Archive for the 'Religion' Category
May 17, 2008 at 12:05 PM by David Pleasant
Longtime readers of TPC know how I feel about mixing religion and politics, and particularly my view on the religious test applied to Barack Obama with respect to Jeremiah Wright. But for those that aren’t, I had to give this particular issue on Pastor John Hagee, and by association John McCain, considerable thought before posting it.
The Jeremiah Wright controversy was initiated by others. They sought information and videos on Wright with the sole intent of destroying Barack Obama. Wright did not come out on the national stage and endorse Obama as a result of Obama seeking and promoting that endorsement. Instead the facts show Obama sought to distance himself from Wright rather than publicize him. In other words — it wasn’t pandering or trying to curry favor with a particular sect of voters.
The same cannot be said for the relationship between John McCain and Pastor John Hagee. I don’t believe John McCain’s views are entirely synonymous with Pastor Hagee’s views, but their alliance does reflect on John McCain’s judgment and his hypocrisy. John McCain has one standard for his opponents and another standard for himself.
Hagee recently apologized for referring to the Catholic Church as the “great whore” and as I said at the time, that was but one of Hagee’s offensive remarks. Cliff Schecter has uncovered another one of Hagee’s “teachings” that is not only offensive, to me at least, but also flies in the face of George Bush and remarks he made against Obama this week and McCain fully supported.
Yesterday I discovered an astonishing audio recording of a sermon, by controversial McCain endorser Pastor John Hagee, in which Hagee elaborates on his view that Hitler and the Nazis were divine agents, sent by God to (with gruesome inefficiency it would seem) chase Europe’s Jews towards Palestine. In his 2006 book “Jerusalem Countdown”, Hagee proposed that anti-Semitism, and thus the Holocaust, was the fault of Jews themselves - the result of an age old divine curse incurred by the ancient Hebrews through worshiping idols and passed, down the ages, to all Jews now alive.
I can’t think of a better way to frame this than by using John McCain’s words. “I think that Barack Obama John McCain needs to explain why he wants to sit down and talk with the support of a man who is the head of a government church…who denies the [source and tragedy] of the Holocaust [for what it was.]“
Apr 22, 2008 at 3:25 PM by David Pleasant
If there was any doubt The Enlightenment has long since passed us, the Jonesville Church of God in Jonesville, S.C. may help remove that doubt.
Jonesville Church of God in Jonesville, S.C.
The pastor of the church, Roger Byrd, wanted to inspire a little critical thinking in his congregation, therefore, after a "moment of prayer," Byrd put this message on the church’s bulletin board.
"Obama Osama
Humm
Are They Brothers?"
How much church members may actually reflect upon the pastor’s message cannot be determined, but they surely will not be able to avoid reading it. Neither will any of the town’s 922 residents that drive by it.
It is also worth noting the town’s population has been declining for years. Humm.
Pastor Byrd denies unequivocally that the message is racially or politically motivated. It would be hard to argue the message is not politically motivated by the mere fact that Barack Obama’s name is included, but Byrd assures it is not:
"It is absolutely not a racist sign or a political sign," Byrd said. "It’s only meant to encourage people to think about what they’re doing. (Obama) said he’s not (a Muslim), but that’s why I asked the question. I would put the same sign up if he were a white man.
"God loves us all, but what if we get someone in the White House who happened to be Muslim? I’m just trying to open people’s minds. . . .
"I’m not meaning to say that he has the same character as Osama, but it hit my mind that their names are so close. Maybe there’s some sort of kinship," he said."
Interestingly enough, not every right-wing conservative blogger supports Pastor Byrd’s thought provoking idea. At least two conservative bloggers do not.
Apr 18, 2008 at 11:16 PM by David Pleasant
For those that are interested and may not know, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama’s former pastor, will be on Bill Moyer’s Journal next week (4/25).
Moyer’s show airs every Friday at 9:00 PM ET where I live, but that probably varies in other locations.
Apr 13, 2008 at 4:16 PM by David Pleasant
Since Friday, Hillary Clinton has been hammering Barack Obama about his "elitist" values and on how his beliefs are "not reflective of the values and beliefs of Americans." But today responding to a question about the last time she fired a gun or went to church services, Clinton said it "is not a relevant question in this debate” over Barack Obama’s recent comments on small town Americans.
It is quite interesting that for two days Sen. Obama’s faith, values, and beliefs are fair game, but today hers are not. In fact it stands in stark contrast to Sen. Clinton’s remark in a stump speech yesterday that "It is a fundamental expression of who we are and what we believe."
Suggesting that her values, beliefs, and practices were representative of the citizenry, Sen. Clinton decried that Obama’s values were not the values of Americans she knew.
