We need more of this. If liberal Christian theology is really as pervasive and strong as some on DU say it is, then they need to do a whole lot more of this. They have a much better ability to drown out the voice of the conservative religious. When atheists do it, even the liberal Christians rail at us.

We need to support religious liberals and unite in the fight against right wing extremism.

Please tell me you haven't mistaken the Catholic Church for a democracy. Popes, cardinals and archbishops don't get voted out of office, and they don't base church doctrine and policy on surveys of the laity.

Why are these people still supporting such a corrupt and bigoted organization AT ALL? Why are they attending services and throwing money in the plate? If they really wanted to do some good, they need to emasculate the Catholic Church by withdrawing all support and leaving en masse. Anything else is just handwaving.

The money still goes to NOM, so nothing has changed. Sizzle without steak.

In the same way that progressive non believers shun those atheists whose only purpose is to attack and denigrate people of faith. They do not change their beliefs because of the ugliness and bigotry of those who claim the same beliefs.
For future reference, the answer to such a question can usually be found in a mirror.

Thanks!

Feel free to shun me too. We atheists are not all in lockstep with the faith despisers. Most of us espouse tolerance of all but the intolerant.

We definitely have that in common! Did you know that some faith-despisers have called a certain group of believers "dumbasses" right here on DU? And it wasn't even deleted!

You're so lovable, so embraceable, so wonderfully tolerant of others and their beliefs. You are the one person that nobody could possibly be offended by, especially the bigots. They love you Trotsky. They roll around in merriment at your witty comments. They faun at your feet. You are their Messiah. Well, maybe not that, but close. There are a couple ahead of you on that one.
Have a great day and don't hug yourself to death. Remember, we need you and love you. November is not that far away.

Because I know that you, being a model of tolerance yourself, are a fine judge of character.

Thanks and take care!

I have never experienced an alteration of the fundamental corruption, bigotry and misogyny of the Catholic Church brought about by the laity speaking up, or signing petitions or forming the cute little "activist" groups that they love to do. And neither have you.

BTW, your analogy is a steaming pile. If you'd like me to make you look even more foolish by pointing out why in detail, just say so.

And about associations which may not even exist (there being thus nothing which needs action or change). I'm talking about already existing association and support (including financial) changing. Two totally different things, and a silly and flawed analogy.

Maybe you just wanted to hijack the thread. I was responding to Goblinmonger about supporting liberal Christians in their fight against intolerance and right wing extremism. You jump in with your own agenda of bashing the Catholic church (which is fine in another conversation) and then you continue to bash Catholic laity (showing your bigotry toward those of faith).
I have no love for the Catholic Church or any Church for that matter. I have no problem with people of faith. I may not share their beliefs but I respect their rights as individuals to believe whatever they want, as long as it causes no harm to others.
I get the impression that you are a lapsed Catholic. If so, I can understand your bitterness. I am not and never have been a Catholic, but have known many, having lived in Rome for several years. I share your disdain for the Vatican and the Church in general, but I have known many priests, former priests and laity who fought hard against the systemic corruption, arrogance and indifference. Some fought from within the Church, some from without.
My point is, don't blame the sheep for the sins of the shepherd and if you want to be a shepherd yourself, then you might want to show more tolerance, if not acceptance of those who have yet to reach your level of enlightenment.
Peace.

In this group we are often castigated for not doing more--but when we do, we are accused of being critical of someone else. Believe me, more time is spend on this subject in other places than I spend on DU.

It's a great start.

ba-da-bump