Sunday, May 05, 2024

This is not a Christian nation

If it were, neither of these tidbits from mainstream media would have been considered necessary explanation by their editors. I trust my many Christian readers will find these as horrifying, yet also humorous, as I did.

A bipartisan push in Congress to enact a law cracking down on antisemitic speech on college campuses has prompted a backlash from far-right lawmakers and activists, who argue it could outlaw Christian biblical teachings. ...

... in trying to use the issue as a political cudgel against the left, Republicans also called attention to a rift on the right. Some G.O.P. members said they firmly believe that Jews killed Jesus Christ, and argued that the bill — which includes such claims in its definition of antisemitism — would outlaw parts of the Bible. 

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republican of Georgia, said she opposed the bill because it “could convict Christians of antisemitism for believing the Gospel that says Jesus was handed over to Herod to be crucified by the Jews.” -- New York Times

This one is even more reflective of our times; TPM readers are -- correctly I think -- assumed to need cultural education to understand why many Christians might indulge in antisemitism. Hence these explanatory paragraphs:

Christ, who Christians revere as the son of God, was a Jewish religious figure who lived in the ancient Roman province of Judaea, which was largely located in what is currently Israel and the Palestinian territories. His teachings and growing following caused tensions with the established Roman and Jewish religious leaders in the province. Christ was ultimately crucified in the first century by the province’s Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.
While some Jewish religious leaders and people in the province urged on the crucifixion, it was ordered by the Roman leader. The Christian Bible also describes many Jews who were distressed by Christ’s execution. -- Talking Points Memo

This country has come a long way toward genuine pluralism. We Christians are some among many. It's on that basis that I can like this country. Antisemitic loosely Bible-derived beliefs are dangerous to humanity. It's part of our job to combat the wackadoodles in our own tribe.

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