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Thermal Thursday: Christianity and Apologising for the Hurt [1]

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Date: 2022-10-13

But now onto our title topic. A few DKos commenters often complain that progressive Christians don’t make enough noise, which I think is sometimes a valid complaint. So I’ll use this space to discuss progressive Christianity’s views on the issues. These are not my views alone. Note that there are and have long been progressive Christian religio-political groups, some of whom are trying to become more vocal and get more noticed.

I recently ran across this article regarding “church hurt”: “Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts Apologizes On Behalf Of The Black Church” (this is a reprint by Microsoft News; I tried to go to the original on Blavity but the page seems to be broken, I couldn’t get the full article to show up there):

People often turn to religion to turn over a new leaf, find peace, break free from their past or join a community that offers a safe space. Some believers of Christ find the freedom they were looking for, while others leave feeling judged. Unfortunately, pain from this turns into “church hurt” and leads those people not to trust what the churchhouse stands for because they came as they were and weren’t accepted. -snip- “Though man may have dropped you or mishandled you or deformed you in an effort to mold you, that was not a reflection of God’s heart towards you,” she said.

There is much more at the link. I suspect that similar apologies have been issued by white pastors and priests, but I don’t want to dilute her voice looking for them. If all other peoples aren’t speaking out with similar words, then they should be.

Religion should be about finding comfort in an uncomfortable world. It’s not right that “religious” people are judging others and pushing them away. Especially, marginalised people need to be welcomed into our communities. All of us benefit from a diverse and creatively different world. When we are hurting, we should be able to turn to each other and our spiritual institutions. When we can’t, hopefully people will realise that those judgy folks are not representing God.

Please check out the full article at the link if you are so inclined, and discuss further in the Comments.

And finally, let’s elevate our Community Cred and repost The Needs List! From Aashirs nani (with permission) on Helping Humpday, with some variations on bolding for variety’s sake.

PLEASE NOTE:

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Yay for michelewln going home!

I’m in for a mickle each week toward a variety of DKos members on the Needs List. I hope you’ll join me. Always glad to see the needed amounts gradually decreasing!

If helping financially isn’t the right choice for you at this time, you can still help. Tip and rec the diary so it stays visible. Share on social media: Twitter, Facebook, whatever platform you use, to bring the attention of others outside our daily readers. And offer words of encouragement to people who are struggling. It can be scary to be struggling, and it can feel lonely. Let them know we understand and are here to help.

If you have time, please visit the diaries above and leave comments for their authors. Those words of encouragement are vital!

If you don’t like fundraisers, please just move along. They are a longstanding tradition at DKos — Until we vote in enough progressives to create a much stronger social safety net!

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/10/13/2128753/-Thermal-Thursday-Christianity-and-Apologising-for-the-Hurt

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