Christian nation is something to fear

[RetroLounge]

Christian nation is something to fear

By Robert Weitzel
March 9, 2005

George W. Bush's favorite philosopher once dodged the treason bullet by giving a group of Pharisees his honest opinion on the separation of church and state.

Appreciating the wisdom in keeping heavenly and earthly concerns separate, Jesus advised his inquisitors to "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." Regrettably, Jesus' advice is being ignored by a certain "Pharisee" on the Supreme Court in his attempt to create a Christian nation.

On March 2, the Supreme Court considered whether the granite monument inscribed with the Ten Commandments that sits near the entrance of the Texas State Capitol is a violation of the establishment clause of the First Amendment, the foundation stone of Thomas Jefferson's wall of separation between church and state.

http://www.madison.com/tct/opinion/column/guest/index.php?ntid=31401

RL

[madison2000]

1. But a Christian perspective on social justice is something to be glad for

Five Mainline Protestant Leaders Call President's FY06 Budget 'Unjust'

3/8/2005 11:58:00 AM
----------------------------------------------------------------------

To: National Desk

Contact: John B. Johnson of the Episcopal Church, Office of Government Relations, 800-228-0515

WASHINGTON, March 8 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Leaders of five mainline Protestant denominations representing over 20 million followers in the United States today called President Bush's 2006 federal budget "unjust."

Speaking together at a press conference in Washington, DC, leaders of the Episcopal Church USA, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church (USA), United Church of Christ, and United Methodist Church invoked Luke's Gospel story of a poor man named Lazarus laying at the gate of a rich man who ignores the poor man's needs. When the two men die, Lazarus goes to heaven, and the rich man to hell.

"In telling this story, Jesus makes clear that perpetrating economic injustice is among the gravest of sins," the leaders said in a joint statement.

"Like many Americans, we read our daily newspaper through the lens of faith, and when we see injustice, it is our duty to say so," they added. "The 2006 Federal Budget that President Bush has sent to Capitol Hill is unjust. It has much for the rich man and little for Lazarus."

The statement was signed by: the Most Reverend Frank Griswold, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church USA; the Right Reverend Mark Hanson, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America; the Reverend Dr. Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA); United Church of Christ General Minister and President John H. Thomas; and James Winkler, General Secretary of the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church.

In separate statements, the church leaders pointed out areas of particular concern. Bishop Frank Griswold said that three questions should be asked about the budget: "Is the budget compassionate? Does the budget strive to serve the human family, both at home and around the world? Does the budget serve the common good?"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3242417

[RetroLounge]

2. While I do not disagree

Christian Rightwing Nation is not offset by 5 with a Christian Left-Wing Perspective

RL

[madison2000]

3. There are a lot more than 5 in those denominations

and I am just glad they are speaking out and becoming more visible- and giving a more accurate representation of Christianity... They show its possible to respect maintain the distinction between Church and State and still have a public message.

[RetroLounge]

4. Yup, I agree

:hi:

RL

[gizmo1979]

5. Is it just me or did churchs

give alot more back to the community and the poor when I was a kid in the60's and 70's? It seems all they offer now is bingo?

[RetroLounge]

6. Bingo, Political Pressure, and Mass Killers now too.

Yup, makes me wanna go back to church. :eyes:

RL