As a gay man who is spiritual...was raised strict catholic...I have come to distrust Christians especially catholic and evangelical...I think they and MAGA completely miss the message of Jesus...and do completely the opposite...why not spend their time and resources feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, visiting the sick and imprisoned (how about a group of pastors visit Kilmar in El Salvador)....if little old unworthy me can practice these teachings...why don't churches...sell those buildings, gold, investments and use that tax free money practicing the teachings????
Raised and educated in Catholicism & what I learned was not to trust organized religion
In my personal experience it is a business first and the hypocrisy is incomprehensible
With that being said Pope Francis and now Pope Leo are the most progressive Popes I’ve seen and maybe just maybe ……
But most religions really aren’t focused on personal spiritual evolvement
Depending on a man made hierarchy to tell you what to think is nonsensical to me
I don’t have to go to a gaudy building to talk to some god that’s supposed to love all HIS children equally yet we’re taught HE’LL send us to hell to burn for eternity if we don’t obey all ‘HIS’ commandments and prove our loyalty through a million ritual’s
Fear of god has worked well for organized religions
Seems like that god is a cruel “Father” indeed
I’ve found much more peace of mind finding my own path through quieting the ego’s constant mental chatter that goes on & creating space to hear my own inner guidance
We all have our own inner moral compass if wld just listen
God Creator Buddha whatever name you use didn’t stop talking to us 2K yrs ago
We just stopped listening and started depending on religion to tell us right from wrong—that’s a cult not spiritual evolvement
And the Bible?
Pfft
No first edition exists.
We have copies-
The first of which were made hundreds of years *after the events supposedly took place.
For the first 100 to 200 years copies of this bible were made by hand…not by professionals
This led to many errors omissions and *most importantly ….Changes
Might prove helpful to evolve past this book of stories and loud mouth arrogant politicians and tv evangelists and mega churches and listen to that small inner voice that is always there to guide us
I may be wrong but the spiritual Jesus I perceive did not get involved with politics, collecting money, wealth, real estate, gold, thrones or power. I don't see him desiring spending time in fancy cathedrals listening to fancy holy words. Rather as a person of action...time would be spending actually helping, spreading love and comfort to others...those accepted in or shunned by the tribe. Whether a leper, prostitute or immigrant...none of that mattered other than 'loving the least'. Although I don't 'practice' a religion anymore I do hope Pope Leo gets back to the actual teaching and practice of early Christians. I liked Pope Francis but kept waiting for him to start selling property, gold, vestments....stuff...and get people at least weekly out of the pews and spend their Sunday actually visiting the sick, feeding the hungry...etc...how powerful to have 1.4 billion people doing that every week! World hunger should have been solved centuries ago...stop building churches with pews...start actually practicing the teaching...spend those donations on food, shelter and health care. Sorry...got preachy...don't listen to me...I'm still learning...
Many churches and those in them do spend lots of time helping those in need. They have food pantries, reach out to the homebound, have after schools programs for kids, donate to charities around the world, visit hospitals, etc
Because they were becoming irrelevant and people were starting to see them as the pedophile and evil cults that they are. That is why the catholics started making abortion a rally point ang issue. Distraction. Jesus, never once, mentioned abortion. It was common practice in his day if a woman could not support a kid.
Thanks for the correction...I did not realize they mobilized 1.4 billion people every Sunday to feed the hungry and visit those imprisoned, etc...wonder if they have the El Salvadorans going to that prison to visit those deportees imprisoned there...the news should be covering it.
And how so many evangelical friends and family have been convinced at the y evil. Trump is a great marketer no matter how much he lies, people believe him... it is so sad
HEADLINE: Trump’s new ‘librarian’ shows he’s running out of yes-men. 🤣🤪😂😁
Can you see the effects of the big elephant in the room "IMMUNITY". Corruption and total disregard for the Constitution plus Gestapo type tactics of rounding up people without the use of warrants. The name "SUPREME" Court is starting to take on a new meaning. Very Chilling!!!!
The tyrants games go on and on and on and on. When the dizziness ends, the big question is "why would I trust this weak fool"?
