Comments for criticaltheoryofreligion http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog the blog of www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:50:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Comment on Marx Reloaded by Warren S. Goldstein http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog/?p=134&cpage=1#comment-173 Warren S. Goldstein Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:50:14 +0000 http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog/?p=134#comment-173 Just what the doctor ordered. Just what the doctor ordered.

]]> Comment on Jürgen Habermas, Leadership and Leitkultur by Roland http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog/?p=27&cpage=1#comment-110 Roland Sat, 30 Oct 2010 02:57:46 +0000 http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog/?p=27#comment-110 Have linked this to my blog at http://stalinsmoustache.wordpress.com/2010/10/30/critical-theory-of-religion-blog-on-habermas-germany-and-reactionary-politics/. Like I say there, briefly, I like the fact that Habermas isn't one of the myriad old guys who have become cranky and opinionated, but I am troubled by the assumption that calm reason will prevail. Have linked this to my blog at http://stalinsmoustache.wordpress.com/2010/10/30/critical-theory-of-religion-blog-on-habermas-germany-and-reactionary-politics/. Like I say there, briefly, I like the fact that Habermas isn’t one of the myriad old guys who have become cranky and opinionated, but I am troubled by the assumption that calm reason will prevail.

]]> Comment on “Religious Institutions Ruled by the Morally Bankrupt” by Chris Hedges by John http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog/?p=10&cpage=1#comment-15 John Tue, 25 May 2010 05:33:39 +0000 http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog1/?p=10#comment-15 Yes, If you want to see how altogether bankrupt traditional religion has become just check out the unmitigated awfulness at the various First Things blogs---where the chap above is celebrated. Yes, If you want to see how altogether bankrupt traditional religion has become just check out the unmitigated awfulness at the various First Things blogs—where the chap above is celebrated.

]]> Comment on “Religious Institutions Ruled by the Morally Bankrupt” by Chris Hedges by Colin J. Campbell http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog/?p=10&cpage=1#comment-13 Colin J. Campbell Fri, 14 May 2010 16:43:59 +0000 http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog1/?p=10#comment-13 The Protestant churches have always been in a state of disarray: quaking, shaking, etc. (not only to be glib but actually to point up a perpetual tension in institutional Protestantism, which has surely been influential despite or because of the disarray). Does Hedges even want to do 'critical social theory' and must all writers do whatever that is? But yes, it must surely be true that the Americanism problem is that Hedges is an individualist in the bones. Coming as he does from a 'liberal fragment culture' (cf. Louis Hartz, The Founding of New Societies) this is not surprising. But do we have to minimize or deny the intensity of the moral outrage Hedges is expressing, or is it more a question of showing its deeper relation to the structural and collective dimensions of capitalism - how this context far exceeds and overdetermines moral action as such in a one-dimensional society. More deeply than Hedges, who wants to keep his distracted readership's unbroken attention, ever seems to go. The Protestant churches have always been in a state of disarray: quaking, shaking, etc. (not only to be glib but actually to point up a perpetual tension in institutional Protestantism, which has surely been influential despite or because of the disarray).

Does Hedges even want to do ‘critical social theory’ and must all writers do whatever that is?

But yes, it must surely be true that the Americanism problem is that Hedges is an individualist in the bones. Coming as he does from a ‘liberal fragment culture’ (cf. Louis Hartz, The Founding of New Societies) this is not surprising.

But do we have to minimize or deny the intensity of the moral outrage Hedges is expressing, or is it more a question of showing its deeper relation to the structural and collective dimensions of capitalism – how this context far exceeds and overdetermines moral action as such in a one-dimensional society. More deeply than Hedges, who wants to keep his distracted readership’s unbroken attention, ever seems to go.

