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Title: VOTING REPUBLICAN NOT GOING TO SAVE YOU - Orthodox Christians Must Now Learn To Live as Exiles in Our Own Country
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URL Source: http://time.com/3938050/orthodox-ch ... -as-exiles-in-our-own-country/
Published: Jun 28, 2015
Author: Rod Dreher
Post Date: 2015-06-28 04:49:48 by HAPPY2BME-4UM
Keywords: CHRISTIANITY, RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION, FIRST AMENDMENT, SUPREME COURT
Views: 1500
Comments: 59
No, the sky is not falling — not yet, anyway — but with the Supreme Court ruling constitutionalizing same-sex marriage, the ground under our feet has shifted tectonically. It is hard to overstate the significance of the Obergefell decision — and the seriousness of the challenges it presents to orthodox Christians and other social conservatives. Voting Republican and other failed culture war strategies are not going to save us now. Discerning the meaning of the present moment requires sobriety, precisely because its radicalism requires of conservatives a realistic sense of how weak our position is in post-Christian America. The alarm that the four dissenting justices sounded in their minority opinions is chilling. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Antonin Scalia were particularly scathing in pointing out the philosophical and historical groundlessness of the majority’s opinion. Justice Scalia even called the decision “a threat to democracy,” and denounced it, shockingly, in the language of revolution. It is now clear that for this Court, extremism in the pursuit of the Sexual Revolution’s goals is no vice. True, the majority opinion nodded and smiled in the direction of the First Amendment, in an attempt to calm the fears of those worried about religious liberty. But when a Supreme Court majority is willing to invent rights out of nothing, it is impossible to have faith that the First Amendment will offer any but the barest protection to religious dissenters from gay rights orthodoxy. Indeed, Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito explicitly warned religious traditionalists that this decision leaves them vulnerable. Alito warns that Obergefell “will be used to vilify Americans who are unwilling to assent to the new orthodoxy,” and will be used to oppress the faithful “by those who are determined to stamp out every vestige of dissent.” The warning to conservatives from the four dissenters could hardly be clearer or stronger. So where does that leave us? For one, we have to accept that we really are living in a culturally post-Christian nation. The fundamental norms Christians have long been able to depend on no longer exist. To be frank, the court majority may impose on the rest of the nation a view widely shared by elites, but it is also a view shared by a majority of Americans. There will be no widespread popular resistance to Obergefell. This is the new normal. For another, LGBT activists and their fellow travelers really will be coming after social conservatives. The Supreme Court has now, in constitutional doctrine, said that homosexuality is equivalent to race. The next goal of activists will be a long-term campaign to remove tax-exempt status from dissenting religious institutions. The more immediate goal will be the shunning and persecution of dissenters within civil society. After today, all religious conservatives are Brendan Eich, the former CEO of Mozilla who was chased out of that company for supporting California’s Proposition 8. Third, the Court majority wrote that gays and lesbians do not want to change the institution of marriage, but rather want to benefit from it. This is hard to believe, given more recent writing from gay activists like Dan Savage expressing a desire to loosen the strictures of monogamy in all marriages. Besides, if marriage can be redefined according to what we desire — that is, if there is no essential nature to marriage, or to gender — then there are no boundaries on marriage. Marriage inevitably loses its power. In that sense, social and religious conservatives must recognize that the Obergefell decision did not come from nowhere. It is the logical result of the Sexual Revolution, which valorized erotic liberty. It has been widely and correctly observed that heterosexuals began to devalue marriage long before same-sex marriage became an issue. The individualism at the heart of contemporary American culture is at the core of Obergefell — and at the core of modern American life. This is profoundly incompatible with orthodox Christianity. But this is the world we live in today. One can certainly understand the joy that LGBT Americans and their supporters feel today. But orthodox Christians must understand that things are going to get much more difficult for us. We are going to have to learn how to live as exiles in our own country. We are going to have to learn how to live with at least a mild form of persecution. And we are going to have to change the way we practice our faith and teach it to our children, to build resilient communities. It is time for what I call the Benedict Option. In his 1982 book After Virtue, the eminent philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre likened the current age to the fall of ancient Rome. He pointed to Benedict of Nursia, a pious young Christian who left the chaos of Rome to go to the woods to pray, as an example for us. We who want to live by the traditional virtues, MacIntyre said, have to pioneer new ways of doing so in community. We await, he said “a new — and doubtless very different — St. Benedict.” Throughout the early Middle Ages, Benedict’s communities formed monasteries, and kept the light of faith burning through the surrounding cultural darkness. Eventually, the Benedictine monks helped refound civilization. I believe that orthodox Christians today are called to be those new and very different St. Benedicts. How do we take the Benedict Option, and build resilient communities within our condition of internal exile, and under increasingly hostile conditions? I don’t know. But we had better figure this out together, and soon, while there is time. Last fall, I spoke with the prior of the Benedictine monastery in Nursia, and told him about the Benedict Option. So many Christians, he told me, have no clue how far things have decayed in our aggressively secularizing world. The future for Christians will be within the Benedict Option, the monk said, or it won’t be at all. Obergefell is a sign of the times, for those with eyes to see. This isn’t the view of wild-eyed prophets wearing animal skins and shouting in the desert. It is the view of four Supreme Court justices, in effect declaring from the bench the decline and fall of the traditional American social, political, and legal order. We live in interesting times. Poster Comment: ============================================= This is happening at breakneck speed." . . we have to accept that we really are living in a culturally post-Christian nation. The fundamental norms Christians have long been able to depend on no longer exist. To be frank, the court majority may impose on the rest of the nation a view widely shared by elites, but it is also a view shared by a majority of Americans. There will be no widespread popular resistance to Obergefell. This is the new normal."
Orthodox Christians Must Now Learn To Live as Exiles in Our Own Country
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#1. To: HAPPY2BME-4UM (#0)
A good start at dissenting would be to quit fighting their wars for them. Why should christian boys fight and die when the very people they're protecting are spitting on their beliefs back home? I say eff 'em. Let the faggots and their jew handlers fight their own fights.
Time rag would for sure just love it if we'd "Learn To Live as Exiles in Our Own Country" all right. How about we start wiping the floor with the Congressfools voting for this stuff when they come home from DC instead? Pietism kills!
Three of the four dissenters, Scalia, Alito, & Roberts, are Catholic. Who was the fourth dissenter please? Thanks in advance and do you have a link to the actual ruling?
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you". Sirach 4:28
Thanks for the reminder. I've been meaning to write the entire court and ask how they can discriminate against protestants the way they do.
How many jews are on the court? That's even squirelier, since jews are statistically a miniscule percentage of the population. The Catholics voted good on this one though.
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you". Sirach 4:28
White Southern boys in particular. As this sick country rips down their culture they should be leaving the military in droves, hopefully to stay prepared for resistance. Meanwhile, San Fran prepares for 1M "participants" in its Gay Pride Parade. The queers do love a parade. “The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
Our culture has been lost overnight. I think Christians should be very concerned about our immediate future. They will be persecuted IMO.
Anybody care to guess who this quote belongs to? A hint: they sell 17 different posters and books of his at Walmart. "The negro is indolent and spends his money on frivolities and drink: the european is forward looking, organized and intelligent. The negro has maintained his racial purity by his well known habit of avoiding baths."
RW Emerson?
“The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
Che
Che, he also rips Homos fiercely. His T-shirts sold to the young are a tribure to our national stupidity.
Surprising, isn't it? Had I not known, I'd have guessed Cyni, considering how it was worded.
Huh! I may go take a nap now that I've learned something today, thanks. “The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
I'm no Einsteen, Lod. I pulled it from a college football message board. I'll not hold my breath waiting for Walmart to pull his stuff from their shelves the way they have the Confederate flag and Dukes of Hazzard regalia.
The only thing(s) on my dorm walls were Playmates.
“The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
No kidding.
Can't slip nothing by you, Froedrick. ;)
A K A Stone suspended me. Last time it was a year; somehow I survive. Frederick was my Grandpa's first name. He immigrated here from Germany and ended up in Brooklyn, NY.
