October 28, 2008
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A Word from a Liberal
I feel that if I don’t say what I’m thinking I might just explode. Not the funny kind of exploding like what happened with my bra a few weeks ago. I did tell you about that right? I was on my way to work when all of a sudden “S P R O I N G” the underwire in my bra exploded out. Now, if that’s not an argument for breast reduction surgery, I don’t know what is.
But in the end that was kind of funny.
Here’s what’s not funny. The letter from Focus on the Family. As I read it, I thought of another letter that’s been held in affection by Christians for half a century or more.
In C S Lewis Christian Classic, The Screwtape Letters, Screwtape, a senior demon writes advising his nephew, Jr demon Wormwood, on how to subvert his “patient”, a human who has sadly gone over to the side of the Enemy (God).
Screwtape tells Wormwood to keep his patient stirred up. Keep him afraid.
“WE want a man hag-ridden by the Future — haunted by visions of an imminent heaven or hell upon earth — ready to break the Enemy’s commands in the present if by so doing we make him think he can attain the one or avert the other — dependent for his faith on the success or failure of schemes whose end he will not live to see…” Or to borrow a line from an old song, “to be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause …”
The letter from Focus begins with a future Christian, from the year 2012, looking back over the past four years with tears over the loss of personal and religous freedoms under the Presidency of Barack Obama. It goes on to blame younger Christians for voting him in. And that’s only the first paragraph.
There are pages which follow in which we are warned that homosexuality will dominate our culture, sex education will be forced upon first graders, abortion rates will skyrocket, child pornography will become protected speech, gun owners will have their weapons taken away, gas will be $7 a gallon, Israel will be the victim of a nuclear attack from Iran, The US will suffer attacks from terrorists in multiple cities resulting in hundreds of dead, preaching the Bible will be banned as hate speech …
In another passage from Screwtape, the senior demon advises the younger to keep his patient flipping back and forth between extemes of pride and humility but warns him, “But don’t try this for too long, for fear you awake his sense of humour and proportion, in which case he will merely laugh at you and go to bed.”
The Focus letter is so over the top that it’s almost certain to have that kind of affect in the end.
But here’s what I’m thinking, the letter as crazy and fear-based as it is, attempts an appeal to a segment of the population almost certain to feel threatened at this point. There are people who seriously believe that “liberals hate real Americans that work, and achieve, and believe in God.”
Well, I have news for them, some of us who work very hard, honor achievement, and believe in God are also Liberals. I am a Liberal in part because of my faith in God. I believe in separation of Church and State because my faith says that the State will not save me. I’m all in favor of deer hunting, God knows in Southern Arkansas where I grew up, women start counting down the days from the 5th of July until the (mostly) men will head to the woods for a week of sitting around the campfire, eating chili, farting, and refusing to take a bath because everyone knows that the smell of soap will warn off a deer. It gives us a chance to get everything all clean and pretty for the holiday season. I’m not in favor of selling automatic weapons to people with a history of mental disturbance. (Va Tech anyone?) I have worked on both sides of the predatory lending fence and I believe that when fast talking, smooth operating, thieves are able to devise a contract that I can’t understand well enough to know whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing, they need to be regulated and reined in.
I believe that Free Speech does not mean that people can shout “fire” in a crowded theater; slander, lie, and libel their neighbors; or incite hatred. Free Speech means that in the market place of ideas, no one can be excluded merely because his or her ideas are unpopular. It does not mean that any and every crackpot has a right to be heard, believed, or even tolerated. Just that we don’t persecute harmless crackpots (yes, it’s a line from Beauty and the Beast).
As you read the Focus letter, I want you to ask yourself one thing, What would Terri do? For some of you, I’m the only liberal you know, so I’m willing to be your measure of liberals. Thinking about me, my kids, my devotion to fiscal responsibility and family, would *I* do the kinds of things that the Focus letter suggests? Because that’s what Dr. Dobson is asking you to believe. He’s asking you to accept the premise that the liberal perspective is … stupid, bumbling, and destructive in it’s single-minded pursuit of weirdness.
As a Christian Liberal, I’d be offended if I didn’t feel such pity for the fear that must have driven the writer. It makes me want to bake him a batch of warm oatmeal cookies, invite him for herbal tea, and give him a pair of birkenstocks and a tie-dye shirt.