]]> Comment on “Religious Institutions Ruled by the Morally Bankrupt” by Chris Hedges by Matthew Del Nevo http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog/?p=10&cpage=1#comment-12 Matthew Del Nevo Thu, 13 May 2010 17:37:40 +0000 http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog1/?p=10#comment-12 The article reads like a journalistic rant to me, the referencing to Nietzsche is a naïve and anachronistic, and there is a lack of any Euro perspective. The article is totally American, but from outside of the US, many would see Americanism as the problem, not the solution or having the solution; “Americanism” is the name for the globalization of commodity capitalism, and the wrecking of every locale it can get into. The take on the churches and denominations in the article was totally American too. There is more to the churches in many places than sex-abuse scandals, even in Ireland and Germany. But this measuring everything in statistics, relying on journalism, and leveling complexities to flattened out slogan-like statements is again, more American than European in ethos. I wouldn’t call this social critical theory or take it seriously at all. Re Warrens commment. I agree, there are no alternative voices which speak for a group or may be rallying points of solidarity, like when Marxist theory was alive and well; instead there is an individualist clamour where each one wants his or her own remedy adopted. The Catholic church has always been morally bankrupt for Protestants, that is the basis of their "protest" since the 16th century, but Catholics are a growing group and a self-discplined group in that they form one church which is beholden to no nation or corporation nor is ruled like America, by the dollar. It would be hasty to underestimate the power of the church or its meaning for the future - the Catholic church I mean, not the Protestant churches which are a form of spiritual disarray and capitulation to all sorts of other forces, as Hedges and Warren have pointed out. The article reads like a journalistic rant to me, the referencing to Nietzsche is a naïve and anachronistic, and there is a lack of any Euro perspective. The article is totally American, but from outside of the US, many would see Americanism as the problem, not the solution or having the solution; “Americanism” is the name for the globalization of commodity capitalism, and the wrecking of every locale it can get into. The take on the churches and denominations in the article was totally American too. There is more to the churches in many places than sex-abuse scandals, even in Ireland and Germany. But this measuring everything in statistics, relying on journalism, and leveling complexities to flattened out slogan-like statements is again, more American than European in ethos.
I wouldn’t call this social critical theory or take it seriously at all.

Re Warrens commment. I agree, there are no alternative voices which speak for a group or may be rallying points of solidarity, like when Marxist theory was alive and well; instead there is an individualist clamour where each one wants his or her own remedy adopted.
The Catholic church has always been morally bankrupt for Protestants, that is the basis of their “protest” since the 16th century, but Catholics are a growing group and a self-discplined group in that they form one church which is beholden to no nation or corporation nor is ruled like America, by the dollar. It would be hasty to underestimate the power of the church or its meaning for the future – the Catholic church I mean, not the Protestant churches which are a form of spiritual disarray and capitulation to all sorts of other forces, as Hedges and Warren have pointed out.

]]> Comment on “Religious Institutions Ruled by the Morally Bankrupt” by Chris Hedges by Warren S. Goldstein http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog/?p=10&cpage=1#comment-11 Warren S. Goldstein Wed, 12 May 2010 10:48:18 +0000 http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog1/?p=10#comment-11 The increasing institutionalization of religion (with its moral bankruptcy) which Hedges describes is nothing new. Historically, it has been counterbalanced by prophetic sectarian movements which challenge their hegemony. However, these sectarian movements can not only from the left but from the right and we should be careful of what we wish for. Getting back to core religious values sounds like a good idea but values driven to their extreme have unintended consequences. What is lacking in the West, at this historical juncture, is social movements challenging the "irrationality of rationalization" (whether with Goldman or BP). Watered down reform is coming from above. Social movements are not likely to begin within institutionalized religion (although the possiblity does exist). Secular social movements can be just as religious as religious movements (and just as zealous). What is needed is a more critical, rational social movement which needs to self-consciously reflect on both its means and its ends to bring about more substantial progressive social change. The increasing institutionalization of religion (with its moral bankruptcy) which Hedges describes is nothing new. Historically, it has been counterbalanced by prophetic sectarian movements which challenge their hegemony. However, these sectarian movements can not only from the left but from the right and we should be careful of what we wish for. Getting back to core religious values sounds like a good idea but values driven to their extreme have unintended consequences. What is lacking in the West, at this historical juncture, is social movements challenging the “irrationality of rationalization” (whether with Goldman or BP). Watered down reform is coming from above. Social movements are not likely to begin within institutionalized religion (although the possiblity does exist). Secular social movements can be just as religious as religious movements (and just as zealous). What is needed is a more critical, rational social movement which needs to self-consciously reflect on both its means and its ends to bring about more substantial progressive social change.

