"I Blame Them"; They Are Choosing Trump!

[@patsyshafchuk5368]

I know a woman whose father was poor. He abused all his children (not sexually). She was terrified of him, and her wounds never healed. She talked about so-called conservative economics one day. Her meanings "I suffered and I made it and so can everyone else," etc. I just looked at her and asked, "What is wrong with trying to build a world in which people don't have to suffer like you did?" She had nothing to say after that. She went silent. But one question can't really change a person.

[@KhoaLe-jm4sv]

People can only change when they themselves want to.

[@nikiab4319]

@@patsyshafchuk5368 but you did plant the seed of that way of thinking. She gets to look at it in a different light now. Hopefully she sits with your question and can ponder a new route to help lead someone out of that pessimistic attitude.

[@libbycollins9349]

“Come, let us reason together, says the Lord.” I think God gave us a brain to use it.

[@davidgray1515]

and some exercise their free will and not their brain.

[@libbycollins9349]

@@davidgray1515 That’s such a waste, isn’t it?

[@brentmiller3951]

Your god also says buy your slaves from the heathen around you and you can pass them on to your children because they are your money.what about that

[@lemmyhead8578]

Then, I read the book and quickly determined that the fictional character "God" used absolutely no reasoning at any point during the story.

[@RJ420NL]

I agree with you up to a point. Any police officer will tell you ignorance of the law is no excuse. Also, soldiers are not excused for following an illegal order. We are all personally responsible for our choices. Regardless of the reasons why, MAGAt cultists are responsible for their words and actions.

[@leanidis300]

Amen, my issue steers away from Trump , more to those spineless sheep who follow and support him. Thank you for explaining these type of people who for whatever reason , blindly follow an obvious con man?!

[@KatMo7121]

There are precedents you can examine by searching "Cults in America"

[@cherylmiller8353]

I just ask that we not call them sheep. Psalm 23 - the Lord is my Shepherd - which equates HIS followers to sheep. They are the goats that will be separated. When they call us Sheep, I take it as a compliment because I KNOW my shepherd, I know his Voice and I follow ONLY him - not just anyone.

[@leanidis300]

@@cherylmiller8353 Psalm 23 is one of my favorite Psalms and I respectfully would never equate a true follower of Christ to a Trumpster, unless your one of these so called Christian Nationalists who believe he is as he likes to call himself the chosen one...

[@gordonmills2748]

Reminds me of something that happened a year after my father passed away. My aunt called my mom on the anniversary and said "well, it's been a year" and went on and on talking about my dad and how she was feeling. After they hung up, my mom told me it was all she could to do to not reply to that above line and say "and next year it will be two, and the year after that it'll be three! How long are you going to be doing this?" Even though they were very close, my mom and my aunt approached the situation in completely different ways. My mom still misses him over 35 years later, but she doesn't focus on his death. She remembers his life.

[@donaldwert7137]

The fear of and opposition to critical thinking and the teaching of same tells me that the people promoting that fear and opposition are afraid of anyone examining their own teachings closely enough to see the cracks. The only way they can keep people in line is if those never question and, indeed, fear questioning because they might go to hell for it. That kind of thing qualifies as abuse, in my book, and shows a lack of faith on the part of the people promoting that fear and opposition. It emphasizes obedience over actual faith.

[@yurei8]

I'm a senior. I see critical thinking to be lacking, in many people who post on the internet.

[@margueritepeaden3445]

My sister and I were raised in the same household by the same parents with the same rules and love. My dad used to say when we talked about our lives it was as if we were from totally different families. He could not understand how we were so different and viewed things so differently. But there are other influences that people don’t think about. A granny who is more devoted to one child, different friends, the personality of the child from birth, so many things that happen that most people don’t even think about or see that may traumatize a child. When a person says I had the same situation and I turned out fine, it may be there but force the grace of God go I. Two nephews raised in the same household with two parents constantly fighting and separating and getting back together over and over. One turned to drugs to numb his pain. The other became a perfectionist that was stressed to the point of making himself physically sick. People pop out of the womb different and therefore handle things differently.

[@dianebannister4591]

Also did you ever hear about The Psychology of Birth Order? There are books on that. Children in a family may be treated differently depending on their birth order. For instance, they have greater expectations of the first child, like maybe perfection when nobody can be perfect. Also they may be stricter with the first child. And their first child is their "Test Child" since they are new at parenting. Children's personalities often evolve according to not only their own personality, but by their Birth Order and how they were treated in the family. I was the first child of 4. And I can say that I was treated the worst, unfortunately. And my siblings didn't have to go through what I had to go through. Things were easier for them.

