Rank depravity and a seemingly unbreakable link with radical right-wing "Christians," who are so holier-than-though that they are intent on forcing others to follow their shameful beliefs.
Rank depravity and a seemingly unbreakable link with radical right-wing "Christians," who are so holier-than-though that they are intent on forcing others to follow their shameful beliefs.
I had a good friend, a middle of the road R, until the Dobbs decision. He is Catholic and tried to rationalize Dobbs by telling me Euro countries have “reasonable” 15-week cutoffs. My response was that he had no right, in the name of his religion, to tell my daughter and my two granddaughters what they can do with their bodies. I have not spoken with him, or any othe Christo-fascist, since…I regret H. Clinton called roughly 70 million people “deplorables” — because it might have lost her the election. But she was absolutely correct.
It was a faux pas, for sure. But they are more like "vulnerables" first, who want a big daddy to tell them what to do. I am afraid God and Religion appear to produce vulnerables who are easy to bilk and easy targets for sexual abuse because they give their power away without critical thinking. Vulnerables are perfect targets for power seeking narcissists like trump and hitler to use very specific, authoritarian, "grooming tactics" upon. trump's rallies right from the start demonstrated he was a baby fascist seeking total power over "his people." When he is truly a very weak and empty vessel thanks to lack of good parenting and love. Vulnerables seek the safety of being part of a group...it could be church and safe or it could be the Proud Boys or the KKK where they feel empowered and strong but full of hatred and fear of the Other. It is maddening to have grown up with those kinds of men and to see them still operating freely in the open, intent on destroying nations and the earth. Kick them off the planet. A free, one way ride to Mars.
Research has been done on the differences between conservative and liberal brains.
This is a quote from a Scientific American article, October 26, 2020:
"On the whole, the research shows, conservatives desire security, predictability and authority more than liberals do, and liberals are more comfortable with novelty, nuance and complexity."
I've agreed with that overview since I first heard similar evaluations, even before 2020. (I'm just finishing up Thom Hartmann's "Cracking the Code. How to Win Hearts, Change Minds and Restore America's Original Vision.")
Excellent post and excellent description of these people who really lack self esteem. They get it from feeling superior to others and to show empathy of any kind would be unmanly. This same goes for women with this mentality. They get their self esteem from some male and/or once again feeling superior because they are white or they are "Christian" and have a special relationship with God. They are all nauseating.
I like your thinking Pensa_VT. Vulnerables so appropriate. Be careful when you swim out to save them they don’t grab on to you to drown with them as their ship has already sunk.
Catholics are often one issue voters. Now that the Dobbs decision was made they will push for the national ban. What is troubling, however, is that the bishops have recently begun to support the radical right beyond the abortion question, in a sharp swerve away from Catholic social justice teaching. It has finally driven me away,. For years, I would tolerate the church leadership by telling myself that the faithful are the church, not the hierarchy of priests and leaders. Too much corruption and now the support of the far right from so many bishops and priests are the proverbial straw.
I am sorry that you've recognized that your spiritual path has some things not desirable. I cheer you for the ability to see it and make a healthy decision for yourself. It must be a bit painful to reach that decision, but it demonstrates how healthy you are. And you will find something that is more true to your spirit, I am sure.
Carmen I just read that the Vatican has been ‘investigating’ 40 bishops for years regarding sex charges and have yet to release the results regarding many. Could these wayward priests be considered, in WW II terminology, a ‘Fifth Column?’ Do you think they are a small or large retrogressive element?
I have not followed in great detail all the elements regarding the sex scandals, on the surface a deeply troubling problem within the church. Political positions of the bishops is what has bothered me, and represents a divided church that needs much reform.
"Cathleen Kaveny, a theology and law professor at Boston College and Boston College Law School, told NCR that she thinks the bishops need to pivot from the way they have discussed abortion and reassert their independence from political parties."
A friend who was studying to be a minister was shocked after one of one of his classes. The subject matter of that class had him in tears. What put him in shock, had him in tears, was learning how much killing had been done in the name of Christ over the last 1500+ years. The Catholic Church of Rome in particular was the power behind and the perpetrator of the killing/ murdering of millions over millennia. Some estimate the total to be 170 million.
Unfortunately he wasn’t studying to become a Catholic priest/ minister. The Catholic Church teaching the true history of Catholicism to its future priests/ ministers…. one can only hope that day will come.
Well, there were multiple nails in her presidential coffin. But I am sure that Vladimir and his oligarchs, the Mercers (Manafort and Conway's benefactors), the Murdochs, the ignorant media, etc. all played a huge part is placing the fool's lying, golden calf on the throne in 2016.
