Gyroscopic Investing

I linked below the first of a three video series about how Emperor Constantine transformed Christianity from a revolutionary religion of persecuted minorities that opposed the power of the Roman Empire into a tool that became a central part of the power structure of the Empire.

Basically within the span of one rulers life Christians went from being fed to the lions, to occupying the highest seats of power in the world. Of course, the true message of the religion (peace, love etc.) was co-opted and corrupted to further the ambitions of Rome. In fact, Constantine was even responsible for putting together the version of the New Testament that has been passed down to us today....(omitting any sections that undermined his particular goals along the way) And so, Christianity was transformed from a religion of the meek, that called on one to love one's enemies, into a powerful political tool of plutocrats. And so when one looks at the close alliance between institutions like the National Rifle Association and the Religious Right and scratches one's head about what AK-47's and Jesus have in common....you can thank Emperor Constantine for that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPF72HSuyU8

I'm an NRA member, and I'm not sure I see the connection between the NRA and the religious right. It's true that the NRA tends to be a more right-leaning organization, but that's only because the right tends to be a bit better than the left when it comes to the right to keep and bear arms. The NRA frequently endorses Democrats when the Republican challenger is worse on the subject of guns, and it's a totally secular organization. That many religious people are in favor of the ownership and carriage of weapons is something I would posit that has less to do with some sort of perversion of their religion, and more to do with psychological beliefs about the nature of the world that support both religion and weapons proficiency (e.g. a black-and-white notion of good and evil, a respect for authority and distrust of the unconventional, a moral circle that extends mostly to kin and community rather than as far as the whole world, etc).

PointedStick,

a black-and-white notion of good and evil, a respect for authority and distrust of the unconventional, a moral circle that extends mostly to kin and community rather than as far as the whole world,

Those sentiments are a vestige of Constantine's version of Christianity.

Maybe the NRA example is a bad one. I'm trying to reconcile how Christianity has become a central part of our modern conservative movement when this religion's true message is about 180 degrees from what the politicians on the right are saying. When in the Republican debates one of the candidates would mention anything that basically amounted to kicking "the meek" in the ribs it drew thunderous applause from the crowd.

The true message of Christianity confronts the power of the wealthy elite (and is thus very unconventional and actually shows a lack of respect for what amounts to traditional authority), yet todays religious right idolizes the accumulation of wealth and seeks strengthen the position of those in power, which is a total perversion of Jesus' message.

“people who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction." 1 Timothy 6:9

"the love of money is the root of all evil." 1 Timothy 6:10

“I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”? Matthew 19:23-24

The New Testament's teachings on war and violence also totally contradict the Republican party line and average opinion of the Christian right.

You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. (Matt. 5:38-39)

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Matt. 5:43-48, Luke 6:27-28)

Put your sword back in its place...for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. (Matt. 26:52)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matt. 5:9)

It is interesting to see that these contradictions which cause many to scratch their heads today can be traced back to Rome.

I haven't read it yet, but my understanding is Rick Perlstein's book "Nixonland" goes into considerable detail about how the modern Republican party became the unholy alliance it currently is between traditional conservatives, Southern rednecks/racists, and far right "Christians".  Quite fittingly, I think the common theme is paranoia - conservatives think "they're out to get my money", rednecks think "they're out to get my women", and "Christians" think "they're faggots, damn it, they shouldn't be out".

I was raised in the Society of Friends, aka Quakers, generally known for pacifism.

In 1968 a very significant moment regarding the cause of Christ took place when one of our very own members was elected president of the United States. The pastor of our church was even called to Washington, D.C. to give the convocation (or it could have been the invocation - I've never gotten the difference between the two words).

That president was Richard Nixon, of course. With the blessing of Billy Graham and other Christian leaders he proceeded to advance the kingdom of God on earth in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, and thus helping to prove the point of your post.

This whole thread is based on the fallacious assumption that generosity = socialism.  Couldn't be more wrong.

Xan wrote: This whole thread is based on the fallacious assumption that generosity = socialism.  Couldn't be more wrong.

I'm thinking you might have posted this to the wrong forum.

My own post didn't have anything to do with whether or not generosity = socialism but whether killing commies for Christ = Christianity.

Doodle,

You might like this comic from The Oatmeal, "How to suck at your religion".