This Guy Gets It (American Christianity)

[CheeseBeger]

Pretty good article by Dobbs.

But before the faithful acquiesce in the false choice offered by the good Reverend, perhaps he and his followers should consult Romans 13, where it is written: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

That is kind of a scary thought...

[knapplc]

Pretty good article by Dobbs.

But before the faithful acquiesce in the false choice offered by the good Reverend, perhaps he and his followers should consult Romans 13, where it is written: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

That is kind of a scary thought...

When Judah was destroyed and hauled off to exile by the Babylonians it was with God's full knowledge and blessing - He even named Nebuchadnezzar His "servant." God established Babylon and used them as a tool against his wayward and disobedient children.

[CheeseBeger]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuremberg_Defense

[knapplc]

http://www.djbuddha.org/rants/archives/ ... ancake.jpg

[bigh0rt]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuremberg_Defense

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewbacca_Defense

[Half Massed]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuremberg_Defense

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewbacca_Defense

I think that's an overreaction. If you've studied any psychology, it becomes very clear that obedience is hard to break out of for most of humanity, even if the person doesn't agree with what they're doing. Have you ever heard of Stanley Milgram's experiment? 65% followed through with the entire experiment (meaning they gave what they believed to be lethal amounts of electric shock to the "learner") despite not agreeing with what they were doing.

I'm in no way agreeing with the Nuremberg defense, but the power of obedience and authority is very real.


As for Christianity, most of the followers are good people who are simply trying to live their life by their belief of God, which is completely praise-worthy. The problem is that Christianity is vague enough that it's easy to corrupt or twist to one's own personal beliefs or agenda. No other religion in history has as many offshoots and sects as Christianity.

Unfortunately, the fully commendable amount of religious zeal found in Christianity can be a double-edged sword as some people can be swayed off the course. Religion should never be a tool used to accomplish some earthy gain. If you don't like the way someone lives then don't associate with them.

[knapplc]

Good post, Massed. Milgram's 37th is my favorite psych experiment.

The only point I'll disagree with is the vague-ness of Christianity. It is not vague. It is pretty clearly spelled out in the Manual. The problem is that most people don't RTFM! This has been a never-ending source of frustration for me. There would be far fewer sects if people simply knew the story of the faith they profess.

Since not all people read, or read well, or have any interest in reading, we end up with stuff like this happening.

[StlSluggers]

The problem is that most people don't RTFM!

Yep.

[Omaha Red Sox]

The problem is that most people don't RTFM!

Yep.

And these are the same people that seem to talk the loudest and most often.

[StlSluggers]

The problem is that most people don't RTFM!

Yep.

And these are the same people that seem to talk the loudest and most often.

What's the saying? A Little Bit of Knowledge Is A Dangerous Thing?