[@BramptonAnglican]

Love this message Rev Ed thank you. 🙏🏿

[@drusillawinters212]

I am grateful for my childhood pastor. He encouraged questioning.

[@gnommg]

@@drusillawinters212 there is an old book called "the courage to doubt." My dad often spoke of it and the title has been burned into my brain and kind of became one of the foundations of my faith.

[@gula9993]

One day I asked my sociology professor if it was possible for an entire community not to have achieved adult cognition and without hesitation he affirmed this was not a suspicion but a fact.

[@revedtrevors4961]

scary right?

[@nicolevance8705]

My only question is.. Did you go to at least 3 different communities and see/talk/explore different opinions and facts? Or did you just take 1 man's opinion? Did you look at those 3 different communities the mayor/ Governing body? How many schools/churches/employment?

[@revedtrevors4961]

@@nicolevance8705 pretty sure they were just sharing a question they asked their sociology professor. Their comment was not presented as a researched study.

[@terryhenderson424]

Many different communities have Facebook groups. Other communities have many Facebook groups which demonstrate the Sociology 101 definitions of in-goroups, out-groups, ideal norms, functional norms, and oh so much more. I'm sure a psychology thesis paper or two could be written after examining some of the community Facebook groups too. The school of informal, common sense education could answer some of these questions as well. They are the place you can use grade school play yard dynamics while using adult words.

[@dianebannister4591]

Gula, my psychology teacher in college explained to me personally that people in groups can maintain a "Collective Consciousness." In various groups, cultures, countries etc. the people all think alike. I absolutely have seen that for myself in adult life. And it's often not a positive thing. That can happen in families too.

[@gnommg]

That's why these guys fight public schools and underfund education. The federal government has to enforce teaching critical thinking skills to everyone, even the homeschooled.

[@DaveGIS123]

I once attended a school board meeting where an "educator" made a presentation about changing the curriculum. His idea was that schools should stop teaching anything beyond basic reading and arithmetic. His reason? He said in the future, those are all the skills kids would need in the workforce --- enough reading to follow simple written instructions, and enough arithmentic to count change. The presenter was sponsored by a right-wing think tank and financed by a billionaire who wanted to produce a generation of compliant workers. They had no intention of "educating" students. They just wanted to make human drones.

[@maryshank7825]

​@DaveGIS123 that's what public schools were created for

[@LovingLife-52]

@@maryshank7825Are you serious?

[@beverlyplonski-mcgavock3512]

I homeschooled my child. Along with the basics we focused hard on critical thinking, logical fallacies, rhetorical tricks, and dirty debate techniques. He's 20yo now, and the conversation continues. We all need to keep those skills sharp.

[@gnommg]

@@beverlyplonski-mcgavock3512 my point is not to forbid homeschooling although I believe it carries a high risk for indoctrination and social isolation. Therefore it needs to be heavily regulated which again drains ressources which are needed to equip schools.

[@tammytate579]

' ... the greatest is love.' Love is ALWAYS the correct action.

[@markrenfrow9873]

Hey Rev. Ed. Another message of love and inclusion, I thank you for it.

[@yeahyeaheddie]

When there is no critical thinking there is an lack of discernment.

[@veronicaharwick9013]

Whistleblower, Frank Schaeffer, who was part of the earliest foundations of Project 2025, has a YT video which everyone who enjoys their freedoms needs to watch. The video is called "Duty to Warn: May I Tell You What Project 2025 Really Is?" This video is chilling to say the least. 😔 Also, a man named Leonard Leo is central to the implementation of Project 2025.

[@valeriebreathet741]

You might want to check out Russell Voughn! He was secretly caught on video tape, bragging about how there’s a part two of Project 2025 and Trump’s participation with it!

[@ad-dx9gi]

Amen great Discussion and reason ,, First off walking in someones shoes everyone goes through things differently..we need Humility.. God bless 🕊️

[@Bob20011492]

Each person on this earth is unique. Each person's life is uniquely individual. Even if we share huge parts of our lives with the lives of others, our own path is unique. Billions of people on this earth each live individual lives, which resemble many others but are not identical. The best we can do for those around us is to care for them as we care for ourselves. Learning HOW to care for ourselves is the first step to doing that larger part. Thank you, sir, for your message(s). We're the richer for these words.

