Sparing, of course, this bit. "Of course, nobody knows the fucking bible anymore, especially most liberals, so they can't point out the problems that they oppose. It's really a point of frustration for me, the ignorance of people in terms of what they really oppose." I've considered that you might be sarcastically recounting a right-wing argument, but assuming that you're not, I don't think that this is really that well-thought out. Its actually fairly ironic to me that you're ranting that "nobody knows the fucking bible anymore" in a post that seems to address the religious imperialism of the right wing and their attempts to bring it into the political sphere. In my opinion, you're suggesting that the same people (non-Christians) who's freedom of religion you're trying to defend subject themselves to a religious text. Now, forgive me if I'm insulting the "good book", but what is it but a collection of fables and such that attempt to provide convincing arguments for belief in, respect for, and fear of, the Christian god? I suppose the obvious counter to my previous would be that knowledge of the Christian holy text is necessary to debate issues of theology and politics with those who would seek to force the two together. Naturally, such knowledge was pertinent in forming the argument in your post. That you accumulated such knowledge from your scholastic endeavors and upbringing obviously helped you to make your argument. Really, I agree that it might be helpful for the left to have more biblical knowledge with which to oppose there religious erections on state property (don't you love that phrase? Its "sacrilicious"!). Personally, though, I'd prefer to avoid any further religious studies than I've already been subjected to; the acrid taste of being "taught" to believe still lingers in my mouth. Resentment, I think, stands in the way of me gaining the knowledge to make such arguments, but some might call that "my loss." That you're not saddled with such makes you an asset to the cause. I thought I had an argument against your frustration, but I guess I don't. I guess that makes me the bitter one. ;) Of course, this whole notion is predicated on the fact the right wing is interested in listening to reason and imperial fact. The distance the Bushites have put between themselves and the scientific community is proof enough for me that they're not. The only doctors medical or academic that they're interested in listening to are the spin-doctors that pass for pundits. Perhaps I sound the loon to suggest the argument and communication isn't going to win any ground against these fascists, but my bitter little grain of a heart fears that its so, so true.
I'm with you on this...
"Of course, nobody knows the fucking bible anymore, especially most liberals, so they can't point out the problems that they oppose. It's really a point of frustration for me, the ignorance of people in terms of what they really oppose."
I've considered that you might be sarcastically recounting a right-wing argument, but assuming that you're not, I don't think that this is really that well-thought out. Its actually fairly ironic to me that you're ranting that "nobody knows the fucking bible anymore" in a post that seems to address the religious imperialism of the right wing and their attempts to bring it into the political sphere. In my opinion, you're suggesting that the same people (non-Christians) who's freedom of religion you're trying to defend subject themselves to a religious text. Now, forgive me if I'm insulting the "good book", but what is it but a collection of fables and such that attempt to provide convincing arguments for belief in, respect for, and fear of, the Christian god?
I suppose the obvious counter to my previous would be that knowledge of the Christian holy text is necessary to debate issues of theology and politics with those who would seek to force the two together. Naturally, such knowledge was pertinent in forming the argument in your post. That you accumulated such knowledge from your scholastic endeavors and upbringing obviously helped you to make your argument. Really, I agree that it might be helpful for the left to have more biblical knowledge with which to oppose there religious erections on state property (don't you love that phrase? Its "sacrilicious"!).
Personally, though, I'd prefer to avoid any further religious studies than I've already been subjected to; the acrid taste of being "taught" to believe still lingers in my mouth. Resentment, I think, stands in the way of me gaining the knowledge to make such arguments, but some might call that "my loss." That you're not saddled with such makes you an asset to the cause. I thought I had an argument against your frustration, but I guess I don't. I guess that makes me the bitter one. ;)
Of course, this whole notion is predicated on the fact the right wing is interested in listening to reason and imperial fact. The distance the Bushites have put between themselves and the scientific community is proof enough for me that they're not. The only doctors medical or academic that they're interested in listening to are the spin-doctors that pass for pundits. Perhaps I sound the loon to suggest the argument and communication isn't going to win any ground against these fascists, but my bitter little grain of a heart fears that its so, so true.
cheers,
Austin