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DrBenway
14th April 2003, 12:58 AM
I just read this article in Harper's:
http://www.harpers.org/online/jesus_plus_nothing/jesus_plus_nothing.php3

Ivanwald, which sits at the end of Twenty-fourth Street North in Arlington, Virginia, is known only to its residents and to the members and friends of the organization that sponsors it, a group of believers who refer to themselves as "the Family." The Family is, in its own words, an "invisible" association, though its membership has always consisted mostly of public men. Senators Don Nickles (R., Okla.), Charles Grassley (R., Iowa), Pete Domenici (R., N.Mex.), John Ensign (R., Nev.), James Inhofe (R., Okla.), Bill Nelson (D., Fla.), and Conrad Burns (R., Mont.) are referred to as "members," as are Representatives Jim DeMint (R., S.C.), Frank Wolf (R., Va.), Joseph Pitts (R., Pa.), Zach Wamp (R., Tenn.), and Bart Stupak (D., Mich.). Regular prayer groups have met in the Pentagon and at the Department of Defense, and the Family has traditionally fostered strong ties with businessmen in the oil and aerospace industries. The Family maintains a closely guarded database of its associates, but it issues no cards, collects no official dues. Members are asked not to speak about the group or its activities.

corplinx
14th April 2003, 01:02 AM
What's the creepy part? Am I the only faithless person who doesn't see theocratic conspiracies everywhere?

DrBenway
14th April 2003, 01:30 AM
Originally posted by corplinx
What's the creepy part? Am I the only faithless person who doesn't see theocratic conspiracies everywhere?
I know the article is 11 pages long. But it's an interesting read.

For me, the creepy part is the mixing of fantasy and politics, the notion of an invisible friend named Jesus who is choosing a few special people to rule the world in his name.

The fact that a number of public figures are involved with "the family" just makes the whole thing really weird.

I'm not particularly afraid of these people. I'm embarassed for them.

Dancing David
14th April 2003, 10:18 AM
Originally posted by DrBenway

For me, the creepy part is the mixing of fantasy and politics...

Gee and I thought that politics and fantasy were always mixed up, modern politics is assuming the role of religion in our modern world.

I agree wholeheartedly, it is considered a given that you must belong to a church to run for office. And always disturbing to hear about meglomania.
Peace
dancing David

DrBenway
14th April 2003, 10:47 AM
"The Family" seems like the Protestant's version of Opus Dei. Chief Justice Scalia and Clarence Thomas are reported to be members of Opus Dei.

The religionists seem to have the edge in selling their message. Religious groups have hugs, love, intimacy, pretend play fun, and all sorts of warm fuzzy experiences.

What do the atheists offer? Bunch of argumentative wankers who want to challenge your every thought.

I think it's time we secular humanists invent some sort of feel-good, cult-like phenomenon to associate with our favorite memes. We need to invent our own imaginary friend to love each and every one of us unconditionally.

Think of the interest value: a congregation which openly admits it has invented a God to represent human aspirations and ideals, and which gathers to worship this made-up God, for the emotional gratification and entertainment value of the experience.

Frank Newgent
14th April 2003, 05:19 PM
"...absent the teachings of Jesus there was no reason for the strong not to enslave the weak."

Thanks for the link Doctor. And a subscription to Harper´s makes a great gift.


Your prayer (http://www.cs.uni.edu/~wallingf/personal/bokonon.html) has been answered.