"Not the Americans I know. Not the Americans I grew up with. Not the Americans I lived with in Arkansas or represent in New York."
"Americans who believe in God, believe it’s a matter of personal faith."
Referencing her own personal faith she said, "You know, in my day, I grew up — it was in a working class family in Scranton. I grew up in a church-going family. A family that believed in the importance of living out and expressing our faith." She added, "People who embrace faith, not because they are materially poor, but because they are spiritually rich. Our faith is the faith of our parents and our grandparents."
Furthermore, it appears Sen. Clinton made another "misstatement" in her speech yesterday when she said she grew up in Scranton. She was born in Chicago and grew up there as well.
Mar 18, 2008 at 9:59 AM by Political Chase
Glenn Greenwald has an excellent post contrasting the outrage expressed over Barack Obama’s former pastor Rev. Jeremiah Williams, and the acceptance, if not sanctification, of precisely the same remarks and sentiment made by right-wing evangelical leaders such as Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and John Hagee. The right-wing evangelicals are asked to serve as high-level White House advisers, and endorse GOP candidates, whereas Williams and others like Williams, are demonized as American-haters and anti-American.
Mar 17, 2008 at 5:22 PM by Political Chase
Our great national political discourse.
The economy is tanking. We’re on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war. George Bush demands the Fourth Amendment be dismissed so his major contributors, the telecom companies, can be given amnesty for their countless lawbreaking.
That’s just a few burning issues, but they are relatively nowhere in terms of what actually is being read and discussed. Instead, Barack Obama’s religion, and remarks made by his pastor are.
Blogrunner reports these are the top stories getting attention across the news media and blogs (as of 5:00 PM ET). Glad to see America is focused.
Mar 16, 2008 at 9:40 PM by Political Chase
Barack Obama’s home church in Chicago fought back today over the criticism levied against their former pastor, Rev Jeremiah Wright.
The church attended by Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) fought back Sunday against mounting criticism of its pastor, accusing the media of character assassination and “crucifixion.”
Otis Moss II, the current pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ, used his pulpit to defend his congregation and its past minister, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., from a wave of controversy stemming from inflammatory statements made by Wright.
“We have listened and watched as the wonderful work of our church has been vilified this week,” he told about 3,000 congregants on Palm Sunday morning. “This week should be special for us because I guess we know a little something about crucifixion.”
I thought most Americans believed George Bush had done such an outstanding job ripping Articles I - IV and Amendments I, V - VIII, X, XI - XII, XII, and XIV, out of the Constitution that they might be inclined not to destroy the residual elements, but I was wrong.
Based on what has transpired with Barack Obama and Mitt Romney this year, Article VI must now be stricken. It says:
“…no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.”
And the Preamble? It states:
“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Well, those are just words, so rip it out because words are not applicable, nor have substance or power.
For the record, Rev. Moss was presumably referring to these or other contextually similar passages from the New Testament in the Bible. But that doesn’t matter either according to the Righteous and Powerful, because they are just words as well.
13 Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him….16 “Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”…18 But they cried out all together, saying, “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!”… 20 Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again, 21 but they kept on calling out, saying, “Crucify, crucify Him!” 22 And he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” 23 But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail. 24 And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted.
Luke 23:13-15,16,18,20-24
I am truly saddened by what is taking place in our country.
Oct 3, 2007 at 5:15 PM by Political Chase
Roman Catholic Archbishop Raymond Burke denied John Kerry the sacraments of the church during his presidential bid in 2004 and intends to do the same with Rudy Giuliani.
Burke, the Archbishop of St. Louis, was asked by The St. Louis Post-Dispatch if he would deny Communion to Giuliani if the former New York mayor approached him for the sacrament.
“If the question is about a Catholic who is publicly espousing positions contrary to the moral law, and I know that person knows it, yes I would,” the paper quoted the archbishop as responding.
Burke has said of Giuliani: “I can’t imagine that as a Catholic he doesn’t know that his stance on the protection of human life is wrong. If someone is publicly sinning, they should not approach to receive Holy Communion.”
Rudy’s response:
Archbishops have a right to their opinion, you know. There’s freedom of religion in this country. There’s no established religion, and archbishop have a right to their opinion. Everybody has a right to their opinion.
The St. Louis based Archbishop’s authority does not extend beyond his diocese, therefore, his punitive measures against Giuliani are limited, unless other bishops take the same action within their respective dioceses. Given Giuliani’s response, one might assume Giuliani remains in good standing with the bishop presiding over his home diocese, presumably New York.
