Devoted reader and supporter from Kansas here. Adam Hamilton is a force to be reckoned with. Smart, articulate, caring, genuine. He has built a huge following of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents at his suburban Church of the Resurrection, and he will build a similar coalition to win this Senate seat. I'm further left than Hamilton, but there is no denying this centrist appeal in our state. He's gonna win!
From Oregon I sent a donation to his campaign. This is something we all can do to offset some of the dark money corrupting our politics by right wing super PACs.
Former Kansan here, and I agree! We attended one of Hamilton’s satellite services in a downtown KCMO bar (!!) from 2014-17. He is phenomenal, and you are lucky to have him in this race!
The time for reckoning is here. We the People have reached our "Toxic Trump" moment. When a leader of a Democrat system collapses into a graveyard of unpopularity, formerly loyal voters start looking for alternatives and marginal allies begin to abandon him to save their own political skins. Rejoice! We are at that uplifting turning point.
Find Democratic candidates to work for and don't stop working until the day after the midterms. A landslide Blue Wave would be great first step to fixing America and ridding us of the Ghoul in Chief.
And beyond. One of our issues has been singular focus on presidential elections but we have mayoral and school board and state legislative elections to focus on too. The latter impacts redistricting, which has national implications.
Not so long ago, the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s was staunchly supported by people of faith, most famously by Martin Luther King, Jr., but also leaders like Father James Groppi of Milwaukee, Ralph Abernathy, Jesse Jackson, rabbis Joshua Heschel and Joachim Prinz, and many others. They were activists in the best Judeo-Christian tradition, working for the betterment of the oppressed no matter who they were. It is a debasement of American values to think and act otherwise. Trump, by embodying the absolute worst in us, has forced us to reclaim and live by "the better angels of our nature," as Lincoln so aptly said.
This could be the first strike in a "religious war". The right wing evangelicals, the main foundation of today's MAGA Republican party vs the religious center who chooses to use religion for the benefit of the masses. One finds it difficult to understand how the evangelicals can support a president who violates every christian religious principle you can find. To discover why, attend a born-again religious service and discover for yourself.
Right wing “Christianity” is based on patriarchy and hierarchy, in other words white supremacy and misogyny although they don’t see it as such. Children are inculcated in these ideologies from their church and family and do not question it. They are told it is the natural order. It’s a big part of why critical thinking is demonized in right wing education and blind obedience is emphasized. Individually evangelicals can be kind to one another while suspicious of outsiders. They are conditioned to be taken over by authoritarians. If ever there was a group that needed to be awakened it is them.
Well Judy, I suspect that many of us (speaking for myself here) have seen through the hypocrisy and fairy tales of the religious establishment at an early age and have rejected the hateful messages and policies they've tried to force feed us with.
When, oh when, will we finally free ourselves from this god delusion, and all that follows from it.
Some may be skeptical, but depending on their social circle, seem to go along to get along. I have found that right wing “christian” women in particular play dumb when it comes to the right wing politics their (insecure) husbands and boyfriends espouse. Privately they say they are appalled by Trump’s long history of sexual behavior, including the links with Epstein. Still they are like “see no evil, hear no evil, do no evil” monkeys about the many corrupt and authoritarian policies. Frustrates me! 😠
I am not an atheist however. I believe there is one universal force, one being who has many names. Don't forget Jesus is relatively late to the God game.
You would enjoy Bob Altemeyer's Book "The Authoritarians". He describes the religious right better than anyone I have read. His descriptions are evidence and fact based.
The Evangelicals actually follow mainstream Christian values quite closely. It's a religion based on male supremacy and the demonization of sex and women. All the Christians who claim otherwise haven't been paying attention. There is not a single Christian denomination that has renounced these principles.
