These NAR people are the reason why I have such a profound dislike of organized religion. It is folks like this that have caused untold suffering throughout the world and throughout history. They are the Inquisition, the witch hunters, the jihadists, the crusaders who kill with impunity while wrapping themselves in a cloak of righteousness. They have none of the morality associated with the benevolent teachings of their various faiths. They are murderers and frauds and liars, and they are to be feared because they will burn down the world to "save" us. If there is a nuclear attack in our future, you can bet your bottom dollar "the Hand of God" is behind it.
I get your point that in this world, where it seems most people are voting on vibes, first impressions are important. That said, I am leery of the politician who leans on their faith for political gain. It just doesn't sit right with me. James Talarico is a good example of this. Do I think he is a good candidate in Texas for this time and place? Yes. Is he trying to be inclusive and progressive in his platform? Yes. Does his constant talk of faith and is squeaky clean image set my teeth on edge? Also, yes.
I know many people, my wife (a devout Daoist) included, who have a deep abiding faith in their spiritual path. It guides them and helps them in times of trouble, but at the same time it's deeply personal and private. They do not go screaming from the mountaintops that their faith is stronger, or their God is better, or that you are going to die if you do not believe, and it tends not to be the deciding factor in who they vote for.
These are mind-boggling and abhorrent ideas to other Christians. Although debating Christian Nationalists is probably futile, here are some questions I'm pretty sure they would have a tough time answering?
-- Where did you get the idea — and the hubris — that you speak for all American Christians?
-- If God is sovereign and omnipotent, why does He need Donald Trump, Pete Hegseth, Lance Wallnau, or any mortal to execute His plan? Wouldn't the Creator of the universe manage the end times on His own timeline?
-- Jesus said "Blessed are the peacemakers." Can you show me where He amended that to "Blessed are the war-makers, if the war is prophetic"?
-- If Trump is God's chosen instrument, how do you reconcile that with the fact that he himself doesn't believe he needs God's forgiveness?
-- You call yourselves Christians. Where in the Gospels did Jesus express hatred toward any religion, including Islam?
-- When you pray for war to hasten the Last Days, are you also praying for all the human beings — soldiers, civilians, children — who will die to make that happen?
-- When Jesus returns, do you really believe He'll say, "Well done — you started the war I needed"?
Totally agree. As a Christian, however, I find far too many of our fellow adherents willing to agree to anything Trump does in the name of “Christianity.” How do we address these supposed Christian brethren? I am disheartened almost to the point of disclaiming my faith.
If all this gives these pastors such a spiritual boner, why aren’t they bravely leading their cowardly congregations over there to hasten the arrival of the end? Oh, right. Only the unanoited have to die.
This is frightening. To believe that Trump, Rubio, and Hegseth are “marching with God’s army “is nuts. And they have powerful positions in our government. And they think Armageddon is around the corner. And these people feel like they’re ready for the second coming and even playing a role in bringing it about.
Matthew 24:36 “ But about that day no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
If Jesus Christ himself does not claim knowledge of when or how the “end times” come about, who gives people like Lance Wallnau, Sean Feucht or Paula White superior knowledge? Give me a freakin’ break.
As someone who grew up in a traditional Christian family, These people look to be farther from Christianity than the people they abhor---or maybe even more that the people they abhor.
How are they different from ISIS or other Islamic fundamentalists who believe their faith calls them to kill infidels to bring about the spread of the one true faith? Do these ignorant people even know of modern scholarly opinions on who wrote the Book of Revelation and why and when? If everyone who disagrees with them is possessed by demons, how about considering that they may be mentally deranged themselves, like many fanatics of different religions?
They could simply take a look at what Elaine Pagels or Bart Ehrman have to say on the subject, either on YouTube or in their books (if they can still read without being transported in their Biblical ecstasies of self-glorification as vessels of a vengeful lord). See the links:
Thank you for this column… as utterly disturbing as it is. This needs to reach a wider audience and be picked up by national media sources and/or highly placed, legitimate, religious leaders. … I hear the criticism that some have of “organized religion,” but not all of them espouse such a faulty, warped sense of God and the Bible.
For me, as a Lutheran (ELCA) Deacon, I think that God / the Holy / the Divine is known by many names, and found by many pathways and religious writings.
