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

[Mulder]

i dont really see the point in this anymore, but here i go.
there will always be bad religious leaders. some that use their religion to grab others and obtain power, some who molest kids...i dont know. it has nothing to do with christianity itself. humans are inherently bad. we have a free will. there will always be some that take advantage of believers religious conviction for their own selfish purposes.

so: why do pastors use thier power for political purposes? because it has been done for millenia. christianity has often been used as the puppet of kings bent on conquering a nation, or popes wishing for more wealth.

i just answered your question then. can we please end this?

[Spirited Away]

[size=1]i dont really see the point in this anymore, but here i go.
there will always be bad religious leaders. some that use their religion to grab others and obtain power, some who molest kids...i dont know. it has nothing to do with christianity itself. humans are inherently bad. we have a free will. there will always be some that take advantage of believers religious conviction for their own selfish purposes.

Wait, are you saying that everyone is bad because of free will?