Posted on 10/12/2007 3:26:26 PM PDT by ChicagoHebrew
I've seen a significant amount of support on this board for Ann Coulter's recent comments on CNBC. Let me explain why that support is misplaced:
First, as an initial matter, I don't think Coulter's comments about Jews needing to be "perfected" are offensive at all. As an observant Jew, I obviously don't agree with Coulter. But Coulter's remarks here clearly represent standard Christian belief, and it's wrong and intolerant to condemn someone for her basic religious beliefs (provided, of course, that those beliefs don't cause one to do things like blow up Israeli school children or crash airplanes into buildings).
That being said, Coulter said more than standard Christian dogma. In explaining why the 2004 GOP convention was "like heaven," Coulter said "People were happy. They're Christian. They're tolerant. They defend America." That's flatly wrong and blatantly offensive -- attendees at the GOP convention included Christians, Jews, Muslims, atheists, agnostics and adherents of several other faiths. In defining the Republican Convention (and, tacitly) the Republican Party as Christian-only, Coulter has done a tremendous disservice to Republicans and conservatives in general. The fact of the matter is that you don't have to be Christian to believe in things like small government, strong national security, legal fidelity to the constitution, and basic moral values. No one here should defend attempts to define conservatism or the Republican Party as limited to believing Christians. . .
As an aside, please don't let this thread be dominated with replies trying to "convince" me that Christianity is right. Suffice it to say that I have heard and rejected every single one of those arguments. But, as is the nature of being a 1% minority, I -- like most Jews -- get missionized quite frequently, which we find very irritating. Kind of like door-to-door salesmen who keep showing up a few times a week and don't always take a polite "no" for an answer.
Christians support Jews and Israel more than many Jews do. The Fellowship of Christians and Jews is an example of how we work together.
Ann doesn't pull any punches, and is not hindered with the need to be PC. Makes her books fun to read (it also helps that I agree with her positions), and if I pick up a few new words along the way -- that's good too...
You are really off the mark here. She supports Israel more than most Jews do nowadays. She’s not trying to do away with Jews. Honestly, you need to get a handle on that. Wanting Jews and others to be Christians is how Christians feel. Loving Jews is part of Christianity, or it should be. Don’t put words into her mouth that she never said or meant. We agree with her views because that’s what Christianity is. We’re commanded by G-d to take the gospel to all nations. We love and support Jews because you are G-d’s chosen people. We support Israel more than most people do, Christian or not.
-----------------
Just be glad they weren't muslim.
Well put!
But actually, Muslims don't bother to "missionize." They only demand that you convert; if you refuse, it's off with your hed.
Okay, I guess your hubby is excluded or an exception then. :)
“But Coulter’s remarks here clearly represent standard Christian belief, and it’s wrong and intolerant to condemn someone for her basic religious beliefs..”
Yep...I read just fine...he has a problem with her calling the convention Heaven...full of christians...
Here’s a clue....IT’S CALLED SARCASM..
her boy friend is jewish...look it up...
and if you think they aint doin the nasty...grow up.
Coulter is also wrong about Fred Thompson. I will not believe that the Republican Party will nominate a pro-abortion candidate. Coulter should occasionally think before she opens that mouth. And while I’m at it…she should lengthen her skirts. I have great legs too…however, too much is too much. That also is not very Christian.
Just my opinion…want a piece of Coconut Cream Pie? EAGLES UP! FOR FRED!!!
There’s a reason it’s called the Judaeo-Christian Ethic. AC should know this.
Shabbat Shalom!
Actually, that's not quite right. Jews believe that a righteous person of any faith is just fine by G-d. (That's the main reason Jews feel no obligation to convert others. Non-Jews can make it to their proper place just fine on their own.) Jews are chosen by G-d to live by the Torah. It's a responsibility and a gift.
(Not to sound preachy, just clearing that up.) Shabbat Shalom.
I for one will never figure that out.
Shabbat Shalom.
We’ll have nothing to do with common sense on this thread!
Your point? Oh yeah - that it's subjective. We should feel what it's like from the radical Muslim prospective. Bletch!
You put it beautifully. Very insightful. And kind.
(I do think CJ was being a little sensitive.)
You are absolutely correct. I think her comments are misguided, vile and not taken out of context. My husband today, who is apolitical, told me she gives all Republicans a bad name.
Some of US can read what Moses penned in Deuteronomy 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 that describes what the blessing are and what it is required to receive them. We are also told what would be if we turned our individual or collective backs on the Giver of blessings.
The trend over the past 100 years has been to ‘secularize’ this nation and make government the god, and to removed from US the very thing that separates US from the rest of the world. Rights endowed by the Creator ... LIFE ... LIBERTY ... and PURSUIT of HAPPINESS... no man/government can ‘give’ or take.
What’s interesting about this manufactured tempest, is that I don’t see many Jews being really upset about it, but the (mostly atheist) far Left is. I’m sure we can find plenty of upset Jews, but from statements by Horowitz, Debbie Schlussel, and a number of (mostly non-practicing) Jews on another forum, I don’t see many. Their attitude is mostly “They say we need ‘perfecting’, we say we’re the Chosen People. Who cares!?”
This is a controversy manufactured by the Left to attempt to slam Coulter and to generate ratings for their media.
After I sent the intended good wishes (I forgot the “Shabbat Shalom”) I looked outside and it was getting dark. He had probably turned off the computer for Shabbos.
If we Christians took our rules as seriously as the observant Jews do, we’d be all the better for it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.