The Politics of Intolerance

[davidinalameda]

http://magic-city-news.com/article_3716.shtml

Historically, Christianity has been used to justify such atrocities as the genocide of Native Americans and the institution of slavery; current favorite targets include women, gays, atheists, and pro-choice supporters.

In recent years, however, it seems that religion - as a political tool used to solidify voting blocs and foment divisiveness - has become both common and acceptable.

The right-wing religion of hatred gained a strong foothold during the election of 1980. From Gambling with History by Laurence Barrett: " was…the uncomfortable ally of the politically militant religious right typified by the Reverend Jerry Falwell’s Moral Majority. During the 1980 campaign Reagan welcomed that faction’s blessing, appeared at some of its functions and committed himself to its agenda." Falwell’s socio-religious message has always been about exclusion and punishment - even to the point of stating that those he holds in disfavor were responsible for God "allowing" the mass murders of September 11, 2001.

[Maestro]

1. Excellent read

I grew up a christian, but now want nothing to do with them. I have been alienated by these god-based hate groups. I want even call them religious. I feel for my Christian progressives, but for me, I give up. I won't even associate with my church any more.

[katty]

9. I am outraged 24/7 with Christo-Fascists

[Tux]

2. No wonder

I'm beginning to have more respect for Catholics and less for other denoms since most Catholics I met tend to be sane, non-judgemental, and are very interesting.

[Bridget Burke]

3. Catholics have a long history of listening to the Church leaders....

And adapting their behavior to the reality they know.

Some of the Protestant groups are new at this & a bit fanatic....

[Tux]

4. Both

Have a history of extremes but most of human history is like that. At least for now, Catholics are a lot calmer than Protestants.

[puddycat]

6. Calmer? How about Opus Dei? You want those fanatics as your neighbors?

What is it with you people here who keep saying Catholics are calmer, less judgemental than Protestants. Remember for most of the history of the Christian church, Catholics WERE the only denomination, and caused all the mayhem caused by Christians.

I am becoming more and more disgusted with any organized religion--all of them are meant to control people, to close minds and hearts. I'd rather practice personal spirituality.

[katty]

8. Catholic Church is as Activist as Christian evangels

even more so today than when I was growing up. Now, with Ratzinger, the Vatican is sending a message (especially to pedophile prosecuting America-the Church really hates getting busted)of across the board conservatism. Control and authority over 'their flock' are the most important dictates issuing from the Vatican-always have been, not unlike the current WH administration. I was born into a Catholic upbringing, but being their last 'rebel' child, I let my parents know at 12 that I was done with churchianity for good-and they still let me live with them.

[Tux]

10. Opus Dei

Would be a welcome change from Protestant, Baptist, J's Witnesses, and Mormons that stop by and bug me about Christianity. We can never excape these people but a nice mix would put one group at odds with another and let them fight it out.

[puddycat]

5. you've got to be kidding. Here's link showing how they really feel.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3602290.stm

Yep. This is in Northern Ireland--but still it shows that Catholics can be just as judgemental as anyone else. For you to suggest otherwise is ridiculous.

[puddycat]

7. religion will stay as powerful force until seculars organize to help folks

I am becoming more and more disgusted with organized religion, yet I have respect for individual members of churches who strive to do good, and for organizations based in religion that help the poor, alchohics, disabled, etc. As long as there are no secular equalivalents to these ogranizations, the magic-voodoo of religion will continue to thrive. There are so many poor people, and so many people who are without hope in this world, and when religious people come and give them a bowl of food and tell them that they have hope--even if its only after death, then that is a powerful force.