The Dominionists and the Rise of American Fascism »
Posted By Spadecaller 1 year, 10 months ago in NewsChris Hedges, a Pulitzer prize winning writer and former New York Times correspondent, compares the U.S. Christian right to 20th Century fascism. Hedges openly blasts the role of Christianity in politics and discusses how the far right Christian believers are perpetuating bigotry and intolerance.
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Spadecaller1 year, 10 months ago
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Radical Christian rightists in the U.S. attack pluralism, in addition to gays, liberals, Jews, secularists, athiests, and other religions. While building a "dominion" of pseudo-Christian ideologists, their admitted goals are to establish itself as the single dominant force in America.
Dominionists are a growing and powerfull sect of Christianity that is dangerous to religious freedom and politial stability. The movement has demonstrably infiltrated the pentagon and senior military personnel.
These are 'end of worlders' or 'end of timers' who not only believe in the apocalype but see it as their dutiful mission to bring it forward.
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CactusAnnie1 year, 10 months ago
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augustine9741 year, 10 months ago
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Though a pathalogic lier, Bush claims to be "Born Again". To prove it he claims "God" told him to invade Iraq...You are not scared by insanity like that? Bush is the most dangerous "Christian" on the face of the earth, and the Republican Party is goose-stepping behind him.
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Spadecaller1 year, 10 months ago
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"Yes, religion and politics do mix. America is a nation based on biblical principles. Christian values dominate our government. The test of those values is the Bible. Politicians who do not use the bible to guide their public and private lives do not belong in office." LaHaye
These kinds of remarks are typical of these people. They have a large following and are backed by corporate wealth and power.
I support their right to believe anything they want to, and I support their freedom of speech.
But if this movement is not exposed for what it is, the reprucussions can be disasterous.
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Dionys1 year, 10 months ago
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Here is a beautifully written paper discussing dominionism and how it doesn't quite measure up with Christ's message. It provides a nice balance to all the dominionist nutjobs whose voices are often louder than the majority of sane Christians:
Drilling in the Cathedral
http://www.unm.edu/~religion/DrillingCathedral.pdf
It's from the Journal of Theology
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Spadecaller1 year, 10 months ago
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While one third of Americans are fundamentalists, this does not necessarily imply that they are all intolerant. Hedges makes the important distinction between evangelicals who concede that there are other ways to worship and serve God and radical fundamentalists (Dominionists)who seek to create an intolerant, theocratic America.
These radical Christians merely pay lip-service to traditional justice, calling for a legal system which promotes "Christian principles."
As Hedges contends, the movement preserves the appearance of law and democracy even as its leaders condemn all opponents--dismissed as "atheists," "nonbelievers," or "secular humanists"--to moral and legal oblivion.
Are they dangerous? Have they not already proved that?
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slate1 year, 10 months ago
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Spade,,, seems to hate the Christians that belive differntly than he does,,,,, when will wht next thread hit the front page Spade? I'm sure you can find another 300 anti-bible belt stories to beat your chest about.
And you wonder why the one that posts anti-jewish posts feels he can do so with impunity as you decry him?
Get off your high horse and look within your own religion, once you've cleaned that up, then maybe you can rant about others beliefs with a bit more gravitas.
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jordan111 year, 10 months ago
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No, Spadecaller is trying to bring to people's attention that some sects of christianity are out to run the world. Do try putting things in perspective. Or could it be that YOU are involved in one of those sects? Is that why you protest so much?
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Radiofreeeuropa1 year, 10 months ago
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Spadecaller has never made any such claims slate. Nor has he elevated any religion above another. It's about exposing those who stand for totalitarianism. Some want religion to tell us all what to do, Others want the state to do it, still others are doing it through corporate means. It's all bad. Expose them all! Keep the stories coming Spadecaller. There are three types of people in the world, those who want to control, those who seek to be controlled, and the rest of us who wish neither. The hope of mankind rests with those who want neither.
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Spadecaller1 year, 10 months ago
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The supporters of the Christian right include corporations like Tyson Foods, Purdue, Amway, Wal-Mart, and Sam's wholesale, among other huge financial backers of the movement. Due to strong financial backing from right-wing extremists, and the influence of neo-conservative think-tanks, the radical Christian right has moved from the fringes of society to the executive branch, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the courts.
As soon as anyone dares to expose their radical anti-pluralistic ideology, they routinely accuse their opponents of being "Christian haters". They often try to hide under the radar of the ethical mainstream Christians.
