Excellent take on where Christianity is in America. You left one point out that I feel is worth pointing out. The demonization of other forms of religion and the othering of those practitioners. The Muslim ban comes to mind especially.
To be clear: I'm not religious myself. So I'm not trying to be complete in my argument, here. I'm simply observing, with respect, the realities of Christianity in America, through it's on terms. And observing a pretty devastating reality. I think it is, anyways.
Thank you for another engaging column. A few thoughts.
First, as you of course know, there is a long history of religion being used for political ends. And people who required to attend church back in England or were fined. So I try not to idealize the days before televangelists.
And then there are also faiths in our country that are quietly going about their business of being ethical, compassionate, caring people. The Quakers and various more mainstream Protestant churches (Episcopalians, Presbyterians, etc. - although the recent schism in the Episcopal church has been hurtful). And their more progressive worldview is perhaps better aligned with younger people?
Finding a welcoming religious community that works to support its members and communities are still present here. I’ve seen people find their way by joining these groups. This is the kind of faith that Jesus preached. All is not lost but there’s a definite hijacking of the message by those that seek power by any means.
I remember watching a televangelist years ago teaching the Prosperity Gospel. Maybe it was Kenneth Copeland? Anyway, he broke into his schtick and starting hallelujah-ing for donations. He needed to - I swear he said this on camera - “buy another jet.” Because the one he had wasn’t big enough for his growing entourage and expanding ministry. Then it struck me. Someone had finally figured out how to seamlessly integrate Christianity with free market capitalism while avoiding the cognitive dissonance required when trying to fully reconcile one with the other. That this integration made an abomination of Jesus’s teachings was apparently of little to no concern to these spiritual grifters…
Well said. I have thought for some time about this as more of my family has fallen under the changed Christianity. You clearly state what I have struggled to define. Other than they lack faith. Another instance of a group focusing on minutia instead of grasping the larger concepts of we are all one.
Excellent take on where Christianity is in America. You left one point out that I feel is worth pointing out. The demonization of other forms of religion and the othering of those practitioners. The Muslim ban comes to mind especially.
To be clear: I'm not religious myself. So I'm not trying to be complete in my argument, here. I'm simply observing, with respect, the realities of Christianity in America, through it's on terms. And observing a pretty devastating reality. I think it is, anyways.
Thank you for another engaging column. A few thoughts.
First, as you of course know, there is a long history of religion being used for political ends. And people who required to attend church back in England or were fined. So I try not to idealize the days before televangelists.
And then there are also faiths in our country that are quietly going about their business of being ethical, compassionate, caring people. The Quakers and various more mainstream Protestant churches (Episcopalians, Presbyterians, etc. - although the recent schism in the Episcopal church has been hurtful). And their more progressive worldview is perhaps better aligned with younger people?
Hope springs eternal…
Finding a welcoming religious community that works to support its members and communities are still present here. I’ve seen people find their way by joining these groups. This is the kind of faith that Jesus preached. All is not lost but there’s a definite hijacking of the message by those that seek power by any means.
I remember watching a televangelist years ago teaching the Prosperity Gospel. Maybe it was Kenneth Copeland? Anyway, he broke into his schtick and starting hallelujah-ing for donations. He needed to - I swear he said this on camera - “buy another jet.” Because the one he had wasn’t big enough for his growing entourage and expanding ministry. Then it struck me. Someone had finally figured out how to seamlessly integrate Christianity with free market capitalism while avoiding the cognitive dissonance required when trying to fully reconcile one with the other. That this integration made an abomination of Jesus’s teachings was apparently of little to no concern to these spiritual grifters…
Well said. I have thought for some time about this as more of my family has fallen under the changed Christianity. You clearly state what I have struggled to define. Other than they lack faith. Another instance of a group focusing on minutia instead of grasping the larger concepts of we are all one.
Bravo! Another example I why I subscribe to your Substack.
As usual, wonderfully penetrating analysis, Mike. Reposting.
AMEN