Compared to the alternative, I'd take Hillary a thousand times over. I realize that many people disliked Hillary. For some "dislike" is mild. But she is smart. Savvy. Tenacious. Fighting within the world comprised mostly of males, many who are ignorant and consumed with excess hubris, her battlefield was well-laid-out. I dislike her smug arrogance, while understanding that was one card she had to play for her political survival.
I actually agree with you, Vince. And, I have always felt she was owned by corporations but trump is nothing BUT a corporation. The thing that is very hard, but also very good if we can breathe through it, is that our darkest shadows have now been revealed. Our good ol boy white patriarchy, and its' wish to maintain power above all costs. It's wish to not look at our decimations of Native people and their lands, of our enslavement and human trafficking and brutality on a massive scale just to build wealth and continue their caste systems that they brought here. It is time for America to wake up. That is why they project wokeism onto us as if it is negative. Not sure if you saw my earlier comment that I am spreading all over fox and sports pages-- here is an abstract of it:
"THE DEFINITION OF "WOKE" IS BEING AWARE OF AND ACTIVELY ATTENTIVE TO IMPORTANT SOCIETAL FACTS AND ISSUES (ESPECIALLY ISSUES OF RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE).
We should all embrace being awake. Preferable to being an idiot, no? I believe we need to let women have a chance and let the old white boy crony caste system fade away. But it appears to want to go screaming and kicking.
Yes, I saw your comments on WOKE. OMG. Our country is so full of slogans, and full of "it". There is a population of angry old white men who simply refuse to embrace truth and fact. In the '80s we had "double speak", translated into one thing being said while it meant something entirely different, like code. Then we came up with a system of speaking "nice", again code. It was pretend sensitvity and politeness, nastiness wrapped in a velvet cloak of deception. Now, the right has grabbed hold of "woke", which they clearly do not understand. Yet, that is so like the right wing (predominated by Republicans). Frankly, I believe they are so afraid -- of everything. It must be hell, living in such a tight and constrained bubble.
Yes--do any of them actually look truly happy? How can one be when one is full of fear, hatred, revenge and weakness passing off as toxic masculinity and superiority. I feel like we are living in a grade B movie and one bizarre character after another prances out on stage for more shock value. Shakespeare must have been a genius about humanity-- about this comic tragedy. Yin and yank. That is why I love this Heather's substack where people actually can communicate and learn with others. Thank you, Vince, this has been a great experience--I had to take a break for awhile from politics and today was my first real dip back. Pleased to meet you! Appears you might be Vince the Lion-Hearted One (or Leo).
Hello! Thank you for your thoughtful response. Back atcha! Republicans are deplete of compassion, care and humanity. I am confident there are some like them in the Democratic Party (I am an Independent and have been for years). But Republicans get the trophy for performative nastiness, lying, deception, foolishness, brash immaturity and full disregard for our constitutional democratic republic. At times I feel so much rage, anger and outrage that I, too, must pull away from time to time. Republicans are so miserable and disloyal in their own skin they must try to seduce us into their blatant, sordid misery. Misery loves company! I refuse to join their dreary, dismal parade.
There is a very interesting episodic film called Messiah: So That Seeing They May Not See. I started to watch it a second time after a few years and suddenly understand what the film is trying to say about Confusion being necessary to break us up out of patterns and complacency.
I cannot remember if I ever finished the series the first time around, but really find a parallel with the message of needing to create change and how that happens from within each one of us. First we experience the harsh upside down alternative realities and lies that force us to think and act so we can evolve. I might be wrong, but I think that is the message I am getting from this film. Very thought provoking. Cheers!
By the way, your reference to the Lion and "Leo" resonated resoundingly with me. My rising sign is "Leo". The Lion is in my avatar, the Lion Rampant of Scotland. That avatar is not here, obviously.
Yeah, but it will not help them to become awakened! They do not respond to things they have to look up and learn about. They need soundbite definitions of their faux pas.
Michele I identify with your semi-Ludditeness regarding new technology. My 22 year old grand son is with us today. In technology he is light years ahead of me and Georgia. However, we don’t seek to abolish hi-tech technology. We simply seek to struggle along at our own slightly enhanced levels with occasional tech bail outs from grand kids.
ALSO, you like me are open to change and, on occasion, are change agents. We read, we think, and we struggle with those damnable computer chips.
Fortunately, my husband understands this stuff. I do have a I phone and I can get it open and call on it and that's about it. We had to get me a real camera because I kept taking selfies by accident. He sighs a lot.
