It’s good to remember that people who call themselves Christians include Protestant Baptist Episcopalians and many other branches of Christianity that are still in their churches every week, speaking truth, the power and showing up in risky places in solidarity for our vulnerable neighbors. I don’t know who the Christians are that show up at these monkey parades but I do believe they represent only one small (?)branch of national Christianity.
I resent the implications that a monkey parade would include any of these people as monkeys are not known for their fascism or ass kissing (unless it's those oversexed bonobos). No, what I think would be a more apt description is something that monkeys may do but which does not define them and yet it finds a place here, among the flock of wolves in sheep's clothing. I would call it a knuckle draggers parade. Let monkeys be monkeys.
Although tongue in cheek, the question was semi-serious. I’m in the UK. A lot of what I know about the American political system came from The West Wing. There is an episode called “The Prayer Breakfast”, which has always made me wonder about the separation of church and state.
Sorry for the sarcasm. But, this bunch of hypocrites use any platform available to spew division to gain the upper hand in politics. This includes religious preferences.
The sarcasm was appropriate and welcome. It is obvious that the various religious factions are happy to be used. I’m just puzzled that any administration would put itself in a position to be manipulated by a “faith”.
It is obscene. I'm an Episcopalian and wonder how people calling themselves Christian can be lacking in compassion for the vulnerable. I take my baptismal promise to "work for justice and peace and respect the dignity of every human being" very seriously. I'm glad to see some of our Bishops stepping up and speaking out, along with Catholic Bishops and faith leaders of many traditions. Meanwhile, I will continue to wear my Bishop Budde button: MERCY COURAGE ACTION and try to live it out.
After learning some church history outside of the church, I came to realize that Christianity (and other religions) are primarily a tool to and for power. I know many people that truly believe and follow the tenets put forth in the bible and I respect them for that, but many just want the control that organized religion can provide. This “prayer” breakfast is a perfect example. only the faith in power was to be found here. I do not care that some in attendance may not agree with what was going on, they did not walk out when the felon started talking. Praying for the felon is probably less effective than praying for gun reform after another school shooting. I’ve had it with religion and the false idols they have put in front of themselves.
Throughout history, regardless of the religion, whenever religion and government have mixed, religion has been the avenue for hate and used to persecute, torture and kill. There is no justice, peace, dignity, respect, or love in religion when it is used by or for political power.
I’m guessing trump wants everything gilded, because he is the Golden Bull, (golden calf) of our time. The hypocrisy is stunning. But your points about history, bring out the ease with which it is instituted. Faith is easily misplaced, because it is not based in reality.
And then I heard this: "Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL) did something Washington almost never sees anymore: he told the truth — in a prayer — while standing just feet away from Donald Trump." (At the National Prayer Breakfast.)
I agree wholeheartedly with Mary’s account and criticism of Trump’s behavior at the Prayer Breakfast and the audience’s hypocritical response. However, as someone who hopes he is a committed Christian, I do feel the need to point out that there are plenty of religious leaders who have spoken out against Trump and his corrupt and decidedly unchristian administration.
Recall that Mary Ann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington DC, was the first to (gently) call out Trump one day after the inauguration (full disclosure: I am an Episcopalian). Since then, and frankly a bit on the tardy side, three American Catholic cardinals, the head of the Catholic bishop’s conference, and the bishop to the military have also joined in a chorus of dissent. And, so has the American-born Pope. Remember and let’s give credit to the minister who was tear-gassed by ICE at a protest, and the over 100 clergy who were arrested at an airport where deportations have taken place. They deserve credit for their actions, and we need to see more of them on at the protests and on the picket lines.
What does it profit a man if he shall gain the world and lose his soul? It seems obvious that Trump has sold his immortal soul for money and those sycophantic Christian’s are selling theirs.
Thank you for this. Trumpian Christianity is indeed a pathway to gain and secure power. As the poster child of Christian nationalism, Trump himself is (ironically and dangerously) an embodiment of the Seven Deadly Sins: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, sloth. The celebrations of his pseudo sainthood on display at the White House and at Republican gatherings are in fact perversions of religion and an inversion of moral order.
For someone who is clearly a non-believer and blissfully ignorant of the Gospels--remember "Two Corinthians" --Trump treats Christianity as just another political prop to bend to his will...and it's working. At what point will he co-opt the Big Man himself? My thoughts: (satire)
“Spiritually obscene”…perfect. As a Christian, I have posted many times that Trump gives Christianity a bad name. Pathetic.
Hello Mary
It’s good to remember that people who call themselves Christians include Protestant Baptist Episcopalians and many other branches of Christianity that are still in their churches every week, speaking truth, the power and showing up in risky places in solidarity for our vulnerable neighbors. I don’t know who the Christians are that show up at these monkey parades but I do believe they represent only one small (?)branch of national Christianity.
