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I know middle of the roader theists and they are constantly addressing the far right as part of the problem.
There are several Episcopal groups on Facebook, and there is constant conversation on those pages about the problems and dangers we are seeing with the far-right religious infiltrating the government. Won't go into detail because it would drift into politics, but you can put two and two together with what's been in the news.
There are several Episcopal groups on Facebook, and there is constant conversation on those pages about the problems and dangers we are seeing with the far-right religious infiltrating the government. Won't go into detail because it would drift into politics, but you can put two and two together with what's been in the news.
its real simple for me mighty. rational people hold rational beliefs.
anti-religious socialism is an epic fail and as dangerous as any fascist theism. I don't have to pretend that it is different. One look at the school system in the north east united states clearly demonstrates the failed anti-religious movement (and politics) has failed.
we can compare where we are today in where we were 100 years ago. somethings are better and some things are worse. I see no diference in anti-religion pushing their morals on me than I do some fundy theist. I look around the world and see both "far's" as failures.
why would somebody make us pick either one when both are epic wrongs?
There are several Episcopal groups on Facebook, and there is constant conversation on those pages about the problems and dangers we are seeing with the far-right religious infiltrating the government. Won't go into detail because it would drift into politics, but you can put two and two together with what's been in the news.
And these "Episcopal groups" on Facebook include a lot far right religious folks? That's just another echo chamber, or perhaps more appropriate for our forum -- preaching to the choir. I hate to use an old cliche, but talk is cheap, particularly when you're just talking to people in your own little group.
At least on our forum, we have a substantial mix of theists and atheists and an exchange of ideas between the two groups.
And these "Episcopal groups" on Facebook include a lot far right religious folks? That's just another echo chamber, or perhaps more appropriate for our forum -- preaching to the choir. I hate to use an old cliche, but talk is cheap, particularly when you're just talking to people in your own little group.
At least on our forum, we have a substantial mix of theists and atheists and an exchange of ideas between the two groups.
No, far-right religious wouldn't join such a group in the first place since they don't believe we are legitimate Christians. It does serve a purpose beyond your perception of an echo chamber, though, to talk with other liberal Christians throughout the country who are of the same mind. Of course, conversations on those pages are not only about political or religious subjects but humor and other Episcopal-specific conversations that someone like you wouldn't get or have any interest in.
Even on this forum, there's not much more than talk going on. It's just as cheap here as anywhere else. But seriously, when Presiding Bishop Michael Curry went to Standing Rock in 2016 to protest the pipeline through Native land, I know through that network that others from around the country went to join him, so sometimes even cheap talk can fuel action.
No, far-right religious wouldn't join such a group in the first place since they don't believe we are legitimate Christians. It does serve a purpose beyond your perception of an echo chamber, though, to talk with other liberal Christians throughout the country who are of the same mind. Of course, conversations on those pages are not only about political or religious subjects but humor and other Episcopal-specific conversations that someone like you wouldn't get or have any interest in.
Even on this forum, there's not much more than talk going on. It's just as cheap here as anywhere else. But seriously, when Presiding Bishop Michael Curry went to Standing Rock in 2016 to protest the pipeline through Native land, I know through that network that others from around the country went to join him, so sometimes even cheap talk can fuel action.
I am more in agreement with this post of yours, and here's why.
As I said before, talk is cheap. But I give full-credit to what Bishop Curry did, and to those who stood with him.
People can't "speak out" with action on every cause they believe in. But there an awfully lot of people who never speak out or take action on virtually anything.
There's a huge difference between lip service and speaking out, and a huge difference between speaking out and taking action.
The problem is that all too many christians do lip service at most, and rarely take action. They may live a christian life in terms of not committing sins, but that doesn't do anything to move the needle on things in this country and world that need to change.
I am more in agreement with this post of yours, and here's why.
As I said before, talk is cheap. But I give full-credit to what Bishop Curry did, and to those who stood with him.
People can't "speak out" with action on every cause they believe in. But there an awfully lot of people who never speak out or take action on virtually anything.
There's a huge difference between lip service and speaking out, and a huge difference between speaking out and taking action.
The problem is that all too many christians do lip service at most, and rarely take action. They may live a christian life in terms of not committing sins, but that doesn't do anything to move the needle on things in this country and world that need to change.
I agree, but I think that's true of all types of people, not just Christians.
Also, sometimes the group efforts are what can be done in small ways. There is the ever-popular and obvious one that lib churches have done for years, standing up for the LGBT community, performing blessing of the unions long before marriage was legal, etc., but also things like the Bishop of NJ declaring that churches in his diocese should provide sanctuary and help to refugees, even if they are here illegally.
Also (close to my heart), not only understanding that other spiritual paths are valid, but working with those others for common goals, like feeding the poor/homeless. Show up at lunchtime at Trinity Wall Street or St. Paul's Chapel in NYC. You'll see Christians, Orthodox Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Whoevers giving out the food. I served there once because I was asked to help by a Muslim coworker who was organizing the help via the employee Asian-American Society.
I agree, but I think that's true of all types of people, not just Christians.
