I don't know what to do......I can't stand it almost

[boomboom]

Background......I'm a pro-lifer/pro-choicer. I've had an abortion, wouldn't wish it on anybody. I love all my gay friends and am for civil unions. I'm anti death sentence. I'm anti war. I'm an anti-Bushite. I'm also a public CPA, a tax advisor, with a client base that is probably 95% high, high wealth and Repug. I've always thought of myself as a fiscal conservative, yet a social liberal. I'm also a born again Christian who loves the Lord with my whole being.

I know I shouldn't, but I can't help reading freerepublic.com, lucianne.com, etc. I am sooooo freaked out about their level of hatred. Who are these people claiming hatred in the name of our Lord?? Who are the riff raff sitting on their butt dictating what the rest of us should do? These people who know nothing of the Lord. these people who think W is a Christian as long as he kills as many people as possible. Makes me sick. Just needed to rant. Thanks.

[alcuno]

1. Welcome to DU, boomboom.

God loves us all. Even those hate-mongering wackos. I never visit those sites because they have nothing to offer but negativity.

[boomboom]

Thank you

That's true, isn't it? I get so tied up in knots....these people who hate claim truth. Argh

[Calvinist Basset]

2. You're among friends.

Do whatever ranting, raving and raging you need to do. Check out the progressive Christian subgroup here at DU.

What denomination do you claim? Some denominations have their progressive enclaves, allowing them to be faithful and liberal.

O8)

[boomboom]

6. oh my

I didn't realize there was a progressive Christian group here. Thank you! I actually belong to the largest Baptist church here in Houston. Second Baptist. I love it, am in the choir and yet am so excited when I see a non W bumper sticker in the parking lot.

[boomboom]

11. Hey Cal

Where exactly is the progessive Christian subgroup? I did a very superficial search. So you have a link or something?

[tanyev]

32. Here ya go.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=291

I think you can read it, but if you want to post in a group you need to make a donation and get a star. The group is pretty new, so there'e not too much action in there yet.

Welcome to DU! I'm a liberal Christian in Plano, TX. That's about as bad as Houston.

[Calvinist Basset]

34. Ya beat me to it!

That's the info I would've provided.

I don't know what progressive Baptist groups there are, but I'm sure they exist.

As a Presbyterian, I fraternize with the Witherspoon Society to get my liberal faith fix.

[boomboom]

35. My best friend is in Plano

Thank you!

[Catchawave]

3. ((hugs)) n/t

[salinen]

4. Welcome bb

You've come to the right place to rant and foam over the paradoxically challenged RW pseudo Christians.

[molly]

5. Pro-choice = pro-life + abortion CHOICE

the keyword is CHOICE. That should help clear up some things for you.

The second thing is your obvious level of compassion. You won't see that "over there". You are also able to question - you don't blindly follow. Stick around - we certainly don't have all the answers, but a great majority of us are open for discussion.

[boomboom]

8. Y'all have made my day.

Thank you. Very much.

[smbolisnch]

38. Welcome to DU Boomboom!

:hi:

[yellowdogintexas]

7. you are not alone

welcome to DU

[vixengrl]

9. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[Kipepeo]

10. Those people make me sick too

I can't understand people who have no compassion for others. They don't care about a dead innocent child in Iraq but they can go on and on about the evils of abortion. ???

The Democratic party is now the party of fiscal conservatives. True conservatives know this. Bushites don't even know (or care) what fiscal conservative means.

[NC_Nurse]

12. Welcome to DU!

Glad you found us.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

13. The thing about religion, I think, is that

it can be, and is, used for tremendous evil, as well as for great good -- because it is people, not God, who organize and control it. And like every other human institution, the people who run churches and other religious organizations have their own motivations and agendas, like power, control, and wealth, that are not necessarily consistent with the teachings of the religion. Christianity has produced Torquemada and the Spanish Inquisition and the Salem witch trials and vicious bigots like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. It has also produced Father Damien and Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa, as well as much of the greatest art, music and architecture of the western world. If you are a religious person you can take comfort in the fact that the true lessons pf Christianity will remain true regardless of how some people try to warp them. I, personally, don't believe in hell, but I wish I did so I could believe people like Robertson and Falwell and the freepers will wind up there for their hypocrisy, hate, and perversion of Jesus' message.

