> > And what have the fundamentalists done to show themselves *completely
> > untrustworthy*? For that matter, how they have shown themselves more
> > untrustworthy than the government? Oh wait, that was the previous
> > administration...
>
> I'm talking, of course, about the Christian Coalition in all its
> guises: the creationists, organized anti-abortionist groups, anti-Clinton
> groups etc. If, after that clarification, you don't clearly see why I said
> they're untrustworthy, then there really isn't any point in discussing
> this point. We would have to disagree on facts and/or values so
> fundamental to the discussion that progress in a discussion isn't at all
> likely. I fear that may be an accurate description of the state of the
> world right now with respect to ethics in general.
>
> Paul Smith
> Alverno College
> Milwaukee
Sigh. No clear examples here of untrustworthy behavior.
And please don't lump all religious fundamentalists into this pot.
Contrary to what some believe, most theologically conservative religious folk
are not out there threatening abortion clinics, calling for Clinton's
impeachment, etc.
Part of the problem with religion and religious individuals is that anyone can
claim they are of a certain religion, but that doesn't tell you whether they
really adhere to those beliefs or not. I suspect that some political and/or
activist-type people's true beliefs and behavior are quite different from what
they profess to believe.
Further, Christians ARE often very poor physical representations of
Christianity. To a non-Christian, then, this very serious problem results in
the non-Christian developing his/her view of Christianity not from the bible but
from the behavior of a religious individual and/or community.
As Christians, we are not any better than anyone else out there, and our
religious communities are unfortunately sometimes very guilty of being quite
unbiblical.
But, DO NOT confuse biblical Christianity with the attempts of its followers to
live out its principles. You will find (sadly) much difference.
Speaking of Clinton, I remember during the Clinton impeachment process,
our pastor asked us to pray for Clinton, to pray for his salvation, and pray for
the healing of our nation. He also admonished us not to engage in Clinton-
bashing. Why? Because he said the bible commands Christians to respect
the authority of the leadership of a nation, and that Christians are to pray for
their leaders and act respectfully while under their rule. I think more than a
few of us felt pretty-well rebuked.
************************************************************************
Jim Guinee, Ph.D.
Director of Training & Adjunct Professor
President, Arkansas College Counselor Association
University of Central Arkansas Counseling Center
313 Bernard Hall Conway, AR 72035 USA
(501) 450-3138 (office) (501) 450-3248 (fax)
"No one wants advice -- only corroboration"
-John Steinbeck
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