Comments (29)
i emailed our local election board last night and found out where i can go and what i’d need to bring to vote early. i was given the locations and told i need nothing but a smile.
i’m going to vote tomorrow…early, obviously.
i have no desire to stand in line next tuesday.
i remember standing in line for over two hours several years ago and, despite what the signs said, people were talking and opining over the choices, wrongs, rights, etc. i’m afraid this year it will be worse.
i want to get it done and over with and be able to relax and have faith in my decisions.
i’m tired of how ugly this whole election has turned this year. you know?
I don’t have any thoughtful words to add. I just hung up the phone with a friend who was just discussing fear of the future with me. I have never read The Screwtape Letters. You just convinced me to.
The letter from Focus on the Family breaks my heart. It was not only driven on fear, but it preys on fear and even incites it.
I am with you. Bring on the tie-dye and Birkenstocks!
This is really beautiful and well stated.Nice to meet another Christian liberal.
I am also a Christian Liberal. The Gospel is the reason I am liberal. I loved this post.
Hi. My name is AdviceHunter, and I, too, am a Christian liberal. (Is there a 12-step process we need to go through?)
Pffffft. I’m not impressed with Focus on the Family. In 2004, Mormons were barred from conducting services during National Day of Prayer ceremonies by the group’s task force chairwoman, Shirley Dobson.
Also a Christian liberal and totally agree!
Both major political parties, and all their supporting groups, use fear as their main tool. And Dobson’s been off-kilter for years. Welcome to the devolution of America. It’s been progressing for decades. For myself, I hate both parties. I am probably going to end up voting on infanticide. I wouldn’t normally choose abortion as my deal-breaker issue if everything else was lining up, but I am as opposed to infanticide as Hillary, Ted and Barbara Boxer. Obama is for it, however, and he has also voted against prenatal care bills because they might undermine a woman’s decision to abort. I have gone 180 degrees in that respect; I hate McCain, have for years (I am a policy buff by training), so I thought about voting for Obama. As time has gone on, I have really begun to despise the guy’s voting record, and I think a lot of self-respecting Liberals would think twice before voting for him if they weren’t so focused on getting the White House for their confounded party. Seriously, at this point we’re so obsessed with electing a certain type who looks right and talks right, who we can trust to save us from ourselves (both R & D mind you), that we can only be so many years away from a feasible dictatorship.
BTW, I don’t believe separation of church and state should be extended to daily life things like keeping prayer out of schools. The freedom of worship should be encouraged in schools, not discouraged. It’s an essential part of what makes our country awesome. Think about this. Public schooling was originally popularized by Marx, because his theory was that old wives tales like religion, and Christianity, were corrupting society. The state therefore, in order to reach atheist humanist utopia, needed to train children properly, extracting the superstitions from them and teaching them science as a substitute, and to obey the state. The progressives in America at the time were inspired by the ideas of Marx. So today you have the schools systematically doing just that. You have to understand that a significant amount of Liberalism is meant to create trust (not accountability) in the government, to centralize government power, and to quiet and dispel Christianity and other religions. A lot of the good parts of American conservatism have fallen out of favor with the Republicans lately for some reason, replaced by this greed machine that promotes big government. But that doesn’t change the fact that Liberalism represents a systematic threat to the Christian faith. I find myself unable to willingly support public funding of Darwinism, eugenics, socialism, or disarmament/helplessness of the citizenry. Those, among other things, are inherent problems with the Liberal standpoint that I can’t vote for as a Believer. Conservatives have their problems too, I know, but I can’t bring myself to accept the tenets of Liberalism.
I don’t have time to read the Focus letter yet, but your post is great. It is shocking to realize how much misunderstanding, separation and hatred runs rampant…..all in the name of Christianity. I am glad to know there are people like you (and there is another woman here at Xanga) who give back Christianity its good name. I was beginning to wonder…(and I myself was raised a protestant Christian, although my beliefs have expanded at this point in my life and I don’t believe in or belong to an organized religion/church) It is a frightening time in many ways.
@elgaberino - I didn’t find much that I recognized in your description of basic Liberal tenets. Because I suspect you would not believe me if I tried to tell you what liberalism actually IS, I will point you to the wikipedia article found HERE.
But I will list the basic tenets for summary purposes. LIberals believe in individual rights and equality of opportunity. Freedom of speech, freedom TO worship as you choose (not freedom FROM worship as you have described), freedom to hold private property (and as we’ve seen over the past 10 years, that freedom requires legal protection to prevent it being taken or tricked away ny unscrupulous predatory industries), Liberals support education that will give opportunity to the poorest among us as much as to the wealthiest.