What might be informative to know is if the bishop presiding over the Diocese of New York blessed Rudy’s third marriage. I would be surprised if he did. Even still, the bishop not blessing his marriage does not by default — to the best of my knowledge — mean Giuliani would be denied Holy Eucharist. As those who are members of liturgical/hierarchical churches know (e.g. Roman Catholic, Episcopalian/Anglican), being denied participation in the Eucharist is about as punitive a step as the church can take. Not much left except for excommunication.
Sep 17, 2007 at 3:45 PM by Political Chase
For Lunch today, Iowa democrats serve up fried steak a la Tom Harkin, McCain gets pressed for a little straight talk, Giuliani tries to blend in (again) on race day, and we ponder the claims of Hillary’s healthcare critics.
You’ll enjoy Mitt Romney cleaning up and John “the Baptist” McCain.
Click To Play
Jan 5, 2007 at 10:07 PM by Political Chase
To start off, I apologize for the length of this post, but given the background and the topic it is virtually impossible for me to make it brief. I believe you will find it worthwhile and interesting despite its length. The topic of this post deviates somewhat from the norm here at TPC, which is usually contained to political topics. I am putting aside the aphorism of never discussing religion and politics, so let’s go to the heart of the matter.
Recently, I wrote about Dennis Prager’s commentary regarding Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) ceremoniously using the Koran to affirm his oath of office. If you will remember, Prager and Rep. Virgil Goode (R-VA) lambasted Ellison for not using the Bible, which is actually moot because no religious text of any kind is officially used to swear in a member of Congress. Subsequently and as a result of my post, I engaged in a discourse with another blogger, Tim at Random Conversations, about separation of church and state, “legislation of values,” etc. Since Congress is starting a new term, with the Democratic membership at the helm, and facing the issues of a polarized nation, it seems appropriate to bring the discourse to the main page of TPC.
To set the stage, these are some statements I recently made, which Tim quoted on his site.
Furthermore, the far right conservative base, in my opinion, does lobby heavily to impose their religious values into legislation. I disagree with the level to which the evangelical fundamentalists, a term frequently misused, seek to “impose” their values on others. I have a strong Christian belief, but I don’t necessarily want the “Christian” beliefs of others to be my forced moral compass. In other words, I am an Episcopalian/Anglican, and I do not want forced standards or laws imposed that are derived on Southern Baptist doctrine. Nor do I want to force my Anglo-Catholic standards on Southern Baptists, Muslims, etc.
Continue reading ‘The Divide between Liberals and Conservatives’
Dec 15, 2006 at 4:02 PM by Political Chase
Rick Santorum going over to Fox News? Perfect match.
Dec 13, 2006 at 1:37 AM by Political Chase
I feel like a kid in a candy store. Tom DeLay’s blog will be one of the best things to ever happen to Progressives. It is definitely fodder for exposing the true intellect of the neo-con base, some of which are destined for prison. At minimum, it’s great a source for cut and paste humor.
For example, this comment is from a warring thread on Christianity in the federal government. There is no levity intended in the comment; this person was quite serious.
Praise God and pass the ammunition.
I think someone forgot, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Add ice, stir, sit back, and make your own jokes.
Dec 2, 2006 at 10:51 AM by Political Chase
Previously, I mentioned Dennis Prager’s rantings about Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) using the Quran in the ceremonial photo-op the day of being sworn into Congress. This comes as no surprise, but Fox News’ Sean Hannity eagerly joined in suggesting that Ellison’s use of the Quran was the equivalent of using the “Nazi bible,” Mein Kampf.
Media Matters has a video clip of Prager and Hannity pressing the virtues of their view on Fox’s Hannity & Colmes. I cannot possibly capture in words here the essence of slime and lunacy that Hannity and Prager portray in the video.
Nov 3, 2006 at 7:34 PM by Political Chase
I believe I should retract my previous statement regarding Ted Haggard’s influence on the Bush administration. I must admit Mr. Haggard historically has not been at the top of my list of notables to track closely. After some additional research, I have found that Haggard had substantial influence within the Oval Office. Notwithstanding Haggard’s close relationship with Karl Rove and the President. at this juncture I do not see this scandal as having grave consequences.
Publishing “WMD’s for Dummies” on the Internet — now that’s a different story.
Nov 3, 2006 at 4:08 PM by Political Chase
What is so important about Ted Haggard’s indiscretions? My news aggregator picked up 32 hits on Ted Haggard and one on Stuart Bowen. What is wrong with that picture?
Bowen, the Special Inspector General for Reconstruction in Iraq, gets covertly canned by the administration and the Republican Congress because he did his job - blowing the whistle on Haliburton, et al.
Haggard’s personal life has been sufficiently ruined and it has zero, zip, nada impact on running the affairs of this nation and its interest.
Priorites and respect. Haggard’s situation is personal. Bowen and a ton of other things should be part of the public discourse, especially since we are less than four days away from critical elections.
