Are the lines being drawn for a religious war here in the United States?

Thirty years ago, people who would rant publicly about the "end of days" or literal interpretations of the bible were dismissed as either ignorant or mentally ill. The TV or radio preachers were acknowledged as charlatans preying on the weak minded and elderly.

This is from my experiences here in the South... in the belly of the "Bible Belt."

Five years ago, I was a project manager for glass company and would have to go into many different churches to estimate or oversee construction projects as so many of the churches down here are trying to build glass and steel monuments to who knows what. Many were filled with posters denoting "Christian Soldiers" as they marched into war that were very reminiscent of WWII Nazi youth posters. Young, blond and determined, the illustrated ideal young Christian was rushing into some unknown battle carrying a bible thrust out as if it would smite down his enemies and protect him from harm. Other churches (the ones with more money) had huge glass AV rooms and some of the most conspicuous consumption I have ever seen (the materials and costs would make the richest bank blanch).

Don't get me wrong, I made a ton of money off these people. We weren't cheap. Our quality was known, so these people didn't shop around. They wanted the best. They were unbelievably proud... And all this time I thought pride was a sin.

I digress.

Today, we have certain factions of "Christians" brokering for political power in herculean effort never before seen in this country. We have seen bombs kill and maim Americans by Americans with the blessings of many so-called congregations.

Today, the gap and hostility between the growing uber conservative "Christians" as they pressure Bush for laws and appointments and cry that they are discriminated against.

Today, right here at DU, the number of posts about the building tensions between the sectarian and non-sectarian have been increasing exponentially. Feathers have been ruffled on both sides. If it is happening here among Friends, you can only imagine what it is like out there in the real world.

Today, the snake handlers, the holy rollers and other fringe sects have finally become organized by a group of unscrupulous people like Pat Robertson and Oral Roberts. They have stopped being something to guffaw about and have become a viable voting block controlled by a few men with seriously ill intentions.

These "people" mean to create a "Christian" nation and feel that now is the time to strike. They have never before been so powerful and the threat has never before been so real. That's why so many people like myself have engaged in posts like this. It's no longer a question of religion, it's a question of our country's survival.

If the separation between church and state is ever breeched, it means only one thing: The end of America.

Peace.

"If the separation between church and state is ever breeched, it means only one thing: The end of America."

But with that said, my faith still has not faltered

It's all a question of power hungry madmen taking over our country...

That separation is in need of radical surgery

But neither will I allow them to run my life or set up the rules and morals that I live by. Looking at the things they've been doing lately while using God for cover... Let's just say that I consider my morals to be a little better than theirs.

I am not a religious believer myself. However, since it would be ABSOLUTELY impossible to EVER build a progressive majority without them we need them more than ever. They are the most credible force against religious extremist.

By the very act of embracing the ideals upon this country was supposedly founded upon, the inclusion of all (even those we don't understand and think are full tilt bozo) is beyond imperative.

Peace.

Here.

However, there seems to be a contingent of "people" that feel we are the infidels and must be destroyed.

Why do you think "conservatives" and "conservative Christians" have been so agitated about the SC for all these years? It's one of their major fronts of battle... and they DO think they are in a battle.

After Bush's next appointment, they will have their wildest dreams realized. Then we will see how the rest of the country likes "Christian Values." But, by that time, it will be too late. By that time we will find everything from Social Security to Public Schools being ruled unconstitutional. On the other hand, tax dollars to everything faith-based will be ruled consistent with "original intent."

This country is screwed, just like Al Gore was screwed by the Supreme Court. Where was Al Gore supposed to go after the SC stole the election from him? Where are Americans to go when the SC stomps on them and the very promise of America?

we need a constitutional amendment better defining the separation of church and state and see their heads spin and the green pea soup start to spew forth from their lips

It's the people who understand plurality, 'live and let live', and most importantly, the right of consenting adults to make up their own minds about all manner of personal matters...

versus the control freaks who NEED everyone to see things THEIR way.