I actually lay awake for hours last night. I couldn't sleep thinking about this and thinking about the gall of the WH inhabitants rainbowing its exterior. I feel like an alien in my own country and among many of my acquaintances. I am particularly distressed because I am muzzled. Silenced. Even if my argument is that I don't believe that government should be involved in marriage, that, it is a private contract between two people(or more); and how dangerous it is that the USSC ruling superseded the power of the individual states, the response is ignorance or derision. It doesn't matter one iota that I may be offended by the draconian politically corrected culture. I saw this quote by Laurence Vance and I identify with it completely. "If the Confederate flag must be taken down because it offends someone, then can rainbow flags be taken down if they offend me? Of course not. Wanting to take them down would make me a bigot and a homophobe." Truth is still truth even if no one believes it. A lie is still a lie even if everyone believes it.
Thanks for sharing even though it is not a pleasant topic. Free Booklet - The Zionist Attack on Western Civilization (With C.C.)
No offense intended, Fred. Ever seen the movie Young Frankenstein? There's a scene where Gene Wilder pronounces his name "Fronkensteen" and Eyegore (Marty Feldman) asks him "Do you pronounce your first name as "Froedrick"? That's where it all came from.
Now you know how Adolf felt.
I've seen youtube videos of groups of 5 year old black kids doing the same dance. What the hell are they teaching these people?
My feeling is that the WH, deecee, and the country in general has been invaded by aliens.
“The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
I have been trying to make that point for months.
======================================================== U.S. Constitution - Article IV, Section 4: NO BORDERS + NO LAWS = NO COUNTRY
Obama: Rockefeller’s man in the White House close to total victory https://jonrappoport.wordpress.com/2015/06/27/obama-rockefellers-man-in-the-white-house-close-to-total-victory/
jonrappoport.wordpress.co...e-close-to-total-victory/
“The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
White Southern boys in particular. As this sick country rips down their culture they should be leaving the military in droves, hopefully to stay prepared for resistance. ============================================================ No. God is NOT mocked. God has now lifted his hand of protection over America. There is no turning back now. This country is on the target list of every nation on earth. CHINA AND RUSSIA REJOICE - Momentum grows to scrap Pentagon's ban on transgender troops U.S. Constitution - Article IV, Section 4: NO BORDERS + NO LAWS = NO COUNTRY
We should go to only queer and transgendered troops. That should make everyone happy. “The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
That should make everyone happy ================================================ I'll raise the stakes just a tad and start drafting NOTHING BUT QUEERS, LESBIANS, AND TRANSGENDERS. Icing on the cake: DISQUALIFY ALL STRAIGHT MALES U.S. Constitution - Article IV, Section 4: NO BORDERS + NO LAWS = NO COUNTRY
Af'ingmen Truth is still truth even if no one believes it. A lie is still a lie even if everyone believes it.
You are not muzzled other than self muzzling. You can opt to be silent, but that is a conscious choice. Yes, speaking your truth may result in both ignorance and derision in response, but that is a small price to pay. Silence has a price. In truth, your silence gives power to the draconian politically corrected culture. They want your silence. You decide if you want to give that to them. Personally, I will cheer for free speech and free symbols in the face of this idiocy. It is not the speech or the symbol that evokes actions from individuals but rather the suppression of both. Suppression is dangerous and in direct opposition to freedom. Silence is suppression. " If you cannot govern yourself, you will be governed by assholes. " Randge, Poet de Forum, 1/11/11 "Life's tough, and even tougher if you're stupid." --John Wayne
Of course, you are correct. I have to decide for myself if I'm willing to pay for the price for voicing my opinions particularly among my dance community/cult. The sad thing is that this issue has caused a rift between my son and Bill and me because his wife is a rabid supporter of all of it. She accused me once of being racist (she meant bigot) when we engaged in a discussion about that vile HBO show True Blood and I objected to its disgusting homosexuality. Truth is still truth even if no one believes it. A lie is still a lie even if everyone believes it.
Che, he also rips Homos fiercely. His T-shirts sold to the young are a tribute to our national stupidity. Sigh..sigh...sigh.... Truth is still truth even if no one believes it. A lie is still a lie even if everyone believes it.
Icing on the cake: DISQUALIFY ALL STRAIGHT MALES Oh my!! My new fantasy! Truth is still truth even if no one believes it. A lie is still a lie even if everyone believes it.
