Not all white Christians agree with those who eagerly lay hands on Trump and "turn the other cheek" as he violates admonition after admonition from scripture.
Some of us are horrified by the fact that anyone sees the Trump administration's attacks on the sick, the poor, the environment, and more as remotely God-honoring or Christlike.
The hypocrisy of the Republican party has reached epic heights -- and sadly, many Evangelicals are doing their best to keep up, all in the name of "God's will."
Some of us are horrified by the fact that anyone sees the Trump administration's attacks on the sick, the poor, the environment, and more as remotely God-honoring or Christlike.
The hypocrisy of the Republican party has reached epic heights -- and sadly, many Evangelicals are doing their best to keep up, all in the name of "God's will."
Timothy, What do you really expect from people that believe dinosaurs were on Noah's Ark, the world is only a few thousand years old, science is just another religion, and creationism should be taught alongside evolution in science classes? Their version of Christianity was also used to justify slavery, then later, Jim Crow. It is still being used to discriminate against whatever group they're opposed to. Their Christianity is all about obedience to a white, male hierarchy and is essentially anti-democratic. So, no, it is no surprise to me that they will make any excuse necessary to justify this noxious, repellent authoritarian regime.
Does Mr. Egan or any other liberal comprehend just how awful Hillary's "irredeemable" comment was?
She does not get to decide who can and cannot be redeemed.
That decision rests with the Son of God.
And He forgave the Thief on the Cross.
She does not get to decide who can and cannot be redeemed.
That decision rests with the Son of God.
And He forgave the Thief on the Cross.
3
There was a picture posted on the internet of President Trump standing in front of a portrait of Jan Sobeiski. It was so appropriate.
The King of Poland crushed the Turkish army laying siege to Vienna thereby ending the Islamic assault on Europe. Budapest, Belgrade and even Athens would one day be liberated from the Turks.
Donald Trump is leading a coalition which includes Russia that just took Mosul back from ISIS.
Western Civilization is winning again.
The King of Poland crushed the Turkish army laying siege to Vienna thereby ending the Islamic assault on Europe. Budapest, Belgrade and even Athens would one day be liberated from the Turks.
Donald Trump is leading a coalition which includes Russia that just took Mosul back from ISIS.
Western Civilization is winning again.
Pence is more dangerous. He cleans up better than Trump, and he's a True Believer.
42
Tim Egan shows how preposterous it is to discuss these moody dogmatists as Christians or anything faintly religious; rather, they are this year's epigones of self-interested expediency. Why do we even pay elegant writers -- like Egan, among our very best -- to unravel again and again and again the sodden, overcooked pasta of American religiosity, when Egan and his few peers have the gift to uplift us all with affirmative differences we all can make?
25
Is anyone surprised that the current Republican party is full of hypocrites?
If so, they are not paying attention.
Vote each one of the these GOP scoundrels out of office - let's get off our butts and vote whenever we can. Each and every vote counts.
They are betting we either aren't paying attention or aren't going to go through the effort of voting. Let's prove those rascals wrong on both counts!!
If so, they are not paying attention.
Vote each one of the these GOP scoundrels out of office - let's get off our butts and vote whenever we can. Each and every vote counts.
They are betting we either aren't paying attention or aren't going to go through the effort of voting. Let's prove those rascals wrong on both counts!!
39
I'm only guessing, based on my experience with my neighbor, that most evangelicals are hoping Trump will erase legal abortion. Honestly, that's what they want.
32
I agree with every word. Thank you.
22
The evangelicals and other righteous Christians who worship the great golden god Trump are surely guilty of nothing more sinful that manifesting their Hair Piety.
9
Instead Pence is heading up The Commission on Voter Intimidation. It was reported that the WH received emails sent by citizens against the Commission's purpose. It was reported that the WH released a set of emails that included people's names and emails into the public space.
This is an example of how this administration will treat all dissenters- make them known to supporters so the alt-right can launch hate campaigns against them: true citizen intimidation.
This is an example of how this administration will treat all dissenters- make them known to supporters so the alt-right can launch hate campaigns against them: true citizen intimidation.
32
it is a puzzle that anyone with an IQ would confuse "religion" with this motley crew. Religion is a vehicle, an ancient and convenient excuse, used by like-minded criminals of all sorts to advance their dirty deeds: oppression, racism, misogyny, power, greed, and cruelty.
Jesus weeps, no doubt, at the very thought of this crowd of FAKE CHRISTIANS.
Jesus weeps, no doubt, at the very thought of this crowd of FAKE CHRISTIANS.
37
If Christians and their leaders can excuse everything immoral, unethical and corrupt in this man, what does that say about their Christianity? Does it mean they are willing to accept certain kinds of evil if it gives them something they consider virtuous? How far are they willing to go? Where do you draw the line?
They have, in essence, made a pact with the devil. Give us this one 'Christian' value...and you can have everything else we would otherwise consider evil and sinful. A bargain of this sort leads to the destruction of everything you hold sacred, because once you cross that sacred line, you will find it easier and easier to justify anything.
They have, in essence, made a pact with the devil. Give us this one 'Christian' value...and you can have everything else we would otherwise consider evil and sinful. A bargain of this sort leads to the destruction of everything you hold sacred, because once you cross that sacred line, you will find it easier and easier to justify anything.
28
I often feel sorry for those in the Christian faith that are loving, compassionate and caring for their neighbors and cringe at the behavior of a president who has admitted to sexual assault and abuses women with his words and actions. And here are White evangelicals fawning over him and Pence.
I wonder if many Christians are now wore out by trying to defend themselves and their faith in the wake of these misguided White evangelicals who voted for Trump and give him a pass for incredible, hurtful behavior.
No wonder fundamental Christianity is in a death rattle. It is a hurtful, heartless dogma now.
I wonder if many Christians are now wore out by trying to defend themselves and their faith in the wake of these misguided White evangelicals who voted for Trump and give him a pass for incredible, hurtful behavior.
No wonder fundamental Christianity is in a death rattle. It is a hurtful, heartless dogma now.
24
“President Trump is the greatest thing that’s happened to this country,” said Luther Strange, who was appointed to the Alabama Senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions. “I consider it a biblical miracle that he’s here.”
Whaddya expect? This guy is from Alabama and he replaced Jeff Sessions. Backwards begets backwards. I'd be shocked if he was actually critical of Trump.
Whaddya expect? This guy is from Alabama and he replaced Jeff Sessions. Backwards begets backwards. I'd be shocked if he was actually critical of Trump.
20
The reality is that these are pious men, they are hypocrites. I call them CINOs
(Christians In Name Only) because they do not follow any of the teachings of Jesus. They do not care for the poor, the sick or the downtrodden. They only care about their own power and money and the benefit those that provide them with the money, those that already have too much.
I find them sickening and it bothers me that when Trump is finally out, we will have to deal with the wolf in sheep's clothing, Mike Pence.
(Christians In Name Only) because they do not follow any of the teachings of Jesus. They do not care for the poor, the sick or the downtrodden. They only care about their own power and money and the benefit those that provide them with the money, those that already have too much.
I find them sickening and it bothers me that when Trump is finally out, we will have to deal with the wolf in sheep's clothing, Mike Pence.
29
If Trump were a Hollywood script, no one would believe it, but plenty would see the film.
5
Some twenty-five years ago my research into 'development' took me to looking more closely at spirituality. ['Development' is a sustainable increase in our abilities to use (or not) and to choose between the physical, mental and spiritual resources available to us. This definition came from a resource economics model.]
Since that time, I've paid more attention to what our churches (all of them, not just the evangelicals) do or do not. Over that time I've seen continued railing by them against 'bedroom sin' (sex, abortion, adultery)—but almost no railing against 'boardroom sin' (covetousness, false witness, theft, murder). Yet The Christ (and The Buddha and others) have condemned the practice of picking on only one (category) of sin—that all sin is wrong, and that The Christ's (and The Buddha's) Great Commandment is THE guide to balancing apparent conflicts between them.
Since that time, I've paid more attention to what our churches (all of them, not just the evangelicals) do or do not. Over that time I've seen continued railing by them against 'bedroom sin' (sex, abortion, adultery)—but almost no railing against 'boardroom sin' (covetousness, false witness, theft, murder). Yet The Christ (and The Buddha and others) have condemned the practice of picking on only one (category) of sin—that all sin is wrong, and that The Christ's (and The Buddha's) Great Commandment is THE guide to balancing apparent conflicts between them.
8
And let's not forget that Ryan got his education courtesy of Social Security after the death of his father. Why should the rest of us benefit in the same way, he did?
23
Many totalitarian wannabees attempt to create a sacred aura to their reign—they try and set their political rise within a sacred scriptural or prophetic context. Reince Priebus provided the obscene benediction to the round the table, gut-wrenching worship service recently performed by Trump's cabinet by characterizing his servile pantomime in Messianic terms: that special Trump “blessing” for his service. For the GOP secular authority must be cloaked in sacred robes in a stab at America’s version of the Divine Right of Kingship. Just as an 18th century Puritan would look back on his life to seek evidence of Divine election, so the Trumps seek a Divine imprimatur on their administration. Of course, it follows that if it is God’s blessing to push the ever shifting, incomprehensible Trump agenda, then anyone who resists this administration must be in the Devil’s camp. Despite the First Amendment’s prohibition against transforming our democracy into a religious masque, Priebus’ mock sacrament and Trump's religious posturing are vital to his self perception, which for this administration, is all that matters.
13
Lighten up on Luther Strange. He merely became confused between biblical miracle and biblical plague.
21
Fanatics are fanatics, cults are cults, no matter from what religion (Christian, Muslim, whatever) or ideology (Ayn Rand) they are spawned. They are all equally counterproductive and potentially dangerous for a democracy. The recent photo of evangelical leaders laying hands on Trump in prayer made me want to vomit. I wonder if some were praying for his larcenous soul, and took a shower as soon as they left the room.
45
Religion is a business; in God we trust; everyone else pays by cash, cheque or credit card...
18
Read 2nd Thessalonians 2:10-12. God is fed up with people who “have no love for the truth.” God says they turned away from truth and wandered off into myths. So God sends them a strong delusion, that will validate the lies of their hearts.
It’s no accident that the world conservatives inhabit is called the parallel universe. The oxygen in their universe, the thing that sustains them, is their belief in unprovable myths. Obama is a Muslim interloper, voter fraud is real, Democrats are going to take their guns, brown people are taking their jobs, Sharia law is coming to America, climate change is a hoax, black people are lazy thugs living on their money, reverse racism, Muslims are evil, the war on Christianity, are articles of faith to Conservatives even though they have no basis in reality. Like a cult, they are impervious to truth and reason.
Enter Donald Trump.
It’s no accident that the world conservatives inhabit is called the parallel universe. The oxygen in their universe, the thing that sustains them, is their belief in unprovable myths. Obama is a Muslim interloper, voter fraud is real, Democrats are going to take their guns, brown people are taking their jobs, Sharia law is coming to America, climate change is a hoax, black people are lazy thugs living on their money, reverse racism, Muslims are evil, the war on Christianity, are articles of faith to Conservatives even though they have no basis in reality. Like a cult, they are impervious to truth and reason.
Enter Donald Trump.
62
Amen.
10
Many white evangelicals have redefined Christianity to fit their own warped value system. Some of the biggest promoters of the Christian nation idea want nothing to do with using the values of the Sermon on the Mount for governance.
The Bible, in the Old Testament as well as the New, repeatedly champions the interests of the weak, poor, and vulnerable over the rich. This is the exact opposite of the values of Trump and his RW evangelical supporters.
The Bible, in the Old Testament as well as the New, repeatedly champions the interests of the weak, poor, and vulnerable over the rich. This is the exact opposite of the values of Trump and his RW evangelical supporters.
27
BioWebScape Design is my Christ like Garden of Eden like Project that would help feed and house every human on earth and I did not vote for Trump and do not like the likes of Paul Ryan or his ilk. They are the false teachers that Christ warned about, coming in his name but leading the sheep to the slaughter. Do not trust anyone that treats people any less than they would treat themselves.
10
Since they brought up "Satan", it should be very obvious who is really Satan and who the "anti-Christ" that Nostradamus had predicted. Let us hope his other predictions will not come true.
6
If you want to see true Christian men...study up on Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Jimmy Carter.
51
Goes for Mormons and Catholics too.
7
"Thou shalt not bear false witness" is considered overrated by these Pharisees.
And how about this week's revelation that Hobby Lobby, the corporate person whose freedom of religion was offended by having to provide insurance including contraception to its employees evidently is utterly unmoved by "thou shalt not steal."
And how about this week's revelation that Hobby Lobby, the corporate person whose freedom of religion was offended by having to provide insurance including contraception to its employees evidently is utterly unmoved by "thou shalt not steal."
36
This is a shallow analysis that borders on the offensive, but the main problem is the shallowness. I never get the impression that anyone at the NYT can think past the most obvious lazy stereotypes, where religions are concerned. Christians are constantly being lumped into two groups: Catholics and "evangelicals" - as if there were no non-evangelical Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Baptists, and so forth. A lot of these people are liberals and centrists and non-Trumpist conservatives and there are a lot of nuances. Incidentally, other religions are also subjected to very shallow analyses in the NYT. Please, do some research and try to think more deeply as you write.
9
I think you are taking this and a lot of the backlash against the Christian Right too personally. I share with you being a person of great faith. I like to say that my left hand represents my science based side and my right hand my faith, and I am right handed, so perhaps my faith is stronger. My faith is used to guide ME to be the best person I can be, it has little force on others. I can not impact other peoples value systems except by modeling decent, faith based behavior. No amount of preaching to others is going to have much impact. My problem with The Christian Right is their willingness to impose their theology on EVERYONE, theology that is mostly anti LGBT if noting else. I admit that being part of that collection of letters impacts on my view of The Christian Right, but my brand of faith, and we are not just talking thinking about it, involves regular participation in a religious organization, affirms the value of all god's children. I hope yours does too, but if it does not, that is ok, I respect your right to your very personal religious viewpoint. What I object to and I think many of the anti religious crowd does as well is imposing your personal morality on others, via laws or proselytizing. I think it fair to guess that the aggressiveness of the Evangelical/Christian Right crowd has turned off a lot of folks who are not persons of great faith, like you and I. I don't take it personally.
26
I would guess that most evangelicals believe that the Bible is literally true rather than metaphors and analogies to enhance understanding. The concept that every word of the Bible is ridiculous.
The earth is about 4.5 billion years ago. Dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago, long before humans evolved, repeat, evolved.
The earth is about 4.5 billion years ago. Dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago, long before humans evolved, repeat, evolved.
5
@William. Well put. The Evangelical Right sickens many folks.
8
During the elections some churches went all out during the sessions to campaign for him. I was present at one of those services and it reinforced my disdain for organized religion.
BTW, that pastor told me, after I confronted him about his politicking, that his God did not intend for a woman to ever lead any organization, let alone a country?????
I always wonder how Christians who justified treating women as chattel, rejected women's rights movements, who used the Bible to support slavery, and ignored the massacre of Jews can justify their lack of true morality, by quoting unrelated biblical texts in support.
Supporting Trump, who is on record as saying he does not believe in God, has become the core political push of congregants, by many Evangelical preachers. Their enthusiasm over the prevarication in chief, is sickening.
One has to wonder if the Evangelical, anti Obama fanatical pastors, who deluge the Christian broadcast airwaves with requests for support of Trump the groper, are motivated by racial and sexist animus and not their faith.
BTW, that pastor told me, after I confronted him about his politicking, that his God did not intend for a woman to ever lead any organization, let alone a country?????
I always wonder how Christians who justified treating women as chattel, rejected women's rights movements, who used the Bible to support slavery, and ignored the massacre of Jews can justify their lack of true morality, by quoting unrelated biblical texts in support.
Supporting Trump, who is on record as saying he does not believe in God, has become the core political push of congregants, by many Evangelical preachers. Their enthusiasm over the prevarication in chief, is sickening.
One has to wonder if the Evangelical, anti Obama fanatical pastors, who deluge the Christian broadcast airwaves with requests for support of Trump the groper, are motivated by racial and sexist animus and not their faith.
36
Read Matthew chapter seven and John chapter eight and tell me Jesus didn't understand fakers like these guys.
22
Karma is coming, folks. She is neither Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. or atheist or agnostic. Just karma and she is female. And the whole Trump team plus enablers will feel her wrath.
16
Evangelicals are closer to Trump than they were to George Bush even though W could walk the walk.
10
I continue to be amazed at those who profess their conservativeness reflects their Christian values. This, and the recent Hobby Lobby sting of purchasing and illegally importing stolen Middle Easter artifacts (no doubt, keeping ISIS in business) boggle my mind. I am sure Jesus is weeping.
26
Evangelical mission statement. 'Taking the Christ' out of Christianity'
32
Best comment so far.
In all seriousness though, there is no way a true follower of Christ would believe that Trump is a christian. People who actually read the Bible know that Jesus would not be caught dead with these evangelicals. I wish these christians would speak up!!!
Bad things happen when good people stay silent.
In all seriousness though, there is no way a true follower of Christ would believe that Trump is a christian. People who actually read the Bible know that Jesus would not be caught dead with these evangelicals. I wish these christians would speak up!!!
Bad things happen when good people stay silent.
23
Sen. Barry Goldwater spoke to my Air War College class in the Spring of 1974, and even this archconservative could not abide religious fundamentalists.
7
Please label the far-right's holy enablers "Rice Christians." As you know, it means non-believers who profess Christianity for material gain.
9
Ken Burns' question to Christian Trump voters: What is it about Trump that reminds them of Jesus?
42
These people do not believe in true Christian (or American) values. They are Nietzschean.
5
Luther could not have said it better!
5
Can one evangelical tell me why they support Donald Trump besides the abortion issue? I will wait....
19
It's about time someone zeroed in on the Christian hypocrites who vote for the least-Christ-like candidates. Jesus would have thrown all of them from his temple along with the money-changers. How they live with themselves I do not know. They obviously do not practice, or even believe, what they and their phony ministers preach.
19
"If they are hungry, cut benefits to programs that feed them. If they are sick, deny them healthcare. If they are strangers, deport them."
- Republican Jesus
- Republican Jesus
32
Pat Robertson is nothing but a Wahhabi-style Evangelical leader spouting his hate inciting language while Graham indoctrinates and spreads that dogma and ideology through his Liberty U. Madrasas. Needless to say Trump is his own deity.
14
There is some truth in what you say. However, you can at least be thankful that when he goes back to the teachings of Jesus, he will find a command to love his enemies, rather than a command to kill those who disagree with him. This is a major difference. Compare the Koran and Mohammed to the New Testament and Jesus and they are like night and day.
2
President Ryan is a real possibility.
1
And an equally disturbing one. A second term for Trump is also a frightening possibility - snd we ate naive to think it could not happen.
As for Luther Strange's assessment that Trump's presidency is a biblical miracle... I have no idea which bible ol' Luther keeps at hand, but it doesn't sound the King James Version that I read, from "In the beginning..." in Genesis to the final "Amen" in Revelations.
Miracle. That's rich.
Miracle. That's rich.
11
It is a miracle of judgment, but probably not in the unscriptural way that he meant. Trump and his supporters and enablers have dramatically lowered the standard of discourse. The ungodly Trump presidency will probably destroy much of the Republican Party and many churches. St Peter warned that God's judgment begins in the churches (1Pet 4:17).
1
A miracle would be to transport me to a civilized society.
15
WWJD? Pretty sure he'd take to task the serial liar and the Pharisees who support him.
Of course who am I to cast the first stone? Well as dt reminds us frequently, he's the president and we're not. Should we hold him to some basic standard of behavior? Apparently if you're a republican like Pence, the answer is no.
Never trump. Ever.
Of course who am I to cast the first stone? Well as dt reminds us frequently, he's the president and we're not. Should we hold him to some basic standard of behavior? Apparently if you're a republican like Pence, the answer is no.
Never trump. Ever.
16
One of your best.
6
Jesus was a great Man with an immortal message of compassion for all, regardless of tribe, family, skin color, sex, or sexual orientation. A truly remarkable message. I think if he appeared today, he would be regarded by evangelicals as a shiftless, idle hippy looking for a handout.
The only God that ever existed or will exist is a product of human imagination. Our Cosmos is more awesome than any tinpot narcissist god. Religion was created as a means of control. Spectacular assertions of supernatural phenomena require spectacular proof and evidence.
Our earth is the only nest we will ever know, given our ultimate speed limit, the speed of light. Humans are one of the very few species who foul their own nest.
The only God that ever existed or will exist is a product of human imagination. Our Cosmos is more awesome than any tinpot narcissist god. Religion was created as a means of control. Spectacular assertions of supernatural phenomena require spectacular proof and evidence.
Our earth is the only nest we will ever know, given our ultimate speed limit, the speed of light. Humans are one of the very few species who foul their own nest.
15
There is so much that does not make sense in your description of Jesus. The eyewitness accounts (which even Bart Ehrmann acknowledges are largely in their original form) paint a different picture. Jesus made claims that only make sense if he was God incarnate. If that is not true, then he is either a liar or a madman. Jesus was not a hippy, not a vagrant, but an itinerant teacher with a unique message that is true for all time.
All of that said, you are clearly right when you suggest that Jesus would be appalled by this unrepentant liar and his apologists. Not only that, but he *is* appalled them. What a tragedy.
All of that said, you are clearly right when you suggest that Jesus would be appalled by this unrepentant liar and his apologists. Not only that, but he *is* appalled them. What a tragedy.
2
Excellent analysis but one major correction. Any objective analysis of the evidence point to religion taking over first refuge for scoundrels from patriotism and usually with extremists they go hand in hand. This is true in the US, the Islamic world, and with Jewish and the corrupt extreme religious parties in Israel or the kushner family in the US.
8
Mike Pence wants to institute the Christian equivalent of Shariah Law in the U.S. Women, no longer working, barefoot and pregnant (and silent). The Evangelicals concur and so will do anything to strip protections from any non-white males in this country. They want to go back to Jim Crow laws, forcing African Americans, Mexicans and women into servitude. They really want an oligarchy where they rule the "little people". We all know how well that turned out for Russia, France, etc. Revolution is the natural state when income inequality gets too great. Those who will not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. They will have to pry my rights from my cold, dead hands.
11
I truly question their intellect; we know that they have no moral code...
9
We used to say, "The Moral Majority is neither." I now propose, "The Christian Right isn't."
16
"Cheap Grace Christians" is the best description of people like Pence, Ryan, McConnell and their fellow fundamentalists.. They can embrace deceitful behavior because they are perpetually "forgiven", they are "chosen" and "saved". They have created a perversion of Christianity lacking in meaningful penance and reflection for misdeeds. They substitute hubris for humility and collusion for compassion.
15
I know real Christians. They aren't anything like Trump or the people who continue to support him. They aren't rich, yet they give their time to help people less fortunate than them. They don't cheat on their spouses or hit their children. They practice what they preach. If all so-called Christians were like the real ones I know, none of them would support our lying philanderer in chief.
15
If Jesus saw any one of these individuals following him, he'd start running.
15
The nerves of the mind, curiosity and skepticism, are benumbed by obedience and belief. Edward Gibbon
5
Good article, written by someone with a moral compass.
Donald J. Trump doesn't have one, too narcissistic. My mind always takes me back to my uncle, just as narcissistic as the current POTUS to grasp what is going on around him. Narcissists have a really nasty streak when crossed, so many of those around DJT are well and truly afraid to cross him for fear of the retribution that will come their way (see James Comey).
The Christian right has lost their moral compass as well but for an entirely different reason. Remember when they were called The Religious Right and those of us who didn't buy into their politics kept insisting that they were neither? This group has so gathered around their theology and its absoluteness that they are lost, unable to think for themselves. Please do not misunderstand me, I am a man of great faith, but I haven't parked my brain at the door to my religious center. This group tasted power in being able to force their ideology on others and it was intoxicating. Remember these folks started at local levels, infiltrating school boards and forcing religious based policies onto schools. They are clinging to the Republican Party expecting that they will advance their cause which is to turn the US into a Christian only nation, all of us forced to follow them.
Scared yet?????
Donald J. Trump doesn't have one, too narcissistic. My mind always takes me back to my uncle, just as narcissistic as the current POTUS to grasp what is going on around him. Narcissists have a really nasty streak when crossed, so many of those around DJT are well and truly afraid to cross him for fear of the retribution that will come their way (see James Comey).
The Christian right has lost their moral compass as well but for an entirely different reason. Remember when they were called The Religious Right and those of us who didn't buy into their politics kept insisting that they were neither? This group has so gathered around their theology and its absoluteness that they are lost, unable to think for themselves. Please do not misunderstand me, I am a man of great faith, but I haven't parked my brain at the door to my religious center. This group tasted power in being able to force their ideology on others and it was intoxicating. Remember these folks started at local levels, infiltrating school boards and forcing religious based policies onto schools. They are clinging to the Republican Party expecting that they will advance their cause which is to turn the US into a Christian only nation, all of us forced to follow them.
Scared yet?????
10
Jesus said, "Not everyone who says Lord, Lord is my disciple. He that doeth the will of my Father in Heaven." Well I guess that leaves Rev. Robertson, Franklin Graham, Falwell, Jr., out of being one of Jesus' disciples. The needs of the poor were central to Jesus' message. Not abortion and same sex marriage.
12
Born and raised in western New York State, my first few Air Force years were spent in the segregated south of the 50s and 60s. I was raised main stream Protestant, but was unprepared for the racial bigotry of the white evangelicals. How can they possibly consider themselves Christian? I gained additional respect for Catholicism for their maintaining integregation in their southern churches. But then, Catholics were not well regarded by typical evangelicals. I was amazed that evangelicals even scorned education and science if they disagreed with their literal interpretation of the Bible. No wonder the south continues to be our most backward region.
21
This country overwhelming voted against installing Paul Ryan as vice president 4 years ago. Ryan should not ascend to the presidency because the man who preceded him was a sociopath installed with help from the Russians.
We are on the verge of breaking this country.
If ever a person should be removed from office, its Trump. If ever circumstances denied the wisdom of business as usual and called for a special election - this is it. Trump has only been president for about 6 months. To install the badly compromised
Mike Pence or the sociopath Paul Ryan into a 3 /12 year term when both were defeated by the popular vote when they ran to be in the line of succession is deeply wrong.
There has to be a better way. We came thisclose to having Spiro Agnew become president because Nixon was a crook. We need a better outcome than Mike Pence or Paul Ryan becoming POTUS because the Russians installed a sociopath who didn't win the popular vote. This desecrates the United States.
We are on the verge of breaking this country.
If ever a person should be removed from office, its Trump. If ever circumstances denied the wisdom of business as usual and called for a special election - this is it. Trump has only been president for about 6 months. To install the badly compromised
Mike Pence or the sociopath Paul Ryan into a 3 /12 year term when both were defeated by the popular vote when they ran to be in the line of succession is deeply wrong.
There has to be a better way. We came thisclose to having Spiro Agnew become president because Nixon was a crook. We need a better outcome than Mike Pence or Paul Ryan becoming POTUS because the Russians installed a sociopath who didn't win the popular vote. This desecrates the United States.
16
The Republican Party is the Old Testament party, and the Dems are the New Testament party.
6
pedagog731,
Good point. I would add, though, that the Dems are also the party for all of the other world religions, too. (Seems like the Republicans only accept Christianity as valid.) This country was, after all, set up to avoid having a state religion. The founders knew what trouble that caused.
Good point. I would add, though, that the Dems are also the party for all of the other world religions, too. (Seems like the Republicans only accept Christianity as valid.) This country was, after all, set up to avoid having a state religion. The founders knew what trouble that caused.
2
Does the thought of Mike Pence as President should Donald Trump exit make anyone feel like better days are coming? I think not.
8
When it comes to scripture, religious and anti religious have one thing in common: neither reads them. In this piece hardly a clause is referenced. Not a single description of Christ.
2
I have read most of the Bible. My favorite verse is Ecclesiastes 9:11.
Reading the Bible contributed to my secular outlook. Killing a child for speaking back to you? No thanks.
Reading the Bible contributed to my secular outlook. Killing a child for speaking back to you? No thanks.
3
Mike Pence-Christian, conservative. Republican. So what's next-family? America? (I doubt he equates the USA with the Constitution.) The almighty 'in God we trust" dollar? (That nicely conflates Caesar and God.) I know it's not a woman's bodily integrity. Is it OK to swear on the Bible to uphold the Constitution, 'so help you God', if you serve a god whose kingdom, as interpreted by you, is diametrically opposed to the Establishment Clause? Look out, because Mike Pence et al can't serve two masters and they've made their choice.
3
Blaming Satan Again? Christian Right? Good for White Men and the 53% of White Women women who follow their orders. Not so good for everyone else. I get it. I do. Looking out for your peeps is classic tribal and primate behavior.
8
Pat Robertson and Mr. Trump have a lot of things in common
1 they both worship the same God. The God all mighty dollar
2. They both make P.T. Barnum looks like a amatuer. These two men are grifters. They have sold the American people a hell of a lot of snake oil.
Hopefully one day the American people will and realize we have been had
1 they both worship the same God. The God all mighty dollar
2. They both make P.T. Barnum looks like a amatuer. These two men are grifters. They have sold the American people a hell of a lot of snake oil.
Hopefully one day the American people will and realize we have been had
16
Mike Pence has often said that he is a Christian first and a politician second, in that order. Only a very warped version of Christianity would accept Trump's lies and viciousness. By his failure to object, Pence has shown himself to be a politician first and a Christian only when it serves him politically. It's hypocrisy, ad nauseam.
24
These folks may be portraying themselves as Christians, but in actuality, their deeds reveal them to be paying homage to the God of Money. Anytime religion is mixed with business or politics, it should be completely suspect. Our Founding fathers understood this and tried to prevent this fatal mix from happening in the new government they started.
11
You've touched on the very reasons the founding fathers wrote separation of church and state into the constitution. Any combination of the two in one office is hypocritical and ultimately a form of spiritual slavery. It is why the pilgrims came to Plymouth Rock and every other group of religious dissenters came to America - so no one would force them to worship against their will.
Pence and company stand for the very antithesis of religious freedom. They want power over the soul of America, to mold it in their image of God, in order to claim a higher standing in their vision of heaven. It is the most selfish and least Christian of motives.
Pence and company stand for the very antithesis of religious freedom. They want power over the soul of America, to mold it in their image of God, in order to claim a higher standing in their vision of heaven. It is the most selfish and least Christian of motives.
7
When I first heard the claim from some evangelicals that Trump is part of "God's plan" for America, I wondered what atrocity we had committed as a nation that merited such a plan. Whatever it was, I'm sure we're very sorry, or we will be before 2020 gets here.
11
I'm a Christian, and I am constantly appalled at the behavior of the Christian Right in America. These people sold their souls for political influence long ago, and their obsession with politics has led to the election of someone who is the antithesis of what Jesus stood for.
There is a significant minority within the church that is fighting back against the more slavish pseudo-Christian apologists for Trump.
There is a significant minority within the church that is fighting back against the more slavish pseudo-Christian apologists for Trump.
10
Pence and Robertson are both hypocrites. If they were true Christians, they would never stoop to accept anything about Donald Trump. Trump is an amoral, greedy fiend.
Pence, Robertson and all of the so-called "evangelicals" that support Trump deserve the judgement that will eventually catch up with them.
"Ye shall know them by their fruits.' These men, alas, are rotten to the core.
Pence, Robertson and all of the so-called "evangelicals" that support Trump deserve the judgement that will eventually catch up with them.
"Ye shall know them by their fruits.' These men, alas, are rotten to the core.
8
Pence and Ryan are truly the eye of the storm. The hurricane rages around it and the eye does nothing and remains inert.
2
I think they need a fresh opinion on the meaning of the scriptures as explained to them. Right now they are giving christianity a bad name. It is the pious indifference that is so amazing to me. The hubris that they can do no wrong and speak for everybody and the dysfunctionality they are willing to live with.
3
The Bible thumpers are blinded by their hate and fear of liberal Democrats like me. It's because I support unconditionally women's reproductive rights including unhindered access to abortion. So long as Trump and others like him are on their side on that one issue, they cannot do wrong otherwise.
6
I was raised Southern Baptist but this election cemented why I left the church at 18. The hypocrisy is staggering but unsurprisingly familiar for anyone raised in the church. If you have money, are a man, and say the right things about abortion and homosexuality you can do no wrong.
These people give Christians a bad name. Frankly they've lost whatever moral credibility they once claimed by supporting Trump. I and others like me won't listen to a word they have to say and will not vote for any politicians that run under their mantle.
Our credibility on the world stage is being damaged beyond repair. We're going to be dealing with the repercussions of this presidency for years to come. But conservatives got their supreme court justice and will be getting tax breaks for the wealthy so I guess in their eyes Trump was worth it.
These people give Christians a bad name. Frankly they've lost whatever moral credibility they once claimed by supporting Trump. I and others like me won't listen to a word they have to say and will not vote for any politicians that run under their mantle.
Our credibility on the world stage is being damaged beyond repair. We're going to be dealing with the repercussions of this presidency for years to come. But conservatives got their supreme court justice and will be getting tax breaks for the wealthy so I guess in their eyes Trump was worth it.
10
You want them "to follow their conscience"? What do you know that you can convince yourself that they have one?
You want them to follow "the Scripture that profess guide them"? You do not realize the Scripture they quoted so often every day is a document they use to throw at people with a sense of self superiority? It is to be use to guide other people, and not them.
That so many of he evangelicals would vote for a thrice married man who grab women at you know where is indicative of their political ambition, not their piety to the religion they proclaim to believe in. Jesus walked and lived among the poor, the disfranchised, you see them doing that, any time any where? These are the people who give Christianity a bad name.
You want them to follow "the Scripture that profess guide them"? You do not realize the Scripture they quoted so often every day is a document they use to throw at people with a sense of self superiority? It is to be use to guide other people, and not them.
That so many of he evangelicals would vote for a thrice married man who grab women at you know where is indicative of their political ambition, not their piety to the religion they proclaim to believe in. Jesus walked and lived among the poor, the disfranchised, you see them doing that, any time any where? These are the people who give Christianity a bad name.
3
To be an evangelical Christian, one must confess to Jesus and ask for forgiveness. Donald Trump has never, ever admitted to doing anything wrong. Can anyone actually see trump on his knees admitting fault? I've never understood why so many evangelical leaders claim this lying, grabbing trump as one of their own; a biblical miracle indeed.
6
You forgot one very important element....all the men you reference in your article are straight, white Protestant married men. It amazes me that so many white-identified people are "shocked" by the President's behavior. Yet, DT is the great white hope this nation has been waiting for since the passage of the Civil Rights bill in the 1960s.
