Faith

Is the Tea Party Too Religious?

Eight out of ten Americans who identify with with the tea party are Christians and nearly half (47%) of tea partiers consider themselves part of the Christian conservative movement. The tea party makes up just half of the overall Christian conservative movement, comprising just 11 percent of America’s adult population, according to a new poll released Tuesday by the Public Religion Research Institute.

In addition, 94 percent of Americans who say they support the tea party movement were white men and more than half were 50 or older, according to the survey.

Conservative commenter David Frum claims that the tea party religious divide is growing, quoting Andrew Ian Dodge, state coordinator for Tea Party Patriots in Maine, who calls Delaware Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell a “bandwagon jumper” and lumps conservative television and talk radio host Glenn Beck in with the tea party movement, characterizing that Beck’s “Restoring Honor” rally as “the embodiment of emotion over reason and religious right fanaticism.”Is the Tea Party Too Religious?

But 2008 polling information suggests the tea party is actually quite representative of America’s general religious population, with nearly 80 percent of American adults identifying themselves as Christians.

And while many tea partiers may be religious, how much is the tea party movement — a group that has rallied around the ideas of smaller government, lower taxes, free enterprise and individual freedom — based in religion?

Candidates like Kentucky Senate hopeful Rand Paul who were backed by the Tea Party ran on libertarian values, but the Public Religious Research Institute poll found that a majority of Tea Partiers are not likely to lean libertarian on social issues. Nearly two-thirds of those polled, 63 percent, believed abortion should be illegal in all or most cases, and only 18 percent supported same-sex marriage.

Michael Lindsay, a political sociologist at Rice University in Houston, claims the tea party movement has recently expanded its agenda to address religious concerns, a move Lindsay says may help unify the GOP going into the Nov. 2 midterm elections.  ”The focus of the movement has changed to one that is much more in line with the full spectrum of conservative political issues,” Lindsay told MSNBC.

But out of major tea party contenders, the vast majority have steered clear of religion in their campaigns, with the notable recent exception of Delaware‘s Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell who has had to defend her own beliefs against accusations she’s dabbled in the occult.

The poll also finds that self-identified tea partiers overwhelmingly support former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin who enjoys an 85 percent favorability rating while President Barack Obama faces 75 percent unfavorability among the same group.

In addition, six in ten of the conservative tea partiers report that Fox News is their trusted source for news — a level of support twice as high as the general population.

The tea party has demonstrated that it yields considerable influence when it comes to Republican politics and with the balance of Congress riding on the upcoming midterm election, they are likely to continue enjoying significant influence as 82 percent plan to vote for Republicans in November.

Click here for the full polling report

Comments (373)

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  • JohnnyGalt
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:25pm

    I identify myself with the Tea Party movement and as a conservative, however, my religious preference is Pagan. I wasn’t aware that religious beliefs were mandatory for political groups in America…

    Report Post »  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:33pm

      they aren’t. dive in. where have you been?

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • JohnnyGalt
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:41pm

      Lurking…

      Report Post »  
    • joseph Fawcett
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 1:30am

      They really are not Johnnygalt. It is nice to see so many people with different beliefs want a small Goverment, and more freedom an dmore personal control over that freedom. Thank you for being apart of us I hope you can enjoy us being apart of your cause too!

      Report Post » joseph Fawcett  
    • Ladykiva
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 6:22am

      As far as i know, religion and spirituality are individual choices. If they are the source of one’s ethical and moral values, what matters is how you exhibit those values, not the systme of dogma from which they came. Being a political conservative is not automatically identical with any religion – I would surely prefer an ethical agnostic or a self-reglating atheist to anyone who denies content of character based on which “church” to which one does or does not belong.

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  • BurntHills
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:19pm

    GOD Bless the Tea Party AMERICANS.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:18pm

    Tea Party and it’s affiliates support cutting back the size of government, lowering taxes, reducing illegal immigration, reducing wasteful spending, reducing the national debt and federal budget deficit, and adhering to the United States Constitution. Just happens that having morals is something that religious groups can relate to.

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
  • RobertCA
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:18pm

    I’m proud of The Tea Party People & proud to be a Christian .

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:32pm

      pride, according to the bible, is a “deadly sin”….want to reconsider that post?

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • RobertCA
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:53pm

      Nope , I don’t see it in The New Testament .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:10am

      but wasn‘t the old testament part of your’s gods word too?? or is the new testament just another ipad?

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • joseph Fawcett
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 1:09am

      Butcher, I have to agree with you on this one but for different reasons. You don‘t believe what you just said because you don’t believe the bible. I do, pride is very evil and it has no place in a Christian’s life. If a Christian is proud to be a Christian then they cannot be a true follower of Christ. That is what the bible says and it is true.

      However Butcher you, I have read most of your posts here and you are a very sad person to read. You are a very proud person and those cannot have a real relationship with God and even begin to understand Who God is because of your pride. To know God in reality, true reality, is most humbling and will ever be humbling because we are just a creation by Him and just made in His image. We are no where like Him. Too sad that you have gotten it all wrong so far!

      http://www.josephfawcettart.com (western artist)

      Report Post » joseph Fawcett  
    • unionrockstar
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 3:41pm

      What does too much religion mean? Is that over 100%

      Report Post »  
    • RobertCA
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 3:50pm

      @ Butcher I’m still PROUD of what I am & to what I support , get over it & what you believe in , keep it to yourself nobody cares .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • americanfirst
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 5:01pm

      Mrbutcher – i don’t know exactly why you feel compelled to bash christians on a conservative online forum like the blaze – instead of extending the courtesy that those same christians extend to you and your atheist ideals.
      I am okay with you being an atheist – i would expect you to extend me the same courtesy particularly when i have an opinion that is based on my christian ideals! Since christianity doesn’t corner the market on decency – how ’bout you get on board!

      Report Post »  
  • american1st
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:16pm

    well said caitlynsdad & mrbutcher
    becoming the religious right is a dead end, and many of us who support the tea party are agnostic, libertarian, atheist or one of the many Christan denominations not considered “religious right” if there is such a thing as “to religious” its the kind of actions and speech that make people fear theocracy and worry that their liberty will be traded for somebody else’s religious world view,

    stick with the ideals religion, history and the founders have passed on, and leave the individual religious denominations and over emphasis on Christianity at home

    Report Post » american1st  
  • Providence
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:16pm

    And while many tea partiers may be religious, how much is the tea party movement — a group that has rallied around the ideas of smaller government, lower taxes, free enterprise and individual freedom — based in religion?

    It’s funny………..even Glenn himself says all the time that our RIGHTS come from God. If you don’t actually believe in God, then where do you claim to get your rights from exactly? What is left? I’ll tell you – MAN!!! Where the heck do you think all these “ideas” came from? Laws and societies are based on SOMETHING…………God or Man. Take your pick. What we are witnessing today is the working out of the religion of “humanism”………..man-centered, atheistic worldviews.

    Everybody complains that the left has this moral superiority complex……..if there is no standard (and the left doesn’t claim one), no basis for morality at all, then it‘s each man’s interpretation for himself…….how is ANYONE ever wrong? Everything is moral at that point…..including stealing your money and giving it to others!! So how is what these crazies are doing wrong if there is no God, no basis for what good and evil even is?

    If the tea party (and I am a member myself) can’t articulate the actual BASIS for what they believe, we are doomed.

    Report Post »  
  • aeronut44
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:08pm

    I have all the respect in the world for the Tea Party, but I am not going to make the mistake of being labeled with just one group again like I did with the Rep party. I am a conservative and will vote for the most conservative candidate whether he be Tea Party, Rep, or libertarian.
    Even though I am pretty sure the Tea Party will usually be aligned with what I believe about 90% of the time.

    Report Post » aeronut44  
  • Okpulot Taha
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:07pm

    Barack Obama mistakenly assumed his election was a mandate by Americans to impose socialism upon our nation. This is not working out well.

    I am concerned a sweeping victory for conservatives in November will be mistakenly assumed a mandate to impose a Christian theocracy upon America. This will not work out well.

    Okpulot Taha
    Choctaw Nation

    Report Post »  
    • PatriotBren
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:19pm

      “I am concerned a sweeping victory for conservatives in November will be mistakenly assumed a mandate to impose a Christian theocracy upon America.” – O. Taha

      That’s ridiculous.

      Report Post » PatriotBren  
    • Okpulot Taha
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:27pm

      PATRIOT BREN responds, “That’s ridiculous.”

      A meaningless statement. Expand on your notion. Ask yourself, “Why is that ridiculous?” Then explain to readers so we may understand your thinking.