I'm sorry to hear that. It is ridiculous that the homo agenda has to be front and center now 24/7....and even that is morphing to trans agenda. How tolerant of her to call you a racist!! Wow, she really is the poster child for accepting other points of view and opinions!! I hope you pointed that out to her. : ) IMHO, do NOT let her shame you into silence. Grant her the free will to her opinion and respectfully state your own with the caveat that you expect the same courtesy in return. Accept nothing less!! Remember, you get more of what you subsidize. " If you cannot govern yourself, you will be governed by assholes. " Randge, Poet de Forum, 1/11/11 "Life's tough, and even tougher if you're stupid." --John Wayne
“The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
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#2. To: HAPPY2BME-4UM (#0)
(Edited)
#3. To: HAPPY2BME-4UM (#0)
#4. To: Artisan (#3)
#5. To: NeoconsNailed (#4)
#6. To: Obnoxicated (#1)
A good start at dissenting would be to quit fighting their wars for them. Why should christian boys fight and die when the very people they're protecting are spitting on their beliefs back home?
#7. To: Jethro Tull, 4 (#6)
#8. To: Lod (#7)
#9. To: HAPPY2BME-4UM, Jethro Tull, Lod, X-15, Cynicom, Christine (#0)
#10. To: Obnoxicated (#9)
#11. To: Lod (#10)
#12. To: Obnoxicated (#9)
#13. To: Jethro Tull (#12)
#14. To: Obnoxicated (#11)
#15. To: Lod (#14)
#16. To: Obnoxicated, JT, 4 (#15)
#17. To: Obnoxicated (#15)
I'm no Einsteen [sic], Lod
#18. To: Fred Mertz (#17)
#19. To: Obnoxicated (#18)
#20. To: HAPPY2BME-4UM (#0)
#21. To: christine (#20)
#22. To: Fred Mertz (#19)
#23. To: christine, 4 (#20)
I hate to be crude, but this is how Republics die. This is your (our) fear.
#24. To: Jethro Tull (#23)
#25. To: Jethro Tull (#23)
#26. To: christine (#20)
#27. To: Lod (#26)
My feeling is that the WH, deecee, and the country in general has been invaded by aliens.
#28. To: christine (#20)
I saw this quote by Laurence Vance and I identify with it completely. "If the Confederate flag must be taken down because it offends someone, then can rainbow flags be taken down if they offend me? Of course not. Wanting to take them down would make me a bigot and a homophobe."
Johnny Cash Sends FRESH ALPHA and OMEGA MESSAGE TO THE SUPREME COURT
#29. To: HAPPY2BME-4UM (#28)
#30. To: Neo TryingtoWarnYou (#29)
#31. To: Jethro Tull, Obnoxicated (#6)
A good start at dissenting would be to quit fighting their wars for them. Why should christian boys fight and die when the very people they're protecting are spitting on their beliefs back home?
#32. To: HAPPY2BME-4UM (#31)
#33. To: Lod (#32)
We should go to only queer and transgendered troops.
#34. To: Obnoxicated (#1)
A good start at dissenting would be to quit fighting their wars for them. Why should christian boys fight and die when the very people they're protecting are spitting on their beliefs back home? I say eff 'em. Let the faggots and their jew handlers fight their own fights.
#35. To: christine (#20)
I am particularly distressed because I am muzzled. Silenced. Even if my argument is that I don't believe that government should be involved in marriage, that, it is a private contract between two people(or more); and how dangerous it is that the USSC ruling superseded the power of the individual states, the response is ignorance or derision. It doesn't matter one iota that I may be offended by the draconian politically corrected culture.
#36. To: abraxas (#35)
#37. To: Jethro Tull, All (#12)
"The negro is indolent and spends his money on frivolities and drink: the european is forward looking, organized and intelligent. The negro has maintained his racial purity by his well known habit of avoiding baths."
#38. To: HAPPY2BME-4UM (#33)
I'll raise the stakes just a tad and start drafting NOTHING BUT QUEERS, LESBIANS, AND TRANSGENDERS.
#39. To: christine (#36)
The sad thing is that this issue has caused a rift between my son and Bill and me because his wife is a rabid supporter of all of it. She accused me once of being racist (she meant bigot) when we engaged in a discussion about that vile HBO show True Blood and I objected to its disgusting homosexuality.
#40. To: abraxas, christine, H2, 4 (#39)
buckie - we need to change our beliefs re: gay marriage and more -
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