]]> Comment on Sarah Palin by Lauren Langman http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog/?p=1&cpage=1#comment-10 Lauren Langman Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:36:32 +0000 http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog1/?p=1#comment-10 One scary MILF....see what Karlin, editor of Buzzflash.com says and see the video. Sarah Palin is a Manchurian Candidate for One Extremist Splinter Group of the End-Times Crowd Submitted by Mark on Thu, 10/09/2008 - 8:36am. EditorBlog MARK KARLIN'S EDITOR'S BLOG October 9 If a group of people conspires to seize control of the American Government in order to accomplish an agenda to force an extremist theology on U.S. citizens, a religious belief that views the presidency as a necessary step in advancing "end times," isn’t this treason? We think so. While the mainstream media has been preoccupied with regurgitating – for the third time this year – discredited assertions about a ‘60s radical turned esteemed educational professor and Barack Obama, it hasn’t given any notice to the extreme branch of Dominionism that Sarah Palin adheres to. Perhaps the "you betcha’" and "pit bull with lipstick" folksiness veneer makes it hard to accept that Palin is part of a rebel cult aimed at taking control of the U.S. government in the name of advancing Armageddon. It is kind of hard to think of the VP candidate that Republicans touted at the GOP convention with buttons as "The Hottest VP from the Coolest State" as a Manchurian candidate, but who are you going to believe, Palin or the evidence? If you think BuzzFlash is going off the deep end of conspiracy theories, then watch this smoking gun video. It was put together by the diligent people at talk2action.org who expose the extremist, anti-democracy, anti-Constitutional tyrannical theocracy of the religious far right. In the video, you will hear about how Palin was recruited at the age of 24 to be a political "warrior" to gain governmental power to assert an authoritarian end-times theocratic state that would rid the land of "non-believers." The credibility of the tape comes from its narrator, Mary Glazier, who is a key sponsor and mentor to Palin, as the Governor has been groomed to seize power as part of a plan of "spiritual warfare." Glazier details the recruitment of Palin in chilling terms and makes pronouncements, such as "There is a tipping point, at which time, because of the sin of the land, the people then have to be displaced." Again, don’t dismiss this as some sort of loony theory, listen and watch the tape. And you might also read some of the great research on Palin’s religious background and beliefs at Talk2Action.org. We’ve also posted several alarming articles on BuzzFlash, including: "The Irony of Sarah Palin: Her ‘Third Wave’ Radical Christian Theology"; "By Any Measure, Sarah Palin is a Radical Political and Religious Extremist"; and a must-read interview with Bruce Wilson of Talk2Action.com, "Sarah Palin's Extremist Religious Beliefs: The Republic is At Risk." It is important to recognize that the "spiritual warriors" know that they have to use deceptive tactics, including concealing their extremist religious agenda to seize the control of government at every level – and that Sarah Palin is their most charismatic "populist" vehicle for literally taking over the U.S. government and establishing an extremist theocratic, pre-Armageddon state. We are not exaggerating. In fact, some extreme right-wing religious fanatics have been openly talking of John McCain’s death, should McCain and Palin win, which would then allow Palin to implement a "Third Wave" theocracy in the U.S. And, trust us, if you aren’t a "believer," things are going to get very ugly. If you notice, Palin is very careful not to renounce any of the religious extremism that she adheres to. Instead, she gives vague answers that distract from the issue, while not really rejecting the assertions – but she doesn’t really have to worry because Sean Hannity is not going to pressure her on the subject. Palin has mastered the art of appearing like an everyday person in order to appeal to the working class population. The "spiritual warriors" are well aware that they can’t attain power by being honest about their goals, so deception is glorified in the name of their "divine" objective of making the U.S. a nation adhering to their fanatical beliefs. (Although Palin did wage her first campaign for mayor on abortion and religious "values" issues, going so far as to demand that her opponent produce a marriage license to prove that he and his wife weren't living in sin because she chose to keep her own name. We're not making this up.) It’s hard to look at Palin and believe that anyone who is so confidently scary stupid could be the chosen one for the practitioners of Biblical Apocalypse. But the mounting evidence shows that is exactly what she is. One scary MILF….see what Karlin, editor of Buzzflash.com says and see the video.
Sarah Palin is a Manchurian Candidate for One Extremist Splinter Group of the End-Times Crowd
Submitted by Mark on Thu, 10/09/2008 – 8:36am. EditorBlog
MARK KARLIN’S EDITOR’S BLOG

October 9

If a group of people conspires to seize control of the American Government in order to accomplish an agenda to force an extremist theology on U.S. citizens, a religious belief that views the presidency as a necessary step in advancing “end times,” isn’t this treason?

