Radical Rally: Religious Right Meets In Philadelphia To Demand ‘Christian Nation’

[Adsos Letter]

Oct 1, 2012 by Rob Boston in Wall of Separation

A number of Religious Right groups held a rally in Philadelphia over the weekend to remind everyone that when it comes to religion, they’re right and the rest of us can go jump in the lake (of fire).

Headlining the event was TV preacher Pat Robertson of the Christian Broadcasting Network. Pat is now 82 but still pours on the crazy on a regular basis on his “700 Club.” After I wrote The Most Dangerous Man in America?: Pat Robertson and the Rise of the Christian Coalition in 1996, I considered issuing a type of annual supplement of every intolerance or insane thing Robertson said. I had to abandon the project when I realized I wouldn’t have time to do anything else.

An estimated 8,000-10,000 people attended the event on Independence Mall. Here’s Bro. Pat’s money quote: “I don’t care what the ACLU says or any atheist says, this nation belongs to Jesus!”

Let’s deconstruct that a little bit. What Robertson is really saying here is that the nation belongs – not to Jesus – but to an interpretation of Jesus and his teachings favored by Christian fundamentalists.

http://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/radical-rally-religious-right-meets-in-philadelphia-to-demand-christian

“I don’t care what the ACLU says or any atheist says, this nation belongs to Jesus!”

Where to begin with such a sentiment? Our very own Taliban.

[Frustratedlady]

1. Maybe we should start referring to them as the American Taliban

Isn't he ever going to retire? He makes my head hurt.

[southernyankeebelle]

3. Don't underestimate this group of nuts. They are very serious and many americans are

not paying attention to them. I know I sound nuts but the religious right has taken of the republican party. That is the new republican party. They are already taking womens rights away just on the birth control pill. These people are no better than any religious zealots. If they get their way women will have to stay home and out of the work place. They will outlaw divorce. Life will go back like the 40s or 50s when the husband ruled and any money a wife had saved and put in her own name in a bank account he could take.

[Adsos Letter]

5. "...women will have to stay home and out of the work place. They will outlaw divorce."

You are directly underlining something that I was trying to figure out how to express in a response to FrustratedLady, and you did it much better than I would have. Do the majority of the rank-and-file of these people really understand what a real theocracy would mean for them personally?

I have a cousin who is just about to enter her sixth marriage (she has a tendency not to make wise choices in this respect). She also has a nice public sector job which provides her a comfortable lifestyle. The other day she was posting on FB about how our country needs to "return" to its Christian values. I wonder if she, and those like her, realize what that could mean for her?


EDIT: ...got my user names confused...

[southernyankeebelle]

6. Evidently she doesn't understand what christain values mean to real christains. I will

tell you people need to be afraid. I am so serious and something people think am being nuts. All you have to do is google "Seven Mountains". That will kind of show you what the religious right is patiently waiting to do. They started at the school boards working their way to local offices then state and now national. Every part of our country is being taken over and we are not paying attention. I don't want to go back to the 40s and 50s where women really had no rights unless your a rich woman like Mrs Romney.

[cbayer]

9. You are right on. The Bill Moyers show this week focused on ALEC, who

prey on and use the religious right.

They have put their focus on local and state elections knowing that this would lead not only to significant legislative change, but would feed into the national level given enough time.

It was a frightening show and highly recommended.

[Adsos Letter]

10. I heard that show on our local NPR station. Definitely scary, infuriating, and important. n/t

Last edited Mon Oct 1, 2012, 06:11 PM - Edit history (1)

[southernyankeebelle]

14. Oh I didn't have a chance to watch the show. But honestly you can see them trying hard to

take over. Women are fighting back. The men who love them and their daughters better wake up and fight it also.

[cbayer]

15. You can stream the show. Really worth a watch and made me realize how important it

is to pay attention to the down ticket races.

Some of the state legislation and things passed by local school boards this past year have been alarming.

You are absolutely right. If we don't push back, they will just gain momentum.

[southernyankeebelle]

17. yes indeed and make sure we tell all our friends to make them aware. You be surprised how

many people aren't aware.

[Frustratedlady]

12. How did I get into this? All I said was they are like the Taliban.

I don't doubt the crazed RW and their leaders/followers are extreme to an extreme. I know two women who are into the end times and 2nd coming. I barely know them anymore, as all the think/write about is religion. I'm a Christian who believes in a live and let live way of life, so don't criticize me.

I thought that once the last end times passed, they'd go back into their caves, but they still believe. Rick Santorum is another example of radical right. Palin is only a "believer" on air, but not a model citizen on beyond.

In no way am I standing up for these people. Don't think I'm THAT crazy.

[Adsos Letter]

13. Who criticized you?

I was agreeing with you.

[Frustratedlady]

16. Maybe it wasn't criticism, but indicating I wasn't informed or concerned enough about these RW nuts.

I've been concerned about them for years to the point where my friends think I'm an atheist, or something for criticizing the evangelicals and radicals.

I wish the RW radicals would go to church, read their Bibles and spend their time praying while we get this country straightened out. If they think they can rob the country out from under us, they are insane.

Sorry if I got upset at the comments, but I am sick to death of the religious right and their antics. I have seen people morph into zombies that used to be intelligent, sane people all because of these idiotic ideas and scare tactics. The only way out is to deprogram them like cult members. Jim Jones was a pussy cat compared to these clowns.

[Adsos Letter]

18. I didn't say you were uninformed at all.

I was sharing a story about my cousin. No offense intended.

[Frustratedlady]

19. No problem.

It wasn't you, it was another poster.

[Viva_Daddy]

2. I can't think of anything more dangerous since Fascism.

[cbayer]

4. What is even worse is that he is saying that the nation is a specific kind of christian nation -

his brand.

It is very disturbing that an estimated 8,000 - 10,000 people showed up for this.

They plan another event in DC two weeks before the election.

I maintain that it is foolish to write off the fundies in this election. They have and can organize GOTV efforts like few other groups.

[Adsos Letter]

7. People have argued about the correct brand of Christian since the beginning.

Some are extremely toxic. One of the best reasons I can think of for Church/State separation, along with what I believe is the fundamental natural right to freedom of conscience.

[cbayer]

8. Agree on all counts.

[msongs]

11. blasphemers!!!! we should give up our free speech rights to the UN and rioters! nt