Rabbi expresses concern over the rise of 'Christocrats'

[sabra]

http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060914/LIFE/609140346/1005

Rabbi James Rudin has good reason to fear what would happen if America declared itself a Christian nation.

He's Jewish.

...

Rudin believes that a small group of extremists is trying to make Christianity the official religion of the United States. He calls them "Christocrats."

They want to see all facets of American life reflect their particular brand of Christianity.

...

The idea that America is so special it should dominate the entire world drives the Christocrat idea of religion, Rudin said.

It's the idea of America as a city on a hill, a shining light that God gave the world.

It reminds me of one of President Bush's justifications for the invasion of Iraq. America had a duty to export democracy to the Middle East - by force, if necessary.

When I hear people say America was founded on Christian principles, I always wonder which ones they mean.

If they're talking about the principles of respect for another's beliefs, the freedom of conscience and the right of every citizen to a voice in government, then I would have to agree.

[Supersedeas]

1. Nothing to see here--the focus is on Islamofascists and the battle of

Civilizations...Pt 1....other wars on religious fascists to come later

[jedicord]

2. ChristoCRATS?

They're more like ChristoCANS.

There's a pic of that little boy with no arms that Bartcop shows a lot, with the phrase underneath (something like) "Thanks for liberating me, Meester Boosh".

Who are we to tell other countries how to govern? Who are they to think what they believe is better than someone else?

It's ultimately, to me, a lack of faith in one's beliefs that drives this kind of thinking.

[Marr]

3. I think Christofascist might be more appropo, but I agree with his points.

It would certainly make more literal sense than "Islamofascist".

[Ron Green]

4. Aren't many of these radical Christians fixated on Israel?

It seems to me that the concept of "forgiveness," as epitomized by Christ in the New Testament, is just about forgotten by these "Christians," who spend much of their time talking about enemies and raising money for Israel. I wonder why the rabbi is worried about these guys, unless he fears they may turn on the Jews as well.

[WePurrsevere]

5. Fundies are "helping" Israel because it is their "Mecca" not because they

are truly a friend to the Jews. As a someone who closely interacted with fundies and then was foolishly (and briefly) married one many years ago I can tell you that as much as they make nice and smile at them, deep in their little heart of hearts most fundies still hold a "grudge" and consider Jews "Christ killers" who are all doomed to burn in the fires of their "Hell". This is the type of "christian" the neo-Cons and BuSh* Co are kissing up to and deeply in bed with.

Christians who follow the basic teachings of Jesus, have more then two brain cells to rub together and I believe to be the true "majority" of "christians" are usually a totally different breed of cat then the "Fundies" who tend to follow Paul or whatever their minister tells them is so.

The Christians that try to follow the teachings of Jesus usually know the meanings of the words forgiveness, caring and helping and try to live as they think he would want them too... Jimmy Carter is a good example of that type of Christian. Thankfully I've known others that were similar to Carter or I'd probably hate them all after what I saw and experienced when I ventured into the fundie cult side.

[eccles12]

6. Funddies are helping Israel because they are tools of the neocons

and being used. Neocons always cover ALL bases so their supporters will be in all places on all sides all the time. that's how Israel wins no matter what the politics in the US or the rest of the west.