In your opinion is christian nationalism a growing threat?

Question

Michelle Goldberg says progressives need to wake up and pay attention to the enormous — and growing — influence of the radical Christian right.



"I don't want to be alarmist, but this is actually quite alarming," Michelle Goldberg said. She was referring to the subject of her new book, "Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism," which chronicles the steady rise of the neocons of Christianity.

http://www.alternet.org/story/38830/

Answer 1

Yes. Radical Christians think it is only their country but it is also the country of Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and buddhists. They need to read our constitution again. ALL religions are equal, u are no better than I am.

Answer 2

I cannot imagine that you will find ths an acceptable answer but my answer would be 'no'.

For hundreds of years in this country the Christian right was the ONLY voice in this country. What you are calling radical today is a watered down version of 'average' from centuries and even only decades ago. It was not all that long ago that Christians were burning men and women at the stake for being thought witches by run of the mill "good and decent" Christians. By way of another example, the KKK membership in the 1920's numbered in the millions and included up to 15% of the eligible citizens of the United States. The 'radical right' of today only looks radical because the left has been shifting left exponentially.

Does this mean I think we should go back to our past? Certainly not. I don't however, embrace the progressives. Their ideals are exactly what is driving the rise of the radical right of today. If, the progressives idea's on societal health and growth are to be sound, they need to also consider some of the weakest members of our society; including those who cannot think past religious dogma. If they do this, they might understand that they are moving too fast - and are leaving too many desperately fearful people behind. You can't demand understanding from those incapable of understanding and it isn't progressive to simply sacrifice them.

Answer 3

After reading the whole article, which wasn't all that impressive by the way, I've come to a conclusion. This just another alarmist piece by a disgruntled left wing anti-christian liberal.

Christian nationalism isn't a growing threat, but the kind of ignorance and partisian polarization to the speech that Omba made, most certainly is. Why is it the only people who are perceived as a "threat" are Conservative or Republican Christians, but Christian Democrats are just fine? Notice, there was little talk of the deep seeded and long history of Christians in the democrat party - who ran congress for decades unimpeeded... Paranoia by any name is still paranoia...

Answer 4

The only thing that bothers me sometimes is that the Christian right will choose a representative based on an issue like "pro-life" and blindly push that politician's platform without looking at other issues that the politician is involved in. Bush is a good example. They love Bush because he is represents their viewpoints, while at the same time Bush has also been very detrimental concerning environmental issues. Personally I'd choose someone a bit more well-rounded, but that's just me.

Answer 5

Goldberg probably supports Isreali oppression of Muslims and Christians. The Jews have damaged our country enough. Christians need to counterbalance their influence.

Christianity and nationalism are apples and oranges, by the way.

Answer 6

It is of equal threat to the growing movement of progressive secularism. Both are based purely on emotion rather than rational thought. Neither is willing to listen to anyone elses arguments to the contrary. Both are willing to go to extremes to make their point. Extremism in any form is a "bad" thing.

Answer 7

I think any time a religion becomes a political statement it has overstepped it's place whether it be Islam, Christianity, Judaism, or any other religion. So, yes, it can be a danger, therefore by definition a threat.

Answer 8

Yes

Answer 9

I will contemplate this as I read the aforementioned book as I sit in our nation's (U.S.) cathedral, surrounded by people of EVERY faith (yep, that's right, ANY recognized faith can worship in our nation's cathedral), after I have revisited the Constitution of the United States (which guarantees religious freedom in the U.S.) on display at the National Archieves.

Answer 10

Absolutely. When xianity took over old Pagan religions, many people were tortured and killed. In central and south america, indigenous people were murdered at the hands of the Spanish church Inquisition in its zeal to save souls. Danger, danger.