      Okpulot Taha
      Choctaw Nation

      Report Post »  
    • Texas.7
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:35pm

      Christians believe in free choice, because free choice was important to God. That is why forced conversions never work. We believe in a change in heart when someone is ready to call out to Jesus Christ, once they know their need. While there have been evil men over the church at different times throughout history- and that doesn’t work- our founding fathers understood this thing about free will. They believed that not only should they have the right to worship as they please, but that the government should never ever try to tell them that their view of God is warped- it is their view. For this reason, a predominately Christian population which is self-regulated, would never try to enforce conversion. Heck, we are always suspect that someone is a hypocrite if they try to act too perfect- and we certainly know that we are not. Forced conformity isn’t a part of our faith. True Christian leadership ensures that ALL faiths retain their freedom to worship. Islam is the only faith I can think of which promotes forceful conversion.

      Report Post »  
    • DWinMadison
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:50pm

      Then you know nothing of Christians. Our very legal system was based on Natural Law…our inherent sense of right and wrong. Do you think PEOPLE came up with those ideas or they just “happened?”. The only reason you are free and safe to NOT believe in God is because most of us do. Order in civil society is rooted in God. Otherwise, there are no absolutes and it’s anarchy. I think we’ve seen enough recently of what happens when well-meaning but Godless people run things.

      Report Post » DWinMadison  
    • RichJ
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:53pm

      Okpulot Taha, A theocracy is what you see in Iran, or North Korea. Every aspect of your life is managed by the government.
      Christian government is as described in the Constitution, it has the first amendment which prevents the federal Gov from establishing a religion. It allows you to run you own life as you see fit.
      All societies of the earth are formed from religious teaching and precepts.
      Doesn’t the Choctaw Nation have a theocracy?

      Report Post »  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:59pm

      @Dwinmadison
      Yes — God has inscribed the law on our hearts. That is the reason why even people who deny God have a moral conscience, they just deny its source. The problem is, because they deny its source they therefore don’t know what to do with that moral conscience and it ends up creating a monster rather than a truly just society.

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
    • moriarty70
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:34am

      Well caitlynsdad,

      The way I look at the world is as one human looking at other humans. A simile way to put it is “that would suck if someone did it to me so I won’t do that to them.” I have the same rights as you because we’re both human beings, not because some higher power says so. How could those rights be taken away by the logic I use?

      Report Post » moriarty70  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:41am

      @Moriarty70
      I would say half right. You’re begging the question: What makes human beings so special (as opposed to say, rats)? The religious philosopher answers that question by pointing out that we are made in the image of God. The secular philosopher can only point out that we have bigger brains and the ability to reason and to subdue the rest of the created world. Now, the difference is that that in the religious philosophy we are morally constrained by a law that is anterior to our own existence. In the secular philosophy, we are constrained only by our own will to power.

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
    • Okpulot Taha
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 1:50am

      TEXAS 7 comments, “That is why forced conversions never work.”

      I am not concerned about forced conversions. This is literally impossible. A person’s mind cannot be controlled, not without drugs, brainwashing and intimidation. A religion could force a person to go through the physical motions, utter the right words but religion cannot control a person’s thoughts.

      I am concerned about the far religious right stripping us of our freedoms in the name of God. An outlandish example is Christine O’Donnell writing a bill and lobbying for making masturbation unlawful.

      A realistic example would be the religious right shutting down nude beaches. This would be a stripping of our freedoms which is not a stripping we enjoy.

      Okpulot Taha
      Choctaw Nation

       
    • Okpulot Taha
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 2:09am

      DW IN MADISON pontificates, “The only reason you are free and safe to NOT believe in God is because most of us do.”

      My word, boy, yours is quite the display of self-righteous arrogance. I am surprised you did not demand I genuflect then kiss your ring. I will pass on engaging you in dialog, this would be a righteous waste of time.

      There you are, readers, a person who would impose theocratic tyranny upon our America.

      Okpulot Taha
      Choctaw Nation

      Report Post »  
    • moriarty70
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 8:20am

      @caitlynsdad
      I never said we were special compared to other creatures. Ants are a prime example of that. They opperate on rules that are best for the colony as a whole since it improves their chances for survival, just as we opperate in a way that we percieve as best for the whole as it improves our individual chance for survival. These are all driven by very basic rules that result in complex behaviour emerging from it.

      As for those that don’t act in the best interests (I‘m talking along the lines of murders not politicians we don’t agree with), they become the result of the complexity of the human body, such as a denser, not larger, brain. The more cells present, the more the chance of mutation. Also, people sometimes learn the wrong thing that results in a screwed up psyche.

      Personally, I’d rather understand why something is/why people do what they do in terms of this world instead of chalk it up to a divine being since the rules of what they control and don’t seem pretty arbitrary to me.

      Report Post » moriarty70  
    • Texas.7
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 9:33am

      Okpulot Taha writes “I am concerned about the far religious right stripping us of our freedoms in the name of God. An outlandish example is Christine O’Donnell writing a bill and lobbying for making masturbation unlawful.”

      Nobody would agree with her- that is the beauty of a republic. Honestly though, she wouldn’t agree with that either. Christians and other Tea Party members all agree on one thing- we want government to stay out of our lives. We want less government. It is the left who want’s a nanny state. Through intimidation, falsification of scientific evidence and “white guilt” (as was termed how a black man who doesn’t represent the people in his ideology was elected president)- we are being forced to face lifestyle changes forced upon us by the left. There is not a prejudiced bone in my body, yet we can all feel the racial tensions growing under Obama. He has not been a soothing and unifying force as promised. He is divisive and believes the worst of all who disagree with him. They turn everything into a race issues. They call disagree’ers “haters”. Pro-lifers are now the selfish ones??? All we want is freedom for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We want our faith, and we want government to have a very limited role in our lives- which does mean that they don’t kill people any more to begin with.

      Report Post »  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 11:18am

      @Moriarty70
      I know you weren’t making the comparative argument about human worth versus insect worth; I’m the one who brought that up merely to illustrate my own larger point about human beings made in the image of God. You’re making the argument for human uniqueness on a biological, rather than a theological, basis–which is fine to an extent, since your presuppositions are different than mine; and unless we make a further philosophical step backwards, we’d have to accept the different presuppositions. I‘d only point out that your presuppositions make it difficult for you to account for the existence a definite moral law in contrast to a will to power that’s quasi-Darwinian.

      You might want to read at least the first couple of chapters of C.S. Lewis’s _Mere Christianity_ where he discusses the origins of the moral law in a lot more depth (obviously) than it’s possible for me to do here.

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
    • Okpulot Taha
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 1:14pm

      TEXAS 7 adds interest, “Christians and other Tea Party members all agree on one thing- we want government to stay out of our lives. We want less government.”

      Yes, this is a notion reasonable people find agreeable. Reality is our governments from municipal to state to federal must be downsized dramatically or America will become direly bankrupt. This would be a dangerous threat to our national security, possible a fatal threat.

      We must deal with reality. Poverty is on the rise, families are homeless, our children are going hungry, illegal aliens and foreign nations are draining away our resources. America is collapsing and our enemies know this. America is collapsing under the weight of our massive governments.

      Those are conditions which foster and feed an extreme swing to the far religious right. This would prove the final nail in our national coffin. Going religious will not solve a single problem rather will cause problems which will make for the final touches to our America’s destruction.

      TEXAS 7 closes, “…we can all feel the racial tensions growing under Obama.”

      This is more than racial tensions, this is growing racism nurtured by Obama and Holder, both of whom are hardcore black racists, as are their respective administrations. Obama and left liberals are an example of an extreme swing to the far socialist left.

      Our American political pendulum is cocked and ready for an extreme swing back to the far religious right which sincerely concerns me.

      Both socialist tyranny and theocratic tyranny are fatal to our American way of life.

      Okpulot Taha
      Choctaw Nation

      Report Post »  
    • moriarty70
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 2:37pm

      @caitlynsdad

      I’ll definatley have to snag a copy of that. Looks like the other side is covered under a new book called “The Moral Landscape”.

      And as I said before, my real goal is to look to the most consistent and likely answer. That’s why my paths lead me towards the source being a version of “protect the self by protecting the group”. And that tends to lead to an imperfect system instead of God gave it to us but some ignore it.

      Report Post » moriarty70  
    • Texas.7
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 2:45pm

      Okpulot Taha, Christians don’t want a theocracy. You should fear the growing muslim influence in our nation. Did you see the other thread about them wanting Shariah in the UK? What would a theocracy even look like if Christians were to instill it? We don’t even believe that the Kindgom of Heaven is of this world. So, if we are simply pilgrims passing through, who are supposed to “give unto Caesar”- how would we put a theocracy together? I can’t even picture what that would look like. If I believed that we were to build and Earthly Kingdom of God, I think the first challenge would be to make the lions stop eating the lambs… Watch out for Islam, which commands the spread of Islamic law under government.

