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- A North Carolina Christian’s Response to Pastor Charles L. Worley
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Comments
I understand, and I could see how it might look like he's supporting a political agenda in a way. But at the same time, why shouldn't you be picking out groups of people to help? Of course everyone should be treated equally and invited equally, but that doesn't mean you should stop reaching out to specific groups -- especially groups that need help. What's wrong with directed charity?
Just my $0.02!
Not trying to belittle you, my apologies. And I agree with you on all points unequivocably. Many of the occupiers understand that as well, and that's what is so frustrating. The ones you read about and see videos of are the ones that they want you to see. I know it's called "Occupy Wall Street" and that banks are the focus, but people are very aware of the government side of things as well, and we have a lot of ideas starting to come out now on how to affect change in the system. Considering what we are up against -- corruption and control at literally every level of government -- this is going to be a very slow process during which the Tea Partiers that stand with us will not be letting us forget about the government. :-)
The ol' socialism argument paired with a subtle Nazi comparison? So kind of you to put words in our mouths... but guess what, I'm an occupier, and I love capitalism! I do not want to take from the rich and give to the poor. I do not envy rich people for being rich. (Actually, that's not true, I do -- but not in a way that makes me want to tear them down, but rather in a way that makes me want to build myself up.)
Of all the people I have talked to -- which has been many, many people since this started -- only a very VERY small amount (I'm talking like a handful of people out of hundreds) are actual socialists that want to "redistribute" wealth. For the vast, vast majority that's not what this is about, and it's unfair of you to paint us with that brush. I know you didn't make a direct comparison, but I feel that that was what you are kind of implying.
To me (I can't speak for others, though I know generally we are all on the same page as this), this is a movement about getting the money out of politics, and breaking the unfair cycle of wealthy corporations and government exchanging "favors", about the American people getting their voice back. People have been apathetic for far too long. Did you know that more people DON'T vote for presidential elections now than DO vote for any one party? Look at how many activism groups there are in the country. Do they seem to be accomplishing much?
We occupy to draw attention. We occupy to make a story, and to make people AWARE of what is going on around them. To let people know that, "Hey, there are actually other people that feel the same way you do! Together we can be heard!" That's the whole point between the 99%-vs-1% mentality. The majority of us are not Robin Hoods and have no problem with the rich who became such fairly. I, myself, hope to be rich some day -- I hope that my hard work pays off enough that I am able to help take care of those unfortunate enough to not be able to have a nice job like me. I am not looking to take anyone's money, but I would like to prevent others from profitting unfairly off the multitudes, wouldn't you? I agree, we need honest politicians and adherence to the Constitution, but these are things that must be changed through government by the very nature of their definition. How else are you going to do it?
I understand your point that government is often part of the problem, but that's because a select few gain "control" of the government (be it banks or politicians or Hitler) and rules start getting made in their favor. At the very heart of the matter, THAT is what this is all about. We are not here to smash the system, we are here to help restore it to what it once was and what it can be again -- fair and just for everyone.
We are not ignoring history, we are choosing to finally learn from it.
(And as for the anti-semitism increase, you do realize that kristallnacht was just observed, right? There was a huge problem with anti-Jewish hate crimes all over the country. To attribute that to Occupiers is neither fair nor logical.)
"Many folks were so steeped in their liberal political agenda they refused to be part of a 'compassionate conservative' answer!"
What's sad is that you sound pretty steeped in some "compassionate conservative" rhetoric, actually, and this is part of the problem. The American people have been fighting this dumb left-vs-right war for so long that we have stopped working together and seek only to tear each other down. We no longer have statesmen, we have polticians whose only concern is retaining the power they have (often at the cost of people like you and I). I'm growing so tired of the anti-liberal and anti-conservative babbling. It's so destructive and time wasting.
How about instead of pointing fingers, you use that energy to create a positive contribution and change in the world? :-D
What a negative, hurtful, uninformed, and unthoughtful "joke" to make then, and not funny in the slightest.
I get the impression that Red Elder would have you believe that all Occupiers are miscreants looking for a free hand-out and nothing more.
Instead of contributing constructively, he belittles. Is his dismissmal really that noteworthy, then?
"I’m not sure liberals in OWS or at Sojourners are really open minded enough to discuss such big picture questions."
You have just shown us exactly how open minded you yourself are.
To say that government is not the answer is sticking your head in the proverbial sand.
Can't speak for everyone but I'm guessing that if an OWSer had a home, that is where they would be spending their holidays. I got the distinct impression that this was a call to help those who need it.
And I'm confused. "Christians and their churches have for decades been inviting people without homes or away from their homes for the holidays into their homes and churches. This is a common act of mercy and a subtle tool of evangelism. This isn’t an original idea."
You then go on to say "They should be welcome just like anyone else should be. I guess I feel like Christians should be inviting all sorts of people into our homes and churches on a regular basis. I’m not sure why OWSers deserve a special invite as if others are less worthy of an invite."
If it's such a common idea and happens so frequently, why is it such a big deal that OWSers have the offer extended to them as well? Are you hesitent based simply on the fact that "OWS" was mentioned specifically?
What if someone wanted to start a drive to "Help feed the poor and homeless in Harlem on Thanksgiving", would you still have a problem with a specific group being named?
The "immorality, drugs, and lawlessness" straw man is growing old. Just because a few are doing it doesn't mean everyone is.
By your logic, that makes all Christians bad because of Westboro Baptist Church.
Yawn.