Sadly, Michael, many Christians have stopped reading about Christ their Savior in light of todays issues or praying and listening to His directives and are ignorantly listening to opinions from the pulpit. It takes thought and courage to face that our country is truly going through dangerous times. It is difficult to turn from a place of worship in which you have trusted....from the opinions of lifelong friends. ...perhaps from a political party one has trusted in the past.
True faith is living and active. The group mentality can take the form of becoming "brainwashed." Religious leaders were imprisoned and some died during Hitler's reign. Wake up my friends of faith!!! Look at what is taking place on front of you!
For those of you who believe a woman should never have a right to an abortion, open your homes to adopt.
Personally I think men should bear responsibility for the lives they have begun. The egg can not begin life alone....yet....there it is the truth.....the big bad men want no part. What is a woman to do....what is the world to do about life.
The "Right for Life Movement" is being used by men once more to gain power. Wake up good Christian people.
YES, continued oppression of women and all non-whites is their desire in order to stay in power. You know, the only way to try to keep women down is to keep them barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen. This old iron triangle patriarchy has many more things to learn in 2023— none of us are going backwards to be their slaves anymore. They need to evolve and be human beings with consciousness' or crawl back into their caves and we will just slide the rock over the entrance.
I just watched a documentary on the "Martha Mitchell Effect." Really ticked me off what Nixon and John Mitchell did to her when she was speaking out loudly about their corruption...this is serious folks. Men, big egos, power and greed are toxic for us and the planet. Justice must be more swift. Presidential pardons for criminal activities should be against the law. Thank goodness for women judges and good men who believe in the Rule of Law equality. We all have to use our gift of intelligence with heart and stand up for the ALL the people and the planet.
Emily Genuine Christians acknowledge and follow Jesus’s parable of the Good Samaritan. That should be a litmus test for so-called ‘evangelical Christians.’
Incidentally, I just read an article in which three evangelical Christian pastors justified having their flock buy them $54 million Gulf Steam jets so that they could be ‘nearer to God.’
Jesus rode a donkey and was as close to God as one can get.
Carmen Now you are out of my league. I was brought up with Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (slipped in at the Council of Nicaea in 325). How can Jesus be the son of God and also God?
P. S. Now the Holy Ghost is called the Holy Spirit, which I find a bit spooky.
Trinitarian theology. Lots of dispute and debate but eventually it was decided that God is three co-equal and eternal persons. God humbled himself to assume human flesh in the person of the son. The easiest explanation is that it is a mystery and an article of faith. There's no good logical HUMAN explanation.
Constantine summoned the Council of Nicaea to deal with some alternative interpretations. The Creed was the result. I am never sure of Constantine's intent except he wanted to eliminate all who stood in his way and have the final word.
Michele Constantine apparently had a vision about 311 before a battle that turned him towards Jesus Christ. [Reminiscent of Paul’s vision that turned him from anti-Jesus to Jesus’s devoted disciple?]
Eventually he called the Council of Nicaea in 325 to work out some theological issues. The Holy Ghost was one such negotiated addition. This was a major step in Christianity moving from a persecuted religion to being the religion of the Roman Empire.
Yes, but I have questions about his Christianity. I read all about this in the bio I read about his mother which had a lot more about him actually. I see his conversion as a part of the road to Christian authoritarianism. (I did enjoy his mother's story from a concubine of his father to mother of an emperor and finder of the True Cross.) A constant theme was that he let no one or anything stand in his way to complete control.
Keith, I recently read a book about Constantine's mother and the Council of Nicaea was during his watch. I am not sure Constantine was much of a Christian, but he found it useful. Of course, that didn't stop him from doing in his son among others. I think in many ways very early ordinary Christians were not as intolerant until Church fathers, emperors, and assorted "saints" took over. Love your postscript.
Correct Liz. The "Godhead" has three aspects: Creator, Redeemer, and Guiding Presence. The Triune God is one way of grasping what is basically ungraspable for humans.
I have heard God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost as One. And I have heard that each is separate. My grandfather was a Catholic, however; I only know this by going to his funeral when I was six years old. His wife, my grandmother, was a Protestant that I hardly remember going to church but she was a good hard working woman that I loved dearly. She was not educated beyond grammer school. My other grandmother was a Jehovah's Witness. I don't remember her husband and by wonderful kind well thought of grandfather ever stepping foot in a church. I went to church with our neighbors around the age of 10. I remember being in Sunday School class and the teacher ask if we were sinners and to hold up our hands if we were. I didn't think I had sinned so I didn't hold up my hand. I was so embarrassed when she said we were born sinners! Who would have thought! I know attend church on the internet on Sunday after I watch Sunday Morning on CBS.
