I am not the “right kind of Christian” I get that. It is made abundantly clear to me on a daily basis by Christian consevatives in America that actually believe that the U.S. Constitution tells us that government cannot interfere with religion – BUT – religion has the legal right to merge with government.
Oops! I should clarify. What they really mean is that their “kind” of Christianity has the legal right to merge with government. Period. See, when they scream and cry about religious freedoms, just remember that this is probably not in your best interest because by their definition that excludes nearly 70% of all Americans including, but not limited to the following: mainstream Christians, Catholics, Mormons, Wiccans, Pagans, Atheists – all the same to them. Like Bryan Fischer of the hate group, the American Family Association said recently about American Muslims…they are allowed to assemble and worship as a “privilege” not a right afforded under that Constitution.
But then if you really want to feel the love, try being an African American gay news man! The outrageously hate-filled prejudice that culminated in CNN reporter, Don Lemon, being elbowed repeatedly and then ultimately shoved hard enough to knock him into a nearby golf cart in Iowa makes me literally sick to my stomach. Watch this short video clip as you see Lemon simply doing his job just like all the other news people that were sent to Iowa yesterday (August 12) to cover the Straw Poll.
Much has been written about Michele Bachmann’s husband, Marcus and his “pray away the gay” clinic that pockets 6 figures a year in federal tax dollars to reach out to homosexuals (men) and convince them that by golly they are actually really attracted to women and just don’t know it. It matters not that this whole approach of quackery has been debunked time and time again as complete nonsense. Brian Ross from ABC News did a special about the Bachmann & Associates ‘clinic’ and cited this fact from the American Psychological Association that,
“The controversial practice of trying to change someone’s sexual orientation was roundly discredited by the American Psychological Association in 2009 as ineffective and potentially harmful.”
The Bachmanns and those like them never let the facts get in the way of their mission to save all of us from ourselves. After all, as God’s Chosen, the rules don’t apply to them – just to the rest of us and on top of that, they are working to usurp the authority to change those rules and create them out of their scripture-twisted Political Dominionist faith.
If I sound angry it is because I am. Most days I take the ugliness with calm and cautious indifference, but it almost inflames me more to witness a display such as this happening to another. Don Lemon was physically discarded as though he was a non-human. There was no eye contact with him nor acknowledgement of any kind by Bachmann’s entourage. I am amazed they were able to bring themselves to have physical contact with a man that represents what they so openly despise.
Discrimination against homosexuals is not knew, especially from the increasingly religious republican field of politicians. It is a sad and pathetic dominant thread in their fabric of biblical worldview. Even as, one by one, the ones that scream loudest are outed for their own same-sex encounters and relationships, the hate continues. Cries of extreme paranoia that the gays are trying to take over the world with their “gay agenda” fuel legislation like the “Kill the Gays” legislation in Uganda that we read about this past year. And thanks in large part to American political Dominionists, it gained as much traction as it did.
Aside from the inhumanity of this political hate toward a whole segment of our population – it is frightening to read the writing on the wall of what the Bachmanns and Perrys would do if ever in power with a Congressional majority.
Michele needs to come to terms with her sister being a lesbian and Marcus needs to get counseling for behavior that is overtly consistent with the self-loathing that all too many homosexuals are taught to feel from societies pressures telling them that they are not “normal” and that this isn’t “right”. When those messages are mixed with scripture-twisted justifications for discrimination it leads to either a sense of self-repulse that send some so far to the anti-homosexual side of the pendulum that they can’t stop thinking and talking about it.
Operating a “pray away the gay” clinic is one manifestation of this, and as we saw in one of the most notorious cases, Ted Haggard would preach fire and brimstone against the sins of homosexuality and then rendezvous with his young hired male gay lover for a good ol’ romp. Other coping mechanisms we have seen evolve are the creation of punitive anti-gay laws trying to legislate it out of existence, maybe then it would go away.
