Christianity and Socialism

[dcsmart]

see post
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=395x564

[Critters2]

1. I'm a Christian and a Socialist (member, Democratic Socialists of America),

and, as it happens, a UCC pastor. So, yeah, I agree to a large degree.

[dcsmart]

2. hello again

i see that you joined the DSA. we talked about that in socialist progressives group. is there a local in your area? i am a member here in michigan. i like the UCC. i attend a local church from time to time.. you may find this ironic, but it is right next to a catholic church. two churches separated by theology. i think being a pastor is a great way to live ones life. i wish i would have pursued that avenue. i was raised catholic and was going to join the franciscan order (capuchin), but the church and i eventually parted ways...anyway. nice talking to you again. i am sure we will speak again.

[Critters2]

3. Hi, again!

Yep, I joined. As I think you know, I was a pretty active member of SPUSA years ago. I was glad to find a Socialist group that has a bit more practical vision and relationship to the Dem Party. So, I read up on both the DSA and SDA, and decided the DSA was a better fit for me. Then, I joined.

The nearest local to me is Chicago. I wish there were a downstate local, but I should be in touch with the Chicago local. They may know of others downstate, and I occasionally get up to the city. So, I should be in touch.

Interesting that you considered becoming a Franciscan. I have real respect for the Franciscans, and even know a couple of UCC clergy who belong to a group of ecumenical Franciscan oblates (not affiliated with the Catholic Church, but trying to live the rule of Francis). There are a few Catholics among my Girardian friends and colleagues. Girard himself is Catholic. I respect the Catholic (theoretical) ethic of life, which includes opposition to war and the death penalty. But the male leadership of the church has caused it to become so focused on abortion as to make it less an ethic of life, and more a tool to oppress women.

As for me, I often wonder whether I'm UCC because of my leftie politics, or whether my lefty politics grow from my lifelong membership in the UCC. No way to ever know, I guess.

It is good to talk with you again, and I'm sure we will again. Have a good night!