Liberals oppose the concentration of power, wealth, resources, and opportunity into the hands of the few. Liberals don’t trust that the few can be relied upon to consistently set aside their own self interest to make decisions that will promote greater freedom and opportunity for all.
I suspect that when you say the “good parts” of Conservatism have fallen out of favor with Republicans that you have not yet realized that the Social Conservatism that got the leaders in whom you placed your faith got elected, was never IN favor with them. They said what they had to do to get your vote, but once in office they have done nothing but lip-service to the positions you expected them to support.
View politics through the lens of faith, but don’t put your faith in politics or politicians. And don’t expect politicians to shape or guide culture, it works the other way around.
Fear and racism (veiled, but still fanged and clawed) are behind the Focus letter. Thanks for posting this!
Ironically, Biden and Obama are true family men. Biden was the sponsor of the Violence Against Women Act. Obama has sponsord bills for Mine safety, breast cancer research and Infant health and preterm birth prevention (Senate 707). Mccain committed adultery and loves money as evidenced by his many homes and vehicles. For people who want a link to express their disappointment, go here
http://www.matthew25.org/fotf_response.php
@elgaberino - Actually you are repeating a well know smear that probably originated with Raymond Ruddy, a GOP contractor who has made $100 million of our tax dollars from his programs supporting abstinence only. Please take the time to understand Obama and not repeat the lies.
http://www.truthfightsback.com/site/smear/248/
Sigh.
As a Canadian I find that Focus on the Family newsletter incredibly offensive. Are we “anti-Christian” because we allow same-sex unions (legally sanctioned ones)? Heck no! Campus Crusade is very active here, as are Athletes in Action (and very popular). No-one gets expelled for praying if they want to – to whatever deity they believe in. Speaking against homosexuality is not a crime: inciting people to become violent towards them, denying them housing or other benefits, encouraging shunning them … those are crimes. No-one is forced into any belief. But neither are individual students or teachers allowed to decide what an “acceptable” curriculum is. (And nobody is teaching Grade 1 students about sex at all, unless it’s in some private school somewhere.) Private religious schools flourish for those that choose them. And yes, they get government funding.
OooOOOOooo … And worst of all, we have (whisper to as not to frighten anybody) a one-payer medical system … Aaaaiieee! Can Bible burning be far behind? (roll eyes) And yes, it funds abortions. But no-one is ever forced to get an abortion. Shocking, eh? Women can choose what is best for themselves, and it’s between them, their doctor and their own beliefs. And we have Assistance available for poor pregnant women: Nutrition and prenatal programs, parenting edcuation, life skills classes … The nerve of us Commies!
None of the things in that newsletter have come to pass here. NONE! We are a relatively peaceful place, the only “Christians” that we go after are of the Fred Phelps ilk. And any real Christian should loathe them anyways.
(Oh, and by the way: That one person’s comment on Obama voting for late-term abortions is just hog-wash!! He voted against a specific bill because he did not think that the wording would survive a court challenge and didn’t want to waste everyone’s time and money with an empty gesture. He suggested re-wording it, but did anyone listen … Of course not! He’s for late-term abortions! What a load of McCain-propaganda. Blech!
)
I just can’t stand bigoted, mean-spirited, fear-mongering, skewed stuff like this. It seems that a lot of people, when talking about “lost freedoms” have never heard of the various Patriot Acts that are still in force … Look them up, people! You have no more freedoms to lose! (Gitmo and water-boarding anyone?)
Bless you, Christian Liberals! Be strong!
I want to read it, but I feel like I might go into a fit of rage if I do. Thanks for sharing!!
I’m a mostly conservative Christian, was secretary of a very conservative Baptist church for nearly 13 years, and I can’t stand Focus on the Family. The most recent pastor (the third one I worked for) relied on Dobson and Rick Warren for the direction of the church. As of last December, I no longer work at and we no longer attend that church.
This is a wonderful post and I appreciate the thoughtful and relatively respectful set of comments afterwards. I’m liberal now, too. I love the conservative ideals I grew up with – the biggest of which is personal responsibility. Neoconservatives have broken down that system too much. Then there’s the redistribution of wealth thing. I agree with my dad to some extent, that we cannot rob from the rich to give to the poor. The problems – exploiting tax loopholes has kept a lot of the uber-rich uber-rich. Most of the regular rich I know are either very frugal and honest with their money and/or they don’t mind paying extra taxes. One of my friends puts it well – if the disparity in incomes continues to increase, how are the poor supposed to contribute to the economy? Who’s going to buy products, buy stock, make the country work? No number of $1000 taxable “refunds” are gonna do the trick there, bucko.
ha I got that Fearmongering letter too. i personally know Dr. D can’t tell the truth for he will lose all money for his talk show.
