However, I must admit to being a little taken aback. My pedestal? You wound me, sir. Seriously, that kind of hurt my feelings. Also, there was some minor rocking of my world at the thought of my site being “fringe” – my family would be so amused.

The Googling suggestion was not a put-down at all. Some of the people are fascinating and little-known and I only meant to suggest that it would put the quotations I selected – in the order I selected them – in a better context for your interpretation.

The battles between some factions of American Christianity and the so-called “secular humanists” has been going on for a long time now, but I’m not aware of any movement to remove religion from all aspects of society.

Recently there has been an upswing in ferocious atheists, but I think that’s more a matter of self-defense.

I do see less knowledge among many American Christians about the history and doctrines of their own religion. I also see more diversity of religion here than in most other countries, partly because of our freedom of religion.

It’s not a matter of claiming that there’s nothing in the Universe beyond humanity. That’s absurd.

Of course, I can’t speak for the people I quoted as to their intent. I would hazard a guess that Robert Anton Wilson would see all religions based on a condensed language and set of rules to be a form a mind-control rather than an authentic spiritual path. I tend to agree, but then I also think that Jesus might have thought so too. Some of the more authoritarian flavors of American Christianity these days seem to me to be rather more like the Pharisees that Jesus resisted.

Several groups in this country claim to be “Christian” – how do they claim the name when so many promote hateful and destructive behavior toward fellow human beings? Such behaviors and hatreds bear no similarity to the teachings of Jesus. Often, they represent the exact opposite of what one might expect his followers to do – sort of an anti-fruits of the spirit, so to speak. How is this to be explained?

I wonder where is the prophet – in the ancient meaning of someone who calls the people and/or God to accountability – who will name this attempted taking over of the place of God, this claim to speak for God’s will. I would like to see one authentic Christian stand up and call it blasphemy.

Taking God’s name in vain – more than in vain – to use God’s authority to justify wars and torture and to deny human rights and to dehumanize others and generally to fail to respect the cosmic speak in everyone – all for greed and power – is a travesty. It’s not a new travesty. I’m just surprised to see it rise its ugly serpentine head here and now.

We seem to see the problem very clearly when it’s a matter of other countries and religions.

That describes the Christians I know. Anything else would not be very Christian. And yes, I do take offense to people that belittle my religion and look down their pseudo- intellectual noses at people that believe there’s something more to this Universe than just us. I believe there’s an organized secular movement to remove religion from all aspects of society. Conversely, I know there’s the opposite movement as well. I subscribe to neither. Your “Googling” suggestion is neither needed or warranted. It must be lonely on that pedestal.

I’ve enjoyed your site for the most part, but I’m afraid it’s a little too fringe for my tastes.

Best,

Bob

Bob Brancato’s last blog post..2008 WGC-CA Championship – The Tournament That Wouldn’t End.

And, I would just note that this is a quotation – and from a pretty eccentric source. It pays to pay attention to who said what here. Google anyone you don’t know.

I will defend J.R. here on the point that he is talking about dominionists, and takes you to be of that ilk because you seem to have taken my post somewhat personally. I surely hope that all Christians in America have not become dominionists and fighters for theocracy in America (really, it’s a profoundly anti-Christian and anti-American sort of thing).

If you want to speak of discernment of differences, please take note that I would make a very clean division between people of Christian faith who take to heart Jesus’ message, and the people who are interested in power, control, domination, hatred of outsiders, and greed. Wouldn’t you?

I am not against authentic expressions of Christian faith. I am against using Christian faith as a weapon.

Must be a Bible other than mine. Mine contains allegory. It pays to discern the difference.

No” persecution” here JR, just reflecting another point of view. I thought that was still allowed. BTW, that was sarcasm. Many secular progressives paint all Christians with a broad brush. JR even claims to know my thoughts. Some of us believe what we believe and allow you the same latitude.

Happy Easter!

Bob Brancato’s last blog post..2008 WGC-CA Championship – The Tournament That Wouldn’t End.

Well done! I knew it was a good idea to remind you If I might, I would like to add one more quote, from a guy I always have dug a lot.

“The great trouble is that the preachers get the children from six to seven years of age and then it is almost impossible to do anything with them.” –Thomas Edison.

JollyRoger’s last blog post..Those Who Would Lead Jesusistan

Dominionism is a pathological manipulation of followers into agendas of power and control. The movement calls forth the worst, not the best, in people.

I oppose attempted theocracies in all their guises, but I have no mission to erode anyone’s spirituality or their own religious path. Why would I seek to harm you?

I would argue that there is no such thing as Judeo-Christian tradition. It’s a misleading catch-all.

Judaism and Christianity are two distinct religions, each with many subdivisions.

I put “Christian” in quotes because it seems to me that the challenge, if there is a challenge, is for those who have faith to raise themselves to a higher standard of spiritual understanding and faith (one that is at the heart of their own professed message of faith, grace, and love, and one that does not require bowing down to or demonizing any fellow human).

I find it odd that you would submit that “This is not a bashing of religion” and then proceed to summarily bash the Judeo-Christian belief system.

I recognize and respect your right to believe in anything you choose. Why does it seem to be your mission to destroy mine? I offer sympathy for the life experiences that led you to form your opinions and truly hope you can constructively eliminate some of the obvious disdain you still carry.

Regards,

Bob

Bob Brancato’s last blog post..10 Golf Thoughts for the Weekend