SJ Longthorne

American Christians are taught conservatism as part of their dogma (I grew up evangelical in Florida.) Definitely taught self hatred, fear of sexuality, but also mistrust of “government” as an entity that would inevitably oppress Christian beliefs. Had to unlearn a lot.

That's so interesting. I've always felt that socialism and Christianity went hand in hand because of how Jesus approached giving, but then I suppose many view conservatism as giving independently and not trusting a government to do it for you.

Definitely true for me! Don't wanna get Too Personal up in the twitter feed but this exact dichotomy is something I think about a LOT.

I see the problems (for what concern myself, having grown in Italy) more with catholicism than with christianity in general. But yes, resonates.

I just don't get how anyone could read the new testament and think anything other than "Well, time to give to the poor and be kind to and accepting of others".

I've long asserted that part of the reason American Evangelical Christianity is so ugly and virulent is that it's the mutant product of trying to contort a socialist, communal message to fit into a capitalist, individualist society without friction, and it can't be done.