https://www.politico.com/story/2019/08/1...ty-1456178
EXCERPT: . . . Here’s what he would have seen: Trump crowing, “They'll be hit so g--damn hard,” while bragging about bombing Islamic State militants. And Trump recounting his warning to a wealthy businessman: “If you don't support me, you're going to be so g--damn poor.” To most of America, the comments went unnoticed. Instead, the nation was gripped by the moment a “send her back” chant broke out as Trump went after Somali-born Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, an American citizen.
But some Trump supporters were more fixated on his casual use of the word “g--damn” — an off-limits term for many Christians — not to mention the numerous other profanities laced throughout the rest of his speech. The issue has recently hit a nerve among those who have become some of the president’s most reliable supporters: white evangelicals — who constitute much of Hardesty’s district. The group was key to Trump’s 2016 win, helping bolster his standing in critical swing states, and Trump likely needs to maintain that support if he wants to win a second term.
But some are growing fatigued with the irreverent language that is often spewed at Trump’s rallies and official events. “I’ve had people come to me and say, ‘You know I voted for [Trump], but if he doesn’t tone down the rhetoric, I might just stay home this time,’” Hardesty said in an interview, adding that he has yet to hear back from anyone inside the White House after urging the president in a formal letter to “reflect on your comments and never utter those words again.”
Using coarse language is far from the president’s only behavior that might turn off the religious right. He’s been divorced twice and has faced constant allegations of extramarital affairs. He previously supported abortion rights, and he has stumbled when trying to discuss the specifics of his religious beliefs, once referring to a book in the Bible as “Two Corinthians” instead of Second Corinthians. Yet to this point, Trump has maintained broad support from evangelicals, including the unwavering backing of some prominent conservative Christian leaders.
“We all wish he would be a little more careful with his language, but it’s not anything that’s a deal breaker, and it’s not something we’re going to get morally indignant about,” said Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr., one of Trump’s earliest supporters among religious leaders. Trump’s penchant for profanity dates back decades — from guest appearances on "The Howard Stern Show" in the 1990s to... (MORE)
Famed Christian Songwriter Renounces Religion: “I’m Genuinely Losing My Faith” ("losing my religion" style)
https://friendlyatheist.patheos.com/2019...-my-faith/
EXCERPT: Another prominent Christian is now publicly saying he’s no longer a believer. (For once, Joshua Harris started a positive trend!) This time, it’s Australian songwriter Marty Sampson, well-known in the contemporary Christian music scene for his work with the bands Hillsong Worship, Hillsong United, Delirious?, and Young & Free.
[...] In a now-deleted post on Instagram, Sampson shared his doubts about faith, miracles, Hell, and the Bible. Below is a slightly edited version of the post via RELEVANT:
Time for some real talk. I’m genuinely losing my faith, and it doesn’t bother me. Like, what bothers me now is nothing. I am so happy now, so at peace with the world. It’s crazy.
This is a soapbox moment so here I go … How many preachers fall? Many. No one talks about it. How many miracles happen. Not many. No one talks about it. Why is the Bible full of contradictions? No one talks about it. How can God be love yet send four billion people to a place, all ‘coz they don’t believe? No one talks about it. Christians can be the most judgmental people on the planet—they can also be some of the most beautiful and loving people. But it’s not for me.
I am not in any more. I want genuine truth. Not the “I just believe it” kind of truth. Science keeps piercing the truth of every religion. Lots of things help people change their lives, not just one version of God. Got so much more to say, but for me, I keeping it real. Unfollow if you want, I’ve never been about living my life for others.
All I know is what’s true to me right now, and Christianity just seems to me like another religion at this point. I could go on, but I won’t. Love and forgive absolutely. Be kind absolutely. Be generous and do good to others absolutely. Some things are good no matter what you believe. Let the rain fall, the sun will come up tomorrow.
As someone who spends a lot of time talking about it, kudos to this guy for finally getting it. (MORE)