|
|
|
|
|
| Bush calls for religious freedom.... Posted: 8/11/2008 6:51:06 AM |
{Well could it be that my conspiracy theorys are true? There are conservative christians planted in congress and their plan is to sytematically convert the world to a one world religion?}
Well, I wouldn't go as far as to say it is a world wide conspiracy, but did anyone watch "God's Warriors" on CNN last night?? Oh my, some scary shite there, wow. Many of Falwell's cronies and evangelicals actually say that their aim is to get a Republican elected so that two of the old folks in the Supreme Court can be replaced with their choice of judges who are staunch advocates of ID, zero rights to homosexuals and gay marriage, criminal abortion legislation and women have no say in the affairs of the church. I swear, I am not making this up.....
Raven, I know your not making it up. Thats exactly what I was refering to. It's a movement called "Dominionism" A group of hardcore, fundy extremists that are no better then Islamic terrrorists. And their goal is to replace the constitution with the bible and return to old testament law. Public executions by stoning, flogging, beheading, everything and anything you can think of. I'll try to find the link that explores more about them. Buyt I was reading on that site is one of the leaders of that group regularly has lunch at THE WHITE HOUSE! Im telling you..Bush is doing everything he possibly can to make this happen. Because I also remember reading somewhere else that certain fundy's believe that the reason jesus hasnt returned yet is because the whole world isnt Christian. Hows that grab ya? It's not enough that religion dosent have to pay any taxes, they want the whole ball of wax. | |
|
| Bush calls for religious freedom.... Posted: 8/11/2008 9:21:37 AM | In regard to China and religious freedom, the government allows registered and approvedreligious groups to operate under strict guidelines and require membership lists be supplied. Groups on this list (not always marginal groups either) are illegal and subject to arrest and imprisonment for illegal meetings. That's not "freedom of religious thought" as we understand the basic Human Right. Therefore, China does not allow this basic Human Right. <div class='quote'>I can, on the other hand, point to resolutions passed by Congress demanding that freedom of religion should be allowed in China. It is a matter of public policy.
Can you see how outright arrogant this is???? What business is it of theirs how they choose to run their business? The Chinese choose to have a secular society. I do not agree that faith should be hidden or practised in secret, no, but I think the Chinese are actually on to something. That the US Government feels that they have the right to comment and suggest alternatives regarding another country's religious policies is the epitome of arrogance, in my opinion.The issue of the lack of religious freedom in China has nothing to do with them being a "secular" society. It is part of the State's means of control by forbidding or controlling large groups of people.
It's not about one nation telling another nation how to institute religion. I know you really want to spin it this way, but it's about supporting a basic Human Right for all, including Chinese. It's about wanting others to have the same rights you enjoy. I don't know if you can understand that because you seem to have a blind spot when it comes to Christianity, Bush, and Evangelical America. But there it is. Think "Every human being has the right to believe in religion (or not) and practice same (or not) without censure, punishment, or harm, and ever State has the responsibility to protect that freedom." -------------
kissnguy said: homosexuals have no core values
I said: I find that very offensive. What evidence do you have to support such a bigoted claim?
kissinguy said: Simple...I never said it Of course you did. It's a direct quote. And that's a lot more empirical than making up stuff that other people are supposed to be saying and then attacking them for it. Anyway, I think the lesson has been learned. No charge. 
Edit: Do either of you have any proof of these wild conspiracies or are you making it up as you go along? Any proof? Other than anecdotal opinions? Thanks so much if you do. | |
|
| Bush calls for religious freedom.... Posted: 8/11/2008 9:59:06 AM |
kissnguy said: homosexuals have no core values I said: I find that very offensive. What evidence do you have to support such a bigoted claim?
kissinguy said: Simple...I never said it
Of course you did. It's a direct quote. And that's a lot more empirical than making up stuff that other people are supposed to be saying and then attacking them for it.
No, I may have typed it, but it's not a belief of mine. Learn to read everything that people post and not just one line and then quote. I said that conservative christians belive that homosexuals have no core values....not that i believe it. And Ive been around enough of them to hear all about how they think they should be executed, run out of the country, etc. And it dosent matter to them if they have no proof that homosexuals have no core values...all they have to do is believe it. You christians should know all about believing in something that has no proof. This is the last time Im going to defend this statement. if you cant read, thats your problem
Do either of you have any proof of these wild conspiracies or are you making it up as you go along? Any proof? Other than anecdotal opinions? Thanks so much if you do.
Wild conspiracies?? Hell, even Fiddler brought them up in a post somewhere a week or so ago. Fiddler...help! | |
|
| Bush calls for religious freedom.... Posted: 8/11/2008 10:42:59 AM |
Edit: Do either of you have any proof of these wild conspiracies or are you making it up as you go along? Any proof? Other than anecdotal opinions? Thanks so much if you do.