You are quite mistaken Wendy B. There are some evangelicals who adhere pretty close to the Gospel, but a great number do not. I would invite you to examine the United Methodist positions on sex, women, homosexuality, the environment, and a wide range of issues. You can find their general positions in their Book of Discipline - here is a link to examine free: https://issuu.com/cokesbury/docs/the_book_of_discipline_of_the_unite_c115dcf702a4c3?fr=sMjdmNTkyODk4MDc - you will find Part V - Social Principles - speaks to these issues and more. Unfortunately, so many people - like yourself - have heard and seen the flagrant hypocrisy, cruelty, and abusive behavior of so many people calling themselves "Christian" - that many of us who are wished to run and hide for fear of being lumped together with those abusers of the Gospel. Adam Hamilton is one person who is willing - in the public square - to call out the abuse and do so with integrity. Nobody is perfect - he would be the first to admit it - but as a United Methodists we have a theological view which expects that we "go on to perfection." Meaning simply: we don't rest on our laurels or assume we have already been made perfect just because we have faith in Christ. You can't claim to be a follower and not act like it ... that's actually the Gospel.
Does one need a god or a religion to practice decency, kindness and tolerance to our fellows regardless of national origin, 'race,' ethnicity or socioeconomic conditions?
I have to admit I fall short. I have little tolerance for religious bigots and racists--which includes 6 members of our Supreme Court and trump's lickspittles in the House and Senate.
Agreed. Never been about fairness, justice or compassion. All about power and patriarchy. Play the god card.
It's all dangerous nonsense. This god delusion.
Nietzsche had it right: The last christian died on the cross. And seeing that cross hanging in places of idolatry gives me the creeps. Sadomasochism at its finest. When will we finally free themselves from this sick delusion?
Someone once described the practice of Christianity “cannibalism” because they “drink the blood and eat the body of Christ” (holy communion). That really stuck with me because it actually makes sense. Kinda creepy.
In my view, sincere, by which I mean taking the teachings of Jesus and sincerely contemplating their meaning, then putting them into practice as best they are able, have contributed and will continue to contribute a great deal to our country and culture. Ditto Jews re the deep teachings of Judaism, and Muslims who follow the unedited teachings of Mohammad and his successors in that faith. Christians who say yes to demonizing strangers are acting in exact opposition to such parables as The Good Samaritan. Christians who condemn unconventional women, to Jesus' advice "Let him without sin cast the first stone." They are not really followers of Jesus, but of charlatans and grifters. From our president on down, in government and evangelical churches that support him, it's charlatans all the way down.
Yes, so great to hear that a Kansas pastor is giving a choice to people who say they follow Christ. It’s a choice between individualistic, judgmental Christianity (“Old Testament Christians”) and Christianity where people live their faith by loving their neighbors (“New Testament Christians”).
In effect, he’s asking them to choose between worshipping Donald Trump (as Franklin Graham seems to do) and following the Jesus of the Bible, who taught us to love our neighbor, to do good to those who hate us.
The message to evangelical MAGAs is simple: “Go ahead and hate your neighbor, go ahead and cheat a friend,” as the song says. Stick with your Trump, but don’t pretend he was anointed when he was barely appointed. Love, not hate, is going to win.
I am a Unitarian Universalist. Four and possibly five of our former Presidents have been Unitarians. The fact does not escape me that it would probably be impossible for a Unitarian Universalist to run for any significant office today.
Hallelujah and praise God, goodness and generosity and hospitality are the hallmarks of a faithful person. Articulate strong communicators are stepping up and it is not too soon.
While I am very familiar with the seminarian, James Talarico, I am grateful to Jen for introducing me to Rev. Adam Hamilton. Long ago, I shed the belief system I was immersed in growing up but I remember enough of it its ideals including welcoming the "stranger," performing acts of charity, supporting those less fortunate and speaking out against war to mention just a few.
Let's hope that the common sense and decency for which Rev. Hamilton stands will deliver a tectonic shift in the KS Senate race in November. Now, that would be a miracle worth celebrating.