Carmen ! JESUS ! IS ,..... The SON ! of GOD ! HE came to US to Do the WILL, of HIS FATHER ! and to Please HIS FATHER ! LUKE 23 /35 thru 46 PSALM 31/ 4 & 5 ACTS 7/ 58 thru 60 ACTS 2/37 thru 39 ! Blessings !.......
Keith, I saw two of the three pastors interviewed. They weren't all Gulfstreams, but you got the gist absolutely right.
One of the pastors told his congregation that Jesus told him he needed a new jet. The other one justified it by telling his church that he couldn't pray or read the Bible while he was locked up in a commercial jet with sinners. I was so disgusted at these grifters that I turned the TV off and never went back to that channel. I can't cite the show, but I am so thankful that those "pastors" do not represent the clergy any more than trump represents the presidency....
I have never seen anyone that believed a woman should never have a right to an abortion adopt a child in my 79 years. I have only seen those that could not have a child or were having problems with conception adopt a wanted child. Sorry to say most of those have not worked out so well.
I just wish that there was a 50/50 chance that males could get PG. All this would change in a hurry. I am truly bothered by sanctimonious males staunchly supporting their so called pro life stance.
My childish impression of Jesus is that we are all a part of god which is Love and we have the ability to choose to not throw stones or judge others (or break HIPPAA regulations and look at private medical records that are none of your beeswax). Just Love or let them/us be. Seems simple enough that we should all understand that, but for some troublesome parts of ourselves called Egos.
Didn't someone say "Love is all there is!" My come to Jesus moments have been nature, with friends and listening to the Beatles—who sang all about Love. John Lennon's "Imagine" says it all and can bring me to tears with all that imagining of the world as I wish it was. I think there is Love,or the absence of love. It is very easy to tell them apart by how you feel. We have free will and the power to choose Love.
The first time I heard trump speak, I felt he was a total absence of love. Hitler too. They are wired differently. It would be a loving thing for the world to lock those kinds of guys the F up ...and love them from afar, really afar. (It think I owe a quarter for that F, dang! Worth it sometimes... )
Mary The only source for what Jesus said is the four Gospels (and others that were not included, including the Thomas Gospel). Also, do we have any evidence that ‘abortion’ was an issue back then? Or when the Constitution was debated and signed?
I cannot comment on all religions. I am aware that some Christian institutions have distorted Jesus central messages of love and caring for neighbors and, gasp, enemies.
Some time ago one reader here contributed a link from a Christian forum that stands firmly against Christian Nationalism and embraces the ideals that most readers here have, including that all people should be free to practice whatever religion they choose to embrace. I hope that reader posts that link again. I am a dunce at linking stuff
Rank depravity and a seemingly unbreakable link with radical right-wing "Christians," who are so holier-than-though that they are intent on forcing others to follow their shameful beliefs.
I had a good friend, a middle of the road R, until the Dobbs decision. He is Catholic and tried to rationalize Dobbs by telling me Euro countries have “reasonable” 15-week cutoffs. My response was that he had no right, in the name of his religion, to tell my daughter and my two granddaughters what they can do with their bodies. I have not spoken with him, or any othe Christo-fascist, since…I regret H. Clinton called roughly 70 million people “deplorables” — because it might have lost her the election. But she was absolutely correct.
It was a faux pas, for sure. But they are more like "vulnerables" first, who want a big daddy to tell them what to do. I am afraid God and Religion appear to produce vulnerables who are easy to bilk and easy targets for sexual abuse because they give their power away without critical thinking. Vulnerables are perfect targets for power seeking narcissists like trump and hitler to use very specific, authoritarian, "grooming tactics" upon. trump's rallies right from the start demonstrated he was a baby fascist seeking total power over "his people." When he is truly a very weak and empty vessel thanks to lack of good parenting and love. Vulnerables seek the safety of being part of a group...it could be church and safe or it could be the Proud Boys or the KKK where they feel empowered and strong but full of hatred and fear of the Other. It is maddening to have grown up with those kinds of men and to see them still operating freely in the open, intent on destroying nations and the earth. Kick them off the planet. A free, one way ride to Mars.
Research has been done on the differences between conservative and liberal brains.
This is a quote from a Scientific American article, October 26, 2020:
"On the whole, the research shows, conservatives desire security, predictability and authority more than liberals do, and liberals are more comfortable with novelty, nuance and complexity."
There are actual differences in brain structure.
