Why Can't Fellow Christians Also See The Dangers Of Extremism And Fundamentalism In OUR Faith?

Question

If America were to become a theocracy:

1) Which Christian sect would be the one chosen as the State religion? Protestant or Catholic?
2) Will other sects or religions be allowed to practice freely?
3) Will EVERYONE have to abide by the State Chosen Christian sect's doctrines irregardless of whether they believe or not?
4) Will all kids HAVE to be educated according to ONE belief?

These are just SOME of the problematic questions of a theocracy. We agree Islamic extremism and theocratic government suck. We are in shock over how women are treated. How non-believers are viewed and the skewered, unscientific, illogical world view Muslim fundamentalists have and the sectarian violence it causes. Yet we are allowing Christian fundamentalism to flourish in our country.

I'm Christian and I would much rather prefer to live in a secular society than a theocratic one. I want my kids taught biology in class not Genesis! I don't want people FORCED to practice MY faith. Do you agree?

Earl D, I KNOW most Christians are moderate. I am one of them. But in general we do not SPEAK OUT against fundamentalism in our OWN faith as much as we should. When the dangers are just as bad as Islamic fundamentalism. So obviously there is a part of us that believes it is not as 'threatening".

Answer 1

I agree that i don't want our country telling us what 'religion or belief' is the 'right one'

that is what the seperation of church and state is... to keep the government out of my church/faith choices... which is what i believe is the way it should be.

Answer 2

i think of you're perplexing extremism and fundamentalism. The word fundamentalism has earned a unfavorable connotation, yet advance into in basic terms meant as a reaction to religious liberalism. An extremist could be somebody that shoots an abortionist in the call of life, a fundamentalist is somebody who insists on doing Christianity the way the scriptures say.

Answer 3

While I do not agree with the modern definition of 'theocracy' I do believe in the establishment of the true religion. Perhaps you have heard of the Church of Scotland which was the established religion beginning in 1688. More then half of our colonies at the signing of the declaration had established religions. The state of Connecticut had a state established religion until 1818.

The fact is that the Bible nowhere teaches pluralism of religion, and it does speak of nations bowing their knee to the Lord Jesus Christ (Psalm 2:1ff). In an establishment of religion there is a division between the powers of church and state, however it means that on moral issues the Civil Magistrate would have a guide.

For Christ's Crown and Covenant!

Answer 4

You bring up some good points. People don't realize that ONE CORRECT Christianity would be promoted. This very kind of state sponsored religion is part of the reason why our founders included the "Establishment Clause" in the Constitution. Not only was Christianity the only correct religion in some states, but specifically Baptist or Protestant or whatever sect was strongest there. Others were outlawed and persecuted.

You can't tell me what to believe, so the idea of a government influenced so strongly by religion is ridiculous. It is our dedication to keeping a wall between church and state that keeps religion pure and allows us to worship as we choose. Once church and state merge, state controls church as well as what YOU believe. No one benefits from that.

Answer 5

1. The difference between Christianity and Protestant is merely how they worship. Their faith is based on the same bible. So that question really is not valid. They are both CHRISTIAN religions. Catholicism and Protestant are not religions, they are denominations of Christianity divided by their particular form of worship, not necessarily their beliefs.

2. If a country was to follow the true teachings of Christ then yes, anyone would be free to chose the religion of their choice. Why? Because God does not DEMAND people follow Him. He gives them free will to CHOOSE. It would be wrong of any country to take that freedom away. Yet, many countries do, if not officially , then by sanctioned covert persecution.

3. (irregardless is not a word,it's a double negative) Everyone would have to abide by the laws that were founded based on Christian principles. For example Thou shalt not commit murder. The law would be based on biblical doctrines, not the doctrines of any one sect or denomination. Debates would probably be held to determine the interpretation of the doctrines.
4. Children would be educated based on biblical teachings. Again, based on the bible, not on the specific teachings of one church.

Extreams in any direction are bad. Mostly because they violate the two most important commands that God gave us. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and Love your neighbor as yourself.
If people just followed those two commands...the ones that Jesus said were the most important, there would be no problems in the world...think about it.

If you are a Christian and say that you would prefer to live in a secular society, that is concerning. Why would you want to live in a society devoid of any reference to your own faith?

I teach in Christian school. Our students are taught biology in biology class, math in math class and Genesis in bible class. But all classes are taught from the perspective that God is the author of all things..including science. There is no problem with teaching science that is faith based. Our students learn the same, if not MORE than public school kids as our higher SAT scores show as well as our college acceptance rate and low drop out rate. As a Christian, I am glad that my child is taught in an atmosphere that supports their beliefs and encourages knowledge.

Again, if we follow the two most important commandments, nobody would be forced to "practice" anything. And faith is not "practiced", it's lived.

Answer 6

Fundamentalism is not, in and of itself, the problem. On the contrary, early fundamentalists were separatists who wanted very little to do with politics, much less power and it wasn't until the late '70's that this began to change. The problem of intolerance, as Michael Behe notes in Darwin's Black Box, "does not arise when I think I have found the truth[, but rather] when I think that, because I have found it, that everyone else should agree with me." And this is true of any belief, even atheism.

Answer 7

Well, actually, our fundies aren't as bad as islamic militants considering fundies don't have a tendency to run around bombing innocent people. Extremists and fundies are frightening though, but this really is a non-issue. The US will never become a theocracy, just won't happen. A small group of whacko's isn't enough to make it happen, and as you said, most of us are moderates.

Answer 8

We should all be free to choose whatever belief/religion we want. I am catholic myself but no longer pratice. Yet, I do believe that things happen for a reason. What those are, I'm not sure. I dont think one religion for everyone is smart or pratical. We are all different and so is our religion but no one should be looked down upon because their beliefs are opposite of yours. I went to catholic schools because my mom is catholic, went to one all her life so, hence, we were rasied that way eventhough my father is a baptist. Just depends on the parents & how you want your kid(s) raised.

Answer 9

One of the main reasons this country has made the progress that it has and the inventions and all the other things is because we have freedom of religion. We don't spend all our resources and time and energy of the government to control everyones thoughts and faith and feelings.
Like one man said, "I don't believe like you do and never will, but I will fight to the death for your right to believe that way."
The only thing history has taught us is that you cannot control peoples thoughts. To control religion is to maintain a continous civil war.

Answer 10

To be honest, the whole thing is a bit pointless because no matter how much the wacko fundamental idiots push their theocratic agenda there will always be good and intelligent people to block their path.

Answer 11

Do you live under a rock. MOST are middle of the roaders.

And America is not about to go that road in view of using a Quran to swear in a new congressional person.