We think so.

While the mainstream media has been preoccupied with regurgitating – for the third time this year – discredited assertions about a ‘60s radical turned esteemed educational professor and Barack Obama, it hasn’t given any notice to the extreme branch of Dominionism that Sarah Palin adheres to.

Perhaps the “you betcha’” and “pit bull with lipstick” folksiness veneer makes it hard to accept that Palin is part of a rebel cult aimed at taking control of the U.S. government in the name of advancing Armageddon. It is kind of hard to think of the VP candidate that Republicans touted at the GOP convention with buttons as “The Hottest VP from the Coolest State” as a Manchurian candidate, but who are you going to believe, Palin or the evidence?

If you think BuzzFlash is going off the deep end of conspiracy theories, then watch this smoking gun video. It was put together by the diligent people at talk2action.org who expose the extremist, anti-democracy, anti-Constitutional tyrannical theocracy of the religious far right.

In the video, you will hear about how Palin was recruited at the age of 24 to be a political “warrior” to gain governmental power to assert an authoritarian end-times theocratic state that would rid the land of “non-believers.” The credibility of the tape comes from its narrator, Mary Glazier, who is a key sponsor and mentor to Palin, as the Governor has been groomed to seize power as part of a plan of “spiritual warfare.” Glazier details the recruitment of Palin in chilling terms and makes pronouncements, such as “There is a tipping point, at which time, because of the sin of the land, the people then have to be displaced.”

Again, don’t dismiss this as some sort of loony theory, listen and watch the tape. And you might also read some of the great research on Palin’s religious background and beliefs at Talk2Action.org.

We’ve also posted several alarming articles on BuzzFlash, including: “The Irony of Sarah Palin: Her ‘Third Wave’ Radical Christian Theology”; “By Any Measure, Sarah Palin is a Radical Political and Religious Extremist”; and a must-read interview with Bruce Wilson of Talk2Action.com, “Sarah Palin’s Extremist Religious Beliefs: The Republic is At Risk.”

It is important to recognize that the “spiritual warriors” know that they have to use deceptive tactics, including concealing their extremist religious agenda to seize the control of government at every level – and that Sarah Palin is their most charismatic “populist” vehicle for literally taking over the U.S. government and establishing an extremist theocratic, pre-Armageddon state. We are not exaggerating.

In fact, some extreme right-wing religious fanatics have been openly talking of John McCain’s death, should McCain and Palin win, which would then allow Palin to implement a “Third Wave” theocracy in the U.S. And, trust us, if you aren’t a “believer,” things are going to get very ugly.

If you notice, Palin is very careful not to renounce any of the religious extremism that she adheres to. Instead, she gives vague answers that distract from the issue, while not really rejecting the assertions – but she doesn’t really have to worry because Sean Hannity is not going to pressure her on the subject.

Palin has mastered the art of appearing like an everyday person in order to appeal to the working class population. The “spiritual warriors” are well aware that they can’t attain power by being honest about their goals, so deception is glorified in the name of their “divine” objective of making the U.S. a nation adhering to their fanatical beliefs. (Although Palin did wage her first campaign for mayor on abortion and religious “values” issues, going so far as to demand that her opponent produce a marriage license to prove that he and his wife weren’t living in sin because she chose to keep her own name. We’re not making this up.)

It’s hard to look at Palin and believe that anyone who is so confidently scary stupid could be the chosen one for the practitioners of Biblical Apocalypse.

But the mounting evidence shows that is exactly what she is.

]]> Comment on Sarah Palin by Warren S. Goldstein http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog/?p=1&cpage=1#comment-9 Warren S. Goldstein Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:24:51 +0000 http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog1/?p=1#comment-9 Amazing! Eerie resemblance. Do you think her speech writers ripped this off from the film? This would be even scarier. As for Lauren's last post, I saw her on Fox last night. She is running as a reformer. Do people actually believe this? Amazing! Eerie resemblance. Do you think her speech writers ripped this off from the film? This would be even scarier.

As for Lauren’s last post, I saw her on Fox last night. She is running as a reformer. Do people actually believe this?