Thanks for your comments. I am a bit biased I know - not just because I'm a United Methodist minister (retired) - but having heard Adam Hamilton in person and spoken to him more than once I have experienced his integrity. On those occasions his respect for my ideas and his compassionate spirit shown through. He didn't grow his church from a handful of people to over 20,000 through chicanery, a Prosperity Gospel pile of crap, or manipulation. He did it through hospitality and authenticity. He also accomplished it by surrounding himself with gifted people and supporting them. He is a team builder and a consensus seeker. He's one of the most effective communicators I've ever heard. It is done in a style that is gracious and sincere. For people of faith, he can be - like the younger James Talerico - a person who makes us proud to be Christian instead of ashamed that so many take the Lord's name in vain with their cruelty, hypocrisy, selfishness, and hateful spirits. The notion that he would jam his faith down the throats of anyone is laughable. Jesus didn't do it and he won't either.
Think deeply about what it means to be Christian. Calls to post the 10 Commandments in school rooms aren't Christian. Those are from the Old Testament - the Covenant of Moses. In the Sermon at the Last Supper Christ dissolved all prior covenants and replace them with a new one containing exactly two commandments. I'd rather see those being discussed:
1. Love God with all your heart and soul.
2. Love each other as I have loved you.
All the rest derive from these.
Posting these in schools by government decree still violates the establishment clause but behaving this way in daily life does not. That's the point - winning by behaving, not by force of arms.
If your 2nd point can also be stated as "Love your neighbor as yourself", I have a hypothesis. If you don't love yourself, you cannot love your neighbor. I think a lot of MAGAts don't love themselves, and that's why they're drawn to Christian Nationalism because it's certainly not about loving your neighbor.
Again, I state this as a hypothesis. I'm not a psychologist, so maybe others with more authority can weigh in here.
I will not worry about exact wording. The meaning is clear. The message wasn't written down until at least a century after the event, and there have been several translations: Hebrew/Aramaic, Greek, Latin and finally English.
Religious dogma should not be provided as "absolutes" for any political party because A) there is no "God" (capital G) and B) all "holy" books were written by people with agendas, not by people receiving "the word" from (a fictional) on high. People need to ask themselves what a sound, fair, policy/practice is and it never is "forcing my way on others."
A Christian who makes public professions of faith is not forcing his way on others, any more than you are by declaring that there is no God and expressing contempt for people who believe otherwise.
A Christian whose faith informs his actions, like Hamilton, or Dr. King, or millions of others, owes no apologies to you or anyone else for believing what he believes; not when it gives him the strength to face up to powerful oppressors.
willoughby ... Thank you for your insightful and accurate reply. As a minister - now retired - who is United Methodist and has met Adam Hamilton more than once - I can't express how delighted I am that he is taking this step to challenge a MAGA bootlicker. He's the real deal. And Mr. White - he doesn't care if you are a person of faith, despise religion, or worship at the local pub. He will no more foist his religious faith on you or others than he would turn his back on a person in need. If anyone can break through the Republican/MAGA stranglehold in Kansas representation in the Senate - it will be Hamilton. He's articulate, has integrity, knows how to disagree without being disagreeable. There are millions of us who are Christians whose knuckles don't drag on the ground or spin a flat earth globe. We can operate in a democracy doing the best we can to be faithful to a Gospel which welcomes and inspires us - without needing to treat those who think differently that they should get the blunt end of God's cudgel. For those of us appalled by Christian Nationalist heresy - he will be part of a welcome cure.
I rarely hear atheists profess, in casual conversation, that there is no god, while I frequently hear people refer to god, blessings, what Jesus or the bible said... even voice recognition insists on spelling god with a capital G, and bible with a capital B.
The insistence on religion is so ingrained that people don't even see it. I'm glad it works for you and so many others, but from the outside, it is very oppressive.
You're bump up against something we all have to learn to deal with in a complex and diverse society: the fact that now and again there's going to be a majoritarian opinion we don't share---the reality that other people are going to say and do and believe and even spell things in ways that bug the hell out of us.
It happens to me, too. But oh well. As my mother used to say, "What can't be cured must be endured."
I did not mean that religious people are consciously oppressive, just that the ubiquity of religion in our lives feels oppressive.
