How Cool Is Jimmy Carter!

[Fat Bottom Gurl]

The words of God do not justify cruelty to women. Discrimination and abuse wrongly backed by doctrine.


"I have been a practising Christian all my life and a deacon and Bible teacher for many years. My faith is a source of strength and comfort to me, as religious beliefs are to hundreds of millions of people around the world.

So my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an unavoidable decision when th e convention's leaders, quoting a few carefully selected Bible verses and claiming that Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin, ordained that women must be "subservient" to their husbands and prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service. This was in conflict with my belief - confirmed in the holy scriptures - that we are all equal in the eyes of God. "

Read entire article here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jul/12/jimmy-carter-womens-rights-equality


I suppose some would argue that it should not have taken him six decades....

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I thought it was a classy move.

 

[Darat]

You would!

 

[Brainster]

Howard Dean left his church in a dispute over a bike path. As a dedicated cyclist, I find that much cooler.

 

[Marc39]

Dhimmi Carter.

 

[Pardalis]

Shouldn't this be in "religion and phylosophy?"

 

[daredelvis]

Howard Dean left his church in a dispute over a bike path. As a dedicated cyclist, I find that much cooler.

As a dedicated cyclist, I see your point. But if I can agree with you on that one point I think even you have to admit that this is a good move on Carter's part.

Daredelvis

 

[Achán hiNidráne]

I suppose some would argue that it should not have taken him six decades....

I would argue that like all liberal or moderate Christians, Carter is cherry picking and misquoting his holy book in a desperate attempt to white wash over the barbarism of a faith that he's either psychologically unable or politically unwilling to let go of.

Mr. Peanut wants to have it both ways: Keep the supersticion that's so popular with the knuckle dragging masses, but re-write it to suit his own left wing tastes and to those who contribute generously to his causes.

For this reason, I have more respect for the theocratic swine who make up the Religious Reich than I ever will for the theists who try to cover up humanism with a mystical vernier. At least Fred Phelps, Pat Robertson, Rick Warren and their red-neck followers have principles... evil principles, but principles never the less.

 

[Bob Blaylock]

How Cool Is Jimmy Carter!

98.6° fahrenheit, just the same as everyone else.

 

[ProbeX]

I understand, however, why many political leaders can be reluctant about stepping into this minefield. Religion, and tradition, are powerful and sensitive area to challenge.

Yes, and maybe that's why for years you placed your own political career above concerns that your religion apparently held disparaging views of women.

Can't help thinking the man probably noticed a pattern of gender disparity long ago. He doesn't hit me as stupid or lacking in social awareness about these things, considering all his humanitarian involvements/projects.

For whatever it's worth, at least he's honoring the fact of it now.

 

[tomwaits]

Howard Dean left his church in a dispute over a bike path.

That's awesome.

I remember becoming disillusioned by my church because their band sucked. We all have our hobbies that we're proud of...

 

[portlandatheist]

I'll give credit where credit is due: good move President Carter

 

[Segnosaur]

He's history's greatest monster!!

 

[Darth Rotor]

People in America change religions all the time. It's a national habit. I guess he was very disappointed that SBC has become more reactionary, not less so, as time has gone on and he can't square his own principles with where SBC is going.

Newt Gingrich, of all people, became Catholic recently.

This isn't a big deal, other than the SBC gets the "we aren't as good as Scientologists at having celebrity members" smack down deal here.

 

[Dr Adequate]

For this reason, I have more respect for the theocratic swine who make up the Religious Reich than I ever will for the theists who try to cover up humanism with a mystical vernier. At least Fred Phelps, Pat Robertson, Rick Warren and their red-neck followers have principles... evil principles, but principles never the less.

But they're cherry-picking too. It's just that they've cherry-picked the Bible so that it means that God wants them to be jerks. On the whole, I like Carter's way better.

 

[Safe-Keeper]

The words of God do not justify cruelty to women.

Oh? The Brick Testament, as so often, beautifully illustrates the Word in a way simply not covered by written text only. Excerpt:

But for a man it is not right to have his head covered, since he is the image of God and reflects God's glory; but a woman is the reflection of man's glory.

Wives should be subject to their husbands as to the Lord, since as Christ is head of the Church and saves the whole body, so is the husband the head of his wife.

And as the Church is subject to Christ, so should wives be to their husbands, in everything.

The head of woman is man.

Basically, man was created to be God's doll, and the woman was created to be man's doll. Reminds me of Ibsen's play The Doll House, in which the female lead laments not only that she is naught but the plaything of her husband, but that she has realized that her children are nothing but her playthings. God has us males to keep him company and serve Him, and we, in turn, have women, who, when married to us, must obey our every command.

Sorry, Jimmy Carter, but while I respect and support what appears to be a move from a misogynistic church, I cannot agree with you that the Bible doesn't support sexism. It does.

 

[Fat Bottom Gurl]

But they're cherry-picking too. It's just that they've cherry-picked the Bible so that it means that God wants them to be jerks. On the whole, I like Carter's way better.

I agree. It would have been incredible had Carter said...bah...this christian belief is utter nonsense (or any other belief). I'm thinking he has at least brought some serious doubt to the bible intrepretation. Baby steps for sure - but at least steps.

 

[Sword_Of_Truth]

Howard Dean left his church in a dispute over a bike path. As a dedicated cyclist, I find that much cooler.

If Howard Dean is looking for a bike friendly church, I've got a suggestion for him.

 

[kellyb]

I'm a little confused on how he could have just now noticed the SBC promotes extreme sexism second only to radical Islam...

 

[Ian Osborne]

But they're cherry-picking too. It's just that they've cherry-picked the Bible so that it means that God wants them to be jerks. On the whole, I like Carter's way better.

Precisely. It seems books like the Bible and the Koran can bring out the best or the worst in an individual. So much better when it's the best.