      Report Post »  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 4:45pm

      @Moriarty
      _The Moral Landscape_ by Sam Harris … I’ll have to get a copy of that too; hadn’t heard of it, or the author, although I just took a quick look at his bio on Wikipedia. Interesting in that I rarely see science posited as a source for moral values, although it’s not a new argument. Just looked at the NYT review of it, and it refers to Stephen Jay Gould’s notion of a “nonoverlapping magisteria” between science and religion. (Interesting phrasing, since at least in Christianity only Catholics use the term “magisterium,” in referring to the teaching authority of the Church.) Hope that Harris won‘t exactly be a rehash of arguments I’ve heard before but will provide something new to ponder.

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
  • DWinMadison
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:05pm

    The post on The Blaze of the evil woman in Britain talking about putting a pillow over her baby’s face is a good example of what happens when we remove God from the public discourse. We humans don’t have a particularly good track record even WITH God. It’s even worse without Him. Proverbs 14:12 says “There is a way that seems right unto a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

    Report Post » DWinMadison  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:47pm

      have you read the damn bible? it condones as much killing as socialism and islam!! GET IT THROUGH YOUR HEAD—religion is just as dumb as government.

      MrButcher  
    • TehFreedomist
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 11:36am

      @MRBUTCHER – if u are these things (atheist, conservative et al) you’ve repeatedly beaten over the heads of every commenter on this page you have effectively alienated yourself from politically like-minded people because your atheism causes you to desire disproving God instead of agreeing with conservative ideology. No believer is going to come around to your ideas on religion any more than you are going to come around to theirs. You’re just making an ass out of yourself and being generally divisive about religion. I think you’re just a hater and are trolling this thread because it has everything to do with Christianity and nothing to do with politics. If it is to be accepted that your atheism is a legit system of beliefs than all the Christians and otherwise here are entitled to be who and what they want to be without need for your ridicule of them or “God” as your beliefs are no more legit than theirs. Just agree to disagree and get over it and your incessant, egotistical need to be more right/better/smarter/enlightened than the others.

      Report Post » TehFreedomist  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 10:20pm

      @The Freedomist
      You’re getting at a point I forgot to mention in my own posts here, which is one I often come back to. I think it was in _The Brothers Karamazov_ (been a while since I’ve read it) that Dostoevsky pointed out something along the lines of, if there is no God then everything is permissible. If there is no God, we don’t really have a basis for saying that anything the progressive tries to do is wrong. God alone is the source of the moral law–I’ve been pointing that out, but overlooked the quotation from Dostoevsky. Now I’ve talked myself into rereading Brothers K.

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
  • PatriotBren
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:05pm

    Andrew Ian Dodge doesn’t seem to get it. This Tea Party Movement isn’t his to define, and he can’t hold back attacking an element within this movement – namely: Christians and other religious folks. This has been his way from the very beginning. No tolerence from him for fellow patriots who happen to be faithful to God and the Constitution. With friends like Andrew, who needs enemies? I think the Tea Party Movement is doing just fine. What are you really afraid of Andrew?

    Report Post » PatriotBren  
  • Pelosis_Nemesis
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:03pm

    too Religious??

    So am I also too American? too Patriotic? too Faithful to my wife? too Loving to my kids? too Dedicated to my profession? too Literate? ……………………..

    who the hell do these people think they are ??

    Report Post » Pelosis_Nemesis  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:40pm

      well, hate to venture a guess, but if you‘re trying to say you are by what you spoke of in the questioning tense then i’d have doubts….you are you. only YOU know what that is. not a god not a government. know it while you have it…

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • Pelosis_Nemesis
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:47pm

      my point is how can you be too much of any of the things I listed.

      Report Post » Pelosis_Nemesis  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:13am

      opps. you got me.

      we crossed steams/

      Report Post » MrButcher  
  • MrButcher
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 10:58pm

    THANK YOU MEREDITH FOR MAKING THIS POINT!!—-look, many is the time i’ve said this to other tea party folks: i love small government, no taxes, personal responsibility etc…but i am an utter atheist….and they HATE ME for it. i feel sorry for them. the tea party is seriously running the risk of becoming the new incarnation of the “christian right” of 15 years ago. bad move. dead end. religion and politics do not belong together or vise versa.—-now, i know times are different, but common sence remains the same.—i dont think anyone really has the answers to this conundrum but i would advise my religious friends in the tea party to not base ANYTHING they say on their metaphysical/religious beliefs. i do not say that to discourage their beliefs, i am trying to protect the flank.—–if jesus is more important than jefferson then this country will become socialist.

    Report Post » MrButcher  
    • Okpulot Taha
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:11pm

      MR BUTCHER shares, “if jesus is more important than jefferson then this country will become socialist.”

      More precise, America will be ruled by theocratic tyranny as are Islamic nations.

      Okpulot Taha
      Choctaw Nation

      Report Post »  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:31pm

      MRBUTCHER responds to OKPULOT TAHA:

      yes. very true.

      i thank you and your people for the corn and the land.
      in return
      my people give you firewater, obama and the tea party

      so is life

      cheers

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:38pm

      Sorry, Mr. Butcher, but I’m going to have to respectfully disagree with you here. It’s interesting that you would mention Jefferson, since he posited the existence of rights because they came from God–and that is in contrast to them coming from the state. The state can’t grant them, or take them away, because they are ours by virtue of the Creator’s existence. It is this idea that guards against socialism; it doesn’t ensure it. I would hope you are not confusing the Christ of the Bible with the Christ of Marxist theory. They are not the same. I know Jefferson was a Deist, not a Christian, so I understand the distinction there–but the question (politically speaking) is not Christianity specifically by theism more generally speaking.

      I have never been able to understand how you can reason your way, secularly, to moral law (without which you can have no just society) unless you accept that morality is given to us by the Creator and it is not ours to choose. No civilization that has ever tried to do this has survived, and many have tried. Every society that has tried to replace God-given morality with a secular moral code has ended up like Nazi Germany. This is why I think conservatives are misguided to idolize Ayn Rand too heavily; I marvel greatly at how someone who was an eyewitness to the Russian revolution couldn’t appreciate that Communism needed to eliminate God in order to gain political control. She was a great writer, of that there is no question; and she was right to defend Capitalism, but wrong in how she went about it. She attempted to defend Capitalism through the secular morality of Objectivist philosophy, and ultimately she ended up creating a monstrous vision rather than a moral one.

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:57pm

      “nature’s god“ and ”nature’s law” are not referencences to jesus or metaphysical thought. they are deistic philosophic ideas.—–goddam why dont you get it. what jefferson was saying was (in my words) “by simple the fact of your being, this is what you must demand to make yourself be free…”

      jefferson hated the religious.
      so did the founding fathers.

      to say otherwise is a lie.

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • George Washington
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:29am

      MRBUTCHER, I respect your right to believe what you choose to believe and disbelieve what you choose to disbelieve. My question to you is this. If GOD does not exist or never existed, Where did our Universe and everything within it come from? Every subatomic particle in existance had to have an origin. What was that origin? Anyone else have any ideas? I am interested in learning about all of the possibilities.

      Report Post »  
    • DWinMadison
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:32am

      From George Washington’s farewell address: ““Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens.”. And I could give you 100 more. Dear Lord, I promise to stop feeding the troll. Amen.

      Report Post » DWinMadison  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:34am

      I have seen Mr. Butcher’s posts on some of the other stories, and I have agreed with a lot of what he’s said there. I’m sorry to find out religion is such an emotional subject for him that he needs to resort to using profanities against those who (presumably) share the same political goals. I, at least, have been attempting to engage the subject intellectually, in terms of natural law rooted in Christian teaching as it dates back at least to Thomas Aquinas.

      In terms of our founding fathers, John Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.“ George Washington said that ”the fear of the Lord is the beginning of sound public policy.” These kinds of statements are so numerous and can be found by anyone who gives even a cursory look into the matter. The notion that the founding fathers hated religion is simply too ridiculous to merit any other reply.

      I hope Mr. Butcher really is a conservative, as he claims, and not a poorly-disguised troll; or, as Rush Limbaugh might put it, a “seminar poster.” Either way, I shall pray for him.

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 1:00am

      conserevitve and UTTER atheist, here folks—i love alot of the ideas swirling around amongst so many nowadays. there is so much potential. i just want to share what i think. sorry if i am abrasive to your feelings and beliefs. like i said, i respect them. but i do not share them. i find religion to be silly and as much a lie as democratic-socialism. we are at the cross-roads of reason and bullshyt. in so many ways. lets stick to reason….

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 1:02am

      P.S., Mr. Butcher: I admitted that Jefferson was a Deist. Read what I wrote another time.

