Jab with Bart Erhman, uppercut from Jan 6 and after weathering intense criticism for some 2,000 years, is sprawled on the canvas.* If, against the odds, it beats the count, go looking for that Horus YouTube.
Agree with this recommendation. I read his book Misquoting Jesus and found it to be a thorough examination of differences found between the gospels and some of the reasons why. It caused me to read the Gospel of Mark which seems to reveal a more human, less divine Jesus of Nazareth and thus more accessible to me.
It’s hard to imagine that anyone involved with Jan 6 loved this country or practiced a true Christian faith.
I am paywalled and have read only the excerpts and discussions on Twitter, but I took French’s point is that the threat is from within, from craving secular power
Imagine if we could give Christianity the death blow and take away their freedom of religion and speech. Wouldn't that be awesome??
I definitely don't support that, although it's notable that some Christians believe those things must happen to fulfill Biblical prophecy. Brings up questions about free will but also the extent to which those Christians feel the need to focus on their perception of increasing persecution.
Some play the victim card when anyone objects to them ramming their views down everyone else's throat. # youdoyou.
The cultural advantage that American Christians have long taken for granted has been wrested from them. They must find a way to live in that world without resting on the unsupported and unbiblical notion of a Rapture to: (1) deliver them from discomfort and (2) set their tormentors to rights.
More hypocrites can be found in houses of worship, “following the word” of their chosen deities, than any other place I can think of on the face of the earth. It makes politicians almost seem genuine/sincere. It’s just a bunch of fakes, who have convinced themselves they get to #sin-for-free. You know, because they’re so anointed and sanctified. The most prejudiced people I have ever encountered, regardless of their status in the community, at large, were leaders of their respective churches. Edit: Sorry, not sorry.
Boomer, too. We joined a church when the kids were little for the same reason. So that they could make their decision by knowing what it is rather than not knowing because they'd never gone. Two of the three took part in some really good activities and adventures with the church.
Our daughter has to attend Mass if she is staying with us or if we are visiting her. She has enjoyed it, even if she doesn't usually attend otherwise. In LA at Christmas, we went to the Cathedral and toured the various exhibits and the extensive artwork. etc. to Our Lady of Guadalupe, including part of Juan Diego's tilma. But her highlight was touring the crypt and seeing the grave of Spencer Tracy and other old time actors. She and her movie geek friends went back later. In NYC, during college, she was exposed to parishes in Greenwich Village where the "choir" consists of Broadway performers. Talk about a choir that could sing. Plus St. John the Redeemer (Episcopalian) and their Procession of the Animals of St. Francis Feast Day, which is a sight to see. See pictures at link https://www.atlasobscura.com/articl...ttan-s-cathedral-church-of-st-john-the-divine
I can tell you I've never been to a single church service in my life, but if you don't think a gutted First Amendment could happen, you're ignoring history. You may not support it, but there's an awful lot of squawking in here about Christians merely exercising their First Amendment rights. Standing up to the school board is a fundamental right. Do I want the church in control of what my children learn at school? No, but it's not the state's prerogative either. As discussed, most parents these days aren't religious zealots, so it's a non sequitur. That said, parents have the right and absolutely should be involved with their children's curriculum. One would hope people don't make families with the idea that the state will do the majority of the child rearing, while they work and relax after work. Christianity's waning popularity in the United States isn't something new. That doesn't make them any less deserving of First Amendment protection.
Well, that's fair; we should always be vigilant. Practically, though, most Americans identify as Christian, and those in the religious majority are at less risk of populist persecution compared to minority groups with less political power, such as Muslims and atheists. There is also the risk that a religious majority may use its political power to promote its religion, which is what I see with the Texas legislature mandating the 10 Commandments be put in public schools, for example.
IMO, the churches should waive their tax exempt status. Render unto Caesar … the better to also say no to the state. Good read in this regard …
