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

[technicolour]

ok
double post, eh, our posts are getting long. they can't argue.

1. My name is Kristina

2. The bible does have a part in this

the thread is about why people (pastors) use thier religious influence to influence people for political reasons. this is not a thread about religion persay, but a thread about religious people doing nonreligious things.

And I have been debating about the darn thread. Pastors aren't using their religious standings to make sure people HAVE to vote one way. They are comparing what the BIBLE says to what the ELECTION PEOPLE say. [the people who are running.] Pastors = church = Christianity [in this case] = Bible.

And what exactly non religious things are they doing? They aren't doing anything wrong.

the original crusade, maybe. but latter- it was for farmland.

I'd love to know about this too.

[*Libertie*]

Pastors aren't using their religious standings to make sure people HAVE to vote one way. They are comparing what the BIBLE says to what the ELECTION PEOPLE say. [the people who are running.] Pastors = church = Christianity [in this case] = Bible.

And what exactly non religious things are they doing? They aren't doing anything wrong.
I'd love to know about this too.

That's what I'm saying, though! My pastor IS telling us that we HAVE to vote one way in order to get into heaven. If you think he's not doing anything wrong, then you must agree with him in that if I don't vote for someone who is against abortion and gay marriage, then I'm going to hell. It apparently doesn't matter that I've lived my entire life being the best Christian I can be. Apparently living a Christian life without wanting to meddle in other lives just isn't good enough.

I think telling me that I won't get into heaven because I stand up for something that I believe is right is a sin in itself, and I believe that he will be held accountable for every person he turned away by using this method of teaching.

Oh, and something I forgot to mention.. I didn't fly off the handle; I simply emailed asked my pastor to cite his source for his 90% claim. He responded with this link:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6650997/site/newsweek/

Apparently he took this article way out of context. It shows how many people believe in Christianity, but does not say anywhere what percentage actually practices the religion. Here are some more accurate and more recent links:

http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0102-06.htm
http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_prac2.htm
http://www.leaderu.com/ftissues/ft9610/reeves.html

I looked these over and included more than one link to make sure I don't appear biased. On average, he's off by about 10-13%.

Anyway, I don't want us to lose our tempers here; we obviously both know what we're talking about and I'm in no way trying to insult your intelligence.