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
    • EAGLEMOM
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 1:05am

      Mr. Meat Grinder……God, Duty, Honor, Country. That in mind, the TEA party is about anti-big government and anti-high taxes. It is a big tent as the poll shows and all are welcomed. I have never witnessed a Christian show hate toward an athiest. It would not be Christian like.

      Report Post »  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 1:12am

      I’m not opposed to reason, what I am opposed to is attemping to reason apart from God.

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
    • Hong Kong Phooey
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 5:36am

      Hmmm. Jefferson both believed on God AND a government that was not theocratic. How’d that happen?

      This, our nation, was founded on a great many principles. Judeo-Christianity was only one, though it encompasses the others.

      Report Post » Hong Kong Phooey  
    • Hong Kong Phooey
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 5:58am

      Oh, and two more things. I‘ve read some of Jefferson’s own writings. He was no Deist. I’m also quite familiar with the teachings of Jesus. He was no socialist. Centralized government and government redistribution of wealth was never spoken of nor described by him (or anyone else in the Bible, for that matter).

      And, the whole “nature‘s law and nature’s God” thing, among others, were employed for the purpose of setting the groundwork for true religious freedom in this country – not a manifestation of a Deistic system of beliefs. They were all quite familiar with England (of course). The crown dictated to the people what denomination would be allowed, to the exclusion of all others. Hence, Jefferson’s ardent promotion of “separation of church and state.”

      It‘s also worth noting that he didn’t write, “separation of RELIGION and state.” His work in the Virginia legislature will testify to the implications of that.

      You need to bone up a little more directly on your history, my friend. I am. Quit taking the left’s word of it.

      Oh, and what makes you think we hate you. I don‘t even have ’contempt’ for you. That would be arrogant.

      Report Post » Hong Kong Phooey  
    • Hong Kong Phooey
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 5:59am

      …IN God…

      Sorry, typo.

      Report Post » Hong Kong Phooey  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 11:09am

      @Hong Kong
      My understanding has always been–and I think it’s commonly accepted among historians–that Jefferson was a Deist–if you understand Deism the way I do, which is an attempt to reason the existence of God from natural law and the natural world, but you don’t specifically accept Christianity or the divinity of Christ. Deism was extraordinarily popular during the Enlightenment–for the founders it found some of its philosophical roots in John Locke–and not merely Jefferson, but John Adams and Thomas Paine, were Deist to one extent or another.

      Where do you find that I argued in favor of a theocracy? I was making an argument about moral law, not any particular form of political government.

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
    • Spero
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 4:34pm

      @MRBUTCHER – If you find religion as silly as you say you do, why give it any mind? You have spent (I don’t know how many) hours of your life responding and arguing with people in this thread over a concept that you find infantile and arguing over the belief in a God you don’t think exists. Why not lead by example and treat it as caviler as you are telling everyone else?

      Report Post » Spero  
    • Hong Kong Phooey
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 4:46pm

      Caitlynsdad, I was actually responding to MrButcher. It was my fault for not naming him in my reply. I apologize.

      Deism tends to propose the notion of a Creator and Ruler of the Universe that in no way meddles, interferes, or participates in the affairs of His creation. An example would be building and starting a car engine, then walking away from it.

      Report Post » Hong Kong Phooey  
    • Hong Kong Phooey
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 4:52pm

      Caitlynsdad

      As for the historians you mention, they tend to be leftists. Not all, mind you, but most. There’s been an ongoing effort to manufacture a justification for the removal of God from our history and our culture.

      Jefferson may not have been a “Christian,” per se, but he wasn’t a deist, either.

      Report Post » Hong Kong Phooey  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 10:13pm

      @Hong Kong
      My apologies for misreading who you were responding to. You may be right about the liberal historians, as well. I know that Jefferson denied the divinity of Christ and in his own copy of the Bible removed the passages that included miracles, so by that measure I wouldn’t consider him a Christian. In terms of your definition of Deism, though–which is essentially deus otiosus–it would seem to fit Jefferson, unless you wanted to argue that endowing humanity with inalienable rights constitutes interfering in human affairs. I suppose you could say that God endows humanity with inalienable rights, then turns his back in order to delegate the protection of them to the social compact, which would be a way to reconcile deus otiosus with the Declaration. My reading of Jefferson has been primarily focused on his poilitical philosophy rather than philosophy of religion, so I’d have to go back and reread him in that context to investigate the question further.

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
  • americansfightingforcommonsense
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 10:55pm

    Thank God for the Tea Party!!!!! Without it the progressives would still be pulling the wool over our eyes.

    Report Post » americansfightingforcommonsense  
  • TruthTalker
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 10:52pm

    Hmm so these tea party folks have a belief system that guides their judgement. Erm, the word is “Principled”. Try is some time libs.

    Report Post »  
  • caitlynsdad
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 10:49pm

    This is more evidence of the LSM’s hopelessly confused state of mind about religion. They seem to be lumping any religious sentiment at all into the “religious right,” which completely misses some very crucial distinctions. Sure, most tea party patriots are religious, but we’re not all “religious right.“ When I think of the ”religious right,” I think of fundamentalists, Southern Baptists–that particular brand of Christianity. And certainly there are those among us, but Glenn Beck is a Mormon–not exactly what I would think of as the “religious right.” I happen to be Catholic–not “religious right” either, at least not in terms of how that label is normatively used, and I know of a great deal of Catholics in my area’s tea party and 9/12 group. Last I checked, there are *enormous* differences between Catholics and Protestant fundamentalists, even though many of us are of a like mind politically. So this is not an attempt to describe the diversity of our religious views honestly, but rather an attempt to marginalize the tea party as “those fundamentalist crazies” or “those Left Behinders.”

    Report Post » caitlynsdad  
  • familyofsix
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 10:49pm

    Too religious? There’s no such thing. In fact, the lack of faith in God (whoever yours might be), is exactly the thing that will morally bankrupt the nation and cause her downfall. Heaven only knows the amount of evil that exists in this world in diverse places, in the hearts of conspiring men/women who want to destroy this blessed nation. We’re a nation who does so much for the good of mankind at home and around the world. It’s not hard to have faith, just look around at all the good people out there, and you can see that being more religious is precisely the message that we should be promoting. May God bless America!

    Report Post »  
    • Okpulot Taha
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:01pm

      FAMILY OF SIX informs us, “Too religious? There’s no such thing. In fact, the lack of faith in God…is exactly the thing that will morally bankrupt the nation and cause her downfall.”

      All in our family are pagan American Indians. Why do you think my family to be evil?

      Are you too religious?

      Okpulot Taha
      Choctaw Nation

      Report Post »  
    • familyofsix
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 1:22am

      Okpulot Taha,

      Did I say your family is evil? No, you inferred that all by yourself. But your stream of retorts on this topic suggest you’re hypersensitive about your paganism. Look, if you don’t believe the founders of this nation were guided by God, and that this country thrives when American‘s adhere to God’s teachings (how about we call it the golden rule), then we’re simply going to disagree, because many do believe in God and his Son Jesus Christ and their role in shaping this nation. Further, part of our understanding is that there are real forces of evil on the earth, and many who follow that force want to tear down the country and are motivated by the source of that evil, who is Satan. Again, that‘s part of my Christian belief and I don’t apologize for those teachings. And I certainly don’t lump you into any evil group so relax; you’re free to follow the dictates of your own conscience. Again, may God bless America!

      Report Post »  
    • Okpulot Taha
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 2:01am

      FAMILY OF SIX asks, “Did I say your family is evil?”

      Yes, as a matter of documented fact, you did. You write those of us who do not believe in your Christian god “will morally bankrupt the nation and cause her downfall.” This is evil and you do immediately follow this statement with our word “evil”.

      I will ask again and I expect a truthful response as God commands you to give, “Why do you think my family to be evil?”

      Does not this annoy you when logic and reason supersedes God’s word?

      Okpulot Taha
      Choctaw Nation

      Report Post »  
    • familyofsix
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 3:06am

      Okpulot Taha, in all honestly, the only thing that’s annoying me at this point is your dogma on the issue. Answer me this, why do you believe so strongly that “God commands me to give a truthful response”, if you don’t actually believe in Him. Are you speaking for Him now vicariously?

      But I’ll humor you anyway with a quick response, and let’s play it straight here. I believe there’s no middle ground in life, either you‘re on the Lord’s side, or you’re not; either you’re helping His work (like being faithful to God and grateful for his hand in helping the founders), or you’re hindering His work. Is hindering His work evil? Yes, it definitely is. Find a Bible and see Joshua 24:15 (choose you this day whom ye will serve…). There’s truth in those words. Why not pick a side Okpulot Taha, and show a little faith in God? It certainly can’t hurt you, and it definitely isn’t evil. Lighten up and have a nice day.