I've agreed with that overview since I first heard similar evaluations, even before 2020. (I'm just finishing up Thom Hartmann's "Cracking the Code. How to Win Hearts, Change Minds and Restore America's Original Vision.")
https://phys.org/news/2022-10-debunks-idea-world-dangerous-liberals.html
"hierarchical world belief" explained 20 times more variance in political ideology than "dangerous world belief".
Nailed it.
Excellent post and excellent description of these people who really lack self esteem. They get it from feeling superior to others and to show empathy of any kind would be unmanly. This same goes for women with this mentality. They get their self esteem from some male and/or once again feeling superior because they are white or they are "Christian" and have a special relationship with God. They are all nauseating.
Well said gang mentality.
I like your thinking Pensa_VT. Vulnerables so appropriate. Be careful when you swim out to save them they don’t grab on to you to drown with them as their ship has already sunk.
Catholics are often one issue voters. Now that the Dobbs decision was made they will push for the national ban. What is troubling, however, is that the bishops have recently begun to support the radical right beyond the abortion question, in a sharp swerve away from Catholic social justice teaching. It has finally driven me away,. For years, I would tolerate the church leadership by telling myself that the faithful are the church, not the hierarchy of priests and leaders. Too much corruption and now the support of the far right from so many bishops and priests are the proverbial straw.
I am sorry that you've recognized that your spiritual path has some things not desirable. I cheer you for the ability to see it and make a healthy decision for yourself. It must be a bit painful to reach that decision, but it demonstrates how healthy you are. And you will find something that is more true to your spirit, I am sure.
Thank you. It has not been faith that troubled me.
Carmen I just read that the Vatican has been ‘investigating’ 40 bishops for years regarding sex charges and have yet to release the results regarding many. Could these wayward priests be considered, in WW II terminology, a ‘Fifth Column?’ Do you think they are a small or large retrogressive element?
I have not followed in great detail all the elements regarding the sex scandals, on the surface a deeply troubling problem within the church. Political positions of the bishops is what has bothered me, and represents a divided church that needs much reform.
"Cathleen Kaveny, a theology and law professor at Boston College and Boston College Law School, told NCR that she thinks the bishops need to pivot from the way they have discussed abortion and reassert their independence from political parties."
https://www.ncronline.org/news/next-weeks-us-bishops-meeting-may-showcase-countrys-sharp-catholic-divisions
A friend who was studying to be a minister was shocked after one of one of his classes. The subject matter of that class had him in tears. What put him in shock, had him in tears, was learning how much killing had been done in the name of Christ over the last 1500+ years. The Catholic Church of Rome in particular was the power behind and the perpetrator of the killing/ murdering of millions over millennia. Some estimate the total to be 170 million.
Sadly, a verified reality. Any religion that becomes inflexible, dogmatic, and self-righteous too easily drifts away from its own core principles.
Amazing that they taught true history of Catholicism to their future ministers. Weeding out process perhaps?
Unfortunately he wasn’t studying to become a Catholic priest/ minister. The Catholic Church teaching the true history of Catholicism to its future priests/ ministers…. one can only hope that day will come.
I believe James Comey was the "nail in the coffin" for Hillary.
Well, there were multiple nails in her presidential coffin. But I am sure that Vladimir and his oligarchs, the Mercers (Manafort and Conway's benefactors), the Murdochs, the ignorant media, etc. all played a huge part is placing the fool's lying, golden calf on the throne in 2016.
Compared to the alternative, I'd take Hillary a thousand times over. I realize that many people disliked Hillary. For some "dislike" is mild. But she is smart. Savvy. Tenacious. Fighting within the world comprised mostly of males, many who are ignorant and consumed with excess hubris, her battlefield was well-laid-out. I dislike her smug arrogance, while understanding that was one card she had to play for her political survival.
I actually agree with you, Vince. And, I have always felt she was owned by corporations but trump is nothing BUT a corporation. The thing that is very hard, but also very good if we can breathe through it, is that our darkest shadows have now been revealed. Our good ol boy white patriarchy, and its' wish to maintain power above all costs. It's wish to not look at our decimations of Native people and their lands, of our enslavement and human trafficking and brutality on a massive scale just to build wealth and continue their caste systems that they brought here. It is time for America to wake up. That is why they project wokeism onto us as if it is negative. Not sure if you saw my earlier comment that I am spreading all over fox and sports pages-- here is an abstract of it:
"THE DEFINITION OF "WOKE" IS BEING AWARE OF AND ACTIVELY ATTENTIVE TO IMPORTANT SOCIETAL FACTS AND ISSUES (ESPECIALLY ISSUES OF RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE).
