What comes to your mind when you read the following?
The significance of the Reconstructionist movement is not its numbers, but the power of its ideas and their surprisingly rapid acceptance. Many on the Christian Right are unaware that they hold Reconstructionist ideas. Because as a theology it is controversial, even among evangelicals, many who are consciously influenced by it avoid the label. This furtiveness is not, however, as significant as the potency of the ideology itself. Generally, Reconstructionism seeks to replace democracy with a theocratic elite that would govern by imposing their interpretation of "Biblical Law." Reconstructionism would eliminate not only
democracy but many of its manifestations, such as labor unions, civil rights laws, and public schools. Women would be generally relegated to hearth and home. Insufficiently Christian men would be denied citizenship, perhaps executed. So severe is this theocracy that it would extend capital punishment beyond such crimes as kidnapping, rape, and murder to include, among other things, blasphemy, heresy, adultery, and homosexuality.
In case anyone is interested in learning more:
http://tylwythteg.com/enemies/reconstruct2.html
Christian Reconstructionists
Shalom
Ted:-6
Christian reconstructionists
Christian reconstructionists
Ted;714718 wrote: What comes to your mind when you read the following?
The significance of the Reconstructionist movement is not its numbers, but the power of its ideas and their surprisingly rapid acceptance. Many on the Christian Right are unaware that they hold Reconstructionist ideas. Because as a theology it is controversial, even among evangelicals, many who are consciously influenced by it avoid the label. This furtiveness is not, however, as significant as the potency of the ideology itself. Generally, Reconstructionism seeks to replace democracy with a theocratic elite that would govern by imposing their interpretation of "Biblical Law." Reconstructionism would eliminate not only
democracy but many of its manifestations, such as labor unions, civil rights laws, and public schools. Women would be generally relegated to hearth and home. Insufficiently Christian men would be denied citizenship, perhaps executed. So severe is this theocracy that it would extend capital punishment beyond such crimes as kidnapping, rape, and murder to include, among other things, blasphemy, heresy, adultery, and homosexuality.
In case anyone is interested in learning more:
http://tylwythteg.com/enemies/reconstruct2.html
Christian Reconstructionists
Shalom
Ted:-6
What comes to mind is a lack of evidence that this is happening in any organised way any a lack of any proposed mechanism whereby it can be brought to fruition even if there is a group trying to do so.
The significance of the Reconstructionist movement is not its numbers, but the power of its ideas and their surprisingly rapid acceptance. Many on the Christian Right are unaware that they hold Reconstructionist ideas. Because as a theology it is controversial, even among evangelicals, many who are consciously influenced by it avoid the label. This furtiveness is not, however, as significant as the potency of the ideology itself. Generally, Reconstructionism seeks to replace democracy with a theocratic elite that would govern by imposing their interpretation of "Biblical Law." Reconstructionism would eliminate not only
democracy but many of its manifestations, such as labor unions, civil rights laws, and public schools. Women would be generally relegated to hearth and home. Insufficiently Christian men would be denied citizenship, perhaps executed. So severe is this theocracy that it would extend capital punishment beyond such crimes as kidnapping, rape, and murder to include, among other things, blasphemy, heresy, adultery, and homosexuality.
In case anyone is interested in learning more:
http://tylwythteg.com/enemies/reconstruct2.html
Christian Reconstructionists
Shalom
Ted:-6
What comes to mind is a lack of evidence that this is happening in any organised way any a lack of any proposed mechanism whereby it can be brought to fruition even if there is a group trying to do so.
Christian reconstructionists
Ted;714718 wrote: What comes to your mind when you read the following?
The significance of the Reconstructionist movement is not its numbers, but the power of its ideas and their surprisingly rapid acceptance. Many on the Christian Right are unaware that they hold Reconstructionist ideas. Because as a theology it is controversial, even among evangelicals, many who are consciously influenced by it avoid the label. This furtiveness is not, however, as significant as the potency of the ideology itself. Generally, Reconstructionism seeks to replace democracy with a theocratic elite that would govern by imposing their interpretation of "Biblical Law." Reconstructionism would eliminate not only
democracy but many of its manifestations, such as labor unions, civil rights laws, and public schools. Women would be generally relegated to hearth and home. Insufficiently Christian men would be denied citizenship, perhaps executed. So severe is this theocracy that it would extend capital punishment beyond such crimes as kidnapping, rape, and murder to include, among other things, blasphemy, heresy, adultery, and homosexuality.