      Report Post »  
    • Okpulot Taha
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 4:46am

      FAMILY OF SIX asks for it, “in all honestly, the only thing that’s annoying me at this point is your dogma on the issue.”

      Oh gosh, you are simply begging me to intellectually come down on you so hard you will have to unzip your pants to see where you are going.

      Hello! Christianity is dogma! Religion is the very definition of dogma. Dang, boy, how naive are you to set yourself up for such an easy smacking around?

      FAMILY OF SIX gives himself a second black eye, “Answer me this, why do you believe so strongly that ‘God commands me to give a truthful response’, if you don’t actually believe in Him.”

      Uh… hmm… maybe if I wheel in a chalkboard and draw pictures for you this will help you understand you subscribe to the word of God and He commands you to be truthful. Get it? Your boss has a rule, “Always be truthful or I will set thy pants on fire.”

      FAMILY OF SIX cops Christian arrogance, “But I’ll humor you anyway”

      How might white Christian of you! Such a benevolent and gracious master you are to treat this slovenly serf with such kindness.

      FAMILY OF SIX again personally insults my family, “either you‘re on the Lord’s side, or you’re not; either you’re helping His work…or you’re hindering His work. Is hindering His work evil? Yes….”

      There you go again calling my family evil!

      * spins her head around thirteen times, speaks in tongues then pukes *

      What in Heaven’s name leads you to think we are evil?

      Dang, the boy made this way too easy for me to kick his butt clean over the moon. You folks keep an eye out for him, when he comes back down he will bounce for a month of Sundays if you don’t lasso him.

      Okpulot Taha
      Choctaw Nation

      Report Post »  
    • Hong Kong Phooey
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 5:24am

      Actually, Okpulot, you may wish to consult your dictionary. Never mind, I’ll do it for you. As definition No. 1 does not directly relate to spiritual matters, we’ll refer to No. 2.

      Merriam-Webster

      Dogma ~ a doctrine or body of doctrines concerning faith or morals formally stated and authoritatively proclaimed by a church

      “…BY A CHURCH”

      Christianity is not a “church”, nor is it an “organized religion.” Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Russian Orthodox, Sunni, Shiite, etc. THESE are churches and are examples of organized religion. Looking for “dogma?” Consult THEM.

      Christianity is not dogmatic. Churches, however, tend to be.

      Oh, and please, if you’re going to try to wax intellectual and throw your hemispheres around, prepare better, so that you are a little more up to the task.

      ‘Nuff said.

      Report Post » Hong Kong Phooey  
    • Okpulot Taha
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:34pm

      HONG KONG PHOOEY, our resident English professor, consults his lexicon, “Merriam-Webster”

      Hey! Dictionary Dick has joined the The Blaze! We illiterates are saved. Let us dogmatically pray toothy Thesaurus.rex does not come around to eat our words.

      Heh… heh… a karma ran over your dogma, Phooey. Wait, I‘m a poet and I didn’t know it!

      Ah dung phooey, this English professor is way too sexy for her Funk and Wagnalls.

      You betcha!

      Okpulot Taha
      Choctaw Nation

      Report Post »  
    • Hong Kong Phooey
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 4:36pm

      I must admit that I rather expected your response to be at least somewhat intelligent and less abrasive. It’s a fault. I generally give folks the benefit of the doubt when it comes to being couth.

      And, I forget who made the observation earlier, but you are most definitely hypersensitive. Perhaps you have a maturity issue or two. Are you sure this is the right forum for you? There have got to be plenty of teen blogs out there you could partake in. You may find that atmosphere more agreeable. They generally think they know everything, that they’re geniuses and wonderful, not to mention, witty – all while engaging in intimate discussions of the apparel choices of Justin Beiber.

      I say, have at it!

      Report Post » Hong Kong Phooey  
    • Hong Kong Phooey
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 4:39pm

      In case their is any doubt, the previous reply was directed to Okpulot, not FamilyOfSix.

      Report Post » Hong Kong Phooey  
  • His4ever
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 10:45pm

    The idea of degrees of religion sounds strange to me. Either you have a religion or you don’t. I guess the amount of commitment to a religion may be measured. What would that mean, though?

    Report Post »  
    • Hong Kong Phooey
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 5:08am

      True. Either you believe in something or you don’t. The “don’t” category encompasses a lot, though: deniers, skeptics, doubters, those who are simply ‘not sure’, etc.

      What one DOES or DOESN’T do as a result of their faith, is a separate issue entirely.

      Although, atheism is a leap of faith, too, really. Man-made Global Warming, the Theory of Evolution, etc. also require a leap of faith, as they are without proof. And look at the ZEAL with which they express and defend THEIR faith. Many even wish to imprison or execute ‘non-believers.’

      Report Post » Hong Kong Phooey  
  • underdawg
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 10:44pm

    Does anyone ask if Islamic terrorist are too religious?

    Report Post » underdawg  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:23pm

      i do. they are. we need to discredit and insult islam too. religion is a lie.

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • baldwin4freedom
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:57am

      You want to know something MR BUTCHER? Everyone must believe in something. What that something is IS IRRELEVANT to YOU, as long as what they believe in does not directly affect you. So, stop you BS.

      Report Post »  
    • Hong Kong Phooey
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 4:56am

      “If it neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg…” ~ Thomas Jefferson, defender of nature and nature’s God, author – Declaration of Indep.

      Report Post » Hong Kong Phooey  
    • Hong Kong Phooey
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 4:59am

      “If it neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg…” – Thomas Jefferson

      Report Post » Hong Kong Phooey  
    • Hong Kong Phooey
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 4:59am

      oops, sorry for the repeat

      Report Post » Hong Kong Phooey  
  • cubanbob
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 10:42pm

    I agree with the Tea Party for the most part but I am not religious, my wife also agrees with the Tea Party even though she is atheist, I accept that our country was founded with christian ideals but that is not why we support this movement. i have always been republican but not part of the religious right, not my cup of tea but i respect them.

    Report Post » cubanbob  
    • DWinMadison
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:01pm

      Rob, I am a CONSERVATIVE Christian, but I respect YOUR right not to believe. In fact I would fight and die for it. Thank you for respecting those of us who do place our faith in things unseen. I pray that one day you will come to know Jesus as Savior, not just because of the hope of eternal life, but because my relationship with Him as made my life on earth immeasurably better than I deserve. But each of us must walk his own path. See you at the polls!

      Report Post » DWinMadison  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:22pm

      shut up, dwinmadison!…you are illustrating the problem. there is no god! period. only ideas.

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • Texas.7
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:27pm

      DWinMadison, AMEN!

      Report Post »  
    • DWinMadison
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:39pm

      Yea Butcher. I’m the problem.

      Report Post » DWinMadison  
    • cubanbob
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:48pm

      @DWinMadison I never said that I don’t believe in a creator/God, I’m not religious because I hate organized religion, my wife is the atheist, I consider myself spiritual.

      Report Post » cubanbob  
    • DWinMadison
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:03am

      Rob, Sorry I misread.

      Report Post » DWinMadison  
    • Mithra
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:27am

      DWINMADISON, I see that you really believe that you feel you can pray for others to see yor light, but perhaps they are content the way they are. Can you accept their choice?

      Report Post »  
    • DWinMadison
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:40am

      Mithra, Absolutely. I can pray for you…doesn’t hurt you one bit. You can believe differently than me or not at all, and we can still be friends. I have lots of non-Chrisrian friends.

      Report Post » DWinMadison  
    • Hong Kong Phooey
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 4:53am

      Mr Butcher, I have a couple of questions for you.

      If there is no God (only ideas), is not anything permissible? Upon what do you found you morals (if any) or values (if any)? The mere whimsy of your imagination? Someone else’s imagination?

      I’m not trying to convert anyone here. I’m inviting you into the foray of reason and logic… if you dare.

      Report Post » Hong Kong Phooey  
  • Okpulot Taha
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 10:42pm

    J AND D JOHNSON asks, “You can be too Religious?”

    Are the Islamic too religious?

    Okpulot Taha
    Choctaw Nation

    Report Post »  
    • janddjohnson
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 10:55pm

      I do not look at Islam as a religion. So no is the answer. They are insane and filled with hate.

      Report Post » Deanna in Missouri  
    • Okpulot Taha
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:03pm

      J AND D JOHNSON replies, “I do not look at Islam as a religion…They are insane and filled with hate.”

      All Muslims are insane and filled with hate? Are you too religious?