That “NAR” group is crazy.
As *if* any one group of humans can claim they know the Holy One’s design for everyone else, and that only those with a very warped Christianity have all the answers.
When I see these right wing grifters lining their pockets in the name of religion, I always think of Matthew 19:24 -- "...it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
It always comes down to John 11:35 -- "Jesus wept."
I've been folowing NAR an d Dominionism for a long time. From a psychological , emotionsl, and
Moral development standpoint these positions are neither adult nor healthy. The hierarchical thinking. Seeing tne would and its people as being with me or against me, unilaterally imposing ones wishes on others... these are all quite early developmental stages. My question during these times is how to rekindle adult functioning in a civic culture that has, for multiple reasons, regressed to early levels of emotional and moral functioning.
Since the new Iranian war started by our president seems to be taking on a Christian Nationalist bent with troops needed on the ground to cement our air power achievements, I suggest that Barron Trump be appointed by DOD Hegseth to be a 1st lieutenant leading one of the initial companies into the fray in the planned Iran invasion. Troops for this mission should also be recruited from the pardoned January 6th capital invaders as well as DHS ICE agents who would be well trained to easily subdue the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, as they have already demonstrated on the streets of American cities. They could all be under the newly available leadership of ICE Barbie in her expanded role as head of the newly created Saviors of the World. Boots such as these on the ground would surely be fitting and meet the approval of the overwhelming majority of Americans.
These NAR people are the reason why I have such a profound dislike of organized religion. It is folks like this that have caused untold suffering throughout the world and throughout history. They are the Inquisition, the witch hunters, the jihadists, the crusaders who kill with impunity while wrapping themselves in a cloak of righteousness. They have none of the morality associated with the benevolent teachings of their various faiths. They are murderers and frauds and liars, and they are to be feared because they will burn down the world to "save" us. If there is a nuclear attack in our future, you can bet your bottom dollar "the Hand of God" is behind it.
I hear you, but I think it's important not to put all organized religion in the same basket. It won't serve us well politically.
I get your point that in this world, where it seems most people are voting on vibes, first impressions are important. That said, I am leery of the politician who leans on their faith for political gain. It just doesn't sit right with me. James Talarico is a good example of this. Do I think he is a good candidate in Texas for this time and place? Yes. Is he trying to be inclusive and progressive in his platform? Yes. Does his constant talk of faith and is squeaky clean image set my teeth on edge? Also, yes.
I know many people, my wife (a devout Daoist) included, who have a deep abiding faith in their spiritual path. It guides them and helps them in times of trouble, but at the same time it's deeply personal and private. They do not go screaming from the mountaintops that their faith is stronger, or their God is better, or that you are going to die if you do not believe, and it tends not to be the deciding factor in who they vote for.
These are mind-boggling and abhorrent ideas to other Christians. Although debating Christian Nationalists is probably futile, here are some questions I'm pretty sure they would have a tough time answering?
-- Where did you get the idea — and the hubris — that you speak for all American Christians?
-- If God is sovereign and omnipotent, why does He need Donald Trump, Pete Hegseth, Lance Wallnau, or any mortal to execute His plan? Wouldn't the Creator of the universe manage the end times on His own timeline?
-- Jesus said "Blessed are the peacemakers." Can you show me where He amended that to "Blessed are the war-makers, if the war is prophetic"?
-- If Trump is God's chosen instrument, how do you reconcile that with the fact that he himself doesn't believe he needs God's forgiveness?
-- You call yourselves Christians. Where in the Gospels did Jesus express hatred toward any religion, including Islam?
-- When you pray for war to hasten the Last Days, are you also praying for all the human beings — soldiers, civilians, children — who will die to make that happen?
-- When Jesus returns, do you really believe He'll say, "Well done — you started the war I needed"?
Totally agree. As a Christian, however, I find far too many of our fellow adherents willing to agree to anything Trump does in the name of “Christianity.” How do we address these supposed Christian brethren? I am disheartened almost to the point of disclaiming my faith.
They clearly have no faith. They believe God needs their help and in giving that aid they are God. It is blasphemous.