2
I couldn't agree with you more! Jesus had special anger exactly for self righteous religious hypocrites. The Pharisees were specialists in judgement and justification for their behavior, such as not helping their parents in need. So I suspect that these "leaders" are performing similar moral gymnastics to rationalize their support for Trump. Love and compassion are Jesus' command, they are not an option. We need to pray for America and her leadership for moral and righteous leaders guided by compassion and wisdom.
10
Fair criticism of a mostly southern, mostly rural or small town set of people. Missing is the fact that some people who are white and would call themselves evangelical dislike HRC and DT in equal measure.
But Mr. Egan, there is so much more at work here with these folks and it is not the Bible. It is race, class, lifestyle, and a steady diet of propaganda not from any pulpit or revival tent but from the TV cable screen and a radio speaker. Hannity, Limbaugh, and their kind have no clerical standing, but certainly sway their respective "flocks".
Then there is the documented dishonesty of Americans concerning their alleged religious fervor. We lie like this White House. We tell pollsters that we attend church when we mostly don't and we profess deep faith when we mostly have no clue on dogma or church teaching whether it is a liberal mainline church or the most fire-breathing evangelical pastor denouncing gays and feminists. Sure self-described evangelical "Christians" voted mostly for the Donald but don't expect them to explain Jesus concerns for the poor and disadvantaged or the teachings of the ancient rabbis on justice. They are "religious" only in the sense that they make wonderful straw men for a readership hostile to faith to slam.
But Mr. Egan, there is so much more at work here with these folks and it is not the Bible. It is race, class, lifestyle, and a steady diet of propaganda not from any pulpit or revival tent but from the TV cable screen and a radio speaker. Hannity, Limbaugh, and their kind have no clerical standing, but certainly sway their respective "flocks".
Then there is the documented dishonesty of Americans concerning their alleged religious fervor. We lie like this White House. We tell pollsters that we attend church when we mostly don't and we profess deep faith when we mostly have no clue on dogma or church teaching whether it is a liberal mainline church or the most fire-breathing evangelical pastor denouncing gays and feminists. Sure self-described evangelical "Christians" voted mostly for the Donald but don't expect them to explain Jesus concerns for the poor and disadvantaged or the teachings of the ancient rabbis on justice. They are "religious" only in the sense that they make wonderful straw men for a readership hostile to faith to slam.
7
On the plus side, all this hypocrisy is inoculating the field of Democrats who will run against Trump (if he is still President). It's hard to imagine a progressive with morals as loose and honesty as dubious as the degenerate-in-chief, but at this point Republicans would be hard-pressed to complain even if Anthony Weiner runs.
3
This is powerhouse stuff and what makes it so is that it has the added benefit of being absolutely true. Keep it coming.
3
A very nice piece of writing Mr. Egan, it may be one of your best.
Thank You and keep em' coming!
Thank You and keep em' coming!
4
It's good to think through things, and to come to the occasional aha! moment.
Why does the Trump transient anger me to such an extreme? Well okay, most of us are none too pleased to see our country ground down.
But I guess I am really not pleased to be the victim of a coup. Okay, okay, so most of us 'Muricans aren't too happy with a coup. We're kinda spoiled like thst.
But I really don't like to be the victim of a second coup ... perpetrated by the same group! I watched as evangelicals took over 'my' Methodist Church in the late 1960s. Many members left in the following years (my family included), and many good pastors were pushed out.
The current evangelical coup aims for a bigger target: our country's government. So maybe there's a reason why I feel such anger now. I've seen and felt this before. But this time, I'm feeling strangely more positive. Because I know how this coup will NOT turn out. We can't and won't roll over or walk away from our country. So I start to believe there's only one possible outcome. This coup will NOT end like my earlier experience!
Why does the Trump transient anger me to such an extreme? Well okay, most of us are none too pleased to see our country ground down.
But I guess I am really not pleased to be the victim of a coup. Okay, okay, so most of us 'Muricans aren't too happy with a coup. We're kinda spoiled like thst.
But I really don't like to be the victim of a second coup ... perpetrated by the same group! I watched as evangelicals took over 'my' Methodist Church in the late 1960s. Many members left in the following years (my family included), and many good pastors were pushed out.
The current evangelical coup aims for a bigger target: our country's government. So maybe there's a reason why I feel such anger now. I've seen and felt this before. But this time, I'm feeling strangely more positive. Because I know how this coup will NOT turn out. We can't and won't roll over or walk away from our country. So I start to believe there's only one possible outcome. This coup will NOT end like my earlier experience!
2
To evangelicals who voted for Trump and believe they simply have taken a "thoughtful political position" ... you haven't. You're simply hypocrites. And it's not religious bigotry to point that out. Generally speaking, evangelicals have been loudly proclaiming their superior morality for decades based on their righteous, and harsh, interpretation of Christ's teachings. Stripping all the "interpretation" away, Christ's teaching was pretty simple, and powerful, Love Your Brother as Yourself. It can be said in many ways, but that's basically it. Any sane person has been able to see for many years that Donald Trump doesn't value kindness, compassion, integrity, or wisdom, and is now putting our democracy at great risk because of his indecency and ignorance. Evangelicals were always hard to take seriously as moral watchdogs, and now there is no doubt. They've made a pact with the "devil" and they will sadly come to realize that the only way out is to actually be like Christ, and vote for leaders who are too.
7
The appalling acquiescence of Evangelical Christian fundamentalists with the Trump administration helps explain why so many younger Americans now profess no religious belief at all.
Although I am an agnostic, I have considerable respect for the Christian left. It takes the teachings of Jesus seriously regarding the poor and unfortunate. Ditto with the late Dorothy Day and the positive role of Catholic and Protestant charities in the inner cities.
Although I am an agnostic, I have considerable respect for the Christian left. It takes the teachings of Jesus seriously regarding the poor and unfortunate. Ditto with the late Dorothy Day and the positive role of Catholic and Protestant charities in the inner cities.
9
I think the evangelicals /conservatives simply side with Trump because he was the Republican candidate and fooled them all into thinking that he shares their beliefs. Who else were they going to vote for, Hillary?
Now, with the hyperbole native to religious speech, they are announcing him as a biblical miracle and other such nonsense. Also normative to religions is the black or white, all or nothing, good or evil view of the world; the role of savior is now being thrust on Trump because that is the language fundamentalism understands.
Religious fundamentalists are good at sticking to dogmatic beliefs with no rational backing whatsoever, often to much detriment. Mr. Trump has shown us that he is quite with them in this regard, as in his refusal to heed science on climate change. They seem made for each other.
But it is pretty unlikely that he truly shares their beliefs. He harnessed some of the fundamental conservative dogma to ride to victory but I believe he would turn his back on it the minute it is convenient.
Now, with the hyperbole native to religious speech, they are announcing him as a biblical miracle and other such nonsense. Also normative to religions is the black or white, all or nothing, good or evil view of the world; the role of savior is now being thrust on Trump because that is the language fundamentalism understands.
Religious fundamentalists are good at sticking to dogmatic beliefs with no rational backing whatsoever, often to much detriment. Mr. Trump has shown us that he is quite with them in this regard, as in his refusal to heed science on climate change. They seem made for each other.
But it is pretty unlikely that he truly shares their beliefs. He harnessed some of the fundamental conservative dogma to ride to victory but I believe he would turn his back on it the minute it is convenient.
11
"A true miracle would be for one of the enablers among the 81 percent of white evangelicals who gave their vote to Trump to follow their conscience, or at least the Scriptures they profess guide them."
Amen, and amen to that.
Amen, and amen to that.
28
I've heard other evangelicals say that. "It's all part of God's plan." So I wonder what that plan is. Could it be that the American people elect as their president a deeply flawed man who can't help but eventually be removed from office so that the evangelical who never would have made it on his own gets bumped up to the top spot? Is that the plan? If so, I think it's right on track.
11
The 'part of God's plan' comment is just too vague to be considered seriously. I doubt that it is, but we can all be deluded, except in this instance pastors have a greater responsibility to speak the truth. The Church is aware that politics and faith are separate, yet the lure to have greater influence is too tempting. God has a plan for His church for sure, where these particular churches fit within that remains to be seen.
1
Good question. If they were to read their Bibles, they would see that when Israel rebelled against God, he brought judgment through invading armies. In this sense Trump can logically be identified as a means of judgment upon the US... but... being an agent of God's judgment does not give this invader a get out of jail free card. In every case God judges and destroys these people when they do wrong. Also, standing on the side of one of these invaders is a quick route to destruction.
I don't think these so-called "evangelicals" actually read their Bibles in any coherent way. They just pick out isolated verses that make them feel good. If they did know their Bibles they would be in great distress for their sins and would have fully disassociated themselves from the venal president. The Bible teaches that supporting an unrepentant, ungodly means of judgment will lead to their own judgment.
I don't think these so-called "evangelicals" actually read their Bibles in any coherent way. They just pick out isolated verses that make them feel good. If they did know their Bibles they would be in great distress for their sins and would have fully disassociated themselves from the venal president. The Bible teaches that supporting an unrepentant, ungodly means of judgment will lead to their own judgment.
2
How does the party that believes in the right to life support changes to healthcare in our country that results in shorter lifespans and no access to healthcare for 22-million Americans?
33
It has already been established that the "right-to-lifers" support a right of the baby to be carried through pregnancy and born, but after that, they're on their own. And especially, they are not allowed to incur any costs to the rich....
3
They belief in the right to birth. After that you're on your own.
4
The Evangelical leadership have made it increasingly difficult for many thinking folks to identify as Christians. Their actions are the opposite of the Biblical tenets we know.
34
I agree, but please do not let these people keep you from God and from reading the Bible. They are Pharisees, who have the word of God, but hide it from the people for their own ends. "For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ." (Phil 3:18)
2
The support offered the amoral (if not immoral) Trump by pious social parasites like Pat Robertson shows the vacuousness of 21st century American Christianity, which combines worship of the Almighty Dollar with hopeful anticipation of a Heaven in which the faithful can enjoy themselves watching infidels suffer in Hell. It seems that in human history, religions with worthy basic principles are often perverted, twisted into their exact opposite. So the Crusaders and Conquistadores slaughtered innocent people in the name of God and burned other innocents at the stake for heresy.
Yet American Christianity has had its good moments, for instance, the Abolition movement or the criticism of the Vietnam War by many prominent clerics, including Yale's William Sloan Coffin. But the state of spirituality and ethics in this country has sadly declined, so that "christians" embrace the doctrines of the Devil.
Yet American Christianity has had its good moments, for instance, the Abolition movement or the criticism of the Vietnam War by many prominent clerics, including Yale's William Sloan Coffin. But the state of spirituality and ethics in this country has sadly declined, so that "christians" embrace the doctrines of the Devil.
30
Religious/political leaders who push for more protections to practice their faith under the legal system are doing a great disservice to our young democracy. There's nothing enlightened about saying all the answers to everyone's problems are in a "sacred" text.
32
These people have more in common with ISIS than with true Christians...if there really are or ever was such a thing, which I highly doubt.
49
Pence is a potent, yet inadequate, argument against impeaching loud, foolish, dishonest, destructive President Trump.
24
Pence is a scary ideologue. But, dispite his own portfolio of lies related to Russia, he appears to care about the office of the vice President, and may not put monetary gains over American interests.
Remember who decides what to do about North Korea and who has his little fingers on the nuclear button?
1
As a non-believer, I suppose many occasional church-going Republicans treat their faith with a sober sensibility informed by present-day scientific knowledge. Only this morning, on an NPR broadcast, I heard an avowed Christian lady state that her faith, and the findings of biology and palaeontolgy with regard to the theory of evolution, both sit comfortably within her thinking. Of course that isn't how she put it. More like Christianity and evolution can co-exist.
Well, she's quite an exception. From what I've seen and heard over the years, most ardent-minded Christians are frightened to death of this idea, a thought which if allowed to remain in the mind even as a mere possibility will have a corrosive effect upon their belief.
So much of American politics is driven by fundamentalist-regarded gospel. And now, is it any wonder that Trump and the far-right wing of the Republican Party who have inexplicably supported him, want to undercut the advance of science in this country through deep slashes to programs in every area of research you can care to name? The way most Republican politicians talk give me the impression that they are wayfarers out of the 19th Century.
Well, she's quite an exception. From what I've seen and heard over the years, most ardent-minded Christians are frightened to death of this idea, a thought which if allowed to remain in the mind even as a mere possibility will have a corrosive effect upon their belief.
So much of American politics is driven by fundamentalist-regarded gospel. And now, is it any wonder that Trump and the far-right wing of the Republican Party who have inexplicably supported him, want to undercut the advance of science in this country through deep slashes to programs in every area of research you can care to name? The way most Republican politicians talk give me the impression that they are wayfarers out of the 19th Century.
15
We cannot presume to juxtapose a human theory with God, but that does not mean that evolution of some sort does not occur. The physical evidence is just too clear. God reveals Himself through His creation, as the Apostle Paul makes clear in his letter to the Romans.
So, Christians should not rule out a process of evolution (and many don't), but I should point out that they do have to take issue with the presumption of a lack of underlying purpose that is inherent in the way that the theory of evolution is often taught. Science becomes religion when it dismisses what it can't measure and understand and when it makes claims for a lack of purpose. However, that caveat does not invalidate Science in general. I am a Christian who loves science, and indeed many scientists are Christians. To those of you who have valid concerns about some of the positions taken by know-nothing or selfish people who claim to be Christian, please don't brush away valid questions about some of the claims that are made for science. And, more importantly, don't delay in seeking God, especially through reading the Bible. That is a line of inquiry that has great potential for good in your life.
So, Christians should not rule out a process of evolution (and many don't), but I should point out that they do have to take issue with the presumption of a lack of underlying purpose that is inherent in the way that the theory of evolution is often taught. Science becomes religion when it dismisses what it can't measure and understand and when it makes claims for a lack of purpose. However, that caveat does not invalidate Science in general. I am a Christian who loves science, and indeed many scientists are Christians. To those of you who have valid concerns about some of the positions taken by know-nothing or selfish people who claim to be Christian, please don't brush away valid questions about some of the claims that are made for science. And, more importantly, don't delay in seeking God, especially through reading the Bible. That is a line of inquiry that has great potential for good in your life.
1
Don't be too sure about Pence. Just this week he was singing the praises of Trump. Anybody with the front row seat to the Trump Show who can rhapsodize about what the Good Man Trump is a practiced liar.
45
Yes. Exactly.
15
The Christian Right has become political bloc like any other. They put Trump in office - an evil, vulgar person- no there is no excuse whatsoever for their behavior. Their political activity is all about power and money. It has nothing to do with the teachings of Jesus.
It is worth remembering the words of Bob Dylan"
from “Masters of War”
How much do I know
To talk out of turn
You might say that I'm young
You might say I'm unlearned
But there's one thing I know
Though I'm younger than you
That even Jesus would never
Forgive what you do
Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good
Will it buy you forgiveness
Do you think that it could
I think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made
Will never buy back your soul
It is worth remembering the words of Bob Dylan"
from “Masters of War”
How much do I know
To talk out of turn
You might say that I'm young
You might say I'm unlearned
But there's one thing I know
Though I'm younger than you
That even Jesus would never
Forgive what you do
Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good
Will it buy you forgiveness
Do you think that it could
I think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made
Will never buy back your soul
66
Thanks for sharing. I have not heard that one. I do know why he won the Nobel Prize for Literature. He is a poet.
Next up Simon and Garfunkel for their beautiful and relevant poetry.
Next up Simon and Garfunkel for their beautiful and relevant poetry.
1
you left off the last line,
"I'll stand over your grave until I'm sure that you're dead"
"I'll stand over your grave until I'm sure that you're dead"
1
Excellent! Much here is written about Christianity. Its fundamental is Grace, meaning, "unearned mercy," meaning our relationship to God is not about how good we are but about how gracious He is, meaning that salvation is because we chose to believe. But if we believe, then the 2 commandments that Jesus said were central were: "love God with all your heart, mind and soul" and "love one another." From that comes the notions that if faith in God is what defines our relationship to Him, then gender, skin color, brilliance vs dumb, wealth, and station in life have nothing to do with salvation. From that comes the concept of "equal before the law," and freedoms of assembly, speech, worship, and the press. And, also from that comes due process against those who break the law. Lawbreakers are the antithesis of Grace but vigilantism is, also. Due process is the enforcement of Grace-principles.
Folks, that, basically is both the kernel of Christianity and how it should work. The mega-evangelists, religious stars are not the core of our faith. Trump and Pence surely are not central to faith.
Trump is a manipulator of the religious right, just as were Johnson, Nixon, and Reagan. Both BClinton and GWBush courted the conservative Christian crowd as well.
This past election, evangelicals said it was about who would appoint SCOTUS justices that would protect babies. Evangelicals other than the headliners mentioned in this piece, largely avoided identifying with Trump.
Folks, that, basically is both the kernel of Christianity and how it should work. The mega-evangelists, religious stars are not the core of our faith. Trump and Pence surely are not central to faith.
Trump is a manipulator of the religious right, just as were Johnson, Nixon, and Reagan. Both BClinton and GWBush courted the conservative Christian crowd as well.
This past election, evangelicals said it was about who would appoint SCOTUS justices that would protect babies. Evangelicals other than the headliners mentioned in this piece, largely avoided identifying with Trump.
A whole lot of words written by Egan (who is paid to do that) and the commenters here when one word would suffice:
Hypocrites
Hypocrites
16
You left out "anti-American."
Not a believer, but isn't there somthing in "The Good Book" about "whited sepulchres?"
9
I am a retired pastor.
The laying on of hands goes back to the beginnings of Christianity. It's a blessing conveyed by the Holy Spirit to the one being blessed. It is still used in baptism, marriage, ministry to the sick and dying and ordination of pastors.
I simultaneously think Trump could use it and am appalled that it was done. It seems to indicate the Christian leaders involved have given their blessing to this liar, sexual assaulter of women, profane promoter of violence and man with hard-heartedness toward the poor and those in need. Those who laid hands on Trump do not act on behalf of all Christians.
I hesitate to say these things. The judgment I pronounce is the judgment I will get one day. I confess my own shortcomings; I too am a sinner and have done many things I regret. I am in need of God's forgiveness.
I pray daily for President Trump.
The laying on of hands goes back to the beginnings of Christianity. It's a blessing conveyed by the Holy Spirit to the one being blessed. It is still used in baptism, marriage, ministry to the sick and dying and ordination of pastors.
I simultaneously think Trump could use it and am appalled that it was done. It seems to indicate the Christian leaders involved have given their blessing to this liar, sexual assaulter of women, profane promoter of violence and man with hard-heartedness toward the poor and those in need. Those who laid hands on Trump do not act on behalf of all Christians.
I hesitate to say these things. The judgment I pronounce is the judgment I will get one day. I confess my own shortcomings; I too am a sinner and have done many things I regret. I am in need of God's forgiveness.
I pray daily for President Trump.
55
It might be better to pray daily for America instead. Our country needs unity, love and peace.
20
I concur. The image filled me with horror when it should have been a scene of calling one to repent. There can be no salvation without repentance and Trump has a lot sins to confess to. Sadly, he is not even close to being in that place and pastors should be more discerning of this fact.
6
I pray daily for president Trump's removal from office (and the noncapitalized "p" in president was intentional).
God, protect me from your followers.
35
These enablers are the most odious, loathsome and degenerate people among a U.S. populace surprising replete with such folk. And Pat Robertson and his fellow travelers? Disgusting hypocrites who would like to impose a Christian theocracy on this country, in violation of the Constitution. What care they about such a document? They're in it for themselves and the money. Who cares about so-called "Christian values" (whatever they are -- no one who espouses them ever does anything which remotely approaches their advertised benefits) - we are a secular country, not one ruled by pious preachers of one religion. We're in the midst of one of the darkest and most horrible periods in the history of this country, and it will not end well.
54
I would like to see these "christians" practice what Christ taught. Very rarely do I see it, especially among politicians who are trying to kill our poor by by taking food stamps and medicaid away. Fewer people to line up for Medicare and Social Security--problems solved.
Donald Trump is "God's plan" (Pat Robertson)? Pat Robertson just gives me one more reason to be an atheist.
49
Pence tries to come off as a choir boy (actually, he renounced his catholic upbringing in order to align himself more closely with evangelicals) to mask his content: more welfare for corporations, more money for the rich, dirtier air, lower wages, less health care, less education for everyone else. If this is what Jesus had in mind, then our forefathers got it right by trying to build a wall between Christianity and government.
44
Timothy my Lad,
Why pick on the Evangelicals, how about the majority of Catholics that voted for Trump, or the Orthodox Jews that supported him.
All of them have an agenda, & Trump is carrying the baton for each agenda.
The Evangelicals, Catholics & Jews can now preach politics from the Pulpit, thanks to Trump,They can hang religious artifacts from public institutions without a whimper from Trump & the Republicans. He has in fact in less than a year made us a theocracy.My greatest fear is the blurring of the Line between Church & State & the creation of a State religion which was feared by our forefathers.However, we must consider ourselves lucky, next to Pence, Trump is an atheist, which he was before he became President.
Why pick on the Evangelicals, how about the majority of Catholics that voted for Trump, or the Orthodox Jews that supported him.
All of them have an agenda, & Trump is carrying the baton for each agenda.
The Evangelicals, Catholics & Jews can now preach politics from the Pulpit, thanks to Trump,They can hang religious artifacts from public institutions without a whimper from Trump & the Republicans. He has in fact in less than a year made us a theocracy.My greatest fear is the blurring of the Line between Church & State & the creation of a State religion which was feared by our forefathers.However, we must consider ourselves lucky, next to Pence, Trump is an atheist, which he was before he became President.
21
Don't mix Jews up with this crew. First, it's mostly orthdox and ultra orthodox who support him, s tiny minority nationally, and a minority among Jews, with no national Organized political power. Second, even orthodox, according to Jewish law, are supposed to respect the laws of the land they live in. Don't mix us up with evangelicals.
1
Don't mix true Christians in either. We are also told be peaceful under authority. This lot do not represent New Testament Christianity. They caused so much trouble to Obama, yet want to claim special immunity and status for Trump.
2
I agree, Julue - no group should be summarily judged. But you have to admit that the orthodox Jewish family of Kushners is not helping the optics.
Finally a tone scathing enough to suit the subject. I love it!
25
Plagues of frogs and other disasters are also "biblical miracles."
20
Thank you!!!
Words can and do make a difference. in their implications and consequences.We all-too-often do not consider, as we cope, function, and adapt, daily, wherever, that the map is not the territory. The written or voiced word is not the thing being focused on. And religion, of whatever type, is not the practiced value-free ritual or ceremony. Practiced or mispracticed. That a theology of helping, self or another, known as well as stranger,so easily transmutes into violating, harming,hurting, even killing, while being legitimized in some God's name. In an anchored WE-THEY local to global violating culture.To relate to people who self-identify as religious leaders, or who have been trained to help, and translated this into processing- of- hate and harm, void of minimal menschlichkeit, is to desecrate the goodness needed in a mutually-caring' trusting, helping,civil lifestyles. Whatever one's secular and sacramental beliefs and behaviors.Your article, it's anguish and outrage, describes a contemporary Sodom, eventually destroyed by...and whose various languages, then, did not include the option, word or concept of "copping out." During the times in which religion, as a resource for functioning better under devastating lacks in daily, understanding and knowledge, evil was real. in our evidence based lives "evil" is not considered. Your article's "actors," whatever their roles, power, position are evil people. Saved by YAWEH?Loved by Jesus? Engaged on the path by Buddha?
5
The White Christian Sharia Law supports the belief that if you are not with them, you are an infidel. Once thus labeled, there is no need to be concerned about what happens to you, is done to you, or your soul. If you come over to their side, you will have redemption, even if you are a murderer. The laying of the hands is the same as a white hood, a secret symbol of "knowing" and being a part of this exclusive white club.
There is a problem though. If Prez. T and the GOP has it's way, all those potential new white recruits to their way would need support from someone other than the government. With their lavish lifestyles and buildings, the religious do not have enough left over for those poor losers. So now it is time to eliminate any barriers or limits to the transfer of wealth from the infidels to the White Supremacist Religious. Maybe a few pennies more will drift down to all those losers. That will make them beg for forgiveness and join the ranks.
Those with a moral compass and really guided by the teachings of Jesus must resist.
There is a problem though. If Prez. T and the GOP has it's way, all those potential new white recruits to their way would need support from someone other than the government. With their lavish lifestyles and buildings, the religious do not have enough left over for those poor losers. So now it is time to eliminate any barriers or limits to the transfer of wealth from the infidels to the White Supremacist Religious. Maybe a few pennies more will drift down to all those losers. That will make them beg for forgiveness and join the ranks.
Those with a moral compass and really guided by the teachings of Jesus must resist.
16
A. They have no conscience. B. They do not believe that the scripture they claim to adhere to applies to themselves.
They are corrupt in all ways. They are greedy for power, money...you name it.
They are corrupt in all ways. They are greedy for power, money...you name it.
31
Given a choice between Trump and Satan, I might be inclined to say a few kind words towards Beelzebub...
25
Christian religion of Robertson, Falwell and Mike Pence is not the same religion of Jesus Christ and Holy Bible. Trump is of course a playboy greedy lying cheating Christian whom our religious leaders love more than they love Jesus Christ. These greedy Godless political religious leaders are now exposed as fake and that is the number one reason for people not going to church like before.
28
Well articulated. Trump the adultering groper, the unrepentant liar, this man is the beloved poster child of God's best, per these mislead charlatans who call themselves Pastors.
Their self serving preaching screams RESIST to anyone who truly believes in Christian values. Based on the Bible, there was an unrelenting attack of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees by Jesus. If he were in this era, he would have excoriated and neutered these so called Evangelical leaders.
Their self serving preaching screams RESIST to anyone who truly believes in Christian values. Based on the Bible, there was an unrelenting attack of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees by Jesus. If he were in this era, he would have excoriated and neutered these so called Evangelical leaders.
1
Jesus is truth and we are obliged to speak truth to power.
Pence, Robertson and the white evangelicals who follow that rough beast who slouches towards Bethlehem do not.
Pence, Robertson and the white evangelicals who follow that rough beast who slouches towards Bethlehem do not.
18
It’s easy to imagine a future American dystopia enabled by single issue voting blocs such as the evangelicals who have made a deal with the devil. A future in which scores of uneducated, malnourished children lucky enough to survive open-carry crossfire and lead-poisoned drinking water instead succumb to curable diseases. A future in which evangelicals bray to their god that thanks to their righteousness, the unborn will no longer die from abortion.
15
Thank you for taking off the gloves.
22
The Bible clearly teaches these so called moralists that this level of hypocrisy earns you the metaphor of "white-washed sepulcher".
Phoney hacks like Pat Robertson don't even know how far afield from the actual teachings of their own religion. He doesnt even know enough to be ashamed of himself.
Phoney hacks like Pat Robertson don't even know how far afield from the actual teachings of their own religion. He doesnt even know enough to be ashamed of himself.
16
Is it any wonder that Evangelicals and Creationist believers are now at the lowest levels in history? They have literally sold their miserable, unhappy souls to a real Devil, not the made up Satan of their fantasies.
11
Evangelical chrisians (talibangelicals) are all hypocrites because evangelical christianty is no longer a religion . It is a political party whose power far exceeds it's numbers and they are attempting to force their beliefs on everyone else. Fundamentalism in religion is evil whatever it's guise, Christianity, Judiasm or Islam.
19
I agree entirely with this excellent article. well said.
28
There is only one God and he is God!
Call it the "Great Religious Hypocrisy Movement" of our time --self-serving, political, mean as a junkyard DOG. It's why I stopped going to Church in the 60's when religious leaders condemned Don Helder Camara, Latin America's Liberation Theology and welcomed perpetual poverty.
The loudest, most powerful American religious purport to render unto Caesar what is his treating only with congregants spiritual needs. By refusing to take a stand on health, education, social safety net and income issues they perpetuate the great myth that politics, $$ and spiritual are separate spheres of influence.
The result is Dutch Reformed Church racism, today's Russian Orthodox's Kremlin sell out, ISIS, Al Quaidha. Each puts the lie to the separation of spiritual and political.
Now America's religious right in an extraordinary act of hypocrisy supports an ignorant, immoral, vainglorious man who would work untold harm on Americans and the world.
They extol reversal of Roe-v.Wade, creationism, guaranteed heterosuxality. They have voted for a return to the paternalistic, macho, unequal, white dominated America that we fled in the sixties. Because that is what most of the largest and most powerful religious institutions still look like. And that is how they protect their narrow vested interests
Blessed are those who pray with a thin priest in a rundown church with no late model vehicles ...and know the difference...
Call it the "Great Religious Hypocrisy Movement" of our time --self-serving, political, mean as a junkyard DOG. It's why I stopped going to Church in the 60's when religious leaders condemned Don Helder Camara, Latin America's Liberation Theology and welcomed perpetual poverty.
The loudest, most powerful American religious purport to render unto Caesar what is his treating only with congregants spiritual needs. By refusing to take a stand on health, education, social safety net and income issues they perpetuate the great myth that politics, $$ and spiritual are separate spheres of influence.
The result is Dutch Reformed Church racism, today's Russian Orthodox's Kremlin sell out, ISIS, Al Quaidha. Each puts the lie to the separation of spiritual and political.
Now America's religious right in an extraordinary act of hypocrisy supports an ignorant, immoral, vainglorious man who would work untold harm on Americans and the world.
They extol reversal of Roe-v.Wade, creationism, guaranteed heterosuxality. They have voted for a return to the paternalistic, macho, unequal, white dominated America that we fled in the sixties. Because that is what most of the largest and most powerful religious institutions still look like. And that is how they protect their narrow vested interests
Blessed are those who pray with a thin priest in a rundown church with no late model vehicles ...and know the difference...
7
Evangelicals, in their support of this man, prove on a daily basis just how bankrupt their beliefs are. If they were standing with their Satan being promised dominion over the whole world they would be growling in the dirt before the last word left his mouth.
15
Amen.
7
Religion has always been used by hucksters, thieves, child molesters and con men as cover. And we have reached a new spectacular height with this creepy cynicism with the Trump presidency.
20
Pence is just another fraud. There is nothing about "Christ" that is prevalent in any of his thoughts, words or deeds. His statement that he wouldn't be alone with a woman not his wife says more about his twisted psyche than it does about his so-called "piety" or "values" or "morality." He's as big a hypocrite as the very rightwing Jewish men who can't sit in a seat on an airplane next to woman lest their "urges" overcome them. Seriously -- men like Pence and others of his ilk who can't trust themselves around a woman are sick individuals. They aren't "religious" -- they are mental cases.
Ryan is just a lying, dim bulb, stuck with his sophomoric Ayn Rand boy-crush. The social safety net saved his family when his father died, now he wants to prevent anyone else from having the benefit that he had. Nothing "religious" Christian or morally responsible in that kind of thinking.
Ryan is just a lying, dim bulb, stuck with his sophomoric Ayn Rand boy-crush. The social safety net saved his family when his father died, now he wants to prevent anyone else from having the benefit that he had. Nothing "religious" Christian or morally responsible in that kind of thinking.
26
The New York Times has still not gotten the memo. Hillary Clinton lost. The public rejected her, and with her it has rejected the New York Times Complex: The cabal of snide, smug Easterners who hate and smear anyone who doesn't toe their line.
Good luck to you. This has only just started.
Good luck to you. This has only just started.
2
The article is about Trump and his relationship to fake christians, not Clinton. There is no evidence that he is a good man, good Christian, or good at anything other than conning people. Therefore, the only defense is to attack Clinton, Democrats, the educated, other religions, the press and the truth.
1
It is absurd in the extreme to continue referencing the loss of Hillary, as the response to the gross ineptitude of this administration, their now unearthed criminal collusion with Russia, and the malevolent role of White Evangelicals in the mayhem that has become our reality under Trump.
1
I guess I'm in the cabal of snide, smug Mid-Westerners. Thanks for clarifying.
1
You tell 'em, Timonthy! Evidently, if you are "saved," you are also saved from having to behave like a Christian. In other words, you're w a "winner."
7
Yes those pious pals of Trump are enablers. Just yesterday attorney general Sessions warned a right wing religious group that they are "under attack." Being a Christian myself I wondered by whom. Is it the mini-pool of Jews and Arabs in our country that are attacking us. Or is it that Sessions is a bigoted closet alt-rt anti-semitic Arab hater. I think that's it. Here in American we Christians are the majority. We are fine and NOT under attack. Don't let people like Sessions manipulate you and make you fearful by instilling lies. Birds of a feather flock together and Sessions has nested with our unscrupulous president.
16
Thank you. I have heard the same line before, that Christians are under attack. From the Democrats, is what I assumed it meant. I am glad to have a Christian say it isn't so, that Christians are not under attack.
The USA was crafted to be the first Secular Democracy; in my opinion this is not the reality and is only a secular democracy in name and theory.
Religion has no part to play in government legislation in a Democracy; if religious groups are influencing the nations laws by having political opinions and influencing their flocks to vote accordingly, then those religious groups should loose their 'Charitable Trust' status and pay tax like all the other businesses in the USA. Religion is a business...
Religion has no part to play in government legislation in a Democracy; if religious groups are influencing the nations laws by having political opinions and influencing their flocks to vote accordingly, then those religious groups should loose their 'Charitable Trust' status and pay tax like all the other businesses in the USA. Religion is a business...
13
"...and are endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights..."
2
And it was Thomas Jefferson himself who argued most forcefully for a wall between church and state in the Federalist Papers. Thomas Jefferson, by the way, rewrote the New Testament because he couldn't subscribe to its picture of Jesus.
Jefferson's "creator" was Nature's God, I.e., Mother Nature. A God we can see, touch, hear, smell and taste.
To paraphrase Holden Caulfield: "I can't help thinking that if ol' Jesus were here to see this it would make him puke."
42
Perfect, just perfect. Brilliant thought, thank you!!
7
"Better to reign in Hell than to serve in Heaven."
- Paradise Lost. Milton.
Kind of sums it up nicely, don't you think?
So much for the moral and ethical power of the christian religion in the United States.
What a bunch of hypocrites.
- Paradise Lost. Milton.
Kind of sums it up nicely, don't you think?
So much for the moral and ethical power of the christian religion in the United States.
What a bunch of hypocrites.
14
This coup, this evangelical thrust into our civil life, angers me almost beyond words. ... But I just had a revelation! So I have to tell it, Brothers and Sisters!