[boomboom]

17. Ohhh, but true faith is so much more

My church is such a biblical church. I wish everyone had the opportunity to know what faithful "corporate" worship really means. I agree...Falwell and Robertson are frightening. I can't help but believe the Higher Power they're serving is not God. But then again, what do I know? It's not up to me to judge another's heart. But I can certainly avoid humans who claim the right to judge others.

[SharonAnn]

28. You can definitely judge another's behavior, if not their heart.

By their works ye shall know them.

[StephanieMarie]

Just keep reminding yourself

Jesus didn't HATE anyone. Therefore, anyone who does hate, is NOT following in Jesus' footsteps.

[jbnow]

45. Well serpents, vipers and

sons of vipers (and the other things Jesus called Pharisees) were pretty hateful sounding but overall I agree with you.

Jesus said nothing about homosexuals...that was the Old Testament god that hates homosexual men and shellfish eaters. He talked like a Democrat...peace, helping the widows, the sick, the children.

He only spoke against Pharisees, but he REALLY spoke poorly of them. (Such as Matthew 23). But what is eerie is that he raged against them for things that the right wing 'christians' seem to admire bush and gang for.

It is just so warped. This isn't minor...wouldn't those who say Jesus is their savior admire what Jesus stood for? And if Jeus was your favorite philosopher, wouldn't you try to follow his philosophy?

It makes ant-sense. Are we living in some bad sci-fi book? Crazy

[patdem]

14. Welcome to DU I hope you find us MUCH more welcoming than those other

sites!!! :hi:

Here is a link to a Forum you might be interested in. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=214

In order to join the Groups you have to be a contributor. And they have many religious Groups and I am sure you would find one you would fit into.

[boomboom]

19. Thank you patdem eom

[UTUSN]

15. And the Question Is? n/t

[DeepGreen]

16. Welcome !!!

:hi:
Glad to know ya boomboom !

[Jo March]

18. Welcome to DU, boomboom

I agree with you that it is heartbreaking what these people are doing in the name of the Lord. I too love the Lord and can't stand what * and his ilk are doing in His name.

Peace to you. Welcome. Come in, take your shoes off and make some friends. There are so many people who feel the way you do.

[boomboom]

21. Ohhhhhh, sigh

In His love arnheim. Thank you, so very much. I feel like I've come home.

[cally]

40. I feel you're being somewhat condescending

"Ohhhhh, sigh." You've got to be kidding. Noone talks nor posts that way. What do you want us to know about you?

[Jo March]

46. I actually use "sigh" when I post! :)

I don't think that boomboom was being condescending at all. I think that was a heartfelt post. :)

[boomboom]

48. Not condescending

Or, didn't mean to be. Just drinking wine.

[villager]

20. welcome aboard, boomboom

Most faiths have a lot of "repair work" to do these days, it seems (I'm Jewish, btw...), including my own.

There are fundamentalists everwhere -- Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, etc. -- that are the tails wagging the dogs of each of these faiths. Unchecked, they will destroy all these religions, and all of us...

[boomboom]

27. Some do

My brother converted to Judaism when he married a Jewish woman and adopted a daughter. He's a way more faithful Jew than he ever was a Christian.

I agree there is repair work to do. But I also think that's within "corporate" worship, not individual faith. You know, I tend to think there's nothing wrong with combining church and state.....don't get mad yet, hear me out.......I'm 49 years old. I was raised in a time of true tolerance, before recognizing a Judeo-Christian God was considered offensive. I don't really understand how our nation's tolerance of all or none's faith is now offensive. I don't believe one bit that it's "the left" attacking faith in America. I frankly rather resent that opinion. I truly don't understand why being anti-Bush means you hate God or support atheism.

[villager]

44. but we've also seen examples of individual faith...

...challenging the "corporate" state, in the religious sense.

The prophets all did this, Amos, Micah, Jeremiah...and a certain carpenter named Joshua.

Martin Luther, as an individual, challenged the state of "corporate" worship in his time...

So it may be up to individual worshippers, in each of their faiths, to start challenging those faiths to be more largehearted...

