Something I hear more and more in my area.

[chicagojoe]

The area in which I live is filled with "old School Republicans", the kind of folks that used to slightly disagree with Democrats. Well, all I'm hearing from neighbors is un-happiness with the NeoCons. There is a church in my neighborhood at which the Pastor
REFUSES to speak of politics in his Sermons. Does anyone think that this could be the more "mainstream" among those on the Right?
Keep in mind that I live in an area of the US that possesses most of the common sense in our Nation, the upper midwest/ lower Great Lakes region.

[flpoljunkie]

1. Thanks for your report. It's good to hear some are beginning to wake up.

[Ilsa]

2. Encourage it.

Be true to your ideals, but show how the "libruls" are tolerant people with some common ground with them versus the militaristic theocrats.

[ucmike]

3. i don't think pastors should discuss politics in sermons,

lest they lose their tax exempt status.

religion and politics should never mix. i say that if they want their religion in our government, they should accept the government into their religion.

thats slightly off topic, its nice to see that there is some sensibility among the faithful out there.

[RevCheesehead]

6. I couldn't disagree more.

Christianity helps us to make decisions that affect our everyday lives. And politics is a big part of our lives here in the US.

The problem stems from those who mis-read and mis-use Christianity to support their pre-conceived political ideals, rather than using scripture and theology to shape our political ideals.

I am a liberal Christian, and a pastor in the United Methodist Church. This past Sunday, I took the appointed lectionary text and used it as an example of how Christians should not only make political choices, but also how Christians should treat one another, AND be wary of those who come "in sheep's clothing."

Here's a link, if you want further details:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=291x1414

Now, do you believe what I preached on puts our church's tax-exempt status in jeopardy? I don't.

[liberalitch]

8. You don't have to preach politics at church...

... If you are teaching the words of christ then you are already addressing the liberal point of view.

[RevCheesehead]

9. did you read the link?

Because my sermon was in response to Bill Frist's inflammatory comments about how Democrats are anti-Christian.

I preached the bible text, and tied it in WITH politics... because IT IS relevant. There were republicans there, who heard what I was saying, and were in agreement with what I said.

I am not comfortable with any topic being FORBIDDEN. That is not the spirit of the constitution, nor is it the spirit of homiletics.

[peacetalksforall]

4. I'm glad I read this...I may be guilty of playing the black and white

dividing line myself - something that we accuse the right of doing. There are greys that I must acknowledge. I know there are some good Republicans - I like all the ones who push for fiscal responsibility, retaining the Constitution and Bill of RIghts, but who are not pnac supporters of followers-swallowers of reverends who each have their own brand of hate that they push.

Thank you.

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

5. Not all of us are Kool-aid drinkers....

Many of us saw the Rapturist Right, neocons taking over in the 90's and were Clinton supporters. Others didn't start waking up until after 2000 (hence, the Republicans for Kerry groups). Still others require the cold, hard slap of a Shiavo involvement and economic downturns to wake up. The Rockefeller Republicans in the Northeast have traditionally been 'independent voters' who choose to vote across party lines for the better candidates. But more and more sane Republicans are seeing the light.

The fiscally irresponsible and socially regressive zealots MUST be voted out of office in 06/08.

[Steel City Slim]

7. It's Not Just In Your Neck Of The Woods

Last year, during the presidential campaign, my brother (who is career army retired)and my brother-in-law, both of whom are long time republicans, spoke out against Bush, the neo-cons, and the war in Iraq and indicated they would not vote for Bush.

[gratuitous]

10. Okay, they're not happy

What, exactly, are they doing about the corrupt bunch running our country into the ground? I mean, besides the not sermonizing about it thing, which I have to admit is a real bold, out-there kind of thing to do (assuming anyone notices, that is).

[chicagojoe]

12. Many of my neighbors didn't vote Bush the second time around,

and many claim they won't even vote Republican at all in the next round. I think that says a lot. These are lifelong R's, and they feel like their party has been hijacked.

[meganmonkey]

11. A little anecdote from Michigan

I live in a pretty rural, repub area of Michigan right now (I work in Ann Arbor, thank goodness ;) ). I have a pretty inflammatory bumper sticker that says "Bush Is A Punk-Ass Chump". I put in on my car in October, and I had some intimidating experiences of being tail-gated, flipped off, dirty looks at red lights, etc.

In the last month or two, I haven't had any of that happen. And I am still looking in my rearview mirror and paying attention. Sometimes I see grimaces or eyes rolling, but never a reaction that really implies that they disagree. How could anyone possibly disagree?! They KNOW he is a chump. That doesn't necessarily mean they'll be voting Dem in 2006 and 2008, but they will probably think about it!

It's getting better. Now all we have to do is figure out how to stop them from stealing the elections. I don't think they can win fairly anymore.