Wait a minute, Southern religion? What is Southern religion? And all churches south of the Mason-Dixon have as a goal teaching hate, misogyny, and racism? I have lived in the South most of my 71 years, attended many different churches and never witnessed poisoning through the teaching of hate. Let's not make far-thrown condemnations based on our own limited knowledge.
"Southern religion" is Southern Fundamentalism. Most prominently the southern Baptist Church. And very definitely NOT "all" southern churches. I had the privilege of knowing the late Presbyterian minister Rev. Jim Thompson of Alabama, who came home from the Korean War and from his experiences decided to enter the ministry. In the first year of his posting to his first church, the Montgomery Bus Boycott began. He was one of only a very few Southern white ministers who supported that. He worked with Martin Luther King in the rest of the civil rights movement. People like him meet my definition of "saints" - i.e., those who are moral guideposts and measuring sticks for the rest of us to see if we actually "measure up." But I have also defined the problem of "Southern Religion" when I said he was "one of very few Southern white ministers to join..."
I find here in the main part of Atlanta, at least with Episcopal churches, they are very welcoming to all and are very careful not to offend and fully support everyone.However, I found when I went to a neighboring suburb, that was not at all the same story. They tried to hide (sugar coat) their prejudices but it was horribly evident. The more rural the area, it certainly gets worse. The area where MTG comes from has long had a terrible dark reputation, but now they have succeeded in getting one of their own in Congress.
TC, while fundamentalist religion flourishes in the South, it is not the only source of toxicity. Religious intolerance abounds everywhere. For every person who is comforted by religion, there are many more who are stunted. As human beings, we must be able to see through the fog and understand what we have to do to survive and flourish.
Let's not overgeneralize about "the South." Its religious heritage also embraces the Revs Dr King, King Sr, William Barber, Warnock, Ralph Abernathy, Fred Shuttlesworth, and many profoundly spiritual laypeople like Fannie Lou Hamer. Black Southerners are Southerners too.
Exactly right! It's why I talk of "Southernism." It's a state of mind, not necessarily a region. Like HRC points out, "The South won the civil war" socially.
Well, my family and friends know exactly what to expect from me, and while I try not to share all of my thoughts with acquaintances, it would be wise for them not to try to force their ideas on me. Unfortunately, racism and white privilege are everywhere.
Fundamentalist bullshit is what's preached there. Southern "religion" is pure poison.
Wait a minute, Southern religion? What is Southern religion? And all churches south of the Mason-Dixon have as a goal teaching hate, misogyny, and racism? I have lived in the South most of my 71 years, attended many different churches and never witnessed poisoning through the teaching of hate. Let's not make far-thrown condemnations based on our own limited knowledge.
"Southern religion" is Southern Fundamentalism. Most prominently the southern Baptist Church. And very definitely NOT "all" southern churches. I had the privilege of knowing the late Presbyterian minister Rev. Jim Thompson of Alabama, who came home from the Korean War and from his experiences decided to enter the ministry. In the first year of his posting to his first church, the Montgomery Bus Boycott began. He was one of only a very few Southern white ministers who supported that. He worked with Martin Luther King in the rest of the civil rights movement. People like him meet my definition of "saints" - i.e., those who are moral guideposts and measuring sticks for the rest of us to see if we actually "measure up." But I have also defined the problem of "Southern Religion" when I said he was "one of very few Southern white ministers to join..."
As an escaped Southerner, I truly wonder how your experiences could be so pure. Please elucidate.
I find here in the main part of Atlanta, at least with Episcopal churches, they are very welcoming to all and are very careful not to offend and fully support everyone.However, I found when I went to a neighboring suburb, that was not at all the same story. They tried to hide (sugar coat) their prejudices but it was horribly evident. The more rural the area, it certainly gets worse. The area where MTG comes from has long had a terrible dark reputation, but now they have succeeded in getting one of their own in Congress.
TC, while fundamentalist religion flourishes in the South, it is not the only source of toxicity. Religious intolerance abounds everywhere. For every person who is comforted by religion, there are many more who are stunted. As human beings, we must be able to see through the fog and understand what we have to do to survive and flourish.
Let's not overgeneralize about "the South." Its religious heritage also embraces the Revs Dr King, King Sr, William Barber, Warnock, Ralph Abernathy, Fred Shuttlesworth, and many profoundly spiritual laypeople like Fannie Lou Hamer. Black Southerners are Southerners too.
Exactly right! It's why I talk of "Southernism." It's a state of mind, not necessarily a region. Like HRC points out, "The South won the civil war" socially.
I live in Southern California home to white privilege and racism. I dare not open my mouth on matters of faith or social justice.
Well, my family and friends know exactly what to expect from me, and while I try not to share all of my thoughts with acquaintances, it would be wise for them not to try to force their ideas on me. Unfortunately, racism and white privilege are everywhere.
Ya, so interesting...spend all your actual life in subjugation, reap all the rewards after death. 'Tis quite the con.