I'm reading a book about Scotland and I just like the idea of a tollbooth kirk. Since this a blog and I'm not Montaigne, I figure it is permissible to have a title that doesn't make any sense but sounds interesting.
Actually, the book is a bit cheesy, so I'm not going to mention the title, but it is about religious history--one of my favorite subjects.
It's gotten me thinking about the current witches brew that is the American Right. I think I would be more sympathetic if they weren't so certain that Jesus loves them. Because if I were Jesus, I would certainly have a very hard time loving them. In fact, the religious right is the kind of movement that only a Jesus could love.
In order to get televangelists and all the rest, you have to decide several theological questions in ways that make Christianity and easy religion.
Does God want us to be happy or suffer?
Happy, definitely--We're Americans after all.
Is salvation a result of our actions here on earth or are we predestined?
Too hard. Next question.
What kind of life does God want us to lead?
Lot's of money and a family and taking care of what's yours.
I could go on and on. But it's amazing how in 200 years we've almost completely lost any trace of puritanism. It'll be interesting to see how well Christianity survives as it competes as a hedonistic alternative to other hedonistic alternatives...
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