this isn't me
This isn't me.

I am not with these guys. My roots are evangelical and my values, I hope emerge from the Bible...more specifically from what we see of Christ in the gospels...I am a "values voter" too, but I voted the other way.

It is sad to see a such a huge majority of the "chrisitian" population be so easily and arrogantly swung in one direction. There is so much more to the story than just abortion, homosexuality and stem cell research. These are not single issues that go away when a guy like George W. is elected. how can we be so blind to the bigger picture? Did abortions increase or decrease during our presidents last four years in office? they increased. Why? Because the economy flopped. Moby keeps asking questions of what he interprets as the "christian voice" of right wing conservatives. And they are good quesitons:

ok, i know we're in our time of repose and healing and whatnot, but i was watching the reverend jerry falwell on tv today and he was talking about 'christian values' and i was outraged. his 'christian values' are:
1-anti-gay
2-anti-women
3-strong national defense
4-pro-death penalty

i've said it before, and i'll say it again, how in the world can the christian right call themselves christian? where in the teachings of christ does christ talk about:
1-homosexuality
2-abortion
3-patriotism ?

the election was decided by the christian right, but how in the world are these people actually christians? i'm sorry, i don't mean to judge, but i've read the gospels quite a few times, and it seems pretty clear that 'christian values' are: 1-humility
2-non-judgementalism
3-caring for the poor
4-compassion
5-love
6-serving god

don't get me wrong, i'm not presenting myself as a virtuous, upstanding christian. i'm just saying that it outrages and baffles me that so many millions of americans call themselves christians but yet have belief systems that are seemingly antithetical to the teachings of christ. i'm going out on a theological limb here, but i do think that christ would be
1-anti war
2-anti death penalty
3-anti capitalist
4-pro environmentalism
5-pro programs that help the poor

so, not to make a pun, but what the hell? how is it that millions of americans call themselves christians but don't seem to incorporate any of christ's teachings into their lives? what do they teach in their churches? how do they get around christ's teachings on: love, forgiveness, pacifism, compassion, anti clericalism, anti-capitalism, etc?
at some point i would really like to debate some conservative christian leaders and ask them how they can call themselves christians and not actually incorporate christs teachings into their teachings and beliefs and actions. and again, i'm not presenting myself as a fantastic, upstanding christian. but just as i'd be dismayed to hear about vegans eating beef i'm also dismayed to hear about christians who are vicious, divisive, pro-war and pro-death penalty." -moby (from Moby.com)

- posted by Jacob B. @ 9:06 AM