      Okpulot Taha
      Choctaw Nation

      Report Post »  
    • Mithra
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:21am

      People following Islam believe that there was a further revelation by god following the prophets in the old testament and Jesus. The Mormons believe in the prophesy espoused by Joseph Smith. You may say that Christ is the true messiah, but there are significant numbers believing other stories. Each believes their truth is correct. Which is true? Probably none of the above. Can we learn valuable lessons from each? I hope so.

      Report Post »  
    • Contrarianthinker
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 3:45pm

      Mirtha, being a convert Mormon allow me to correct you. Joseph Smith is the first and founding prophet of the LDS Church. Jesus is the cornerstone and our 12 apostles the foundation. In our faith, God and Jesus Christ actually visited JS in 1820 and called JS to restore the purity of the Gospel given by Jesus by changed by man in many ways. Since the murder of JS, we have had prophets to replace him in a line of succession, the present Prophet is Thomas S. Munson.

      Islam does claim Muhammed as a PROPHET and the LAST PROPHET. All written after him are simply the thoughts/interpretations of man. Mormons believe in LIVING PROPHETS. The earth will NEVER again be without a Prophet who has direct communicfations with Jesus and God. Once Jesus returns, the need for Prophets ends.

      I hope that clears it up.

      Report Post »  
  • staythecourse
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 10:41pm

    And the point is????

    Report Post »  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:18pm

      freedom. not religion.—thats the point.

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • captainbill66
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 7:10am

      I think butcher is right. I‘m glad I’m not Religious. It was the Religious people who crucified my Lord.
      But thank God I am a born again Christian. Being Religious and having a personal relationship with the Son of the living God are different as day and night. And once one has a personal experience with Jesus…there is no denying Him.
      But the fool has said in his heart…there is no God.
      God said, anyone who will seek me will find me but so many don’t bother to even seek and then claim there is no God.
      Man says….God, prove yourself and then I will believe. But God said, believe first and then I will prove Myself. Foolish people. Anyone, and I mean anyone who truly seeks Him will find Him.
      So don’t be deceived. If one hasn‘t found God then one hasn’t truly searched. He’s not hiding.

      Report Post »  
    • covenant
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 7:15am

      The Founders laid the foundation for our freedom on the Natural Law that comes from God. Jefferson and the other founders were ecumenical in the application of this law. Was it Christian? Was it Religious? Was it Deist? The foundation of the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God have provided a base for a number of religion to flourish. We have freedom now because we have a constitutional government based on God’s law, not man’s. Man’s law leads to total tyranny — reject God’s law and that is what you will have left. Butcher’s “freedom” is that which leads to tyranny.

      Report Post »  
  • Loki
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 10:35pm

    Being too christian will be the downfall of the tea party..
    Those of other faiths are conservative as well, and pushing us away will only assure the nonchristian pagans to not vote, giving the progressives the win.

    Report Post » Loki  
    • Marylou7
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:05pm

      The question was “Is the Tea Party Too Religious?” not is the Tea Party Too Christian. Are you saying that other faiths are not religious, then what’s the point?

      Report Post » Marylou7  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:14pm

      marylou, the teaparty is TOO METAPHYSICAL.

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • R_U_4_Real
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 8:57pm

      I was at the 8-28 Rally. There were many people of different faiths and beliefs at the Rally; I would say many were also Tea Party members. I am a Reagan conservative. Ronald Reagan was not afraid of the word God in any public forum.

      If someone does not believe in God, but is for saving the country from the path it is taking, then I am all for it. I was raised as a Catholic, but consider myself a Christian with no particular religion. I try and follow the teachings of Jesus. To each his own. I am not here to save anyone; let Jesus do that.

      Can someone be too Religious?……………. Who is anyone to judge?

      Report Post » R_U_4_Real  
  • janddjohnson
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 10:32pm

    You can be too Religious? Wow. Makes it sound like its a bad thing. I think it is what keeps us sane, gives us hope and know that in the end we will prevail.

    Report Post » Deanna in Missouri  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:13pm

      if religion keeps you sane, you are not.

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • Mithra
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:09am

      Religion can be a delusion which provides an answer for things we hope for such as immortality.

      Report Post »  
    • DWinMadison
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:22am

      Mithra, If there turns out to be no God, I have lost nothing. If there Is a God, you’ve lost everything. We call that a “sucker bet.” You are free not to believe, but it seems YOU are the one attempting to force your non-beliefs on US. Did someone say ACLU?

      Report Post » DWinMadison  
    • Mithra
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:33am

      DWINMADISON, kudos Pascal would be proud. You have the right to believe what you want. I just stated my thoughts. No need to invoke the ALCU yet! Shalom.

      Report Post »  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:34am

      @Dwinmadison
      Love your reference to Pascal’s wager.

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
    • joseph Fawcett
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:46am

      Butcher,
      The bible is the handbook from the Creator, yours and mine. If you don’t want to read it and use it then you will lose it for sure. People like you I really pity because you just don’t get the truth and it is so sad to see. I am not responsible for your salvation, no one else is responsible for your salvation. that is totally between God and you. However, if you keep your eyes closed and put your hands over your ears as to not hear the testimony of those of us who actually know the Creator by name. Then who is the insane one? I know without a doubt who God is and His Name. I know His written word is 100% true and depend upon it everyday to teach me and instruct me in who Our God is and who I am in Him and as His Creation. It is so sad that you just don’t get it, and that your hard heart will more than likely will never soften to recieve the true joy that is our to be had because we humbled ourselves before Our Creator and accepted His free gift of Salvation.

      http://www.josephfawcett.com (western artist)

      Report Post » joseph Fawcett  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:56am

      @Fawcett
      Exactly–and the real gist of what I’ve been getting at in my postings here is not the question of political goals (which I presume we all share) but the larger question of where do our rights come from and how does one ensure a just society. It’s too simple to say, “Well, I have a right to my own religious beliefs.” In one sense, of course, that’s true; the state can not impose a particular religion on anyone. But religion is more than a matter of private belief, it’s a matter of truth; and one does not have the right to his own truth. And unless we can agree on a definite set of moral principles, and agree on their source, then in the long run we can have neither a just nor a lasting society, only the will to power. And we know where that leads.

      This has been too fun; I really need to quit for tonight and check in again tomorrow. God bless everybody.

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 5:49am

      Yes, if you who think that the whole Bible came straight from the mouth God and should be the book of rules for all people everywhere forever, despite all the evidence that a lot of it came from imperfect humans and was meant for the people of the time and place it was written (things like failing to condemn slavery as immoral, or saying gay men should be killed, while remaining unaware of the existence of lesbians), you are too religious. If you try to interfere with the teaching of science because you think that Noah’s Ark is a literally true story, you are too religious. If you think that people who go to church and value the teachings of Jesus without believing all that hooey aren’t religious enough, then you are too religious.

      Report Post »  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 6:54am

      DwinMadison,
      That’s an old formula, and it’s fine if you want to give yourself some insurance for the afterlife, but you don’t lose “nothing” if there turns out not to be a God. For one, the religious right in this country insists on limiting the civil rights of so many of their fellow citizens. To do so to make you feel better about dying is shameful and frankly, unamerican.

      Report Post »  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 11:01am

      @Chet
      You are guilty of the straw man argument–setting up positions that I never argued in the first place, and then attempting to ridicule them. Where do you find that I denied that the Bible was written by human beings? (Where, in fact, do you find that I mentioned the Bible at all?) Where do you find that I believe that the story of Noah and the flood was meant to be taken literally? I’m making a broader argument about religion (and theism) in general, not Christianity or the Bible in particular. You’re making the common mistake (which I attempted to point out in one of my other posts here) of hearing any argument in favor of religion, and automatically leaping to a ridicule of fundamentalism. I’m not a fundamentalist. It‘s very difficult to a critique a position that you don’t really understand. It’s even more difficult to critique a position when you choose to critique another position that I never argued in the first place.

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 3:02pm

      @caitlynsdad
      I wasn’t talking to you. I was answering the initial question – can you be too religious? You sound like a reasonable person. Some of the people with whom you are making common cause are not.

      Report Post »  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 4:33pm

      @Chet
      Sorry for thinking you were responding to me, I just assumed so because your comment came right after mine.

      I don’t think the real question is “too” religious, though. Whatever religion one happens to be, I would hope it’s because he believes that it is true. And I don’t really understand the concept of moderately believing in the truth. You either believe the truth absolutely or not at all.

      However, if because of your religion you’re going out and murdering an abortion doctor (as some Christians have) or flying a plane into a building (as some Muslims have), then you might make an argument for extremism–but in this case it‘s not the religious beliefs that are extreme so much as the actions you’re willing to take on their behalf. 2+2=4, and I believe that absolutely–which does not make me a mathematical extremist. But if I go out and kill a bunch of people who deny that 2+2=4, then I’m taking things too far.