Certainly there are some that behave as radically as you describe, but I think they are the minority. What I am referring to is a constant undertone, and (sometimes) irritating presumptuousness.
This is inspiring and hopeful. I shared it with my FIL who is a pastor in Texas. He’s said he works quietly to advance democratic ideals through faith and community. I’ve suggested it may be time to get loud. We are with you Kansas!
Never forget who has increasing control of "media". They are distorting reporting to through doubt into the Democratic campaign strategy. The goal is to discourage effective coalition building.
Devoted reader and supporter from Kansas here. Adam Hamilton is a force to be reckoned with. Smart, articulate, caring, genuine. He has built a huge following of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents at his suburban Church of the Resurrection, and he will build a similar coalition to win this Senate seat. I'm further left than Hamilton, but there is no denying this centrist appeal in our state. He's gonna win!
From Oregon I sent a donation to his campaign. This is something we all can do to offset some of the dark money corrupting our politics by right wing super PACs.
me too -- from Wisconsin
I will too, from California!
from a former Californian!
🤩💖
I hope so! Kansans deserve it!!
Former Kansan here, and I agree! We attended one of Hamilton’s satellite services in a downtown KCMO bar (!!) from 2014-17. He is phenomenal, and you are lucky to have him in this race!
The time for reckoning is here. We the People have reached our "Toxic Trump" moment. When a leader of a Democrat system collapses into a graveyard of unpopularity, formerly loyal voters start looking for alternatives and marginal allies begin to abandon him to save their own political skins. Rejoice! We are at that uplifting turning point.
Find Democratic candidates to work for and don't stop working until the day after the midterms. A landslide Blue Wave would be great first step to fixing America and ridding us of the Ghoul in Chief.
Please consider NOT stopping work after the midterms and keep at it until after the presidential election in 2028!
And beyond. One of our issues has been singular focus on presidential elections but we have mayoral and school board and state legislative elections to focus on too. The latter impacts redistricting, which has national implications.
No counting those chickens before they hatch! Save the crowing the day AFTER all the votes get legally cast and counted.
Not so long ago, the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s was staunchly supported by people of faith, most famously by Martin Luther King, Jr., but also leaders like Father James Groppi of Milwaukee, Ralph Abernathy, Jesse Jackson, rabbis Joshua Heschel and Joachim Prinz, and many others. They were activists in the best Judeo-Christian tradition, working for the betterment of the oppressed no matter who they were. It is a debasement of American values to think and act otherwise. Trump, by embodying the absolute worst in us, has forced us to reclaim and live by "the better angels of our nature," as Lincoln so aptly said.
This could be the first strike in a "religious war". The right wing evangelicals, the main foundation of today's MAGA Republican party vs the religious center who chooses to use religion for the benefit of the masses. One finds it difficult to understand how the evangelicals can support a president who violates every christian religious principle you can find. To discover why, attend a born-again religious service and discover for yourself.
Right wing “Christianity” is based on patriarchy and hierarchy, in other words white supremacy and misogyny although they don’t see it as such. Children are inculcated in these ideologies from their church and family and do not question it. They are told it is the natural order. It’s a big part of why critical thinking is demonized in right wing education and blind obedience is emphasized. Individually evangelicals can be kind to one another while suspicious of outsiders. They are conditioned to be taken over by authoritarians. If ever there was a group that needed to be awakened it is them.
@ Judy W.
Well Judy, I suspect that many of us (speaking for myself here) have seen through the hypocrisy and fairy tales of the religious establishment at an early age and have rejected the hateful messages and policies they've tried to force feed us with.
When, oh when, will we finally free ourselves from this god delusion, and all that follows from it.
Some may be skeptical, but depending on their social circle, seem to go along to get along. I have found that right wing “christian” women in particular play dumb when it comes to the right wing politics their (insecure) husbands and boyfriends espouse. Privately they say they are appalled by Trump’s long history of sexual behavior, including the links with Epstein. Still they are like “see no evil, hear no evil, do no evil” monkeys about the many corrupt and authoritarian policies. Frustrates me! 😠
If the sexual assault and grifting scandals affecting some of the evangelical churches haven’t dropped the scales from their eyes Idk what will.
