Sarah Palin, Creationist???

[NoHall]

Here is my burning question for the evening. I chewed on this while taking an otherwise enjoyable walk at sunset.

In 2008, is it possible to be a committed Republican and not be a Christian?

By "committed" Republican, I mean a staunch supporter of the party platforms as they are laid out today, 2008. With the GOP placing such a heavy emphasis on Christian ideals, how is it possible to be a Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, or even a Mormon Republican? (I threw Mormon in there because the Christian Right kept screaming that Mormons weren't "real" Christians when Romney was still in the running for nominee.)

Can we say that the GOP is the party of Christians?

I am racking my brain trying to think if I know any Republicans that aren't Christian. I can't think of a one.

Yes--I know in the military who are Republican and (I think) non-Christian.

 

[Jdarg]

Yes--I know in the military who are Republican and (I think) non-Christian.

So what are they? And I wonder how they feel?

 

[Teresa]

I think she was pretty clear about who she was talking about, and careful to point out that these are the right-wing evangelicals. I didn't take her to mean that this was the stance of all Christians. (And she has received no hysterical PMs from me over it! )

I agree--there is a group of extremists with an obnoxious agenda. I'm not so sure it's necessarily growing, but it seems to be more and more vocal. Bleh!

p.s. When those vampire movies come out later this year, maybe it will distract them from politricks.

given the power the evangelical group has gained (especially over the last 8 years, I am thinking its no longer a group of extremists. they are really more mainstream than ever - think Rush peeps. they are growing in numbers and gaining momentum. they were hugely responsible for electing "W" twice, and they will be hugely present in the next election as well. they will not be voting for obama.

the republican party invited the evangelicals to join up in the 1960s to keep a catholic president out of office which would of course result in the loss of freedom of religion in America.:roll: the fear factor once again.

and of course, the GOP is the party of morality and integrity and family values as everyone has been brainwashed into believing wholeheartedly. this really cracks me up. I'm thinking this lie is finally being realized by many people outside of the christian right winger group, which is something.

 

[Jdarg]

Are you serious? Do they receive tax money for this? Time away from educational programs?

Whatever is the purpose of this? What faculty member is involved? What authority does this operate under?

Is any religious group allowed to use school facilities for a meeting place? Are these groups in all Walton County schools?

It is my understanding that such groups meet before or after school. There is also Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

I am paying close attention to the case over in Santa Rosa County, where school officials are accused of misusing their positions to promote their religious beliefs. It is shocking that this is happening in 2008.

 

[Chickpea]

So what are they? And I wonder how they feel?

That is a great question you asked and I would love to hear from some Republicans here.

I can add though that I do know of some people who will vote for McCain and who are not Christian - they care about the republican values of fiscal responsibility and restraint, small government,etc... but social values and preaching NEVER enters our debates.

What is interesting to me about the question you pose is that I would like to know if there are some who do feel alienated and exasperated by the evangelical extreme right wing who have made it their mission to try impose their narrow religious views on everyone.

 

[LuciferSam]

I am racking my brain trying to think if I know any Republicans that aren't Christian. I can't think of a one.

I think Christopher Hitchens tends to lean Republican.

 

[wrobert]

Yes, Wrobert is definitely leading the charge to convert our public schools w/ his statement of "let them do what they want during their free time." :roll:

I'd LOVE to see the mushroom cloud of hysteria that will appear if the Wiccans want a flagpole meeting!

You are pretty good at making leaps of what I am doing. But if I am going to be known for leading the charge on something, I am glad it is leading the charge to allow the students in this county to exercise their Constitutional rights.

 

[wrobert]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_Xdk4PujOE&feature=related
Something tells me championing the Autumnal Equinox Drum Circle around the flag pole would not garner votes around here.

I would certainly love to attend such an event. Let me know when. My quest to expand my lack of knowledge is never ending.

 

[Gypsea]

Here is my burning question for the evening. I chewed on this while taking an otherwise enjoyable walk at sunset.

In 2008, is it possible to be a committed Republican and not be a Christian?

By "committed" Republican, I mean a staunch supporter of the party platforms as they are laid out today, 2008. With the GOP placing such a heavy emphasis on Christian ideals, how is it possible to be a Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, or even a Mormon Republican? (I threw Mormon in there because the Christian Right kept screaming that Mormons weren't "real" Christians when Romney was still in the running for nominee.)

Can we say that the GOP is the party of Christians?

I am racking my brain trying to think if I know any Republicans that aren't Christian. I can't think of a one.[/quote]

There are quite a few Jewish Republicans: Henry Kissinger, Ari Fleischer, Michael Chertoff, Arlen Specter, William Cohen and William Kristol to name a few.

 

[wrobert]

Devil's advocate chiming in again: Inevitably, some kid (usually bent on derailing class) will pipe up with: "Didn't God create the earth? What about that?" Is it not ridiculous to dispute that yes, some groups of people believe that...and then steer back to the lesson at hand? I would be tempted, if I were a science teacher, to talk about the turtle who carried the world on his back to discuss why some civilizations would come to that "scientific" conclusion. I would be tempted to talk about what sort of rain event would be required to flood the earth. Why was it so hard for Galileo to convince folks that the world was round? At that point, it becomes easier to talk about factual evidence, it seems.

Just sayin.



Among other things!

And I am very confident that the great teachers we have in Walton County would be able to handle such a situation.