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 7:35pm

      I guess I think that all fundamentalist are too religious, whether they are imminently dangerous or not. I think it is rational to accept the truth of the answers that religion can give us to questions that can’t be answered through reason alone, such as the existence of God, and his purpose in creating us, but irrational to reject the truth of the answers to questions that can be solved by reason, like the facts of history and science. If there is a God, I cannot believe that he gave us the capacity for logical thought in order for us to not use it.

      Report Post »  
  • FreedomOfSpeech
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 10:24pm

    America is a Christian nation. Period. The Tea Party represents the demographics of most of the country, while the two-party system is more representative of East/West Coast demographics.

    I’ll bet you thought only the Nazis burned books. Guess again. The Obama administration is burning books now too. Unbelievable but true.
    Video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT0qgjxJyRA

    Report Post » FreedomOfSpeech  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:12pm

      america is a nation with christians in it. PERIOD.—freedom is more important than jesus.

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • Joseph_Plumb_Martin
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:50pm

      America is a christian country? Weird that we have freedom of religion

      I am for freedom of religion, and against all maneuvers to bring about a legal ascendency of one sect over another.
      – Thomas Jefferson, to Elbridge Gerry, 1799

      Report Post » Joseph_Plumb_Martin  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:59pm

      not a good quote to use, slick.

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • Mithra
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:07am

      Books were also destroyed by Christians at the library in Alexandria. Your point?

      Report Post »  
    • LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:16am

      Progs think that if they deny a Christian majority enough times people will believe it. Just like they deny a conservative majority. After all, nobody wants to be on the losing team. I think it‘s funny when you catch one being shocked that someone doesn’t agree with their liberalism. It shows just how sheltered these “worldly” and “cultured” elitists are. Negative, unhappy, hopeless, close minded hypocrites. I‘m glad I have a bible to ’cling’ to! lol

      Report Post » LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA  
    • LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:34am

      Wasn’t the library at Alexandria destroyed by pagans? Sorry, I actually meant to tell you, it was destroyed by pagans. Romans were pagans and besides the library burned in 46 BC. In case you don’t know what BC means it stands for BEFORE CHRIST. THERE WERE NO CHRISTIANS YET!

      Report Post » LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:51am

      please, folks, see the forest for the trees. think of the future. it is all that matters.

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • Post-Progressive American
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 3:58am

      Since our country, our Constitution and our laws are based on Judeo-Christian values, it would follow that a group like the Tea Party, which is trying to realign our Government with the founding principles, would be religious.

      The bigger picture is that it is not about religion – it is about values and principles. As long as we focus on our common goal of restoring America, redirecting our country back onto the path or original intent, we will be a force with to be reckoned with.

      However, if we allow ourselves to be distracted by our differences, to be divided on specific social issues, we will fail. All of the issues need to be discussed, open and honestly, but after our country has its head removed from the socialistic chopping block.

      Stay focused, stay wary…stay the course.

      Report Post » Post-Progressive American  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 4:34am

      Oh FREEDOMOFSPEECH – you are spreading that rumor again – the Defense Department bought the entire first printing of that book, so they own the books and they can destroy them. And you can get your copy at Amazon.com. That video is just another conspiracy theory.

      Now – back to the Christian thing – hellllooo – I am a proud liberal but I am also a Christian. Do you really believe that the left has no Christians? Boy, you people on this website love to make sweeping generalizations about everything.

      And we are not a Christian country – we are a country build on Christian principles – big difference. You are trying so hard to make the country a theocracy but it is not going to happen. We have too many other religions in our country now – the Christian religion will in another 2 decades are so, be a minority just as whites will be a minority. The Muslim religion is the largest religion in the world and soon will be that way in the US.

      I know that all of you believe every word that Glenn says but hey…he is really trying to convert all of you to the Mormon church – and sell his books and videos. He is an entertainer and he is laughing at all of you all the way to the bank. You have to stop looking up to him. Do some research on the books he reads and who the writers are. He is also trying to rewrite American history.

      Sorry – I just can’t help myself because I feel so sorry for all of you when you find the truth about him. I promise – I will pray for all of you!

      http://wp.me/pYLB7-aZ

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 6:49am

      Of course the United States is a Christian nation. That’s why the framers wrote in the Bill of Rights “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,” to remind us what they really meant was that Christianity is the established religion. Give me a break.

      I’m really tired of all this vague “Judeo-Christian values” nonsense. It‘s just another way people have of implying that those who are not Jewish or Christian don’t belong in this country (and Jews only somewhat, since this is a Christian nation). It’s pointless, and does no one any good.

      Report Post »  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 6:57am

      By the way, not for nothing but when this country was founded you could also own a black guy and not pay him for his labor. How does that fit with your Judeo-Christian values?

      Report Post »  
    • benditlikebeck
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 11:14am

      If this is a Christian nation then why the 1st amendment that gives us freedom of religion? Why have we only made laws for 3 of the commandments: killing, stealing and lying (only under oath)? What about the Treaty of Tripoli that states, “the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.”? Why didn’t the Constitution just outright say we are a Christian nation?!

      Report Post » benditlikebeck  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 3:06pm

      I belong to the oldest contineous religion on American soil. We are a democraticly run church body, the members litterally run the church.
      I truely hope that the tea party is more religeous than others. God goes with the “man” throughout “mans” day, when man serves a GOD or a god.. Those who serve the progressive agenda serve Lucifer, who says “he” is a god. Therefor the far left serves Satan. All actions upon this good earth are a form of service, all service a form of worship, and all worship goes either to God through the grace of Jesus Christ or to Lucifer by any other means. It is cut and dried, and coming soon to a planet quite near to everyone is the “event” that shall clearly show this truth of which I speak. For every knee shall bow and every tongue confess “Christ Jesus is LORD.”.
      The progressives (regressives really) have attempteed to do the impossiable throughout their political agenda. That is to stack the deck in favor of their “god” by implimenting laws ment to hinder our service to GOD, but it’s like trying to regulate the wind and this November is the Effect to their cause.

      Report Post »  
    • Robert W
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 6:50pm

      publiuspencilman, I see that they let you have computers in the asylum…thats nice

      Report Post »  
    • JehovahJireh1
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:13pm

      Here is a prayer by David against our enemies in Pslams 28:1-9. We need to join in unsion and pray this prayer daily and God will hear our prayers and save us from the evil that is set up in Washington,DC. verse 4 “Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavors; give them after the work of their hands; render them their desert. 5: Because they regard not the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up. 6: Blessed be the LORD, because hath heard the voice of my supplication.” Another prayer I do daily is Numbers 10:35 ” Rise up LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered: and let them that hate thee flee before thee.” Always ask in the name of Jesus. GOD ALMIGHTY wants his true children to put their trust in him and call on him for his help, he can’t respond unless we unify and be one voice calling out to him. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING FOR GOD TO BE ABLE TO HELP US!!!!! Thanks be to God for those brave enough to stand up! Remember GOD made us stewards of this earth ( not enviromental idiots). We have been silent too long and that is why we are in the trouble we are in. American christian’s values need to be restored and not pushed aside for an evil demonic society. Praise GOD!!

      Report Post »  
  • Robert W
    Posted on October 5, 2010 at 10:24pm

    The tea party is more religious than other groups….sounds good to me! God bless the tea party.

    Report Post »  
    • PeachyinGA
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:08pm

      Yep! I see this as a positive! Wonder when they are going to do a study to see how many atheists/agnostics comprise the democrat party.

      Report Post » PeachyinGA  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:10pm

      …but there is no god to bless anything…..just the one so many make up.—this is a bad sign. FREEDOM

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • shotgun
      Posted on October 5, 2010 at 11:50pm

      Jesus loves you.

      Report Post » shotgun  
    • LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:00am

      Could it be because the tea parties believe in the founding principles of this country and Christianity played a huge role in defining those principles? I guess they’re just trying to find another way to make the tea partiers into any kind of wacko you can think of. ‘Cause, you know people who believe in God are stupid and crazy. Oh, yeah, I forgot dangerous too. I wondered too, did they ONLY survey men? How on Earth did they come up with 94% being white men?? And half of them over 50? I am neither a white man OR over 50. I am, however, an UNAPOLOGETIC TEA PARTY ‘SYMPATHYZER’! lol To this “study” I say PUH–LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZZ!

      Report Post » LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:00am

      shotgun, jesus was a socialist. jesus was also a fraud.

      down with socialism down with frauds.

      MrButcher  
    • Mithra
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:05am

      Beck/Jesus 2012! N’uff sad.

      Report Post »  
    • DWinMadison
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:14am

      Butcher, or should I say “troll”. I’d be interested to see how you defend your Jesus-as-socialist theory. I’ve studied the Bible for years, and I don’t ever recall Him saying “turn your money over to the government , so they can pick winners and losers in society.” Be honest. Are you mentally challenged or just deceptive?