Never abandon your faith! They are kkkristians!
don't forget, your faith is not their faith...neither is it Jesus's by the way !
they better be careful what they wish for...Jesus will come down and kick their asses,
It would be worth dying in the rapture to see that !!
Where did they get the idea….? Trump’s bible!
If all this gives these pastors such a spiritual boner, why aren’t they bravely leading their cowardly congregations over there to hasten the arrival of the end? Oh, right. Only the unanoited have to die.
This is frightening. To believe that Trump, Rubio, and Hegseth are “marching with God’s army “is nuts. And they have powerful positions in our government. And they think Armageddon is around the corner. And these people feel like they’re ready for the second coming and even playing a role in bringing it about.
Trump does believe in anything but himself!
No question about that. He’ll fake caring about others, but only cares about himself.
Matthew 24:36 “ But about that day no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
If Jesus Christ himself does not claim knowledge of when or how the “end times” come about, who gives people like Lance Wallnau, Sean Feucht or Paula White superior knowledge? Give me a freakin’ break.
Matt 24:36 has been redacted from their rule book!
It is a shameful and utterly baseless theology to think that war with Iran is somehow “part of God’s plan.”
Blasphemy they used to call it!
As someone who grew up in a traditional Christian family, These people look to be farther from Christianity than the people they abhor---or maybe even more that the people they abhor.
The nutters coming out of the woodwork, which is no surprise when looking at the orange dumpster's entire regime personnel.
BINGO… you nailed it. I refer to their nurturing ground as a cesspool, not dumpster!
I m just cynical enough to think Drumpf likes the laying on of hands because it gives him a chance to close his eyes and snooze with impunity.
How are they different from ISIS or other Islamic fundamentalists who believe their faith calls them to kill infidels to bring about the spread of the one true faith? Do these ignorant people even know of modern scholarly opinions on who wrote the Book of Revelation and why and when? If everyone who disagrees with them is possessed by demons, how about considering that they may be mentally deranged themselves, like many fanatics of different religions?
They could simply take a look at what Elaine Pagels or Bart Ehrman have to say on the subject, either on YouTube or in their books (if they can still read without being transported in their Biblical ecstasies of self-glorification as vessels of a vengeful lord). See the links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_L4_LmqImY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxhhLdZPnfs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0-reoYHKUw
Thank you for this column… as utterly disturbing as it is. This needs to reach a wider audience and be picked up by national media sources and/or highly placed, legitimate, religious leaders. … I hear the criticism that some have of “organized religion,” but not all of them espouse such a faulty, warped sense of God and the Bible.
For me, as a Lutheran (ELCA) Deacon, I think that God / the Holy / the Divine is known by many names, and found by many pathways and religious writings.
That “NAR” group is crazy.
As *if* any one group of humans can claim they know the Holy One’s design for everyone else, and that only those with a very warped Christianity have all the answers.
I’m an atheist but if anyone is the Antichrist, it’s Trump. These people are scary.
When I see these right wing grifters lining their pockets in the name of religion, I always think of Matthew 19:24 -- "...it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
It always comes down to John 11:35 -- "Jesus wept."
I've been folowing NAR an d Dominionism for a long time. From a psychological , emotionsl, and
Moral development standpoint these positions are neither adult nor healthy. The hierarchical thinking. Seeing tne would and its people as being with me or against me, unilaterally imposing ones wishes on others... these are all quite early developmental stages. My question during these times is how to rekindle adult functioning in a civic culture that has, for multiple reasons, regressed to early levels of emotional and moral functioning.
Watching just part of these videos makes my skin crawl. These are frightening people. They talk about the Gospel without true understanding.
Since the new Iranian war started by our president seems to be taking on a Christian Nationalist bent with troops needed on the ground to cement our air power achievements, I suggest that Barron Trump be appointed by DOD Hegseth to be a 1st lieutenant leading one of the initial companies into the fray in the planned Iran invasion. Troops for this mission should also be recruited from the pardoned January 6th capital invaders as well as DHS ICE agents who would be well trained to easily subdue the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, as they have already demonstrated on the streets of American cities. They could all be under the newly available leadership of ICE Barbie in her expanded role as head of the newly created Saviors of the World. Boots such as these on the ground would surely be fitting and meet the approval of the overwhelming majority of Americans.