Do you think it's possible to form a progressive movement

[cally]

without the aid of progressive Christians? Many, many progressives are Christians. If you went to any of the anti-war protests there were many religious groups represented there. The Friends continue to lead on many progressive causes. I've heard so many men and women of faith standing up for democracy, fairness, and equity because of their faith. I don't know how anyone thinks we can defeat the BFEE, put progressives in office, or create a more just society by alienating or offending folks of the Christian faith.

Don't bother telling me that I believe in fairy tales, I'm ignorant, I'm responsible for the Crusades or all the hatred and wars for the past 2,000 years. I've seen enough posts like that on this board. What I'm asking is explain how it helps you as a progressive, other than to show your dislike of all Christians, to insult and make fun of those of strong faith.


I would not be a liberal without my faith. I grew up in a conservative household and became a liberal because of my church. Some don't care if other 'friends' make fun of their faith and religion while many of us are offended. I have never spoken against someone of another faith, an agnostic, or an atheist. I believe being progressive means respecting others. I don't think most DUers or this site do respect all of the progressive community.

[UrbScotty]

1. Let's show Americans (especially Christians) that we Liberals are like Chr

www.liberalslikechrist.org

[MiltonLeBerle]

2. I've never understood how Christians could be Republicans.

I too derived my lberal beliefs and attitudes from a religious upbringing. I have completely shed the "faith" part, but the liberalism remains.

a Progressive movement requires progressives of all kinds.

Perhaps the Progressive Christians could concentrate their efforts on the NON-Progressive Christians- Each one teach one, and bring one to liberalism.

[gully]

3. Man I agree...

Christianity seems opposite of Repuglicanism..

[Syn_Dem]

4. Well spoken words

If you consider yourself a liberal its best to look up its definition and see if you abide by it...

Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry.

Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded.

There are many many broad minded Christians out there I know of.

[Clete]

5. I think true Christian values are liberal ones

like charity, mercy and loving the sinner.

[cally]

6. All of you are making me feel much better about DU

Thank you, friends.

[roughsatori]

7. Most Americans identify as Christian

I would guess most DUers do also, so I am stumped when I hear Christians talking as if they are some kind of despised minority. That is a bogus right wing talking point.

I get angry when I read things like you just posted "I don't think most DUers or this site do respect all of the progressive community." In that statement you generalize and insult all of us, even those who are Christian.


Perhaps if you want respect you should practice giving it when you start a topic--as opposed to a blanket condemnation.

[cally]

9. Whatever, your post proves my point

I'm a Christian and many claim we're in the majority in this country. (I actually disagree with that statement when you consider those who actually follow their faith and don't consider themselves Christians because they celebrate Christmas.) All of the statements I made have been posted on this site. The Christian bashing continues and many leave this site because of this. I'm sorry if you feel I was disrespectful but I am very angry and disappointed tonite.

[proud patriot]

8. I think it would be

hard w/o them .

[Syn_Dem]

10. Definitely

Think of all the church-funded soup kitchens and charities. Those are prime examples of progressive or just down right empathy....something those Repubs could never grasp.

[quinnox]

11. Good post

I also am dismayed when I see so much ignorance and hate against religion on this site. It appears some folks aren't so liberal after all, when it comes to this issue. They can be as close-minded and intolerant as the most extreme wingnut.

[never cry wolf]

15. i think that the problem

here on DU is with the fundys of the hard right. the way the they have kidnapped chrisianity and wrap their deeds around it disgusts most here to the boiling point.

i totally agree that true christianity embraces liberal beliefs, or would that be vice versa? we need all the liberals and progressives we can get.

[sandnsea]

12. Could Progressive Christians take on the right?

I'd like to see an interest group of Progressive Christians as strong as the Christian Coalition. That might make some headway. Then have that group connect up with other Progressive Spiritualists and go from there. Or just a group of Progressive Spiritualists. Anything to knock those people off the cross they think only belongs to them!!! Take back the flag AND take back the cross.

(Sorry if that offended anybody's religious sensibilities, not trying to be disrespectful to the cross)

[cally]

13. Many are trying

Just like progressives, in general, it's difficult to get heard in the mainstream media.

[sandnsea]

16. I don't know of any

I'm not talking about specific religions or specific causes, but one main Progressive Christians PAC that scoops up all the specific interest groups, like the Christian Coalition does. If you know of one, I'd sure be interested.

[cally]

17. I wasn't referring to PACs or

political activities. Most mainstream religious organisations support the separation of church and state. I was referring to writings and statement of purposes that support progressive causes. Also, charitable work.

[Brian Sweat]

14. Considering that us atheists only make up about 10% the population

and a lot of atheists are Republicans, Libertarians or a political. I doubt we could start much of a progressive political movement by ourselves.

[blueseas]

18. great post

Christ was the first liberal.

[John_H]

19. much of my liberalism is probably a result of growing up

in an ultra-catholic household. I don't currently practice any religion, but aside from abortion (which the church will never waver on) and the Pope's wacky ideas about homosexuality (which will someday soften, I think), nearly every teaching of the catholic church (or at least the variety my parents and priest practiced) points sqarely toward liberalism.

The reason I despise "christians" of the ralph reed version is they way they pervert and twist Jesus's teachings to wrap around their very secularl and dark view of mankind.

[GOPBasher]

20. Very, very true

Plus, Christians should be liberals. Look at Jesus' teachings: turn the other cheek, help the poor, etc.

[redeye]

21. Depends...

...how you define "without progressive Christians." If you mean "only atheists," then probably no, but then again there's a broad range of Christians-who're-not-that-religious and borderline cases like Howard Dean, in which case we'll fare perfectly well without the apologists and those who let the bible do their thinking for them.

BTW, being progressive means repsecting others but it also means thinking for yourself, something that most "oppressed Christians" don't really do. So, let me ask you two questions about those progressive attitudes:

1. Do you support Newdow vs. Congress?
2. Do you read the bible critically?