[@carlanorris226]

In my youth, I was a Southern Baptist who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology and far from undermining my faith, my studies *enriched* it. I was in awe, marveling that *God created all of this.* In my opinion, Christians underestimate God when they shun science. *Science is NEVER going to truly "explain away" God. That simply cannot be accomplished.*

[@trudytalks7696]

I also find the awesomeness of God in science. I look at something so tiny like one hydrogen and then the bond of two hydrogen to one oxygen. Consider each of us, all living things and the vast oceans and how much energy is needed just to hold all the water together and how much energy it would take to split every water molecule apart. It's really, really cool. God is good.

[@gmansard641]

I teach a college class on the history of science, and I have noted that for every question science answers, it raises several new ones yet to be addressed.

[@sertandoom4693]

Knowing that Science is the study of the natural world, one would think that scientists as a group understand more about God's creation than many of his followers who seem to believe that only faith knows (faith isn't about knowing but believing).

[@brokendad2222]

Even when I was young I could not understand how the Christian community was upset with science. To me every discovery showed that the power and majesty of the Lord was even greater than we knew. I pray for more understanding in Christianity, Father Michael brought me into the fold years ago and one thing he told me has always resonated, and that was that about half of the ministers did NOT teach the word of the Lord.

[@beverlyplonski-mcgavock3512]

As a Catholic, we see no animosity between science and religion. Science explains HOW the world works, religion explains WHY it's here at all.

[@davidfleming7887]

I have taken the word blame out of my vocabulary. There is understanding why if possible and there are consequences to actions. It’s beyond my pay grade to judge other’s souls. I’m called to be responsible to constantly do my best, learn from my mistakes, accept the consequences good or bad. All the time trusting in God’s love for all of us in our true home.

[@lindajallen3805]

And they call us sheep.😿🙏🕊️💝🌈

[@trudytalks7696]

I am a sheep, part of the flock Jesus tasked Peter to look after. The Lord is my shepherd. I won't let someone else show up in a wool sweater and try to convince me to go to wolf school.

[@dolliscrawford280]

Thank you once again for your inspiring perspective. When Trump ran the first time I watched my dad get sucked in. I felt bad for him because he was the one to think critically and he was surrounded with Sinclair and Faux news outlets so he didn't have a chance. I sat down with him and explained what I knew and how he was being manipulated. I think I got him thinking but will never know if I changed his mind because he passed away soon after. I don't hate the cult followers but I am still frustrated. I also know that I have sinned in other things and have fallen short of the glory of God. I still hate Trump and his enablers and struggle to pray for their benefit but never their wishes fulfilled.

[@michaellane5381]

Their benefit is to see their wishes left unfulfilled, they think they want it but just like a monkeys paw it is their own hell they are creating.

[@rodneymills5581]

Boo,Hoo you’re the “One’s Indoctrinated “ judgement starts at at the “Pulpit “

[@toonlyrics]

Hate is a form of respect Trump has never earned. As an individual, he is pitiful, as a demagogue, he is destructive.

[@RoyADane]

To quote a Broadway musical ( South Pacific ): "You've got to be carefully taught. Before you are six or seven or eight."

[@PeaceProfit]

The road creates the path, while the traveler creates the journey... Pro💜Love 👣🕊👽

[@kellyharper367]

Words I will place in my heart! Thank you!

[@PeaceProfit]

💜🥰💜

[@Davis-q1s]

Remember to watch the 2024 Democratic National Convention on Monday!

[@margaretjones7954]

Oh trust me. I will definitely watch all the false promises of the communist party

[@kevinwaggy2656]

Why can't the media step up and ask a very simple question, what are you Donald and the billionaire class willing to give up to better the lives of others?

[@MrLoveandKindness]

I hope you all see a beautiful flower today🌻🌷💐🤗

[@dawnreaume2837]

Thank you, Rev.!🦋

[@ScottJohnson-tk7ql]

Good morning, gentlefolk. I can't wait to watch, Istruggle with less than charitable feelings, and thoughts, too.

[@RogerTheDog-qo8tf]

I am so glad that you mentioned about gay men riding to you and talking about their experience in the church. It’s so sad that the church will behave this way towards another fellow Christian. I had a similar experience. When my kids were in high school, I was attending this church and taking my kids to Sunday Bible study. One day we brought along one of their friends who happened to be a lesbian. After about a half an hour my kids came up and said that Hope wanted to go home, that she was really upset and she needed to go home like right now. So I gathered them up and took them home. There wasn’t much talking in the car. Later on I found out that the other girls in the Bible study group were being really mean to Hope. The next time I went to that church, the pastor is wife who I was kind of a friend with came up to me and whispered very snarkily that Hope was a Lesbian!! I looked at her and said well I just thought maybe she could go to church. I cannot imagine the damage that bringing that young lady to church for just an hour did to her for the rest of her life. The funny part of it is that later on, a few years later, her son came out as being gay.

