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July 6, 2008 at 22:32:52

Headlined on 7/6/08:
Jesus Thieves Convene for McCain

by Robert McElvaine     Page 1 of 1 page(s)

www.opednews.com

 

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Many of the nation's leading Jesus Thieves convened in Denver last Tuesday to work towards uniting behind the presidential candidacy of Sen. John McCain, a man who used to have the courage to denounce such charlatans.

2008-07-05-10MostUnwanted.jpg
In a gathering reminiscent of the 1957 organized crime summit in Apalachin, New York, some ninety major figures in the rightwing conspiracy to kidnap Jesus and commit identity theft against him gathered in the city where Democrats will nominate Sen. Barack Obama in late August.

Among those in attendance was Tim LaHaye, the No. 4 man on Jesus' Ten Most Unwanted List, which I have compiled in my new book, Grand Theft Jesus: The Hijacking of Religion in America. LaHaye is the co-author of a series of books that have Left Jesus Behind and promote the greater gory of Christ.

Other prominent Jesus Enemies at the Denver sit-down included David Barton, founder of WallBuilders, Rick Scarborough of Vision America and Eagle Forum headmistress Phyllis Schlafly.

Dr. James Dobson, don of the Focus Family and No. 3 on Jesus' Enemies List, was not in attendance, but he was represented by one of his capos.

2008-07-05-GTJcoversm.jpg"Our shared core values compel us to unite and choose the presidential candidate that best advances those values," said the Liberty Council's Matthew Staver, who convened the meeting. Unfortunately, those shared core values are in fact value$ and are, on several points, diametrically opposed to the teachings of Jesus.

The attendees signed a letter urging McCain to consider former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as his running mate. They were careful, however, to characterize their call for putting Huckabee on the ticket a "suggestion, not a demand."

Interestingly, this is the same way they see the teachings of Jesus: "The Suggestions on the Mount."

2008-07-05-ChristianityLitevideobutton.jpgSome of these pushers of the drug ChristianityLite (Be saved without sacrifice or good works), who loudly say "Jee-SUSS!" so they won't have to do Jesus, are not all that enthusiastic about Huckabee, though. The AP report on the Denver meeting noted that some of them "dislike his populist message, emphasis on the environment and [his] economic positions." 

In short, they don't like Huckabee on precisely those issues where he actually heeds the teachings of Jesus -- and suggests policies that might help the least of these and cut into the profits of the money-changers.

Phil Burress, one of those at the Denver meeting, said that the most important thing is that McCain's running mate be "pro-life and pro-family." Those are, of course, code words for being anti-abortion and anti-gay.

"The only evangelicals that will support Obama are the ones who haven't read their Bible," proclaimed Burress.

These Jesus Thieves must be reading a different Bible from the one I have. In mine, Jesus never mentions abortion or homosexuality. He does, however, talk about loving your enemies, turning the other cheek, helping the poor, and how difficult it is for a rich man to enter heaven.

When it comes to the red lines in the Bible -- the words of Jesus -- these leaders of the "Christian Right" read between the lines and leave the red lines unread.

"Obama is a considerable threat to our values," Staver argued. Jesus Followers can only hope he is right, since the value$ of this gang are almost 180 degrees from those Jesus preached.

Wherever two or more of them are gathered falsely in his name, there is hate.

{Historian Robert S. McElvaine is Elizabeth Chisholm Professor of Arts & Letters at Millsaps College. His latest book is Grand Theft Jesus: The Hijacking of Religion in America 2008-07-01-GTJcoversm.jpg, upon which this piece is partially based.}

 

www.GrandTheftJesus.com

Robert S. McElvaine is a professor of history at Millsaps College and the author of ten books. He is a frequent contributor to the op ed pages of the major national newspapers and blogs for the Huffington Post. His latest book is "Grand Theft Jesus: The Hijacking of Religion in America" (Crown).

 

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7 comments

Committed to a Democrat President in 2008
Julie JohnsonCommitted to a Democrat President in 2008

Well Said!

I have tuned out politics for many years until Obama got my attention.  After rejecting the hypicrites in a religious right church in my teens, I did not attend church again until my mid-40s.  By accident, I now attend a mainline (liberal to moderate) church that stresses Matthew 25, does not mention abortion, and they have been fighting for many years about the homosexual issues.

When I started following the election this year, my first thought, why are the Evangelicals/religious right wanting a Republican President that works to make the wealthy richer.  That is not what Jesus taught.  Republicans have had many years to change the abortion laws, but they have not done it.  What makes anyone think that John McCain will change the law. 

After several months of reading, I know there are several reasons.  Some are with conviction about abortion, which I can understand.  Others are, such as James Dobson, are only interested building their own financial wealth and power.

I have read interesting articles by Pastors and Priest that discuss their internal turmoil about the election, it is obvious they are leaning toward Obama.  Unfortuntely, there are even more from the religious right.