In case anyone is interested in learning more:
http://tylwythteg.com/enemies/reconstruct2.html
Christian Reconstructionists
Shalom
Ted:-6
It's common theme throughout history and arguably the urge to take control is endemic in any monotheistic religion. The US has it's own twist on it with at various time the religious right having more sway than at others. have a look at what was behind the prohibition laws for instance. Looking as an outsider the Christian right seem to be the biggest threat to democracy that the US faces. But not being American I am not really in a position to judge how influential they really are. Although I am curious as to what you think.
It's one of the myths that the early pilgrim fathers were simply fleeing persecution. They were to some extent but also they were so dreadful people were glad to see the back of them. They wanted religious freedom for themselves but had no intention of letting others live as they pleased. Nothing has changed, the religious right-for want of a better term- interpret religious freedom as a carte blanche to proselytize as they see fit and if they can stamp out any contrary views and apparently see no conflict with claiming their right to religious freedom but condemning others far exercising the same right.
Althouigh as I said I am not american so I may be talking a load of rubbish.
even back then.
http://www.saburchill.com/history/chapt ... /0008.html
The Pilgrims' constant singing of psalms and praying, and their disdainful attitude, finally infuriated the "strangers" and there was much conflict between the groups
The significance of the Reconstructionist movement is not its numbers, but the power of its ideas and their surprisingly rapid acceptance. Many on the Christian Right are unaware that they hold Reconstructionist ideas. Because as a theology it is controversial, even among evangelicals, many who are consciously influenced by it avoid the label. This furtiveness is not, however, as significant as the potency of the ideology itself. Generally, Reconstructionism seeks to replace democracy with a theocratic elite that would govern by imposing their interpretation of "Biblical Law." Reconstructionism would eliminate not only
democracy but many of its manifestations, such as labor unions, civil rights laws, and public schools. Women would be generally relegated to hearth and home. Insufficiently Christian men would be denied citizenship, perhaps executed. So severe is this theocracy that it would extend capital punishment beyond such crimes as kidnapping, rape, and murder to include, among other things, blasphemy, heresy, adultery, and homosexuality.
In case anyone is interested in learning more:
http://tylwythteg.com/enemies/reconstruct2.html
Christian Reconstructionists
Shalom
Ted:-6
It's common theme throughout history and arguably the urge to take control is endemic in any monotheistic religion. The US has it's own twist on it with at various time the religious right having more sway than at others. have a look at what was behind the prohibition laws for instance. Looking as an outsider the Christian right seem to be the biggest threat to democracy that the US faces. But not being American I am not really in a position to judge how influential they really are. Although I am curious as to what you think.
It's one of the myths that the early pilgrim fathers were simply fleeing persecution. They were to some extent but also they were so dreadful people were glad to see the back of them. They wanted religious freedom for themselves but had no intention of letting others live as they pleased. Nothing has changed, the religious right-for want of a better term- interpret religious freedom as a carte blanche to proselytize as they see fit and if they can stamp out any contrary views and apparently see no conflict with claiming their right to religious freedom but condemning others far exercising the same right.
Althouigh as I said I am not american so I may be talking a load of rubbish.
even back then.
http://www.saburchill.com/history/chapt ... /0008.html
The Pilgrims' constant singing of psalms and praying, and their disdainful attitude, finally infuriated the "strangers" and there was much conflict between the groups
Christian reconstructionists
gmc/Bryn:-6
Pat Robertson is closer to this group in thinking than was Jerry Falwell. Pat was the evangelist that publicly called for the assassination of Pres. Chevez of Venezuela. I don't know to what extent Robertson is in line with this groups thinking but I do know that he has a large following and is on the extreme right.
I believe the Taliban started out as a fringe group but with the right backing (American) they were put into power. Could this happen in the US is a good question that only time will tell. However, with the likes of Bush and the religious right in the states I do see them achieving power as a possibility, if not now and some time in the future. It could be frightening.
I see little difference between the Islamic Taliban and this group that I would label the Christian Taliban. There thinking would appear to be very dark ages thinking and hardly befitting the 21st Cent. I had heard of this group before but it recently was brought to my attention in Karen Armstrong's book "The Bible:A Biography". She was dealing with the extremists on the right. gmc is correct that such things come and go throughout history.
Shalom
Ted:-6
Pat Robertson is closer to this group in thinking than was Jerry Falwell. Pat was the evangelist that publicly called for the assassination of Pres. Chevez of Venezuela. I don't know to what extent Robertson is in line with this groups thinking but I do know that he has a large following and is on the extreme right.
I believe the Taliban started out as a fringe group but with the right backing (American) they were put into power. Could this happen in the US is a good question that only time will tell. However, with the likes of Bush and the religious right in the states I do see them achieving power as a possibility, if not now and some time in the future. It could be frightening.