The Protestant churches (one of which I left in the early 1970s) are no more willing to 'let you go' than are the Mormons or the Scientologists! We hear amazing stories of those sects pursuing people, rather than admit that someone has chosen to leave them, and reduce their flock.
We Protestants expect to be a bit more civilized. But the ever-resurgent evangelicals literally believe that it is their duty to take us back into the christian fold. Are they duty-bound to continue their efforts, when people say 'No thank you?' When we ask (tell) them to keep their hands off our government? Their answer is a resounding 'Yes!' And their regular resurgence is, historically speaking, a cyclical set of predictable events.
So I guess this really is MY problem, my need to correct my expectations. This is not the civilized world I thought it was. We cannot choose what we believe about, or do with our religion. We must be continually subjected to the grasping Scientology/Mormon/Evangelical Christian (and other?) churches. In effect, we do not have the rights that we thought we had. Seriously, amendments be damned. We just don't.
(Thanks, Vermont pastor, for helping me to this realization.)
The Protestant churches (one of which I left in the early 1970s) are no more willing to 'let you go' than are the Mormons or the Scientologists! We hear amazing stories of those sects pursuing people, rather than admit that someone has chosen to leave them, and reduce their flock.
We Protestants expect to be a bit more civilized. But the ever-resurgent evangelicals literally believe that it is their duty to take us back into the christian fold. Are they duty-bound to continue their efforts, when people say 'No thank you?' When we ask (tell) them to keep their hands off our government? Their answer is a resounding 'Yes!' And their regular resurgence is, historically speaking, a cyclical set of predictable events.
So I guess this really is MY problem, my need to correct my expectations. This is not the civilized world I thought it was. We cannot choose what we believe about, or do with our religion. We must be continually subjected to the grasping Scientology/Mormon/Evangelical Christian (and other?) churches. In effect, we do not have the rights that we thought we had. Seriously, amendments be damned. We just don't.
(Thanks, Vermont pastor, for helping me to this realization.)
3
My evangelical friend finally stopped trying to enlighten me about Jesus. Despite the fact that I was raised an Italian Catholic, she felt that I didn't know Jesus.
Thank goodness, my teachers taught me critical thinking.
Where does Jesus say that they have to forcibly convert the world? I asked if someone who had never heard of Jesus would go to hell when they died, she said yes.
Thank goodness, my teachers taught me critical thinking.
Where does Jesus say that they have to forcibly convert the world? I asked if someone who had never heard of Jesus would go to hell when they died, she said yes.
3
Here, here!
3
What Trump's evangelical supporters espouse is a primitive Christian nationalism based on a belief that pious lip service to Big Daddy in the Sky has greased the cosmic skids to exceptional American wealth and power. They are afraid of forfeiting Most Favored Nation status in the sectarian trade wars, an advantage they identify with avoiding negative sinful personal frailties such as abortion and homosexuality, not with effecting positive impulses toward compassion and love. In other words, all this has nothing to do with social theology in general or the words of Jesus in particular. It is merely the crassest form of spiritual shop keeping.
7
I'm sorry, but Trump's pious supporters just are not Christians. They are what Christ warned about in Matthew 23:27: whited sepulchers, those who made sure to be seen praying in public, beautiful on the outside but inside full of dead men's bones and corruption; appearing to be righteous on the outside, but on the inside full of hypocrisy and wickedness. The appropriate journalistic term would more accurately be "so-called Christians." Snake-oil salesmen like Robertson and Franklin Graham are no more Christian than Genghis Khan was a pacifist. Fleecing the rubes and lining their pockets, not the spreading of the Gospel, is their only goal.
37
Liberty University is plotting to place as many of their brainwashed graduates in government service as possible, aided by the unconstitutional and criminal GOP Mafia. Another way for the evangelicals and the GOP to take down our democracy.
DeVos and Gorsuch are enemies of our Constitution and Democracy.
None of them accept or understand our constitutional precept of separation of church and state.
They are not patriots.
DeVos and Gorsuch are enemies of our Constitution and Democracy.
None of them accept or understand our constitutional precept of separation of church and state.
They are not patriots.
2
So that's why there are so many positions still not filled by the administration. They are waiting for those graduates. And another pillar of Democracy starts to creak under the strain.
1
Along with ridding ourselves of any delusion that Pence or Ryan have a recognizable morality, I think it's important to also scrub ourselves of any lingering doubt about the intelligence of these men. Beyond my belief that immorality reveals stupidity, there's the simple problem of making sense, which doesn't exist in the pronouncements of either man.
9
Ah, they're religious okay. Many of the meanest of the mean in the GOP only worship Ayn Rand and her Nietzsche-style cult of big shouldered, ruthless men who only look out for their own gratification. Highly overrated. Failing. Sad.
7
Ayn Rand was an atheist. Nevertheless, I hope there is a place in Heaven for this champion of liberty.
1
Ayn Rand was no champion of liberty. And I hope she is judged for her actions and rejected, as she should be, from heaven.
1
Rand did not hesitate to accept Medicaid and other government assistance in her old age. Too bad her followers don't know that. They probably would have let her starve.
2
These hypocrites are precisely what brought me to the realization that we are indeed not being watched over by any supernatural being(s). If I created beings in my own image, and they violated virtually every rule I set for them--and if I were as vengeful as this god is said to be--I would crush them into dust under my heel in a split second, never to hear from them again!! Yet there is nothing crushing these thugs.
And BTW, what does it say about Pence that he cannot trust himself to have dinner alone with a woman? That is simply twisted! What does it say about what he thinks women are for? Or his lack of control for that matter? Perhaps women in his company ought to cover themselves from head to toe?
As for the poor who voted for Trump, their day of reckoning is right around the corner. If they really wanted to shake up the government, they will have succeeded. Just not in the way they had hoped, and I have no sympathy for them.
Let me just finish by saying that I have great respect for people of faith who walk their talk, and absolute contempt for those who continually live in violation of it. I do not have to believe in the religion to agree with its principles. Republicans have long violated its principles openly, as do the people who follow them.
And BTW, what does it say about Pence that he cannot trust himself to have dinner alone with a woman? That is simply twisted! What does it say about what he thinks women are for? Or his lack of control for that matter? Perhaps women in his company ought to cover themselves from head to toe?
As for the poor who voted for Trump, their day of reckoning is right around the corner. If they really wanted to shake up the government, they will have succeeded. Just not in the way they had hoped, and I have no sympathy for them.
Let me just finish by saying that I have great respect for people of faith who walk their talk, and absolute contempt for those who continually live in violation of it. I do not have to believe in the religion to agree with its principles. Republicans have long violated its principles openly, as do the people who follow them.
15
American Christianity is a tortured creature born from trying to mate the teachings of Jesus with a take-no-prisoners capitalism. The two are so inherently incompatible that the only way to keep the monster alive is by continuous transfusions of hypocrisy.
26
All those Republicans who are enabling Trump are equally guilty and should face the same wrath as Trump. Republicans today who go along to get along, who constantly watch their standings in the polls to see what to do, need to be punished unmercifully. These enabling Republicans think they can escape the voters anger come next year. If things go awry, they'll jump the ship of state like the rats they are, claiming they, like all those Nazi officers, were "just following orders" of McConnell and Ryan. Some will claim ignorance like those who said they knew nothing of the concentration camps and the gas chambers. Ignorance is no excuse. We all can plainly see how corrupt Trump and his entire clan is. They are in the White House to see how much silverware and gold they confiscate from the premises before they are thrown out. And what's worse is that every Republican so far is not calling out Trump for the crimes he is committing before their very eyes. Republicans, everyone of them who holds elected office, and says nothing, is now part of the problem. They need to be removed from office. Now.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
8
I insist that There are way more deplorable people exist in Trump voters crowd than Trump himself.
5
Freedom from religion. Abolish all tax exemptions and deductions in the name of religion. They have devolved into hate mongering political organizations with no more right to tax free police and fire protection than the local Nazi party headquarters.
Giving tax breaks to any and all religious organizations smacks of "establishment" to us atheists and agnostics. And there are more of us than there are Protestants in the world. If there was a god, she would long ago have stepped in and slapped some sense into all the male poseurs who keep creating gods in their own images.
Giving tax breaks to any and all religious organizations smacks of "establishment" to us atheists and agnostics. And there are more of us than there are Protestants in the world. If there was a god, she would long ago have stepped in and slapped some sense into all the male poseurs who keep creating gods in their own images.
7
Why should I pay more in taxes to support a religion I do not believe in. As the GOP would say, let them pull their own weight and pay taxes just like the poor do. The Mormons and Scientologists are rich.
As a compromise, I am willing to let the first million in profits (oops offerings) be tax free and then they get the regular tax rate everyone else does. No deductions for the donors. They are all involved in trying to control our Democracy.
As a compromise, I am willing to let the first million in profits (oops offerings) be tax free and then they get the regular tax rate everyone else does. No deductions for the donors. They are all involved in trying to control our Democracy.
2
Church Lady,
2
The atheists are going to love this article by Timothy Egan which constitutes many of its readers. Christianity and Catholicism are the last remaining religions that you can bash according to Cardnal Timothy Dolan of New York. Would the New York Times dare bash Jews and Muslims? You bet your life they would not. They are too timid.
2
@WMK - Based on many of your comments in this forum I'm guessing you include yourself in the Christian faith, and by extension, one who believes Christians are being persecuted. You also seem very judgmental of others who do not share those views, especially those who do not share your views with regard to reproductive rights. How ironic is it then, that some former Christians are "former" because they believe no living being has the right or authority to judge them. The Inquisition comes to mind - ring a bell?
Asking Christian fundamentalists how they can possibly support the most materialistic, non-spiritual, norm-defying, narcissistic and authoritarian president in American history is not Christianity bashing. Nor would it be Moslem bashing to ask their extremist wing how they can possibly support ISIS and the Saudi Wahabist mullahs.
These hypocrites that wear religion on their sleeves are the worst kind of human filth as they sow division and hate. Without scapegoats, their religion cannot garner support from the lost sheep and uneducated masses who cannot think for themselves. They are not any different from the clerics of hate that we condemn in Iran.
11
An excellent piece. These bible thumping true believers have elected a morally bankrupt, disgusting non-Christian who shines a light on the pathetic hypocrites they truly are
15
Trump is the modern day Elmer Gantry with a touch of Jimmy Swaggert. Religion has always been a good ruse to get people roused. But Trump is about as Christian as Madelyn Murray O'hare. He's a charlatan surrounded by sycophants. The Jim Jones president. Pass the Kool Aid. Some of the slimiest hypocrites are Kushner and Sekulow. They use the mantle of religion to justify their nefarious actions and dissembling. Good luck getting kosher food in prison, Jared. But if you flee to Israel you'jj defintely get some on El Al. As far as Pence goes he's a pretender to Trump's throne, so he's laying low for now. Too sanctimonious for me. His phony piety is a turn off.
7
I will vouch for the part about using the mantle of religion to justify their nefarious actions.
WOW....TO THE POINT AND SAID PLAINLY. I can't agree more!
12
Add the word Hypocritical to your headline.
5
It pains me when people dump other in a bucket and label them like a bushel of corn. They are not "white evangelicals"....they are human beings!!!
1
Jesus wept.
11
Luther Strange ... hmmm ... is that the same Luther Strange who is under indictment? Is that a newly amended requirement for admission to federal office? His consideration of Trumpsky as a "biblical miracle" speaks volumes to the craven kleptocratic christian mafia with their Mar a Lago cathedrals acquired with ill-gotten rubles currently being laundered at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The only "biblical miracle" will be if any of us are still standing after this Cheater-in-Chief is given his due. VOTE AS IF YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!
7
I want to see the FBI SWAT team break down the doors of the White House, cuff the Orange Monster, then lead him off to the slammer. Oh, please, God.
9
I feel that way about the Clinton Foundation/Slush Fund/Massage Parlor
2
Mike Pence.....let's just let Timothy Egan ..."peel this ONION aka Mike Pence"
what a slippery guy.....so never mind the bland disguise....there is a very
dangerous mind at work....not unlike Steve Bannon.....so do not be beguiled
by any snake in the grass ...who seems to be so benevolent....
Snakes are ....well....snakes....and ...one should always be very aware of
the personality of any snake.
what a slippery guy.....so never mind the bland disguise....there is a very
dangerous mind at work....not unlike Steve Bannon.....so do not be beguiled
by any snake in the grass ...who seems to be so benevolent....
Snakes are ....well....snakes....and ...one should always be very aware of
the personality of any snake.
8
Lord, save me from your followers.
What would Jesus do?
Well, according to the book that right wing so called Christians quote like it was Scripture, we know what Jesus did:
He healed the sick.
He fed the hungry.
He visited the prisoner.
He clothed the naked.
He tended the poor.
He threw the bankers and merchants out of the temple.
He forgave those who tortured and murdered him.
He did all that with love and compassion, not with self-righteous judgement.
He did exactly the opposite of what these so called Christians in the republican party are doing.
Neither Lincoln nor Roosevelt would recognize the republican party they helped to build.....Mussolini and Hitler would have no problem.
Jesus wouldn't recognize what passes for Christianity in America from the right. Henry VIII.....no problem.
I would really like to be a bug on the wall when these so called christians finally meet Jesus. I do not believe it will go as well for them as they think.
What would Jesus do?
Well, according to the book that right wing so called Christians quote like it was Scripture, we know what Jesus did:
He healed the sick.
He fed the hungry.
He visited the prisoner.
He clothed the naked.
He tended the poor.
He threw the bankers and merchants out of the temple.
He forgave those who tortured and murdered him.
He did all that with love and compassion, not with self-righteous judgement.
He did exactly the opposite of what these so called Christians in the republican party are doing.
Neither Lincoln nor Roosevelt would recognize the republican party they helped to build.....Mussolini and Hitler would have no problem.
Jesus wouldn't recognize what passes for Christianity in America from the right. Henry VIII.....no problem.
I would really like to be a bug on the wall when these so called christians finally meet Jesus. I do not believe it will go as well for them as they think.
11
"Ryan is a politician; hypocrisy is his first language"
Timothy,
Hypocrisy is not the language of politics. It is the language of hypocrites.
Politics is how we govern ourselves as a community. If it's dirty it's because some of us made it that way.
To allow the lie that politics is inherently dirty is to play the same of the hard right, because despondency, cynicism, and hypocrisy are their tools, not the politicians'.
Timothy,
Hypocrisy is not the language of politics. It is the language of hypocrites.
Politics is how we govern ourselves as a community. If it's dirty it's because some of us made it that way.
To allow the lie that politics is inherently dirty is to play the same of the hard right, because despondency, cynicism, and hypocrisy are their tools, not the politicians'.
4
Hardly enablers; they have no influence. Flunkies. Republicans have been
toadies to the rich and powerful provided only that we restrict these movers and shakers to the sociopathic wing. Think the economic criminal Mnuchin, Gary Cohn and so many more who prove Frump no Anti-Semite.
America does have its Gates, Buffet, Bezzos, etc. Still the problem historically is Republicans are religious lunatics, philosophical Know-nothings, Babbits.
A foul lot indeed.
toadies to the rich and powerful provided only that we restrict these movers and shakers to the sociopathic wing. Think the economic criminal Mnuchin, Gary Cohn and so many more who prove Frump no Anti-Semite.
America does have its Gates, Buffet, Bezzos, etc. Still the problem historically is Republicans are religious lunatics, philosophical Know-nothings, Babbits.
A foul lot indeed.
3
Very good and very conscientous people got duped and continue to get duped by Donald Trump and the Republican fear-mongering apparatus.
Unfortunately, some of those good people are also getting pulled into the sphere of the so-called leaders of the Christian Right. Unfortunately, they are crossing the line into the land of king-makers, linking their evangelism to the making of a king of this world, and effectively trying to bypass the one-on-one witnessing of their faith to those who could choose to be saved.
Dedicated people are often recognizable by their passion to succeed. When there is an organized effort to legislate morality, it is nearly impossible to stick to traditional evangelism because not joining other Christians would seem to the dedicated person of faith that they would be stepping back from their faith.
Moreover, the fear-mongerers have convinced many, many good people that one candidate (Democrat) embodies evil and one candidate (Republican) embodies good.
So, there you have it, many good people feel they have only one choice and then their passion often knows no bounds.
It's avoidable, if you are open to the idea that deceivers can get cooperation from the faithful. It's avoidable, if you consider the choices surrounding the governance of this world to "not necessarily" be irrefutably linked to one party or one candidate.
Unfortunately, some of those good people are also getting pulled into the sphere of the so-called leaders of the Christian Right. Unfortunately, they are crossing the line into the land of king-makers, linking their evangelism to the making of a king of this world, and effectively trying to bypass the one-on-one witnessing of their faith to those who could choose to be saved.
Dedicated people are often recognizable by their passion to succeed. When there is an organized effort to legislate morality, it is nearly impossible to stick to traditional evangelism because not joining other Christians would seem to the dedicated person of faith that they would be stepping back from their faith.
Moreover, the fear-mongerers have convinced many, many good people that one candidate (Democrat) embodies evil and one candidate (Republican) embodies good.
So, there you have it, many good people feel they have only one choice and then their passion often knows no bounds.
It's avoidable, if you are open to the idea that deceivers can get cooperation from the faithful. It's avoidable, if you consider the choices surrounding the governance of this world to "not necessarily" be irrefutably linked to one party or one candidate.
1
You seem like a spiritual sibling, at least cousin, pity I don't meet more like you.
Any ideas on how to get the flock open to more objective sources of information?
and after that:
How to help them that their loss of faith in the church as known does not mean that they have to lose faith in everything, and keep themselves and their family safe though a rather traumatic process?
I love her, but I'm pretty sure my aunt still thinks years later that a check might be coming from Nigeria any time now.
For me it was my best friend in my teens and twenties that stole everything. People warned me, even his wife warned me but....I was blind until he stole everything I had and seven thousand dollars more.
It gives me hope that when a storm blows though, these same people who will say Jesus hates the very idea of helping your fellow man in their time of need, (let alone some heathen Samaritan) are none the less out with chainsaws in their trucks and boats putting things back together and making sure the town is ok, no charge, just the road is impassible with a physical tree laying across it and well.... they can and will fix that.
Any ideas on how to get the flock open to more objective sources of information?
and after that:
How to help them that their loss of faith in the church as known does not mean that they have to lose faith in everything, and keep themselves and their family safe though a rather traumatic process?
I love her, but I'm pretty sure my aunt still thinks years later that a check might be coming from Nigeria any time now.
For me it was my best friend in my teens and twenties that stole everything. People warned me, even his wife warned me but....I was blind until he stole everything I had and seven thousand dollars more.
It gives me hope that when a storm blows though, these same people who will say Jesus hates the very idea of helping your fellow man in their time of need, (let alone some heathen Samaritan) are none the less out with chainsaws in their trucks and boats putting things back together and making sure the town is ok, no charge, just the road is impassible with a physical tree laying across it and well.... they can and will fix that.
Not to paint all who claim to be Christians with the same brush, as that would be unfair. But honestly, it's "Christians" like Pence, Ryan, Sessions, Robertson, Graham, Perkins, Dobson, etc., - the list is long - that are the reason I stopped going to church, and am reluctant to use the term to describe the values I try to live by. That every one of them not only make excuses for a man that by all accounts is the polar opposite of Christian, but also support him 100% has taken the word hypocrisy to a whole new level. My dad used to say that when a man starts telling you how honest he is and what a Christian he is, run - don't walk - and hold onto your wallet. Pretty smart guy, my Dad.
13
The pious shepherds of the white evangelical community are not giving Trump a pass - they are actively colluding with him and his Christian (?!!!) buddy in Moscow.
The current crop of pious conservatives, colluding and enabling Trump are no different than their current leaders and predecessors like Jimmy Swaggart who condemned everyone else as he committed the same "sins" - but the current crop of pious sinners refuse to beg for forgiveness. They double down.
Aren't many of Pat Robertson's statements something Satan would say? Just sayin'. Trump is at the Opposite end of the spectrum of wealth and morality from "the least of these brothers and sisters of mine," To have a pious pretender state that criticizing Trump, the father in law of the owner of a building with 666 on it, as against "God's plan" is the height of moral hypocrisy it is scandalously ridiculous and nothing short of Sharia-Like hatefulness.
I question the sincerity of evangelical belief because they are assuming their God is not watching them and their "moral quackery," or is letting only them off the hook because of their faux piety.
I consider it a Satanic miracle that he's here - against all common sense, polling, and surprising the winner the most that he still tries to convince himself he is president by repeatedly telling everyone that he won.
The current crop of pious conservatives, colluding and enabling Trump are no different than their current leaders and predecessors like Jimmy Swaggart who condemned everyone else as he committed the same "sins" - but the current crop of pious sinners refuse to beg for forgiveness. They double down.
Aren't many of Pat Robertson's statements something Satan would say? Just sayin'. Trump is at the Opposite end of the spectrum of wealth and morality from "the least of these brothers and sisters of mine," To have a pious pretender state that criticizing Trump, the father in law of the owner of a building with 666 on it, as against "God's plan" is the height of moral hypocrisy it is scandalously ridiculous and nothing short of Sharia-Like hatefulness.
I question the sincerity of evangelical belief because they are assuming their God is not watching them and their "moral quackery," or is letting only them off the hook because of their faux piety.
I consider it a Satanic miracle that he's here - against all common sense, polling, and surprising the winner the most that he still tries to convince himself he is president by repeatedly telling everyone that he won.
11
Evangelicals have never been anything of the kind. They are common, garden-variety opportunists whose milieu is religion--Christianity being the favorite, but the phenomenon occurs across the board. Wherever people see themselves as superior because they believe in something that never happened, there will be sanctimonious, self-righteous, piously arrogant, self-anointed moralists who believe they wield a divine right to tell others how to live. Of course, none of their rules, laws, precepts, tenets, or doctrines is meant to apply to themselves.
The demonic slaves mentioned in this article are by no means the first. This country was built on slavery and genocide, and never has there been any shortage of people who would quote Bible chapter and verse to justify any level of inhumanity to which they sank. Look at how religion permeates the military, whose fundamental raison d'etre is killing. Hypocrisy is the breath of life to these people, lying their stock in trade, viciousness their most cherished personality trait.
Whenever I learn a person claims to be religious I make a mental note that that person can't be trusted. Why would anyone trust a person who bases their whole life on fairy tales? It's not so much the stupidity of it, but the history. All the great evils perpetrated by the human race can be traced directly to organized religion. And it's not the religion doing it--it's the animals following the religion. Religion is the last refuge of Satan.
The demonic slaves mentioned in this article are by no means the first. This country was built on slavery and genocide, and never has there been any shortage of people who would quote Bible chapter and verse to justify any level of inhumanity to which they sank. Look at how religion permeates the military, whose fundamental raison d'etre is killing. Hypocrisy is the breath of life to these people, lying their stock in trade, viciousness their most cherished personality trait.
Whenever I learn a person claims to be religious I make a mental note that that person can't be trusted. Why would anyone trust a person who bases their whole life on fairy tales? It's not so much the stupidity of it, but the history. All the great evils perpetrated by the human race can be traced directly to organized religion. And it's not the religion doing it--it's the animals following the religion. Religion is the last refuge of Satan.
11
Actually, all the evils in history were economic not religious. if you want to say what about the Crusades, well, they were all about trade routes to the wealthy parts of the world, the East. Jerusalem was in the way. Its starting to get old where people are constantly blaming religion for everything. Sure there are evil people in religion but religion isn't the only place where there are evil people. And before you go on again about how evil religion is, remember that, believe it or not, religion has done a ton of good. most pious people don't brag about how much they do to help the poor and downtrodden. Religion isn't all bad, man is. oh, and I am an atheist but was raised Catholic.
1
You refuse to believe in God, but, believe in Satan?Satan has no purpose unless God is.It would be beyond boredom for Satan to have no one to fight with.Besides with the 'Fundamentalist Evangelicals', there is no God.At least anymore. Now their God is Jesus. Which is like saying *45 has never existed, except when we see Jr, as he is & always has been *45.The congregants are told to not read the Bible.The important bits will be read to them.Remember those versions where Jesus' words are in red?Those words are never spoken in an Evangelical church, when the Pastors are reading to the congregation.They aren't decent or pertinent.I asked one who said "This is My Son, in whom I am well pleased".Said at Jesus' baptism (not Christening, there was no Christ yet).She was too confused, couldn't say anything.Went & asked her pastor, who didn't answer the question, but,told her to stop talking to Me.That I was 'of Satan'.Drove me off a local TV station's comment section.Considering the quality of the comments (her's in particular) it wasn't worth a fight to stay.Those in these cults are not worth arguing with.We should just name them cults & remove their tax exempt status.There's a group considering meeting outside of these buildings & reading (over a speaker) all the red words in the Bible. Every Sunday.Most of these passages start with 'and Jesus said:'.'Take away contraception, every woman should be able to have the man castrated'.Totally.In public,on video,no anesthetic, or sedation.
This should be easy to understand--I don't believe in things for which there is no evidence. I was raised not to be dumb. And no, I don't believe in Satan, either, even if he does show up in every religion. Religion was invented to explain things before the existence of science, and to fool people into believing they wouldn't really die. That anyone in this day would still embrace it is one of humanity's greatest failings.
1
Asked this week if he would ever have a meeting with a foreign power offering dirt on a political opponent
======================
Has anyone asked the DNC that question? We certainly know the answer:
A Ukrainian-American operative who was consulting for the Democratic National Committee met with top officials in the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington in an effort to expose ties between Trump, top campaign aide Paul Manafort and Russia, according to people with direct knowledge of the situation.
The Ukrainian efforts had an impact in the race, helping to force Manafort’s resignation and advancing the narrative that Trump’s campaign was deeply connected to Ukraine’s foe to the east, Russia.
http://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/ukraine-sabotage-trump-backfire-23...
======================
Has anyone asked the DNC that question? We certainly know the answer:
A Ukrainian-American operative who was consulting for the Democratic National Committee met with top officials in the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington in an effort to expose ties between Trump, top campaign aide Paul Manafort and Russia, according to people with direct knowledge of the situation.
The Ukrainian efforts had an impact in the race, helping to force Manafort’s resignation and advancing the narrative that Trump’s campaign was deeply connected to Ukraine’s foe to the east, Russia.
http://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/ukraine-sabotage-trump-backfire-23...
You are saying that is wrong, but, fine for Jr to do, because some democrats did it? What if they hadn't? Would it then have been wrong for Jr?
Too much situational right or wrong. If it's not alright for one, it is not alright for the other. One changed the election results, one didn't. Only Jr was drooling.
Too much situational right or wrong. If it's not alright for one, it is not alright for the other. One changed the election results, one didn't. Only Jr was drooling.
3
Trump Jr didn't get any information. It was a hoax.
You guys are saying he committed "treason" for thinking he could get information from a foreign government when he got nothing. The DNC had an active collaboration program with Ukraine and that's supposed to be okay because Hillary lost?
You guys are saying he committed "treason" for thinking he could get information from a foreign government when he got nothing. The DNC had an active collaboration program with Ukraine and that's supposed to be okay because Hillary lost?
They are all doing what Trump does: dumbing themselves down to speak and appeal to their constituencies and followers. I hate to disparage these people - we have learned the degree to which no one wants to feel humiliated and slighted by those considering themselves and held up to be superior - but this is now a runaway train. Time will tell what will be.
4
The "pastors for profit" worshipping at the altar of Trump. What a picture.
11
Religion is often about power. The pseudo-Christians supporting Trump think he will empower them in some way to impose their nonsense on everyone else. They've embraced an irreligious pretender to take them to the promised land.
7
The problem is certain religious tenets hold that goodness is rewarded with wealth and bad moral character is responsible for poverty and sickness.
if you're rich, you must be good. If you're poor, you must not be deserving.
and if a rich pol wants political support, just drop two fifties in the collection basket and... bring a film crew to make sure everyone knows about your largess.
if you're rich, you must be good. If you're poor, you must not be deserving.
and if a rich pol wants political support, just drop two fifties in the collection basket and... bring a film crew to make sure everyone knows about your largess.
4
Is it possible that, if the real Jesus reappeared and spoke just
some of his words, inimical to capitalism (say he whipped the money changers on Wall St) and then spoke of Orange Caesar in a critical way, and upset the fundamental priesthood, that he would behind the scenes help the poor man to the Cross by 4 p.m. that very day?
some of his words, inimical to capitalism (say he whipped the money changers on Wall St) and then spoke of Orange Caesar in a critical way, and upset the fundamental priesthood, that he would behind the scenes help the poor man to the Cross by 4 p.m. that very day?
4
There is an old (<sigh>) song by Kris Kristoferson did called "Jesus was a Capricorn." You should hear it. Only found it on his 'complete works'. In these times it shouldn't be hidden like that. After listening to it, I decided that I would stand with him. No not Kris, the focus of the song. :)
These horrible GOPS are hypocristians, and everyone can see it. The world is appalled and America will go down like the sheared iceberg the size of Delaware because of these stupid, immoral agents of Satan.
4
When people who profess to be Muslim act with cruelty, Americans demand that Muslims here denounce them as un-Muslim. When American Christians like Pence and the right-wing evangelicals act with cruelly, why is there no demand that Christians denounce them as un-Christian?
18
Hornbeam, all we need to is stand with Jesus. Who was a Capricorn. Though problem is, He was probably born in the spring, with the lambs (He IS the Lamb of God). Spring is the only time the shepards are in the fields at night. So, really was an Aries.
Since for most of His life He was the Son of Man, He was also imperfect. His Father didn't tell him to go trash the moneylenders in His Father's souvenir shop in the temple. Imagine if you or I trashed part of our father's business, even if we didn't approve of it. That makes it a mistake, an imperfection. Once He got promoted to Son of God, no more mistakes. But, a lot easier to get in touch with Dad.
Since for most of His life He was the Son of Man, He was also imperfect. His Father didn't tell him to go trash the moneylenders in His Father's souvenir shop in the temple. Imagine if you or I trashed part of our father's business, even if we didn't approve of it. That makes it a mistake, an imperfection. Once He got promoted to Son of God, no more mistakes. But, a lot easier to get in touch with Dad.
2
Those who enable Trump and consider themselves as "Christian" have used their faith to overcome the cognitive dissonance of their stance. They have made their deal with the Devil to gain political power but have lost their soul in the bargain. Jesus made it clear that you cannot serve both God and Wealth both, that the love of money was the root of all evil, that it will be extremely difficult for the rich man to enter Heaven, etc. The most powerful example of this is found in Mark 10:21-25 on the rich man who came to Jesus. "Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” The Christians who apologize for Trump do not follow the teachings of Christ but rather the teachings of Ayn Rand cloaked in Biblical language. Jesus called such people hypocrites.
9
I am a white, heterosexual, evangelical Christian. I am not a fundamentalist. However, those who once called themselves "fundamentalists" began calling themselves "evangelical" causing many evangelicals to drop the name. I know it is difficult to distinguish between fundamentalists and evangelicals, especially for outsiders, but there is one way. Fundamentalists in every religion I know of, especially the abrahamic religions, require lepers--the unclean, the mudsill people who are barely human. Jesus referred to them as "the least of these" and declared those who did not feed, clothe, house, seek justice, provide justice and hospitality to them were doomed to the same eternity as satan and his angels.
Evangelicals at least attempt to do that. Fundamentalists try to deny those things to lepers who are the least deserving. Lepers have always included people of color, especially black people. Once, before Reagan became president, that list included those who were divorced. They were replaced by the LBGTQ community, those who believe women should be able to compete with men and those who believe women are not required to reproduce,
Evangelicals at least attempt to do that. Fundamentalists try to deny those things to lepers who are the least deserving. Lepers have always included people of color, especially black people. Once, before Reagan became president, that list included those who were divorced. They were replaced by the LBGTQ community, those who believe women should be able to compete with men and those who believe women are not required to reproduce,
5
Please explain that last part of the last sentence. I'm female, married, no children, disabled, & 66. So I am one of the 'least'? Well, thank you. The 'least' are the most beloved of God & His Son. That is a good place to be.
Years ago a woman, Catholic I believe, told me that my disability (chronic intractable pain) made me beloved of God. That I was here to show others that much can be born, & even conquered with His help. It had been a bad time for me. She gave me hope I was being of some kind of service. Now years later, you put me in with the 'least'. I sit here crying, thanking God for the both of you. I have a place. It's another bad time for me. You helped.
Years ago a woman, Catholic I believe, told me that my disability (chronic intractable pain) made me beloved of God. That I was here to show others that much can be born, & even conquered with His help. It had been a bad time for me. She gave me hope I was being of some kind of service. Now years later, you put me in with the 'least'. I sit here crying, thanking God for the both of you. I have a place. It's another bad time for me. You helped.
I know a dozen or so evangelicals. Only one of them ever made me believe that he actually believed what he was saying. For the most part, it is a social club.
9
During Obama Presidency, Rev. Franklin Graham wrote the following in article (Google it):
"The country is "imploding" ... The country is "imploding" ... We're On The Precipice of Anarchy ... "
How ironic! The country now is really imploding and the Religious-Right is playing a major role in this process!
"The country is "imploding" ... The country is "imploding" ... We're On The Precipice of Anarchy ... "
How ironic! The country now is really imploding and the Religious-Right is playing a major role in this process!
10
"When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." Sinclair Lewis. And Mike Pence is among the most likely to be found nailing Christ to a cross in the event he returns.
15
Because He ate with everyone. Men, women, tax collectors, the decent, the indecent. Pence wouldn't. Also he would not share a 'cup' with anyone.
I've wondered how long has he been sober, & what has he done that his wife still doesn't trust him, since I heard him say that? Distrust is the biggest killer of marriages. When the wife can't let go of her distrust (a form of hatred), usually the husband eventually gets so mad he just leaves. Even if once she had cause.
I've wondered how long has he been sober, & what has he done that his wife still doesn't trust him, since I heard him say that? Distrust is the biggest killer of marriages. When the wife can't let go of her distrust (a form of hatred), usually the husband eventually gets so mad he just leaves. Even if once she had cause.
2
"If only Pence’s probity extended to his view of the man he works for. Through every degrading statement, every Oval Office insult, every one of the more than 500 demonstrable lies told (so far) by this president, Pence has remained silent or defended the offender."
Tim, Pence is the Toady-in-Chief.
Tim, Pence is the Toady-in-Chief.
6
Brilliant but preaching to the choir. Can somebody write a version of this that will play here in the Bible belt? What if progressives had a better alternative to transparently corrupt religiosity? Until religious conservatives hear a better story, why shouldn't they cling to the only life raft they've got, even though it's full of holes? Give them something they can relate to and see what happens. Of course, that would require listening and empathy. Are progressives capable of that?
