God’s Warriors
Yesterday on CNN international I watched the majority of “God’s Warriors” which is a series they ran on CNN America during the summer. The series focuses on Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Yesterday’s episode was on Christians and politics. I must admit that during most of the program I was cringing at how conservative and fundamentalist Christians are basically always portrayed to represent the faith. There was various pastors passionately talking about why every Christian American should vote republican, why Christians should protect Israel at whatever the cost - they were very much pro-war saying that was God’s wish (not sure about that one myself) and a few other agendas I can’t remember right now.
Finally toward the end of the program they had a few pastors on from my “wave length” who had a more emergent take on issues. These were the guys encouraging us to help cease poverty, make community changes and be a steward for the environment - you know Jesus things, yet sadly the fundamentalists in the program just branded them as heretics. How is it that some people get such a rattle in their cage about an issue that they don’t really care who they hurt, what happens etc, as long as they get their way. Some of these pastors seemed so narrow and tunnel minded that it is scary, as they hold the keys to a lot of the movement in politics within the United States - very worrying. They consider themselves to be right, without an ounce of doubt that their methods may be wrong - again I find this to be very concerning. However at the same time I admire their passion over their “issue” and wonder if I would be more effective within my little part of the world if I had passion like that - I probably would - but I certainly don’t want the narrow mindedness and judgement that comes with it.
christians, cnn international, emergent, fundamentalists, gods warriors, heretics, islam, jesus, judaism, judgement, pastorsabout
Posted on October 21, 2007
Posted by lynhallewell
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If you think it seems scary over there, you should experience how it feels over here!In the Southern U.S., my experience is that it’s rare to find many Christians who don’t affirm that dogmatic approach. There is a distinct “approved” set of opinions and comments, and to venture outside the box is to draw the ire of someone if not many someones.
I can’t imagine how it must feel to be in that situation Cindy. I am aware that the southern US is much more conservative.
‘course, I’m coming right out of church this morning which was even more “be right and think right-ish” than usual. does that make any sense?
yeah, totally understand that
this cnn “series” was interesting but even more than that - frustrating.
i listened to radio commentary the morning after the “christian” segment aired. the dj’s were criticizing the reporter for being so right-ish and not quite main-stream chrisitanity.
i’m hoping they were (are) right (as in correct)
I think that is the problem with media, they always seem to focus on the extreme sides of religion, which then give everyone who follows that faith a “bad press” even though the extreme view is not a good example of main stream.