Or the fear of gay marriage – that it will tear the fabric of the family unit in America and lead to “father/daughter marriage; bestiality weddings; legalized polygamy” and more! Rick Santorum spends so much time on that issue that it is even taking a back seat to his obsession over a woman’s right to her own uterus.
NO one is trying to pass laws telling churches that they have to recognize or perform same-sex marriages in their hallowed halls. No one. This is about legal rights at its core and emotional commitment that rivals the success of most heterosexual relationships.
For the love of God! Just imagine that if all the millions and millions of dollars spent by these phobic and haters was spent to help the poor and feed the hungry, we could wipe it out in America altogether – and that – is what Jesus would do!
What ever the underlying disconnect, living a lie all of one’s life leads to anger and targeting the very group that reminds the person of what they cannot reconcile from within. This is a real outgrowth of this dynamic.
As I watch this video my heart goes out to Don Lemon. But in a unwelcome way, I also feel sadness and compassion for the Bachmanns and those like the two prayer warriors that she had participating in this disgusting display, for as much as their hatred and behavior revolts me – as the “wrong kind of Christian” – I am convinced that Jesus Christ would never have treated one of God’s children with such revile and disdain.
In fact, I am going to go out on a limb here and suggest that as like-minded as they are, Sarah Palin has more class than that! Okay, let’s just say that she is more stealth about this issue.
These comments are the most civil and respectful that I've seen on a post with politics as the subject. Maybe there is hope for us yet!
That is great to hear! I try. It is an emotional subject that can certainly get the Eyre up no matter how reasoned we may view ourselves…but we lose sight of the discussion and goal when that happens. There really is hope…
Bachmann's candidacy is going nowhere, she's outtathere. Here's why.
The theocrat to worry about is Perry, which is where all the big theocratic thumpers are placing their bets. And their money.
He's a force. The good news is that the GOP establishment doesn't like him.
The bad news is that they didn't like him during the Gubernatiorial primary in Texas either, vigorously endorsed Hutchison, and he won anyway. Palin went down there and campaigned for him.
So the really bad news, aesthetically, is that we likely have not seen the last of the halibut-clubber making stump speeches. I suspect she'll reprise her Perry pimping role again in this primary too. She's a theocrat too of course.
Perry is one seriously smart political player, don't underestimate him in that respect, his political instincts are way better than the Mormon's.
It's gonna be a long, ugly campaign season the like of which we have not seen before, I think.
Nnot only is it going to be Perry as their nominee, there is a 99% chance that it is going to be a Perry/Brownback ticket. They were both anointed on the 6th by Jim Garlowe on the same stage. Coincidence? Not a chance!
Possibly Leah, but I'd be a little surprised to see Brownback on the ticket.
Perry's too politically smart for that I think, and will pick someone without an overt history of theocracy – the VP slot is not a very powerful position anyway, mostly ribbon cutting and hanging around in case the President kicks the bucket.
There are more influential roles that the likes of Brownback could be appointed to. Perry will need to pick a running mate more reassuring to independents if he wants to beat Obama – he'll have to tone it down a notch to win the Presidential election.
He has to win the primary first though. I'm not yet at the point where I think it's likely, but is sure is possible. Some of Perry's PAC money-juggling could come back to haunt him, and you know Karl Rove will find something if there's anything to be found. Rove hates Perry so bad his head is about to explode.
It's a wretched situation.
Without question, at this point in the nomination process, Perry is the theocrat to watch. But this also makes me wonder a few things. The NAR and Dominionists have been plotting and scheming for decades. They have adopted social media, established nation wide 50 state networks (not counting international networks), and have made major inroads towards the “transference of wealth” portion of their goals. Does it not strike anyone as too obvious to launch someone like Perry into the spotlight?
There is significant risk of losing when running against an encumbent president. And contrary to what we hear from the political right, Obama is still faring pretty well in polls overall (his latest being the lowest but anyone who keeps up with such knows that could change in the span of mere weeks) at least to the point that it is a major gamble to run your prize theocrat against him. Surely it is known that the theocratic agenda will be exposed! If that is so obvious to observers then it must be obvious to those plotting all of this.