Well, a real quick Google brought up this stuff....
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/7235393/the_crusaders/
"Most people hear them talk about a 'Christian nation' and think, 'Well, that sounds like a good, moral thing,' says the Rev. Mel White, who ghostwrote Jerry Falwell's autobiography before breaking with the evangelical movement. "What they don't know -- what even most conservative Christians who voted for Bush don't know -- is that 'Christian nation' means something else entirely to these Dominionist leaders. This movement is no more about following the example of Christ than Bush's Clean Water Act is about clean water."
After helping found the Moral Majority in 1979, Kennedy became a five-star general in the Christian army. Bush sought his blessing before running for president -- and continues to consult top Dominionists on matters of federal policy.
italics are mine
"Our job is to reclaim America for Christ, whatever the cost," Kennedy says. "As the vice regents of God, we are to exercise godly dominion and influence over our neighborhoods, our schools, our government, our literature and arts, our sports arenas, our entertainment media, our news media, our scientific endeavors -- in short, over every aspect and institution of human society."
bold is mine
and from:http://www.yuricareport.com/Dominionism/TheDespoilingOfAmerica.htm
The appeal to evangelicals went further. On April 29, 1985, Billy Graham, the respected and world famous evangelist, told Pat Robertson’s audience on the 700 Club show that:
“[T]he time has come when evangelicals are going to have to think about getting organized corporately….I’m for evangelicals running for public office and winning if possible and getting control of the Congress, getting control of the bureaucracy, getting control of the executive branch of government. I think if we leave it to the other side we’re going to be lost. I would like to see every true believer involved in politics in some way shape or form.”
According to Schaeffer, Robertson, and Billy Graham, then arguably the three most famous and influential leaders in the American protestant church world, “God’s people” had a moral duty to change the government of the United States.[17]
And it goes on and on and on, not a big secret......
Again, with this agenda, and not human rights issues as you claim, Bush has no right to tell another country that they would be "better".
in the Supreme Court can be replaced with their choice of judges who are staunch advocates of ID,
Just noticed my mistake, I meant to say Creationism.
Cheers, Raven | |
|
| Bush calls for religious freedom.... Posted: 8/11/2008 12:52:35 PM |
Wild conspiracies?? Hell, even Fiddler brought them up in a post somewhere a week or so ago. Fiddler...help!
The Dominionist/Reconstructionist movement is quite real, not a conspiracy or imaginary movement and is a serious threat to religious liberty of all types in North America. The do NOT represent mainstream Christian thought or belief in any way shape or form however.
Also, for the record, kissnguy was using as far as I can tell the example of "homosexuals are evil" to illustrate a position held by others in his opinion, not stating that he himself held that opinion. Here is the original passage:
See, thats the sin that god believers commit...assuming that athiests have no morals. Thats the attitude that offends me the most. That they think you have to believe in god to know right from wrong. Or that their moral compass is the only true direction to take. And when they say core values, what they mean is values that match what they think is right. Example: homosexuals have no core values. So while all of us immoral athiests are running around breathing up all the good air, Mr morality starts a war and sends everyone elses kids off to die in it.
Now firstly it is unclear and left at "god-believers" but later clarified to be the religious right as represented by G.W. Bush and groups like the Moral Majority, and I assume James Dobson and others who were at least at one time friendly to the White House while Republican.
I have my mod hat off at the moment...but I need to remind everyone that misrepresentation of another posters words is a serious breach of protocol here. Don't do it. Kissnguy has made clear what he meant by his statement...several times. Therefore, that is what he means and in no other post has a homophobic statement been made that I have seen - drop it now.
Some good sources on Dominionism and the movement towards theocracy by the Christian Right in America.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominionism http://www.religioustolerance.org/reconstr.htm http://www.theocracywatch.org/dominionism.htm http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Dominionism http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/6/21/16230/4731 http://www.talk2action.org/story/2005/11/28/172929/14
Please keep it on topic, above board and friendly folks...address the topic not each other. | |
|
| Bush calls for religious freedom.... Posted: 8/11/2008 1:02:37 PM |
"Our job is to reclaim America for Christ, whatever the cost," Kennedy says. "As the vice regents of God, we are to exercise godly dominion and influence over our neighborhoods, our schools, our government, our literature and arts, our sports arenas, our entertainment media, our news media, our scientific endeavors -- in short, over every aspect and institution of human society."
….I’m for evangelicals running for public office and winning if possible and getting control of the Congress, getting control of the bureaucracy, getting control of the executive branch of government.
“God’s people” had a moral duty to change the government of the United States.
