My first posting was commentary based on social affects of the skewed religious values we're dealing with today, but by my understanding you have the history essentially correct.

“The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.”
~John Kenneth Galbraith~

But let's not overlook the Conservative Political influence. Think that quote was from 1929 or thereabout, not much has changed in that respect.

Per my opening post many current (IE Right Wing) Fundamentalists seem intent on avoiding New Testament values, they're not inclined to accept recognized values of Compassion or Empathy since that would be in conflict with their inclinations of GREED.

Under tenants of "The Golden Rule" they'd have to accept Liberal/Progressive values "which is NOT going to happen" so they disregard that context completely and justify their "New Improved" values within a new religious framework contrived specifically for that purpose.

As John Galbraith was pointing out, they're simply replacing God with worship of money, tho that's an unspoken imperative of that twisted morality.

But my immediate interest (larger context) is as stated above:

Militant Evangelicals of today speak out of "Both sides of their mouths" as the saying goes.

And don't hesitate to use the religious faith of others in support of their own Political Ambitions.

With the rest of us paying the hidden "Costs" of those opportunistic, cynical manipulations.

Even in terms of lives lost, regarding limitless Middle East war ventures.

I intended to point out blatant ongoing Political Manipulation of supposed "Divinely Inspired Moral Values", especially Religious justification for widespread displays of Intolerance toward we "Outsiders". Even to the extent of encouraging War against other religions (Listened to Pat Robertson lately?)

Thanks.