Conservatives are big fraidy cats: how to make them liberal

[ElNono]

If anything, Trump's election pretty much signals the death of social conservatism as an electable platform, tbh... which is actually good news for the GOP if they can continue to walk that line...

[Spurminator]

If anything, Trump's election pretty much signals the death of social conservatism as an electable platform, tbh... which is actually good news for the GOP if they can continue to walk that line...

I don't know if I'd go that far. At best, it's the death of requiring that socially conservative leaders practice (or even pretend to practice) what they preach. Evangelicals still eat it up when he talks about Christian values.

[Spurtacular]

Fear will always be integral part, tbh... but it doesn't have to be fear from god, as it was in the past... now there's other, much more tangible social deterrents...

The point is total fear is high as ever. So, really what's the point of complaining?

[ElNono]

I don't know if I'd go that far. At best, it's the death of requiring that socially conservative leaders practice (or even pretend to practice) what they preach. Evangelicals still eat it up when he talks about Christian values.

There's just not enough of them, and continue dwindling... there's no way Trump wins the primaries otherwise... What's worse, guys like Cruz or Pence couldn't win the general either...

I think it would be wise for the GOP to continue on that line, at least when it comes to presidential elections... evangelicals will wind up with some token cabinet positions anyways.

[ElNono]

The point is total fear is high as ever. So, really what's the point of complaining?

I disagree on that. Much, much worse times than right now in history. World War II, Inquisition, the Civil War, heck, even non-religious, non-war things like plagues, etc.

This is grand time to be alive, IMO.

[sickdsm]

If anything, Trump's election pretty much signals the death of social conservatism as an electable platform, tbh... which is actually good news for the GOP if they can continue to walk that line...

I'd agree with that. A good guage imo is stances on gay and lesbian. The only phobics around are really old people or backwoods idiots.

[SnakeBoy]

And honestly, fear is the biggest psychological construction of religion, tbh... it served humanity well for centuries, until we were able to put together a somewhat civil society under laws and democracy and what not...

Probably a dated construct at this point, desperately seeking relevancy, but you can't outright claim it was never useful, IMO.

Athiests/Agnostics account for less than 20% of the population so I don't see how you come to the conclusion that religion is desperately seeking relevance. It's fine to have whatever views you want but let's keep it real.

[ElNono]

Athiests/Agnostics account for less than 20% of the population so I don't see how you come to the conclusion that religion is desperately seeking relevance. It's fine to have whatever views you want but let's keep it real.

It's not a membership/self-identification problem, it's a relevancy problem. Outside theocracies (which actually rule with a relative hard hand), people has moved onto picking/choosing/debating what they want to adhere to within their religion.

ie: Christianity is still a popular choice, but the Pope words don't carry anywhere near as much weight as it once did. Heck, the Pope figure doesn't carry anywhere near as much political weight as it once did.

[CosmicCowboy]

Anyone watch Vikings? Several times they overlaid Viking "pagan" rituals with catholic mass bouncing back and forth. Made both look ridiculous.

[koriwhat]

Athiests/Agnostics account for less than 20% of the population... but make up 100% of the users on mmorpg's.

fify... lol

[boutons_deux]

Satanists trolling the Christian supremacist theocrats

[Spurtacular]

I disagree on that. Much, much worse times than right now in history. World War II, Inquisition, the Civil War, heck, even non-religious, non-war things like plagues, etc.

This is grand time to be alive, IMO.

Well, wars and tumultuous times aside, I was speaking of the social construct and what creates fear. We live in an age in which manipulation and fear politics is at an all time high. If one doesn't follow the company line, he/she is up the creek without a paddle.

[ElNono]

Well, wars and tumultuous times aside, I was speaking of the social construct and what creates fear. We live in an age in which manipulation and fear politics is at an all time high. If one doesn't follow the company line, he/she is up the creek without a paddle.

Only the gullible has those fears, I suppose. What's the worse that can happen if you don't adhere to the norm du jour ? Ostracism and ridicule? I mean, talk about snowflakes, tbh...

First world problems I guess...

[CosmicCowboy]

Only the gullible has those fears, I suppose. What's the worse that can happen if you don't adhere to the norm du jour ? Ostracism and ridicule? I mean, talk about snowflakes, tbh...

First world problems I guess...

No . Hysterical little es.

[Spurtacular]

Only the gullible has those fears, I suppose. What's the worse that can happen if you don't adhere to the norm du jour ? Ostracism and ridicule? I mean, talk about snowflakes, tbh...

First world problems I guess...

And they're that because of our values. Corruption corrupts.

[Splits]

[TeyshaBlue]

oh, a rawstory op. Thanks boutons.

[TeyshaBlue]

And yes, I read it. Go stand in the RSS feed corner with RG.

[CosmicCowboy]

And yes, I read it. Go stand in the RSS feed corner with RG.