4
I've believed since age 17 that religion is little more than socially acceptable insanity, a pink slip for peoples to assuage their fragile conscience and explain away primitive nature. I put a stop to it then, haven't stepped inside a church, picked up a religious text since and I'm all the happier for it. And as for Pence, he will merely become Fred to a whole nation of Offred's soon enough.
6
Yes. And, Gross.
1
Religions always knew that the hypocrites were a major destructive force capable of co-opting the faith and warned against them.
Matthew 15 7-9: "7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 8 “ ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’”
Dante put them in the 8th circle of Hell.
The Koran reserved a whole chapter for them. Can you identify anyone who fits this verse (63:4), "And when you see them, their forms please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. [They are] as if they were pieces of wood propped up - they think that every shout is against them." ?
Articles like this are a good reminder to watch for hypocrites and expose them.
Matthew 15 7-9: "7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 8 “ ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’”
Dante put them in the 8th circle of Hell.
The Koran reserved a whole chapter for them. Can you identify anyone who fits this verse (63:4), "And when you see them, their forms please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. [They are] as if they were pieces of wood propped up - they think that every shout is against them." ?
Articles like this are a good reminder to watch for hypocrites and expose them.
8
One does have to wonder what perversion of Christian faith these yahoos follow.
8
"...what perversion of Christian faith...?"
They make it up as they go along.
They make it up as they go along.
4
I can think of only one Bible verse that comes to mind How do you know the good from the evil..."By their fruits yee shall know them"
What are the fruits of Trumpism? Compassion, love of neighbors, care for the poor or even middle class? Its hateful rhetoric, lies, attacks on strangers, love of money, lying, bigotry and sexual exploitation.
Now some pious person will undoubtedly say, " God writes straight with crooked lines" but somehow that never applied to Hillary or Obama.
Time for the trully religious and the trully spiritual to stand up to this narcissistic blowhard and stop the damage he and his Russian pals are doing..
What are the fruits of Trumpism? Compassion, love of neighbors, care for the poor or even middle class? Its hateful rhetoric, lies, attacks on strangers, love of money, lying, bigotry and sexual exploitation.
Now some pious person will undoubtedly say, " God writes straight with crooked lines" but somehow that never applied to Hillary or Obama.
Time for the trully religious and the trully spiritual to stand up to this narcissistic blowhard and stop the damage he and his Russian pals are doing..
9
As long as religion is tolerated -- specifically, judaism, christianity and islam -- idiots will reign supreme!
3
That is quite a list of pompous pious frauds. How I rate them...
Robertson - rat
Christi - super rat
Hannity - super rat
Pence - rat
Ryan - rat
Sessions - rat
Robertson - rat
Christi - super rat
Hannity - super rat
Pence - rat
Ryan - rat
Sessions - rat
6
Fake Christians.
10
What about Gary Cohn? Lieutenant General McMaster? Wilbur Ross? Steven Mnuchin?
They all had careers where they did well, were highly regarded and made a lot of money (if McMaster didn't yet make a lot of money, he certainly positioned himself to).
What does it say about them, that they not only joined up with Trump, but that they stick with him, with Cohn and McMaster recently prostituting themselves with a delusional NYT op-ed?
Trump's enablers extend deep into the white power structures of America. That about covers it. These guys clearly will do anything to get what they want. And they are what succeeds in America!
They all had careers where they did well, were highly regarded and made a lot of money (if McMaster didn't yet make a lot of money, he certainly positioned himself to).
What does it say about them, that they not only joined up with Trump, but that they stick with him, with Cohn and McMaster recently prostituting themselves with a delusional NYT op-ed?
Trump's enablers extend deep into the white power structures of America. That about covers it. These guys clearly will do anything to get what they want. And they are what succeeds in America!
8
I suspect, that the New York Times employees who screen comments, only know about Jim Crow, White Supremacy, and the ruthless violence used to enforce it, via history books. Hence my comments I posted a month ago were not published....
I'll repeat...
These are the people of my youth, my parents generation, my grandparents and their parents.... emaciated slaves. These are the same people who would have stood behind Alabama Governor George Wallace, when he proclaimed on the steps of University of Alabama, "Segregation now, segregation forever." These are the same people who would have walked behind the Little Rock Nine... cursing and hissing at children. These are the same people who would have supported Bull Connor - in all of his incarnations - down South and up South. Yes, these are the same people who would've thought nothing of being in the photo-opt with strange fruit swinging from trees.
White Evangelicals Christians: In my day were known as Southern Baptist. A church that supported, participated, and willfully enforced draconian laws that kept African-Americans in pseudo-slavery. At every turn the Bible was pulled out and its scriptures co-opted to justify white supremacy, greed and corruption. Luther Strange, “I consider it a biblical miracle that he’s ( President Donald Trump) here.” Of course he does...
I'll repeat...
These are the people of my youth, my parents generation, my grandparents and their parents.... emaciated slaves. These are the same people who would have stood behind Alabama Governor George Wallace, when he proclaimed on the steps of University of Alabama, "Segregation now, segregation forever." These are the same people who would have walked behind the Little Rock Nine... cursing and hissing at children. These are the same people who would have supported Bull Connor - in all of his incarnations - down South and up South. Yes, these are the same people who would've thought nothing of being in the photo-opt with strange fruit swinging from trees.
White Evangelicals Christians: In my day were known as Southern Baptist. A church that supported, participated, and willfully enforced draconian laws that kept African-Americans in pseudo-slavery. At every turn the Bible was pulled out and its scriptures co-opted to justify white supremacy, greed and corruption. Luther Strange, “I consider it a biblical miracle that he’s ( President Donald Trump) here.” Of course he does...
15
The overwhelming evangelical support for Trump exposes that ilk for the total frauds they are. Their brand of Christianity has nothing to do with compassion, peace or love of one's neighbor. It is about using religion as a weapon to crush secular, democratic society and replace it with an authoritarian, male-dominated theocracy that promotes hatred of everyone who is not them. Trump is a useful idiot who cares nothing about religion nor God and everything about power. Sucking up to Christian evangelicals is simply an easy way to get those voters to support his corporate agenda of total control of the economy and the crushing of the middle-class and all governmental institutions that stand in their way. These "values" voters just want power to crush diversity and re-establish Christian dominance over America. The thrice-married serial philanderer can sell the US to Putin for all they care so long as he destroys public schools, bans abortion and gives so-called "Christians" the legal right to discriminate against anyone they dislike.
Those are their "values." God bless Merica!
Those are their "values." God bless Merica!
8
These hypocrite always remind me that Dante put panderers in one of the lowest rings of hell.
3
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/06/the-mind-of...trump...
Being “saved” has a special resonance among evangelicals—saved from sin and damnation, of course, but also saved from the threats and impurities of a corrupt and dangerous world.
When my research associates and I once asked politically conservative Christians scoring high on authoritarianism to imagine what their life (and their world) might have been like had they never found religious faith, many described utter chaos—families torn apart, rampant infidelity and hate, cities on fire, the inner rings of hell. For authoritarian Christians, a strong faith—like a strong leader—saves them from chaos and tamps down fears and conflicts. Donald Trump is a savior, even if he preens and swears, and waffles on the issue of abortion.
In December, on the campaign trail in Raleigh, North Carolina, Trump stoked fears in his audience by repeatedly saying that “something bad is happening” and “something really dangerous is going on.” He was asked by a 12-year-old girl from Virginia, “I’m scared—what are you going to do to protect this country?”
Trump responded: “You know what, darling? You’re not going to be scared anymore. They’re going to be scared.”
Being “saved” has a special resonance among evangelicals—saved from sin and damnation, of course, but also saved from the threats and impurities of a corrupt and dangerous world.
When my research associates and I once asked politically conservative Christians scoring high on authoritarianism to imagine what their life (and their world) might have been like had they never found religious faith, many described utter chaos—families torn apart, rampant infidelity and hate, cities on fire, the inner rings of hell. For authoritarian Christians, a strong faith—like a strong leader—saves them from chaos and tamps down fears and conflicts. Donald Trump is a savior, even if he preens and swears, and waffles on the issue of abortion.
In December, on the campaign trail in Raleigh, North Carolina, Trump stoked fears in his audience by repeatedly saying that “something bad is happening” and “something really dangerous is going on.” He was asked by a 12-year-old girl from Virginia, “I’m scared—what are you going to do to protect this country?”
Trump responded: “You know what, darling? You’re not going to be scared anymore. They’re going to be scared.”
2
What an incisive and resolute condemnation of this political mafia (republican- controlled) installed in government, shamefully self-serving and an insult to the intelligence and well-being of the Unites States' citizenry. That Trump is dimwitted and sick (narcissism to the extreme) is a given; but hypocrites McConnell and Ryan have no such excuse, as they show cruelty 'gratis', by trying to screw the very folks that voted them in...hoping they would serve their needs and wants (which is government's function, mind you, and that includes taking care of the poor, the sick and the elderly)). And now the ultimate insult, the pious 'evangelicals', and Pence it's awful leader of abuse of power by supporting the liar in chief, ignoring their religious tenets of caring for the poor; instead promoting power-hunger and greed. We are witnessing the thrashing of what we hold dearest, the trust in each other, and the chance of justice to prosper, and freedom for the truth, based in reality, to triumph. Evangelical support of the unsupportable is very regrettable, as their God (if real) must feel insulted by human stupidity, by invoking him/her/it in this awful scheme of double-faced arrogance. Evangelicals seem to forget, conveniently, that the 'holy books' were written eons ago by primitive, ignorant and prejudiced men. The miracle is that, in this day and age, these folks still believe in so much nonsense...while refusing to think for themselves.
4
The Evangelical blind spot is abortion. if the devil himself promised to end it, they'd follow him all the way to hell.
7
"And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?
1
Those who claim they are "christians" ... even little-c christians ... and support Trump obviously pay no attention to the words or works of Jesus, and give honest Christians a bad name everywhere.
Read your bible. Nowhere in it does the Lord do any good work except through those most exalted ... Jesus, the saints ... and the good Samaritan.
Consider the selection of Gideon's army. Surely you have read the Sermon on the Mount? Matthew 7:16 "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"
And then consider the Good Samaritan, the most worthy man. Tell me that the Lord would deny him the kingdom of heaven? St. Augustine pondered this deeply ... and came up with his "allegorical" interpretation. Tell me that bible fundamentalists believe this?
I do not believe in Hell, that creation largely of Dante's. But those of you who do, consider his eighth circle, the Malebolge, where the fraudulent and the malicious go, including those committing Simony.
Think hard on it.
Read your bible. Nowhere in it does the Lord do any good work except through those most exalted ... Jesus, the saints ... and the good Samaritan.
Consider the selection of Gideon's army. Surely you have read the Sermon on the Mount? Matthew 7:16 "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"
And then consider the Good Samaritan, the most worthy man. Tell me that the Lord would deny him the kingdom of heaven? St. Augustine pondered this deeply ... and came up with his "allegorical" interpretation. Tell me that bible fundamentalists believe this?
I do not believe in Hell, that creation largely of Dante's. But those of you who do, consider his eighth circle, the Malebolge, where the fraudulent and the malicious go, including those committing Simony.
Think hard on it.
3
I find Mike Pence the most appalling of them all. He has thrown all of his values under the bus for pure, craven ambition. His eye is on the highest office in the land, and his own beliefs be damned if that is what it takes. He is giving a master class in sitting back and biding his time.
6
What Republicans Think About Trump:
"If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed ... and we will deserve it."
-- Senator LindseyGrahamSC, 3 May 2016
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a 2016 candidate and close friend of Arizona Sen. John McCain, called businessman Donald Trump "a jackass" on CNN's "Erin Burnett OutFront" on Monday.
During the recent presidential campaign, Ted Cruz called Trump a "pathological liar" who "doesn't know the difference between truth and lies. He lies practically every word that comes out of his mouth."
He said the mogul is "utterly amoral" and "terrified by strong women." He predicted that Trump "will betray his supporters on every issue." And he said Trump is "proud of being a serial philanderer."
Marco Rubio, during the campaign, said that Trump is a "con artist" and urged his audience to help "unmask" him.
"It's time to pull [Trump's] mask off so people can see what we are dealing with here," Rubio said. "Friends do not let friends vote for con artists ....
[Trump's] going to Americans who are struggling, Americans who are hurting, and he's saying, 'I'm fighting for you because I'm a tough guy.' A tough guy?" Rubio asked, incredulously, saying Trump got where he is by inheriting money."
I wonder why many Republicans ignored all these valid criticisms.
"If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed ... and we will deserve it."
-- Senator LindseyGrahamSC, 3 May 2016
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a 2016 candidate and close friend of Arizona Sen. John McCain, called businessman Donald Trump "a jackass" on CNN's "Erin Burnett OutFront" on Monday.
During the recent presidential campaign, Ted Cruz called Trump a "pathological liar" who "doesn't know the difference between truth and lies. He lies practically every word that comes out of his mouth."
He said the mogul is "utterly amoral" and "terrified by strong women." He predicted that Trump "will betray his supporters on every issue." And he said Trump is "proud of being a serial philanderer."
Marco Rubio, during the campaign, said that Trump is a "con artist" and urged his audience to help "unmask" him.
"It's time to pull [Trump's] mask off so people can see what we are dealing with here," Rubio said. "Friends do not let friends vote for con artists ....
[Trump's] going to Americans who are struggling, Americans who are hurting, and he's saying, 'I'm fighting for you because I'm a tough guy.' A tough guy?" Rubio asked, incredulously, saying Trump got where he is by inheriting money."
I wonder why many Republicans ignored all these valid criticisms.
3
The laying on of hands on Trump by ministers gathered in the Oval Office was a shocking moment of truth. By proclaiming Trump as some sort of messenger of god, the evangelical ministers segregate their religion against anyone who might disagree on political, not religious, grounds. Is this religion or just another form of a political campaign?
What the churchmen need more than anything is money and power. They might look to the afterlife, but they are grounded in the realities of the present. Obviously, they have made a careful calculation that they can benefit by getting in bed with Trump and they don't really care if, to the rest of us, it makes their religious beliefs look as bankrupt as one of Trump's faded casinos in Atlantic City.
Where will these ministers be when the true costs and massive damage of a Trump presidency are clear for everyone to see? They will not blame themselves nor will they recant. They will simply latch on to another phony message to sell their followers.
What the churchmen need more than anything is money and power. They might look to the afterlife, but they are grounded in the realities of the present. Obviously, they have made a careful calculation that they can benefit by getting in bed with Trump and they don't really care if, to the rest of us, it makes their religious beliefs look as bankrupt as one of Trump's faded casinos in Atlantic City.
Where will these ministers be when the true costs and massive damage of a Trump presidency are clear for everyone to see? They will not blame themselves nor will they recant. They will simply latch on to another phony message to sell their followers.
4
Most of those pious enablers work for organizations that don't pay taxes, even though their nonprofit status does not allow political involvement.
Maybe they get away with it because they support a president who doesn't pay taxes either.
Maybe they get away with it because they support a president who doesn't pay taxes either.
4
So here's a suggestion that we Americans should consider. Rather that just assume that if Trump were forced from office that Pence would assume the mantel of the presidency and that the rest of the administration continues consider that since Pence and the administration in place resulted from Trump's illegal election, why not also kick out Pence and the entire administration. Although no precedent for an action such as this exists perhaps serious consideration should be given to it. Then American might really be "draining the swamp".
5
Better still if we elect a Democratic House with a Democratic Speaker who would be next in line to the presidency. Happy days are here again.
Mr. Egan, can you please list the more than 500 demonstrable lies told (so far) by this president? I have a dear friend (we have known each other for 40 years) who is a born again Christian and I need to send the list to her. At the moment, I can barely speak to her due to her misguided idea that Trump is the best thing that every happened to America. Maybe this list will change her mind. The list will also help the rest of us who are mentally exhausted with the daily barrage of nonsense we are being subjected to by Mr. Trump and his sycophants. I think that many of them are willing to do anything so that they don't lose their jobs.
3
Here is a listing from a New York Times submittal dated June 23, 2017. There are more than a few additional lies that should be added to the listing since its publication.
Trump's Lies
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/06/23/opinion/trumps-lies.html?...
Trump's Lies
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/06/23/opinion/trumps-lies.html?...
2
Thanks very much. I took a look at the list - it's overwhelming. When I have a moment of courage, I will forward it to my friend.
What's sad is how stuck some people are in their thinking. It's almost as if their brains have shut down. This particular friend is an intelligent, kind woman with a college degree. It's truly astounding how easily some people can be brainwashed. That's what happens when you "live in a bubble".
What's sad is how stuck some people are in their thinking. It's almost as if their brains have shut down. This particular friend is an intelligent, kind woman with a college degree. It's truly astounding how easily some people can be brainwashed. That's what happens when you "live in a bubble".
I could not begin to understand how evangelical Christian Trump supporters deal with their own cognitive dissonance. As a Jew, I am more worried about how the world views the greedy and nefarious son-in-law, the shameless lawyers, and the various hangers that embody the very worst of Jewish stereotypes. The NYT has got to get to the bottom of Trump's personal and business finances as well as those of his family members. You will no doubt find that his debt (and therefore his world) is held by the Russian oligarchs as well as the American kingmakers, who hide behind a veneer of faith and false piety, Christian or otherwise.
8
Wow, Mr. Egan. Am I ever with you. However, it seems to me that Evangelicals will not do what you ask, or what our country needs them to. They won't do what their consciences would seemingly demand - because they don't believe you. Or me. Or any of the established press because it's "fake news". They don't believe climate scientists, historians, or political scientists at the top of their field that say this is terrible leadership. They have chosen the truths they most agree with - that Christianity is under attack, immorality (abortion, feminism, gay-marriage, liberalism) is on the rise, American values (Judeo-Christian traditions, white European immigration, blue-collar work) are going the way of the passenger pigeon, and Donald Trump tells them that they are right. Their truth is the right truth. They simply refuse to believe empirical evidence ( for which religion has trained them well). Someone once said that to be conned, a significant part of a person has to want to be conned. I have never experienced a group that wants to be conned more than Trump loyalists.
8
Political Christianity is the same thing as political Islam or political Judiasm. It's all about a group of people trying to achieve power. The religion in question is merely a spiritual means to a secular end. Any religious organization that seeks a political voice in any degree should have its income tax exemption revoked. And that's most of them, by the way, on both sides of the political spectrum. Secular humanism is the only moral way to govern.
5
This column reflects how deeply in trouble we are as a nation. That Donald Trump is praised by Christian evangelicals as a miracle of God is palpably absurd and dangerous, because Trump is vain enough to believe it. Trump is utterly devoid of the grace attributable to the Christian deity.
6
Evangelical support for Trump has nothing to do with what they are for. It's what they're against - democratization, an open society, keeping women in "traditional" roles, sex, the idea that all people are equal and deserving of a fair shot at work, education, play and political engagement, and the de-whitening of America above all. The Republican party allows them the best shot at maintaining their religious and racial supremacy.
African American and Latino church attendance is higher and more engaged, with the church a centerpiece in those communities. And these constituencies lean heavily Democratic, with blacks the Democratic party's most loyal constituency (92% Hillary), followed by Jews (76%).
African American and Latino church attendance is higher and more engaged, with the church a centerpiece in those communities. And these constituencies lean heavily Democratic, with blacks the Democratic party's most loyal constituency (92% Hillary), followed by Jews (76%).
4
By now you should know that there is very little correlation between the beliefs and actions of fundamentalist evangelicals and what Jesus said.
For those of us who try not to hold totally opposite views in our brain, we'll never understand that mindset. So don't even try.
For those of us who try not to hold totally opposite views in our brain, we'll never understand that mindset. So don't even try.
3
It's all in order to advance their Anti-abortion agenda. Trump doesn't believe in it but is willing to let them change policy's that supported choice. Trump only cares about making money for Trump or trading policy to any entity that can make money for Trump Inc.
4
To use the Christian metaphor, I would love to see the expression on their face when they "face their creator on their judgement day". How will they answer one of many burning questions, such as "why did you kill all those people? Exactly what about do unto others did you not understand?"
They don't understand any of the true meaning of their faith.
They don't understand any of the true meaning of their faith.
3
Evangelism is following the word of God and emulating Christ. If they favor tax credits for the wealthy they are not Christians. They belong to a well funded social club who read the Bible. I wonder which parts.
I liked Chief Justice John Robert' s speech at his son's middle school graduation. He said, "I wish you bad luck", explaining that it would give them some insight into the trials and tribulations of others who are not as privileged. He also said that although they are privileged, they should never act like it. (hint, hint, wink, nudge). I feel this is also a Christian way of looking at the world. But empathy for the poor has fallen by the wayside. Instead, we are told the rich have it bad because they have to pay taxes and we should feel sorry for them.
I liked Chief Justice John Robert' s speech at his son's middle school graduation. He said, "I wish you bad luck", explaining that it would give them some insight into the trials and tribulations of others who are not as privileged. He also said that although they are privileged, they should never act like it. (hint, hint, wink, nudge). I feel this is also a Christian way of looking at the world. But empathy for the poor has fallen by the wayside. Instead, we are told the rich have it bad because they have to pay taxes and we should feel sorry for them.
4
We're deep into a "theo-political" age wherein religions are getting hijacked by political factions on culture-shaking scales.
Sometimes it's to subdue another group, as in the PRC's infiltration of Tibetan Buddhism.
Sometimes it's for power in the bleakest of circumstances, as in the rise of various Islamist groups.
Sometimes it's to maintain the status quo of a traditional power structure that feels threatened by change, as in the Hindu Nationalists and the American Evangelicals.
Always it's about gaining and maintaining control by subjugating those who do not play along and do as they're told.
Sometimes it's to subdue another group, as in the PRC's infiltration of Tibetan Buddhism.
Sometimes it's for power in the bleakest of circumstances, as in the rise of various Islamist groups.
Sometimes it's to maintain the status quo of a traditional power structure that feels threatened by change, as in the Hindu Nationalists and the American Evangelicals.
Always it's about gaining and maintaining control by subjugating those who do not play along and do as they're told.
3
I believe true/real Christians would follow Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan and see that all of their fellow citizens have health care.
8
Pence is the worst of all! He did have some experience in the political world. Look at his interview about Russian involvement in the election- he looks straight into the camera and says 'of course not "with great sincerity. Was that a lie or was he just out of the loop? He has used his sincerity to protect his boss at every juncture. He is the perfect yes man!! !! He would be just as bad in the Oval Office as his lying boss !!Sincerity and piety don't keep you out of the sewers in this White House.
8
If, as a country, we aren't going to hell in a hand basket, then where are we going?
The whole country seems bent toward irrelevance,which is truly mind boggling.
The whole country seems bent toward irrelevance,which is truly mind boggling.
4
Well thank you for calling out the self righteous. Keep Trump's hoary Oligarcky cause Pilgrim Pence will want a theocracy. Handmaids Tale is coming. Boy oh boy you people are something. Anything for a buck. Can't be trusted. When that happens you are like a drunk searching for rehab. The republicans beginning with one hand in my pocket McConnell are deceitful, ignorant and plain nuts. Have you watched any of those hearings. Shameful partisanship since Obama.
4
When the religious right first really came on the scene, with the help of Ronald Reagan, I took them as seriously as he took them which is to say, not very much. When they found their voice under the presidential terms of George W., I saw them as he did as a hard-to-ignore nuisance. But now with our thrice married, grab them by the pudenum president I view these people with utter contempt. It really irks me as a devout Christian that they get to define for the US and the world what Christianity means in this country. I'm so disgusted by their barbaric, cruel, ignorant, murderous, injurious, divisive, hateful agenda, and that they continue to promote such poisons in this soul sick nation of ours. I wish there were some way I could get them to stop all the harm they insist on perpetuating in God's name. Shame!
14
Further on Guitar Man's analogy and speaking directly to some of trump's supporters and CBN's viewers:
Pence, Ryan, McConnell = Spanky, Alfalfa, Froggy. (Don't make too much of the analogy... Except for: Ryan = Alfalfa!)
Shame on the enablers! They are the most disgraceful of all! My grandchildren's lives are at stake and I will remember that come election time!
Pence, Ryan, McConnell = Spanky, Alfalfa, Froggy. (Don't make too much of the analogy... Except for: Ryan = Alfalfa!)
Shame on the enablers! They are the most disgraceful of all! My grandchildren's lives are at stake and I will remember that come election time!
5
A biblical miracle reminiscent of the plagues on pharaoh.
4
Are you arguing for zealotry?
Maybe it is Christian to believe in signs. Maybe Trump is a sign from an angry God that change is needed.
Or maybe Trump is a convenience to change this country in ways that only evangelicals would be happy. A place where only money speaks. A country that holds only non-Christians accountable to laws and how faith is defined.
Maybe keeping women submissive is the draw. Take their rights away, their reproductive freedom and keep them home and quiet and in the kitchen and bedroom doing their 'duty' is what is sought.
Hide the gays again.
Know thy enemy as 'foreigners' and liberals.
Elevate the false prophet Trump till he delivers all to you and then turn on him.
Turn the other cheek with your healthcare and taxes going to hell.
Wait for the rapture and tap your toes. Wrap yourself in your religion and deny reality. Watch as norms and structures crumble just so you can be 'right'.
Hallelujah. We are the evangelicals and we just care about being right.
Or maybe Trump is a convenience to change this country in ways that only evangelicals would be happy. A place where only money speaks. A country that holds only non-Christians accountable to laws and how faith is defined.
Maybe keeping women submissive is the draw. Take their rights away, their reproductive freedom and keep them home and quiet and in the kitchen and bedroom doing their 'duty' is what is sought.
Hide the gays again.
Know thy enemy as 'foreigners' and liberals.
Elevate the false prophet Trump till he delivers all to you and then turn on him.
Turn the other cheek with your healthcare and taxes going to hell.
Wait for the rapture and tap your toes. Wrap yourself in your religion and deny reality. Watch as norms and structures crumble just so you can be 'right'.
Hallelujah. We are the evangelicals and we just care about being right.
2
"Pence has said he would never dine alone with a woman who is not his wife, which raises questions about how he would handle a diplomatic dinner with Angela Merkel."
Um there is that little detail you left out about massive security for heads of state. Do you really think that the Vice President and Angela Merkel would be left alone?
It is little details like this that make us Conservatives question your objectivity.
Um there is that little detail you left out about massive security for heads of state. Do you really think that the Vice President and Angela Merkel would be left alone?
It is little details like this that make us Conservatives question your objectivity.
4
Ah, you found one little "gotcha" splinter to justify ignoring the beam in your own eye.
8
Tim Egan,
You've let Pence off too easy. A simple Google reveals the despicable character he is for his Hurricane Katrina grift.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jul/06/naomi-klein-how-power-pr...
As for the rest of the Con's, gonif's and grifters. what you see without the Jesus colored glasses, is exactly what they are. They no longer even attempt to deny, nor hide what they are and do. Trump is their spokesperson. Their Mammon deity come to life. He will surely lead them to the end they deserve. If there is a Trickster god up in the sky, hopefully he is ready to rain/reign down Karma upon these hypocrisy laden hucksters all clutching their 30 pieces of silver.
But as a non-believer, I'll invest in lumber for the Tumbrel carts and guillotines that will be needed. Fitting as today is Bastilles Day don't you think?!
You've let Pence off too easy. A simple Google reveals the despicable character he is for his Hurricane Katrina grift.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jul/06/naomi-klein-how-power-pr...
As for the rest of the Con's, gonif's and grifters. what you see without the Jesus colored glasses, is exactly what they are. They no longer even attempt to deny, nor hide what they are and do. Trump is their spokesperson. Their Mammon deity come to life. He will surely lead them to the end they deserve. If there is a Trickster god up in the sky, hopefully he is ready to rain/reign down Karma upon these hypocrisy laden hucksters all clutching their 30 pieces of silver.
But as a non-believer, I'll invest in lumber for the Tumbrel carts and guillotines that will be needed. Fitting as today is Bastilles Day don't you think?!
4
Conservative Christians would not know the teachings of Jesus Christ if he came down to earth, gave the Sermon on the Mount, and died on the Cross. They wage war on the poor. They wage war on the sick. They wage war on the unfortunate. They wage war, period. Then they bathe themselves in the greasy fires of self-righteousness and self-indulgent patriarchy. Their leaders are the modern-day moneychangers at the Temple. They exploit the name of God to advance their real religion: MONEY. They have driven more people from Christianity than Satan himself. Actual Christians want them to change their name so that they stop undermining the message of Christ.
13
Paul Ryan has always reminded me of the adorable boy soprano who sings "Tomorrow Belongs to Me" in "Cabaret"--adorable until the camera pans out and the swastika armband becomes visible.
Mike Pence is another hypocrite on whom a bent-cross armband would not be out of place. His piety is, as it's just like a pickpocket's accomplice to create a diversion from a crime. In this case, it's robbing the poor to give the rich more, plus a massive genocide posing as a "health care" law.
Mike Pence is another hypocrite on whom a bent-cross armband would not be out of place. His piety is, as it's just like a pickpocket's accomplice to create a diversion from a crime. In this case, it's robbing the poor to give the rich more, plus a massive genocide posing as a "health care" law.
9
I feel compelled to point out that Satan (or Sataniel if you're going to use his proper title, children of man these days, so disrespectful) wouldn't do that, he's more into letting people dig their own graves.
Speaking of which, is the penalty for treason still death? Well, if it is I suppose it wouldn't matter since both parties would probably pardon our wayward president and his idiotic kin, but just dangling that out there.
Speaking of which, is the penalty for treason still death? Well, if it is I suppose it wouldn't matter since both parties would probably pardon our wayward president and his idiotic kin, but just dangling that out there.
3
Religion is the world oldest con-game. The most ancient art of snake oil salesman. So all these worship for hire frauds placed their corrupt paws on the most evil man this country has ever had lead us. Can I hear an Amen out there?
3
Amen!
This column contains hard words about President Trump and his enablers: scoundrels, despicable, odious, damning, "drag America into the gutter", "trashes the dignity of his office". It begins to seem that the story of Trump's triumph is wholly unedifying.
Consider, though, the literary qualities of that story: how it takes us on a descent into the maelstrom, through the valley of unrest and into a mental fairy-land whose inhabitants crave only the spectacles and mystification of a dream within a dream. Oh, the power of words!
The story leads on to the haunted palace of King Pest the Conqueror Worm, the business man atop a seat of gold who beguiled the meanest man of the crowd. Alone now, he sits diddling on his phone and trusting to instinct vs reason, sustained by imps of the perverse who persist in lionizing him, chanting "Thou art the man," though he clearly has a devil in the belfry.
But does Donald Trump "trash" the dignity of his office? Surely the story of this president and, more, his legion of enablers is redeemed by literary significance. We of the South contend that it can be read as a tribute to Poe. Why, "trash" indeed!
Before I succumb to loss of breath, I shall offer a word of caution to those Republicans who still expect to profit by the deal they have struck: Never bet the devil your head.
Consider, though, the literary qualities of that story: how it takes us on a descent into the maelstrom, through the valley of unrest and into a mental fairy-land whose inhabitants crave only the spectacles and mystification of a dream within a dream. Oh, the power of words!
The story leads on to the haunted palace of King Pest the Conqueror Worm, the business man atop a seat of gold who beguiled the meanest man of the crowd. Alone now, he sits diddling on his phone and trusting to instinct vs reason, sustained by imps of the perverse who persist in lionizing him, chanting "Thou art the man," though he clearly has a devil in the belfry.
But does Donald Trump "trash" the dignity of his office? Surely the story of this president and, more, his legion of enablers is redeemed by literary significance. We of the South contend that it can be read as a tribute to Poe. Why, "trash" indeed!
Before I succumb to loss of breath, I shall offer a word of caution to those Republicans who still expect to profit by the deal they have struck: Never bet the devil your head.
3
A lying, gluttonous, avaricious, and philandering president lauded by the christian right - I guess six out of ten ain't bad.
We may have outlawed Opium, but the Opiate of the Masses remain available on every street corner.
We may have outlawed Opium, but the Opiate of the Masses remain available on every street corner.
7
It's so nice that somebody else sees religion for what it is. Living in this country sometimes I forget that there are others who do.
American slaves sang it best, everybody talking about heaven ain't going there.
Bless our souls cuz seems like only God can save us from this gang.
Bless our souls cuz seems like only God can save us from this gang.
4
These people are not Christians. They are Pharisees.
6
Yrs, indeed! The Latter-Day Pharisees.
2
Modern 'Evangelicalism' is to religion what Twinkies are to Cannoli.... A revolting Joke....
7
Racism, tribalism and bigotry trump scripture.
2
Phony Christian's should lose tax exempt status and be coded as the fascist threats to humanity that they are
4
A moral equation;
Pence : Piety :: Mephistopheles : Lucifer
Pence : Piety :: Mephistopheles : Lucifer
1
"Pence’s probity" includes contempt for the quality of life of parents and unwanted babies. He thinks quantity is all that matters--following the Bible's commandment to multiply. How sick is that?
Does Pence's probity include his refusal to dine with women without his wife as chaperone?
Or is that a depravity--not unlike Trump's.
The difference is Pence has grope-phobia--not fear of being groped, but fear of groping--his wife must hold his hand, lest it wander--not unlike Dr. Stangelove living in fear of a Gestapo salute slipping out.
But Trump has no such phobia--he thinks groping with impunity proves he's living the American Dream.
What's really sick is it may well be the (male) American Dream.
Does Pence's probity include his refusal to dine with women without his wife as chaperone?
Or is that a depravity--not unlike Trump's.
The difference is Pence has grope-phobia--not fear of being groped, but fear of groping--his wife must hold his hand, lest it wander--not unlike Dr. Stangelove living in fear of a Gestapo salute slipping out.
But Trump has no such phobia--he thinks groping with impunity proves he's living the American Dream.
What's really sick is it may well be the (male) American Dream.
4
"Patriotism is supposed to be the last refuge of scoundrels, but religion surely is a close second" This is the canon of the True Elitist, and elitism of the kind we currently identify definitely qualifies as religion. Only the simple-minded think that religion applies only to traditional sectarian dogma. It is pathetic that columnists whose well has run dry must resort to stale, traditional anti-religious rhetoric. Genuine religion is not on the politically correct list of shallow columnists following trends of the moment..
1
Along with the alarming question "When did Americans lose their ability to tell what a stupid person sounds like?' I can add the question "When did moral people lose their ability to tell what an immoral, hypocritical, depraved, dishonest and ungodly leader act like?" I mean, how can you base your life on the readings and rereadings of one book, and yet, never comprehend the meanings in the text?
6
As Ken Burns said recently, "What's Christlike about Trump?"
I cannot for the life of me understand christians who support someone who hurts the most vulnerable in our society. Wish I could figure it out.
