:Alchemy

I’ve been using the term christianist to refer to the radical right wing of the Republican party. More specifically, a christianist is someone of the Christian faith who uses politics to promote their belief structure and impose it on others ( you know, spread the faith).

One thing that is important to remember, however, is that not all Christians are christianists. Every now and then a tolerant and accepting christian will make a comment that reminds me of this important point. The most recent is Rev. Schlosser of the California Council of Churches and California Church IMPACT .

“People believe that all Christians are opposed to same-sex marriage. That is not at all accurate,” Schlosser said. “This bill is completely responsive to the differing views and allows churches to follow their own conscience regardless of what they believe.  It is an honorable means to achieving a fully democratic and fair society with all views having the freedom of conscience.  We urge the Governor to sign this important and historic bill.”

It’s comments like these that keep my hope alive that not all Christians are filled with hate and intolerance. I also believe that these types of Christians who are able to separate their faith from their politics, need to be mobilized and united. It’s not that I think that once united they could counter the christianist voting bloc. Instead I think it’s important in the longer-term. If progressive Christianists can find strength in numbers and not be afraid to defend their politics at church on Sundays, they might gradually affect change in those who have jumped on the chrisitanist bandwagon assuming it is the only wagon available to those who believe in Jesus.