Thanks Raven, I was just too busy drving my rig down the highway to stop and do a google search. But this movement is exactly why I fight against anything christian in the public schools or anywhere else in that their messege inst within the confines of the church. They're looking for a foothold in society in which to take over. Which is exactly why all the athiest posters on this board take the position that they do, and why christians whine about their religion being under attack. Because we know exactly whats at stake! I acnt wait for this guy to be out of office...I cant imagine how much more damage this chimp in a human suit can do before then. | |
|
| Bush calls for religious freedom.... Posted: 8/11/2008 2:25:52 PM |
But this movement is exactly why I fight against anything christian in the public schools or anywhere else in that their messege inst within the confines of the church.
I hate being grammatically incorrect. What I meant to say is "Or anywhere else that their messege isn't within the confines of the church" Meaning it dosent belong on interstate billboards, because whose that messege aimed at? Other christians? No they already have the messege. I believe it's aimed at non-christians in an attempt to reruit new followers for their army. | |
|
| Bush calls for religious freedom.... Posted: 8/11/2008 2:30:16 PM |
The Dominionist/Reconstructionist movement is quite real, not a conspiracy or imaginary movement and is a serious threat to religious liberty of all types in North America. The do NOT represent mainstream Christian thought or belief in any way shape or form however. Thank you for that classification. kissinguy, please take note of the last sentence - (The Dominionist/Reconstructionist Movement) do NOT represent mainstream Christian thought or belief in any way shape or form". Your demonising of Christianity (and by extension Christians) appears to be designed to prop up your own prejudicial attitude by claiming it's based on real and general behaviour of the whole or most of the group. it's not. Your prejudicial attitude is your own issue and without reasonable justification. Even your characterisation of atheists as immoral is designed to place those words and thoughts into the group "Christians" the better to serve your own prejudice. Like I said, it sucks when someone attributes words you never spoke or intended and then responds as if you had said or intended them. You do it often. Maybe you'll think better before you do it again.
And for the record, I believe that you are not anti-homosexual. So far, you seem to have kept your bigotry only to religion and politics. 
Edit:
Meaning it dosent belong on interstate billboards, because whose that messege aimed at? Other christians? No they already have the messege. I believe it's aimed at non-christians in an attempt to reruit new followers for their army. That's too bad. The Constitution provides protection for them (freedom of religions, expression, and speech) to advertise. Suck it up.  | |
|
| Bush calls for religious freedom.... Posted: 8/11/2008 4:20:13 PM |
kissinguy, please take note of the last sentence - (The Dominionist/Reconstructionist Movement) do NOT represent mainstream Christian thought or belief in any way shape or form". Your demonising of Christianity (and by extension Christians) appears to be designed to prop up your own prejudicial attitude by claiming it's based on real and general behaviour of the whole or most of the group........
OK, I know where your going with this. Your saying that since this group dosent represent the majority of american christians then my fears are unjustified. And just like Raven posted a few posts back, a quote from the Rev who helped Jerry Falwel with his autobiography..."Most american christian conservatives dont even know what they're voting for when they voted to put Bush back in the white house." So what do you want to do? Nothing, and then wake up one morning and find out that our government has been overthrown? Because it could be accomplished very easily without the american people having a say so.
Because just like the german jews, Im sure they didnt think Hitler was anything other then what he first claimed to be...someone to help that poor starving country regain it's dignity. And by the time they knew what was happening it was too late.
That's too bad. The Constitution provides protection for them (freedom of religions, expression, and speech) to advertise. Suck it up.
except that what im refering to is not advertisment, it's a threatening messege. example: If I drive down the interstaate and see a billboard that says "Come to joe Blows house of worship..all denoiminations welcome. exit 253 off I-75. come fellowship with us" I dont have a problem with that because thats just a generic ad. But when they say "Go to church or the Devil will get you" (I-65, 10 miles north of Montgomery, Al) or "Time is running out America, lets not be an anti christ nation any longer...etc, etc (I-475, Macon by-pass) or "If you died today where will you spend eternity?"(I-75 Ocala, fl) then thats directly threatening me and the way of life I have choosen. Why do I have to feel, living in my own country, that I dont get to enjoy living my life the way I chose without this threat hanging over my head. I feel that it violates my constitutional rights. Just as if I was sitting on a park bench enjoying the clean air and some azzhole sits next to me and starts blowing cig smoke in my face saying..."I have the constitutional right to blow smoke in your face and threaten your health...dont like it, too bad"
Even your characterisation of atheists as immoral is designed to place those words and thoughts into the group "Christians" the better to serve your own prejudice.
You dont recognize sarcasm too well either it seems. Show me a christian who dosent think athiests are immoral. You hear it all the time on these boards..."Is the reason you dont want to believe in god is so that you can live an immoral life?" Tell me you've never read that anywhere! | |
|
| Bush calls for religious freedom.... Posted: 8/12/2008 5:15:55 AM | Personally I think W's comments on freedom of religion is just hypocracy. Who remembers candidate Bush's comments regarding the rights of Wiccan soldiers to practice at Ft. Hood in Texas??