I cannot for the life of me understand christians who support someone who hurts the most vulnerable in our society. Wish I could figure it out.
1
Let's see how white America feels about Trump when their trailer parks and clapboard houses are washed away, blown away or burnt by raging wildfires. All while the Trumps are dining and golfing comfortably at Mar a Lago or Bedminster.
4
Hopefully Mar a Lago will be under miles of ocean.
Trump is the symptom of the inherent diseases of the right. Getting rid of him would be like pulling the scab off an infected wound - nothing would be changed.
3
What does religion have to do with anything?
1
I would like to think . . . no I have to believe . . . that one day there will be a comeuppance for the whole lot of loony birds that have come out of hiding during the reign of Trump. On the Republican side it would appear that even a semblance of morals/conscience is gone. In their place we have unadulterated bigotry and hatred. What was once unthinkable is now openly supported, embraced. "81 percent of white evangelicals" have lost their minds and sided with a leader who is an adulterer, lies, demeans, and is about as religious as a rock. Surely it's time for this nightmare to be over?
2
The Republican Party has so degraded Christianity, Mormonism, etc., so thoroughly that now they stand as little more than spiritually, ethically and morally vacant tributes to authoritarianism.
The only biblical miracles I can associate with this administration are the 10 plagues of Egypt. Right now, we're only at 2. Unfortunately, there will be more to come before the Potomac parts.
1
Didn't Pence once once describe himself as a Christian first, a patriot second and a Republican third? He is a poor advertisement for two out of the three.
3
I don't recall seeing Pence in Vietnam.
Timothy, you stole the saying that will be on DJT's head stone. Here Lies Donald Trump, and he lies and he lies and he lies.
4
Multiple marriages and infidelity
Immoral business dealings
Uncharitable
Hate filled speech
Lack of compassion for the less fortunate
Pays lip service to those of faith
But he is a white male rather than a black man or (shudder) a woman.
Immoral business dealings
Uncharitable
Hate filled speech
Lack of compassion for the less fortunate
Pays lip service to those of faith
But he is a white male rather than a black man or (shudder) a woman.
6
Sounds like King David except Trump didn't send Uriah to the front line.
Pence is actually worse than Trump. Trump has never hidden who and what he is. But, Pence hides behind his simpering smile, pretending to take a high road while throwing his lot in with the amoral. Pence is the worst kind of Christian--one who believes he's even fooling God.
3
Truly the truth that needs to be told. Again and again. Maybe some other time someone will make America great again but it won't be these fools. Let's declare this experiment a failure and look for the green shoots that rise through this dung pile. They will, indeed, arise and they won't have a rough act to follow.
2
To be fair, it was Jerry Falwell, who "point[ed] the finger in their face and [said], 'You made this happen,'" to which Robertson replied, "I totally concur."
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/sep/19/september11.usa9
Which still makes Robertson a weasel of the first order.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/sep/19/september11.usa9
Which still makes Robertson a weasel of the first order.
In the Gospels Jesus warns us about Hypocrites many many times. They're the people who talk loudly of how holy they are, as they act totally opposite.
Jesus also warned many many times about how difficult it is for a rich man to enter heaven. It's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, He said. He told us of the rich man who was sent to eternal torment in Hell for not sharing and mistreating those who had less, while the beggar at his gate named Lazarus went to eternal joy in heaven. And He instructed that the greatest person in heaven is the one who is the servant of all. He even showed us a bit how this works by washing the feet of his own apostles.
And let's not forget how Jesus sent his apostles out into the world to preach, cautioning them not to even carry a spare coat. Or how he held up the Good Samaritan as a role model. Or cautioned us not to throw stones at anyone else because we were not without sin ourselves. And how those who live by the sword will die by it in time.
And then there are all the many thousands Jesus fed for free and cured of both illnesses and even death. He welcomed all and loved all equally. He could have used his fame to become a wealthy social climber. But he did not.
Jesus was very clear. And these men who pretend to follow Him are showing us the fruit of the evil in their hearts. He will deal with them in His own time. And no doubt weep as they turn away from Him yet again, to cling on to Hate & Money.
Jesus also warned many many times about how difficult it is for a rich man to enter heaven. It's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, He said. He told us of the rich man who was sent to eternal torment in Hell for not sharing and mistreating those who had less, while the beggar at his gate named Lazarus went to eternal joy in heaven. And He instructed that the greatest person in heaven is the one who is the servant of all. He even showed us a bit how this works by washing the feet of his own apostles.
And let's not forget how Jesus sent his apostles out into the world to preach, cautioning them not to even carry a spare coat. Or how he held up the Good Samaritan as a role model. Or cautioned us not to throw stones at anyone else because we were not without sin ourselves. And how those who live by the sword will die by it in time.
And then there are all the many thousands Jesus fed for free and cured of both illnesses and even death. He welcomed all and loved all equally. He could have used his fame to become a wealthy social climber. But he did not.
Jesus was very clear. And these men who pretend to follow Him are showing us the fruit of the evil in their hearts. He will deal with them in His own time. And no doubt weep as they turn away from Him yet again, to cling on to Hate & Money.
6
"Scriptures they profess guide them."
The ones justifying slavery,
The ones on female subjugation,
The patriarchy stuff
The eye for an eye stuff.
The ones justifying slavery,
The ones on female subjugation,
The patriarchy stuff
The eye for an eye stuff.
Call it schadenfreude, but I'm really hoping that the religion of these horrible hypocrites is right in predicting a hot and painful afterlife for those who violate the ten commandments--by lying, coveting, etc.
1
Hey! Hey! Do not disparage the Boy Scouts by comparing odious Paul Ryan to them, the honest, cheerful, hardworking young people who strive to serve others and make the world a better place.
The work of Professor Bob Altemeyer on authoritarian leaders and followers, further expanded by John Dean in "Conservatives Without Conscience" explains in detail what the press is still struggling to understand. Here's one bit of what makes authoritarian followers stand by Trump:
""These people accept almost without question the statements and actions of established authorities, and comply with such instructions without further ado" writes Dean. "[They] are intolerant of criticism of their authorities, because they believe the authority is unassailably correct....."
...Right-wing followers do not hesitate to inflict physical, psychological, financial, social, or other forms of harm on those they see as threatening the legitimacy of their belief system and their chosen authority figure...
...They conform closely with the rules defined for them by their authorities, and do not stray far from their own communities. This extreme, unquestioning conformity makes them insular, fearful, hostile to new information, uncritical of received wisdom, and able to accept vast contradictions without perceiving the inherent hypocrisy."
More at https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/7/9/1679111/-Enough-About-Trump-Le...
""These people accept almost without question the statements and actions of established authorities, and comply with such instructions without further ado" writes Dean. "[They] are intolerant of criticism of their authorities, because they believe the authority is unassailably correct....."
...Right-wing followers do not hesitate to inflict physical, psychological, financial, social, or other forms of harm on those they see as threatening the legitimacy of their belief system and their chosen authority figure...
...They conform closely with the rules defined for them by their authorities, and do not stray far from their own communities. This extreme, unquestioning conformity makes them insular, fearful, hostile to new information, uncritical of received wisdom, and able to accept vast contradictions without perceiving the inherent hypocrisy."
More at https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/7/9/1679111/-Enough-About-Trump-Le...
3
No. Pence was on the ticket that the Russians tampered with. He has to go, too. The whole cabinet is tainted and needs to be expunged.
2
Not so shocked. At their best - religions can provide moral enlightenment and improve the human condition. But much more often, religion is used to create cover for the worst behavior and hypocrisy of its adherents. No less true of America's Evangelical community.
4
too bad we've lost our zest for tarring and feathering.
1
kudos. You hit every lousy chord we have playing right now. Pence is a scary
spook of a man, Ryan just plain imbecilic and cruel, and that group of heinous
fools who surround McConnel at every press meeting he does should be taken
out for a whipping. The chinless McConnel is an appaling Republican Retrograd
who has no credence anymore as a representative for the Republican party.
The weirdness of Trump's base is what continues to shock and disappoint one who always believed in the decency of our country.
spook of a man, Ryan just plain imbecilic and cruel, and that group of heinous
fools who surround McConnel at every press meeting he does should be taken
out for a whipping. The chinless McConnel is an appaling Republican Retrograd
who has no credence anymore as a representative for the Republican party.
The weirdness of Trump's base is what continues to shock and disappoint one who always believed in the decency of our country.
3
No understanding of god, bible or anything in any denomination. Sad
Paul Ryan, pride of Janesville.
"More likely, Pence is waiting for the gang that can’t collude straight to drop even more damning evidence into the special counsel’s lap — enough to make him president."
Which makes Pence an even worse candidate for President. He waits for and does nothing while Trump is destroying the country, and when Trump flames out, he rides in as the hero of the hour to rescue and rebuild the mess.
Sorry, but that shows a true lack of ethical and honorable leadership - an opportunist biding his time, and colluding with the actions of the Trump administration (by doing NOTHING) to feather his own wallet.
If people are hurting and you sit by and do NOTHING, what does that make you? Immoral, indifferent and self-interested.
Which makes Pence an even worse candidate for President. He waits for and does nothing while Trump is destroying the country, and when Trump flames out, he rides in as the hero of the hour to rescue and rebuild the mess.
Sorry, but that shows a true lack of ethical and honorable leadership - an opportunist biding his time, and colluding with the actions of the Trump administration (by doing NOTHING) to feather his own wallet.
If people are hurting and you sit by and do NOTHING, what does that make you? Immoral, indifferent and self-interested.
1
That ain't workin' that's the way you do it
Money for nothin' and chicks for free......Mark Knopfler
I suspect Mr. Trump finds much to admire about these folks.
Money for nothin' and chicks for free......Mark Knopfler
I suspect Mr. Trump finds much to admire about these folks.
The absolutely most disgusting "representative of Christ" is Mike Huckabee - the miracle man who can eat at the best restaurants, wear the best clothes. stay at the best hotels and never spend a dime of his own! His Jesus is the one who follows him apparently. Constantly running for office (with no supporters) he has managed to avoid the I.R.S. with his double-barreled claim of religious and political freedom rights to not pay taxes while milking the believers without mercy. And of course the priceless gift of his sadly braindead daughter who was nurtured on this crippling poison her whole life to remind us that love is hate, war is peace, cruelty is compassion and oh yes, most of all Big Brother is your friend!
3
It amazes me how supposedly devout Evangelicals have been suckered by Not My President, who has repeatedly conned, lied, and cheated American citizens.
Dante placed these clerics in the Eighth Circle of his Inferno not quite as far down as Not My President's position locked in the eternal ice in the Ninth Circle.
Dante placed these clerics in the Eighth Circle of his Inferno not quite as far down as Not My President's position locked in the eternal ice in the Ninth Circle.
3
The phrase 'Politically conservative Christian' is the exact definition of an oxymoron.
3
"More likely, Pence is waiting for the gang that can’t collude straight to drop even more damning evidence into the special counsel’s lap — enough to make him president."
I fear Pence.
HIs probity and piety would fool many Americans who are not fooled by Trump or are at least suspicious of Trump. Fool enough Americans and McConnell and Ryan will have the forces they need to achieve their goal of completely destroying the social safety net.
I fear Pence.
HIs probity and piety would fool many Americans who are not fooled by Trump or are at least suspicious of Trump. Fool enough Americans and McConnell and Ryan will have the forces they need to achieve their goal of completely destroying the social safety net.
3
Trumphood and his band of not so merry MEN are attempting to decimate our country as we know it. The merry men are those named in this article but also the mass of others around that country who would tar and feather Hillary and Bill for a fraction of what this Groper has done. No matter what Richard L and other lemmings say about where we are as a country, we are not center-right, but center-left and moving further left every day. Our younger, more savvy citizens will not continue to take the bull being offered up as patriotism. None of us will accept this joke of an administration and Congress...it is only a matter of time until full, all out revolt. There is no piety in this group. I have always said that organized religion is the root of all evil, not faith, but "organized" religion, as it serves to isolate people as better, more "holy" if you will, more "good". In reality, whatever you believe in your heart and do in actions is the best indicator of what kind of person you are. Have you ever known so-called religious people who go to church every week, then leave and spend the rest of the week talking about others behind their backs, looking down on "the other", believing that their way is the only way? These are people who want freedom for themselves and their beliefs but don't want others to have their own beliefs. So, if I'm pro gay marriage or Roe, or immigration or helping those less fortunate, then I am evil. Please! Hypocrites all...especially Pence sand Ryan.
2
American Evangelicalism is to Christianity, what KFC is to gourmet chicken.
These guys make the Inquisitions look like a side of coleslaw. They might not get their own hands dirty, but they have no issues cavorting with dirty men and women. Lets not forget the ladies guilt in this Trump debacle.
Religion isnt a refuge, its a fantasy of excuses, built on fears. Which all fits nicely with this Admin.
These guys make the Inquisitions look like a side of coleslaw. They might not get their own hands dirty, but they have no issues cavorting with dirty men and women. Lets not forget the ladies guilt in this Trump debacle.
Religion isnt a refuge, its a fantasy of excuses, built on fears. Which all fits nicely with this Admin.
1
Religon is nothing but a scam and been the cause of countless millions of murders in the name of some "god." It's just as P.T. Barnum said,"There's a sucker born every minute." Now that sucker can be "reborn."
For almost 100 years, "Jim Crow" and "separate but equal", as well as the KKK and its fellow cellar-dweller racist groups had the support of many churchgoers and some ministers in the Democratic states of the Deep South.
"Republican" meant Lincoln was the enemy.... so Senator Bilbo was ok.
With King and the Civil Rights Era, Dems were devils. Religion became more evangelical, while the elected state and federal parties witnessed GOP-dominance. Faith in being saved, faith in being co-dwellers with T.Rex, faith that science and factuality are less important than tithing, and a thriving, never lost but now-unstatable racism, misogyny, anti-feminism, and xenophobia were gussied up for DC and the state houses.
I expected the South's growth under federal funding for military institutions would make it more like the North, but that never quite occurred. Instead, the Newish South's GOP control spread to the SouthWest. Everybody loves a winner. Oligarchs thrive on understated racism the way religions thrive on overstated self-righteousness We lost the newer Civil War. The South used to brag it "shall rise again", and like a stinking zombie or flood-freed ghoul's cadaver, it has. We might call it the "Big Old Deal".
"Republican" meant Lincoln was the enemy.... so Senator Bilbo was ok.
With King and the Civil Rights Era, Dems were devils. Religion became more evangelical, while the elected state and federal parties witnessed GOP-dominance. Faith in being saved, faith in being co-dwellers with T.Rex, faith that science and factuality are less important than tithing, and a thriving, never lost but now-unstatable racism, misogyny, anti-feminism, and xenophobia were gussied up for DC and the state houses.
I expected the South's growth under federal funding for military institutions would make it more like the North, but that never quite occurred. Instead, the Newish South's GOP control spread to the SouthWest. Everybody loves a winner. Oligarchs thrive on understated racism the way religions thrive on overstated self-righteousness We lost the newer Civil War. The South used to brag it "shall rise again", and like a stinking zombie or flood-freed ghoul's cadaver, it has. We might call it the "Big Old Deal".
3
In the religious spirit, a few necessary modifications to the Ten Commandments to conform with the Trumpista/GOP Party's policy positions:
Love thy neighbor, but not if s(he) is black, latino, poor, gay, lesbian, poor or Muslim;
Thou shall not steal, unless it is for the benefit of those most fortunate.
Thou shall not kill except in the name of American might, and oh, feel free to buy all the assault weapons here you want;
Thou shall not commit adultery but the POTUS can grab anything he wants;
Thou shall not bear false witness, but incessant lies are good provided they come from the right persons' mouths;
Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's wife, but the French President's wife? She's fair game.
Love thy neighbor, but not if s(he) is black, latino, poor, gay, lesbian, poor or Muslim;
Thou shall not steal, unless it is for the benefit of those most fortunate.
Thou shall not kill except in the name of American might, and oh, feel free to buy all the assault weapons here you want;
Thou shall not commit adultery but the POTUS can grab anything he wants;
Thou shall not bear false witness, but incessant lies are good provided they come from the right persons' mouths;
Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's wife, but the French President's wife? She's fair game.
1
I have attempted to understand how these evangelical Protestants and strict Catholics can support and literally embrace a man as immoral and mendacious as DJT. The only thing I can come up with is that is ALL about saving the fetus. They are counting on Trump to provide the fifth Supreme Court Justice who will put the final nail in the coffin of legalized abortion in America. These are people who literally believe "the Lord works in mysterious ways" and if Donald Trump is His instrument to stop 'innocent babies from being murdered,' they'll take it. Of course, if Trump is impeached and convicted before that happens, they'll get Mike Pence who really IS a crusader for their particularly cruel form of Christianity and that too will be proof that their Lord works in roundabout ways!
6
It is clear that if there were a presidential election between Jesus and Satan, the evangelicals would robustly support Satan because as much as they profess to "love" Jesus, it is Satan's values they embrace -hate, greed and power.
The Trump voters that still support him are dumb and the evangelicals are dumber. They should make a movie. Oops they already did and i would bet the characters in that movie would be Trump supporters. Along with Larry the cable guy. Stupid is as stupid does.
The Pharisee kissing up to Herod. These clergy in the photo played up to trump's enormous ego This was a moment of I touched the king not that I tried to save his soul. How lose these clergy are.
After you shake the hand of someone who proclaims his or
her piety, count your fingers
her piety, count your fingers
Repeat after me: Trump is a useful idiot.
They want to pass terrible law, call it TrumpCare; call it TrumpTaxes; call it TrumpPlan on deregulation, they blame him. They will win enough overall hate to impeach him with little blowback.
Trump's propensity to brand everything with a giant gold T is the center of the of the GOPs plan to deflect blame.
As for hypocrisy, what can we expect? For years we have been living the Orwellian dream of NewSpeak: fake news is real, and real news is fake. A bill to cut Food Stamps would be called "Hungry Americans Moral Relief Act." It would undoubtedly carry a tax cut, and if possible a cut in food inspectors.
What can we expect from a citizenry that has come to blame advanced education for their woe rather than a rapacious political and corporate class? I can just hear the thinking: it can't be our Congressman's fault, he's a good Christian!
They want to pass terrible law, call it TrumpCare; call it TrumpTaxes; call it TrumpPlan on deregulation, they blame him. They will win enough overall hate to impeach him with little blowback.
Trump's propensity to brand everything with a giant gold T is the center of the of the GOPs plan to deflect blame.
As for hypocrisy, what can we expect? For years we have been living the Orwellian dream of NewSpeak: fake news is real, and real news is fake. A bill to cut Food Stamps would be called "Hungry Americans Moral Relief Act." It would undoubtedly carry a tax cut, and if possible a cut in food inspectors.
What can we expect from a citizenry that has come to blame advanced education for their woe rather than a rapacious political and corporate class? I can just hear the thinking: it can't be our Congressman's fault, he's a good Christian!
1
The U.S. is now ruled by its own "Obama bin Laden."
The "Christian values" of American evangelicals are those of the Ayatollah Khomeini, Boko Haram and the Islamic State.
The "Christian values" of American evangelicals are those of the Ayatollah Khomeini, Boko Haram and the Islamic State.
1
I have a dream that the Pope will ex-communicate these Catholic frauds. Especially, Ryan and his cohorts.
1
To paraphrase The Princess Bride with respect to the right's moral quacks:
"You keep using the Bible. I do not think it means what you think it means."
"You keep using the Bible. I do not think it means what you think it means."
3
Vice President Pence carries the burned number 666 some where on his body. Pence, evil to his core, is the anti Christ.
This coming from a semi agnostic who does take the teachings of Christ seriously.
This coming from a semi agnostic who does take the teachings of Christ seriously.
Martin Luther King, Jr. is gone, taken from us by what King himself, the night before his assassination, called "one of our sick white brothers."
So we are going to have to save ourselves now, be our own heroes and heroines, and not wait for the oppressors or the hypocrites to see the light of common decency or shared humanity.
So we are going to have to save ourselves now, be our own heroes and heroines, and not wait for the oppressors or the hypocrites to see the light of common decency or shared humanity.
3
Evangelicals proceeed along a simple path: the Bible contains infallible and indivisible rules; you follow them blindly. You turn off the human rational faculty and along with it the basic feeling of being human - of being one member of a global species that includes men, women and gender variations thereof, and that comes in all sizes, shapes and colors: black, brown, pink, and pale. Evangelicals fear diversity, because their fake worldview is and all-or-nothing proposition. Once you question any part, the dogmatic edifice disintegrates into absurdities. For them, everything is a threat, and Trump in his blind hostility to human culture fits into their apocalyptic worldview.
But a modest proposal: Why don't we establish a new nation dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal, with an iron-clad separation of church and state, where rational education and health care are public goods and universal rights, where tax and defense policy are decided by referendum, and where diversity and open debate are ensured and celebrated. Won't that be so cool?
But a modest proposal: Why don't we establish a new nation dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal, with an iron-clad separation of church and state, where rational education and health care are public goods and universal rights, where tax and defense policy are decided by referendum, and where diversity and open debate are ensured and celebrated. Won't that be so cool?
4
I'm right with you on the "faith leaders" in this country of ours. I live among the their flock though and after decades of living and working with, and praying adjacent to them....they are really, really, really good followers which may of been of more utility in the past, and with a really good king....
Us outsiders can _barely_ influence them their faith as it relates very little to the Bible, and the Bible has arguments for and against most things even before you conclude that Onan's worst sin was touching his own junk, not dispossessing his sister in law while still having his fun.
They _can_ be disgusted by the behavior of their leaders, however they must reflexively defend their chosen superiors when I bring up something they did that disgusted me first. . . .However things are bad enough that waiting for them to figure out how far their masters are leading them not only from Christ but their own generally warm and honest (also incredibly chauvinistic in the dictionary sense) nature is simply not a responsible option. . .
Yeah I'm stumped. Trying to get them to care a bit more about the false witness stuff their trusted sources of information are consistently tainting them with, but it's hard.
Us outsiders can _barely_ influence them their faith as it relates very little to the Bible, and the Bible has arguments for and against most things even before you conclude that Onan's worst sin was touching his own junk, not dispossessing his sister in law while still having his fun.
They _can_ be disgusted by the behavior of their leaders, however they must reflexively defend their chosen superiors when I bring up something they did that disgusted me first. . . .However things are bad enough that waiting for them to figure out how far their masters are leading them not only from Christ but their own generally warm and honest (also incredibly chauvinistic in the dictionary sense) nature is simply not a responsible option. . .
Yeah I'm stumped. Trying to get them to care a bit more about the false witness stuff their trusted sources of information are consistently tainting them with, but it's hard.
2
Politics and religion are professional endeavors with individuals held in no less esteem than contributing op-ed writers. Most of us dabble from time to time but only a few get paid to promote political, religious or editorial points of view. The money reinforces these professionals not to change their views and jeopardize their income. In fact, each is rewarded to spin the facts to support their party’s, religion’s or news organization’s point of view.
There is no reliable source of income for independent thought or analysis of the pros and cons of all sides. A few academics try, but “fair and balanced” has become an empty slogan. Polarization leads to bad politics, bad religion and bad editorials.
Vice President Pence is not like, “other Trump sycophants”. He is the Vice President with a job to do for the country and for the President. He was the one who exposed the lie about Michel Flynn which led to his exit. Mr. Pence was an excellent governor, and remains a proud role model of a sincere Catholic, husband and pro-life leader. He is likely to be the next President of the United States (eventually, by one means or the other) and does not deserve sleazy attacks by Mr. Egan.
There is no reliable source of income for independent thought or analysis of the pros and cons of all sides. A few academics try, but “fair and balanced” has become an empty slogan. Polarization leads to bad politics, bad religion and bad editorials.
Vice President Pence is not like, “other Trump sycophants”. He is the Vice President with a job to do for the country and for the President. He was the one who exposed the lie about Michel Flynn which led to his exit. Mr. Pence was an excellent governor, and remains a proud role model of a sincere Catholic, husband and pro-life leader. He is likely to be the next President of the United States (eventually, by one means or the other) and does not deserve sleazy attacks by Mr. Egan.
2
Having read many of the comments about Mr. Egan' s pointed but accurate piece, one cannot help but be dismayed that one of the wedges being used to divide our great nation is Christianity itself, a religion intended to unite people in mutual caring, love, and moral example.
That so many purporting to conduct their lives in His image hold the behaviors of Donald Trump up as their moral exemplar diminishes the powerful message of Christ and casts a shadow over all of us who believe Christianity can be a force for unity and not division. When evangelicals and other conservative Christians embrace a man who says, "I could go into the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot someone and they would still vote for me", it casts a bright light on the depth of their hypocrisy.
That so many purporting to conduct their lives in His image hold the behaviors of Donald Trump up as their moral exemplar diminishes the powerful message of Christ and casts a shadow over all of us who believe Christianity can be a force for unity and not division. When evangelicals and other conservative Christians embrace a man who says, "I could go into the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot someone and they would still vote for me", it casts a bright light on the depth of their hypocrisy.
4
I know plenty of real Christians with real conservative values, faith in God, and true generosity in their hearts and in behavior (& not just at the soup kitchen at the holidays).
I don't see a lot of that in the Republican Party these days, and I do not see a hint of it in Mike Pence, Mitch McConnell, or Paul Ryan.
Too many Christians - in being taught to follow, to trust, to obey, to worship - have developed an Authoritarian view of life.
The lines between religion and politics can also become blurred.
We all know politicians (and others) who have misused the Bible on trusting, faithful listeners to justify selfish behavior that hurts the most vulnerable.
I detest the "Christian" politicians who are clearly following the so-called principles of atheist Ayn Rand, who thinks it's immoral not to be selfish. She was uneducated in economics, the law, or sociology. But her influence is still phenomenal and dangerous.
So you see ads and hear speeches that demonize the poor, with concepts like the "welfare queen" myth, or food stamps being used to buy champagne and steak.
There are those who will abuse any system. But the vast majority of those needing food stamps, for example, just need it for a few months to get back on their feet. That's a statistical fact.
Jesus would probably like to see Universal Healthcare, a good Climate response, smart international strength, and
a rich public education. Amen.
I don't see a lot of that in the Republican Party these days, and I do not see a hint of it in Mike Pence, Mitch McConnell, or Paul Ryan.
Too many Christians - in being taught to follow, to trust, to obey, to worship - have developed an Authoritarian view of life.
The lines between religion and politics can also become blurred.
We all know politicians (and others) who have misused the Bible on trusting, faithful listeners to justify selfish behavior that hurts the most vulnerable.
I detest the "Christian" politicians who are clearly following the so-called principles of atheist Ayn Rand, who thinks it's immoral not to be selfish. She was uneducated in economics, the law, or sociology. But her influence is still phenomenal and dangerous.
So you see ads and hear speeches that demonize the poor, with concepts like the "welfare queen" myth, or food stamps being used to buy champagne and steak.
There are those who will abuse any system. But the vast majority of those needing food stamps, for example, just need it for a few months to get back on their feet. That's a statistical fact.
Jesus would probably like to see Universal Healthcare, a good Climate response, smart international strength, and
a rich public education. Amen.
4
Please accept my sincere thanks for highlighting some of Trump's legion of enablers. I have felt recently that at least two people- Rudy Giuliani and Mike Pence- have been getting a free pass amidst all the fresh mud slinging. Giuliani has known Russian ties as well. I still wonder if Rudy had some sort of leverage on James Comey in addition to prior knowledge of the Clinton 'non-scandal' that swung the election.
But the clear front place runner in the race for free passes is Mike Pence. I shudder to think we may jump from the frying pan to the skillet if Trump resigns or is removed from office. I'm sure Pence would run a tighter ship. In fact his ship might even disappear into the ether compared to the Trump circus. But as every drug addict knows, the enabler is an integral part of the disease.
Mike Pence is either incompetent, a liar, or both. He seems to be oblivious to anything the 'broad shouldered Trump' (a phrase repeated by Pence during the campaign like a mantra) or his posse might be doing that is not part of God's mission. Don't believe this for a second. Pence is a very intelligent man who handled himself well in the Vice Presidential debate and has deftly stayed out the fray while building a war chest for himself on the side.
Mike Pence just might be Trump without the entertainment.
Nobody voted for Mike Pence for president. God help us if lying Mike Pence who sees no evil takes over.
We the American people need and deserve a special election.
But the clear front place runner in the race for free passes is Mike Pence. I shudder to think we may jump from the frying pan to the skillet if Trump resigns or is removed from office. I'm sure Pence would run a tighter ship. In fact his ship might even disappear into the ether compared to the Trump circus. But as every drug addict knows, the enabler is an integral part of the disease.
Mike Pence is either incompetent, a liar, or both. He seems to be oblivious to anything the 'broad shouldered Trump' (a phrase repeated by Pence during the campaign like a mantra) or his posse might be doing that is not part of God's mission. Don't believe this for a second. Pence is a very intelligent man who handled himself well in the Vice Presidential debate and has deftly stayed out the fray while building a war chest for himself on the side.
Mike Pence just might be Trump without the entertainment.
Nobody voted for Mike Pence for president. God help us if lying Mike Pence who sees no evil takes over.
We the American people need and deserve a special election.
5
I'm not sure that the Pen is Mightier than the Sword anymore. And the swamping of the 1st Amendment in the digital age may have something to do with that.
Collective wailing and beating of breasts doesn't seem to be having any effect on the criminal conspiracy that is our current administration.
Where are the corrective remedies in our Constitution that allow for Citizens to take actual action to recover their fundamental self governing rights?
Collective wailing and beating of breasts doesn't seem to be having any effect on the criminal conspiracy that is our current administration.
Where are the corrective remedies in our Constitution that allow for Citizens to take actual action to recover their fundamental self governing rights?
2
Hypocrites and charlatans abound, and they are happy to provide simple answers to complicated questions - usually in exchange for cash. Education and critical thinking eliminates the need for these hucksters, which is why it's such a threat to them. But it also requires the faithful to do some work. It's ironic that Christianity has a long history of critical thought. It also has a long history of shady characters taking advantage of believers, especially in this country. I spent 12 years in Catholic school, and none other than a priest who was my theology teacher said, "God gave you a brain. For God's sake, use it!"
7
So tired of the stereotyping.
There are Christians who read the Good News as many NYT folk would.
There are Christians who read scripture and let it fade into rationalization.
There are Christians who hear the Living Word and live by it, enough though fallibly.
There are Christians who are so bound by culture, wounding, brain chemistry, that they distort the Word of Love much of the time.
There are atheists who do the same permutations and combinations, with different vocabularies and visions.
Human aspiration, human resistance, human reason, and human faith are all fallible.
Please be more intellectually acute, and differentiate a huge, millenniums old, radically plural tradition from your personal biases.
There are Christians who read the Good News as many NYT folk would.
There are Christians who read scripture and let it fade into rationalization.
There are Christians who hear the Living Word and live by it, enough though fallibly.
There are Christians who are so bound by culture, wounding, brain chemistry, that they distort the Word of Love much of the time.
There are atheists who do the same permutations and combinations, with different vocabularies and visions.
Human aspiration, human resistance, human reason, and human faith are all fallible.
Please be more intellectually acute, and differentiate a huge, millenniums old, radically plural tradition from your personal biases.
2
@ Antonia:
Precisely. Your post reminds me of the advice given in Matthew 7.15-16 on how to spot a false prophet: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits."
President Trump is the living embodiment of that definition. He professes to hold Christian beliefs, but his own actions, his "fruits," reveal those professions to be false. He lies, perverts, cons, thieves and bullies -- openly for all to see. To follow or support him is to willingly follow a false prophet. Trump is unapologetically anti-Christian.
Precisely. Your post reminds me of the advice given in Matthew 7.15-16 on how to spot a false prophet: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits."
President Trump is the living embodiment of that definition. He professes to hold Christian beliefs, but his own actions, his "fruits," reveal those professions to be false. He lies, perverts, cons, thieves and bullies -- openly for all to see. To follow or support him is to willingly follow a false prophet. Trump is unapologetically anti-Christian.
3
Politicians, the right in particular and evangelicals are at the pinnacle of decadence in terms of credibility and morality. They have stooped so low in order to support the devil that they can no longer rightfully claim any moral superiority over anyone. They literally have forsaken credibility and a supposed higher righteousness in order to support the cretin Trump. For what is beyond me. I have no idea how anyone could put the welfare of society on the back burner purely to claim some sort of political or ideological victory. Is it really victory if they are only recognized for their cruel absurdities? Regression rarely turns out better for anyone. These are sick despicable people we are dealing with.
3
Spot on. I do not want se see trump leave except by the ballot box. Pence would be far worse especially with Ryan and McConnell as aids. The malevolence they could cause would be enduring. Add to this a racist as head of the DOJ and and a privatizer profiteer at the head of the department of education.
With Trump at the lead the gop propaganda machine is sufficuently discombobulated enought to be marginally irrelevant.
With Trump at the lead the gop propaganda machine is sufficuently discombobulated enought to be marginally irrelevant.
4
I think religion has co-opted patriotism for years to give its cruelty, racism and xenophobia a more respectable stench. Where else could a creep like Robertson make claims about 9/11 and gays and still be considered someone worth listening to. Jerry Falwell said 9/11,was gods punishment for America and still made retained both his title as reverend as well as the presidency of a college. Religion was the home of scoundrels long before patriotism was ever conceived.
2
Evangelicals can't manage a world without absolutes and the daddy-authority that keeps their fantasies intact. It never fails to astound how people so willingly give up their freedom to belong to a group that tells them who they are and what they must do. Trump, much like their invisible magical friend, provides all the solace they need to be led like sheep. These sheep have their true shepherd: how much further into subservience and sycophancy will they fall on their way to heaven? Wait, the Senate healthcare bill will surely get them to their heavenly reward sooner than later. Is it too cruel to say sooner the better?
4
Ask Pence, et. al., if they have ever heard or Reinhold Niebuhr. Let much of his career define the role of religion in a representative democracy. No office seeking - simply an expression of a moral code that does not involve forcing one's democratic beliefs on others. No search for power but a search for justice. There must be a spiritual successor to Niebuhr somewhere - a LEADER, a guide to morality - not a candidate for power. I'm sure Pence can speak for hours on Reinhold Niebuhr. Although his self-righteous smugness is HARDLY a telltale sign of his familiarity with such a great American thinker.
1
The Evangelicals claim they are doing God's work, but they are really servants of Satan.
6
As it relates to Pence; he is a co-conspirator to the treason, as well as an obstructor of justice, he will not become President when Benedict Donald leaves, he'll be on his way to prison.
As it relates to the hypocrite lying evangelicals that's what they do.