[woodsprite]

22. Welcome Boomboom!

I'm almost all of the above, except for the CPA, plus I'm ..... shhhhhhh ..... republican. It's an embarrassment to say it. I tried to type it in the smallest font possible :)

This group is the best for making you really feel that you're not alone. I can talk openly here. Can't do that at big family dinners. We have them weekly and out of 18 people, I'm sure hubby and I are the only two at the dinner table who voted for Kerry. Hostile enviro at work too. My four cubby neighbors were PRO-BUSH all the way and talk politics daily. They were so afraid if they voted for Kerry that he'd take their guns away. One of the guys was telling me that he was so afraid of Kerry because his son was just starting 10th grade and he was sure that Kerry would have a draft, and Bush promised no draft. DUH!!!

We here must be immune to the Kool-Aid!

[liberalhistorian]

23. Welcome to DU!

Glad you've found your way here. I'm a Christian who is also devoted to my religion and totally disgusted, dismayed, horrified and angry at the RW fundies who claim to be more Christian-than-thou, when they wouldn't know Jesus if he stood in front of them in 900 feet of thunder and glory and he wouldn't know them, either. I'm sure more than a few of these people will hear "I tell you, I do not know you" from him.

They have hijacked Christianity and twisted and distorted it into an unrecognizable, hate-filled sect. And what's worse is that they claim to be the only true Christians and that if you don't think exactly like them, you aren't a Christian and you'll burn in hell. And what's even worse than that is that they're taking control more and more, which is truly frightening. It's up to us to stand up to them and get as many of our fellow Christians to stand up to them as we can. And it's also up to us to stand up for all the groups that these people want to harass and persecute. God would expect nothing less from us.

[DianeG5385]

24. You sound like me in every way

I decided to live my life in accordance with the scriptures because I believe in those principles, whether I believe in God or not, (I question)the principles are magnificent. I think God if he exists, would accept me if I live by those guiding principles. The basic ones, treat others as you would want to be treated, don't cheat or lie, be honest whether anyone wants to hear what you have to say or not, be humble and admit when you fail these tests and strive to be better. Care for those who have less than you, value your family above all else. Do not value possesions.

[DianeG5385]

26. P.S. I'm also a CPA

Tax Geek in charge of tax for a very large insurance co. Doesn't change by basic principles. I have had occasion to effect tax policy and will continue to work for a sane tax policy for those of us who actually pay the bill!

[grasswire]

25. for what it's worth....

....the contradiction between your values and your life is tying you up in knots and you may have to change something to get some peace.

Example. I know a man who was one of the top patent attorneys in the country. Brilliant, wealthy. He took a trip to third-world country; a former USSR country. He had a crisis of conscience and then gave up his law career and went to seminary and is now interning at a liberal socially active church. He's at peace, and alive with energy and purpose.

Perhaps you ought to read the book "The Politics of Meaning" or visit the more liberal Christian sites such as sojourners.org or theotherside.org.

[DianeG5385]

29. There is a big contradiction

I am one of those people. My values and my job conflict often. I strive to make changes to the extent I am possible consistent with my values.. When that becomes impossible, I'll quit. I'm fortunate to work for a progressive company.

[boomboom]

31. I understand

What you're saying. What amazes me is that financial/tax/economic/charitable responsibility is a concern. A party that claims to be Christian shouldn't make any financial person feel they have to make a choice. Agree?

[DianeG5385]

33. Totally agree!

It's very hard to be a corporate tax person and be a liberal!

[boomboom]

36. hehehe

I had to turn over my Kerry/Edwards bumper sticker off my printer when certain clients visited. Wasn't too crazy about that. But as one of three Dems out of a total of 15 management I sure enjoyed the sparring. Until I had to take off on November 3rd........my firm was very "sympathetic" I was sick..........

[DianeG5385]

37. One of my staff had to lose her "Worry" poster

after the 2000 election, you know, the take off on the Alfred E. Newman what me worry? theme...My boss, the CFO, came to me and said, I saw the poster on S*****'s cubicle and I think it might offend some people, she should take it down. I said I'd talk to her so I said, B*** is asking me to have you move your poster. Just make sure no one can see it!! Actually, I think HE was the one offended, even though in every other respect I love him! That's what drives me crazy about our divisive politics. We are being divided at the margin!

[boomboom]

30. thank you grasswire

Believe me, I have spent many hours on my knees praying about this contradiction. And personally, I have found my own peace.....finally.

I've never had a problem being a tax accountant and a Christian. I have had a problem, FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, having my faith questioned because I didn't vote for Bush.