We should all embrace being awake. Preferable to being an idiot, no? I believe we need to let women have a chance and let the old white boy crony caste system fade away. But it appears to want to go screaming and kicking.
Yes, I saw your comments on WOKE. OMG. Our country is so full of slogans, and full of "it". There is a population of angry old white men who simply refuse to embrace truth and fact. In the '80s we had "double speak", translated into one thing being said while it meant something entirely different, like code. Then we came up with a system of speaking "nice", again code. It was pretend sensitvity and politeness, nastiness wrapped in a velvet cloak of deception. Now, the right has grabbed hold of "woke", which they clearly do not understand. Yet, that is so like the right wing (predominated by Republicans). Frankly, I believe they are so afraid -- of everything. It must be hell, living in such a tight and constrained bubble.
Yes--do any of them actually look truly happy? How can one be when one is full of fear, hatred, revenge and weakness passing off as toxic masculinity and superiority. I feel like we are living in a grade B movie and one bizarre character after another prances out on stage for more shock value. Shakespeare must have been a genius about humanity-- about this comic tragedy. Yin and yank. That is why I love this Heather's substack where people actually can communicate and learn with others. Thank you, Vince, this has been a great experience--I had to take a break for awhile from politics and today was my first real dip back. Pleased to meet you! Appears you might be Vince the Lion-Hearted One (or Leo).
Hello! Thank you for your thoughtful response. Back atcha! Republicans are deplete of compassion, care and humanity. I am confident there are some like them in the Democratic Party (I am an Independent and have been for years). But Republicans get the trophy for performative nastiness, lying, deception, foolishness, brash immaturity and full disregard for our constitutional democratic republic. At times I feel so much rage, anger and outrage that I, too, must pull away from time to time. Republicans are so miserable and disloyal in their own skin they must try to seduce us into their blatant, sordid misery. Misery loves company! I refuse to join their dreary, dismal parade.
Yes, I am an independent for many years.
There is a very interesting episodic film called Messiah: So That Seeing They May Not See. I started to watch it a second time after a few years and suddenly understand what the film is trying to say about Confusion being necessary to break us up out of patterns and complacency.
I cannot remember if I ever finished the series the first time around, but really find a parallel with the message of needing to create change and how that happens from within each one of us. First we experience the harsh upside down alternative realities and lies that force us to think and act so we can evolve. I might be wrong, but I think that is the message I am getting from this film. Very thought provoking. Cheers!
By the way, your reference to the Lion and "Leo" resonated resoundingly with me. My rising sign is "Leo". The Lion is in my avatar, the Lion Rampant of Scotland. That avatar is not here, obviously.
yes That and the (f)email issue...
Larry Call the ‘deplorables’ Luddites. It might give you satisfaction, and they wouldn’t realize you are insulting them.
Yeah, but it will not help them to become awakened! They do not respond to things they have to look up and learn about. They need soundbite definitions of their faux pas.
Keith, I have sometimes described myself as a Luddite in terms of the current technology. I like on/off, etc. I feel beholden to computer chips.
Michele I identify with your semi-Ludditeness regarding new technology. My 22 year old grand son is with us today. In technology he is light years ahead of me and Georgia. However, we don’t seek to abolish hi-tech technology. We simply seek to struggle along at our own slightly enhanced levels with occasional tech bail outs from grand kids.
ALSO, you like me are open to change and, on occasion, are change agents. We read, we think, and we struggle with those damnable computer chips.
Fortunately, my husband understands this stuff. I do have a I phone and I can get it open and call on it and that's about it. We had to get me a real camera because I kept taking selfies by accident. He sighs a lot.
😂😂
LOL
Fair point, Keith.
Larry, the "reasonable" 15-week cutoffs in other countries are balanced by reasonable, easy to obtain exceptions.
Sadly, Michael, many Christians have stopped reading about Christ their Savior in light of todays issues or praying and listening to His directives and are ignorantly listening to opinions from the pulpit. It takes thought and courage to face that our country is truly going through dangerous times. It is difficult to turn from a place of worship in which you have trusted....from the opinions of lifelong friends. ...perhaps from a political party one has trusted in the past.
True faith is living and active. The group mentality can take the form of becoming "brainwashed." Religious leaders were imprisoned and some died during Hitler's reign. Wake up my friends of faith!!! Look at what is taking place on front of you!
For those of you who believe a woman should never have a right to an abortion, open your homes to adopt.
Personally I think men should bear responsibility for the lives they have begun. The egg can not begin life alone....yet....there it is the truth.....the big bad men want no part. What is a woman to do....what is the world to do about life.