[@Nan-59]

Can you guys imagine living in a household that would make that rhetoric a daily thing! I just can’t.. I didn’t live that way and I’m very grateful. It truly is heartbreaking 💔 for the people that have grown up that way.😢

[@floridamaninthewild]

Not everyone goes through tribulation the same way. I see many similar stories from the people I work with at the halfway house. Yet the way each handles it is different. Like you said, it's up to us to see people who are hurting that we can help.

[@silverghostcat1924]

The constant "them vs us" is never going to progress us as a society, mentally, physically or spiritually. If we're always divided we'll never get any where good. We can disagree and not be enemies.

[@MichaelDeHaven]

In the end most of us want the same things. We just disagree over the best way to get there. Or at least that's the way I see it. If we share goals, I'll gladly work with just about anyone to help achieve those shared goals. Where we disagree is of course going to be different. But we can simply go our separate ways if we can't come to compromise. I'll work with someone else on those.

[@teresas8173]

This feels and is different. We are dealing with a cult of hate and bigotry, not a political party. Maga wants to destroy American democracy and create an authoritarian theocracy. The seriousness of this cannot be understated. It cannot be overlooked. There is no meeting them halfway when this is what they want to do. When democracy is at stake it must be defended. This is so much more than us vs. them. Maga is an existential threat to America, to the world.

[@sertandoom4693]

Different people, different situations, different levels of education- but they still choose to do what they do. They continue to do so.

[@metalmark1214]

Trump and his followers are cited in the bible when Jesus Christ warned "Many will come in my name"

[@johnnyfreedom3437]

Thank you rev Ed! I now realize what a unique and fortunate experience I had! I was raised in agnostic household and never required to go to church. But I began searching at the age of 16 and stumbled into a Jesus Free Church of the early seventies! An Evangelical minister would drive close to 100 me every week just for us, that impressed me! But it's what he told us, "If I ever spoke an untruth from the pulpit I wish for you to stop me and point it out! If I claim Jesus said something and he didn't, point it out!" So I was told to always question but to answer with love! That 8-month experience has carried me through 70 years of life! Thank you rev Faust of Long Island New York! (interesting name for a minister, but he was one of the most Christian men I ever knew!)

[@thomashenderson3326]

Having been through hell and seen similar hells break other people I can plainly see that the people who entered my life at critical points are the only reason I didn’t end up a violent wreck. It’s all about people coming in to life you up when you’re at the cliff of giving into hate that enables you to see the destruction at the bottom of that fall and the ability to walk back from the edge. Unfortunately there are no shortage of con artists and evil people preying on those folks because they are lucrative until they get driven off the edge.

[@rodneymills5581]

Like “Demorats “????

[@bonniemcconnell6500]

Thank you!

[@billnye69]

Nothing unites humans better and faster than the mutual hatred of the 1 guy in the room who doesn't look like everyone else.

[@barbarawoodward6794]

When that guy is Trump, absolutely!

[@patbaker6266]

Growing up in the 60's my church had fire and brimstone in the message, fortunately the message has changed to be more loving.

[@track1949]

Damn right, I blame them. I will go on blaming them.

[@robertdyer4884]

Your helping me with my faith

[@winstonoboogie2424]

No one is born knowing how to survive in a society like ours. Few parents prepare their children for life in the real world.

[@dino0228]

Some people figure it out better than others. The one thing Father didn’t include in his list of differences is biology. Everyone’s brain is wired at least a bit if not greatly differently - sometimes shaped by experience, mostly shaped by genetics and environmental exposures.

[@kevinjohnson7839]

Amen 🙏 thank you ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@robertlowe5444]

Thank you

[@silverghostcat1924]

You can't live what you haven't been taught.

[@trevorsimpson3452]

Thankyou so much, sanity again!

[@debraclogston9379]

Reverend Ed, Thank you for permission to think. It's a pity that more people don't. I have had the nickname, " Thomas" at times and have heard, "Are you from Missouri?", more than once.😃

[@audreywitko1445]

Thank you for sharing that perspective. It resonates so much with me and helps me to understand why certain people may be making the choices they are.

