ellis@flairvax.UUCP (Michael Ellis) (07/23/83)
Flaming at people who throw `blasphemy' accusations is a tricky topic.
True, there is something lovable about the childlike quality about many
born agains. This was especially true ~10 years ago when many were
living peaceful lives in splendid spiritual isolation, not imposing on
those gifted in *other* ways. Even the occasional street corner bible
monger had a certain obnoxious beauty. Such people are often Humanists
of a most fragile variety. (re-the Catholic fundamentalism of Bruckner)
Enter Jerry Falwell and fellow power-tripping QuasiChristions, demanding
the return of McCarthy era hatred, and what do they find? Lambs ready
for slaughter. Anyone who turns Christianity into AntiHumanism has deep
understanding of human nature and no real comprehension whatsoever for
the words in the Book.
I'm not surprised people flamed at the person with `fundamental views'.
The new fundamentalism is very spooky. I'm not so sure, though, that
slamming the recent movement is slamming genuine Christianity.
JC was first and foremost, a total Humanist.
Still, remember that many quiet fundamentalists still exist out there
who are just as shocked by the new McCarthyism as the most ardent
atheist. We must try hard not to stereotype anybody.
-michael `wu dao' ellis