IN essence, these extremists have no problem pushing mainstream Christians under the wheels of the truck to save themselves.
Most of them are hatemongers, racists, sexists, and anti-Semites who have found a banner to march under. Many of us have encountered a few of them on Propeller.
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Spadecaller1 year, 10 months ago
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hyperbola:
Best to site specific and documented examples to avoid false accusations. That goes for both sides of the same coin.
I think fundamentalist ideology of any kind including Jewish fundamentalists, Islamic fundamentalists, etc. are rigid and fraught with varying degrees of intolerance towards others.
I have been painstaking in my efforts to identify what the focus of this topic is about. It is not an attack on Christianity. It is also not an attack on any particular religion, including Judaism. (Sorry about that Hyperbola)
For those extremists who want the topic to dwell on ZIONIST JEWS only, they should post their own story elsewhere --just as you are currently attempting to do. You're quite prdictable. IN fact, you do it every chance you get.
Some anti-Semitism and hate directed at Christians is not imagined:
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-4413388...
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Spadecaller1 year, 10 months ago
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Hedges' chapters on "Conversion," "The Cult of Masculinity" and "The War on Truth" help to provide a better understanding of the fascist Christian fundamentalist. The chapter on the "New Class" is particularly interesting as it reveals the corruption which reigns among the Christian right and its callous contempt for the poor.
I remember participating in dialogue on one of these threads regarding the government's wonton neglect of the poor who were devastated by Katrina.
I don't know if anyone recalls, but there were some posters who made all kinds of excuses for the miserable way "they" (meaning black Americans) were treated.
They deserved it! Some of these nutjob suggested that God had brought Katrina down on their heads, as if they needed to be cleansed for their wickedness.
"Contempt for the poor..."
You bet ya!
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simonsez1 year, 10 months ago
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I don't think more money has ever been spent in the history of this country than to help the poor after Katrina.
The point is Government can't possibly do all the things you think they should capable of. It's a very inefficient system capable of only the simplest of activities and I'm speaking of all government, not just Federal. If you think it was ONLY the Federal government at fault, then you are not shooting straight. I know you know better.
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Francisca1 year, 10 months ago
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Fascism always appears when a country isn't doing well...( because of cultural clash, demographic clash, social reason, economic problem ). Fascism is never dead, he never disappears, he always sleeps in the bottom of the heart of everyone who lives a desperate situation (no work, no home...): it's what I have learnt at school. And some politic Party utilizes this "NO-HOPE" for their own interest (see here the "Front National" with Jean-Marie Le PEN). Thus, the best way for collecting a lot of people is the Religion. It has always been like that: wars of Religions between Protestants and Catholics, between Catholics and Calvinists (Huguenots)etc...etc..
It's why I think we must not mix Politic and Religion: it has never been a success!
I am going to try to find this book. It will help me to understand how works this fascinating, marvellous, wonderful America!
But, Spadecaller: is your fear or your anger not a bit exaggerated? (sorry)
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jordan111 year, 10 months ago
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http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/10052007/tran...
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Spadecaller1 year, 10 months ago
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Francisca:
Some of the most learned people in this country and throughout the world are concerned about the same issue that we are discussing here.
I'm not angry about it, but it would be fair to say that the issue is worrisome. It is worrisome more because so many people are acting like they did in Germany during the late mid 30's.
The revision of constitutional laws, the Patriot Act, U.S. aggression in the middle east, domestic surveillance, U.S. non-compliance with Geneval Convention, known torture, secret prison camps, obstruction of justice, voting fraud, corporate manipulation of government and military protol, and the erosion of Church and state guidelines --- all these concern millions of people throughout the world.
We are on the precipice of another war with Iran.
Are my concerns exaggerated? I would like to believe so, but the facts point in an other direction entirely. Many of the most educated people throughout the world are concerend. Why?
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Bkumm1 year, 10 months ago
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ANY group that appeals to people in desperate circumstances and offers them a 'magic bullet' way out will find converts. The problem with "Fascist Christianity" (I wouldn't call it that exactly) is that it cloaks a grab for political, economic and religious power in the garb of religious freedom.
There was was another state where this has happened. At one time the Ottoman Empire was arguably the greatest on Earth. Technologically advanced, religiously moderate and prosperous beyond belief. Then several weak emperors came to power in a row and the religious loonies took over. Within a hundred years and fifty the Ottoman Empire was the 'sick old man' of Europe.