The "Right for Life Movement" is being used by men once more to gain power. Wake up good Christian people.
YES, continued oppression of women and all non-whites is their desire in order to stay in power. You know, the only way to try to keep women down is to keep them barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen. This old iron triangle patriarchy has many more things to learn in 2023— none of us are going backwards to be their slaves anymore. They need to evolve and be human beings with consciousness' or crawl back into their caves and we will just slide the rock over the entrance.
I just watched a documentary on the "Martha Mitchell Effect." Really ticked me off what Nixon and John Mitchell did to her when she was speaking out loudly about their corruption...this is serious folks. Men, big egos, power and greed are toxic for us and the planet. Justice must be more swift. Presidential pardons for criminal activities should be against the law. Thank goodness for women judges and good men who believe in the Rule of Law equality. We all have to use our gift of intelligence with heart and stand up for the ALL the people and the planet.
Emily Genuine Christians acknowledge and follow Jesus’s parable of the Good Samaritan. That should be a litmus test for so-called ‘evangelical Christians.’
Incidentally, I just read an article in which three evangelical Christian pastors justified having their flock buy them $54 million Gulf Steam jets so that they could be ‘nearer to God.’
Jesus rode a donkey and was as close to God as one can get.
Technically, Jesus IS God.
Carmen Now you are out of my league. I was brought up with Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (slipped in at the Council of Nicaea in 325). How can Jesus be the son of God and also God?
P. S. Now the Holy Ghost is called the Holy Spirit, which I find a bit spooky.
Trinitarian theology. Lots of dispute and debate but eventually it was decided that God is three co-equal and eternal persons. God humbled himself to assume human flesh in the person of the son. The easiest explanation is that it is a mystery and an article of faith. There's no good logical HUMAN explanation.
Constantine summoned the Council of Nicaea to deal with some alternative interpretations. The Creed was the result. I am never sure of Constantine's intent except he wanted to eliminate all who stood in his way and have the final word.
Michele Constantine apparently had a vision about 311 before a battle that turned him towards Jesus Christ. [Reminiscent of Paul’s vision that turned him from anti-Jesus to Jesus’s devoted disciple?]
Eventually he called the Council of Nicaea in 325 to work out some theological issues. The Holy Ghost was one such negotiated addition. This was a major step in Christianity moving from a persecuted religion to being the religion of the Roman Empire.
Yes, but I have questions about his Christianity. I read all about this in the bio I read about his mother which had a lot more about him actually. I see his conversion as a part of the road to Christian authoritarianism. (I did enjoy his mother's story from a concubine of his father to mother of an emperor and finder of the True Cross.) A constant theme was that he let no one or anything stand in his way to complete control.
Keith, I recently read a book about Constantine's mother and the Council of Nicaea was during his watch. I am not sure Constantine was much of a Christian, but he found it useful. Of course, that didn't stop him from doing in his son among others. I think in many ways very early ordinary Christians were not as intolerant until Church fathers, emperors, and assorted "saints" took over. Love your postscript.
Et cum spiritu tuo. Boo. Just dragging main street Keith and thought I would drop you a Dominus Vobiscum.
Liz Including the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit?
Correct Liz. The "Godhead" has three aspects: Creator, Redeemer, and Guiding Presence. The Triune God is one way of grasping what is basically ungraspable for humans.
I have heard God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost as One. And I have heard that each is separate. My grandfather was a Catholic, however; I only know this by going to his funeral when I was six years old. His wife, my grandmother, was a Protestant that I hardly remember going to church but she was a good hard working woman that I loved dearly. She was not educated beyond grammer school. My other grandmother was a Jehovah's Witness. I don't remember her husband and by wonderful kind well thought of grandfather ever stepping foot in a church. I went to church with our neighbors around the age of 10. I remember being in Sunday School class and the teacher ask if we were sinners and to hold up our hands if we were. I didn't think I had sinned so I didn't hold up my hand. I was so embarrassed when she said we were born sinners! Who would have thought! I know attend church on the internet on Sunday after I watch Sunday Morning on CBS.
Carmen ! JESUS ! IS ,..... The SON ! of GOD ! HE came to US to Do the WILL, of HIS FATHER ! and to Please HIS FATHER ! LUKE 23 /35 thru 46 PSALM 31/ 4 & 5 ACTS 7/ 58 thru 60 ACTS 2/37 thru 39 ! Blessings !.......
Ask your pastor about this.
SORRY ! Carmen ! I was *Reposting*
and it dropped out of My Position.
