What is the point of any religion in the present-day United States? Is there any?
I believe religion, and Christianity in particular, is making America's life harder. When it comes to personal beliefs and intimate religious practice, it is still a good thing to have. However, when religion is used to justify international conflicts and internal skirmishes between ethnic and religious groups, it becomes clear in the XXI century things are supposed to be different.
Is it possible to promote Christian values without Christian fundamentalism taking hold?

Quote from: RobertWhite on May 18, 2015, 03:01:24 AM
What is the point of any religion in the present-day United States? Is there any?
I believe religion, and Christianity in particular, is making America's life harder. When it comes to personal beliefs and intimate religious practice, it is still a good thing to have. However, when religion is used to justify international conflicts and internal skirmishes between ethnic and religious groups, it becomes clear in the XXI century things are supposed to be different.
Is it possible to promote Christian values without Christian fundamentalism taking hold?

Some examples please.

Quote from: RobertWhite on May 18, 2015, 03:01:24 AM
What is the point of any religion in the present-day United States? Is there any?
I believe religion, and Christianity in particular, is making America's life harder. When it comes to personal beliefs and intimate religious practice, it is still a good thing to have. However, when religion is used to justify international conflicts and internal skirmishes between ethnic and religious groups, it becomes clear in the XXI century things are supposed to be different.
Is it possible to promote Christian values without Christian fundamentalism taking hold?

And what is your definition of "fundamentalism"?

I suspect you do not have an answer to that question.... just parroting a term that sounds incriminating.

Fundamental christianity is christianity which believes the Bible to be the inspired word of God in its entirety.  It is not a matter of man's interpretation, but is to be read in the light of what it meant to the original reader.  It means the same thing today. 

America's problems have nothing to do with fundamental christianity.  It has more to do with the rejection of God by our national consciousness.  The secularization of America has not been a good thing.

Let's get the right perspective here.

What is the point of religion?  The point of christianity is to bring mankind to a trusting faith and abiding relationship with the God of creation.  If we receive the saving grace of Jesus Christ and are led by the indwelling Spirit of God.... we will reflect God's love to the world and live in harmony with our neighbors. 

Christians are not perfect.  But the christian life is the most rewarding life available to man.  AND, we can trust in the truth that we will live eternally with our God.  And God will eventually judge the world for all of the evil men have done.

Quote from: RobertWhite on May 18, 2015, 03:01:24 AM
What is the point of any religion in the present-day United States? Is there any?
I believe religion, and Christianity in particular, is making America's life harder. When it comes to personal beliefs and intimate religious practice, it is still a good thing to have. However, when religion is used to justify international conflicts and internal skirmishes between ethnic and religious groups, it becomes clear in the XXI century things are supposed to be different.
Is it possible to promote Christian values without Christian fundamentalism taking hold?

There was a time in America when fundamentalism was a practiced way of life, it was knowing that your friends and neighbors shared a set of values, that if your child were lost and hungry, that you needn't worry, someone would take them in and care for them.
If you lost your wallet, someone would return it intact, that a certain level of respect was exchanged wherever you went in this country.

Religious belief is what held this Nation together, the very fabric of the American spirit.
I'm sorry you were never able to experience this America, and probably never will thanks to the left with their need to destroy Western culture.
But if I were you, I'd be praying for it's return.

There is a very good book going around titled "The Light and the Glory" by Peter Marshall.
The authors began by asking the question, "What has been the role of God, or religion, in
these lands, from the 1500's to fairly recently?"  As you might suspect, the answers lead to
another natural question, one associated with the consequences of the nation turning away from
God, or religion.
I mention this because, while the topic may make for an interesting forum thread, it suggests some very deep questions and has been the topic of extensive and dedicated scholarly research.  I admit to being always a little skeptical seeing questions of this nature appear in on line forums, especially political ones. I feel that there are numerous resources available to people who are not necessarily religious, resources that speak to these very questions.
At the same time, I feel there are good questions that do apply to the political discussion arena, such as the role of the Christian Right, the State's motive for trying to squash religion, topics like those.

Quote from: RobertWhite on May 18, 2015, 03:01:24 AM
What is the point of any religion in the present-day United States?

It is a way for like minded people to congregate and worship together.  You should get to church once in a while.  It keeps people connected who otherwise may never leave the house, and brings a community together with a commonality of worship.  Churches strengthen communities and families.

QuoteIs there any?

Yes.

QuoteI believe religion, and Christianity in particular, is making America's life harder.

Then you think children out of marriage, broken families and divorce, and lack of discipline are good things.

QuoteWhen it comes to personal beliefs and intimate religious practice, it is still a good thing to have.

Gee, thanks for your introspection and approval.

QuoteHowever, when religion is used to justify international conflicts and internal skirmishes between ethnic and religious groups, it becomes clear in the XXI century things are supposed to be different.