Free inquiry and liberty can not exist under the iron fist of religious imperialism.
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Spadecaller1 year, 10 months ago
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The following statement reflects the beliefs of a vast population:
"The United States must join Israel in a pre-emptive military strike against Iran to fulfill God's plan for both
Israel and the West...a Biblically prophesied end-time confrontation with Iran, which will lead to the Rapture,
Tribulation and the Second Coming of Christ."
"I think if I could put a dividing line, the Orthodox and Conservatives who have a Torah appreciation give us
wholehearted support. The rest [of the Jews] who are not driven by the Word of God have a liberal agenda. And the
liberal agenda is they are pro-abortion. They're pro-homosexual. They're pro-gay marriage -- they want men to
marry men and women to marry women -- and their difference with me is not really what I'm doing with Israel. Their
hostility to me is poisoned by their liberalism. They take a liberal position that poisons their view of what we
could be doing for Israel."
John Hagee
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Bkumm1 year, 10 months ago
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I would also like to be clear that I think every person has the right to say and do as they see fit as long as it is not a danger to the society as a whole. In other words, if it does not interfere with my liberty, do as you will.
These folks don't want me to have that liberty. They want to take it away and I'll fight them to the end to preserve it.
I would also like to say that I don't hate Christianity or any religion. I'm certain that there are good aspects about any religion and I think people should be free to worship as they will. These folks don't want that either.
You have been warned.
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GoldStandard1 year, 10 months ago
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Spadecaller-
I've witnessed your postings over the last several days which attack religious extremism. I have no problem with that. I don't support organized religion.
The problem is that your target has been limited to Christianity, while scarcely mentioning the modern destruction wrought by Islam. Why? This isn't a case of one group being evil while the other is just "misunderstood".
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Spadecaller1 year, 10 months ago
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GoldStandard:
I do not condone the conduct or views of Islamic Fundamentalists either! I do have a reason for my focus. What we need to do is sweep our side of the street first.
IF our way of life and constitutional government crumbles entirely, it will not be because of Islamic fundamentalists, it will happen from the inside, by the hands of our own people.
To even imply that I am complicit with Islamic terrorists is shameful; hopefully you're confusion and distrust of me is sincere and simply misguided.
However, there are some mudslingers who routinely call anyone who dares to critize this government "un-American" and sometimes even they call their political adversaries "terrorist sympathizers," only because it suits their partisan politics.
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Obaku1 year, 10 months ago
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Those that scheme to make the government support and advance their religious beliefs and agendas, are in factr working to undermine the Constitution of the United State3s of America, and the rule of law.
That makes them traitors.
Plain and simple.
Those that demand that others sacrifice their blood and treasure for them, rather than defend themselves, are cowards.
Those that insist on a 'truth', for which they neither have, nor claim, any evidence, are liars.
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Spadecaller1 year, 10 months ago
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These articles about religious intolerance often flush out some of the perpetuators of it. For those who wonder why I do not reply to eyesopen's comments, this should explain it.
Submitted 6 days ago by AlphaGnosi: "SNL: Adam Sandler's Happy Hanukkah Song! (3rd version)"
These are some of the comments on what was suppose to be a cheerful thread:
AlphaGnosis: "I didn't know you were Jewish, spade."
Spadecaller: "101%"
eyesopen: that explains your constant arrogant posts on other subjects,
Spadecaller: "what explains it?"
(No reply from eyesopen)
http://music.propeller.com/story/2007/12/16/snl...
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1-2-Oscar1 year, 10 months ago
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No day is complete until Spadecaller posts his daily slam on Christianity. Innuendo, unsupported allegations, slander, and guilt by association are the tools of more than one hate group, including those who hate Christians.
I am comforted by the knowledge that the Christians I know are decent people, whose principal characteristic is a genuine love for their fellow men. The posting of daily attacks suggests that Christians, generally, are power-mad control freaks who have no respect for the rights of others. For the overwhelming majority of Christians such attitudes are entirely alien. But it is relatively easy to cherry-pick the statements of a few and imply that they are widely shared. Easy, but false.
In the spirit of the holiday I wish each and every one of you the best, and hope that you and your families enjoy a Merry Christmas.