As it relates to the hypocrite lying evangelicals that's what they do.
10
The very word 'Christianity' is a misunderstanding--at bottom there was only one Christian, and he died on the cross.
The Christian church has left nothing untouched by its depravity. It has made of every value, a dis-value; of every truth, a lie; of every kind of integrity, a vileness of soul.
Nietzsche
The Christian church has left nothing untouched by its depravity. It has made of every value, a dis-value; of every truth, a lie; of every kind of integrity, a vileness of soul.
Nietzsche
6
Why do these so-called religious people never "get it", that is the hypocrisy they abhor but nevertheless continue to condone in Republican President one right after the other all the while deigning to tell women how to be women in every way possible. They are all lying around their giant mansions on a Sunday afternoon after having bilked parishioners of millions and conveniently forgetting how they have sold our country down the river to a nefarious pirate President only after one thing -- MONEY. Brothers under the skin.
8
Moral quackery, brilliant!! The only evangelical worthy of respect is Jimmy Carter. He walks the walk.
28
I'm a better Christian than Pence is and I'm Jewish.
39
Hey, I'm much better, as an atheist. Seriously.
5
When you can look at 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and the first four attributes are dead ringers for the current POTUS, you have to wonder why these so-called Christians aren't heeding the directive in verse 5.
7
Here it is (NIV):
People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
12
There are over 500 references concerning helping the poor and achieving social justice in the Bible. You think the white evangelical Trump voters would get the true message of Jesus Christ !!
6
Theses enablers and their weak minded followers feed off of each other under the guise of religion, patriotism and self righteousness. Their program has never been about God and country, just what's in it for me.
7
Thank you for telling the truth. The willingness of so many to make excuses for and defend the immoral behavior of President Trump and his minions is frightening. And that people who call themselves religious or moral or patriotic are supporting a narcissistic, bullying, psychopathic man is hard to understand. I fear the damage that has been done and that will be done to our country and to all human beings
7
This column could have been written 10 years ago, or 20 years ago, or 30 or 40 years ago. Ever since the political right aligned with the religious right, it has been painfully obvious to anyone with a brain that fundamentalist religious leaders are the biggest hypocrites in the world, and their political allies run a very close second. There's nothing new here.
7
Since when have evangelicals professed to be guided by the Scriptures
2
Let's redefine two things: freedom FROM religion. All religion. And let's abolish the failed two-party system that has brought us the current plutocracy. Talk about crying for the moon...
3
Trump support by the religious right may, in part, reflect the 'prosperity gospel'. "The "prosperity gospel," an insipid heresy whose popularity among American Christians has boomed in recent years, teaches that God blesses those God favors most with material wealth." Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/opinions/outlook/worst-idea.... That is: Trump is good and deserves our support because he is successful and wealthy - his lack of moral compass and lack of guiding principles other than self-enrichment are not relevant. Is this what his enablers on the religious right really believe? Is that what their God taught them?
2
Forget all the Bible verses about caring for the poor, widowed, orphaned, and sick or practicing good stewardship of god's creation. Only one verse matters with regards to Christians' blatant hypocrisy and cringeworthy desperation to stand with Trump:
"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"
2 Corinthians 6:14
"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"
2 Corinthians 6:14
5
The Republican Party is not hard to understand. It is a coalition of whit nationalists, Christo-fascists, and wealthy plutocrats. The plutocrats need the fascists for their sheer voting numbers.
I think the majority of Americans are oblivious to what is happening to our country.
I think the majority of Americans are oblivious to what is happening to our country.
6
Evangelicals who voted for trump have no conscience.
3
Mankind's biggest crimes have been perpetrated in the name of religion. It truly is the root of all evil.
3
white evangelicals would support the Devil, Trump included, as long as they support getting rid of abortion rights, its that simple
6
The Democrats need to drive a big fat wedge between these pseudo=Christians (who tell their followers that the GOP brand is Jesus' own) and the policies supported by these barbarians.
We need a series of hard-hitting ads along the lines of WWJD--would Jesus let the sick and dying go without care? (And that's just one policy--we could sit and dream these up all day long.)
To do so would involve some courage--but it must be done before the Democrats can be taken seriously by some of these voters. Step up, Dems!
We need a series of hard-hitting ads along the lines of WWJD--would Jesus let the sick and dying go without care? (And that's just one policy--we could sit and dream these up all day long.)
To do so would involve some courage--but it must be done before the Democrats can be taken seriously by some of these voters. Step up, Dems!
3
"A true miracle would be for one of the enablers among the 81 percent of white evangelicals who gave their vote to Trump to follow their conscience, or at least the Scriptures they profess guide them."
Yes, those white folks. They're a big problem for the radical progressives, aren't they.
If only they could be forced via staist-socialist legislative means to vote for collectivist progressives. One can only wish for such blessings.
In the meantime, nasty, smug, condescending faux-journalists like Egan will just have to cozy up to the fact that Trump will be president for a full term and likely two terms, and the abuses and insults of the progressive agenda will be eradicated.
Yes, those white folks. They're a big problem for the radical progressives, aren't they.
If only they could be forced via staist-socialist legislative means to vote for collectivist progressives. One can only wish for such blessings.
In the meantime, nasty, smug, condescending faux-journalists like Egan will just have to cozy up to the fact that Trump will be president for a full term and likely two terms, and the abuses and insults of the progressive agenda will be eradicated.
If Jesus would ever come back to Earth, you'd be the first to call him a Stalinist-socialist and call for his crucifixion. Egan is a respected journalist, Obama was one of the USA's great presidents and Hillary Clinton, who won the popular vote by nearly 3M, would have been a worthy successor. Trump isn't worthy to shine Obama's or Hillary Clinton's shoes. Same for Pence and the other self- righteous GOP ilk and their evangelical fellow travelers.
3
Egan, your writing is getting hysterical.
Trump Jr. was "selling out" the country?
Where do you get that?
You are connecting dots that no one else is following, fwiw.
Trump Jr. was "selling out" the country?
Where do you get that?
You are connecting dots that no one else is following, fwiw.
2
This is what gives religion a bad name, and why church attendance and membership is going down. Religion gives cover to all manner of jackals; there is something in the Bible or the Koran to justify just about anything. This allows the "pious" to advocate the most odious plans and ideas in the name of God. So much moral decrepitude. It is incredible.
3
Am grateful to EB for having diffused my comments on BROOK'S contribution as well as Mr. EGANS's. However, would also be so obliged if you would run my comment on Mr. Cohen's piece, as well as my reply to VCBOWIE. Regarding Mr. Cohen's intervention, beautifully written, indeed eloquent, and which anyone who has lost a parent identifies with,I should also point out that while his father led a life of altruism and benevolence , believe that he should have remained in South Africa, instead of emigrating, since the "beloved country" was undergoing a human rights struggle in which brave folks like Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Helen Suzman, Nadine Gordimer, Paton inter alios were left to lead the brave fight against the "verkrampt" Afrikaner leadership of the National Party which had instituted separate developmen in1948. Many gave their lives, Steve BIko for one, and Mandela spent 28 years incarcerated on Robbins Island for defying apartheid. Sydney Cohen should have been with his mates in the pursuit of justice for all in the "Republic!"But this does not detract from beauty of the writing!. Re VCBOWIE's well written comment, have misgivings having to do with her moral preening, singling out G0P for its avarice as if politicians from both parties were not equally greedy. Ironic also that Professor Maclean, who makes a nice living as a tenured professor at Duke would also be so self righteous, holier than thou about G0P and by extension us Trump supporters.
The Jews of the Exodus mate a fateful mistake when they venerated a golden calf. History will show that American Evangelicals made a similar mistake when they chose to venerate a gilded swine.
8
DjD, excellent!
2
All hail the pharisees, the philistines, the sanctimonious, the hypocrites, the back-slappers, the church ladies and all the other pseudo-christians who have managed to avoid reading the Sermon On The Mount. Didn't that Bronze-Age holy book of yours mention something about False Prophets?
3
The only reason I can imagine why Pat Robertson hasn't been called heavenward and instead remains down on earth with us evil libruls, inflicting his bile and political rants on us, is that God doesn't want him up in heaven, either.
5
Through the ages, the teachings of Jesus have been used to justify wars, exterminations and persecutions. So what the big deal about using them to deprive millions of access to health care?
3
Trump is loved by the Evangelical (so-called) Christians because and only because he isn't a liberal. These (so-called) Christians have a visceral reaction to liberalism because they are, through their DNA, anxious and fearful people.
If sat down and given a list of Trump's beliefs and statements, most would probably say to almost all of them: "I don't agree with that." But it wouldn't matter, because what is happening to them has nothing to do with their cognitive understanding of events but of their fear of anything outside of their orderly world, outside of their previous experience, outside of their own beliefs, etc.
I know religion well--my father was a pastor. There is nothing in the bible that remotely is consistent with Trump. Yet, it doesn't matter. They are comforted by him because he talks a strong game that tells them they are "right," that they don't have to deal with the anxieties inherent in our modern world.
In this way, they are authoritarian---looking outside themselves for comfort and stability instead of being able to find it internally.
I wish they could have heard my father preach sermons. They were full of love, full of the grace of God, full of forgiveness, full of being our brother's keeper. In other words, he preached the Bible.
If sat down and given a list of Trump's beliefs and statements, most would probably say to almost all of them: "I don't agree with that." But it wouldn't matter, because what is happening to them has nothing to do with their cognitive understanding of events but of their fear of anything outside of their orderly world, outside of their previous experience, outside of their own beliefs, etc.
I know religion well--my father was a pastor. There is nothing in the bible that remotely is consistent with Trump. Yet, it doesn't matter. They are comforted by him because he talks a strong game that tells them they are "right," that they don't have to deal with the anxieties inherent in our modern world.
In this way, they are authoritarian---looking outside themselves for comfort and stability instead of being able to find it internally.
I wish they could have heard my father preach sermons. They were full of love, full of the grace of God, full of forgiveness, full of being our brother's keeper. In other words, he preached the Bible.
7
Many evangelicals (and I unfortunately know many) believe this is all part of "God's plan." They see Trump as part of a greater prophecy. Some seem to believe Trump's win was the first step in a miracle from heaven. They talk of voting for Trump as a test of their faith because God works in inscrutable ways. They will see the unlikely rise of Pence as a reward for their faith in staying the course and letting God's plan reveal itself. They contort passages in the Book of Revelation to support these events (for example, they don't want to do anything about climate change because it's a sign of the end times)and see it all as a sign of the coming Apocalypse - which they eagerly anticipate because everyone who disagrees with them will burn. If the population is crazy enough, amazing how prophecies can come true.
10
Well said --and thank you for scrupulously avoiding the use of the word "Christian" in reference to Pat Robertson and other creatures of his ilk. Their attempt to hijack that term surely drives more folks away from Christianity than are ever "saved" by their perversion of Christ's teachings.
14
Can you please also mention Trump providing legitimacy to that reptile-figure who denies Sandy Hook ever happened? Can you imagine Republican outrage were Trump to enable a holocaust denier?
Those reaping political benefits dished out by Trump--from Paul Ryan to present and future court nominees, need to reconcile this fact with the Sandy Hook families. But I wouldn't put money on the pious enablers in doing that.
Those reaping political benefits dished out by Trump--from Paul Ryan to present and future court nominees, need to reconcile this fact with the Sandy Hook families. But I wouldn't put money on the pious enablers in doing that.
9
Amen
6
Just google 'Joel Osteen's House' if you want to see what evangelical leadership is all about.
8
Not all of them, many are good people. They need to come forward.
1
Evil succeeds when good people do nothing. Where are these good people when our Democracy is being murdered?
With this administration I figured out why I like my home state so much.
Hawai’i is 43% secular and other than Hawai’ian Kahunas having blessings for store openings, I don’t ever remember hearing my fellow kama’aina (long time residents) EVER speak about God or scripture etc. There are Buddhist temples, the odd Methodist Church, and Kawaiahaʻo Church the historic Congregational church located in Downtown Honolulu on Punchbowl St across from the Iolani Palace--more of a tourist attraction.
But Religion just isn’t discussed.
Then I had to make an emergency move to Georgia in 2014, and three years in the Bible Belt certainly “made up” for the other 65 years! But I have YET to meet and speak with a “true” Christian down here when they all drive pick-up trucks while waving large confederate flags as they terrorize black neighborhoods, or talk smack about Obama while wearing #MAGA red trucking caps.
What happened to the US Constitution over here on the Mainland? Didn’t Congress make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof? What happened to the two clauses of the First Amendment concerning the relationship of government to religion: the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause?
Our founding fathers were Deists--Wot happened??
Hawai’i is 43% secular and other than Hawai’ian Kahunas having blessings for store openings, I don’t ever remember hearing my fellow kama’aina (long time residents) EVER speak about God or scripture etc. There are Buddhist temples, the odd Methodist Church, and Kawaiahaʻo Church the historic Congregational church located in Downtown Honolulu on Punchbowl St across from the Iolani Palace--more of a tourist attraction.
But Religion just isn’t discussed.
Then I had to make an emergency move to Georgia in 2014, and three years in the Bible Belt certainly “made up” for the other 65 years! But I have YET to meet and speak with a “true” Christian down here when they all drive pick-up trucks while waving large confederate flags as they terrorize black neighborhoods, or talk smack about Obama while wearing #MAGA red trucking caps.
What happened to the US Constitution over here on the Mainland? Didn’t Congress make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof? What happened to the two clauses of the First Amendment concerning the relationship of government to religion: the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause?
Our founding fathers were Deists--Wot happened??
10
If 43% of Hawaii is secular, that means that the majority (57%) subscribes to some form of religion, so the churches are not just tourist attractions. That said, Hawaii really does have the Aloha spirit, and much of that comes from the blending of cultures over time. (once had a Portuguese-American colleague married to a Japanese-American woman, just to name one example.) Or maybe it's the trade winds. Either way-- while 4-midwestern states changed the outcome of the EC by < 100K votes, your comment is well taken: we in the USA seem to be increasingly influenced by this bizarre coalition of white christian evangelicals from the confederacy and SOME midwestern states. Out-sized influence for sure-- but how to break their stranglehold on we the majority?
3
You went from one extreme to the other. Come to Los Angeles where all live together in relative peace and with vintage easygoing California chill. There's all nations, lifestyles, cultures, and languages tolerated and celebrated here; churches, temples, synagogues, and mosques for any and all faiths; a real commitment to the least among us in public policy; leadership on a global level in addressing environmental threats; the world's 6th largest economy.
Bor and raised Californian who's lived in Boston and Saint Louis, I've seen the best and worst of both coasts and especially the Midwest, and I'm happy to be back home in the state that has and will continue to lead this nation into the future.
Bor and raised Californian who's lived in Boston and Saint Louis, I've seen the best and worst of both coasts and especially the Midwest, and I'm happy to be back home in the state that has and will continue to lead this nation into the future.
Amen
3
AMEN!
3
Amen.
3
Did the NYTimes miss this essay coming from The Vatican?
"Evangelical Fundamentalism and Catholic Integralism in the USA: A surprising ecumenism" - https://laciviltacattolica.com/june-2017/evangelical-fundamentalism-and-...
"Evangelical Fundamentalism and Catholic Integralism in the USA: A surprising ecumenism" - https://laciviltacattolica.com/june-2017/evangelical-fundamentalism-and-...
3
The country would probably get more equitable and honest treatment out of Sharia Law.....................
3
Doesn't Rush Limbaugh broadcast on the CBN??
2
Our current leadership "team" raises the kleptocracy vs. theocracy dilemma and, for the first time in my long life, makes me wish for a modern-day atheistic socialist.
9
Duh! Thank you, Mr. Egan.
2
Speak, Timothy Egan! More! More!!!!
7
For the origins of this monstrous philosophy that is ruling the radical right, see https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/nov/09/usa.comment
www.remember-to-breathe.org/Breathing-Videos.htm
www.remember-to-breathe.org/Breathing-Videos.htm
3
Excellent link - thank you.
I have no doubts that humans are causing potentially catastrophic global warming, but the large iceberg that calved off in Antarctica is part of the normal process of calving and there is no evidence that it was caused by temperature change. Just because the right routinely denies science and uses rumor and myth interchangeably with fact is not an excuse for moderates and liberals to get sloppy with their data.
2
Actually you misrepresent what scientists are saying. They not saying "no evidence", they are avoiding premature conclusions and acknowledging reality. Your certainty is not skepticism, it is fake skepticism. The scientists are the real skeptics, questioning and investigating and taking the time and trouble to tell the truth. It is the fake skeptics who will embrace any weasel wording or ideas that confirm their bias.
2
Note to the NY Times' management: Hire Egan full time and fire Douthat and Brooks, two sad sack GOP apologists who continue to wander the world in search of the 1950s GOP. "I miss Ozzie and Harriet, buggy whips, Billy Graham TV specials and women staying at home to clean up, cook and raise the brood."
5
They should have worn rubber gloves.
1
Mr. Egan,
They are not enablers but rather the rulers within a burgeoning theocracy. Mr. Trump merely wants the glamour and glitter of office, the pomp and circumstance. He and his cohort are merely obsessed with being head of state; the plane, the helicopter, the band. There never was any intention of actually governing because who knew it was so complicated?
So Mr. Pence deals with the grunt task of fund raisng, selling his soul, if he has one, to the highest bidder. Mr. Ryan, the acritical acerbic acolyte of Ms. Rand, is about erasing the inner shame of having been a recepitant of the social safety net. Mr. McConnel, who you not mention, like an unkindly version of the wizard of Oz, is focused solely on the appearance of the retention of power.
The religious leaders are in a class of their own. They will inhabit that circle of hell Dante reserved for non-spiritual Popes. The Jewish ones are assuaged by this administration unquestioning policy towards Israel. The white evangelicals, with their Gospel of Prosperity, are examples of Marx's dictum that religion is the opioid of the masses. They may be "Christians" in name but are the part and parcel of the crowd that called for Jesus' cruxifiction. Compassion is not thy name.
These forces have already taken control of the Supreme Court. How long will they continue to posses the executive and legislative branches of government?
They are not enablers but rather the rulers within a burgeoning theocracy. Mr. Trump merely wants the glamour and glitter of office, the pomp and circumstance. He and his cohort are merely obsessed with being head of state; the plane, the helicopter, the band. There never was any intention of actually governing because who knew it was so complicated?
So Mr. Pence deals with the grunt task of fund raisng, selling his soul, if he has one, to the highest bidder. Mr. Ryan, the acritical acerbic acolyte of Ms. Rand, is about erasing the inner shame of having been a recepitant of the social safety net. Mr. McConnel, who you not mention, like an unkindly version of the wizard of Oz, is focused solely on the appearance of the retention of power.
The religious leaders are in a class of their own. They will inhabit that circle of hell Dante reserved for non-spiritual Popes. The Jewish ones are assuaged by this administration unquestioning policy towards Israel. The white evangelicals, with their Gospel of Prosperity, are examples of Marx's dictum that religion is the opioid of the masses. They may be "Christians" in name but are the part and parcel of the crowd that called for Jesus' cruxifiction. Compassion is not thy name.
These forces have already taken control of the Supreme Court. How long will they continue to posses the executive and legislative branches of government?
6
I was with you until you referred to the men, and they are all men, as "church ladies". Why not refer to them as the "church men" they are? Referring to men as ladies is meant to be an added layer of insult, which surely as a writer and observer you are familiar with. Using femaleness as a stand-in for weakness is choosing rhetoric beneath us all.
5
A wise person once said: Avoid many of the followers of monotheistic desert religions. That person must have been thinking of Pat Robertson, Netanyahu, and Assad.
5
It has been said that an honest man is the noblest work of God, but a later paraphrasing goes deeper and says that an honest God is the noblest work of man. There is sometimes a tendency to distort the image of God into that of One who agrees with what we want rather than the other way around. That wars have been - and continue to be - fought over differing views of what God wants is a sad and, seemingly, never-ending fact. The devil is a clever devil. He knows how to get the unsuspecting to make themselves the center of everything and look to God only to rubber-stamp whatever they do, no matter how wrong it might be.
5
Luther Strange. It says it all.
1
Where are the Nuns on the Bus when we need them?
5
As wahabists are to the Saudi royal family, so evangelicals are to trump.
20
No matter what God you believe in, and no matter what behavior you engage in (as egregious or reprehensible as it may be), funny isn't it, that your God just so happens to always be on your side. Perhaps the Christian Evangelicals (and others) should ask themselves philosophically, what really separates them from those who commit terrorism in the name of their God?
7
Its as bizzare as people thinking this air I breathe is mine (separate from yours) or the water I drink is mine (separate from yours). If birds don't choose nationalities or pick only white families from black families, to build their nests in, why should god?
1
I just keep thinking of Sinclair Lewis's statement. "When fascism comes to America it will be carrying a flay and wrapped in the Bible."
16
These are the same people who mock President Jimmy Carter, the only true Christian in politics whom I have ever known.
17
Wow, what a broad brush! From Gerald Ford and some other Presidents, to some Governors, Senators, Mayors, etc over the decades--you really cannot find a single other?!
Let's cool the hyperbole while making points.
Let's cool the hyperbole while making points.
2
"A true miracle would be for one of the enablers among the 81 percent of white evangelicals who gave their vote to Trump to follow their conscience, or at least the Scriptures they profess guide them."
These Bronze Age intellectually challenged - Sexually repressed brainwashed mean absurdists are at the heart of every problem ever created by "The Man's Burden"
American Theocrats -their last stand and gratefully their swan song!
These Bronze Age intellectually challenged - Sexually repressed brainwashed mean absurdists are at the heart of every problem ever created by "The Man's Burden"
American Theocrats -their last stand and gratefully their swan song!
7
The epitome of white European American Christian conservative values by nature and nurture is the white supremacy that allowed both black African slavery and black African Jim Crow to thrive and survive in America into today.
The Confederate States of America and the Ku Klux Klan predate Donald Trump. In the 2008 and 2012 Presidential elections about 57% and 59% of white voters went with McCain / Palin and then Romney/Ryan. Trump/Pence received 58% of the white vote.
That Trump is a heathen hedonist moral degenerate pagan by nature and nurture is of lesser significance than his innate white supremacist cause to white American evangelicals. They choose to ignore the poor, sick, hungry, thirsty,homeless, imprisoned and despairing who are the most beloved of Jesus Christ while picking and choosing which of the Ten Commandments they will follow. See Matthew 25:31-46.
Dr. King's final dream was to unite the black and white poor across socioeconomic political educational class lines instead of dividing them across colored caste lines. He failed. And so have we.
The Confederate States of America and the Ku Klux Klan predate Donald Trump. In the 2008 and 2012 Presidential elections about 57% and 59% of white voters went with McCain / Palin and then Romney/Ryan. Trump/Pence received 58% of the white vote.
That Trump is a heathen hedonist moral degenerate pagan by nature and nurture is of lesser significance than his innate white supremacist cause to white American evangelicals. They choose to ignore the poor, sick, hungry, thirsty,homeless, imprisoned and despairing who are the most beloved of Jesus Christ while picking and choosing which of the Ten Commandments they will follow. See Matthew 25:31-46.
Dr. King's final dream was to unite the black and white poor across socioeconomic political educational class lines instead of dividing them across colored caste lines. He failed. And so have we.
11
Please leave us heathens and pagans out of this. Moral degenerate was adequate.
5
Trump the hypocrite claims to be a Christian. That's the point, he isn't but will play for the cameras in any and all situations. He discovered early that he can get away with anything, thanks to Roy Cohn and Roger Stone (and his parents).
2
Mr. Pence is a president-in-waiting and is playing that role to the hilt. He's distancing himself from his boss as much as subtlety and stealth will permit. What Pence doesn't seem to realize is that his position on the Republican ticket last fall and his support, however tepid it appears to be, of the president, besmirches him as much as it does this entire administration.
As for Luther Strange, well, he and the KKK have always professed to have the interests of the white Christian way of life at heart. As for the 45th, It is not "a biblical miracle that he's here", it's an indelible stain on the conscience and soul of America that 62 million enablers deemed him worthy of the office that he soils every day.
As for Luther Strange, well, he and the KKK have always professed to have the interests of the white Christian way of life at heart. As for the 45th, It is not "a biblical miracle that he's here", it's an indelible stain on the conscience and soul of America that 62 million enablers deemed him worthy of the office that he soils every day.
11
I consider it a Russian miracle that Trump got elected...
8
"I like your Christ", said Gandhi, "but I do not so much like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ."
No kidding.
No kidding.
23
I can't share this, it's too sarcastic when I want to chide my evangelical friends that they've taken the wrong course.
1
If Trump angels would read 2d Thessalonians, they would find a description of the "Man of Recklessness", also translated as "Man of Sin" which should give them pause before continuing to burn incense to the graven image they have made of Trump.
Also worth remembering: the principal source of Trump votes among Hispanics, notwithstanding the bigotry he and his supporters stirred up against them. lay in evangelical Hispanic pastors support for Trump.
Somehow, these preachers have whited out the Sermon on the Mpunt from their copy of the scriptures
Also worth remembering: the principal source of Trump votes among Hispanics, notwithstanding the bigotry he and his supporters stirred up against them. lay in evangelical Hispanic pastors support for Trump.
Somehow, these preachers have whited out the Sermon on the Mpunt from their copy of the scriptures
4
The worst sort of ignorance is ignorance informed by religious beliefs. When a church teaches that the press asking questions of a President represents a demonic attack on Jesus Christ, the possibility for a rational discussion flys out the window. And that is what is occurring in rural America. I am dismayed by my church going friends who truly believe our lying, unfaithful commander in chief is the epitome of a Christian. Facts do not sway them from their religion backed outlook. The Good Lord has always used conquering nations to humble His people who followed false gods. Looks like that's the plan as the US loses ground and other nations take over the lead.
10
I have tangled with Evangelicals on two fronts, and I want to add two insights that are pertinent to their embrace of Trump.
First, Evangelical Christians believe that leaders are "anointed" by God. So, when Republicans support their anti-abortion views, and the Republican nominee is Trump, they swallow any misgivings and fall in behind him as "the anointed." Even if he is crude and boorish. Similarly, the pastor has been anointed to lead the flock, so you follow him. And wives defer to their husbands. It is a very, very hierarchical flock.
Second, the Evangelical community has embraced some very strange childrearing practices, some of which generate narcissism, paranoia and rage, which then find a perfect outlet/megaphone in Trump.
Since about 1990, millions of these very pious, strict, (and pent) people have embraced a horrifying childrearing manual (Gary Ezzo's "On Becoming Babywise") which advocates bizarre control tactics to be used on tiny infants, including rigid scheduling, with a lot of "cry it out," ('did God rescue Jesus on the cross?... so don't go pick up your baby'') and "chastisement," aka corporal punishment on infants. With sticks! Which leads to Attachment Disorder, and a very, very dark view of "the other" in those children. Check out Ezzoinfo.com if you want to read more.
This leads to people with a wellspring of inchoate anger and few outlets. They need a proxy to express their rage. Hence Trump.
First, Evangelical Christians believe that leaders are "anointed" by God. So, when Republicans support their anti-abortion views, and the Republican nominee is Trump, they swallow any misgivings and fall in behind him as "the anointed." Even if he is crude and boorish. Similarly, the pastor has been anointed to lead the flock, so you follow him. And wives defer to their husbands. It is a very, very hierarchical flock.
Second, the Evangelical community has embraced some very strange childrearing practices, some of which generate narcissism, paranoia and rage, which then find a perfect outlet/megaphone in Trump.
Since about 1990, millions of these very pious, strict, (and pent) people have embraced a horrifying childrearing manual (Gary Ezzo's "On Becoming Babywise") which advocates bizarre control tactics to be used on tiny infants, including rigid scheduling, with a lot of "cry it out," ('did God rescue Jesus on the cross?... so don't go pick up your baby'') and "chastisement," aka corporal punishment on infants. With sticks! Which leads to Attachment Disorder, and a very, very dark view of "the other" in those children. Check out Ezzoinfo.com if you want to read more.
This leads to people with a wellspring of inchoate anger and few outlets. They need a proxy to express their rage. Hence Trump.
6
Total sickos...
We know Pence is at least guilty of lying about Flynn. As head of the transition team, we know he was informed by Justice of Flynn's being a liability. Beyond that, how deeply did he dip into the Russian pool? How much did he know of the Trumps' "secret weapon." the Russian meddling on their behalf? I suspect, based on Pence's evasive answers, a lot. But there's also the possibility that he's just trying to stay clean so he can step in as president if/when the need arises. Honestly, I'd rather have Trump's circus where almost nothing gets done than Pence's creepiness and obsession with bedrooms and women's bodies.
4
I'm still on the fence that if Trump goes we end with Pence. From an autocrat to a theocrat. Not sure what is worse.
9
Everything Pence represents domestically we get anyway with Trump.
Pence isn't a Russophile and as risky in international dealings. He has the control to listen to State Department, read normal Presidential multi-page intelligence briefings every day, listen to Generals and others. Pence is less a danger internationally.
Pence isn't a Russophile and as risky in international dealings. He has the control to listen to State Department, read normal Presidential multi-page intelligence briefings every day, listen to Generals and others. Pence is less a danger internationally.
1
Those evangelicals who profess unqualified support for Trump are a threat to national security and moral relativists. Putt aside their joining with corporate America in its attack on unions and the New Deal. During the fifties they asserted that Stevenson's divorce made him an immoral choice for president, at least until Reagan, also divorced and re-married, ran and they were silent. They then assured us that JFK could not as a Catholic discharge the responsibilities of office because his first duty would be to his church, rather than to his oath of office. Their attack on Clinton's sexual license is as well know as their indifference to Trump's. It must be obvious that by coming into the public square in such a decisive manner, the evangelicals have compromised themselves and sullied their religious credentials well beyond repair. Thus their main contribution to higher education is a junk university, misnamed as Liberty, which does not teach Darwinian science, and in fact attacks modern science. Some legacy.
7
Well done Mr. Egan. It is beyond shocking to me how they excuse everything he does and refuse to see what's in front of all our eyes. If nothing else his grovel fest in front of our biggest enemy...."I'm Honored".....really, orangeman? So far Russia is getting their money's worth from Trump and the Republicans are looking in the other direction while holding their hands over their ears and humming loudly.
5
The evangelical meeting praying over Trump just appeared to be another photo op to assure the fearful (not faithful) that their annointed Prez is in good hands.
Their Christianity sure is different from the teachings of Christ I was indoctrinated with.
Claiming ownership of God's word or speaking for God was considered blasphemy. Whatever works for the pols, right?
Their Christianity sure is different from the teachings of Christ I was indoctrinated with.
Claiming ownership of God's word or speaking for God was considered blasphemy. Whatever works for the pols, right?
8
Baloney.
Trying to pin the failure of the radical collectivist progressives on religious issues is a tawdry stunt, and a straw man construct.
This is simple.
Obama was the straw that broke the camel's back. The cocktail circuit globalist-collectivists that supported he, and Clinton, were no longer able to suppress the will of the rest of the nation. The rest of the nation, has had enough, of progressivism.
The socialist elitists are out, not because of religion, but because of their fundamental political beliefs, and the policies that they forced down the throats of Americans.
Get over it.
Nope.
Time is on our side. This is a blip that will crumble due to its moral decay and the fact it is only a minority in a few gerrymandered districts and rapidly depopulating rural areas that currently hold the progressive majority hostage.
Facts have a liberal bias and the long arc of history bends towards increasingly progressive values.
Get over it.
Time is on our side. This is a blip that will crumble due to its moral decay and the fact it is only a minority in a few gerrymandered districts and rapidly depopulating rural areas that currently hold the progressive majority hostage.
Facts have a liberal bias and the long arc of history bends towards increasingly progressive values.
Get over it.
4
It's always interesting how the "get over it" folks don't remember that 3 million more people voted for Mrs. Clinton. Who suppressed whose will?
4
Equally interesting, is the absurd and constant reference by the losing collectivists, to a statistic that has no meaning.
No one cares that Clinton had a popular majority, because, a popular majority means nothing in a presidential election.
You may be the product of a progressivist education system which taught lies instead of facts in civics courses, so for your benefit:
Electoral college votes are the only votes that count. These are determined in a state-by-state process known as a presidential election.
It is state-by-state rather than national because this is a united republic of sovereign states and not a single political entity.
It is structured this way in order to ensure that concentrated populations of citizens cannot exert dominance over less populous areas, solely because of their voter count.
No one cares that Clinton had a popular majority, because, a popular majority means nothing in a presidential election.
You may be the product of a progressivist education system which taught lies instead of facts in civics courses, so for your benefit:
Electoral college votes are the only votes that count. These are determined in a state-by-state process known as a presidential election.
It is state-by-state rather than national because this is a united republic of sovereign states and not a single political entity.
It is structured this way in order to ensure that concentrated populations of citizens cannot exert dominance over less populous areas, solely because of their voter count.
3
The so-called Evangelicals, a purely American phenomenon, by the way, believe in all sorts of crafty issues that Jesus Christ was adamantly against. They are a shrewdly devised, recklessly organised movement bent on material gains, like the pilfering of heirlooms from brainwashed, pious old folks, and thus in essence a conglomerate of organised crime syndicates that ought to be addressed and pursued as such.
15
Does the aptly named Senator Strange view it as a miracle in line with the parting of the Red Sea or more like the 10 plagues of Egypt? Just wondering.
3
Perhaps it would be helpful is a Christian evangelical explained why he or she would vote for a man who has broken each of the 10 Commandments.
3
Thanks. This irks me to no end. (So-called "Christian" support of Trump). They are hypocrites.
3
We need a fresh face of leadership like Sen. Tammy Duckworth who has already proven herself as a leader, and patriot.
2
Christians, I suggest you go back and read the Gospels and then follow Christ. He would have a few sharp words for modern Republicans:
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Moneychangers in the temple, whited sepulchers, camels and eyes of needles.
He stood up for the downtrodden, healed the sick, fed the poor, and discouraged violence.
Killing for Christ is sick. The "Gospel of success" is not Christian. He never attacked gays though Paul did (Paul's misogyny and love of hierarchy are typical of the violence of converts, telling others what to do instead of minding his own soul).
Hypocrites are not Christians, takers are not Christian, kleptocrats are not Christian, haters are not Christian (turn the other cheek).
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Moneychangers in the temple, whited sepulchers, camels and eyes of needles.
He stood up for the downtrodden, healed the sick, fed the poor, and discouraged violence.
Killing for Christ is sick. The "Gospel of success" is not Christian. He never attacked gays though Paul did (Paul's misogyny and love of hierarchy are typical of the violence of converts, telling others what to do instead of minding his own soul).