I resent the implications that a monkey parade would include any of these people as monkeys are not known for their fascism or ass kissing (unless it's those oversexed bonobos). No, what I think would be a more apt description is something that monkeys may do but which does not define them and yet it finds a place here, among the flock of wolves in sheep's clothing. I would call it a knuckle draggers parade. Let monkeys be monkeys.
Yes!
What happened to the separation of church and state?
The constitution…how quaint!
Although tongue in cheek, the question was semi-serious. I’m in the UK. A lot of what I know about the American political system came from The West Wing. There is an episode called “The Prayer Breakfast”, which has always made me wonder about the separation of church and state.
Sorry for the sarcasm. But, this bunch of hypocrites use any platform available to spew division to gain the upper hand in politics. This includes religious preferences.
The sarcasm was appropriate and welcome. It is obvious that the various religious factions are happy to be used. I’m just puzzled that any administration would put itself in a position to be manipulated by a “faith”.
It seems their calculation is that a large part of the conservative voters are Christian, but their actions hardly convey that
Yes. What was it? “By your deeds shall they know you”?
Since when has Evangelical Christianity ever paid real attention to the poor?
It is obscene. I'm an Episcopalian and wonder how people calling themselves Christian can be lacking in compassion for the vulnerable. I take my baptismal promise to "work for justice and peace and respect the dignity of every human being" very seriously. I'm glad to see some of our Bishops stepping up and speaking out, along with Catholic Bishops and faith leaders of many traditions. Meanwhile, I will continue to wear my Bishop Budde button: MERCY COURAGE ACTION and try to live it out.
After learning some church history outside of the church, I came to realize that Christianity (and other religions) are primarily a tool to and for power. I know many people that truly believe and follow the tenets put forth in the bible and I respect them for that, but many just want the control that organized religion can provide. This “prayer” breakfast is a perfect example. only the faith in power was to be found here. I do not care that some in attendance may not agree with what was going on, they did not walk out when the felon started talking. Praying for the felon is probably less effective than praying for gun reform after another school shooting. I’ve had it with religion and the false idols they have put in front of themselves.
Well said. Me too.
Throughout history, regardless of the religion, whenever religion and government have mixed, religion has been the avenue for hate and used to persecute, torture and kill. There is no justice, peace, dignity, respect, or love in religion when it is used by or for political power.
I’m guessing trump wants everything gilded, because he is the Golden Bull, (golden calf) of our time. The hypocrisy is stunning. But your points about history, bring out the ease with which it is instituted. Faith is easily misplaced, because it is not based in reality.
Oh, Frank, that is such a good point. It's like grasping at smoke, idn't it?
Too bad no one walked out. I’d love to hear Trump read Matt 5:1-12 and explain how his bill counters every verse.
And then I heard this: "Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL) did something Washington almost never sees anymore: he told the truth — in a prayer — while standing just feet away from Donald Trump." (At the National Prayer Breakfast.)
I agree wholeheartedly with Mary’s account and criticism of Trump’s behavior at the Prayer Breakfast and the audience’s hypocritical response. However, as someone who hopes he is a committed Christian, I do feel the need to point out that there are plenty of religious leaders who have spoken out against Trump and his corrupt and decidedly unchristian administration.
Recall that Mary Ann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington DC, was the first to (gently) call out Trump one day after the inauguration (full disclosure: I am an Episcopalian). Since then, and frankly a bit on the tardy side, three American Catholic cardinals, the head of the Catholic bishop’s conference, and the bishop to the military have also joined in a chorus of dissent. And, so has the American-born Pope. Remember and let’s give credit to the minister who was tear-gassed by ICE at a protest, and the over 100 clergy who were arrested at an airport where deportations have taken place. They deserve credit for their actions, and we need to see more of them on at the protests and on the picket lines.
Absolutely! There are many true Christians out there and I am lucky to know a few that proudly and fiercely denounce Trump’s conduct
This is brilliant. Thank you for what you do.
The soul has left the room. Says it all.
What does it profit a man if he shall gain the world and lose his soul? It seems obvious that Trump has sold his immortal soul for money and those sycophantic Christian’s are selling theirs.
Pretty sure his dad sold little Donnie's soul for him, you know like dads do.
Thank you for this. Trumpian Christianity is indeed a pathway to gain and secure power. As the poster child of Christian nationalism, Trump himself is (ironically and dangerously) an embodiment of the Seven Deadly Sins: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, sloth. The celebrations of his pseudo sainthood on display at the White House and at Republican gatherings are in fact perversions of religion and an inversion of moral order.
For someone who is clearly a non-believer and blissfully ignorant of the Gospels--remember "Two Corinthians" --Trump treats Christianity as just another political prop to bend to his will...and it's working. At what point will he co-opt the Big Man himself? My thoughts: (satire)
https://open.substack.com/pub/jaywilson1/p/the-ultimate-coup?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Once again, I thank Mary for watching and listening and providing the truth and details, so I don't have to watch or listen to him.