[@timothyross7822]

Humility, no one sits on the throne of God except God. To know God, as only we have the mind of Christ. Love and Peace.

[@whoaaanelly65]

The first thing I do (back when I actively sought a church home... but then gave up) is to look at their "faith statement." Granted, I never looked at those which had those big, old sounding names; like, Episcopalian, Methodist, Anglican, etc., but after having been asked, in not so kind a way, to leave and don't come back, and oh, by the way "we're telling everyone to break ties with you" - all because I had the audacity to ask questions about things that made no sense to me - as found in those faith statements... Well, I guess if it can happen in church it can happen outside of church. As a 20-something kid... these things hurt. Thankfully I had faith enough in myself (and in the God who had wrought a miracle within me I could explain in no other way) to not get resentful and go all postal on people. Sorry postal workers. Not trying to be insensitive. But people, Christian or not, are cruel. And in 2024 I'd venture a guess that Christians can be more cruel than non-Christian folk. They know they are right and you are wrong. They are going to heaven and you're not - and they've got God on their side to prove it. I never found a Rev. Ed before giving up, but am thankful there is a man speaking God's heart here on the KZbin.

[@libbycollins9349]

If you don’t ask questions, how are supposed to learn? Questions are good. The opposite of faith isn’t doubt and questions, but fear. Sorry you ran into folks like these.

[@kellir.747]

We should always be asking ourselves, “What if I’m not correct?” We must be humble enough to consider the possibility that we don’t have all the information. We all have blind spots. It’s when we are arrogant and think we have all the information that we are blind.

[@jadeekelgor2588]

I have a great sadness for those who have been betrayed by their spiritual leaders. They are blinded by the scales that have grown over their eyes. They don't know any other way except for the deserted places. They pull away from the joyful place full of life. They cannot see, and will not believe such joy exists. We, can only sow the seeds, and hope they grow....and pray we may welcome them. Wash the dust of exile off their feet. And let the scales fall away from their eyes. That they may see the truth and be joyful and full of love. My heart breaks, in sadness for them. Beloved, let us love one another.

[@jerryblack3655]

I Am an ex Southern Baptist.. And I never felt right.

[@KittyKeypurr]

"Paints a picture of a Jesus that I've never known". 😭 thank you for saying this.

[@toonlyrics]

I think Rev. Ed is questioning our assumptions about free will. If a person can be indoctrinated, they are not free to choose reasonably as long as the indoctrination lasts. It's a lot like drug addiction. As long as it has a grip on the affected person, their choices are limited. For most of us, it's easier to have compassion for a drug addict than for a Trump-supporting fundamentalist.

[@brettlemon9420]

50 years of stupidity is no excuse.

[@justoneman3916]

Keep up the good work!!! What you are saying is Christian, goodness and truly matters in a world dominated by deceptive Churches and misguided radicalized Christians.

[@Euridyceful]

They are knowing and willing participants. No excuse! We have to expect personal responsibility from people for their choices.

[@michaelsadach5401]

I was watching a TV show about cops working with physics. She didn't go to churches anymore. She was her church. She invited 4 close friends to have a pryer group with,to stop this killer. A day our 2 later,the guy runs into the police station and says, "Get her out of my head. The cop gets a sketch artist to draw this person in his head that God put there. It was her. Once he contested the murder. The vision was gone. I am my church, and I moved to a town where people are divided. I told people, I believe in God,not religion. Lol,at first, that didn't sit well with people. Now, they talk to me about God while I am at work at times because they see their spiritual leaders are more political than spiritual. Some people moved out after realizing this. Thank you, Reverend Ed .your my backup spiritual leader, God is first 🙏

[@Embrace_mystery]

You are too kind. I have lost respect for people I once looked up to. They had education, access to correct information etc. I'm trying to find love in my heart for them again but it's difficult. Thank you for your insight.

[@chriswandell3570]

great message, and I agree as a man once said "Its not the destination, its the journey that matters. " People are such complex beings that itsh ard to predict exactly what will trigger one person while another is fine.

[@robsquared2]

This is where not believing in free will really helps. It's much harder to feel animosity to someone who had no choice in what they did. All we can do going forward is try to provide the inputs that will result in better outputs.

[@roaaoife8186]

I think the most insidious thing I was taught growing up in a right-wing evangelical church was that people outside the church would hate and attack me for my beliefs and that this was a sign that I was truly following God. Some people did do that, but I was fortunate to make some very patient and loving and understanding friends who extended me the grace to learn and grow.