Hypocrites are not Christians, takers are not Christian, kleptocrats are not Christian, haters are not Christian (turn the other cheek).
8
Susan Anderson,
Unfortunately those descriptions are Christians.
All one has to do is believe. Good acts count for nothing. Say the magic words and ones home free.
But hey, one does have to love the chutzpah to put an ATM in the church.
Unfortunately those descriptions are Christians.
All one has to do is believe. Good acts count for nothing. Say the magic words and ones home free.
But hey, one does have to love the chutzpah to put an ATM in the church.
1
Isn't it about time openly to accept that Trump and his potential successors still are admired by a very large swath of the US electorate, lies, collective insouciance and all? There really is very little solace in the thought that Trump finished with c.3m votes fewer that Hilary. The Trumpist mindsets were glaringly apparent long before the election. Those who voted him into office cannot by any stretch of the imagination be characterised as intelligent, thinking people - can they?
2
"Robertson is not the most despicable of Trump’s enablers."
Probably the most debatable point of this essay. I would argue that Robertson's level of odiousness is higher due to his lifetime achievements. The list of disasters to which Robertson has professed to proffer the moral indictment of God is lengthy. At least Trump doesn't suggest he's speaking for God, although it is possible he fails to do see because he sees himself as a higher authority.
I've long held a different ecumenical view of Roberson: he is Satan's representative on earth. When, if Protestant doctrine is to be believed, the devil presents himself in human form, it won't be as a red-cloaked character with horns and forked tail, but as an erudite, cheerful person professing to do the Lord's work while enabling those who systematically defile God's commandments. Luficer, should he exist, would come in the form of religious piety, most cleverly as a cleric making moral judgments reserved for God.
Pat Robertson is Satan's handmaiden, with a relationship akin to that between Trump and Putin: a useful idiot.
Probably the most debatable point of this essay. I would argue that Robertson's level of odiousness is higher due to his lifetime achievements. The list of disasters to which Robertson has professed to proffer the moral indictment of God is lengthy. At least Trump doesn't suggest he's speaking for God, although it is possible he fails to do see because he sees himself as a higher authority.
I've long held a different ecumenical view of Roberson: he is Satan's representative on earth. When, if Protestant doctrine is to be believed, the devil presents himself in human form, it won't be as a red-cloaked character with horns and forked tail, but as an erudite, cheerful person professing to do the Lord's work while enabling those who systematically defile God's commandments. Luficer, should he exist, would come in the form of religious piety, most cleverly as a cleric making moral judgments reserved for God.
Pat Robertson is Satan's handmaiden, with a relationship akin to that between Trump and Putin: a useful idiot.
8
Well said, Mr. Egan! As an evangelical Christian, what has frustrated me the most since Trump's rise was my fellow Christians' indefensible support of Trump until this day. If you believe in God and biblical values, you can't believe in Trump. Those two do not go hand in hand. You must choose one. If you claim to be a value voter, you can't possibly support a valueless man.
Let's put the politics and policies aside for a moment. I want to ask all so called Christians who still defend Trump, "What moral/ethical values does Trump's life of 71 years reflect?" "Would you explain to your children that living a life of luxury at the expense of poor laborers is the way to live on earth according to the Bible?" Or do you want your children emulate our POTUS who has run business such as gambling and strip clubs? Does marital fidelity mean anything to you? The questions can go on and on.
Let's put the politics and policies aside for a moment. I want to ask all so called Christians who still defend Trump, "What moral/ethical values does Trump's life of 71 years reflect?" "Would you explain to your children that living a life of luxury at the expense of poor laborers is the way to live on earth according to the Bible?" Or do you want your children emulate our POTUS who has run business such as gambling and strip clubs? Does marital fidelity mean anything to you? The questions can go on and on.
10
Preaching to NYTimes commenters counts for absolutely nothing. If your faith is so tested, then get out to the white evangelical churches who don't read the NYTimes and state the very same things you've stated here, loudly and relentlessly. Start a public movement and get airtime on national news networks because frankly Christianity has already lost the war by electing such a satanic figure in a naked grab for power over those who choose to live by progressive values.
I'm absolutely done with Christianity and religion in general after Trump was put in office by the very Christians who preached obsessively and relentlessly at me as a child attending an evangelical baptist school against the very things Trump stands for. You are all hypocrites who have lost the "war for the soul of the nation". You won this battle but the war is already over. Can't wait for you all to wake up to the fact and I hope I live long enough to witness it.
I'm absolutely done with Christianity and religion in general after Trump was put in office by the very Christians who preached obsessively and relentlessly at me as a child attending an evangelical baptist school against the very things Trump stands for. You are all hypocrites who have lost the "war for the soul of the nation". You won this battle but the war is already over. Can't wait for you all to wake up to the fact and I hope I live long enough to witness it.
Thank you for your comment which I wholeheartedly agree.
Since the election, I have felt it is my duty, not a choice, to resist Trump. We, as citizens, are called to save our democracy and protect the constitution. I have been a part of our local Indivisible group and trying to speak out to my friends who still show unconditional loyalty to this Satan-personified. However, sometimes, I feel that I am standing against a tsunami with a small bag of sand.
Since the election, I have felt it is my duty, not a choice, to resist Trump. We, as citizens, are called to save our democracy and protect the constitution. I have been a part of our local Indivisible group and trying to speak out to my friends who still show unconditional loyalty to this Satan-personified. However, sometimes, I feel that I am standing against a tsunami with a small bag of sand.
Speaking of group behaviors, one Sanskrit saying comes to mind from my childhood " Vinaash Kaal Vipreet Buddhi".
Bad eras are caused by derelict minds.
Bad eras are caused by derelict minds.
3
Spot on! They are also my picks for the cast of "The Deplorable's Do Washington." My favorite is Mr. Bobblehead Mike Pence.
3
There is nothing more dangerous to our Democracy/Republic than religious fanatics, and they have never been closer to the surface than they are today, while all the while ranting that religion is under attack by the liberal media and the accursed godless liberal citizens of America.
What they are trying to insinuate is that if you are not Christian you are not a real American and certainly not patriotic. Pat Robertson is not just a enabler. Robertson and his ilk are missionaries of the rightwing, proselytizing the false doctrine of the conservative dogma which is not at all what their namesake taught.
I don't think it says anywhere in the New Testament to hate your neighbor because of his or her political views, religion or skin color.
What they are trying to insinuate is that if you are not Christian you are not a real American and certainly not patriotic. Pat Robertson is not just a enabler. Robertson and his ilk are missionaries of the rightwing, proselytizing the false doctrine of the conservative dogma which is not at all what their namesake taught.
I don't think it says anywhere in the New Testament to hate your neighbor because of his or her political views, religion or skin color.
11
The word "evangelical" comes from the Greek word for "Good News" or "Gospel". Peel off one layer from these matryoshka doll so-called "evangelical" leaders and you see blatant hypocrisy. Have they never seriously considered the justice theology of the Old Testament? Have they never really read the Beatitudes? Have they never in their seminaries studied the core message of the parable of the Good Samaritan? Have they never heard of Paul who wrote that someone could have all the faith in the world but without love he would be nothing but a bunch of noise?
Oh, I understand. They are using the large-print, Cliff's notes, shirt-pocket abbreviated version Bible.
Oh, I understand. They are using the large-print, Cliff's notes, shirt-pocket abbreviated version Bible.
6
Agree with every word you write, Mr. Egan! Trump bamboozled the so-called evangelical christians and promised a beautiful wall between Us and Them, and in turn these "christians' are bamboozling the legal system with tearing down another wall - the one separating Church and State! Enough already!
3
Please go back and read the condemnation of Trump which appeared in Christianity Today prior to the election. It's a humdinger.
The fault in the logic is to believe these "Christians" are really Christians.
The leaders are just con-men making a good living.
And the followers are mostly people susceptible to group identity.
The leaders are just con-men making a good living.
And the followers are mostly people susceptible to group identity.
5
At last! Someone addresses the blatant hypocrisy of the goons running this country. I despair.
6
No wonder atheists are non-believers....what's to believe about in a religion whose self-appointed representatives applaud Donald Trump?! That's enough to make one become a pagan.
8
I'm reminded of a quote attributed to Mahatma Ghandi: "I love your Christ, but I do not like your Christians".
5
These people have not changed in a thousand years, still making a party of executions, and in their cowardice, are still supporting their oppressors and exploiters. They live a narrow world that ends beyond their immediate interest.
America's religious right is as destructive a force as any in the world today.
America's religious right is as destructive a force as any in the world today.
2
The Bible describes this situation. The "goats" ask, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?”
They call Jesus Lord. They are genuinely surprised. They suffer from culpable moral blindness. But, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”
They call Jesus Lord. They are genuinely surprised. They suffer from culpable moral blindness. But, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”
1
Evangelicalism is to holiness as Trump* is to self-effacement.
1
Birds of a feather flock together. Leopards don't change their spots. Animals, all of them. The NEW REPUBLIC magazine article on Trump tells it all. Disgusting.
2
Please, do not refer to Trump and his followers as animals. My two terriers have higher ethical standards.
Hypocrisy should not be the first language of a politician in a democratic system. Laws, rules and ethics should apply equally to all who are allegedly covered by them, working under them or writing or interpreting them. That we have folks who think that certain laws and rules apply to some, but not to all, is a sign that we are moving away from a democratic system into something else. Certainly, this issue did not start with President Trump and team, or those in Congress and elsewhere who blindly support what is going on. It has been slowly evolving, eroding our Rule of Law and belief in said. Included in this special laws etc. are for you but not for me mentality is an implicit right for some to criticize and make up distortions or use made up distortions about an opponent in order to limit or destroy that person's credibility, and to cry foul if anything negative, even true negative is said about them. Those of us who believe that a democratic system is the best form of government need to speak up, loudly, about this erosion of the foundation of what has been the shinny light on the hill for many people and nations. Or, we will just be looking at a burnt out torch on a pile of historic documents and destroyed dreams as we accept in full whatever our great leaders say is true.
A great column. Why? It denounces those who —given this country's dark past—have not been courageous enough to speak out against the evils that now threaten America. These are the very evangelicals who, at the height of slavery, went down South and began preaching about the importance of being a slave.
2
Trump was elected by the millions who voted for him in spite of the evidence that he is a compulsive liar who does not understand what makes America great, and also by the millions who did not vote.
The Russian effort worked and we have their puppet in the White House.
The Decline of the United States accelerates and the Fall is near.
The Russian effort worked and we have their puppet in the White House.
The Decline of the United States accelerates and the Fall is near.
2
The specter of possibly spending eternity with people like Mike Pence et al. is certainly my view of purgatory. I would also assume there would be no craft beer, pizza, pickup basketball games, fishing, wildlife, sex, doubleheaders, hiking in parks and preserves or anything else other than hanging out with Jesus and his old man and reading/discussing one book. Personally, my inevitable return to scattered carbon molecules is just fine with me.
2
Thank you for identifying this group as "white evangelical". I only regret that you did not capitalize the term to clearly identify this group and clearly differentiate them from other Christians who take offense at their conduct.
If they think they are faithfully acting in the name of Jesus, they are tragically misled. Their actions cast shame not honor on the one they claim to serve.
If they think they are faithfully acting in the name of Jesus, they are tragically misled. Their actions cast shame not honor on the one they claim to serve.
3
I don't understand a God who is so weak to be influenced by some force named satan, in fact how can something called god not include everything, ALL things - good and evil, and everything in between. How can god be so exclusive, if he is supposed to be all encompassing. This is a very narrow view of god, limited by its breadth and length.
1
It's called religiosity, a kind of fake "good news", not a practice of any religion that promises "good news". "Hypocrite" is not a word sufficient to describe the disloyalty to Christ's teachings. Too bad Jesus isn't here to tweet about these grandiose Philistines of our age.
4
The Trump family criminal organization is as far removed from any morals or righteousness as you could imagine.
The fact that so called religious people voted for Trump knowing he is amoral says everything about people who profess to be religious but actions speak louder than words. Hypocrite Pence leads the team- evil is as evil does.
The whole administration is evil and the GOP leadership is right in it with them.
The fact that so called religious people voted for Trump knowing he is amoral says everything about people who profess to be religious but actions speak louder than words. Hypocrite Pence leads the team- evil is as evil does.
The whole administration is evil and the GOP leadership is right in it with them.
6
It is beyond all human understanding how a "Christian" like Pat Robertson can condone replacing Obamacare with such a cruel version of a "health care" bill that deprive the poor and handicapped with access to the medical care they need. Is that what Jesus would do? When Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes to feed the masses of hungry people, he was not concerned about whether giving these people all of the "free stuff" would make them lazy. Pat Robertson, Franklin Graham and their ilk are not Christians. They belong to a cult that worships at the altar of unbridled capitalism .
4
trump is proof that insanity can reign at times. however religion has proven itself to be the bane of humankind through out the centuries. religion a device used for eons to separate one from another based on "Faith". sorry that canard would have been rough with smart thinking individuals back then but TODAY please make religion Stop and shut up
1
So you think America is still solidly a democracy -eh - all boats are leaving soon?
1
“President Trump is the greatest thing that’s happened to this country,” said Luther Strange, who was appointed to the Alabama Senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions. “I consider it a biblical miracle that he’s here.”
Wow! Unbelievable, flat dab unbelievable. It is almost as if willful ignorance of our history now qualifies one for high office in this country.
Wow! Unbelievable, flat dab unbelievable. It is almost as if willful ignorance of our history now qualifies one for high office in this country.
4
Jesus would be, or is, appalled by the hypocrisy of these Pharasises . Their sanctimonious and unctuous behavior is a thin veneer covering greed and hypocrisy. The Jesus I love and try to follow would have chased them out of the temple long ago, if only because of their cruelty towards the most vulnerable of His creatures. It's hard for me to believe these hypocrites don't choke on the New Testament when they read it.
5
You just don't get it Timothy, pious religious leaders have always been power hungry hypocrites of the worst kind. They have always used religion to gain power and money, always. President Carter was the only powerful religious zealot in my life who doesn't fit the mold of a con artist mega church millionaire. Creflo dollar and cretins like him would never exist except for the gullibility and ignorance of the brainwashed electorate. Can any Christian honestly say that Jesus would condone or vote for Trump. What good is your holy bible if you ignore its teachings about morality and greed?
1
Mormons are frequently grouped with white evangelicals because of their belief in salvation by grace, social action, and aggressive attempts to convert others. Yet while white evangelicals voted 81% for Trump, in Utah, Trump got only 45% of the vote.
So Mormons appear to be less hypocritical than white evangelicals, at least when it comes to Trump. My mother, a staunch Mormon, finds Trump disgusting. But not Mike Pence, oh no, now he's a good man.
Never mind that Pence has stood mute as Trump demeans the presidency. Never mind that defending Trump goes against every one of his supposed moral principles. Never mind that his spokesperson couldn't answer the simple question of whether Trump has had dealings with Russians or not.
Pence is highly fluent in the language of the white religious right. He is the embodiment of – and the excuse for – the hypocrisy of supposedly moral, upright Christians condoning a corrupt, immoral, offensive, racist, misogynist president.
Pence, to me, is even more loathsome than Trump. At least Trump makes no pretense of moral rectitude. Pence jumped at being VP to a buffoon and a crook because he saw a clear path to the Oval Office. If you don't think he's busy boning up on Gerald Ford and scratching “Vice” off his business cards, you're fooling yourself.
Cloaked in his faith, he will be the great white savior when Trump implodes. A sad state of affairs for a country founded on separation of church and state.
So Mormons appear to be less hypocritical than white evangelicals, at least when it comes to Trump. My mother, a staunch Mormon, finds Trump disgusting. But not Mike Pence, oh no, now he's a good man.
Never mind that Pence has stood mute as Trump demeans the presidency. Never mind that defending Trump goes against every one of his supposed moral principles. Never mind that his spokesperson couldn't answer the simple question of whether Trump has had dealings with Russians or not.
Pence is highly fluent in the language of the white religious right. He is the embodiment of – and the excuse for – the hypocrisy of supposedly moral, upright Christians condoning a corrupt, immoral, offensive, racist, misogynist president.
Pence, to me, is even more loathsome than Trump. At least Trump makes no pretense of moral rectitude. Pence jumped at being VP to a buffoon and a crook because he saw a clear path to the Oval Office. If you don't think he's busy boning up on Gerald Ford and scratching “Vice” off his business cards, you're fooling yourself.
Cloaked in his faith, he will be the great white savior when Trump implodes. A sad state of affairs for a country founded on separation of church and state.
4
Please don't get us started, we have been down the Mormon path with Mitt Romney's candidacy.
2
Mr. Trump surrounded himself with cult members who believe in all sorts of fantastic things "time travel, humans interacting with dinosaurs, the planet Kolob" and then publicizes it, it seem to be one more reason to fear the future.
God must be testing us- and I suspect he finds us failing.Pence is no better or worse than all the other republican toadies and would likely be worse for this country than the horrible president we have now.
2
Trump is a repulsive human being, inside and out.
But Pence is evil incarnate. He is First Secretary and Advance Man to the devil him (or her) self.
Pence is a pasty white man with traditional Islamic sensitivities and points of view.
A man so untrusting of God and himself that he refuses to be alone with a woman. Fails to recognize the huge discrimination this represents in the world of money and power that Pence has made his own. And tells himself, and anyone with the ill luck to be in ear shot, this proves his personal holiness; is a clear demonstration of the perfidy that is the female gender; and no, it is not a sign that he has no confidence in a God that apparently cannot keep a soul safe in the presence of perfume and lace or an alternate legal interpretation of Title IX.
Pence keeps Evangelicals in line for Trump. He paves the ways, makes the excuses, explains why a little bit (or a tidal wave) of sin is a worthy investment for a poor religion to get everything it wants, and does it all without exposing himself to the black moral hole that is women. Or people who do not believe exactly like him.
This has all gone down easily in an America that really does believe money is the highest order of good. As long as you throw a robe over it and say "God" a lot.
Personal money is the goodest of all. Just look at Trump. Look at Pence. Look at the kingdom of greed and hypocrisy that is the Evangelical church and, now, church-based Christianity in general.
But Pence is evil incarnate. He is First Secretary and Advance Man to the devil him (or her) self.
Pence is a pasty white man with traditional Islamic sensitivities and points of view.
A man so untrusting of God and himself that he refuses to be alone with a woman. Fails to recognize the huge discrimination this represents in the world of money and power that Pence has made his own. And tells himself, and anyone with the ill luck to be in ear shot, this proves his personal holiness; is a clear demonstration of the perfidy that is the female gender; and no, it is not a sign that he has no confidence in a God that apparently cannot keep a soul safe in the presence of perfume and lace or an alternate legal interpretation of Title IX.
Pence keeps Evangelicals in line for Trump. He paves the ways, makes the excuses, explains why a little bit (or a tidal wave) of sin is a worthy investment for a poor religion to get everything it wants, and does it all without exposing himself to the black moral hole that is women. Or people who do not believe exactly like him.
This has all gone down easily in an America that really does believe money is the highest order of good. As long as you throw a robe over it and say "God" a lot.
Personal money is the goodest of all. Just look at Trump. Look at Pence. Look at the kingdom of greed and hypocrisy that is the Evangelical church and, now, church-based Christianity in general.
4
EB needs to do a more conscientious job of proof reading not only written remarks by readers--I chastised a commenter yesterday in an published intervention for an anti Italian slur--but also its op ed contributors. Pat Robertson is a noted evangelist, former marine who fought on front lines in Korea, even though he didn't have to since his father was a US Senator and won Iowa primary election in 1988, gateway to the Presidency. No reason to call him "doddering,"or refer to his age as if that were a judgement on his ability to reason intelligently. Nor is Sean Hannity "despicable!" He's a self made man, and equipped only with a B.A., qualifies as a pundit and a good tv and radio talk show host.Also a jack of all trades, and if Mr. Egan wanted, say his kitchen floor retiled, Hannity would not have to be asked twice.On a scale of 1 to 10, Egan's article rates a 9 in terms of its "mechancete."Lighten up, Mr. Egan. Not all of us r fortunate enough to live in a swanky quarter of Seattle with an orchard in back, and have school buddies who were members of the rowing team at Cornell or another ivy league school.
"Trump’s Pious and Dangerous Enablers"?
You mean "arch hypocrites"?
And faux "patriots," self-styled "moral minority," and those who've traded in real morality for hate and power-lust?
You mean "arch hypocrites"?
And faux "patriots," self-styled "moral minority," and those who've traded in real morality for hate and power-lust?
3
I has been now quite a while that the religious right has moved from identifying themselves as followers of the message of Christ to identifying themselves by their hatred of liberals, or anything different from them...
2
Among other things, various conservative religious leaders in this country are teaching:
- Prosperity gospel. If you are rich, God made it so. Therefore, the rich are God's chosen people.
- Women are inferior and cannot hold positions of power, because The Bible says so. The most religiously and morally self-righteous members of my extended family voted for Trump for this reason alone.
- God controls everything on Earth, therefore human-made climate change can't be a thing.
- To the extent that climate change my be the beginning of the end of the world...awesome! The bible predicts that the world we be destroyed and Christians will be saved! Rapture! Hooray!
- War in the Middle East? Also awesome! That Biblical prediction presages the rapture! Woot!
This nonsense influences our policy making more than anyone wants to admit.
- Prosperity gospel. If you are rich, God made it so. Therefore, the rich are God's chosen people.
- Women are inferior and cannot hold positions of power, because The Bible says so. The most religiously and morally self-righteous members of my extended family voted for Trump for this reason alone.
- God controls everything on Earth, therefore human-made climate change can't be a thing.
- To the extent that climate change my be the beginning of the end of the world...awesome! The bible predicts that the world we be destroyed and Christians will be saved! Rapture! Hooray!
- War in the Middle East? Also awesome! That Biblical prediction presages the rapture! Woot!
This nonsense influences our policy making more than anyone wants to admit.
5
It’s easy to imagine a future American dystopia enabled by single issue voting blocs such as the evangelicals who have made a deal with the devil. A future in which scores of uneducated, malnourished children lucky enough to survive open-carry crossfire and lead-poisoned drinking water instead succumb to curable diseases. A future in which evangelicals bray to their god that thanks to their righteousness, the unborn will no longer die from abortion.
1
I had this explained to me by a Christian friend. The Israelite captivity in Babylon ended when the Persians defeated the Babylonians and King Cyrus freed the Israelites. Trump is the modern Cyrus. Cyrus was not a Jew, but he did God's will and deserves thanks and gratitude for that. Trump is freeing the Christians of captivity in a secularist and evil nation, and allowing them to restore God's New Jerusalem here. See, there's a logical, Scriptural explanation for this.
A small correction: religion is the last refuge of scoundrels since patriotism is merely another form of religion. May Jesus save us from this sorry collection of his "followers".
Mr Egan sums up perfectly the hypocrisy that is the Christian right and the pious old white male Republicans. WWJD? Certainly not stand behind and accept Donald Trump as the leader of their party or their country. And Mike Pence is the leader of this tribe. Practice what you preach Mr Vice President--Can't have a dinner alone with Angela Merkel but can stand behind a man who has demonstrated he does not have even a thread of moral fiber. And where are those self righteous members of the House and Senate. There is not a shred of decency in any of these people who remain silent an let this disease called the Trump administration fester. And, the voters who continue to support these folks and let them continue to hide and ignore the are equally guilty!
3
A modest proposal. A new hymn for the trump cult should be "Stand by Your Man" by Tammy Wynette.
White evangelical and fundamentalist Christians are following an end times narrative that calls for someone like Trump to ascend to world leadership. They are partnering with God to bring about the great tribulation and the destruction of the planet that will precede Christ's coming again. This narrative conveniently raptures all the faithful off the planet before the worst of the suffering kicks in, so they can watch from the clouds with glee as the rest of us, the left behind, get wiped out.
To all the believers out there:
It is time for all you believers (of any religion) to ask why do you believe? Is it based on any real evidence or is it based on some form of authority? In just about every case, you will have to admit that your beliefs arise from the indoctrination you received as a very young child from your parents and from other authority figures such as your priests, imams, rabbis, ayatollahs based on myths originating more than a thousand years ago. And being a child you had no capacity to challenge or even think of the rationality of these authoritative claims - this is equivalent to child mind abuse. To believe claims made in the Age of Ignorance more than a thousand years ago is irrational. It was in those times that the life after death beliefs took hold, and while it must be very comforting to believe in an after life there is no evidence that this is so -only myths and superstitions. After all, in those times, the best minds also believed that matter was comprised of fire, earth, water and air. We now know what the basis of disease and cures, hereditary, and electricity – all this has been discovered in the past few hundred years. It is time to wake up and think a little. Ignorance, intolerance and arrogance are the natural outcomes of blind faith.
It is time for all you believers (of any religion) to ask why do you believe? Is it based on any real evidence or is it based on some form of authority? In just about every case, you will have to admit that your beliefs arise from the indoctrination you received as a very young child from your parents and from other authority figures such as your priests, imams, rabbis, ayatollahs based on myths originating more than a thousand years ago. And being a child you had no capacity to challenge or even think of the rationality of these authoritative claims - this is equivalent to child mind abuse. To believe claims made in the Age of Ignorance more than a thousand years ago is irrational. It was in those times that the life after death beliefs took hold, and while it must be very comforting to believe in an after life there is no evidence that this is so -only myths and superstitions. After all, in those times, the best minds also believed that matter was comprised of fire, earth, water and air. We now know what the basis of disease and cures, hereditary, and electricity – all this has been discovered in the past few hundred years. It is time to wake up and think a little. Ignorance, intolerance and arrogance are the natural outcomes of blind faith.
3
How many millions over the centuries have been slaughtered in the name of "religion?" And, now the Trump people want to remove all division between church and state, and they want to let churches preach politics and still not pay taxes! Our ancestors fled religious persecution to come to America. Are we gonna let these immoral fools bring it back to us? Don't thump your Bible at me. I've read it. Jesus tells us it is our duty to take care of the poor, the sick, the women and the children. He says not a word about abortion or homosexuality. Today's evangelicals do not seem to know any of this, as they rage against the rights of gay people and tell poor people to "get a job." Read the Gospels, you heathens, and live like Jesus tells us to.......Jesus was most definitely a Democrat!
2
The Religious Right and the evangelicals have been revealed as a sham. They no more follow the Bible than Osama bin Laden adhered to the Koran. They should get ashamed to call themselves Christians.
2
"I like your Christ, but not your Christians. They are so unlike!" (Mahatma Gandhi)
Can you blame the cafeteria Christians for eating the main course to get to the dessert of less abortion? We can and we must. Do the ends justify the means? Christians have sold their soul to the devil on an issue (abortion) not spoken of in the Bible. Now, lets all go visit Trump's confederate salesman of a different morality Joel Osteen's mansion. What a racket. RICO investigations anyone?
2
Evangelicals are inspired by the writings of Martin Luther. It is a "belief" system and not a "good works" system.
“If you are a preacher of grace, then preach a true and not a fictitious grace; if grace is true, you must bear a true and not a fictitious sin. God does not save people who are only fictitious sinners. Be a sinner and sin boldly, but believe and rejoice in Christ even more boldly . . . as long as we are here [in this world] we have to sin. . . . No sin will separate us from the Lamb, even though we commit fornication and murder a thousand times a day.”
“If you are a preacher of grace, then preach a true and not a fictitious grace; if grace is true, you must bear a true and not a fictitious sin. God does not save people who are only fictitious sinners. Be a sinner and sin boldly, but believe and rejoice in Christ even more boldly . . . as long as we are here [in this world] we have to sin. . . . No sin will separate us from the Lamb, even though we commit fornication and murder a thousand times a day.”
Timothy,
It's odd that you expect "evangelicals" to be especially moral or even christian.
Evangelicals are to christianity what isis and wahhabism are to islam.
So of course they like Trump.
As for whether their ideology corresponds to anything in their preferred religious text, well, as with all religious texts you can cherry pick anything you want out of them.
It's odd that you expect "evangelicals" to be especially moral or even christian.
Evangelicals are to christianity what isis and wahhabism are to islam.
So of course they like Trump.
As for whether their ideology corresponds to anything in their preferred religious text, well, as with all religious texts you can cherry pick anything you want out of them.
2
Not sure where, but I'm pretty sure the Bible says that "they who trust the words of Republicans and untrue Christians are but only fools."
Go ahead. Google it.
Go ahead. Google it.
these are not Christians. they are hyenas, vultures, hoping some drops of literal gold will fall from the brow of their AntiChrist, that they may prosper from it. Jesus had something to say about them. They've obviously forgotten it, in their adoration of Mammon.
1
Matthew 7:16 - "You shall know them by their fruits." King James Version. The fruits of these religious (I refuse to call them Christian) Republicans are rotten to the core.
Wonderful article!
1
Some religious types get it.
From the AP: " A close confidant of Pope Francis, writing Thursday in a Vatican-approved magazine, condemned the way some American evangelicals and their Roman Catholic supporters mix religion and politics, saying their worldview promotes division and hatred. The Rev. Antonio Spadaro, editor of the influential Jesuit journal La Civilta Cattolica, also took aim at conservative religious support for President Donald Trump, accusing activists of promoting a “xenophobic and Islamophobic vision that wants walls and purifying deportations.” Trump has sought to bar travelers from six Muslim-majority countries and vowed to build a wall on the Mexican border."
From the AP: " A close confidant of Pope Francis, writing Thursday in a Vatican-approved magazine, condemned the way some American evangelicals and their Roman Catholic supporters mix religion and politics, saying their worldview promotes division and hatred. The Rev. Antonio Spadaro, editor of the influential Jesuit journal La Civilta Cattolica, also took aim at conservative religious support for President Donald Trump, accusing activists of promoting a “xenophobic and Islamophobic vision that wants walls and purifying deportations.” Trump has sought to bar travelers from six Muslim-majority countries and vowed to build a wall on the Mexican border."
1
Bravo!!!! There it is in black and white! Trump is a pathological liar. He is the further thing from a Christian! The man is ignorant, immature and a nothing more than a low-class criminal. That's who is running this country and Pence couldn't care less because he is just waiting in the wings for the wheels to fall off the Trump bus so that he can become president. Mark my words if that happens, then I pray the second coming happens because he is pure evil. Any person who uses and yes I said uses religion as their platform to reap pain and suffering on the least among us is evil. Pence doesn't follow God because God's teachings are the complete opposite of Pence's actions.
1
The words "Useful tool" comes to mind
These guys really frost me. Cowards all. Duck and cover is their mantra. Keep the light focused on the shark tank.
1
Is it all that unusual for evangelicals to stick to their guns and myth of a man over science, and rational thought?
The sad thing is these white evangelicals are playing trump the same way they play their flock. They say they love him and he says he will do whatever they want. What a weak minded man!
1
People are free to worship whatever church they please. And if evangelicals like president Trump and his policies that is their choice. The election is over NY Times and it is time this paper recognizes that fact.
I dont suppose the holy, self-righteous followers of Jesus Christ have, in their reading of Scripture stumbled upon either of the following:
Chapter 26, verse 8 in the Book of Psalm: "Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honor dwelleth." They might puzzle over this, but certainly not
Chapter 7, verse 10 in the Book of Zechariah: "And oppress not the widow or the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart."
The first citation runs counter to the reverence, humility, awe, and, yes, fear, that should be the very first principle of those who profess to walk in the path of the Son of Man. It is another wording of the First Commandment: "You shall have no gods before me."
The second citation runs counter to every tenet of this current iteration of the Republican party. The rank despite in which the majority-GOP in both the House and Senate hold "we the people" is the 180-degree opposite of this under-appreciated prophet's admonition to do right by all, regardless.
Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan have made lucrative careers by imagining "evil against [their] brothers in [their] hearts," particularly evident since Barack Obama assumed the presidency in 2009. In every legislative attempt by Mr. Obama to succor the oppressed, the House and Senate rose up against him, defying the very Scripture[s] they profess to hold dear.
Republicans will find their reckoning not to their liking.
Chapter 26, verse 8 in the Book of Psalm: "Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honor dwelleth." They might puzzle over this, but certainly not
Chapter 7, verse 10 in the Book of Zechariah: "And oppress not the widow or the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart."
The first citation runs counter to the reverence, humility, awe, and, yes, fear, that should be the very first principle of those who profess to walk in the path of the Son of Man. It is another wording of the First Commandment: "You shall have no gods before me."
The second citation runs counter to every tenet of this current iteration of the Republican party. The rank despite in which the majority-GOP in both the House and Senate hold "we the people" is the 180-degree opposite of this under-appreciated prophet's admonition to do right by all, regardless.
Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan have made lucrative careers by imagining "evil against [their] brothers in [their] hearts," particularly evident since Barack Obama assumed the presidency in 2009. In every legislative attempt by Mr. Obama to succor the oppressed, the House and Senate rose up against him, defying the very Scripture[s] they profess to hold dear.
Republicans will find their reckoning not to their liking.
2
Nailed it Tim. Every last word. This is what galls this "snowflake" so much and gets my blood boiling... These pious, conservative, "more patriotic than thou" types who are suddenly dumb struck when their own is caught red handed.
2
Pence is as toxic as Trump, McConnell and that bad boy scout Ryan.
1
There are plenty of parables in Scripture about just such people as these, the ones who call themselves Christian but act in ways in total disagreement with the definition of what a Christian actually is. I agree 100% with this columnist. Robertson, Pence and all the rest of them are no representatives of righteousness in my book.
My husband and I are Christians and have started using the word "radicalized" to describe some of our Christian brothers and sisters in this country. I believe that just as we've seen a rise in religious radicalization in other parts of the world, we are experiencing it here within the Christian community as well. However, as Jesus said, it is so easy to see the speck in someone else's eye than to see the tree trunk in our own.
Please investigate Rev. Jim Wallis and Sojourners. Jim is an evangelical pastor and reminds me to refrain from generalizations.
What this is all boils down to is power. Who gets to make the rules? The struggle shows up in the very first commandment.
Please investigate Rev. Jim Wallis and Sojourners. Jim is an evangelical pastor and reminds me to refrain from generalizations.
What this is all boils down to is power. Who gets to make the rules? The struggle shows up in the very first commandment.
2
Tom Wolpert,
Interesting that you would place Romans I above the Gospels. That is very telling about where the Evangelical mind set is now. Maybe Evangelicals need to separate out Jesus's actual teachings from the rest of the Bible, because they are far more comfortable with the parts of the Bible that confirm their pre-existing cultural beliefs than the Gospels.
Interesting that you would place Romans I above the Gospels. That is very telling about where the Evangelical mind set is now. Maybe Evangelicals need to separate out Jesus's actual teachings from the rest of the Bible, because they are far more comfortable with the parts of the Bible that confirm their pre-existing cultural beliefs than the Gospels.