I see little difference between the Islamic Taliban and this group that I would label the Christian Taliban. There thinking would appear to be very dark ages thinking and hardly befitting the 21st Cent. I had heard of this group before but it recently was brought to my attention in Karen Armstrong's book "The Bible:A Biography". She was dealing with the extremists on the right. gmc is correct that such things come and go throughout history.
Shalom
Ted:-6
Christian reconstructionists
Ted;715042 wrote: gmc/Bryn:-6
Pat Robertson is closer to this group in thinking than was Jerry Falwell. Pat was the evangelist that publicly called for the assassination of Pres. Chevez of Venezuela. I don't know to what extent Robertson is in line with this groups thinking but I do know that he has a large following and is on the extreme right.
I believe the Taliban started out as a fringe group but with the right backing (American) they were put into power. Could this happen in the US is a good question that only time will tell. However, with the likes of Bush and the religious right in the states I do see them achieving power as a possibility, if not now and some time in the future. It could be frightening.
I see little difference between the Islamic Taliban and this group that I would label the Christian Taliban. There thinking would appear to be very dark ages thinking and hardly befitting the 21st Cent. I had heard of this group before but it recently was brought to my attention in Karen Armstrong's book "The Bible:A Biography". She was dealing with the extremists on the right. gmc is correct that such things come and go throughout history.
Shalom
Ted:-6
If they do it will be bit by bit as freedoms you take for granted are taken away.
from the article you linked to
Reconstructionism has expanded from the works of a small group of scholars to inform a wide swath of conservative Christian thought and action. While many Reconstructionist political positions are commonly held conservative views, what is significant is that Reconstructionists have created a comprehensive program, with Biblical justifications for far right political policies. Many post-World War II conservative, anticommunist activists were also, if secondarily, conservative Christians. However, the Reconstructionist movement calls on conservatives to be Christians first, and to build a church-based political movement from
there.
Your right wing-fascists never really got defeated like they did in europe did they. in ww2 they kind of morphed away from the openly anti-semitic master race philosophy of the nazis. The post war maccarthyism was as much anti semitic as it was anti-communist and a lot of their targets were jewish. Anti black racism racism stayed endemic in american society even as anti semitism became politically incorrect. I notice many americans don't seem to know how much support fascism actually had in pre war america (and in much of europe it should be said-even in those countries that stood alone against Hitler he had an appeal for the ruling classes who feared left wing politics, democracy with universal suffrage was only 20 yrs old in 1939.) the and how these things just don't go away.
Might be a stretch to talk about christian fascists but bear in mind what is meant by fascist.
fascism
/fashiz’m/
• noun 1 an authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing system of government. 2 extreme right-wing, authoritarian, or intolerant views or practice.
On the other hand I can't view anyone holding such intolerance and hatred close to their hearts as being christians. I do not understand the appeal of the vicious god of the old testament can have on a supposed follower of JC. It's almost a rejection of christ in preference for a god of hate. The discussion about what the founding father meant always seems a bit spurious. Times change and so do people or do you think the reconstructionist would have supported slavery? Tis in the bible after all.
Pat Robertson is closer to this group in thinking than was Jerry Falwell. Pat was the evangelist that publicly called for the assassination of Pres. Chevez of Venezuela. I don't know to what extent Robertson is in line with this groups thinking but I do know that he has a large following and is on the extreme right.
I believe the Taliban started out as a fringe group but with the right backing (American) they were put into power. Could this happen in the US is a good question that only time will tell. However, with the likes of Bush and the religious right in the states I do see them achieving power as a possibility, if not now and some time in the future. It could be frightening.
I see little difference between the Islamic Taliban and this group that I would label the Christian Taliban. There thinking would appear to be very dark ages thinking and hardly befitting the 21st Cent. I had heard of this group before but it recently was brought to my attention in Karen Armstrong's book "The Bible:A Biography". She was dealing with the extremists on the right. gmc is correct that such things come and go throughout history.
Shalom
Ted:-6
If they do it will be bit by bit as freedoms you take for granted are taken away.
from the article you linked to
Reconstructionism has expanded from the works of a small group of scholars to inform a wide swath of conservative Christian thought and action. While many Reconstructionist political positions are commonly held conservative views, what is significant is that Reconstructionists have created a comprehensive program, with Biblical justifications for far right political policies. Many post-World War II conservative, anticommunist activists were also, if secondarily, conservative Christians. However, the Reconstructionist movement calls on conservatives to be Christians first, and to build a church-based political movement from
there.
