ALAYMAN said:
Smellin Coffee said:
BTW, Hyles and fundamentalist extremism is overt in their predation. Evangelicalism is just as predatory, but does so in a more passive-aggressive demeanor. You know this to be true but cannot bring yourself to leave your seat of influence, circle of friends and "ruin" a reputation build over decades. You don't want to be treated the way you and other Evangelicals treat me. I get it. I'm having to separate myself from that predatory and colonizing religion and it is very gradual and extremely difficult. My drift is gradual and not downright rebellion. And without a livelihood attached, I don't have as much to lose as you do.
But when you are ready to admit the fraud Evangelicalism really is and make efforts to undo the harm you've experienced and inflicted on others, we who have "drifted" will understand and even accept you in your growth.
I've never treated you with anything other than mutual respect. I don't have "a livelihood to protect" as a motive for my belief in "evangelical" thought, and I've NEVER sought to use "predatory religion" on you or anybody else (nor do I know of anybody like that in the personal sphere I am associated with), so put away your overly broad generalizations.
You are absolutely correct. You have treated me with dignity and respect which I greatly appreciate. My words were directed specifically to Tarheel. It isn't a universal perspective for every single Evangelical or even Fundamentalist. I'm sorry I didn't specify in my response to Tarheel.
Just because
some sheep are protectors of the wolf king doesn't mean ALL sheep are guilty of the wolf king's predation. But to those who know it is harmful yet continue to "take" from the sheep to "gain power", whether that power be financially, socially, politically or even within religiosity, the words can be applied. This means not only Evangelicals and Fundamentalists, but other religions as well such as Muslims, Catholics, Mormons, etc. There are "wolf kings" and "protector sheep" as well as "innocent" sheep in those sects as well.
Much (not all) of what Jesus' record of teaching shows his being contrary to other Pharisees (of which he probably was one). His "fights" in Pharisaical realms wasn't meant as universal mandate or even morality, for all cultures at all times.
Modern day example: while working for a Dutch Reformed company, I learned some Reformed people today fight over whether or not it is "morally right" to pump gas on Sundays. But the ones who argue against that "right" don't criticize or expect conformity from all Christians but rather expect if of other Reformed folks. It is just a sect debate, not universal piety. In the same way, my post can be directed toward those who do prey on the sheep and is not about every single person who believes in the fundamentals of the faith of Evangelicalism or Fundamentalism or Catholicism or Islam or Mormon or Scientology, etc.
I've become a pluralist in that I believe in the freedom to practice any religion that does no harm to others. I condemn those that use any particular faith to condemn those who don't practice their specific faith or prey on those who do.
I hope that clarifies that I don't feel that applies to you, ALAYMAN.