In some distant place, Hitler must be smiling at the 6 Republicans on the Court’s growing conflation of church & state in America - because it's what helped make his horrors possible
The problem Thom is pointing out is nothing less than what is happening in Afghanistan with the Taliban: Sharia Law there, evangelical christianity here. The religious beliefs may differ, but the goals are the same.
That's the perfect picture for this Report, because it shows women elevating a woman. Horrors!
Organized religion is about control, and it's often about convincing the believers there is nobility in suffering. No thanks, I'll listen to my common sense, whether I got that from nature or god.
So the logic of Madison is simple and solid. We the people are the government and control the government, not the other way around. It's so civilized---this having rights, laws, and funds for the general welfare. We don't need a dictator in heaven or on earth.
Back to the pic, I want to see a woman elevated---Representative Val Demings should be elected senator. Women deserve better than Rubio. Everyone deserves better than the twisted religious nuts we have on the Court and in our government.
The role of religion in America has always been, at its best, to be the voice of our conscience. The Abolitionist movement was largely driven by church people who believed the enslavement of other human beings was anathema to the teachings and spirit of Christ. The Civil Rights Movement of the 60s was similarly driven by men and women of faith. Rev. King was a Baptist minister. The teachings of Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X, based on Islam, helped to kindle a great awakening among African Americans, and many white people as well, regardless of their faith. Throughout history it has been as it is our time: The people who truly stand with God, however that is perceived, have always had to do so in the face of great opposition from common social, governmental AND religious powers. Spirit is interwoven in our national fabric. The threads of that tapestry are Native American, Judeo/Christian (in various forms), Muslim and Eastern. When that part of America rises up without prejudice, in common cause and mutual love and respect for each other, and demands human dignity, social, economic and environmental justice, ensuring freedom of practice and personal autonomy for all, THEN America will live up to the great potential we have always claimed has been given to us by Providence.
I think your concerns about church and state are unfounded, because the church has lost its relevance in our society - they've done it to themselves. What you're seeing from evangelicals is a desperate attempt for attention, because they know they're a dying breed. How do I know this? Because of all of the deaths from overdoses, for one. Many of those who died were looking for hope, which is something the church used to provide. Today, as I said, the church is no longer relevant, and these hope-seekers turn to poison in an attempt to reach their altered state.
What y'all need to be concerned about is big Pharma, the military-industrial complex, and other large corporations. There's where you need to push for separation, between those parties and the state. They're the ones who hold power in today's world - it's not the church anymore you need to worry about.
And, let's not forget the purveyor of such tainted ilk that fed the beast 'Scalia' with his then daily diet of putrified lies at the Supreme Court level ... None other than the 'Canuckdian' turned 'fake' Texan ... the soon to be ousted Sen. Ted Cruz fresh outta Alan D.'s Harvard Law School!
Hey Thom. Is it fair to challenge you with Godwin’s law? I realize the Hitler references are nothing new these days. However, the broad implication of Godwin’s law reveals all kinds of truths about our communication, namely the explicit absurdity found within Nazi comparisons. As we know, Leo Strauss actually spoke of this tactic and saw that “playing the Nazi card” was a sign of desperation or intellectual laziness. I think Strauss was entirely accurate. Of course it’s all subject to interpretation. Some depend on playing the Nazi card to coerce arguments in the favor of their demanding ideology. But many other kinds critical thinkers always see how boring this rhetoric has become.
Also, your conclusion concerning the “merging of church and state, 16th century laws against abortion, forced school prayer, taxpayer subsidies for religious schools” simply doesn't permit any other interpretations of our laws or public policy. In fact your language adamantly disallows any alternative and intelligent discourse concerning faith, religion, and government’s role in mediating the many interesting and diverse values within the public square. There are scores of arguments for many more intelligent perspectives on these policy and legislative matters.
I understand you’re expressing your opinion but your single frame continues to give your opposition many reasons to discount your arguments. But as I’ve previously written, somehow I believe you couldn’t care less how your opponent think about the singularity of your argument. Evidence for this comes in your concluding words about Hitler and Müller being happy with our process and the Founders lamenting over it. Personally, I believe this kind of rhetoric is beneath contempt ... which I realize probably doesn’t matter at all to you.
I thought the younger generations would save us from the insanity and inanities of religion. You cite some numbers to that effect, thanks. Can't figure it out, can't see it in the voting.