Reflect on that while also recalling that we have seen (7 mountains aside) a two pronged effort over the past few years: state level and federal level. When things are going for them at the federal level, they use it for cover to fill postions with those supporting the agenda. When things are not going so well at the federal level we see a resurgence in state level efforts. Both of these fronts strive to take advantage of any kind of major distraction happening in the media, attempting to quietly insert legislation while the public’s attention is elsewhere.
With those things in mind and knowing that a personality like Perry will receive intense scrutiny during a race inwhich the odds are somewhat against him, why would the theocratic right make such a gamble? Is this a major distraction? Negative media reaches all sorts of people. Those who disapprove and those who identify with. What better way to reach thousands more who have not found a religious organization like those making up the NAR and dominionist circles? Because let’s face it, if you are lonely and down and out, those congregations can seem welcoming. An entire world to lose yourself in constantlly filled with comforting, positive feedback (as long as you don’t resist of course). And that is just one angle. I doubt anyone would push someone like Perry into the limelight merely to gain free advertising. No, it makes me wonder if it couldn’t be something much more devious.
Could there be someone who is completely devoted to dominionist goals who has been shaped over the past few decades and who has worked to conceal any connection what so ever to this movement? I know, even more far fetched sounding than all of this is already. But it would be a masterful strategic plot. And it would make all of this make much more sense.
Ok, there’s your paranoia moment of the day! Enjoy.
Leah, keep up the good work and as we’ve discussed, always take care!
P.S. – is there a mailing list we can join? Something to alert us when there are new posts and such?
Wow! Y0u could write a novel with this plot.
I understand what you are saying in a way, but you are crediting them with far too wisdom. These people are well-funded, have huge followers that actually vote and are as devout as any indoctrinated cult member can be – but – they are not that cunning. Their sense of religious supremacy makes them drunk with arrogance and it is making them brazen. And remember, they are not fans of the GOP – so winning is just the cherry on top of the idea for 2012…it is really more about driving the knife in in the quest to fracture what remains of the Republican Party. In 2016 you will see these zealots running from their true Party – the Constitution Party. And at that time – watch Marco Rubio. Perry is just one of the latest Ken and Barbie candidates they have to run right now.
Yeah, I am constantly torn between, “Can they be that far gone in their own world view?” and “Or is this a feint to distract from a larger plan?” I know, I know. Their world view can actually be that far off from what the general public would tolerate. When you surround yourself with people who think as you do, it is easy to believe that everyone believes the same thing! It’s just a few who aren’t on board. But still…
Interesting assessment and I can't argue with your logic. I would rather that he had a flaming theocrat as I don't want anything to make him seem moderate.
(SIGH) I think that if they removed LGBT folk from their hate list, they'd just bump someone else up into that spot.
The homeless and very poor feel their "love" too. They preach self-vilification to both the LGBT community AND to the people who haven't had much luck in their life. All of life's miseries are because of one's sin (so they wrongly teach), and of course they preach homosexuality is sin. Thus, LGBT people are SUPPOSED to be miserable (and need to be made to be that way). Poor people are usually miserable, and thus they must be sinners and deserved what they experienced.
I was invited to ride with a police officer many years ago. He embarrassed the hell out of me – our first call was to a gay man's home and the pig harassed, threatened, and insulted the guy mercilessly. The guy's neighbor was a single old dominionist biddy and she was always calling the "cops" on him, if he even blinked in a way she didn't like. They NEVER said anything to her, the poor gay guy was always the one in trouble (this the pig said). I feared and disliked gays (wrongly) at the time because I'd been taught they were going to force single young men like was to be gay… but even with that thinking, I still was very uncomfortable with how he was treated, and felt at the time that the woman was just making trouble. As I found out on that ride, that sort of treatment to the LGBT community was normal at the time (early 80s) – the pig talked about how they'd harass people that went to the local gay bar. He also showed how they harassed young kids riding around in a car- how they'd scare them (young black kids I might add).
I never rode with another cop, and subsequent experiences taught me that what I observed was to be expected, unless you're straight, middle class and white.
