I had a lot to say. I was going to discuss my very busy weekend, post pictures of me and my mom at The Buddy Walk for Downs Syndrom on Saturday, give a high pitched squeel for my latest addition to my rock collection, a lovely fire opal, tell you about my new iMac, which I am afraid to take out of the box, discuss the wonderful breakfast I had yesterday with my mom's second husband and the two youngest siblings who are exceptionally articulate and cute and sang happy birthday to me (In tune!!no an easy feat!) and showed me how they can spell their names, and now mine, at almost 4.
But instead, as I was visiting at The Daily Snark, I was struck by todays post about a Bible camp aimed at teaching children to evangelicly take the United States back for Jesus. Teh volume was low, but I was frightened by the sight of children under 10 rocking and swaying in the extacy of His word. Chanting. Learning to be soldiers for Jesus. I don't think that is what Jesus intended! Sure, go out and spread his word! there are many who need it! But so are there many who choose to know god in a different way. This is not "war". And if you think that it is, then I am afraid that I will have to fight you. I don't like the idea of being chased down by children brainwashed into believeing that Jesus' way is the only way.
Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against your regular Christian individual. I think I hae underlined that many many times. Christianity brings many wonderful things to our society. But I don't believe that people should eb turned into mindless drones for ANY cause. And I really don't believe that America should be "taken back, for Jesus". And so, sadly, if it is to be war, I am afraid that I will fight, and fight dirty for my rights as an American to believe as I choose and not be condemned for it.
Because I am blessed to have been born in a country that recognizes constitutionally that there are many paths to God. That there is no one answer for everyone.
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9 comments:
GM, don't be taken in by the propoganda of the film. If it is the one I am thinking of, it is no more genuine than Michael Moore-on's "F 9/11".
The camp in the movie is a legitimate kid's camp for Christians. Any Christian religion worth it's weight is going to want to raise its children in a like manner.
The idea of being Christian soldiers is many centuries old. One of the most revered songs in Christendom is "Onward Christian Soldiers". The difference is that we do not see our battle to be against people, but against spiritual wickedness...that is against Satan and his demons. Our holy book, the Bible proclaims that God, Jehovah, says that He is the the Only True God, and all others are demons.
We beleieve all people are condemned to hell, both for their own actions of disobedience to God, and for the original sin committed by Adam. We believe Jesus is the only way to be reconciled with God.
It would be oppressive to tell us we cannot believe we are the only ones who are right. It is equally oppressive for a Christian to not allow people to choose who or what they want to worship.
For about 40 years, Christians have been attacked by many opposers. First, liberals who claim to be Christians but reject everything Christianity defines. There are also alternative religions. Then, science has attacked Christianity.
In the name of diversity and tolerance, Christianity has allowed its opposers to trample on every tenant we have held dear, including sexual fidelity, chemical responsibility, social seperatism.
Even Peter took up a sword and attacked the Roman soldier when he had enough, when they Romans came for Jesus.
How long would you last if someone came into your home, called for you to be non-harmful, then started destroying everything you have worked for?
Jesus told us to turn the other cheek when someone strikes us. We only have four cheeks.
If what you say is true regarding the movie and it's twisted propaganda, then the true "war" should be against those who would inflame the public in order to cause trouble. If Satan does indeed exist, then it seems to me that this is precisely the sort of trick he would pull.
I have no issue, of course, with Christian camps, I think summer camps are a wonderful way for children to be occupied and I would expect nothing less than Christians teaching thier children to uphold the ideals of thier faith. I would fully expect that these children would attend morning services, create related crafts, and learn about Jesus while there. I, myself went to Bible School as a child, but do not remember anything like what I saw in the video clip.
As we have had many conversations in the past regarding religion, I know that you respect my beliefs, even if you don't agree with them. I have no fear of you knocking on my door and trying to convert me! You should know that I am not attacking the religion, only the idea that someone would come along and undermine my right to believe what I believe.
And trust me, Harm None allows for self defense, and for the protection of our families and space.
I went to Christian summer camps as a kid. The one I remember was put on by the Salvation Army, in Peoria Illinois.
I remember that one specifically because three hours per day was spent learning to play an instrument...mine was the trumpet. I learned to play a tolerable, "Jesus Loves Me", but it was horrible. It was good enough to win first place in the beginners' group, though.
Wow. I can't figure out how they got you kids to sit still for three hours.
They were herding us around like it was a Japanese death camp. We thought any minute Toshiro Mifune was going to come into our cabin and grab the kid who didn't hit the right note during Mozart's Requiem.
Oh, "Sensei" just sets off all of my alarms. Ugh.
Which songs are "revered in Cristendom?" Which Cristendem? Gnostic? Catholic? Pentacostal? That was kind of a weird things to say.
I like that his name is Sensei. Very humble. Very Christian.
BTW, only John says it was Peter who attacked the soldier with the sword. And John is like a Federalist Paper. It's a political document, in many ways...attempting to shove aside the Pauline / Thomas "God is within you" Christianity in favor of the "You must follow us exclusively" Christiantity.
Gotta be honest, though... I don't even want to comment on this dude any further. It's the kind of antiChristian Christianity that makes me nuts.
Christianity is under attack,indeed.
Oy, vey.
Don't be hatin', Rich.
Just a question, aren't the gospels "according to" the different apostles and therefore subject to politics and opinions? You know, before the Bible was even translated into English, just the translation from Christ to his Apostles may have been subject to the individal interpretation. A He-Said, He-Said situation (as the gospel according to Mary has yet to be found/published, that I am aware of)
I am not tryng to undermine the gospel, of course, I just try to maintain an objective view of the text.
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