As such, the struggle is neither new nor futile.

It is new, as Judas was not injecting cultural doctrines into an institutional organization, he was just greedy. Self-denominated religious institutions are not native to Christianity, but are the very embodiment of the intrusion of unscriptural cultural mores. You will never find in the New Testament anything that remotely resembles a typical western church, and most denominations wear that fact like a badge.

Like an unrepentant alchoholic lecturing her child about the dangers of drink, a culturally-influenced establishment attempting to restrict further cultural erosions is indeed futile, especially when those organizations ceded to labor unions, socialists, and suffragists decades ago.

That is who Satan is and what he does.

I hope that this helps you.

Yeah, we’re a lot like those left wing cretins.

I’ve seen results of the supernatural, but since you can’t physically “see” it in 3-D, it’s hard to believe. But Hollyweird sure tries to bring it to 3-D.

I went to Pentecostal churches for most of the 28 yrs I’ve been a Christian, though I’m in a non-denom church now. I miss the excitement in the worship.
Why do people scream & jump around at meaningless sports events, then call us weird when we get excited about eternal life with God?

jgapinoy on September 29, 2008 at 11:21 PM

Precisely. I have often thought sports fans like that were out of their minds about something that has no real value in the scheme of things.
If you look at it, many people treat sports like a religion.
I care more about my eternal soul than if the Twins or Vikings win a game.

baldilocks on September 30, 2008 at 12:25 AM

Okay, thanks a lot. Now I have a full fledged crush on AP. :*)
I’ll have to add that to my list for confession, since I’m a wacko that believes in evil! *gasp*

jimw on September 30, 2008 at 9:52 AM

Is it time to invoke Godwin’s Law?

You cannot be saved, because you won’t allow God to save you. I thought that was quite a powerful statement. More powerful than an exorcism, even.

Jewel on September 30, 2008 at 9:05 AM

It goes back to the old joke ending with “I sent you two boats and a helicopter, what more do you want?”

It might be common, but Palin still probably wishes this hadn’t gotten out.

chiefeditor on September 30, 2008 at 9:37 AM

Ignorant drivel is still ignorant drivel.

And because it is common, such drivel will gain no real traction.

And the more the left tries, the more it reveals itself to be not only ignorant of Christian beliefs, but also intolerant.

As I said earlier, I really DO hope the left tries to push this. It will only backfire on them.

So, no, I don’t think Gov. Palin regrets this getting out.

In fact, she probably would love to engage in debate over it.

However, in response to a previous comment, the Harry Potter books have nothing to do with reality – it’s a fantasy series, and just because a person reads them, it does not mean they believe in or practice witchcraft. And while there is much in this world that is unseen and unknown, not all of it is a sign of evil.

FierceGuppy on September 30, 2008 at 1:31 AM

Your mother has serious emotional issues.
Your mother is religious.

Therefore all religious people have emotional issues.

Nice logic there. /sarc

FierceGuppy on September 30, 2008 at 1:31 AM

Well, I certainly can’t blame you for being a bit ‘cynical’ toward religion in general and Christianity in specific.

However, your mother does not represent anything close to orthodox Christian beliefs and behavior.

You described her as “insanely religious”, and while I am no doctor, from your description the stress should be on the ‘insanely’ and not the ‘religious.’

The struggle for all institutional religions is the futile one against intromission of unscriptural cultural mores. Like most other denominations, they lost that struggle in the 20’s and 30’s.

TMK on September 30, 2008 at 3:23 AM

The struggle against the “intrusion of unscriptural cultural mores” in the Christian church has been going on since Judas thought he knew better than Christ.

As such, the struggle is neither new nor futile.

And for most denominations, it has not been lost (although I believe both the UCC and Episcopal church have lost this fight and are well nigh indistinguishable from Unitarians.)

FierceGuppy on September 30, 2008 at 1:31 AM

The abuse of biblical doctrine is unfortunately alive and well. I am sorry about your mom – but there are a few scam artists who PREY on the weak in guise of pastors and conduct “religious” ceremonies to fill the coffers. The foundation of a true Christian life is in the Bible – check it out if you have a minute. Then you will be able to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Why do people scream & jump around at meaningless sports events, then call us weird when we get excited about eternal life with God?

jgapinoy on September 29, 2008 at 11:21 PM

well said.

FierceGuppy on September 30, 2008 at 1:31 AM

Who are the first to compassionately respond to victims of natural disasters? Who give more sacrificially to the poor than any other group? Who are the most likely to give up successful careers in order to serve the underprivileged full-time? Who are the most likely to adopt one of the world’s 143 million orphans? (I could go on and on) Religious people…specifically, the Christians that you & leading atheists love to mock.

Is that a pant suit she’s wearing?

Nothing to see here, move along.

United Methodist denomination (which is in a huge struggle against if-it-feels-good-do-it liberals)

The struggle for all institutional religions is the futile one against intromission of unscriptural cultural mores. Like most other denominations, they lost that struggle in the 20′s and 30′s.

Blacks love Pentecostal churches because they have a full band rocking to the spirit on any given Sunday.

Right. Cause full bands have been so popular with Blacks since the Kool and the Gang.