Leah, I'm angry too. I see the simmering pot in the poor, which is about to explode if some of the fire isn't removed (better treatment, decent jobs, less blame). I feel it too. I've expressed it – anger at the people who oppress us, anger at the dominionists whose ideology feeds that oppression, and anger at the authorities who do nothing to help (and in cases like this area, deliberately add to the harm). I HAVE to express the anger, because I'm about to explode from it. I wish I had your detachment, but after almost a lifetime of being a third-class citizen, I've had enough. I'm hoping that others learn from my experiences and fight back against the real causes of their misery (and this should include the LGBT community). The dominionists may benefit from this anger (among the poor, who in many cases don't see who the real culprits are), but it may also blow up in their faces. Continued things like pushing that guy around is not a smart move on their part – not only from its wrongness, but because people see that and unless they've drunk the kool-aid, think.
I wish I could give you a thousand likes – a million. I feel the rage too, and share your frustrations. Thank you for your comments & for fighting back. We can't stop fighting or they win and that is unimaginable. Sending all the best to you!
I too am a walkaway. found the same treatment in the main line churches.Do not attend church any more. that does not mean I have no faith, I do with good reason.(a couple) I feel that if Christ were to appear today, he would not, know his church. The meaness, selfserving quality,the jugdementalness,thoughlessness,the greedyness,and the loving war (that the poor and middle class fight in) none of this speaks of the god I see and read in the bible. Christ would hang his head in shame for us all.
I honestly agree with you. The same ones that wear the wristbands and display the bumper stickers with "WWJD?" (what would Jesus do?) really need to quit asking. I think many will not like the answer…Rick Warrens, et al for example.
Hi Leah, Thanks for the good work. I'm a new guy to 'Dominionisn' but not to the idea of religious fascism. I'm an atheist who came late to the reading of the Bible. One of the things I was curious about was exactly what the Bible did and didn't have to say about homosexuality. To say the least I was more than a little surprised to find that the Bible is actually bad news for the 'christian bigot.' If you or any of your readers are also curious I've put up a post entitled 'Dear N. and Friends' at http://revelationasapocalypse.blogspot.com. I for one am tired of the Bible being used to bash gays or any of God's children. Amen, dipstick
When you get into the problems with translation and understanding the thinking of the culture of the time, it becomes even more problematic. The language translated into the three or so "Gotcha!" sentences against homosexuality in the Bible isn't accurate, although the meaning isn't known for certain. It seems to be against the abuse of young male ritual prostitutes, the last I heard.
I don't know if you've read it or not, but the "sin of Sodom" wasn't sexual – it was the way they treated the poor. So all the preaching about Sodom and Gomorrah is bullsh*t, if they even hint at their sin being sexual.
Quote from the RSV: "Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, surfeit of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy."
Thank you. I appreciate the response, and the encouragement.
Thanks, Leah-
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide from the inconsistencies these Teapublicans will eventually have to see in themselves if they ever take one moment to reflect while looking in a mirror.
Up until now they have no shame because of their dedication to irrationality and abhorrence to logic.
My Dominionist indoctrinated mother used to focus on judging all those poor souls out there that were not going to have eternal salvation like her because they were not "saved". I used to remind her of the "don't judge lest ye be judged' passage from the Bible but this just didn't resonate with her. Her mirror was clouded with with the glaze of sanctimonious piety that comes with being "chosen".
Sadly, sanctimonius piety is by no means rare among right-wingers these days.
Sanctimonious piety is the rule rather than the exception even with the mainstream churches. I went to a liberal Presbyterian church throughout my childhood & early adulthood thanks to my very religious Mother. One of the things that consistently bothered me from a very early age, was that the message being preached, wasn't being followed by the "self-proclaimed leaders" of the church. We'd hear a beautiful sermon about loving thy neighbor, not to judge others, etc. As soon as church let out, on the very steps of the church, these people were continually bad mouthing anyone & everyone they didn't feel were as sanctimonius as they were. They must have thought perfect attendance was enough to make them holy and better than anyone else.