I have to confess I am , what I consider as a recovering catholic. I'm glad for this conversation Adam. Anyone who thinks trump is a true Christian has drunk the Kool-Aid. I don't see how the Evangelical Church can just forgive Trumps actions and promote him as there leader. There are many other republicans, that could fill the Evangelical beliefs, than this orange Jesus D. Trump
Didn’t Jesus say we should render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and unto God, that which is God’s? I interpreted that to mean that Jesus speaks to our hearts. He was not interested in legislating us.
Over and over I hear DJT is a master at manipulating others. That suggests he has a plan. I think his dysfunctional cognition doesn’t have a plan. He serves himself only and cares only about himself. And his sycophants use him to leave the constitution. The Christian Nationalist wear shirts claiming Christ and Trump as one. Those who know Christian love and Christ’s life and message would know building bridges, serving the marginalized and kindness is Christianity. I’m not catholic but I’m delighted with Pope Leo XIV … his love aligns with Christian faith. I was saddened seeing flag waivers. Once again USA ego … flag waving at a time of Christianity for all is intended. Christianity as well as constitution on trial. Pastor of my church gave a marvelous non political sermon asking …how do you know truth … the acts of love Jesus did. Like Adam, the church that got into angry caused me to back off. The MAGA females use of cross as jewelry turns me away from wearing a cross. The abuse of our flag caused me to think of the flag as a MAGA symbol not our country flag. Thanks for pastors who separate politics and faith. Christ is love.
I think religion/spirituality is but ONE part of what defines a person. That person--with all his/her different parts--then takes political stands and makes political decisions. Religion does matter and does have impact at the person level. In my opinion that is as it should be.
However, when it comes to a specific, defined religious entity--not just trying to make a case for a particular way of living-- but directly trying to control policy for us ALL, we are now in problem territory.
Evangelical Christians have been steadily working towards imposing a rule based only on their beliefs on all America.
My response/reaction comes from Rev. Jim Walls: "Christianity is not a religion that gives some people a ticket to heaven and makes them judgmental of all others. Rather, it’s a call to a relationship that changes all our other relationships."
I am watching this now; it is the most interesting. Being used is the reality of what Trump is doing. He is only using the “Christian” as a prop.
I would urge you to learn more about Judaism and other religions. Please note that messianic Jewish is NOT Jewish…it is a Christian religion.
Please do not lump all Democrats together, like any other large group, there is so much difference between individuals.
Churches, Synagogues, Temples, etc., if non-profits cannot endorse a political candidate or party.
I respect a more measured approach; it is not easy, but it is the right thing to do. This goes for all religions, both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
I do like Steve Bezner, your pastor.
I am Jewish and hope you learn more about Judaism.
I was raised in the cult of evangelialism. I saw everything change in late 70's when they saw an opportunity to seize power and control with the issue of abortion. Corruption set in with the goals of power and control. It just makes me absolutely sick that I was a young vulnerable woman and was sucked into the paternalism, headship, cruelty, judgmental ism etc.of evangelism. I walked away with some valuable things (love and knowledge of the Bible, mind of taking care of others) but when I realized how cruel, judgmental, shallow, crushing my faith was and I walked away from it, I was totally rejected by my evangelical "friends and family." It was excruciatingly painful. Now, I love Jesus but NOT in the evangelical way. Trump is DEFINITELY evangelicals useful idiot and he seems fine with that ....and so do evangelicals. Mutual abuse.
I agree and it’s been my experience as well. Then I realized one day that my faith made me miserable. All I heard were rules and who was saved and who was not. Then there was the role of women as subservient while being abused by men who were supposed to love them as Christ loves the church, the hypocrisy and the cover ups of abuse added to the disillusionment. God was seen as angry, offering conditional love based on a set of approved beliefs and if you didn’t fit the mold you were out. My agnostic husband went to sleep in peace while I tossed and turned over fear of going to hell. I am searching for a better faith.
There are a couple of Democrat pastors that find a great balance in crossing over politics and Christianity. Senator Warnock being one of them.
As a gay man who is spiritual...was raised strict catholic...I have come to distrust Christians especially catholic and evangelical...I think they and MAGA completely miss the message of Jesus...and do completely the opposite...why not spend their time and resources feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, visiting the sick and imprisoned (how about a group of pastors visit Kilmar in El Salvador)....if little old unworthy me can practice these teachings...why don't churches...sell those buildings, gold, investments and use that tax free money practicing the teachings????
