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]

How can the Bible not say what is right or wrong? Religions have a Bible or Torah or Koran and etc etc. Their Book is the "rules for the religion". The Bible says that those things are WRONG.

Yeah, so what insomniac said, I'm not going to argue about the "truths" of the Bible. I'm aethiest, so I just think the whole thing is false to put it simply. If you're Christian, go ahead and let your opinions be swayed by the Bible's rules.

People are easily swayed if they believe it's true. THEIR BELIEFS. People do want to fit in, but in Church it's your beliefs that matter. In fact, being alone has nothing really to do with being swayed at all. If they believe it's true then they'll go for it. Cults are what you're thinking about. [the waco thing..etc etc.] The Pastor is actually TEACHING the Bible. You just have to listen and know what he's saying.

Exactly, but are you violating rules of being a Christian if you support gay marriages and you're pro-choice about abortion? Does that not make you Christian? Do you have to listen and obey a pastor to still remain Christian?

Sorry if this is getting redundant, but can someone explain to me exactly what this debate is about? It seems like I'm/everyone is getting sidetracked.