Judy, thank you for articulating this so cogently! Very helpful.
NO thank you, those people are scarey !
I agree. It is scary for atheists like you and me. But, Kansas has a different demographic. Let it play out.
I am not an atheist however. I believe there is one universal force, one being who has many names. Don't forget Jesus is relatively late to the God game.
My apology. I am from India. Jesus is indeed yesterday's child to the God game.
You would enjoy Bob Altemeyer's Book "The Authoritarians". He describes the religious right better than anyone I have read. His descriptions are evidence and fact based.
The Evangelicals actually follow mainstream Christian values quite closely. It's a religion based on male supremacy and the demonization of sex and women. All the Christians who claim otherwise haven't been paying attention. There is not a single Christian denomination that has renounced these principles.
You are quite mistaken Wendy B. There are some evangelicals who adhere pretty close to the Gospel, but a great number do not. I would invite you to examine the United Methodist positions on sex, women, homosexuality, the environment, and a wide range of issues. You can find their general positions in their Book of Discipline - here is a link to examine free: https://issuu.com/cokesbury/docs/the_book_of_discipline_of_the_unite_c115dcf702a4c3?fr=sMjdmNTkyODk4MDc - you will find Part V - Social Principles - speaks to these issues and more. Unfortunately, so many people - like yourself - have heard and seen the flagrant hypocrisy, cruelty, and abusive behavior of so many people calling themselves "Christian" - that many of us who are wished to run and hide for fear of being lumped together with those abusers of the Gospel. Adam Hamilton is one person who is willing - in the public square - to call out the abuse and do so with integrity. Nobody is perfect - he would be the first to admit it - but as a United Methodists we have a theological view which expects that we "go on to perfection." Meaning simply: we don't rest on our laurels or assume we have already been made perfect just because we have faith in Christ. You can't claim to be a follower and not act like it ... that's actually the Gospel.
Snake oil in a different bottle.
That’s a sweeping generalization. Check out the progressive United Church of Christ (Congregational) and others.
Snake oil by another name.
Oh ye of little thinking...
Does one need a god or a religion to practice decency, kindness and tolerance to our fellows regardless of national origin, 'race,' ethnicity or socioeconomic conditions?
I have to admit I fall short. I have little tolerance for religious bigots and racists--which includes 6 members of our Supreme Court and trump's lickspittles in the House and Senate.
Does this make me a hypocrite? Maybe...
UCC=like Unitarians but with more Jesus. They're big on peace and social justice.
Equality of the sexes was a very prominent feature of the Shakers.
yeah, but no sex no decendents...cabinet and chair making only
@Wendy B,
Agreed. Never been about fairness, justice or compassion. All about power and patriarchy. Play the god card.
It's all dangerous nonsense. This god delusion.
Nietzsche had it right: The last christian died on the cross. And seeing that cross hanging in places of idolatry gives me the creeps. Sadomasochism at its finest. When will we finally free themselves from this sick delusion?
Someone once described the practice of Christianity “cannibalism” because they “drink the blood and eat the body of Christ” (holy communion). That really stuck with me because it actually makes sense. Kinda creepy.
Signe, if you described
the magical process of
'transubstantiation' (as
the cult of catholicism
refers to this) as some
pagan ritual, there would
be gasps of disgust and
a violent effort to reform
these cannibals and bring
them to the glorious redemption provided by the belief in the one true god.
I must admit that my experience of drinking the leftover wine in the cruets
(before its magical invasion by red blood cells) led me to appreciate dry red wines.
By 4th grade I was an avowed
atheist, and to this day, I avoid sweet reds.
sorta true...religion has a very violent past, and now present
Especially those Quakers and Shakers.
Vote for any Dem. We have a big tent. We don't need to undermine our candidates due to religious prejudice.