I married very young & we moved from my small town & I tried various churches, various denominations in several cities. They were all mainstream and I was treated as a stranger in all of them. People would group together, look at me, & buzz, buzz, buzz. It was clear who they were talking about. The final straw was when my son was born & I wanted to have him baptized in my former church where I had gone all through Sunday School, sang in the choir, was a Junior Deacon, etc. After the ceremony, the Pastor called me over & told me that if I had more children, don't bring them there to be baptized, I needed to get a church of my own. I explained that I was regularly attending a church where I lived, but wanted my child baptized in the church I was raised in & my parents attended. Didn't matter to him at all, Let me know, in no uncertain terms, that I wouldn't be welcome.
The straw that broke the camels back was when I got home & invited the Pastor of the church I was attending to my house for a talk. I had not been having good or inclusive experiences with the church & I wanted to get his perspective on it. He couldn't have cared less. Told me that he used to be "real gung ho" about it, but lately it was "just a job." I asked if that was true, WHY was he still doing it? He got all huffy & defensive & quickly left. I left organized religion at that point – never went back since, and these were mainline churches.
My Mom was more than upset with me & tried every ploy in the book to get me to go back, including making my life miserable by her constant nagging. When I tried to explain that I could be as good a Christian by not going to church as I could by going, she'd tell me I was going to Hell. If I had ever had to go to one of the hardcore Dominionist churches, I'd have lost my mind & probably would have run away from home by the age of 9.
Now, all that is so mild compared to what walk-aways have experienced, but I just couldn't take the hypocrisy of all the pious Xtians. I give so much credit and love to those of you who have escaped from your Dominionist/Evangelical religions. We WILL defeat those fanatics. We MUST! I take every opportunity I get to expose them and the dangers they represent to all of us & especially our Country. I know you are all doing the same. Thanks to each & all of you and especially you Leah and all those who tirelessly work to bring the fanatics & their agendas into the clear light of day. Thank YOU!
I found myself relating to your comment with vivid images. Hypocrisy was something I recognized early on myself and led to my walking away at 14. My mother was also furious and for her there were only 2 options – I was either to come back into the fold and believe her version of Christianity (which required getting your attendance card punched to reflect devotion); or you were an Atheist. There was no gray area.
I have always found it sad that those who claim to have the most devout faith are the ones that seem to miss the message about judging and humbleness. Their rigid view of what makes a person a follower of Christ is repelling and has made more flee to Atheism than any secular evil agenda. I was fortunate to have a pastor at one of the churches in the many towns of Alaska that I grew up in that got it. His compassion and understanding, kindness to me when I sought him out for council gave me faith that there are truly people who take on that calling for all the right reasons. He even ran interference with my mother's admonitions when, after completing the entire course in confirmation class, announced that I could not bring myself to go through the man-made ceremony of confirmation. At that time I was willing to take a vow of faith in God, but I could not get past the wording that we all had to read that basically required a statement of faith to the Lutheran church.
I am so glad to know that you are out there standing up against this zealous extremism! Thank you!
It is possible that the pastor that you had invited to dinner "had had it" (burned out) with his parishioners. A lot of idealistic people start out in ministry with the best intentions, and then find out years later that even the most civilized congregation will have a few troublemakers, and some congregations will consist of 90% troublemakers and gossips. There's no politics quite like church politics.
I've tried that on "Good Christians" that I was trying to be nice to (IMO; on the more militant ones, an exercise in futility) who were being very judgmental and condemning.
I got a lot of sputtering and things like "If you can't do the time, don't do the crime", once or twice "Don't you know that Christians will judge Angels???", and a couple of times "We're supposed to test the spirits!".
I guess since they think they'll be judging Angels, they have a right to pass judgment on others. Or by judging people, they're testing spirits.
Maybe next time I'll ask them "wouldn't it be better to accept people as they are, as Jesus says God is like?"
(They will probably have some sort of 'irrefutable' argument for that one too.)