Your right wing-fascists never really got defeated like they did in europe did they. in ww2 they kind of morphed away from the openly anti-semitic master race philosophy of the nazis. The post war maccarthyism was as much anti semitic as it was anti-communist and a lot of their targets were jewish. Anti black racism racism stayed endemic in american society even as anti semitism became politically incorrect. I notice many americans don't seem to know how much support fascism actually had in pre war america (and in much of europe it should be said-even in those countries that stood alone against Hitler he had an appeal for the ruling classes who feared left wing politics, democracy with universal suffrage was only 20 yrs old in 1939.) the and how these things just don't go away.
Might be a stretch to talk about christian fascists but bear in mind what is meant by fascist.
fascism
/fashiz’m/
• noun 1 an authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing system of government. 2 extreme right-wing, authoritarian, or intolerant views or practice.
On the other hand I can't view anyone holding such intolerance and hatred close to their hearts as being christians. I do not understand the appeal of the vicious god of the old testament can have on a supposed follower of JC. It's almost a rejection of christ in preference for a god of hate. The discussion about what the founding father meant always seems a bit spurious. Times change and so do people or do you think the reconstructionist would have supported slavery? Tis in the bible after all.
Christian reconstructionists
gmc:-6
It is my belief that the reconstructionists would indeed have supported slavery. You are correct about the "Christian Taliban". They are no more Christian than the Islamic Taliban are Muslims.
Yes, America is a not so closet fascist state in my opinion.
Such extremism seems to have an appeal to those who seem to not want to think for themselves and would like to see some form of "purist" state. It is often easier to be a follower than a leader. One doesn't have to think just follow orders.
The reconstructionists are not Christians in my opinion. They are not following the clear teachings of Jesus.
Shalom
Ted:-6
It is my belief that the reconstructionists would indeed have supported slavery. You are correct about the "Christian Taliban". They are no more Christian than the Islamic Taliban are Muslims.
Yes, America is a not so closet fascist state in my opinion.
Such extremism seems to have an appeal to those who seem to not want to think for themselves and would like to see some form of "purist" state. It is often easier to be a follower than a leader. One doesn't have to think just follow orders.
The reconstructionists are not Christians in my opinion. They are not following the clear teachings of Jesus.
Shalom
Ted:-6
Christian reconstructionists
It's like there are these people who lead others to take extreme views and when they band together they become a threat to those of us who want to live freely. Who would want all these restrictions? Who doesn't want to decide for him or herself?
When we are faced with any group like the Christian right we have to spend all our time trying to prevent the few (because the rest are just following along. right?) from making the laws for the many who just want to be left alone to live an individually moral life.
Noone should be allowed to take away anyone's freedom to live as they personally see fit unless a person is harmful to another in some way, etcetera. The definition of harmful is broad I realize but let's not kid ourselves, the majority of adults knows what this means.
I for one would never stand for any extremist to decide policies where I live but this is the problem in a democratic society where the majority that voices a united opinion decides laws and such.
This is one reason why I can no longer stay apathetic. It's a problem though because those of us who want the freedoms can never form a solid unified voice at the important times because, maybe it's because, we want different things (gasp!). Democracy doesn't work in this respect. But correct me if I'm wrong.
Erin
When we are faced with any group like the Christian right we have to spend all our time trying to prevent the few (because the rest are just following along. right?) from making the laws for the many who just want to be left alone to live an individually moral life.
Noone should be allowed to take away anyone's freedom to live as they personally see fit unless a person is harmful to another in some way, etcetera. The definition of harmful is broad I realize but let's not kid ourselves, the majority of adults knows what this means.
I for one would never stand for any extremist to decide policies where I live but this is the problem in a democratic society where the majority that voices a united opinion decides laws and such.
This is one reason why I can no longer stay apathetic. It's a problem though because those of us who want the freedoms can never form a solid unified voice at the important times because, maybe it's because, we want different things (gasp!). Democracy doesn't work in this respect. But correct me if I'm wrong.
Erin
-
nvalleyvee
- Posts: 5191
- Joined: Thu Apr 21, 2005 8:57 am
Christian reconstructionists
It sounds like another sect to me. I would hope the diversity of intellect and religion would keep this at bay. But HEY ---- we only need to look at religious fanatics and the countries they control to know this is not true.
I have another question. What makes these people think they are reconstucting Christianity? I also thought Jesus made Christianity universal. Would he not be very upset by this very thought?
I am under every rock - find me. I think this is the supposed mysterious hidden gospel of Jesus. If he were a true prophet he would have said that - just my opinion.
