another Real Christian

[anotheranon]

Almost saved this 'til tomorrow so no one would mistake it for an April fool, but it was too interesting to save.

Think I've found another Christian leader that I can respect - a thoughtful, progressive sort of along the lines of John Shelby Spong:

I first heard about Davidson Loehr on Air America's Ring of Fire archive from 3/24, discussing the relationship between fundamentalism and fascism and now both seem to be creeping along in 21st century America.

Yes, that's right, I said "fascism" and "America" in the same sentence, but before you cry Godwin, read over his sermon, Living Under Fascism and his essay The Fundamentalist Agenda, in which he discusses possible historical/biological reasons why religious fundamentalists are all the same and why fascism may be human society's "default setting" - and why liberalism is still the better way to go.

What's more, he offers solutions - ways NOT to feed the machine and better ways for liberals to frame the "moral" debate ("enlarge our understanding of who belongs in our in-group").

I'm inclined to take this guy seriously because he combines a strong faith (which despite my own irreligiosity, I DO respect, if that faith is humane and come to sanely and thoughtfully) with critical thinking, and he's got an educational background in the philosophies of both religion AND science (unlike many fundies of all stripes who I suspect have never actually read their respective Good Books).

Seriously, they're both interesting reads. Please feel free to discuss here - I'd love to get a debate going.

Comments

[jlsjlsjls.livejournal.com]

VERY interesting reads. I agree ... Mr. Loehr obviously puts a lot of thought and research into what he says and he makes a great deal of sense. This, to me, is real faith, strengthened by questioning and criticism.

I've long perceived fundamentalists (of all religions) as using religion as a crutch/excuse for their personal fears/prejudices/desire for power (especially since many of their "holy" laws are not actually IN their holy texts); their "faith" has always stuck me as ranging from shaky to non-existent, since it is so easily threatened by others having different beliefs or asking questions (true faith is within the person, not outside worrying over what the neighbours are believing). To hear that those core behaviours are likely instinctive is not at all surprising; any good book on our cousin primates will give you a feeling of déja vu ... our family traits run deep (although there ARE "liberal" primates ... have a look at Shirley Strum's surprising study of olive baboons: Almost Human. And we all know about bonobos, right?).

When if comes to fascism, I can vouch for the fact that the U.S. (as a nation, not the individuals) has become the scariest of neighbours over the past few years ... the States used to be regarded as the good guys next door, but now we lock the doors at night. As a reaction, Canada appears to have gone into liberal overdrive, with legalization of same-sex marriage, renewal of the debate over legalization of marijuana, and a campaign for English language rights in Quebec being some of our current priorities ... this sudden surge in clarifying the details of our Constitution is a benefit, to be sure, but I am aware that much of it is being triggered by what's happening south of the border (according to surveys, many of Canada's youth are supporting same-sex marriage, not because they give a damn one way or the other, but because they see it as a way to get up Bush's nose). I'm pleased with the changes happening in my own nation, which makes it hurt all the more to read the news and see my American neighbours not only denied these brave new rights, but in danger of losing the ones they already have.

I'd ramble more, but my blood sugar is somewhere below the soles of my feet, and I think I should do something about that before I wander right off the screen. :p

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

Equating fascism with the current politics in the U.S. is usually guaranteed to torpedo any argument you might make - even Loehr admits that it sounds like hyperbole. But he makes a nuanced and convincing case that the Bush administration is headed that way, even if the people aren't. I've been suspicious for awhile but still cling to the mindset that "It can't happen here". Now I'm starting to think that there's good cause to think that the time to worry is now!

[jlsjlsjls.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't apply the word "fascist" to the U.S. at the moment, but the seeds are there. So, yes, you're right, the time to worry IS now ... your future is at stake.