[@sirius1075]

Amen

[@rebeccakesner9840]

They're Choosing To Follow These Kinds Of Pastors And Trump So No I Don't Feel Bad They Aren't Victims And I Won't Treat These People Like They Are!

[@SethEdwards-hq9pm]

I am a Trump supporter and don't want want to be treated like a victim because I am not one.

[@sherryobar5750]

It's all how we process events in our lives. And how forgiving our hearts are. I use Biblical scripture to overcome. It helps me move forward! Thanks for all you do! ✝️ 🙏 ✝️

[@rikkiechambers4959]

I’ve seen the church destroy wounded people soooooo many times I can’t go there now but I miss the fellowship and community and the worship 😔and I miss all the people Maga has stolen😢

[@ADude-f3z]

Concerning “critical thinking”, there is a learned reaction to conflict that even the most critical of us seem to be unable to avoid… Seeking a person, place, or thing to assign blame to…. Perhaps our thoughts would be better spent seeking solutions, rather than assigning blame, or liability? Just a thought…

[@dianebannister4591]

When I was a young girl, I went to Catholic schools. My church taught that only if people were Catholic, would they have a chance to get to heaven. At first, I believed that and felt sorry for all the people who were not Catholic. However, I was blessed with the gift of "Critical Thinking." I don't know if it was around the age of 14, I thought about the situation and no longer believed what I was taught. I thought that it's just not true that God would send good people to hell just because they were not Catholic. I maintained having "Critical Thinking" always throughout my life. The Catholic Church changed and no longer promoted what I initially mentioned. They became Ecumenical which pleased me. I was happy to be able to attend various church services over the years which had services featuring priests and pastors from various denominations at the same service.

[@davidbroughall3782]

If it was all about religious indoctrination, then why is it that the percentage of Americans who identify as Christian is steadily declining, while the percentage who identify as "none" is exploding?

[@scj2117]

When people try to restate something they were told, quite often they use slightly different words and possibly different inflections. In their minds, what they are stating has the same meaning as the original. But different words have different nuances of meaning, as does different inflections. And then the third person restates the information. And later the statement gets written down GENERATIONS later. And meaning for slang or certain phrases have shifted. We can only imagine based on what we have been exposed to. So when everyone in your community work in coal mines, becoming an astronaut is not going to be considered an option.

[@c1886]

Everybody is their own individual

[@DeniNeher]

I find that those who have had difficult lives often times don't go out and do wrong things because they have found a greater understanding of what is right and wrong. They don't like what has/is being done to them, so they are not going to emulate their attacker. Vengeance is mine says the lord, and so it should be.

[@RichardBatten]

Thank you amen 🙏🏼

[@bradmalinowski]

I have a musician friend with whom I play. He is a born-again Christian. He is the most traumatized person I know, both circumstantial and self-induced. He is very lonely having lost two wives to fatal diseases. He had a debaucherous past from what he tells me, which included having an extra-marital affair and a subsequent abortion. He feels so guilty about it, but because he is “saved”, he feels that all of that is absolved. He is a hapless Trump supporter. He told me that all the gays are going to have to answer and there have been hints of racism as well. I retort with “It’s not for you to judge.” With that all said, I was wondering if you could do a talk about being “Christ-like” and not just a “born-again Christian”. I think that trauma needs to be addressed with him and all Christians, but that won’t happen with him. I hang with him because he is an extraordinary musician. He is very kind to me, but he is consistently inappropriate and somewhat disrespectful toward women. It’s very frustrating and embarrassing for me, especially if we go to a restaurant where he flirts with the waitresses and it fuels my resentment toward Christianity and religion in general. It’s creepy dude. The guy is 78 years old! I’m essentially a non-believer, but I can’t help but strongly consider that there has to be some kind of creator as the balance of the universe is so delicate and there must be something that started all of this. I do try my best to live a life like Jesus, whether he existed or not. I often ask myself and others, WWJD! I’m actually considering going to a Catholic Mass just to check it out and garner some sense of spirituality and nostalgia. I was raised Catholic in Baltimore, a very Catholic city. I turned away due to the immense hypocrisy, emphasis on money and donations, and the pervasive child abuse. I watched kids in my school get horribly beaten by nuns like you wouldn’t believe. After watching The Keepers on Netflix, I was left with immense sadness over how incredibly rich and powerful this church is and I continue to question how this is even allowed to happen. Watch The Keepers on Netflix! Thank you. I really enjoy listening to you Rev. Ed!