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Bkumm1 year, 10 months ago
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To be fair, Spadecaller is simply posting a story about a man who holds a Pulitzer Prize (do you have one? I don't.) who also went to divinity school at Harvard and whose father was a minister who has written a book about a certain segment of the Christian Right.
It is not an attack on Christianity in general and your attempt to slander Spadecaller by saying that it is is disingenuous and false. Innuendo, unsupported allegations, slander and guilt by association are exactly the tools these people that twist Christianity for their own purposes use.
Many of the Christians that I know are decent, caring people who would oppose measures to infringe upon the freedom of others. However, it is a fact that many of those same people have voted for legislation or legislators who specifically support infringing on the rights of others in the name of Christianity.
May you also have a Merry Christmas and enjoy your time with your family and loved ones.
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Spadecaller1 year, 10 months ago
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Elie Wiesel's statement, "...to remain silent and indifferent is the greatest sin of all..." Wiesel is the author of 36 works dealing with Judaism, the Holocaust, and the moral responsibility of ALL people to fight hatred, racism and genocide.
Because I don't hide my views or my religion, I can stand up for what I believe, enjoy some friendships, watch who remains silent in the face of hate, and meet those who think it is me they hate.
Propeller can be a great place to learn about ourselves.
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Itachirumon1 year, 10 months ago
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If I recall correctly (it's been a few years since 9th grade lmao) The first HS english book we had to read WAS Night (that or the third, like I said my memory's fuzzy of the order) and it was an amazing book! I liked it so much better than Of Mice And Men because I hated the awful taste the ending of that one left in my mouth. Wiesel is fantastic!
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hyperbola1 year, 10 months ago
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Actually Spade, Eli Wiesel is one of the biggest frauds around. All those books and he didn't once say "peeps" about the 7 million palestinian christians and moslems ethnic cleansed by zionists.
Your "righteous indignation" is undermined by the fact that you only protest when someone else threatens you, but not when your group robs, kills, expels or puts in Warsaw-Ghetto-style concentration camps millions of people.
By the way, Chris Hedges is a lot more honest in his analyses. Want to condemn this treason to America that Hedges identified spade?
Summer Camp Teaches U.S. Teens To Fight Israeli Style
Jewish-American teenagers can sign up for an eight-week training course run by the Israel Defense Forces where they fire weapons, live in military barracks and saunter around in an Israeli military uniform.
http://www.alternet.org/story/64100/
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RLaitres1 year, 10 months ago
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How fascism would come to America was predicted decades ago by the novelist Sinclair Lewis. It was that it would come to this country as a cross wrapped in a flag. Is this not what is now happening? It it is, it is the fruit of our own ignorance.
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Candida1 year, 10 months ago
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Klarissa: "one hundreth of one hundreth or our population and you just have to give them media coverage."
On the first page you claimed that "these people are one tenth of one tenth of the American people." That's a big difference.
I think the tenth of a tenth is closer to the real figure, but that puts this congregation at about 3,000,000 people. That's more than the population of some countries.
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TRUTH20081 year, 10 months ago
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THIS CHRISTIAN NEOCON RIGHT WING FASCISM IS FOR REAL. 75% OF GERMANY'S PROTESTANT PASTORS SUBMITTED TO HITLER'S RULE IN 1933. 2 DVDs ON THIS.
Gerhard Kittel author of Kittel's widely used Theological Dictionary of the New Testament was one of Hitler's prized theologians. Kittel was imprisoned after WWII by the Allies.
http://www.amazon.com/Theologians-Ericksen-Susa...
Bonhoeffer was one of the few to resist Hitler.
http://www.amazon.com/Bonhoeffer-Eberhard-Bethg...
http://www.bonhoeffer.com/bkgrnd.htm
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Spadecaller1 year, 10 months ago
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"I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."
Elie Wiesel
I share that same oath.
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hyperbola1 year, 10 months ago
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Not here you don't (and neither does Eli Wiesel). We have yet to see you speak out about ethnic cleansing of christians and moslems by zionists. You (and Eli Wiesel) have a long way to go still.
Why a Palestinian "State" is a Punitive Construct
Do No Evil â;; The Palestinian state is largely a punitive construct devised by the Palestinians' worst historical enemies: Israel and the US. The intention is to constrain Palestinian aspirations territorially, force them to give up on their moral rights, renege on their history and submit to Israel's diktats on fundamental issues of sovereignty.
http://www.propeller.com/viewstory/2007/12/15/w...
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