"Let go of the stupid stuff" is the Coming Christianity



James Talarico's Presbyterian pastor told a prospective church member in a private conversation; Christians should be careful which translations to rely on when reading the Bible. In a recording, made without the permission of the pastor, he used the words "stupid stuff." No one says he said this from the pulpit. He should have--every preacher should say it. Just to remind, James Talarico is running for the Senate in Texas.

If we put on our polite hat, we would say it is disrespectful to refer to the tenets of the faith, any faith, as stupid stuff. But if we considered that a major reason people leave the faith is they can no longer believe the far-fetched tales it features. Maybe the most helpful thing one can suggest to those in the faith is to remind them of this doubt. The faith could be taught without featuring stories that are beyond the pale. Liberal branches do this.

James Talarico, a seminary student, has said at various times the Bible does not condemn abortion nor demonize gay people. He is weaponizing the Bible against true believers. On comment pages of conservative sites he is accused as being an imposter in the faith. The irony is that Christian literalists are the Christian imposters. 

It seems inevitable to me that if Democrats win the House in the upcoming midterm it will set back the marketing of Christianity. If they win the Senate, especially if Talarico wins, the damage to the faith will be even greater. 

Making the Bible the centerpiece of the faith was a strategic mistake because it contains "stupid stuff."

 



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