Thanks to you and your co-authors for taking the time and care to think through and write this statement. I’ll be at the Faith and Democracy conference and look forward to hearing from you and talking with you.
It's interesting, and tragic, that people who would probably insist in their belief in the authority of scripture try to bend that scripture to justify rejecting showing neighborly love to immigrants. I wonder what Jesus would say to them.
Excellent statement, Kristin. I hope it received wide distribution and affirmation. One comment though: I’m not sure that the opening reference to and endorsement of the Declaration of Independence as providing a moral framework is wise. Too many Christians already believe it to be a Christian declaration, and indeed quote it as a defence of Christian nationalism. As we know, the religious spirit informing the Declaration is not Christianity but Enlightenment Deism. Might it be good to acknowledge that in the statement?
Several months ago many of us in Iowa City got together to form the Interfaith Alliance Exposing Christian Nationalism. I love working in an interfaith group, don't you? Now I am studying Judaism! Next is Buddhism. I will bring this statement to the group Tuesday. The Rabbi loves seeing how Christians think and has reminded us, "sometimes you forget there are other religions." I am eager to hear perspectives from other faiths. Those in our group are very grateful that many Christians are working so hard.
A splendid statement about the times we face and the responsibility of Christians to remain respectful and inclusive of all voices in order to, in the words of our Constitution, ". . .form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. . ." BRAVO!! And deep appreciation for thinking it through and for putting it out.
We're indebted to you, Defenders of Democracy. Your work here reminds me of this excerpt from Thomas Merton's Seven Storey Mountain: " ... had something to do with what was going on in the history of the world. For that was to be 1939, the year when the war that everybody had been fearing finally began to teach us with its inexorable logic that the dread of war is not enough. If you don't want the effect, DO SOMETHING TO REMOVE THE CAUSES. (caps mine) There is no use loving the cause and fearing the effect and being surprised when the effect inevitably follows the cause."
Amazing. How you find the time to juggle all these initiatives and tugs on your time is beyond me. But we are grateful and will try to do our part as well.
I want to sit with it a bit before I sign. I am comfortable praying for those in government but not sure about endorsing...especially in light of the fact that a "democratic vote" sent Jesus to the cross.
I am not a believer or an American but for what it’s worth I think it is a splendid statement.
Thank you!
Thanks to you and your co-authors for taking the time and care to think through and write this statement. I’ll be at the Faith and Democracy conference and look forward to hearing from you and talking with you.
I could have copied the whole thing. I’m Canadian. We need to hear this, too. Is this an American document? Well written. Thx.
Americans are our target audience but we certain had the global context in mind.
We all certainly are praying for the States - for sure!!!
It's interesting, and tragic, that people who would probably insist in their belief in the authority of scripture try to bend that scripture to justify rejecting showing neighborly love to immigrants. I wonder what Jesus would say to them.
Excellent statement, Kristin. I hope it received wide distribution and affirmation. One comment though: I’m not sure that the opening reference to and endorsement of the Declaration of Independence as providing a moral framework is wise. Too many Christians already believe it to be a Christian declaration, and indeed quote it as a defence of Christian nationalism. As we know, the religious spirit informing the Declaration is not Christianity but Enlightenment Deism. Might it be good to acknowledge that in the statement?
Signed, sealed, delivered.
Several months ago many of us in Iowa City got together to form the Interfaith Alliance Exposing Christian Nationalism. I love working in an interfaith group, don't you? Now I am studying Judaism! Next is Buddhism. I will bring this statement to the group Tuesday. The Rabbi loves seeing how Christians think and has reminded us, "sometimes you forget there are other religions." I am eager to hear perspectives from other faiths. Those in our group are very grateful that many Christians are working so hard.
I love this!
Just signed it
Excellent work. Just signed.
Wow, after leaving the fold this stance almost makes Christianity attractive again.
A splendid statement about the times we face and the responsibility of Christians to remain respectful and inclusive of all voices in order to, in the words of our Constitution, ". . .form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. . ." BRAVO!! And deep appreciation for thinking it through and for putting it out.
Thank you!
We're indebted to you, Defenders of Democracy. Your work here reminds me of this excerpt from Thomas Merton's Seven Storey Mountain: " ... had something to do with what was going on in the history of the world. For that was to be 1939, the year when the war that everybody had been fearing finally began to teach us with its inexorable logic that the dread of war is not enough. If you don't want the effect, DO SOMETHING TO REMOVE THE CAUSES. (caps mine) There is no use loving the cause and fearing the effect and being surprised when the effect inevitably follows the cause."
Thank you
Amazing. How you find the time to juggle all these initiatives and tugs on your time is beyond me. But we are grateful and will try to do our part as well.
I want to sit with it a bit before I sign. I am comfortable praying for those in government but not sure about endorsing...especially in light of the fact that a "democratic vote" sent Jesus to the cross.
I appreciate your work. Keeping doing what you do.