I agree, but we're talking about Christians, not Islam.

QuoteIs it possible to promote Christian values without Christian fundamentalism taking hold?

Any chance of you telling us what fundamentalism you're talking about?

Quote from: RobertWhite on May 18, 2015, 03:01:24 AM
What is the point of any religion in the present-day United States? Is there any?
I believe religion, and Christianity in particular, is making America's life harder. When it comes to personal beliefs and intimate religious practice, it is still a good thing to have. However, when religion is used to justify international conflicts and internal skirmishes between ethnic and religious groups, it becomes clear in the XXI century things are supposed to be different.
Is it possible to promote Christian values without Christian fundamentalism taking hold?

Jesus WAS/IS a revolutionary! That is why our Founding Fathers were so religious. He never said following Him would be a simple thing, tra-la-la! He said he was here to tear families and nations apart. Set brothers against brothers. Certainly proved true in the Roman Empire as they became Christianized. 

I am not sure what this "Christ-lite" is that you are looking for. Perhaps try the Buddha? Once you accept Jesus into your soul, then the peace and love arrives. Others who would teach of worldliness and humanism, and such will always hate and attack you! You must be a radical to truly love and defend Jesus.

Lukewarm....and you do not really know Him!

Best of luck on your search, and love to you!

What happened to Robert White?

Another hit and run?

Quote from: kroz on May 19, 2015, 03:29:41 PM
What happened to Robert White?

Another hit and run?

He in now and then.

Gee..... I was hoping he would return and we could vet this question thoroughly....

It is worthy of much more dialogue!!

Without being disagreeable, we can disagree on various matters within our faith... but... our faith is a huge part of who we are and to a certain extent motivates us to civic activism.

This Nation was established by people of faith and is steeped in the mosaic laws.  The Founders made no secret of their faith and belief in the Bible as the inspired word of God.

So, why have we as a Nation departed from our roots?  Why do some of us still believe that religion is the heartbeat that has sustained this Nation over the years and given us such amazing prosperity?

Can we survive without God?

Quote from: kroz on May 25, 2015, 07:27:14 AM
Gee..... I was hoping he would return and we could vet this question thoroughly....

It is worthy of much more dialogue!!

Without being disagreeable, we can disagree on various matters within our faith... but... our faith is a huge part of who we are and to a certain extent motivates us to civic activism.

This Nation was established by people of faith and is steeped in the mosaic laws.  The Founders made no secret of their faith and belief in the Bible as the inspired word of God.

So, why have we as a Nation departed from our roots?  Why do some of us still believe that religion is the heartbeat that has sustained this Nation over the years and given us such amazing prosperity?

Can we survive without God?

The poster of the OP was simply trolling. But what they don't realize is how it exposes their ignorance when those far wiser respond, and expose why it's their ignorance that is the actual problem and not those with an understanding of faith and why it's so important to the root survival of this nation and it's Founding principles.
And why the First Amendment was chosen to lead the Bill of Rights, followed by the threat of potential violence against those that would refuse individuals of of their First.

Religion is man's attempt the reach the divine .... Jesus is the divine (God) reaching to man: Jesus .... religion will trap a man in his sins and eternal judgement in Hell .... Jesus will give you eternal life in Heaven with God ..... God does not call you to a religion or even a church .... God calls you to his Son Jesus ...

but as many as received him (Jesus) ..
to them he gave the right to become children of God ..
even to those who believe in his name .... John 1:12

Quote from: dadman on June 12, 2015, 10:01:39 AM
Religion is man's attempt the reach the divine .... Jesus is the divine (God) reaching to man: Jesus .... religion will trap a man in his sins and eternal judgement in Hell .... Jesus will give you eternal life in Heaven with God ..... God does not call you to a religion or even a church .... God calls you to his Son Jesus ...

but as many as received him (Jesus) ..
to them he gave the right to become children of God ..
even to those who believe in his name .... John 1:12

That was a pretty good summary statement, dadman!   

But Jesus did call us to be His Bride.... which comprises the Church.  He told Peter that "upon this rock I will build my Church"......    He was referring to Peter's declaration of faith in Jesus as the messiah.

So, in that respect He called us to church.

thank you ..... blessings to you :)

Quote from: Solar on May 18, 2015, 05:41:37 AM
There was a time in America when fundamentalism was a practiced way of life, it was knowing that your friends and neighbors shared a set of values, that if your child were lost and hungry, that you needn't worry, someone would take them in and care for them.
If you lost your wallet, someone would return it intact, that a certain level of respect was exchanged wherever you went in this country.

Religious belief is what held this Nation together, the very fabric of the American spirit.
I'm sorry you were never able to experience this America, and probably never will thanks to the left with their need to destroy Western culture.
But if I were you, I'd be praying for it's return.

I have nothing else to add.