Saturday, June 20, 2015

The International Evangelical Threat to Civil Society

As a larger society, not merely in the US but world-wide, we need to become aware of the threat that Fundamentalist Evangelic Christianity represents. It has become a dangerous force. We can see in the current news in the US where "pastors" in the religious right, are threatening violent action, even self-immolation if Gay Marriage isn't stopped.

In Brazil, followers of the Evangelical Christian cults are attacking members of Afro-Brazilian religions and vandalizing temples of both Afro-Brazilian religions and of the Catholic Church.

Simultaneously, they are trying to extend their political power so that they can institutionalize their hate and intolerance. It is time to identify this as a threat to civil society and do something about it. Any and all religion, if it is religion, is fine. But hate and repression masquerading as religion is not acceptable. 

As a society committed to universal equality and religious neutrality, Freemasons need to speak out about this problem.  Lest you, as Freemasons think you can afford to remain silent, remember what Martin Niemöller (1892–1984), a prominent Protestant pastor said about Adolf Hitler and his concentration camps.

"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— 
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.


Then they came for the Jews, 
and I did not speak out— 

Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."

Evangelical Pastor threatens immolation 

Evangelicals attack 11 year old in Rio de Janeiro


Sometimes spreading more light is not a completely pleasant experience.

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