I am glad to find another liberal Christian too. Woo hoo I was feeling so alone!
@CanadianConspiracy - hey friend it is spiteful and boarders slander. In a black envelope too! sickening!
I have a present for my favorite liberal Christian friend. (It still counts though, doesn’t it, even when you’re my ONLY Christian liberal friend?
)
I’ve been saving up for YOU. Consider it a redistrubution of wealth kind of thing. OMG. Did I make a political pun?
Here’s some PROPS for YOU ’cause I love you and I like you.
well said, as usual! i am so liberal it hurts, but can no longer call myself christian. and you can thank the religious right for that.
c.s. lewis in one of my favorite authors though. and i love the screwtape letters. good job linking the two.
Hi, quiltnmomi. A friend of mine directed me to your blog. It was a pleasure to read your feelings of being a “liberal Christian.” Although I would prefer to describe you as simply a Christian. I often feel very alone living in a very conservative area of Texas. Since moving to Texas as a child I still have not found a congregation with which I feel at home in spirit. I have heard of Focus on the Family but have never found myself on their mailing list.
In hopes that your online name quiltnmomi has something to do with your other interests let me say that I am a Mother of two and a quilter. My most recent postings on my own blog have been about the upcoming election but if you go back in my archives I have posted about several of my quilting projects.
Interesting post. I am a secret Christian and a libertarian. I find I am in favor of most liberal social policies, but bothered, extremely bothered, by the (too constant and annoying) discussions everywhere about “wealth redistribution.” I don’t understand why liberals, who are protectors of individual rights (like I am) and tolerant of other ideas and faiths (like I am) and believers in personal responsibility (as I am) think it can ever be a good idea to give money to the government and let elected officials split it up. Today on The View I heard one of the women say, “the reason people love to come to our country is because they know we help each other.” Uh, no, I think the reason they love to come to our country is because they know no one is going to jail them or persecute them for living their own lives, and because they have an opportunity to work and earn money. I wish I understood this perspective.
*reads letter*
*shakes head*
WOW. I love Focus on the Family. They are normally right on the money. But this time…
The changes described in that letter would take 20 years of Obama. Each instance was described well, and the outcomes followed a logical course. But WOW. America isn’t going to turn into some uncontrolled nation that will crash and burn in 20 different directions just because Obama was elected. Granted, some of those things WILL happen if Obama’s in. Skyrocketing abortion and the redistribution of wealth are guaranteed. Appointment of justices are scary from Obama.
Yes, as a conservative Christian I am worried for this country if Obama is elected. But not to the extent that the letter represents. Is it possible? Yes. Probable? No.
Thanks for pointing out this letter. I am going to express displeasure to Focus on the Family right now on the issue. That was obviously written to manipulate through fear.
Not everyone is like that on my side of the gym. And I know not every liberal is like Obama.
Thank you for this. I lost a few xanga “friends” over my somewhat-less-than-courteous replies to their posting of that repulsive email. You write very well and I’m glad we have your voice on our side.
what this country needs is a good education…
and you’ve made a good start here.
This was really thought provoking. I used to be very liberal, but lately I’m leaning toward a less tolerant point of view. This whole Focus thing is thinly veiled hate mongering. Thanks for the great post.
Focus on the Family. Hmmm. I wonder what the Great Non-Conformist will have to say to Dobson on judgement day – it’s Biblical that pastors are held to a higher standard – this letter is just outrageously inappropriate.
Dobson should go back to the teaching of Paul. Meet people where they are. No condemnation. If you REALLY want to make a difference, don’t create a community of people (believers) who are isolated with extremist views. Instead, get out and meet ordinary people, get to know them and what makes them tick, then individually, help them into a relationship with Christ.
This letter goes beyond even the most hard-core bible thumpers (SAM DEFINITION – someone who would rather hit you over the head with a Bible than understand what’s IN the Bible)
It’s designed to create more isolation (us vs them and now even alienation of the “younger Christians” from the “established community). The sad thing here is that Dobson has the opportunity to use the bully pulpit for good. The choice by FOF to release this letter is additional proof that instead of using the bully pulpit for good, FOF instead chooses to pursue a divisive path of fear mongering and isolation.