Thanks for your effort to point out a serious issues that has damaged our elections.  I pray that more people will open their eyes to the need to reject McCain. 

by Julie Johnson (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 29 comments) on Monday, July 7, 2008 at 12:34:05 AM
 


electronic technician, truth seeker
Bob Gormleyelectronic technician, truth seeker

Jesus Support Abortion?

Would Jesus support an abortion so that one could further one's career

without an inconvenient interruption? I don't think so.

He would favor his own creation over a lifeless dollar bill.

by Bob Gormley (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 932 comments) on Monday, July 7, 2008 at 7:05:43 AM
 


I’m an ex-Nun, and I became so after reading the writings of Karen Armstrong, who is also an ex-Nun. She wrote the best-selling books, The History of God, and The Battle for God, and she makes a lot of sense to me. However, more recently I’ve read the writings of a man who feels the same way about the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam), but I think more comprehensively understands what is really needed in the world – a reformation of religion and a reformation of government, t...

to see more of bio, click on member name

RuthI’m an ex-Nun, and I became so after reading the writings of Karen Armstrong, who is also an ex-Nun. She wrote the best-selling books, The History of God, and The Battle for God, and she makes a lot of sense to me. However, more recently I’ve read the writings of a man who feels the same way about the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam), but I think more comprehensively understands what is really needed in the world – a reformation of religion and a reformation of government, t...

to see more of bio, click on member name

True

And it's just as Jesus foresaw, and foretold.

After all, he said that religious bigots and hypocrites would be praying for the the ears of men, preaching the doctrines of men, and claiming to do many wonderful works in the name of the Lord, when they actually "work iniquity."

Jesus also foretold the coming of the son of man and the messenger for the Spirit of truth, who issues judgment, guides us unto truth, and shows us things to come.

And the good news is that the son of man is here, now, and has delivered the message, which can be viewed at:'

http://reformationcomingsoon.bravehost.com

 

by Ruth (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 182 comments) on Monday, July 7, 2008 at 12:33:06 PM
 


Kim Gongre is a freelance writer working to promote peace, social justice and truth in media. Kim works and resides in the mountains of East Tennessee.
kgongreKim Gongre is a freelance writer working to promote peace, social justice and truth in media. Kim works and resides in the mountains of East Tennessee.

That's a good one

Jesus thieves.

Do you suppose they learned anything from their experiences with busco.  Like how to get thier social agenda engaged when all these military industrial complex bozos keep getting all the goods.  You know the jesus thieves must just be beside themselves that bushco has let so much of the religious battle go un-provoked.  All that potential to fulfill the vengeful  prophecy of the God of their own making...made in their own image.

It is truly ashamed how easy it can be to lead people to hate those who are even more screwed than they are and by the same people. Ye shall reap what you sow boys and girls of the church of hate.  That is one thing you can count on.  Don't think you cause you hate the way they tell you to hate that they will love you for it... it never works that way.

I am linking a promo of your article at my blog

http://www.creatingprogress.blogspot.com

 

by kgongre (17 articles, 0 quicklinks, 21 diaries, 21 comments) on Monday, July 7, 2008 at 5:26:29 PM
 


I am a longtime political activist and current affairs analyist having been a State Director of the California Young Americans for Freedom and Legislative Aide to 2 leading Legislators in California.

I am now in the Inland Empire(of CA NOT the United States!) and daily(when Im not working) - psuedo legal file clerk these days - surf the net for all sides of the debate on US freedom and liberty and soveriegnty.

I have a nationwide political contact list who I do forward...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Chris BieberI am a longtime political activist and current affairs analyist having been a State Director of the California Young Americans for Freedom and Legislative Aide to 2 leading Legislators in California.

I am now in the Inland Empire(of CA NOT the United States!) and daily(when Im not working) - psuedo legal file clerk these days - surf the net for all sides of the debate on US freedom and liberty and soveriegnty.

I have a nationwide political contact list who I do forward...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Serving Caesar not Christ's words or commands

is TRULY bipartisan.......

BHO met with the onthe fence Evangelical leaders.....

JSM did the same (per article)

meanwhile....our country collapses under the weight of the BIPARTISAN Socialist Government monstrosity....enabled by the Religious Right and Religious Left...waving RedWhiteBlue Flags.....and WWJD banners....

The bipartisan Warmongering behemoth lurches forward...lugging away our voluntarily and involuntary sacrificed legal rights and financial(TRILLIONS) debt. The impending collapse of the fiat currency paper dollar will enable all of us to relive those carefree days of cartloads of money to buy a loaf of bread...at the DHS machinegun protected WalMarts....

This is oblivious to the Ceasarworshippers....as is the installation of the hitech surveillance state and the federalization of the law and law enforcement.

The resultant mess/prisoncamp IRREGARDLESS of the election results will slam down on all of us and the churches will be church-growth like filled...

but will their pastors/priests ask for the Lords FORGIVENESS for our(and!!! the Church's) enabling/killing of our country he has blessed us with and plead warnings about condoning or helping the rising police state........ or for BLESSINGS/"righteous" demands for food and security from the Government?????