We need separation of Hate and State -- best luck to US, b.rad
The Horrific Consequences of the GOP Merging Church & State Are Here
The problem Thom is pointing out is nothing less than what is happening in Afghanistan with the Taliban: Sharia Law there, evangelical christianity here. The religious beliefs may differ, but the goals are the same.
Yes, our Founders must have tears in their eyes. Me too... and a sinking dread in my stomach.
That's the perfect picture for this Report, because it shows women elevating a woman. Horrors!
Organized religion is about control, and it's often about convincing the believers there is nobility in suffering. No thanks, I'll listen to my common sense, whether I got that from nature or god.
So the logic of Madison is simple and solid. We the people are the government and control the government, not the other way around. It's so civilized---this having rights, laws, and funds for the general welfare. We don't need a dictator in heaven or on earth.
Back to the pic, I want to see a woman elevated---Representative Val Demings should be elected senator. Women deserve better than Rubio. Everyone deserves better than the twisted religious nuts we have on the Court and in our government.
The role of religion in America has always been, at its best, to be the voice of our conscience. The Abolitionist movement was largely driven by church people who believed the enslavement of other human beings was anathema to the teachings and spirit of Christ. The Civil Rights Movement of the 60s was similarly driven by men and women of faith. Rev. King was a Baptist minister. The teachings of Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X, based on Islam, helped to kindle a great awakening among African Americans, and many white people as well, regardless of their faith. Throughout history it has been as it is our time: The people who truly stand with God, however that is perceived, have always had to do so in the face of great opposition from common social, governmental AND religious powers. Spirit is interwoven in our national fabric. The threads of that tapestry are Native American, Judeo/Christian (in various forms), Muslim and Eastern. When that part of America rises up without prejudice, in common cause and mutual love and respect for each other, and demands human dignity, social, economic and environmental justice, ensuring freedom of practice and personal autonomy for all, THEN America will live up to the great potential we have always claimed has been given to us by Providence.
US Citizens have religious freedom by law, but stupidity is not a religion — b.rad
I think your concerns about church and state are unfounded, because the church has lost its relevance in our society - they've done it to themselves. What you're seeing from evangelicals is a desperate attempt for attention, because they know they're a dying breed. How do I know this? Because of all of the deaths from overdoses, for one. Many of those who died were looking for hope, which is something the church used to provide. Today, as I said, the church is no longer relevant, and these hope-seekers turn to poison in an attempt to reach their altered state.
What y'all need to be concerned about is big Pharma, the military-industrial complex, and other large corporations. There's where you need to push for separation, between those parties and the state. They're the ones who hold power in today's world - it's not the church anymore you need to worry about.
And, let's not forget the purveyor of such tainted ilk that fed the beast 'Scalia' with his then daily diet of putrified lies at the Supreme Court level ... None other than the 'Canuckdian' turned 'fake' Texan ... the soon to be ousted Sen. Ted Cruz fresh outta Alan D.'s Harvard Law School!
Hey Thom. Is it fair to challenge you with Godwin’s law? I realize the Hitler references are nothing new these days. However, the broad implication of Godwin’s law reveals all kinds of truths about our communication, namely the explicit absurdity found within Nazi comparisons. As we know, Leo Strauss actually spoke of this tactic and saw that “playing the Nazi card” was a sign of desperation or intellectual laziness. I think Strauss was entirely accurate. Of course it’s all subject to interpretation. Some depend on playing the Nazi card to coerce arguments in the favor of their demanding ideology. But many other kinds critical thinkers always see how boring this rhetoric has become.
Also, your conclusion concerning the “merging of church and state, 16th century laws against abortion, forced school prayer, taxpayer subsidies for religious schools” simply doesn't permit any other interpretations of our laws or public policy. In fact your language adamantly disallows any alternative and intelligent discourse concerning faith, religion, and government’s role in mediating the many interesting and diverse values within the public square. There are scores of arguments for many more intelligent perspectives on these policy and legislative matters.
I understand you’re expressing your opinion but your single frame continues to give your opposition many reasons to discount your arguments. But as I’ve previously written, somehow I believe you couldn’t care less how your opponent think about the singularity of your argument. Evidence for this comes in your concluding words about Hitler and Müller being happy with our process and the Founders lamenting over it. Personally, I believe this kind of rhetoric is beneath contempt ... which I realize probably doesn’t matter at all to you.
I thought the younger generations would save us from the insanity and inanities of religion. You cite some numbers to that effect, thanks. Can't figure it out, can't see it in the voting.
We need separation of Hate and State -- best luck to US, b.rad