At Least Two Cheers for American Protestants!

Patheos ^ | November 11, 2013 | John Mark Reynolds

[ansel12]

Oh come on give the Roman Catholics some Hollywood street cred. There are quite a few movies that have some shadowy Vatican or Opus Dei character.

Did you read the post and this statement? "While you can see many negative portrayals and mentions of Catholics, you can also find many inspiring and spiritual, and respectful movies, articles, and TV portrayals, but not so for Evangelicals."

Interestingly, even those negative portrayals that you described, are in some ways aggrandizing and lend an aura of mystery and power, so even many of the negative portrayals are not entirely negative.

The media and the left has a love/hate relationship with the Catholic denomination, while with born-agains/Evangelicals, the media is purely dismissive and mocking, they treat them the way they do a political and social conservative, which of course, most Evangelicals are.

[boatbums]

Interesting, yes, but sad.

Why is it "sad"?

[boatbums]

If we're talking about politicians then it should be noted that up until a decade or so ago someone didn't stand a chance of being elected UNLESS he/she claimed to be a Christian of some kind or another. Look at when John Kennedy was running - many people had initial bad feelings about him because he was a Catholic and they questioned his fealty to the Pope over the Constitution. I think there are only two or three Muslims in Congress today - and those are recent. If anyone advertised he was an atheist, even today it would be a negative for him. That being said, claiming to be a Christian and demonstrating a Christian spirit in life and morals are two different things. Political animals are not known for honesty religion-wise. Case in point - Barack Obama!

[Alaska Wolf]

LOL that’s a hoot.

Yes it is. Like so many others, they all claim to be Protestants, Catholics and Christian, don't they? So many phonies.

[Alaska Wolf]

Political animals are not known for honesty religion-wise.

Only religion-wise?

[boatbums]

Nope...not only religion-wise, sadly. One would think that if a person gets elected running on a certain platform of ideas and ideals, that should be how they govern once elected. I get it that all constituents have to be represented but it sure seems like campaign promises only last as long as it takes to get in office and then the mask can come off. If a candidate describes him/herself as a Christian - and makes it a character point in what he/she stands for, then I think he/she should be held to a higher standard for what is expected once elected. Even if a voter isn't "religious", a candidate who claims to be outright is still thought to be more trustworthy and honest. It works as an advertising plus for businesses, too.

Nobody likes a hypocrite - and religious ones are despised the most!

[Alaska Wolf]

Nobody likes a hypocrite - and religious ones are despised the most!

There are plenty of self-proclaimed Christians who fit that bill. Some post on internet forums, some are in the clergy and some even had/have television programs.

[count-your-change]

In fact, only those who are active evangelizers are counted as members.

[Elsie]

Mennonite - an Amish with a car.

[Elsie]

Good!

[Elsie]

Doesn’t it depend on how it’s used?

[Elsie]

Why is it "sad"?

Possibly because it shows the vast number of splits the 'church' has endured over the years.

A veritable spiritual Tower of Babel.

---

I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. So I ran over and said, "Stop! Don't do it!"

"Why shouldn't I?" he said.

 

I said, "Well, there's so much to live for!"

He said, "Like what?"

 

I said, "Well...are you religious or atheist?"

He said, "Religious."

 

I said, "Me too! Are you Christian or Buddhist?"

He said, "Christian."

 

I said, "Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?"

He said, "Protestant."

 

I said, "Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?"

He said, "Baptist!"

 

I said,"Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of GOD or Baptist Church of the Lord?"

He said, "Baptist Church of GOD!"

 

I said, "Me too! Are you Original Baptist Church of GOD, or are you Reformed Baptist Church of GOD?"

He said,"Reformed Baptist Church of GOD!"

 

I said, "Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of GOD, reformation of 1879, or Reformed Baptist Church of GOD, reformation of 1915?"

He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of GOD, reformation of 1915!"

 

I said, "Die, heretic scum", and pushed him off.

-- Emo Phillips

[Elsie]

Being elected puts one in a powerful position, and we ALL know the thingy about power corrupting.

[Elsie]

In fact, only those who are active evangelizers are counted as members.

How does THAT work?

[metmom]

As I have said elsewhere, Christian first, Baptist second.

Preach it, brother.

[count-your-change]

Obviously there are exceptions such as the infirm and those of tender years but every one is expected to get out and actively preach, usually by going door to door. Any that would refuse when able to do simply are not recognized as a member.

[GreyFriar]

In Germany, what we call the “Lutheran Church” is called the “Evangelical Church.” I saw them in many towns during my 7 years in Germany, but nary a “Lutheran” to the best of my memory.

[GreyFriar]

I’ve never had a Mormon ring my door bell or knock. Jehovah Witnesses seem to come by every month. And I invite them to visit the Disciple of Christ congregation I belong to and they decline and depart.

[Elsie]

I’ve had no Mormons either, but in the farmland of iNDIANA THERE AREN’T TOO MANY OF THEM.

We have had them show up at our church a couple of times in the 30 years I’ve been attending. (Wesleyan congregation) Very polite boys; real easy to spot. Don’t hang around too long to chat.