"Nutshelling". My thoughts, in the HOLY SPIRIT, put Me into what Paul Wrote,. in Colossians :
2 , Verses 9 and 10....Him!, is JESUS!
He, (the SON,) The Only BEGOTTEN,
of the Father,! was Manifested,. in the FLESH, to Come Down, (from Heavenly State) and DO, the WILL,
of the FATHER, Always ASKING, the FATHER, to GLORIFY HIS FATHER , through Himself (showing SERVITUDE!) unto the FATHER.
On the Cross,, ...He said "FATHER!
FORGIVE THEM! For They NO NOT !
What They DO! on the End, ...He said,
IT IS FINISHED! ( His SINLESS FLESH, DIED!! *the Perfect LAMB of GOD!*). to Fulfill GODS LAW!
there is NO Remission, of SINS,. except, Through, the Shedding of
BLOOD ! NOW! ...JESUS! is With the FATHER, as OUR PROPITIATION
for the FORGIVENESS, of SINS!
IF!, ...We *Walk, in His COMMANDMENTS. ALLOW HIS
HOLY SPIRIT, to Continually RESIDE
in YOU! ALL BLESSINGS!
INTERESTING,. ..HOW the LAST LINE! of the Post, Doesn't SHOW UP!, ......it SAYS:
UNLESS!, there is the SHEDDING
of BLOOD! (JESUS! ...the PERFECT LAMB! ,. of GOD!
NOW! ...OUR High PRIEST! , for ETERNITY ! HALLELUJAH !!
He also gave his talks under trees, by rivers…..
Such a hippie!
Keith, I saw two of the three pastors interviewed. They weren't all Gulfstreams, but you got the gist absolutely right.
One of the pastors told his congregation that Jesus told him he needed a new jet. The other one justified it by telling his church that he couldn't pray or read the Bible while he was locked up in a commercial jet with sinners. I was so disgusted at these grifters that I turned the TV off and never went back to that channel. I can't cite the show, but I am so thankful that those "pastors" do not represent the clergy any more than trump represents the presidency....
TELL IT ! like it IS !! K eith !
I have never seen anyone that believed a woman should never have a right to an abortion adopt a child in my 79 years. I have only seen those that could not have a child or were having problems with conception adopt a wanted child. Sorry to say most of those have not worked out so well.
I just wish that there was a 50/50 chance that males could get PG. All this would change in a hurry. I am truly bothered by sanctimonious males staunchly supporting their so called pro life stance.
Jesus did not speak against abortion
My childish impression of Jesus is that we are all a part of god which is Love and we have the ability to choose to not throw stones or judge others (or break HIPPAA regulations and look at private medical records that are none of your beeswax). Just Love or let them/us be. Seems simple enough that we should all understand that, but for some troublesome parts of ourselves called Egos.
Didn't someone say "Love is all there is!" My come to Jesus moments have been nature, with friends and listening to the Beatles—who sang all about Love. John Lennon's "Imagine" says it all and can bring me to tears with all that imagining of the world as I wish it was. I think there is Love,or the absence of love. It is very easy to tell them apart by how you feel. We have free will and the power to choose Love.
The first time I heard trump speak, I felt he was a total absence of love. Hitler too. They are wired differently. It would be a loving thing for the world to lock those kinds of guys the F up ...and love them from afar, really afar. (It think I owe a quarter for that F, dang! Worth it sometimes... )
Mary The only source for what Jesus said is the four Gospels (and others that were not included, including the Thomas Gospel). Also, do we have any evidence that ‘abortion’ was an issue back then? Or when the Constitution was debated and signed?
RIGHT ON ! Emily ! .......AMEN !
From the US District Court single Division Bench in Amarillo, Texas.
Look up “ Religion is the Root of All Evil” A lifetime of reading. History tells the story.
https://www.google.com/search?q=religion+root+of+all+evil&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari
I cannot comment on all religions. I am aware that some Christian institutions have distorted Jesus central messages of love and caring for neighbors and, gasp, enemies.
Some time ago one reader here contributed a link from a Christian forum that stands firmly against Christian Nationalism and embraces the ideals that most readers here have, including that all people should be free to practice whatever religion they choose to embrace. I hope that reader posts that link again. I am a dunce at linking stuff
Irenie ! Religion, ! ....is Religion !!! KNOWING Jesus, as OUR Personal Savior, is 180 DEGREES Out ! from " reLIGION ! " Blessings !....
Rank and depraved just about tells the whole story on RepubNiks. I do worry if "salvation" for our nation is now too far out of reach.