Quote:
Originally Posted by TheSilentAssassin
As we are all aware, for some strange reason, there is a association between conservative politics and Christianity in america, but from my perspective I see quite the opposite. The right might align on more insignificant social issues like homosexuality and abortion (although I don't believe that the bible tells us anywhere to enforce those moral beliefs as law), but the left seems to align itself on much deeper core issues of the Bible, like social justice and egalitarianism.
I guess in my mind there are two possible explanations. Firstly, it is possible that the church and the theologians of this era are simply misguided in what I believe to be proper interpretation of the Bible. But after studying the modern American theologians (although I am no expert on modern theology), I don't see this to be the case. This ranges from theologians like Tillich and MLK to the recent Bishops vs Paul Ryan dispute. How about the Pope (leader of one of the most traditional churches) saying things like:
So, now, I have come to a second conclusion. The disconnect is not between the biblical message and the theologians; it is between the theologians and the layman. How is it that the conservatives and political right can have this claim to Christian authenticity when in fact their teachers and church leaders are supporting the very opposite?
/endrant
Thought?
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I was staring into a glass of an oatmeal stout, after an uncountable number of hot sake shots on Saturday, and started thinking about this topic. I dont know why, I suspect because I needed to drown out the horrible DJ, and the pissy spouse, it's a shame tobacco doesn't do more for you.
Anyway. The whole left and right division is essentially over hierarchy and authority versus freedom and equality. Taking the garden of Eden into account, eating the forbidden fruit was the ultimate rejection and rebellion of authority and hierarchy. The ultimate temptation, to be like God, as his equal; not so much in pride, but in arrogance and ultimate rejection of one's true nature and place.
I was wrong before. The God of Abraham created a hierarchical universe according to everything I've seen from the bible. I cannot, therefore, see Christianity as anything but conservative. I don't think agape is a universal love in the sense of universal acceptance. I think, instead, that it is a call for just action, for the good of your neighbor.
In respect to your last comment. I think some of the church leadership has been doing a fair amount of betrayal to their laymen parishes. I don't follow any church activity very closely, but I do come across an article from time to time. The newly elected Arch bishop of Canterbury comes across as a snake to me.