Have we all forgotten that the Spanish and Portuguese brought their catholic christianity to the 'new world' and taught the native peoples
the true meaning of their religion through theft, rape, enslavement and mass murder.
Of course, it was for their own good lest they die as unbaptized pagans and go to,
I forget, either limbo or purgatory or ...I dunno.
If you have the guns, you have the power to make shit up, right?
not forgotten , but some "God people" are sincere
Patricia,
Sure, no doubt.
My Italian Catholic ma was one. She liked birds and had a thing for St. Francis of Assisi.
In my view, sincere, by which I mean taking the teachings of Jesus and sincerely contemplating their meaning, then putting them into practice as best they are able, have contributed and will continue to contribute a great deal to our country and culture. Ditto Jews re the deep teachings of Judaism, and Muslims who follow the unedited teachings of Mohammad and his successors in that faith. Christians who say yes to demonizing strangers are acting in exact opposition to such parables as The Good Samaritan. Christians who condemn unconventional women, to Jesus' advice "Let him without sin cast the first stone." They are not really followers of Jesus, but of charlatans and grifters. From our president on down, in government and evangelical churches that support him, it's charlatans all the way down.
Yes, so great to hear that a Kansas pastor is giving a choice to people who say they follow Christ. It’s a choice between individualistic, judgmental Christianity (“Old Testament Christians”) and Christianity where people live their faith by loving their neighbors (“New Testament Christians”).
In effect, he’s asking them to choose between worshipping Donald Trump (as Franklin Graham seems to do) and following the Jesus of the Bible, who taught us to love our neighbor, to do good to those who hate us.
The message to evangelical MAGAs is simple: “Go ahead and hate your neighbor, go ahead and cheat a friend,” as the song says. Stick with your Trump, but don’t pretend he was anointed when he was barely appointed. Love, not hate, is going to win.
Religion is not a political party and every fence needs a gate.
I am a Unitarian Universalist. Four and possibly five of our former Presidents have been Unitarians. The fact does not escape me that it would probably be impossible for a Unitarian Universalist to run for any significant office today.
Hallelujah and praise God, goodness and generosity and hospitality are the hallmarks of a faithful person. Articulate strong communicators are stepping up and it is not too soon.
Thank you, Reverend Hamilton
While I am very familiar with the seminarian, James Talarico, I am grateful to Jen for introducing me to Rev. Adam Hamilton. Long ago, I shed the belief system I was immersed in growing up but I remember enough of it its ideals including welcoming the "stranger," performing acts of charity, supporting those less fortunate and speaking out against war to mention just a few.
Let's hope that the common sense and decency for which Rev. Hamilton stands will deliver a tectonic shift in the KS Senate race in November. Now, that would be a miracle worth celebrating.
Thanks for your comments. I am a bit biased I know - not just because I'm a United Methodist minister (retired) - but having heard Adam Hamilton in person and spoken to him more than once I have experienced his integrity. On those occasions his respect for my ideas and his compassionate spirit shown through. He didn't grow his church from a handful of people to over 20,000 through chicanery, a Prosperity Gospel pile of crap, or manipulation. He did it through hospitality and authenticity. He also accomplished it by surrounding himself with gifted people and supporting them. He is a team builder and a consensus seeker. He's one of the most effective communicators I've ever heard. It is done in a style that is gracious and sincere. For people of faith, he can be - like the younger James Talerico - a person who makes us proud to be Christian instead of ashamed that so many take the Lord's name in vain with their cruelty, hypocrisy, selfishness, and hateful spirits. The notion that he would jam his faith down the throats of anyone is laughable. Jesus didn't do it and he won't either.
Think deeply about what it means to be Christian. Calls to post the 10 Commandments in school rooms aren't Christian. Those are from the Old Testament - the Covenant of Moses. In the Sermon at the Last Supper Christ dissolved all prior covenants and replace them with a new one containing exactly two commandments. I'd rather see those being discussed:
1. Love God with all your heart and soul.
2. Love each other as I have loved you.
All the rest derive from these.