1
The Vatican agrees with what is written here--and in the article below, they even go further in condemning what American's religious right is doing with "religion" and politics. ! I highly recommend reading the article:
https://laciviltacattolica.com/june-2017/evangelical-fundamentalism-and-...
https://laciviltacattolica.com/june-2017/evangelical-fundamentalism-and-...
132
Religiosity, in most (but not all) cases, means tribal affiliations, exclusions of non-believers and in the case of the modern Evangelist movement--the continuation of the racial divide under cover of "God",
I am religious but the most important thing I do is study the texts and serve on charity boards to help out others. The last thing I would do is combine religion with politics; it is too toxic
I am religious but the most important thing I do is study the texts and serve on charity boards to help out others. The last thing I would do is combine religion with politics; it is too toxic
3
I'm sad for Trump and his actions, the anti-social and anti-Christian morals he continues to demonstrate, the evil way in which he acts toward women and disabled, and especially his lies, and hitting back with attacks on the character and appearance of those responsible for calling him out, and apparently covering up his lies, all sins in any religion.
3
But wait! Pence took over the trumpster's transition team. While he stands to take the hand-off baton of the presidency, he was in on, witness to, and responsible for all of the elements of the transition. He is contaminated by the nidus of the putrid infection from the trump family. No matter how much money he obtains from the Kochs et al, he is criminally complicit. Pence is damaged goods, he is infected.
8
Bless you, Brother Egan! The Good Book says that "By their deeds, ye shall know them." In his article, “For Religious Conservatives, Success and Access at the Trump White House,” (NYT, 2/13/2017), Jeremy Peters has a conservative religious leader saying: “He [Trump] doesn’t pretend to be a Bible-banging evangelical. And we respect that. But he was also very clear about what he was going to do…. And it lined up with what evangelicals wanted.” Peters then added: “What the religious right wanted, perhaps above all else, was the nomination of a solidly conservative judge to the Supreme Court. And Mr. Trump delivered with his selection of Judge Gorsuch.” On the bases of their behavior on social issues and the political choices they've made for decades, do we not know these Evangelical Christians? Do we not see how faithfully they have “observed” the tenets of The Sermon on The Mount? For many religious folks, political pragmatism, not adherence to The Beatitudes, is the Golden Rule.
2
This is no surprise, Christianity has been in bed with government since the days of Constantine. With the power of government coercion to back you up, it's a lot easier to fleece your flocks and to corral the non-believers and label them as heretics. For those of us who are non-believers, I just hope we can keep these folks at bay, before they decide they can start burning us at the stake again.
3
Kjensen--Our Constitution guarantees our freedom FROM religion. THAT'S why non-believers will never stop fighting the effects of toxic religion upon our government.
1
Trump looks like one of those greasy evangelical preachers. If he gets impeached, He should start his own CBN show with a gold chair, gold curtains, gold stage, and gold hair.
The picture of Trump getting prayed over in the Oval has been the most disturbing image of Trump's tenure for me. Trump comes off like The King and the Duke in Mark Twain's Huck Finn. In the novel they go from town to town stealing stuff, and at one point pretend they are preachers to steal money. In the picture Trump becomes a type of Revival Grifter with one eye closed, half a smile as the pastors pray over him. One can almost here him chuckling to Bannon afterwards.
The picture of Trump getting prayed over in the Oval has been the most disturbing image of Trump's tenure for me. Trump comes off like The King and the Duke in Mark Twain's Huck Finn. In the novel they go from town to town stealing stuff, and at one point pretend they are preachers to steal money. In the picture Trump becomes a type of Revival Grifter with one eye closed, half a smile as the pastors pray over him. One can almost here him chuckling to Bannon afterwards.
4
These "Christian" supporters of Trump know their Bible, verse by verse. Perhaps they should focus on just The Ten Commandments, and then help the rest of us understand how their support for the immoral person occupying the WH reflects those words.
3
Linda--They are pick-and-choose "Christians," who can quote the bible, but have no idea what it may mean, particularly when it contradicts itself so often, and feel free to interpret it anyway that serves their nefarious goals..
1
All those who continue to support Donald Trump and his presidency fall into one or more of a limited set of categories:
ideologues or opportunists whose fervor allows them to ignore any moral or ethical issues;
those ignorant of the circumstances surrounding this administration;
those who, in addition to being unknowing, are also stupid;
those who are in Trump's camp for the money;
finally, those whose loyalty to the constitution and/or to the people of the U.S. are already compromised.
I can think of no other category into which a Trump supporter might fall.
ideologues or opportunists whose fervor allows them to ignore any moral or ethical issues;
those ignorant of the circumstances surrounding this administration;
those who, in addition to being unknowing, are also stupid;
those who are in Trump's camp for the money;
finally, those whose loyalty to the constitution and/or to the people of the U.S. are already compromised.
I can think of no other category into which a Trump supporter might fall.
2
Speaking as a Christian, and an admittedly flawed one, I find most offensive of all the hypocrites supporting Trump the self-proclaimed evangelicals who look blindly past every moral defect of the man, simply because he represents some of their most cherished far right convictions.
Mr. Egan is correct in his analysis, and one can only wonder exactly what Gospel these camel-swallowing evangelicals are following. It is certainly not the message of mercy preached by Jesus of Nazareth.
Mr. Egan is correct in his analysis, and one can only wonder exactly what Gospel these camel-swallowing evangelicals are following. It is certainly not the message of mercy preached by Jesus of Nazareth.
4
Evangelicals are not a monolith. Let's be clear about that. Many have not embraced the right wing politicization of their faith.
But many have. Since the 1970's, an influential segment of the Evangelical movement chose to embrace political power so as to impose their radical religious right image on America, and in so doing, have both corrupted Christianity in America and our politics (though their influence stretches worldwide).
Never has the wisdom of the founders of the US in seeking to separate church and state been demonstrated more clearly than now.
This segment of Evangelical Christianity has been turning Christianity away from its most basic beliefs and principles, the primary one being that God is love. These Evangelicals aren't about loving their neighbors as themselves or turning the other cheek; they're about aggression and greed, embracing Christ in name only as they wield political power to impose their decidedly unChristian prejudices, policies, and judgments of others on the entire US, despoiling their own hearts and minds in the process.
They and Donald Trump are opposite sides of the same corrupt coin, a coin that should never have been minted. A coin that the founders of our country tried to ensure would never exist.
Yet here we are.
But many have. Since the 1970's, an influential segment of the Evangelical movement chose to embrace political power so as to impose their radical religious right image on America, and in so doing, have both corrupted Christianity in America and our politics (though their influence stretches worldwide).
Never has the wisdom of the founders of the US in seeking to separate church and state been demonstrated more clearly than now.
This segment of Evangelical Christianity has been turning Christianity away from its most basic beliefs and principles, the primary one being that God is love. These Evangelicals aren't about loving their neighbors as themselves or turning the other cheek; they're about aggression and greed, embracing Christ in name only as they wield political power to impose their decidedly unChristian prejudices, policies, and judgments of others on the entire US, despoiling their own hearts and minds in the process.
They and Donald Trump are opposite sides of the same corrupt coin, a coin that should never have been minted. A coin that the founders of our country tried to ensure would never exist.
Yet here we are.
2
Mike Pence, along with Jared Kushner, needs to be scrutinized til his skin is peeled back. I have not a shred of respect for the man who worked diligently to deconstruct his home state of Indiana and the rights of gays, union workers, women. His move to shut down Planned Parenthood resulted in a huge outbreak of HIV, and he nearly destroyed his state with huge tax cuts. He would love to force a theocracy on the country.
He is waiting in the wings for the T administration to implode so that he can step in and assume the presidency. Wrapped in an oily mantle of pseudo Christianity, he could never have attained such a high office on his own merit, without riding on djt's coattails.
His complacency and complicity in the face of the deeply immoral shenanigans we are now seeing, should result in deep scrutiny. I fear him nearly as much as the current "fake" president. We can't let this happen.
He is waiting in the wings for the T administration to implode so that he can step in and assume the presidency. Wrapped in an oily mantle of pseudo Christianity, he could never have attained such a high office on his own merit, without riding on djt's coattails.
His complacency and complicity in the face of the deeply immoral shenanigans we are now seeing, should result in deep scrutiny. I fear him nearly as much as the current "fake" president. We can't let this happen.
5
As an atheist I see all religious folks as delusional, but these so called evangelicals are not religious in the understood sense, they serve only the gods of money and power.
4
The in creep of well-funded religion into government is right behind the moneylenders and influence buyers in this country's list of cardinal sins. Condescending righteousness, utter blindness to the fact that large swathes of the country don't believe as they do or want what they do, and the substitution of belief for facts are not God's will. Much as I loathe what today's Republicans party stands for, I hate even more the hypocrisy they think hides naked greed And personal ambition. I despise Trump, but a GOP united behind Pence or Ryan is possibly even more dangerous.
3
People who support Trump will never be confused by any facts or moral code. They will support Trump up to the point of Trump's own words, "until he kills someone on 42nd Street." Then, even if Trump committed the murder, when he denies it, his supporters will believe Trump is innocent and the fake news is out to get him. It is a fantasy to expect any Republican or other supporter of Trump to ever stop supporting him. It is very sad, but sadly true.
3
This article is very much to the point. History, including the present, is full of examples where the mantle of religious piety has served to cover cruel misdeeds.
The GOP has honed a long line-up of hypocrites who can put on the pious face of an innocent choirboy while they commit acts of amazing callousness and cruelty that betray the core values of their religion. Pence and Ryan are not the only examples. Make your own list ...
In view of this depressing lineup of possible successors, impeaching Trump will not change much in substance. Things can only get better if folks wake up and throw these hypocrites out of office. Perhaps the next election will bring some relief, but don't take that for granted.
The GOP has honed a long line-up of hypocrites who can put on the pious face of an innocent choirboy while they commit acts of amazing callousness and cruelty that betray the core values of their religion. Pence and Ryan are not the only examples. Make your own list ...
In view of this depressing lineup of possible successors, impeaching Trump will not change much in substance. Things can only get better if folks wake up and throw these hypocrites out of office. Perhaps the next election will bring some relief, but don't take that for granted.
1
You do not understand: Pence and others of similar belief think the Russian Orthodox Church, enabled by Putin, is making one of the last stands in defense of Christianity. They love Putin as much as Trump loves Putin and have struck an alliance.
US politics has a long history of cultural conflict and we are in the midst of a terrible example.
US politics has a long history of cultural conflict and we are in the midst of a terrible example.
1
I'm not much religious, and I don't know if Mr. Egan is or isn't. But he did refer to the New Testament to support his argument insofar as treatment of the "least of these" so it would seem he probably came from some kind of Christian background. And it doesn't seem to me a very Christian thing for him to hold up other Christians he disagrees with theologically to ridicule by the Trump haters in this commentary, as he surely knew would happen. Maybe Egan needs to re-read that passage from Matthew?
Or perhaps you do.
Finding religious hypocrites, bad behavior, and deceitful double-dealing among red state politicians is like finding fleas on junkyard dogs.
Spouting pious Christianity has long been the cover for remarkably cruel behavior since the days of slavery in our country, and I suspect many of the Republican politicians Egan is writing about today would not have much difficulty being sympathetic to slavery or quasi-slavery in various forms.
Our nation is engaging in a Cold Civil War, where there is little meeting of minds and hearts between right-wing tea party conservatives and progressive liberals and showcased by all our red state-blue state value clashes and policy rifts playing out in the media.
It's Texas vs. California, according to an excellent article in this week's New Yorker titled "America's Future is Texas." A really good read.
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/07/10/americas-future-is-texas
Trump's east coast secular background makes him ill-suited to appeal to rabid red staters, but Trump was viewed as a nouveau riche clod and shunned by east coast elites.
Ever the opportunist Trump saw what the rest of presidential contenders missed: an entire swath of voters in this country despises CA and reveres TX. Why? Texas politicians cheat and are bold, outrageous, cruel, and proudly sinful and hypocritical--they are emotional, the masters of overstatement, and "colorful characters."
Will it be Texas or California for our country?
Spouting pious Christianity has long been the cover for remarkably cruel behavior since the days of slavery in our country, and I suspect many of the Republican politicians Egan is writing about today would not have much difficulty being sympathetic to slavery or quasi-slavery in various forms.
Our nation is engaging in a Cold Civil War, where there is little meeting of minds and hearts between right-wing tea party conservatives and progressive liberals and showcased by all our red state-blue state value clashes and policy rifts playing out in the media.
It's Texas vs. California, according to an excellent article in this week's New Yorker titled "America's Future is Texas." A really good read.
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/07/10/americas-future-is-texas
Trump's east coast secular background makes him ill-suited to appeal to rabid red staters, but Trump was viewed as a nouveau riche clod and shunned by east coast elites.
Ever the opportunist Trump saw what the rest of presidential contenders missed: an entire swath of voters in this country despises CA and reveres TX. Why? Texas politicians cheat and are bold, outrageous, cruel, and proudly sinful and hypocritical--they are emotional, the masters of overstatement, and "colorful characters."
Will it be Texas or California for our country?
A "Biblical miracle?" Such a strange comment! Although I suspect that God feels a distinct need to call America to account, does he really hate us so much as to have given us Donald Trump as our president? No, it is we who hate ourselves so much. God is simply the stem-winder who makes us responsible for what happens after the watch is wound.
Maybe God takes offense at the self-inflicted “lives of dependency and complacency” lived by our feckless elected officials, most particularly but hardly limited to our president and the various levels of congressional leadership embodied in the persona of Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell and, of course, the King of Orange and his Precious Prince of Piety.
Maybe God takes offense at the self-inflicted “lives of dependency and complacency” lived by our feckless elected officials, most particularly but hardly limited to our president and the various levels of congressional leadership embodied in the persona of Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell and, of course, the King of Orange and his Precious Prince of Piety.
1
Trump lies and lies and lies, and then lies about his lies. That's rich. It's about time we start calling Trumps misstatements what they really are.
1
"Trump trashes the dignity of his office on a daily basis. He lies and lies and lies, and then lies about his lies. He would take vital care away from the most vulnerable among us. And the response from these representatives of righteousness?
"President Trump is the greatest thing that’s happened to this country,” said Luther Strange, who was appointed to the Alabama Senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions. “I consider it a biblical miracle that he’s here.”
All totally on target. I think the pivotal sentence is "He lies and lies and lies, and then lies about his lies." Think what we are doing to our children.
"President Trump is the greatest thing that’s happened to this country,” said Luther Strange, who was appointed to the Alabama Senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions. “I consider it a biblical miracle that he’s here.”
All totally on target. I think the pivotal sentence is "He lies and lies and lies, and then lies about his lies." Think what we are doing to our children.
2
Trump is scary because he has access to the nuclear launch codes and appears deranged. Pence is scary because he seems willing to go along with anything to further his agenda but he is smooth (not scary acting).
1
But the most apposite quotation seems missing in the article & comments below.
Matthew 23:27
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness."
(King James, still the league-leader for cultural touchstones.)
Matthew 23:27
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness."
(King James, still the league-leader for cultural touchstones.)
3
"The most odious of those who are letting Trump drag America into the gutter include Vice President Mike Pence, the leaders in Congress and the pious shepherds of a white evangelical community that continues to give an awful man a pass for every awful thing he does."
Well these folks are near the top of the list at least. The goal is a narrow-minded rigid fundamentalist Theocracy, and for the unscrupulous, no means is too vile not to merit justification by the end goal. Unfortunately, a Theocracy of the unscrupulous is a dubious aim.
Well these folks are near the top of the list at least. The goal is a narrow-minded rigid fundamentalist Theocracy, and for the unscrupulous, no means is too vile not to merit justification by the end goal. Unfortunately, a Theocracy of the unscrupulous is a dubious aim.
3
This is absolutely brilliant, well done. You managed to put together everything that's going on in a succinct and meaningful way. My head is exploding from these people and I just don't want to believe that the majority of my fellow Americans continue to blindly follow these evil fools.
3
Read I Kings. Toward the end. The prophet, Elijah, is in utter despair--"Lord, I have cast down the idols--I have striven to preserve the worship of the true God--only I am left (in a nation given over to apostasy)--and they seek to take my life!" (A free paraphrase)
The Lord (among other things) tells him--"I have reserved unto myself seven thousand that have not bowed the knee to Baal nor kissed his image." There yet remain some true believers. Not many--but some.
This little story, Mr. Egan, is applicable to the present day body of evangelical Christians in America. Not all of us, sir--by no means ALL of us have "bowed the knee to Mr. Trump and kissed his image." Oh no, sir! Never believe it! Never believe it!
I know hordes of evangelical Christians--in my own church, in other churches, in the land at large--who have turned with astonished loathing from the words, works, person of Mr. Donald Trump. A great many--I concede the point, sir!--a great many have NOT done this. A great many (I say it with horror and shame) have EMBRACED this man as a kind of deliverer--a secular Moses (VERY secular, you might say) raised up by the Lord to lead America out of a wasteland of humanistic idolatry and sexual immorality.
BUT NOT THIS EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN! Never think it, sir! Never think it.
As for the present day Republican party, what to say about them? Well, Mr. Egan--i have already said it.
Horror and shame. Would that suffice?
I hope so.
The Lord (among other things) tells him--"I have reserved unto myself seven thousand that have not bowed the knee to Baal nor kissed his image." There yet remain some true believers. Not many--but some.
This little story, Mr. Egan, is applicable to the present day body of evangelical Christians in America. Not all of us, sir--by no means ALL of us have "bowed the knee to Mr. Trump and kissed his image." Oh no, sir! Never believe it! Never believe it!
I know hordes of evangelical Christians--in my own church, in other churches, in the land at large--who have turned with astonished loathing from the words, works, person of Mr. Donald Trump. A great many--I concede the point, sir!--a great many have NOT done this. A great many (I say it with horror and shame) have EMBRACED this man as a kind of deliverer--a secular Moses (VERY secular, you might say) raised up by the Lord to lead America out of a wasteland of humanistic idolatry and sexual immorality.
BUT NOT THIS EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN! Never think it, sir! Never think it.
As for the present day Republican party, what to say about them? Well, Mr. Egan--i have already said it.
Horror and shame. Would that suffice?
I hope so.
1
@BillCullen commented: "... pray for Trump who... was delivered to you by God to be used as a tool, a flawed man that will advance your cause."
What is that cause? I live in a blue state, but have (what I thought was) a friend, an Evangelical, in a deep red state. I reached out after the election wanting to start a dialog. She told me prior to the election she would vote for Clinton, but I didn't believe it. I was right. I asked why she voted for Trump. He would make things better, she said. After going through her list of better and showing her he would make them worse, using logic, history and evidence - she'd finally had enough, and out poured the truth:
Yes, he was a bad, immoral and maybe even evil man. But God sometimes chooses evil to do His work. We cannot question God's choice.
Choice to do what? I asked. What work?
"Donald Trump will either be so terrible that he will bring this country to its knees, crying out for God's forgiveness - or he will bring the End Time by pushing the button. My family and I are saved, and will be at Christ's right hand in second. All the rest will burn."
Oh, the smug self-righteousness in her voice. My children and I, the entire world would be destroyed, but she would be content.
That's when I saw her, and all who believed as she did unmasked. Like so many (not all) of Trump's supporters, she seems like a nice person. As a citizen, and voter, she's a monster.
What is that cause? I live in a blue state, but have (what I thought was) a friend, an Evangelical, in a deep red state. I reached out after the election wanting to start a dialog. She told me prior to the election she would vote for Clinton, but I didn't believe it. I was right. I asked why she voted for Trump. He would make things better, she said. After going through her list of better and showing her he would make them worse, using logic, history and evidence - she'd finally had enough, and out poured the truth:
Yes, he was a bad, immoral and maybe even evil man. But God sometimes chooses evil to do His work. We cannot question God's choice.
Choice to do what? I asked. What work?
"Donald Trump will either be so terrible that he will bring this country to its knees, crying out for God's forgiveness - or he will bring the End Time by pushing the button. My family and I are saved, and will be at Christ's right hand in second. All the rest will burn."
Oh, the smug self-righteousness in her voice. My children and I, the entire world would be destroyed, but she would be content.
That's when I saw her, and all who believed as she did unmasked. Like so many (not all) of Trump's supporters, she seems like a nice person. As a citizen, and voter, she's a monster.
3
Didn't Moses warn about the "worship of the Golden Calf"? Little do these phony "Christians" know that the devil always works to seduce and convert the "so-called righteous" to do his bidding. And in the end the real righteous kick the money changers out of the temple.
Let's see Pat Robertson's tax returns too.
Let's see Pat Robertson's tax returns too.
1
In my humble opinion, there is a deep, yawning chasm between how Evangelical "Christians" are rabidly consumed with imposing their rigid set of rules for how we should all live our lives and how they actually live their own lives. They throw their moral compasses out the window in their quest to "win" at any cost. Disgraceful.
1
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is even worse than Speaker Ryan as a Trump sycophant and enabler. When Trump attacked Mika, Senator McConnell did not even issue a statement. Speaker Ryan's fortitude extended to addressing the comment as not "appropriate." Ryan even said it was "important" to get to the bottom of Donald Trump Jr's collusion with Russia. More silence emanated from McConnell's office.
1
I saw a video clip somewhere a while ago - sorry I can't give proper credit - of some young people who took to the streets with a Koran and read passersby passages from the book to get their reactions.
Each passage was selected for it's calls for violence from God, and of the horrible consequences to be brought down on those who did not believe in him - the one true god.
After the horrifying images of mutilation and torture and death and no mercy, the people were horrified and renewed their fear and hatred of Muslims and those who believed in this religion of violence and cruelty.
Then the interviewers remove the cover of the book and it's, of course, the Bible.
Don't quote the Bible to me as the literal as the word of God, unless you're willing to kill adulterers. Adultery, sex with a woman who is betrothed to someone else, and sex with someone while betrothed to someone else all warrant the death penalty (sporting tattoos, wearing blended fabrics, and cooking steak in butter aren't capital crimes but are punished severely).
Seriously, as Jefferson noted in the Jefferson Bible, a compilation of only the sayings of Christ taken out of the rest of the book, contains some interesting and useful philosophy based on love, and caring for the poor and less well off than you, and humility and grace and sacrifice - none of which you will find near a sentence referring to Trump or anyone in his administration or any legislation he backs.
What are Christians thinking?
Each passage was selected for it's calls for violence from God, and of the horrible consequences to be brought down on those who did not believe in him - the one true god.
After the horrifying images of mutilation and torture and death and no mercy, the people were horrified and renewed their fear and hatred of Muslims and those who believed in this religion of violence and cruelty.
Then the interviewers remove the cover of the book and it's, of course, the Bible.
Don't quote the Bible to me as the literal as the word of God, unless you're willing to kill adulterers. Adultery, sex with a woman who is betrothed to someone else, and sex with someone while betrothed to someone else all warrant the death penalty (sporting tattoos, wearing blended fabrics, and cooking steak in butter aren't capital crimes but are punished severely).
Seriously, as Jefferson noted in the Jefferson Bible, a compilation of only the sayings of Christ taken out of the rest of the book, contains some interesting and useful philosophy based on love, and caring for the poor and less well off than you, and humility and grace and sacrifice - none of which you will find near a sentence referring to Trump or anyone in his administration or any legislation he backs.
What are Christians thinking?
1
I'm glad you applied the derided term "safe spaces" to Hannity et al. The conservatives I know are visibly terrified of information that does not originate on Fox or right wing radio.
2
The active and perpetual Hypocrisy of Republican opportunists, Administration Appointees who are little more than whacky Lackeys and the supportive abortive Media as well as the Religious Right of the Holy Bereft (of Christian, Human and other common religious values, morality and humanity )...
...is as staggering in it's audacity as it is shameful in its actively continued and growing existence as what so many who should never entertain such, not only do but do more and even greater with a fervour and disdain to those that do not same view who believe in better ways to treat others less fortunate than me and you and of the very many ways and means to so much greater and better things that could and should be done to do.
...is as staggering in it's audacity as it is shameful in its actively continued and growing existence as what so many who should never entertain such, not only do but do more and even greater with a fervour and disdain to those that do not same view who believe in better ways to treat others less fortunate than me and you and of the very many ways and means to so much greater and better things that could and should be done to do.
Vangies are nothing more than another identity group; one closely aligned with the alt-right. Their so-called Xtianity indulges their sense of moral superiority which leads to resentment while demanding absolutely nothing of them.
Pence is either a clueless incompetent pawn or a devious co-conspirator. Pence was put in charge of vetting the cabinet picks and Flynn told him he was under investigation, so it seems clear that Pence knew or should have known about Flynn's credibility problems. Pence puts on his serious, pious face and denies any Russia connections and backs up Trump. Pence has to know by now that Trump does nothing but lie, lie, lie and lie some more. Pence accepts it. Pence is counting on Trump resigning or being impeach leaving Pastor Pence in charge.
1
In the prayer picture in the Oval Office, Trump is hanging out with his kind: grifters who cheat people out of their hard earned money. Although, I would argue Trump University went further into the muck than CBN. Now it looks like Trump is trying to grift the CBN grifters by pretending he actually cares about their religion.
1
"Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction." - Blaise Pascal
1
I'd like to thank all evangelicals, particularly the most self-righteous ones, for the recent steep increase in rational realization that there is no god, and the bible is nothing but an archeological, and historical, reference relic. Thanks to your ruthless intolerance, and ridiculous single-mindedness, GOOD people are having second thoughts, and the ranks of agnostics and atheists are growing by leaps and bounds.
1
In literature, Satan promises great riches if you will sell your soul to him.
But now, as evil and cruelty works in the world, it appears that there is a more effective strategy: give riches up front, then threaten to take them away.
The Republicans have been given everything they want, control of the government of the most powerful nation on earth. To avoid risking the loss of this power, all they have to do is ignore all evidence of collusion with a foreign power, violation of the emoluments clause, possibly removing sanctions in exchange for secret real estate deals?,
in other words, it can appear that all Republicans have to do to hold on to THIS GIFT OF power is to betray their Country.
But now, as evil and cruelty works in the world, it appears that there is a more effective strategy: give riches up front, then threaten to take them away.
The Republicans have been given everything they want, control of the government of the most powerful nation on earth. To avoid risking the loss of this power, all they have to do is ignore all evidence of collusion with a foreign power, violation of the emoluments clause, possibly removing sanctions in exchange for secret real estate deals?,
in other words, it can appear that all Republicans have to do to hold on to THIS GIFT OF power is to betray their Country.
2
Man creates god in his own image.
It's fortunate that god's will aligns with ours so well.
It has always been thus.
Surely the gap between the GOP and the god its adherents claim to follow is the biggest gap between belief and policy in my lifetime.
It's fortunate that god's will aligns with ours so well.
It has always been thus.
Surely the gap between the GOP and the god its adherents claim to follow is the biggest gap between belief and policy in my lifetime.
A good argument can be made that organized religion exists because it serves those with power -- "Do as I say because God says so."
Before large government, there was no large religion either. They arrived together. But even in the small group, the group leader typically would align with the shaman, since conflict between them could destroy the small group.
Before large government, there was no large religion either. They arrived together. But even in the small group, the group leader typically would align with the shaman, since conflict between them could destroy the small group.
3
That's why in Quakerism we don't have leaders, and we never kowtow to power.
Don't many excuse it with " hate the sin, but love the sinner"? And after that, they justify anything.
Especially if he promises to clamp down on abortions.
Especially if he promises to clamp down on abortions.
7
If I were a fundamentalist Evangelical who had voted for Trump, I would now be repenting my action and imploring the Lord's forgiveness. I would ask myself: Has there ever been an American president so ignorant and disrespectful of the U.S. Constitution? Who has so obviously never asked himself: What would Jesus do? Who is so arrogant and prideful--and so obviously incapable of recognizing his own faults and repenting of his past misdeeds?
I would join the Resist Trump movement.
I would pray for all those charged with curbing the actions of this morally, intellectually, and psychologically unfit president. I would do everything within my power to encourage them to remove him from office. Trump is obviously a danger to himself, to others and to the prospects of peace on this planet.
I would remind myself of the chief lesson of the Book of Genesis: The sin of Adam and Eve diminished the moral acuity and weakened the wills of subsequent generations of humans and we must continually remain open to the grace of redemption which counters these all too human weaknesses.
I would recall that the Serpent remains ever wily and Satan remains the Father of Lies and Liars--and the Prince of this Darkening World.
I would re-read the Book of Revelations concerning the nature of the Anti-Christ.
I would then tell my Mormon friends to seek out the Man with the White Horse. It is clearly time for him to saddle up. The U.S. Constitution is so evidently hanging by a single thread.
I would join the Resist Trump movement.
I would pray for all those charged with curbing the actions of this morally, intellectually, and psychologically unfit president. I would do everything within my power to encourage them to remove him from office. Trump is obviously a danger to himself, to others and to the prospects of peace on this planet.
I would remind myself of the chief lesson of the Book of Genesis: The sin of Adam and Eve diminished the moral acuity and weakened the wills of subsequent generations of humans and we must continually remain open to the grace of redemption which counters these all too human weaknesses.
I would recall that the Serpent remains ever wily and Satan remains the Father of Lies and Liars--and the Prince of this Darkening World.
I would re-read the Book of Revelations concerning the nature of the Anti-Christ.
I would then tell my Mormon friends to seek out the Man with the White Horse. It is clearly time for him to saddle up. The U.S. Constitution is so evidently hanging by a single thread.
9
In this administration, which one is Satan and which one is the guy that goes to store to get Satan a pack of smokes ? ( sorry I digress )
The answer to above is irrelevant ( they are both equally destructive in their own ways ) and should be irrelevant, considering the founding fathers explicitly put a wall between church and state.
That wall\line is blurred beyond recognition now in the realm of Citizen's United with all those tax exempt ''religious'' entities now unleashed to offer their brand of ''free'' speech. ( not so free when the taxpayer is subsidizing it )
Go one step further with these TV megachurches and the like, and the kowtowing to the ''leaders '' rises to biblical proportions.
What is more dangerous ? A government that wants to take away health care access, or a government that wants to use its power to subjugate people ( especially women ) through said health ''care'' ?
How dangerous is it when they are doing both. ( and more ) ?
The answer to above is irrelevant ( they are both equally destructive in their own ways ) and should be irrelevant, considering the founding fathers explicitly put a wall between church and state.
That wall\line is blurred beyond recognition now in the realm of Citizen's United with all those tax exempt ''religious'' entities now unleashed to offer their brand of ''free'' speech. ( not so free when the taxpayer is subsidizing it )
Go one step further with these TV megachurches and the like, and the kowtowing to the ''leaders '' rises to biblical proportions.
What is more dangerous ? A government that wants to take away health care access, or a government that wants to use its power to subjugate people ( especially women ) through said health ''care'' ?
How dangerous is it when they are doing both. ( and more ) ?
6
"If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas." These men, these politicians seem to believe they can dip into a cesspool without taking on any smell. Just waiting around for the axe to fall or even giving it a nudge, these churchmen, ladies, choirboys may well find out too late that the boys going down and out have a plan on taking them out too. No one likes a prig.
8
In short, what Tim is saying, is that evangelical Christianity is 'fake religion'. That truth really stinks but it's better to get it out in the fresh air.
10
Like Luther Strange (what a strange one that), evangelicals voted for Trump because Pence was on the ticket. Pence is a Christian Dominionist and firmly believes that the founders of the republic were devote Christians who wanted to establish a Christian state. No matter the letters between Adams and Jefferson that refute all this, or the fact that they, and Washington, Franklin, and Madison were all deists in the Enlightenment mold. Real history doesn't matter to them. The end game is the establishment of a Christian republic, one that criminalizes homosexuality, extends capital punishment to all "moral degenerates," and bans other religious practices. Cadres of home-schooled enforcers would rise across the land to keep the Christian peace. These are the fever dreams of many right wing Christians and we have to keep an eye on them. Think ahead: Impeach Pence!
15
What many people don't know, or don't want to admit, is that white evangelicals, especially the males, are some of the most racist and sexist people in the nation. Their support of Trump had nothing to do with their belief he would make a good president, but that his election would deny a woman the highest office in the land, and wipe out the legacy of the nation's first African-American president. Two birds with one pious stone, so to speak.
20
Mike Pence will not take an unchaperoned lunch meeting with a woman. But he had no problem getting into bed with Donald Trump. We now know everything we need to know about the pious Mr. Pence.
23
HALLELUJAH! It's about time someone said what Mr. Egan is saying and it can't be said often enough. With the Franklin Grahams and Jerry Fallow Jrs it's not about the Spirit, or morality, or even common decency. How could it be if they back a guy married three times who brags about grabbing women in their private parts? If the person in question were a Dem the sky would rain blood, but since it's a GOPer, it's just peachy.
This has nothing to do with God and everything to do with Power.
It's ironic that this column appears as Jimmy Carter takes ill. Here is a guy who, when it comes being a Christian, is the bona fide article. The Real Deal etc..etc..
But his fellow Christians by and large hold him in contempt--despite the patently obvious fact that he not only ESPOUSES their values, he LIVES them. So why the derision? Simply because he's not a Republican.
It's sick, hypocritical, and downright WEIRD.
This has nothing to do with God and everything to do with Power.
It's ironic that this column appears as Jimmy Carter takes ill. Here is a guy who, when it comes being a Christian, is the bona fide article. The Real Deal etc..etc..
But his fellow Christians by and large hold him in contempt--despite the patently obvious fact that he not only ESPOUSES their values, he LIVES them. So why the derision? Simply because he's not a Republican.
It's sick, hypocritical, and downright WEIRD.
17
It's odd to me that a group of people who purchased millions of copies of the "Left Behind" series, with its fictional depictions of the end times and the antichrist, would be so devoted to a man who so closely resembles a b-movie antichrist himself.
7
I am not a terribly religious person, but off the top of my head: Trump lies all the time ("thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor"); cheated on his wives ("thou shall not commit adultery"); does not "honor the Sabbath and keep it holy" (he is not a regular church goer); builds palaces of gold with his name in huge gold letters to honor himself (makes "graven images" about the Earth to worship them); has cheated investors, lenders, small contractors and others ("thou shalt not steal") and would frequently try to use government to condemn the property of others for his real estate developments ("thou shall not convert anything of thy neighbor's").
And the very first commandment reads "I am the Lord your God, thou shall have no other gods before me." I would suggest that a man so full of self-love, narcissism and ego worships only himself, and not God. ("I alone can fix it.")
I will assume he has not killed anyone. And that he honored his mother and father. So maybe he is 2 for 10. Maybe. We'll see what Bob Mueller says.