Also, sometimes the group efforts are what can be done in small ways. There is the ever-popular and obvious one that lib churches have done for years, standing up for the LGBT community, performing blessing of the unions long before marriage was legal, etc., but also things like the Bishop of NJ declaring that churches in his diocese should provide sanctuary and help to refugees, even if they are here illegally.
Also (close to my heart), not only understanding that other spiritual paths are valid, but working with those others for common goals, like feeding the poor/homeless. Show up at lunchtime at Trinity Wall Street or St. Paul's Chapel in NYC. You'll see Christians, Orthodox Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Whoevers giving out the food. I served there once because I was asked to help by a Muslim coworker who was organizing the help via the employee Asian-American Society.
1. That's why in the second and third sentences I only referred to "people", not just christians.
2. I would agree with your comments about the LGBT situation and the more liberal churches. t's one of the things I admire about several of the churches.
3. In terms of the food kitchen, however, what percent of all those groups you mention are actually involved?
Religion makes no sense for a species that has the ability to exist perfectly fine without it.
It makes no sense as it's been a huge failure thus far all throughout history.
It makes no sense because there are so many flaws in all the current religions that don't add up to a spiritually enlightening path to follow.
All the Contradictions found in religions makes no sense.
An evil psychopathic murderous god makes no sense.
A book of horrors written in ancient times full of myths about the world we live in makes no sense in the 21st Century.
A religious book that tells others that there is only one way of developing spiritual growth - (their way), makes no sense.
Nope religion makes no sense for a species that is capable of developing inner peace and embarking upon their own path towards existing with a higher consciousness.
1. That's why in the second and third sentences I only referred to "people", not just christians.
2. I would agree with your comments about the LGBT situation and the more liberal churches. t's one of the things I admire about several of the churches.
3. In terms of the food kitchen, however, what percent of all those groups you mention are actually involved?
I don't know. Trinity Wall is an Episcopal Church, and they run the brown-bag lunch program, so I'm guessing the majority of volunteers are affiliated with the church. When I did it that week, I worked the coffee with a Dutch-born Orthodox Jew who does it regularly. I have seen him there when I've walked past on occasion. I know a woman of Chinese descent from my office who is Buddhist was going to volunteer again because she speaks Cantonese and many of the lunch recipients are elderly immigrants from Chinatown, and that generation of residents mostly speak Cantonese. Like me, however, she has retired, so she is probably not in the neighborhood much anymore, either.
Again, I am sure the parishioners of Trinity and St. Paul are the majority of the volunteers, but given their location right smack in the middle of a place swarming with people from all over the planet, it would be almost impossible for the program not to have interfaith activity.
At any rate, it's something I would like to see more of, especially here in Jersey where there are so many different religions and backgrounds. Back in the 90s, when I lived in the northern part of the state, there was an organization called The Inter-Religious Fellowship for the Homeless, which had 60 religious organizations providing daily food to the homeless in the seat of Bergen County (ironically one of the wealthiest counties in the nation). The members were mostly Christian denoms, but I know there were a few synagogues and one Sikh temple who were part of it.
I don't know. Trinity Wall is an Episcopal Church, and they run the brown-bag lunch program, so I'm guessing the majority of volunteers are affiliated with the church. When I did it that week, I worked the coffee with a Dutch-born Orthodox Jew who does it regularly. I have seen him there when I've walked past on occasion. I know a woman of Chinese descent from my office who is Buddhist was going to volunteer again because she speaks Cantonese and many of the lunch recipients are elderly immigrants from Chinatown, and that generation of residents mostly speak Cantonese. Like me, however, she has retired, so she is probably not in the neighborhood much anymore, either.
Again, I am sure the parishioners of Trinity and St. Paul are the majority of the volunteers, but given their location right smack in the middle of a place swarming with people from all over the planet, it would be almost impossible for the program not to have interfaith activity.
At any rate, it's something I would like to see more of, especially here in Jersey where there are so many different religions and backgrounds. Back in the 90s, when I lived in the northern part of the state, there was an organization called The Inter-Religious Fellowship for the Homeless, which had 60 religious organizations providing daily food to the homeless in the seat of Bergen County (ironically one of the wealthiest counties in the nation). The members were mostly Christian denoms, but I know there were a few synagogues and one Sikh temple who were part of it.
It's good to hear about that sense of togetherness in a large urban area. It makes sense, because that's where folks of disparate backgrounds tend to gravitate. That's where jobs and opportunities (hopefully) exist.
Where I live is very different in some ways and much the same in others. I'm in the boonies, on the doorstep of real wilderness. The total population in a 100-mile radius is under 10,000. But there's dozens of churches and/or places of worship.
But when you live in a place where blizzards can occur five months of the year, power outages are common, and the two seasons are Winter and Construction, being a good neighbour counts infinitely more than what church, if any, you attend. There's a lot of crossover up here with various fund-raising events. Folks here know that getting along is more important than where you spend an hour or two on Saturdays or Sundays.
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But seriously, when Presiding Bishop Michael Curry went to Standing Rock in 2016 to protest the pipeline through Native land, I know through that network that others from around the country went to join him, so sometimes even cheap talk can fuel action.
