christian feels that their religion has been co-opted by these few men.

Republicans can only take from you what you give them.

[progressiverealist]

3. I know they can't take what we/I don't give

but dammit, in today's popular culture, Christian = Republican.

I hate conceding this. Maybe I don't have to, but it is difficult.

[BigDaddyLove]

5. Perhaps, but there are more Christians.........

in the world than just American ones....not to mention that Christianity will most likely outlive George W. Bush and friends, no matter how much they try to f*ck it up.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

4. keep your head up

Matthew 7:21-23 not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father, which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

[Mrs. Venation]

6. I Know How You Feel

I describe myself as a follower of Christ, rather than as christian. The fundamentalist zealots have stolen the name, but they have no idea about how to live the life. I can think of no one more hate filled than religious zealots, no matter what their dogma.

I think a follower of Christ is one who tries to live according to the commandments of Christ, that is, to love God and love each other. All else, IMHO, is commentary.

[progressiverealist]

8. I agree completely

and couldn't have said it better.

I love humankind but just feel that the institution of the church has been largely altered by the right.

[OneBlueSky]

7. trust me . . . God is not pleased . . .

and he'll let them know it should they ever meet . . .

[Kat45]

9. I read there are some clergy starting a liberal political group

You know, clergy who represent Christ's way They're fed up with the fundie hijacking of Christianity as well and would like to let it be known that Christians/religious people are open and tolerant, etc.

I forget where I read about this, but it was quite recently. If I remember/find it, I'll let you know and include a link if there is one.

[Blue Gardener]

13. Look in LBN

I think it is being discussed there.

[banana republican]

10. Don't worry Be happy

You come from a church with a "good" heritage. I also am a Lutheran My church University Lutheran in Seattle is very progressive.

You might want to think about what was called the "Reich Church" in Germany during WWII. Hitler had co-opted the Lutheran Church in Germany and they followed.

Every one except what came to be called the Confessing Church. The most notable individual was Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He wrote a number of books before Hitler executed him.

You might want to find a web site that has the "Theological Declaration of Barman" also known as the "Barman Declaration". This declaration explicitly states that the beliefs of people like Pat Robertson and Jerry Fallwell are anathema(condemned).

The Barman Declaration is a "confession" and it is threated the same way as the Nicene Creed which was written around 300 AD. It has been adopted officially by the Lutherans; Presbyterians; Episcopalians; Methodists and others.

Don't worry you are in good company.

[LanternWaste]

11. History and Grandad

Christ has outlived the Roman Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, The Hapsburg Empire, The Franco Empire, The British Empire (and the sun was *never* gonna set on that one, remember?), the Whigs, the Populists, the Know-Nothings, and a host of others. There is absolutely no reason for me to believe that Republicans will outlast Him. There is absolutely no reason for me to believe that when we are standing before Him in judgment, He's going to ask, "...so, did you vote Republican or Democratic?"

Hey, man. I'm a Christian. A *fundamentalist* Christian (fundies as we are pejoratively known as around here) and I'm constantly getting blindsided by the right when I'm at Church for my politics, and constantly getting blindsided by the Left for my religion at poker games (and yes... even here); and if I've learned a few things about Christianity, one of them is that people use religion as a political prop. And those people invariably go down in history as either tyrants or petty despots. Not good for the here and now, but it soothes me when I remind myself of that.

Grandad voted for FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon, Carter and Reagan. He told me one fundamentally wise thing before he died...

"If you hear a pastor preaching politics, walk away; if you hear a politician preaching religion, RUN away!"

edited for clarity

[noiretextatique]

12. change your thinking, change your life

why concede christianity to the unholiest ones? there are plenty real people who are actually acting from the christ consciousness vs. mouthing off about how holy they are while acting against every principle they claim to value. republicans have become expert at this...and it's total bullshit...smoke and mirrors.
don't let them control you or your thoughts.

[denverbill]

14. People are just disgusted by their outward displays of religion.

"Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them," admonished Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men ... When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

If Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson are going to Heaven, there had better be separate quarters. They steal earthly rewards by falsely promising miracle cures and heavenly salvation.