Christian Values - Hannity's...mine? Are they different...?
I just saw today that Sean Hannity had produced a movie exulting "Christian values" ~ "All American" values, that is. Here is a link to HuffPost's article: http://bit.ly/2vkT8Va
Then the thought of making a list of those, and of course, as I see them in the literature, media, etc., values that "others" exemplify, and at the thought of it, it made me sick at the stomach. The realization that "My" Christian values are espoused by Christians of Hannity's ilk, sickens me. But! isn't that "just not nice?"...well, that is reality, one which I need to accept, and understand.
So what is the difference? What do "they" believe in that I do not, or to put it another way, how are they different, i.e., the two lists?
And then I thought of many things, amongst which two authors whose work I have read and follow that could compile and add commentary and wisdom to the list: John Pavlovitz "and Reza Aslan. Of course, there are others I could resort to, such as the Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr, and the Episcopal Bishop Spong, and others, but for now, these first two seem nearer given the media. I will share the thoughts with them, asking their guidance or comments at this time, of this type of restlessness.
My initial, off the cuff, stream-of-consciousness list of those values I see:
Then the thought of making a list of those, and of course, as I see them in the literature, media, etc., values that "others" exemplify, and at the thought of it, it made me sick at the stomach. The realization that "My" Christian values are espoused by Christians of Hannity's ilk, sickens me. But! isn't that "just not nice?"...well, that is reality, one which I need to accept, and understand.
So what is the difference? What do "they" believe in that I do not, or to put it another way, how are they different, i.e., the two lists?
And then I thought of many things, amongst which two authors whose work I have read and follow that could compile and add commentary and wisdom to the list: John Pavlovitz "and Reza Aslan. Of course, there are others I could resort to, such as the Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr, and the Episcopal Bishop Spong, and others, but for now, these first two seem nearer given the media. I will share the thoughts with them, asking their guidance or comments at this time, of this type of restlessness.
My initial, off the cuff, stream-of-consciousness list of those values I see:
Judeo-Christian values under Hannity's "All American Values"...?:
Jesus is Lord; He was white & blue-eyed
The world was created 6,000 years ago
Evolution is blasphemous
God watches and judges; everything is done and willed by God
All my actions are motorized by God, and so is everything that happens
Evangelize others to save their souls; their beliefs are wrong: that is your main purpose in life
American exceptionalism:
Work ethic - work hard, the harder the better...(till burn out, best),
Capitalism & Neoliberalism
Individualism
The poor are lazy - they have no work ethic
No sharing: you’ve worked hard for it!
No taxes - government malfunctions and imposes
Open. free markets, deregulation and un-regulated 'competition' is the way
The higher success is, the richer you become; the richer, the more successful you are!
No social values
Join in with those that believe like I do
Other religions are demonic - of false gods
Other colors of skin are to be careful of, may be dangerous, and are of a lesser 'nature'. Maybe even dangerous.
Weather is not mind made: Jesus will note allow disasters to happen: will save us!
Deny responsibility for harming nature and animals: they were made for man’s use
No social net: everyone responsible but to self - out for him~herself!
A stranger is to be feared
Sex is bad; women are man’s temptation, second to him
Male man is superior to women - in all respects; is to be obeyed: King of the Household
Let's stop there: this is ...hard, difficult, maybe 'wrong'? And, Is making a list as this disrespectful to “christianity”, or do these and others belong in a “different Christianity” list? How to reconcile?
Ufff!


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