My purpose is to serve the Lord. Using the talent or education he gifted me. Regardless of what these right wing jerks say.

[Az]

39. Right and Wrong. Post Modernism vs The Word of God

I am an atheist. I am sometimes asked how it is I don't just go off and murder, rape, and rob people whenever I want. As I obviously have no solid basis for morality. This typically comes from someone that believes in morality being an absolute defined by God.

In the world of the authoratarian morality is not for us to understand. We cannot know the mind of God therefore we cannot know right from wrong other than what God tells us him/her/itself. If God says it is immoral then there is no questioning this.

Post Modernism is the result of nations and societies becoming increasingly diverse. With a multitude of social and cultural definitions of morality intermixing a means of abiding with each other became a necessity.

Since no gods are standing here proclaiming in a loud and authoratative voice what is right or wrong we are left to ourselves to cobble together a system by which we can live together in peace and harmony. For 500 years now we have struggled to guide ourselves without the Church having the power to define our lives for us.

This does not mean that everyone in society agrees on what is accepted as moral. It is a evolving process and we discover things that once were immoral may perhaps have been acceptable. We change the face of morallity over time.

To those that believe morality is the word of God this is unacceptable. If God says something is Evil then it is Evil, no questions asked. You do not tolerate Evil even if someone else claims its just misunderstood. Evil taints and twists things. Evil never rests. Thus they must remain forever vigilant against it and never tolerate it.

What fear have you from those that embrace Evil disapproving of your support of Goodness? If you believe that you are on the side of God and rightiousness then why even give them a moments notice? What have they to offer you that God can't do a millions times over?

Control what a people believes to be Good and you can drive them to do terrible things in the name of love.

[anarchy1999]

41. Welcome to DU and how did you find us?

Hatred and Christianity are hard to connect, I agree.

Many here often let off with a rant or two.

There are ways to make yourself whole with being a tax advisor working with wealthy clients. Use the money you make to do good for the other side, that is what we do and is how we justify. Robin Hood effect.

[baby_bear]

42. ever consider changing your clientele base?

Maybe put your great skills to use for an NGO or other non-profit?

You might sleep better at night.

Welcome to DU, in any case.

b_b

[Telly Savalas]

43. Someone should start Moral Outrage Anonymous

You gotta quit reading FreeRepublic.com. The good Lord gave you the gift of life and you only have so many seconds on this planet, so you shouldn't squander them reading that dreck. The time you spend reading Free Republic could be spent enjoying the companionship of your family and friends, stimulating your mind by reading a book, or going for a pleasant walk. If you feel compelled to waste time on the internet, at least browse sites that are more socially redeeming than radical right discussion boards, such as porn sites or online gambling. You're polluting your mind by reading that crap!

With the Bush presidency, a lot of liberals have developed an addiction to feeling moral outrage. They watch FOX News and go to radical right blogs and discussion boards to fuel this emotion. It's gotta stop. Bush is doing enough to wreck our nation, so we shouldn't be making any more efforts to perpetuate and exacerbate our unhappiness. Obviously, in the process of trying to stay informed about the events in our world, we're going to encounter things which upset us. But this doesn't mean we should actively seek out this pain. Any liberal knows darn well that the only result of going into the lion's den of Free Republic is the provocation of anger and moral outrage. Stop beating yourself up by doing this! Listen, you're smart enough, you're good enough, and doggonit...people like you.

(By the way, I don't mean to seem holier than thou. I struggle with this a lot myself.)

[boomboom]

47. wow, good point

This moral outrage addiction hits home.

[Is It Fascism Yet]

49. so glad to hear from a real christian

christ was a liberal too!

[Cuban_Liberal]

50. Welcome to DU.

You will find a small but growing number of Christians who have grown weary of having the 'pro-life' label hijacked by RW fundamentalists who are actually 'pro-birth/anti-choice', and are ready to fight back to reclaim our good name. Many of us are both pro-life AND pro-choice.

:hi:

[Nashyra]

51. Welcome to DU

It was refreshing to read your post. If you set your own fees, try raising those for the most offensive, then send the extra to a charitable organization or to a progressive Dem group gearing up for the 2006 elections. Let them support the progressive movement. It might not be much but it would certainly bring a smile to my face if I was doing it, also allow me to be civil.