I have another question. What makes these people think they are reconstucting Christianity? I also thought Jesus made Christianity universal. Would he not be very upset by this very thought?
I am under every rock - find me. I think this is the supposed mysterious hidden gospel of Jesus. If he were a true prophet he would have said that - just my opinion.
The growth of knowledge depends entirely on disagreement..........Karl R. Popper
Christian reconstructionists
posted by watermark
I for one would never stand for any extremist to decide policies where I live but this is the problem in a democratic society where the majority that voices a united opinion decides laws and such.
That's part of the problem. The majority don't make the laws because the majority is fairly liberal in their attitudes and quite happy or others to do their own thing so long as they are left alone and tend not to be interested in politics on a daily basis. Usually it takes something major to get them stirred up and make their presence felt. Until then it's small groups with their own agendas that make the running and occasionally they get control until the majority get fed up and kick them out. I can't see Americans tolerating an authoritarian government for long even if they did allow Bush to remove one of the most essential if their freedoms. namely freedom from arbitrary arrest.
Leaders need to be frightened of the consequences of not listening to the voters but if they feel they only need to listen to interest groups with money you have a problem. we have problems here as well (I'm not American remember) but religion doesn't really come in to it as it very soon becomes sectarian in nature and they start fighting amongst themselves. The odd evangelical movement seems to die on the vine maybe- the british are by nature a lot more cynical than americans. Maybe out political sense is more mature-we have left right and centre your politicians seem to stand on the same bank of the river and throw rocks and throw rocks in while arguing about whon is going to make the biggest splash.
posted by Ted
It is my belief that the reconstructionists would indeed have supported slavery. You are correct about the "Christian Taliban". They are no more Christian than the Islamic Taliban are Muslims.
Yes, America is a not so closet fascist state in my opinion.
Such extremism seems to have an appeal to those who seem to not want to think for themselves and would like to see some form of "purist" state. It is often easier to be a follower than a leader. One doesn't have to think just follow orders.
The reconstructionists are not Christians in my opinion. They are not following the clear teachings of Jesus.
that's a couple of times we've agreed with each other, this is worrying.:-2
I for one would never stand for any extremist to decide policies where I live but this is the problem in a democratic society where the majority that voices a united opinion decides laws and such.
That's part of the problem. The majority don't make the laws because the majority is fairly liberal in their attitudes and quite happy or others to do their own thing so long as they are left alone and tend not to be interested in politics on a daily basis. Usually it takes something major to get them stirred up and make their presence felt. Until then it's small groups with their own agendas that make the running and occasionally they get control until the majority get fed up and kick them out. I can't see Americans tolerating an authoritarian government for long even if they did allow Bush to remove one of the most essential if their freedoms. namely freedom from arbitrary arrest.
Leaders need to be frightened of the consequences of not listening to the voters but if they feel they only need to listen to interest groups with money you have a problem. we have problems here as well (I'm not American remember) but religion doesn't really come in to it as it very soon becomes sectarian in nature and they start fighting amongst themselves. The odd evangelical movement seems to die on the vine maybe- the british are by nature a lot more cynical than americans. Maybe out political sense is more mature-we have left right and centre your politicians seem to stand on the same bank of the river and throw rocks and throw rocks in while arguing about whon is going to make the biggest splash.
posted by Ted
It is my belief that the reconstructionists would indeed have supported slavery. You are correct about the "Christian Taliban". They are no more Christian than the Islamic Taliban are Muslims.
Yes, America is a not so closet fascist state in my opinion.
Such extremism seems to have an appeal to those who seem to not want to think for themselves and would like to see some form of "purist" state. It is often easier to be a follower than a leader. One doesn't have to think just follow orders.
The reconstructionists are not Christians in my opinion. They are not following the clear teachings of Jesus.
that's a couple of times we've agreed with each other, this is worrying.:-2
Christian reconstructionists
gmc:-6
We have to be careful about this. It might ruin our reputations. LOL
Actually in many ways I'm not sure that we are all that far apart.
Shalom
Ted:-6
We have to be careful about this. It might ruin our reputations. LOL
Actually in many ways I'm not sure that we are all that far apart.
Shalom
Ted:-6
Christian reconstructionists
nvalleyvee:-6
What these groups are presenting is an evil under the guise of Christianity. It is a bastardized form of Christianity. Yes, Jesus would be appalled at what we have done with both he and his teachings.
Shalom
Ted:-6
What these groups are presenting is an evil under the guise of Christianity. It is a bastardized form of Christianity. Yes, Jesus would be appalled at what we have done with both he and his teachings.
Shalom
Ted:-6