barking at thunder

remembering gomorrah

I read this on Slate today...not a new article, but a recent one, about George Bush's Christianity:

In addition, I believe that Bush's pluralistic approach to faith —his kind words for Islam right after 9/11 and his broad approach to faith-based programs— helped give evangelical Christianity a more tolerant face. - Steven Waldman, editor in chief of Beliefnet

Would those kind words for Islam have been when he promised we'd go on a Crusade to avenge 9/11? I remember at the time that Shrub quickly recalled those words, having been too ignorant (or is it coke-damaged?) to remember that there's a bit of a history to the word Crusade, and that honestly, those who hold to the Islamic faith might find mention of it a little alarming.

But hey, what's the matter with bringing up homeland invasion, raping, pillaging, conquest and conversion, oh, and wholesale slaughter of innocents among global villagers? I mean it's not like he said he was going to hold an Inquisition over the whole thing. No one needs to be nervous. Really. Swear to God. (And that's my God, not yours, for clarity.)

We're living in a time where the bully pulpit is just that...a pulpit, standing at the front of the biggest, most publicized church in the world. The Holy Church of Us, Divine Order We are Right and You are Wrong, and the Genuine, Solid-Steel Shining of Sword of God's Vengeance. It doesn't matter what the issue is, in the Church of Us, anyone not in the club is one of Them, and watch out, cause you're officially served notice. For people who live their lives in fear, the idea that God is the Arnold Schwarzenegger of the skies is a comforting one. Mess with Us, and He will kick your ass. Disagree with Us, and you're simply working for Them. If you don't Believe (just like we do, no exceptions, no discussion, no dissent) then you're against Us. Just remember Gomorrah.

I was raised Christian, and I recall something different about the God who was in my storybooks. That particular God viewed us as lambs, to be taken care of, protected and cherished. That God mentioned loving thy neighbor and turn the other cheek and the meek shall be first. I still talk to that God, and oddly, I've missed the Voice telling me that the meek now have an enforcer. Instead, if I listen closely, I hear a murmur reminding me that the loudest voices are not made loud by the power of truth. They're made loud by fear, by anger, by coercion.

So pardon me, but I'll pass on the Revival at the Church of Us. I've got an appointment to see God Sunday morning, in a sunrise or a rainshower or a falling leaf. Care to join me? We've got a big church too. It's called earth, and there's room for everyone.

posted by Karen McCray at 11:16 AM |