"I don't think that witchcraft is a religion. I wish the military would rethink this decision." - to ABC NEWS, June 1999, regarding Ft. Hood's decision to allow Wiccan rituals
"I do not think witchcraft is a religion, and I do not think it is in any way appropriate for the U.S. military to promote it." - October 15, 2000 | |
|
| Bush calls for religious freedom.... Posted: 8/12/2008 11:10:58 AM | {quote] I said: kissinguy, please take note of the last sentence - (The Dominionist/Reconstructionist Movement) do NOT represent mainstream Christian thought or belief in any way shape or form". Your demonising of Christianity (and by extension Christians) appears to be designed to prop up your own prejudicial attitude by claiming it's based on real and general behaviour of the whole or most of the group........
kissinguy said: OK, I know where your going with this. Your saying that since this group dosent represent the majority of american christians then my fears are unjustified.Apparently you don't know where I'm going with this. If I wnated to say your fears are unjustified, I would have said, "your fears are unjustified". However, what I said was, "The Dominionist/Reconstructionist Movement) do NOT represent mainstream Christian thought or belief in any way shape or form". Read again for clarity. As for your fears? They're yours. You will have to figure out how best to deal with them within a Republican Democracy where the US Constitution, The Bill of Rights, various Amendments, and the Supreme Court is the law of the land and not "my fears".
In my honest opinion, your system would prevent the "overthrow" of the government by any one group. It's one of the best systems out there. Not perfect, but definitely one of the best. For example, I believe that the Supreme Court handed Bush his Presidency because of partisan politics and that he gained tremendous power in the Senate and the Supreme Court, and yet that same Court has now ruled against the government in regard to the rights of whose being illegally held at Guantanamo Bay. It's not perfect, and it often is sluggish, but the system does provide for such a multi-layered governance that no one group can ever hope to take absolute control. So I would disagree with you that "it could be easily accomplished". Too many checks and balances.
As for your appeal to Nazi Germany, if you knew your European history you would know that it wasn't the "German Jews" who put Hitler in power. Of all the groups, they had the least ability to do so.
In response to kissinguy taking offence at billboards paid for by Christian groups, I said: That's too bad. The Constitution provides protection for them (freedom of religions, expression, and speech) to advertise. Suck it up.
kissinguy: except that what im refering to is not advertisment, it's a threatening messege.... Why do I have to feel, living in my own country, that I dont get to enjoy living my life the way I chose without this threat hanging over my head. I feel that it violates my constitutional rights. Because it isn't a violation of your constitutional rights to only view that which you agree with or which you find comfortable. You don't like the billboard? Don't look. You don't like what's on TV? Don't look. You don't like what's in the newspaper? Don't read it. Freedom of speech/expression is specifically designed to grant freedom to those we disagree with. Further, you have the right to put up a billboard with the completely opposite message, one you find more pleasant, so I encourage you to do so. And if someone else complains that they don't like what you said, I'll say the same thing to them that I said to you - Suck it up!
As for your analogy of someone situating next to you and blowing smoke in your face, you really need to pick better analogies. Clue: There is no constitutional right to smoke. 
Show me a christian who dosent think athiests are immoral. OK. I'll show you one. Me. I've stated it very clearly and invited others to affirm that same statement. And I 'll say it again so it's crystal clear: THERE IS NOTHING INHERENTLY 'BAD' (OR 'IMMORAL') IN BEING AN ATHEIST. 'ATHEISM' IS NOT EQUAL TO 'IMMORAL'.
You hear it all the time? I disagree. But if you want to show me some hard statistics, some study you've done to factually support your claim, I'm happy to look over the figures and change my opinion. | |
|
| Bush calls for religious freedom.... Posted: 8/12/2008 12:37:26 PM |
Apparently you don't know where I'm going with this. If I wnated to say your fears are unjustified, I would have said, "your fears are unjustified".
hey Im not responcible for what words you pick to express your point. you pointed out that most christians dont feel that way that this movement does. So what am I suppose to ascertain from that? That I shouldnt have anything to worry about because the dominionists dont represent the majority, right? Well thats exactly what I said. That my fears are unjustified because they dont represent the norm.
You, on the other hand, are now trying to make it sound like I have some audacity to even have fears. That they're my fears and I should just deal with them. Hey, Im not just yelling "The sky is falling" here. They are a real threat to every American, Christian or Non who believe in democratic freedom. So I am not going to just shove my fears under the rug, sorry!
This sounds like this movie I saw once called "The Arrival" Charlie Sheen is a radio astronomer and he's trying to convince his boss that aliens have landed...and the whole time his boss IS an alien! hmmmmm
Im getting tired of this subject.. In a few months Bush will be gone and we'll have a new REAL president. | |
|
|
|