However, I'm having an uplifting moment that today's Times-News (Twin Falls, Idaho-based newspaper which leans to the right) published a column by Steve Gushee where he points out how dangerous people such as Ralph Reed and James Dobson are, who he calls "present-day Pharisees".
"They prostitute their faith for political gain, misrepresent God's Word and invoke their Lord to judge people with whom they disagree."Do you suppose that people like Bryan Fischer and Adam Graham recognize themselves?
Gushee continues to state that:
"The Olympians of sin are those who distort the faith, manipulate Scripture and make a mockery of Christianity to gain power."Recognize anybody?
He reminds us that:
"Jesus scolded those caught in sexual misdemeanors, but he castigated with unusual force those who championed their faith even as they misused it, trampled on the poor even as they said their prayers and incited violence even as they called upon the Prince of Peace."Does this sound like the political party of so-called American values and compassionate conservatism?
In case certain people have forgotten, Gushee reminds us that Jesus:
"...rebuked the woman taken in adultery. However, he railed against those who wallowed in religious sanctity but twisted it to use against others."Do you hear this, Otter/Kempthorne/Craig/Foley/Haggard/Limbaugh/Chenoweth/fill-in-GOP-name-here...?
Readers are reminded of Jesus' anger toward these hypocrites:
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisee, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy and faith" (Matthew 23:23).Gushee's final words should resonate with sincere Christians...
"Jesus would weep."I'm not familiar with Steve Gushee and his beliefs, but this article spoke to me. I can only hope (and pray) that others who desire to follow God--and not men who pretend to represent God--can hear these words as well.
The full article is posted here.
My other thoughts:
Do we REALLY want GOP to be our role models on family values and spirituality?
Idaho's Government: Our new spiritual leaders
How can an Idahoan be a Christian AND a Democrat at the same time?
Christianity in politics
Dear God...
Third Millennial Prayer for Children
"God's Politics: Why the right gets it wrong, and the left doesn't ...
Read your Bible some more, George!
A moment of Prayer
Does anybody remember the phrase "Compassionate Conservatives"?
Christians?
Politicians, please PRIORITIZE!
Family Values? Or Homophobic?
I Am Liberal