Posting these in schools by government decree still violates the establishment clause but behaving this way in daily life does not. That's the point - winning by behaving, not by force of arms.
If your 2nd point can also be stated as "Love your neighbor as yourself", I have a hypothesis. If you don't love yourself, you cannot love your neighbor. I think a lot of MAGAts don't love themselves, and that's why they're drawn to Christian Nationalism because it's certainly not about loving your neighbor.
Again, I state this as a hypothesis. I'm not a psychologist, so maybe others with more authority can weigh in here.
I will not worry about exact wording. The meaning is clear. The message wasn't written down until at least a century after the event, and there have been several translations: Hebrew/Aramaic, Greek, Latin and finally English.
Religious dogma should not be provided as "absolutes" for any political party because A) there is no "God" (capital G) and B) all "holy" books were written by people with agendas, not by people receiving "the word" from (a fictional) on high. People need to ask themselves what a sound, fair, policy/practice is and it never is "forcing my way on others."
A Christian who makes public professions of faith is not forcing his way on others, any more than you are by declaring that there is no God and expressing contempt for people who believe otherwise.
A Christian whose faith informs his actions, like Hamilton, or Dr. King, or millions of others, owes no apologies to you or anyone else for believing what he believes; not when it gives him the strength to face up to powerful oppressors.
willoughby ... Thank you for your insightful and accurate reply. As a minister - now retired - who is United Methodist and has met Adam Hamilton more than once - I can't express how delighted I am that he is taking this step to challenge a MAGA bootlicker. He's the real deal. And Mr. White - he doesn't care if you are a person of faith, despise religion, or worship at the local pub. He will no more foist his religious faith on you or others than he would turn his back on a person in need. If anyone can break through the Republican/MAGA stranglehold in Kansas representation in the Senate - it will be Hamilton. He's articulate, has integrity, knows how to disagree without being disagreeable. There are millions of us who are Christians whose knuckles don't drag on the ground or spin a flat earth globe. We can operate in a democracy doing the best we can to be faithful to a Gospel which welcomes and inspires us - without needing to treat those who think differently that they should get the blunt end of God's cudgel. For those of us appalled by Christian Nationalist heresy - he will be part of a welcome cure.
No one is asking for apologies.
I rarely hear atheists profess, in casual conversation, that there is no god, while I frequently hear people refer to god, blessings, what Jesus or the bible said... even voice recognition insists on spelling god with a capital G, and bible with a capital B.
The insistence on religion is so ingrained that people don't even see it. I'm glad it works for you and so many others, but from the outside, it is very oppressive.
You're bump up against something we all have to learn to deal with in a complex and diverse society: the fact that now and again there's going to be a majoritarian opinion we don't share---the reality that other people are going to say and do and believe and even spell things in ways that bug the hell out of us.
It happens to me, too. But oh well. As my mother used to say, "What can't be cured must be endured."
I agree, and I rarely express my views on the subject, but this seemed like an appropriate time to do so.
Sure. I get it, and it's absolutely a fair point.
@ DW,
Oppression is the point!
"You're not a nice person, and you can't play with us, unless wear a cross and mouth platitudes" oh, and have a blessed day....
Thank god (oops) for athiests!
I did not mean that religious people are consciously oppressive, just that the ubiquity of religion in our lives feels oppressive.
Certainly there are some that behave as radically as you describe, but I think they are the minority. What I am referring to is a constant undertone, and (sometimes) irritating presumptuousness.
Golly.
@ James White,
Hallefuckinlujah!
Exactly.
This is inspiring and hopeful. I shared it with my FIL who is a pastor in Texas. He’s said he works quietly to advance democratic ideals through faith and community. I’ve suggested it may be time to get loud. We are with you Kansas!
Never forget who has increasing control of "media". They are distorting reporting to through doubt into the Democratic campaign strategy. The goal is to discourage effective coalition building.
Gladdens my heart to hear the news. We need all the good news we can lay our hands on this morning. Laying hands on Kansas this morning from afar!