]]> Comment on Sarah Palin by Kenneth MacKendrick http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog/?p=1&cpage=1#comment-8 Kenneth MacKendrick Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:08:57 +0000 http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog1/?p=1#comment-8 Small-town people, Palin went on, are "the ones who do some of the hardest work in America, who grow our food and run our factories and fight our wars". They are authentic; they are noble, and they are her own: "I grew up with those people." * * * "Remember this," Tyler said. "The people you're trying to step on, we're everyone you depend on. We're the people who do your laundry and cook your food and serve your dinner. We make your bed. We guard you while you're asleep. We drive the ambulances. We direct your call. We are cooks and taxi drivers and we know everything about you. We process your insurance claims and credit card charges. We control every part of your life... So don't fuck with us." - Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club Sorry, couldn't resist. KGM Small-town people, Palin went on, are “the ones who do some of the hardest work in America, who grow our food and run our factories and fight our wars”. They are authentic; they are noble, and they are her own: “I grew up with those people.”

* * *

“Remember this,” Tyler said. “The people you’re trying to step on, we’re everyone you depend on. We’re the people who do your laundry and cook your food and serve your dinner. We make your bed. We guard you while you’re asleep. We drive the ambulances. We direct your call. We are cooks and taxi drivers and we know everything about you. We process your insurance claims and credit card charges. We control every part of your life… So don’t fuck with us.” – Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club

Sorry, couldn’t resist. KGM

]]> Comment on Sarah Palin by Lauren Langman http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog/?p=1&cpage=1#comment-7 Lauren Langman Thu, 18 Sep 2008 05:35:23 +0000 http://www.criticaltheoryofreligion.org/blog1/?p=1#comment-7 Sept 17 Polls may not be accurate, but NYT and Quinipac now also put Obama ahead....and --hate to sound like broken record-ok that's dated, say I pod that won't switch tunes, but none of the polls get the youth vote that is about 70% Obama, 98% only have cell phones, and several million have been registered by Move On, the Obama campaign, etc. Many since the nomination. This is what did Hillary in, and IMnotsoHO, will do McSame and Palin in on Nov 4th. The Palin effect, never as much as the media thought, has worn thin, looking at Russia across the sea is not the qualification for understanding geo politics. Now that her pot use, trooper gate, bridges to nowhere and then Wassilla are coming out, some of her appeal is fading--except for the hallelujah, the world is ending/Jesus is coming folks--helping McSame where he was weak. His new image, born again populist, just doesn't cut it.....not w/7+ homes, $500 loafers, and a long record of hobnobbing with the rich and often infamous. Next version, he was a community organizer--while in Hanoi Hilton US: Daily Tracking (9/14-16) By Eric Dienstfrey National Daily Tracking Surveys 9/14-16/08 DailyKos.com (D) / Research 2000 1,100 LV, 3%; Live Telephone Interviews Obama 48, McCain 44 Diageo / Hotline 913 RV, 3.2%; Live Telephone Interviews Obama 45, McCain 42 Gallup 2,787 RV, 2%; Live Telephone Interviews Obama 47, McCain 45 Sept 17

Polls may not be accurate, but NYT and Quinipac now also put Obama ahead….and –hate to sound like broken record-ok that’s dated, say I pod that won’t switch tunes, but none of the polls get the youth vote that is about 70% Obama, 98% only have cell phones, and several million have been registered by Move On, the Obama campaign, etc. Many since the nomination. This is what did Hillary in, and IMnotsoHO, will do McSame and Palin in on Nov 4th.
The Palin effect, never as much as the media thought, has worn thin, looking at Russia across the sea is not the qualification for understanding geo politics. Now that her pot use, trooper gate, bridges to nowhere and then Wassilla are coming out, some of her appeal is fading–except for the hallelujah, the world is ending/Jesus is coming folks–helping McSame where he was weak. His new image, born again populist, just doesn’t cut it…..not w/7+ homes, $500 loafers, and a long record of hobnobbing with the rich and often infamous. Next version, he was a community organizer–while in Hanoi Hilton

US: Daily Tracking (9/14-16)

By Eric Dienstfrey

National Daily Tracking Surveys
9/14-16/08

DailyKos.com (D) / Research 2000
1,100 LV, 3%; Live Telephone Interviews
Obama 48, McCain 44

Diageo / Hotline
913 RV, 3.2%; Live Telephone Interviews
Obama 45, McCain 42

Gallup
2,787 RV, 2%; Live Telephone Interviews
Obama 47, McCain 45

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