[@daytonabeachUSA]

I think it’s easier for an atheist to think critically about politics. There aren’t self serving preachers dictating thoughts. I appreciate your opinions. You’re very thoughtful and insightful.

[@chriswilkerson4074]

Beware how blaming others for their failures, even moral failures, affects YOU. Regardless of how at fault anyone may be for their negative actions or attitudes versus their community or leader’s responsibility (which is Rev Ed’s point here), focusing your mind on blaming others corrodes your ability to love. Being loving is much more important and powerful than being right.

[@GwenMeek]

I saw one of those rainbow signs that has a different saying for each color last Sunday before our outdoor service. I took a picture of it and showed it to my pastor who said she would love to have one in our church but is afraid it would cause a problem. Each one one those lines is about love and inclusion… So sad.

[@terryhenderson424]

"Forgive them Father for they know not what they do." is a verse i remember. And when i pull out the "Vengeance is Mine sayeth the Lord" verse, i try to remember the "Forgive me ..." verse.

[@libbycollins9349]

It’s a lot more peaceful way to live life, isn’t it? You gotta live what Jesus taught.

[@JamesSutton-ip2oi]

"Encourage the fainthearted ... for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." ! Thessalonians 5:14-18 Only love those who Christ died for. 😊

[@michaelsavard1144]

I see the same thing that you seem to see. 40-50 years, breaking people, by hating and rejecting them. And making sure, culturally, that they deliver the message that is dictated.

[@CallieCatCuddles]

In the age-old battle of good against evil, it starts with everything - everything - that happens to a brand new baby! Was every need the child had met? Food, clothing, shelter, coddling and caring? Every time the baby's needs ARE met, the safer the baby feels, and that translates into a healthy, happy baby. Every time the baby's needs are NOT met, the more scared the baby becomes. Beyond the parenting the baby experiences, there are babysitters, teachers, Sunday school teachers, public school teachers, other students on the playground, neighbors, and everyone else the child comes in contact with. No two children can have the same upbringing! And that's not even bringing into the picture, the child's personal DNA! In my opinion, as well as in psychology, one of the biggest fear makers in a young child's life is corporal punishment! When the persons the child loves the most causes them physical pain, it makes them feel betrayed and puts fear into their heart, but more importantly, it triggers their amygdala, the fear portion of the brain! There is a physical difference difference between liberals and conservatives! It's the size of the amygdala! Trauma, neglect, and/or abuse in early childhood over stimulates the amygdala (the brain's fear center) causing it to grow huge and results in aberrant thoughts and behaviors. This is damage you can LITERALLY SEE IN A BRAIN SCAN! Read the peer reviewed research on the fMRI differences between conservatives and liberals. Here's a little help; conservatives have larger amygdalas and liberals have larger anterior cingulate cortexes. Amygdala = fear. Anterior cingulate cortex= higher level, complex thinking. Google for more information… "Red Brain, Blue Brain: Evaluative Processes Differ in Democrats and Republicans."

[@bellanteomero]

To say or to imply that those who are members of the cult have come from difficult backgrounds is faulty logic. It is making a generalized assumption. My guess is that they are people who are angry and dissatisfied with their lives that they will gladly follow someone who makes false statements and promises. He is no different from the scammers who rob people over the phone or on dating sites. If the cult had been following 45's wretched career and failures as far back as the 80s, or took th tome to research, they would have known better than to support him. That's where the lack of critical thinking skills comes in. No, it's not their background. It's their mindset.

[@williamkirkland1364]

Do people need to ask for Freedom again

[@penneyreed7316]

Broken hearted by leaving the church, ahhh mmmmm, maybe it's more like heart broken over the feelings of rejection and isolation

[@rl8073]

Good morning brother

[@revedtrevors4961]

Good morning!

[@EyeLean5280]

I have this same conversation online with people over the immigrant experience. They don't seem to understand that some immigrants can suffer from depression and that it doesn't mean they're ungrateful to their new country or that they're lazy. It just means that depression can strike people from all walks of life and that the circumstances that lead people to leave their countries and come here are often very difficult and that can leave a mark.

[@lastbat]

Where do I sign up for the freaky, sex loving debauchery? Another great message well heard by a lifelong questioner.

[@webman1956]

The older I get the more it`s true that no one can learn from your mistakes but if you are real lucky they might listen.