      Report Post » DWinMadison  
    • Marc Jacobs
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:21am

      Lots of religious Christians in the Tea Party Movement? Terrific, I love people who get their values from the Bible (and not from their Union Leaders!) I am Jewish, consider myself a conservative, tea party type, attended Glenn Beck’s Restoring Honor Rally – and never did I feel like I belonged to a group more than that day. That feeling was truly life-changing. Oh boy am I looking forward to this election…… how successful we will be in rolling back some of these America-killing policies – I don’t know…. but at least we will stop the onslaught of new bad ideas.

      Report Post » Marc Jacobs  
    • joseph Fawcett
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:31am

      Amen!!

      Report Post » joseph Fawcett  
    • angelcat
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 12:34am

      there is no such thing as “too religious” unless those who are religious believe in killing people who don’t adhere to their religion. As long as those who are religious continue to welcome and accept those who aren’t but believe in all the other tenets of the Tea Party without mocking those who ARE religious, it is not a problem.

      Report Post »  
    • Robert W
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 1:04am

      Mr Butcher, Your an angry little man who rambles bitterly against the very God who created you. I feel sorry for you….but there is hope, and its not obama its Jesus your God. All knees will bend before the Lord….including yours.

      Report Post »  
    • TruthLover
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 1:04am

      Good grief. This article, this subject – it only serves to divide us. If we don’t remain focused on what unites us, we will fail. SHUT UP about the things that divide. I believe, you believe, he doesn’t – WHO CARES? THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE!

      *SlapSlap* Stay with us here people. Time is running short!

      Note to Meredith – “Divide and conquer” is a tactic best used by the opposition. Can The Blaze please remain on “our side?” *facepalm*

      Report Post » TruthLover  
    • Robert W
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 1:15am

      “The house is on fire” for the very reason of this country moving away from God. Every day 4,000 babies are slaughtered in their mothers womb. I wonder how God feels about that. Until we stop carrying out genocide this country is done. Period, end of story.

      Report Post »  
    • norway1516
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 1:16am

      @Marc Jacobs
      Amen man I felt the same thing at the rally. I‘m a mixed guy so I don’t identify as hispanic or caucasian so I just look at myself as an American with strong christian values but support any other religion that accepts my views. Tea party members are just Americans tired of government intrusion when will liberals get it?? Leave us the hell alone we want to live our lives and take care of our families and get down to business, we left slimy politics to you because we don’t care but you awakened the sleeping giant and now you will have to see what comes of it.

      Report Post » norway1516  
    • TruthLover
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 1:26am

      Exactly, Robert W. So – in what way does it behoove us (meaning TEA party folks) to allow ourselves to become embroiled in an internal debate about religion and it’s role in shaping our conservative ideals? Will that discussion result in more conservatives (meaning “folks who are generally pro-life and pro-family”) being elected, or will it serve to fracture this yet itself fetal movement and render us impotent in November and certainly beyond?

      I say, focus on the goal. The goal is getting rid of dirty politicians and restoring honor in Washington, right? It doesn’t matter if forum members agree with you and I about God. It matters that they agree with us about conservative values and repairing the progressive devastation that is upon us.

      Pray for all who are blinded, that they will see. Pray in private. But realize that arguing never changed anyone’s mind. Furthermore, name calling and finger pointing certainly only serve to cement anti-religious sentiments. If you are a Christian, we will know you by your love. By your temperance. By your wisdom. By your grace.

      Report Post » TruthLover  
    • Robert W
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 1:37am

      Well said truthlover. May I add that while we must unite against the culture if death that has infested the democratic party, our goal of ‘draining the swamp” should be in line with promoting a culture of life. Get everyone you know to vote in november. Voting pro-life is voting for the renewal of america. God bless

      Report Post »  
    • wciappetta
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 6:14am

      Mr.butcher we are praying you are given those precious eyes to see the living God Jesus Christ

      Report Post »  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 8:16am

      Yes, the movement is too religious. At 8/28 i had people touching me asking to pray with them, others intruding asking us if they could talk to us about jesus christ. i believe in god, but do not need you preaching to me. most are not born again evangilists, keep it to yourself . can you imagine if muslims acted like that( excuse me brother, can i talk to you about muhammid)

       
    • RichardSaunders
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 8:37am

      Is it possible to be “Too Religious”? Is there a problem with the christian “principles”? Are the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States “Too Religious”. I agree with you Robert … recognizing our Judeo-Christian roots does NOT make someone “too religious” … rather I submit makes us more responsible to our history and basic precepts. A Republic needs a “moral” population in order to be successful as a form of government …

      Report Post » RichardSaunders  
    • faktchekr
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 8:40am

      oh and enviro wackos and darwinists AREN’T religious? They just pray to the earth god….

      Report Post » faktchekr  
    • George Washington
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 8:43am

      MRBUTCHER. Can you prove that Jesus was a fraud, as you stated earlier? I don’t think so.

      Report Post »  
    • RichardSaunders
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 8:51am

      “To those who believe, no explanation is necessary. To those who do not believe, no explanation is possible.”

      Report Post » RichardSaunders  
    • lwoot
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 9:24am

      This type of debate always goes in the direction that politics pushes it. Would I as a Christian love to see others come to know Jesus as their savior? Of course I would. No true christian would advocate legislating it because you can’t force someone into salvation according to Gods word. This constant accusation that Christians would is the real problem. I keep seeing the quote ““If it neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg…” – Thomas Jefferson. I couldn‘t agree more and Christians aren’t picking my pocket THE GOVERNMENT IS!!! All the survey tells me is that most people whether Tea Party or not believe we are a Christian Nation. What I think about that is good. Because as a nation I believe it means we are grounded on sound values and principles not a religion.

      Report Post » lwoot  
    • lwoot
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 9:33am

      I would like to clarify my last sentence. I should have said not religion alone. The idea of individual salvation is the bedrock of individual liberty. Regardless of origin it is sound thinking.

      Report Post » lwoot  
    • Vegas511
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 11:47am

      I think we have to draw a distinction between religious and spiritual. That being said, the Tea Party shouldn‘t be wearing its spirituality on it’s sleeve. Live by the principles and moral standards but leave the nomanclature in the b.g.

      Report Post »  
    • wifezilla
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 11:59am

      I consider myself to be a tea party member and I am an atheist. The only problem I have with religious types is when they forget about that pesky “free will” thing. If you truly believe in individual freedom, your religion, or complete lack thereof, is just an interesting detail about you.

      Report Post » wifezilla  
    • Malachai
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 3:40pm

      @faktchekr : Thanks for underlining your ignorance. Calling those who accept Evolution “believers” as if it’s a religion is amusing and painfully ignorant. Sorry, but accepting facts that are backed by years and years of hard evidence and testing isn’t the same as buying something as fact without question (read, religion.)

      But yes, please keep getting your morals from a God who is a-ok with slavery and stoning people to death for minor crimes.

      *cue Old Testament apologists…. NOW!*

      Report Post » Malachai  
    • RCScrolls
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 4:27pm

      If WE THE PEOPLE had moral non degenerate people working for us in the white house
      as a nation we would be alot better off. When you take self regulation away people become more and
      more corrupted. When people take account in their leaders moral responsibility, Sexuall morality
      and pshycological wellness, including the inner moral charactor of a person and expect it for their leaders as being an accountable fortitute, our nation would not get off track to begin with, we really seen a differance with this moral and immorality when Clinton redefined the word ( is ) at His impeachment hearing, for this reason and this reason alone we are doomed today.

      If my people that are called by my name and humble themselves, and repent of their sin, I will hear their voice from the heavens and heal their land. This scripture is very true in Isaiah n Duet. If we would just realize that this is most important then we would boundfully recover. Please listen to GODS VOice and expect moral fortitude, sexual morality, and charactor soundness with all our Polititians we will overcome this after all who else will bring freedom and liberty to everyone else in the world AGAIN

      Report Post » RCScrolls  
    • Robert W
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 4:54pm

      I suspect mr. butcher is 19, has pimples,a green day tshirt on and will catch hell when his mom finds out he was on her laptop again.

      Report Post »  
    • American_Woman
      Posted on October 6, 2010 at 7:35pm

      Dear God, please open the eyes of the blind so they might see, and then get the dumb safely out of our way so we can save our blessed country. Amen.

      Report Post » American_Woman  
    • russmack
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:00pm

      JESUS was no socialist! he preached individual salvation and charity nor would he be tollerent of the immoral society we live in today!

      Report Post » russmack  
    • NotWaiting4Godot
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:13pm

      Is the Contra-Tea Party movement too secular?

      Report Post » NotWaiting4Godot  
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