The Religious Right: Pushing A Deadly Addiction

[RedEarth]

The Religious Right: Pushing A Deadly Addiction
by Carolyn Baker
www.dissidentvoice.org
May 17, 2005


In a recent article, I promised readers that I would address the mindset of the religious right as an addiction. In order to do so with accuracy and clarity, it is first necessary to define addiction and clarify the terms Christian fundamentalism and Dominionism.

According to www.dictionary.com, an addiction is “being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs) 2: an abnormally strong craving 3: (Roman law) under Roman law addiction was the justification for slavery"

For over seventy years, Twelve-Step programs have addressed issues of addiction not only to substances such as alcohol, drugs, and food, but also to behaviors such as compulsive gambling, shopping, and even working. After a number of responses to my last article from former fundamentalist Christians, I began investigating Twelve-Step groups that address issues of religious compulsion and spiritual abuse. One group I discovered was Fundamentalists Anonymous (F.A.) and its Twelve Steps. However, before I examine those steps, I would like to further define the terrorist and tyrannical aspects of Christian fundamentalism.

As many readers drew to my attention in response to my last article, Christian fundamentalism and Dominionism are not necessarily synonymous. According to Merriam-Webster, Christian fundamentalism is: “a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching b: the beliefs of this movement c: adherence to such beliefs 2: a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles.”




http://www.dissidentvoice.org/May05/Baker0517.htm

[Maat]

1. Thanks for the link.

Maybe one day my fundie relatives may need it!

[ihaveaquestion]

2. Very good article, thanks!

I'm also starting on an article (very long!) referenced by Ms. Baker about the "Christian" Mafia by Wayne Madsen. It looks pretty good.

[NMMNG]

3. Excellent article

Lends even more credence to the old adage of "religion is the opiate of the masses".

And you can see it easily by walking into one of their Sunday services and seeing them with their glazed over eyes, arms raised, bodies swaying back and forth like drones.