Is America Surrounded by Paganism? Newt Thinks So

[kalt]

He WAS granted the annuments (I assume)
The Church IS about forgivness.

What was it Jesus said about casting the first stone?

Annulments aren’t about forgiveness. (Just in case that’s what you were thinking.)

 

[kalt]

Newt is as usual right on the mark.

Society today is self-focused which by itself fills the bill. Then add to it lust for money, power, sex and the picture is rounded out.

In 1970 About 75% of professed Catholics fulfilled Sunday and Holyday obligations; today that numer is [Pew report] at 23%. About 70% went to Confession, nor “less than 10% go even once per year.”

I’m not sure of what he gave as causes, but he is “right on the mark” in his sumanation. dear God help us, Socialism IS COMMING! That to requires idols and false gods.

Well, if anyone should know all about it…

 

[Tsuwano]

I don’t usually agree with Mr. Gingrich’s politics, though I do think he is worth listening to, but in this particular case the idea that “America is surrounded by Paganism” is nothing new at all. I remember reading a book way back in 1982 entitled “Reevangelizing Neopagan North America” and the religious Right has been playing this same theme since they helped Ronald Reagan defeat Jimmy Carter 30 years ago. You can agree or disagree with Mr. Gingrich in this case, but you certainly shouldn’t be shocked. We’ve all heard this song before.

 

[Claire_from_DE]

I think it would be more correct to say ‘Americans are surrounded by secularism’

 

[Tsuwano]

I think it would be more correct to say ‘Americans are surrounded by secularism’

“Secularism” is probably a more accurate term for what Mr. Gingrich means to say, but this term wouldn’t have the same shock value as “paganism.” After all, America is a secular nation and most Americans, including those who are religiously devout, would prefer that it stay that way. Mr. Gingrich uses the term “paganism” because many Christians, especially those who are his main audience, recognize the term as perjorative, and yet it is sufficiently ambiguous, allowing Mr. Gingrich to define “paganism” any old way he pleases. What does Mr. Gingrich actually mean when he says America is surrounded by Paganism? Does he mean the nation is surrounded by non Christian religions? Does he mean that non Christian values have permeated society to such a degree that Christians are in danger of losing their cherished position in society? Perhaps he means that many Americans are not Christian and we should work to limit their access to citizenship. I think Mr. Gingrich is being vague intentionally, which is why I am not so much interested in his observation as I am in whatever he offers as a solution to the problem he perceives. His suggestions as to what courses of action should be taken to relieve the problem will give us an idea of his true intention in bringing his observation to public awareness.