The need for an enemy
The struggle against an outside enemy has always been part and parcel of Christianity, particularly the very conservative sects. Because of this struggle (and scriptural warnings that Christians would be persecuted), such Christians see themselves as constantly embattled. Having an enemy is part of their identity. If you weren't struggling against evil, and seeing it everywhere, you weren't a true Christian. When they were still dwelling in their parallel world, this really was not a problem- it was merely part of their beliefs. But when they came boiling out of that world and into the world of politics and progressive government, they saw enemies everywhere. Their leaders made sure of it, and still do. They keep their congregations in a constant state of outrage, creating false crises of persecution, seeing every criticism as an attack, and every bit of progressive success as a direct sign that Satan is everywhere. This constant call to battle has enriched the war chests of the Dominionist leaders, creating boundless armies of 'astro turf' activists, able to swarm over anything and everything that provokes their umbrage. It is almost easier to ask what does not anger and enrage them than what does. Pretty much anything outside a very narrowly defined group of Biblically mandated beliefs sets them off. Independent and powerful women. Gays. Progressive ideas. Progressive faiths. Reproductive health. Evolution. Science. Education. Holidays. Judges. The Constitution. Those things, and many more give them reasons to constantly attack, and if that attack is even mildly repelled, constantly holler "We're being persecuted!" If we can understand this core belief of an 'enemy' everywhere and how it motivates them as well as robs them of genuine peace and happiness, we might find a way to defuse and redirect that constant anger. Anger often festers into hate, which blossoms into war, and war into devastation for all who get caught up in it. It may be impossible to get these artificially embattled believers to let go of this belief in an enemy, especially since it is part of their scriptures. But perhaps we can find and use Christ's words as a way to reduce the level of anger and hate, and find a peaceful common ground.
The need for an enemy | 2 comments (2 topical, 0 hidden)
The need for an enemy | 2 comments (2 topical, 0 hidden)
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