 Me thinks the latter..

 The sign of servility and servitude.....

 all the more signs of the "need" for a STRONG(er) leader...

 to "fix" things....

To sit Colossus-like astride the clamoring masses demanding MORE power to fix things..not just here in the US but the Globe as we are all now conveniently INTERDEPENDENT and ENTANGLED.

and the Religious Right is(was??) AGAINST that???????????

 

by Chris Bieber (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 19 comments) on Monday, July 7, 2008 at 6:46:29 PM
 


I've studied theology and its relationship to government for many years. A few years ago I stumbled upon the web site of an author who I felt was on the right track, and I've monitored it since then. Now I feel he has finally gotten the message highlights complete. I believe, very deeply, that the message he delivers will actually change and save this world. It's what everyone needs to hear. You can read it at http://reformationcomingsoon.bravehost.com
Jessica MooreI've studied theology and its relationship to government for many years. A few years ago I stumbled upon the web site of an author who I felt was on the right track, and I've monitored it since then. Now I feel he has finally gotten the message highlights complete. I believe, very deeply, that the message he delivers will actually change and save this world. It's what everyone needs to hear. You can read it at http://reformationcomingsoon.bravehost.com

Chris, there is a strong leader to fix things, but ....

He does not seek personal power from behind a podium or pulpit. In fact, he shows the way from behind the scenes, and his work will ultimately unite us, empower us all, and liberate us from all those who divide us and want to rule over us.

"When the best leader's work is accomplished, the people say, We did it ourselves!" -- Lao Tsu

His message, showing the way, is at:

http://reformationcomingsoon.bravehost.com

 

by Jessica Moore (7 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 87 comments) on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 9:13:27 PM
 


Committed to a Democrat President in 2008
Julie JohnsonCommitted to a Democrat President in 2008

McCain Will Not Change Abortion Law

Republicans never delivered many promised abortion law change. Why does anyone think John McCain will make any changes in the abortion law?


As a Christian, I do believe abortion and the death penalty are wrong; however, I can remember the back-alley abortions. Changing the law will not stop abortions; it will only result in the unsafe abortion before Rove v. Wade. Families with money will still be able to find doctors for performing safe abortions. As the doctor said in the link below, people have been having abortions

It is time to focus on the economy, Iraq war, gas prices, health care—the things that matter to everyone, except the wealthy that want a President that will make them richer. The Republicans have had many years, but have not outlawed abortion.

A good article written by a doctor that treated the results of bad abortions: Repairing the Damage, Before Roe By Waldo L. Fielding, M.D.

http://www.nytimes.com

 

"Almost any implement you can imagine had been and was used to start an abortion —darning needles, crochet hooks, cut-glass salt shakers, soda bottles, sometimes intact, sometimes with the top broken off. "

Yet as soon as we examined her, we realized that what we thought was the cord was in fact part of her intestine, which had been hooked and torn by whatever implement had been used in the abortion. It took six hours of surgery to remove the infected uterus and ovaries and repair the part of the bowel that was still functional.

It is important to remember that Roe v. Wade did not mean that abortions could be performed. They have always been done, dating from ancient Greek days.

What Roe said was that ending a pregnancy could be carried out by medical personnel, in a medically accepted setting, thus conferring on women, finally, the full rights of first-class citizens — and freeing their doctors to treat them as such.

Matthew 22:37-40 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

 

As a Christian, I cannot understand the attitude towards homosexuals. There is too much evidence that there is a physiological bases rather than a choice. There are people born with both male and female sex organs. God made homosexuals and transgender people. I have read different interpretations for I Corinthians 6:9 & Timothy 1:10, and Romans 1:26-27. There are Christian scholars that agree most people do not consider things that ocurred at the time the Bible was written. promiscuous homosexuality, prostitute type homosexuality.

Jesus had many things to say about how to treat other people. He did not address homosexuality. I personally think people will be held accountable for the way homosexuals, bisexuals, transsexuals, have been treated. There is too much scientific evidence that for most people it is not a choice.

Jesus Would Not Like McCain's Tax Cuts for the Wealthy

Matthew 19:

23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

Jesus would also not like McCain's lies about his and Obama's tax plan.

 

Blitzer did not ask Fiorina why other McCain economic adviser disputes her balanced-budget projections

(McCain's tax plan adds more to the deficit than Obama's plan does. If we want to balance the budget, we should not have tax cuts.)

http://mediamatters.org/items/200806120005?f=h_latest

NY Times' Nagourney ignored Obama's proposed tax cuts in report that McCain will attack Obama for proposing tax increases

http://mediamatters.org/items/200807070010

Politico's Smith, Martin reported McCain campaign's claim that Obama would raise taxes on 21 million small businesses without noting it's false

http://mediamatters.org/items/200807070001

by Julie Johnson (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 29 comments) on Monday, July 7, 2008 at 11:06:04 PM
 

 

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