Deconstructing a construction

When asked which side needs to change, the conservatives or the liberals, confronted with the idea that Christians haven't changed in 2000 years, here was my response:

Do the Christians still torture and execute Jews, Gays, Muslims, and Protestants?

(well, we've solved 50% of the problem)

The Christians still attack foreign lands?

(yup)

The Christians still conduct Holy Wars against each other, burning churches and razing cities?

(I think most of these have been stemmed)

Yup, you're right, Christians are constructive.

In addition to these classic examples, currently we have religious leaders saying they'll murder gays just for giving them "a look" then lie to God about it (Jimmy Swaggart). Leaders who lead their flock to exclude people who don't believe in what they do (Kerry and abortion). Leaders who lead their flock to hurt people who don't believe in what they do (abortion bombings, groups of which have included pastors). Leaders who brainwash people and use manipulation tactics to get them to conform to what they believe (as opposed to the Glitterati informing people of what they believe and exposing them to it) (see Hell House). Leaders who praise the torture and beating of other people, solely for their sexuality (Rev. Fred Phelps). I could go on...

I have no problem with Christianity itself. I have a problem with the Cult (or Church, if you will) of Christianity. The total and utter control of beliefs to be exclusive of anybody who doesn't conform. The belief that gays or any other moral or belief system are second hand citizens (now slightly more inclusive with Jews!).

I understand the appeal of church. I understand the need to belong, the need to find answers to questions unknown. The need to believe. BUT, the church leaders are using their clout not for good, but for exclusion and/or conformity.>

The left's psychotics (who are psychotic...see Monster, a horribly sympathetic portrait of a killer) are to be shunned as well. But, they don't have nearly the committed following that the church does. With the glitterati, people don't necessarily believe the politics covertly dished out at the cineplex, in magazines, on television. They also aren't told they won't be allowed to watch programs or read magazines if they don't believe (see Communion counter-part).

In academia, things are a bit different, but the culture wars which happen in universities (see UofM, subdivision of Haight-Ashbury) prove that the students are not all listening nor believing. When the pro-Palestines clash against the pro-Israels, it is a beautiful clash. When the pro-Affirmative Actioners fight the anti-race-based-Affirmative Actioners, it is beautiful (I still love the White scholarship).

Both sides have their head deep in their ass, but the religious right has a much more solid grip on its followers.