I agree 100% Marc
Raised and educated in Catholicism & what I learned was not to trust organized religion
In my personal experience it is a business first and the hypocrisy is incomprehensible
With that being said Pope Francis and now Pope Leo are the most progressive Popes I’ve seen and maybe just maybe ……
But most religions really aren’t focused on personal spiritual evolvement
Depending on a man made hierarchy to tell you what to think is nonsensical to me
I don’t have to go to a gaudy building to talk to some god that’s supposed to love all HIS children equally yet we’re taught HE’LL send us to hell to burn for eternity if we don’t obey all ‘HIS’ commandments and prove our loyalty through a million ritual’s
Fear of god has worked well for organized religions
Seems like that god is a cruel “Father” indeed
I’ve found much more peace of mind finding my own path through quieting the ego’s constant mental chatter that goes on & creating space to hear my own inner guidance
We all have our own inner moral compass if wld just listen
God Creator Buddha whatever name you use didn’t stop talking to us 2K yrs ago
We just stopped listening and started depending on religion to tell us right from wrong—that’s a cult not spiritual evolvement
And the Bible?
Pfft
No first edition exists.
We have copies-
The first of which were made hundreds of years *after the events supposedly took place.
For the first 100 to 200 years copies of this bible were made by hand…not by professionals
This led to many errors omissions and *most importantly ….Changes
Might prove helpful to evolve past this book of stories and loud mouth arrogant politicians and tv evangelists and mega churches and listen to that small inner voice that is always there to guide us
I may be wrong but the spiritual Jesus I perceive did not get involved with politics, collecting money, wealth, real estate, gold, thrones or power. I don't see him desiring spending time in fancy cathedrals listening to fancy holy words. Rather as a person of action...time would be spending actually helping, spreading love and comfort to others...those accepted in or shunned by the tribe. Whether a leper, prostitute or immigrant...none of that mattered other than 'loving the least'. Although I don't 'practice' a religion anymore I do hope Pope Leo gets back to the actual teaching and practice of early Christians. I liked Pope Francis but kept waiting for him to start selling property, gold, vestments....stuff...and get people at least weekly out of the pews and spend their Sunday actually visiting the sick, feeding the hungry...etc...how powerful to have 1.4 billion people doing that every week! World hunger should have been solved centuries ago...stop building churches with pews...start actually practicing the teaching...spend those donations on food, shelter and health care. Sorry...got preachy...don't listen to me...I'm still learning...
Many churches and those in them do spend lots of time helping those in need. They have food pantries, reach out to the homebound, have after schools programs for kids, donate to charities around the world, visit hospitals, etc
Because they were becoming irrelevant and people were starting to see them as the pedophile and evil cults that they are. That is why the catholics started making abortion a rally point ang issue. Distraction. Jesus, never once, mentioned abortion. It was common practice in his day if a woman could not support a kid.
The Catholic Church runs and supports charities and charitable work such as you described all over the world. Just FYI.
Thanks for the correction...I did not realize they mobilized 1.4 billion people every Sunday to feed the hungry and visit those imprisoned, etc...wonder if they have the El Salvadorans going to that prison to visit those deportees imprisoned there...the news should be covering it.
they sure do and have for decades. Catholic Charities is just one organization that does that on a large scale.
Of all the sadly, profoundly legitimate criticisms of the Catholic Church...lack of charity doesn't make the list.
Thank you. Very well said so that you’ve saved me the trouble of making a similar comment.
And how so many evangelical friends and family have been convinced at the y evil. Trump is a great marketer no matter how much he lies, people believe him... it is so sad
Trump is the very definition of Antichrist.
I meant to say, *that they think all democrats are evil.
Its devilish
HEADLINE: Trump’s new ‘librarian’ shows he’s running out of yes-men. 🤣🤪😂😁
Can you see the effects of the big elephant in the room "IMMUNITY". Corruption and total disregard for the Constitution plus Gestapo type tactics of rounding up people without the use of warrants. The name "SUPREME" Court is starting to take on a new meaning. Very Chilling!!!!
The tyrants games go on and on and on and on. When the dizziness ends, the big question is "why would I trust this weak fool"?
