Christian Propaganda Options

[*Libertie*]

I used the search, so I hope this isn't a repeat thread.

Today was my church's July 4th celebration service. The pastor took this opportunity to put George W. Bush on a pedestal, slam gay marriage, condemn abortion, and basically tell us all how to vote.

He also had the audacity to tell us that everything we've ever learned in the history books is absolutely wrong, and proceeded to explain how the U.S. *really* became a nation.

He threw outrageous percentages without citing his sources (ie., he told us that 90% of Americans believe in Christianity!), he went on and on with random facts that he couldn't prove. And the congregation flocks to him, because he's the PASTOR and that means they should do anything he says.

How many pastors, conservative and liberal alike, sway a majority of their congregations into voting the way they want - no, "the way GOD wants!" - every year? And there's nothing we can do about it, because it's the pastor, and he can say whatever he wants to say as long as the congregation doesn't have a problem with it.

My question - why are people so easily swayed? Why do people believe such nonsense without being given a reason to believe it? And why do pastors take advantage of their time behind a pulpit as an opportunity to spout propaganda to thousands and thousands every year?

.:edit:. Yes, yes, another religion thread. I apologize, but I'm not making any outrageous claims, I just wanted some input before I write a letter to my pastor. :P

[Paradox of Life]

^ Abortion and gay marriages are not right or wrong and the bible cannot say what is right or wrong.

And like ichigofan said, if God loved you so much, he'd let you have your own opinions. Peoples' minds vary and we shouldn't be forced to think abortion is WRONG and gay marriages are WRONG.

I'm not Christian, but I think that maybe it's just your pastor who may be a little whack. One can choose to take advantage of their job and abuse it the way your pastor did or they can use it for what it was made for. Not for false political speeches, but for informing people of the wisdom in Christianity and the Bible!

Why are people so easily swayed? I think it's a psychological reason where people want to fit in. That's why peer pressure is such an issue and people will adjust their mindsets to fit with others so they can feel like they're not alone. I'm not saying this is how it always is, but I think it's part of the reason. They see other people listening to everything the pastor says, so they think "Oh well, if the pastor and everyone else thinks abortion and gay marriages are wrong, I'm going to think so too."

Was this in general or am I misinterpreting the question?