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Thermal Thursdays: What Can Progressive Christians Do Now? [1]

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Date: 2022-11-10

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. Also of course, many non-Christians share these views. This space is to let you know that you have Christian allies.

And now onto our title topic. However it shakes out at this point, clearly both the House and Senate are going to be very close to 50-50. Getting things done will be a challenge. President Biden has always said he can work across the aisle and get bipartisan support. The next 2 years will certainly test that theory!

So should we sit on our hands? I don’t think so! We have two areas in which to fight: Persuading Congress and persuading voters for the next two years. Congresscritters are more likely to listen if you take the time to meet them in person, or otherwise make maximum effort. So if you can, attend town halls. Reach out to media. Post on social media. Write letters. Get vocal and/or encourage others to get vocal. Tell your stories.

We also have leaning-right and nonvoters and independents to sway to our side by the next election! There are some GOP voters who vote GOP because they think it’s the “Christian” thing to do. There is a segment of this group who also may be persuadable. We can show them progressive Christian values on all the important issues. There is more than one way to be a Christian. For those to whom their Christianity is important, this may be a message that reaches them. Those who don’t vote but could, or those who have no allegiance to one party, may be even more persuadable by such messages, such as “love your neighbour.” “help the poor,” or “take care of the planet”. I know it seems like we must have reached everyone by now, but I’m sure we have not.

We have nothing to lose but our time! And whether it’s always effective or not, there is value in the struggle when we “fight the good fight”. From 1 Timothy 6 (bolding mine):

Teach and urge these things. 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and] we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. Fight the Good Fight of Faith 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. 17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

A lot more gentle souls and a lot fewer controversial souls and especially a lot fewer money-craving souls would certainly be welcome! Please feel free to discuss.

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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Community needs list as of 11/9/22:

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/2022/11/10/2135082/-Thermal-Thursdays-What-Can-Progressive-Christians-Do-Now

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