[@angieallen9129]

Amen. Needed to hear this. Thank you ❤

[@lindajallen3805]

Hey sister Angie...see you later at CWW🙏🕊️💝🌈

[@bonniemcconnell6500]

I don't believe in Religion, I believe in God.

[@BalloonInTheBalloon]

The decisions you take is based on your own highly unique circumstances and life experiences, when you point your finger you have *no* idea what the other person has experienced, her sorrows troubles, happiness. Be careful to judge others based on your own experiences.

[@LesHaskell]

My 7th great-grandfather was seven when his parents were convicted of witchcraft. His father was hanged, but his mother got a temporary reprieve from execution, because she was pregnant. She was still legally dead (heresy conviction, duh) until she was able to get a reversal of attainder about ten years later. Betrayed by false testimony from a servant so she could fit in with the cool kids who were getting all the attention. The whole family was shattered and had to fend for themselves. Eventually my 7th ggf moved to Maine. Kind of a happy ending, I guess.

[@vincentcalvelli6452]

I believe we should always question leadership as Jesus did in his teachings.

[@Stuff_And_Things]

My mom tried to get me and herself back into the church scene when I was in my 20s. We went to a few different ones she had been told were not like typical churches. The day we visited one, they started with discussions about what to do with the $66k they had in savings. There was a suggestion by one person that they could $4k of it to by a couple of used school buses to bring elderly and poor people to church who otherwise may not be able to attend. The other option was to keep it all in savings in case the roof leaked. They went with the second option. At another one a deacon was attempting to relay a story about a friend of his who was paraplegic and lived in a cabin in the mountains and no longer went to church because he found God more easily without it. A woman got upset complaining that it seemed to her the man would have a better chance in church and there was no way he could get into heaven without it.

[@davidford694]

With all its faults, I have never experienced the Anglican church as a place where people must blindly accept doctrine.

[@fatdogproductions1962]

Religion and other belief systems are often a way of absolving one's behavior. I'm an American Episcopalian and I think the three-legged stool is the correct basis for belief.

[@dianebannister4591]

My brother and his wife and adult son are Evangelicals. They are firmly engrained with their denomination's teachings. Plus, they are, unfortunately, very closed minded. They believe that only their religious and political beliefs are absolutely correct. There is no discussion with them. I did used to think their church was CULT LIKE. They were staunch supporters of Trump in the past. I don't know their current views. I wouldn't bring it up in order to avoid conflict. Back to 2020, my brother, knowing I was not a Trump supporter, said to me: "You chose to be of the DARKNESS and not of the Light." Just because I wouldn't support Trump. I have prayed continually for him, his wife and son to be dissolved of their closed mindedness, enlighten them, bring them greater awareness and to see the TRUTH. 🙏

[@JRLNeal]

I like listening to Rev Ed, I am 72 years old and I’ve been at bahai since 1986. I arrived at this point through critical thinking and my one question to Christians is this: how do you accommodate the other major religions in the world? Are they all condemned to hell because they don’t believe in Jesus as their saviour? It was interesting listening to Rob Bell on this issue, but for me, it didn’t lead me away from Jesus, I used to love the stories, from the Bible that I heard as a kid, but to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh Who explained that all major religions come from the same source, from the same divine origin. They differ in social teachings over the centuries that’s true, but essentially they teach their followers to love one another, and to love God. Another interesting point about the Baha’i faith is that we do not have any ministers or pastors to tell us what we ought to believe. The writings of Bahá’u’lláh are voluminous and out there for us to read and study. In fact, Bahá’u’lláh employees, just to be on a constant search for truth. We do have Lernard individuals whose knowledge and understanding of the Baha’i writings is considerable, but their opinions are their own and we as individual Bahá’is make up our own minds. And finally, another gem from the Baha’i teachings is that we do not participate in party politics. The watchword of the Baha’i faith is unity. ‘ The well-being of mankind, its peace and security are unattainable, unless, and until its unity is firmly established.’ Bahá’u’lláh See bahai.org for more.

[@AlsanPine]

we all have certain capacities and limitations many of which not of our doing. often times we do not understand ourselves, never mind others. then there is the issue of timing. we many spend a lifetime thinking one way and near the end, we may realize the truth. so depending on when we see another person, at best, we know them as they are now. this is why only God can be a judge. He has perfect sight. He is not limited by time, space, matter, or anything else. He can KNOW us better than we know ourselves. yes, it is frustrating to see others, especially those we love, make mistakes that we have learned not to make. we may even try to help them see the truth. but always remember that it is through love and not through judgement 🙂