fandomsecrets | [ SECRET POST #360 ]

⌈ Secret Post #360 ⌋

Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.

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Notes:

Secrets Left to Post: 08 pages, 192 secrets from Secret Submission Post #052.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 1 linked back to the page ] broken links, [ 1 2 ] not!secrets, [ 1? 2? ] not!fandom, [ 1 2 3 ] repeats, [ 1 ] probably not for real.
Next Secret Post: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 1st, 2008.
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I think this may be the weirdest comparison I've ever had the privilege of making, but Christianity is the Walmart of religion. It's so huge and out there that it's the largest target by default.

But, if it's the biggest target, wouldn't it make it Target?

I kid, I kid. I've been reading all the responses on the threadlet here, and it's been interesting, and I generally agree with the conversation going on here. I think that the western world, particularly the US has had a well established "cultural Christianity." It doesn't always synch up with "true Christianity" (which, in my opinion on the entire history of the world, has rarely been popular). Nevermind that "Christians" are constantly arguing about what constitutes "true Christianity" - think about it. What did we just go through, the holiday where everybody gets presents?

It seems perfectly acceptable for people to talk about the Baby Jesus right around then, and people's Nativity yard displays are not deemed offensive. (I won't get into inflatable Santa Claus on a motorcycle....)

Then it's just back to "Ew, Christianity. Keep it in the closet!" the rest of the year.

I think perhaps it's "okay" to bash Christians because it is seen as the "religion of the establisment" (regardless of the actual truth of that). Other religions? They are minority, they are exotic. And yes, large numbers of people belonging to them fuel our SUVs. (Though I don wonder if the OP of the secret had been Muslim, if people on the thread would have screamed "terrorist" at him/her).

I honestly don't think people credit (historical) Christianity enough for Western open-mindedness. I was watching programs the other day about ancient Rome and the ancient world and, when Christianity hit it brought all kinds of radical ideas about equality, about masters and slaves being equal, and yes, women being the spiritual equals of men. (I was always taught that the "submit to your husband thing" went along with "husbands love your wives" as in - an EQUAL submission out of love, and of course, there's the verse about there being "no slave or free, no male or female...")

I think, because "cultural Christianity" has become the "establisment" and tied up with those loud politically-ambitious people, most people have forgotten what true Christianity is about, and the equity and tolerance inherent in the religion.

Though, I do come from a biased view, being a Christian myself, so I understand if people want to disregard everything I've just said.

I am not picking any fights, but...

It seems in today's society, there is a movement of nice, generally unobtrusive Christians like yourself to specify that despite the crazy zealots of both old and modern day, your religion and its teachings are ultimately one of tolerance and love.

I must ask you: How do you reconcile that with the rather violent lessons of the Old Testament? From my understanding, all of God's word is divine law. I also understand that according to the New Testament, God does indeed forgive sins as long as one follows a life of Christ---and by extension divine law. Does one simply exclude the instructions to burn down neighbor villages with heathen presence? How does that work?

Don't misunderstand me; I think the peaceful, mostly keep-it-to-yourself Christian movement is an excellent one, but I still have to ask.

All I can say is that I've struggled to reconcile some of the Old Testament passages with my New Testament beliefs, myself. It is something I've personally come up with more questions than answers to, myself, yet I haven't found it reason to throw away my faith - if you understand.

Generally, modern Christians live by the New Testament. The Old Testament is largely considered "for another time," I guess.

I'm not even sure I'm the one to ask. I'm no theology student, and, as I've said above, I haven't actually been to church in over a year. (This stemming from personal social anxiety and a general unsuress about the American church's place in politics). These kind of questions might be better asked of a "better" Christian. *Grin.*

Haha, gotcha. While I personally can't empathize because I'm a bit of an ideological absolutist, I understand I think where you're coming from.

~~Target-*snerk*~~

Well, I did my best to follow Christianity for a while before trying to seek my own path, and I just think it leads to more comprehensive discussions on the theology and actuality of it. Any good debater has heard the phrase "Know your material/topic". I think if someone is unfamiliar with a subject then they have no business trying to say whether it is good or bad. The fact that you are a Christian yourself, having a rational discussion about Christianity, actually makes me more inclined to listen to you.

You did bring up a very good point that had slipped my mind when writing my response above. "Cultural Christianity" and "establishment" indeed. I remember watching some program, I can't remember what it was, sadly; a child was asked if they were Christian, and their response was "I'm American". Even if Christianity is the prevalent religion of the U.S., it would be a sad state of affairs if Americans were all to claim Christianity by 'default', and be entirely unaware of what they are claiming affiliation with.

Actually, that brings me back to your earlier point about 'historical' Christianity. I think you're absolutely right, but that is because I am familiar with the source material. The people who bash Christianity as a national past-time just pick and choose which scriptures to quote based on which ones will make them seem right, and disregard the ones that would prove them wrong.

I think the cornerstone of the problem is that the loudest ones claiming to be Christian don't actually follow their faith, and of course this will give the people who actually do a bad name.

I once worked at a Target, briefly. Food court. Hated it.

I cringe whenever G.W. Bush mentions Christianity.

I worked at Walmart for two and a half freaking years. Quitting was one of the best things I've ever done. I can't regret it too badly though, because I met my best friend there.

~~I cringe whenever someone mentions G.W. Bush lol~~

Look on the bright side. It is now 2008!

YAYS!

[ SECRET POST #360 ]

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