Progressive Ponderings: Faith-based Government
by Joe Mayer
"Tell me your image of God and I'll tell you your politics." — Marcus BorgIn a previous Pondering I asked the rhetorical questions: Do we really believe America has a preferential place in God's divine plan? And, does that plan approve of the violence that we use? Sadly, today in this 21st century after the birth of the namesake of our "national religion," the answer to both questions is a resounding "Yes."
Before we continue to dismantle our "separation of church and state" and advance "faith-based initiatives" sponsored and paid for by government, we need to step back and look at modern examples of church/state marriage. Al-Qaeda is a faith-based initiative, as is the Taliban. The Israeli/Palestinian and Irish/English conflicts are faith-based. Do we want to emulate that which we condemn in others, that which we label as "evil," that which we war against? I'm afraid to answer that question.
The Borg quote at the top refers to one image of God as the almighty, wrathful judge who lives outside our world, a God of empire who demands exclusive loyalty, favors some tribes of people over others, rules over the world through earthly anointed representatives and visits a terrible vengeance on his enemies and unbelievers. The second image of God is that of a loving creator living amongst his / her cherished people, always encouraging an interdependent, all-inclusive relationship and understanding within all aspects of an evolving world.
...Click on the link to read the entire editorial.
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Like I said...no difference.
by Joe Mayer
"Tell me your image of God and I'll tell you your politics." — Marcus BorgIn a previous Pondering I asked the rhetorical questions: Do we really believe America has a preferential place in God's divine plan? And, does that plan approve of the violence that we use? Sadly, today in this 21st century after the birth of the namesake of our "national religion," the answer to both questions is a resounding "Yes."
Before we continue to dismantle our "separation of church and state" and advance "faith-based initiatives" sponsored and paid for by government, we need to step back and look at modern examples of church/state marriage. Al-Qaeda is a faith-based initiative, as is the Taliban. The Israeli/Palestinian and Irish/English conflicts are faith-based. Do we want to emulate that which we condemn in others, that which we label as "evil," that which we war against? I'm afraid to answer that question.
The Borg quote at the top refers to one image of God as the almighty, wrathful judge who lives outside our world, a God of empire who demands exclusive loyalty, favors some tribes of people over others, rules over the world through earthly anointed representatives and visits a terrible vengeance on his enemies and unbelievers. The second image of God is that of a loving creator living amongst his / her cherished people, always encouraging an interdependent, all-inclusive relationship and understanding within all aspects of an evolving world.
...Click on the link to read the entire editorial.
-----
Like I said...no difference.
posted by Mike at 1:24 PM
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