I have to confess I am , what I consider as a recovering catholic. I'm glad for this conversation Adam. Anyone who thinks trump is a true Christian has drunk the Kool-Aid. I don't see how the Evangelical Church can just forgive Trumps actions and promote him as there leader. There are many other republicans, that could fill the Evangelical beliefs, than this orange Jesus D. Trump
Didn’t Jesus say we should render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and unto God, that which is God’s? I interpreted that to mean that Jesus speaks to our hearts. He was not interested in legislating us.
same
Over and over I hear DJT is a master at manipulating others. That suggests he has a plan. I think his dysfunctional cognition doesn’t have a plan. He serves himself only and cares only about himself. And his sycophants use him to leave the constitution. The Christian Nationalist wear shirts claiming Christ and Trump as one. Those who know Christian love and Christ’s life and message would know building bridges, serving the marginalized and kindness is Christianity. I’m not catholic but I’m delighted with Pope Leo XIV … his love aligns with Christian faith. I was saddened seeing flag waivers. Once again USA ego … flag waving at a time of Christianity for all is intended. Christianity as well as constitution on trial. Pastor of my church gave a marvelous non political sermon asking …how do you know truth … the acts of love Jesus did. Like Adam, the church that got into angry caused me to back off. The MAGA females use of cross as jewelry turns me away from wearing a cross. The abuse of our flag caused me to think of the flag as a MAGA symbol not our country flag. Thanks for pastors who separate politics and faith. Christ is love.
I think religion/spirituality is but ONE part of what defines a person. That person--with all his/her different parts--then takes political stands and makes political decisions. Religion does matter and does have impact at the person level. In my opinion that is as it should be.
However, when it comes to a specific, defined religious entity--not just trying to make a case for a particular way of living-- but directly trying to control policy for us ALL, we are now in problem territory.
Evangelical Christians have been steadily working towards imposing a rule based only on their beliefs on all America.
Big time problem.
My response/reaction comes from Rev. Jim Walls: "Christianity is not a religion that gives some people a ticket to heaven and makes them judgmental of all others. Rather, it’s a call to a relationship that changes all our other relationships."
Thank you. I’ve never heard this
You are very welcome!
One does not need to be Christian or of any religion to be a good person - indeed, to be Christ-like, without the divine stuff.
A conclusion, not a quote.
Adam,
I am watching this now; it is the most interesting. Being used is the reality of what Trump is doing. He is only using the “Christian” as a prop.
I would urge you to learn more about Judaism and other religions. Please note that messianic Jewish is NOT Jewish…it is a Christian religion.
Please do not lump all Democrats together, like any other large group, there is so much difference between individuals.
Churches, Synagogues, Temples, etc., if non-profits cannot endorse a political candidate or party.
I respect a more measured approach; it is not easy, but it is the right thing to do. This goes for all religions, both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
I do like Steve Bezner, your pastor.
I am Jewish and hope you learn more about Judaism.
Thank you.
Im aware on the messianic jewish...thats what they call themselves!
Thank you for replying. I know that is what they call themselves, just when speaking or mentioning Say they are Christians, not Jewish.
I was raised in the cult of evangelialism. I saw everything change in late 70's when they saw an opportunity to seize power and control with the issue of abortion. Corruption set in with the goals of power and control. It just makes me absolutely sick that I was a young vulnerable woman and was sucked into the paternalism, headship, cruelty, judgmental ism etc.of evangelism. I walked away with some valuable things (love and knowledge of the Bible, mind of taking care of others) but when I realized how cruel, judgmental, shallow, crushing my faith was and I walked away from it, I was totally rejected by my evangelical "friends and family." It was excruciatingly painful. Now, I love Jesus but NOT in the evangelical way. Trump is DEFINITELY evangelicals useful idiot and he seems fine with that ....and so do evangelicals. Mutual abuse.
I agree and it’s been my experience as well. Then I realized one day that my faith made me miserable. All I heard were rules and who was saved and who was not. Then there was the role of women as subservient while being abused by men who were supposed to love them as Christ loves the church, the hypocrisy and the cover ups of abuse added to the disillusionment. God was seen as angry, offering conditional love based on a set of approved beliefs and if you didn’t fit the mold you were out. My agnostic husband went to sleep in peace while I tossed and turned over fear of going to hell. I am searching for a better faith.
There is a reason that there must be a separation of church & state. Religion does not belong in politics.
It was very interesting to hear this conversation with the pastor!
Happy to hear that there are Evangelicals who understand what Jesus taught. Love your neighbor. Feed the hungry etc
No religion should have a seat at the law/policy making table. Period.
Separation of Church and State!