Indeed it did. Not that any of the MAGA disciples would ever likely willingly sacrifice themselves for their Trumpism, as that runs contrary to its selfish, self-centered message.
Quoting Roberts in almost complete disbelief of his sanitized history of the world - “Their devotion always changes cultures—converts them, you might say. Christian devotion makes societies more just, more compassionate, and more charitable and dutiful.”
I’m sure that’s the same perspective the indigenous peoples of the Americas got from the end of a Spanish conquistador’s sword and a Spanish missionary’s “conversion” into slavery at a California mission, and I’m sure the so-called “witches” and “heretics” felt that warm and fuzzy vibe when being burned at the stake. Compassion toward the peoples of Europe was definitely on the mind of the Catholic Church when they turned a blind eye to the Nazis and Mussolini’s fascism. Many a sermon in this country’s evangelical Protestant churches could pass for a political rally speech, but is protected (not to mention tax exempt) when spewed in a temple of hate. I call BS on the hypocrisy of any organized religion that must depend on a vengeful god to control and mind wash the indoctrinated masses.
For anything other than historical or architectural significance, I won’t even step foot into a christian church; no exceptions made for invited weddings or announced funerals.
Roberts continues with “And men, especially powerful men, tend to pursue their own self-interest first and foremost.” as an example of a less virtuous road of temptation that plagues human nature. Let’s list a couple of valid examples: self-righteous greedy 1-800 televangelists, Republican members of Congress that now follow the calls of Christian Nationalism when seeking donor money and reelection, and the best example of all of purity - the evangelical backed, three timed married, vengeance seeking, pathological lying Orange Anti-Christ.
Fascists go to great lengths to appease their consciences with lies, name-calling and re-writing history. Who is he to call others “Elites” while painting a mask of erudition on a pig’s face?
Great fictions and most origin stories are based on the listener’s or reader’s intentional or unintentional willful suspension of disbelief.
The last 50 years of Conservative and all of the Christian orthodoxies require the suspension of disbelief as their most fundamental tenet.
I’m beginning to think that 50 years of apathy in actual pro-democratic action coupled with the blind beliefs that “checks and balances” and “people recognizing that TFG and the MAGA followers are unacceptable leaders” are similar suspensions of disbelief.
Where are the revitalized and easily repeated democratic “origin stories and histories” to counteract and defeat the Conservative and Christo-Fascist movements? Excellent well-researched point/counterpoint articles may not be sufficient.
I find myself having difficulty coming up with any democratic “origin stories and histories" that could be useful counteracting narratives at the moment. I have been for so long now focused on the part that religion plays in this problem that I fear I might have lost sight of such stories and histories.
That being said I strongly suspect that many of the wealthier so-called Christians are in reality simply using the religion as a tool of mass influence upon the larger demographics in order to continue their own war of might makes right, as in their vast wealth serves as their primary weapon of command and control of the battlefield of American consumers.
Thank you Robert
Like yesterday with my short commentary on your writing, I will keep it short.
It happened again, that word popped up.
Martyrs
Indeed it did. Not that any of the MAGA disciples would ever likely willingly sacrifice themselves for their Trumpism, as that runs contrary to its selfish, self-centered message.
Recurring theme with all religions. Death as a martyr. It glorifies death.
And the way they are bailing ship? How many are hoping for a trump victory, so they wont have to fail on their swords.
Quoting Roberts in almost complete disbelief of his sanitized history of the world - “Their devotion always changes cultures—converts them, you might say. Christian devotion makes societies more just, more compassionate, and more charitable and dutiful.”
I’m sure that’s the same perspective the indigenous peoples of the Americas got from the end of a Spanish conquistador’s sword and a Spanish missionary’s “conversion” into slavery at a California mission, and I’m sure the so-called “witches” and “heretics” felt that warm and fuzzy vibe when being burned at the stake. Compassion toward the peoples of Europe was definitely on the mind of the Catholic Church when they turned a blind eye to the Nazis and Mussolini’s fascism. Many a sermon in this country’s evangelical Protestant churches could pass for a political rally speech, but is protected (not to mention tax exempt) when spewed in a temple of hate. I call BS on the hypocrisy of any organized religion that must depend on a vengeful god to control and mind wash the indoctrinated masses.
For anything other than historical or architectural significance, I won’t even step foot into a christian church; no exceptions made for invited weddings or announced funerals.
Roberts continues with “And men, especially powerful men, tend to pursue their own self-interest first and foremost.” as an example of a less virtuous road of temptation that plagues human nature. Let’s list a couple of valid examples: self-righteous greedy 1-800 televangelists, Republican members of Congress that now follow the calls of Christian Nationalism when seeking donor money and reelection, and the best example of all of purity - the evangelical backed, three timed married, vengeance seeking, pathological lying Orange Anti-Christ.
Again, I call BS on the whole hypocritical lot.
Fascists go to great lengths to appease their consciences with lies, name-calling and re-writing history. Who is he to call others “Elites” while painting a mask of erudition on a pig’s face?
Great fictions and most origin stories are based on the listener’s or reader’s intentional or unintentional willful suspension of disbelief.
The last 50 years of Conservative and all of the Christian orthodoxies require the suspension of disbelief as their most fundamental tenet.
I’m beginning to think that 50 years of apathy in actual pro-democratic action coupled with the blind beliefs that “checks and balances” and “people recognizing that TFG and the MAGA followers are unacceptable leaders” are similar suspensions of disbelief.
Where are the revitalized and easily repeated democratic “origin stories and histories” to counteract and defeat the Conservative and Christo-Fascist movements? Excellent well-researched point/counterpoint articles may not be sufficient.
Excellent points on all counts!
I find myself having difficulty coming up with any democratic “origin stories and histories" that could be useful counteracting narratives at the moment. I have been for so long now focused on the part that religion plays in this problem that I fear I might have lost sight of such stories and histories.
That being said I strongly suspect that many of the wealthier so-called Christians are in reality simply using the religion as a tool of mass influence upon the larger demographics in order to continue their own war of might makes right, as in their vast wealth serves as their primary weapon of command and control of the battlefield of American consumers.