Christian fundamentalists share some similarities with their Jewish and Muslim brethren: they all wish to preserve their faiths in what they consider their pristine, authentic forms. They reject much of modern day secular society and see it as a corrupting influence. They also feel that many other members of their own faith have gone astray into unorthodox liberal distortions of their religions. Their war is then against the World and, to some extent, against the dilutions created by those who belong to their same faith.
For this program CNN conducted a poll.
"The CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll found that of the 750 Christians in the survey, 59 percent identify themselves first by their faith, then as Americans, while 36 percent described themselves in the reverse. CNN's research also found that Americans are now less likely to see the possibility for peace between Islam and Christianity. Of the total 1,029 adult Americans polled, 53 percent say conflict is inevitable between the two religions, up from 45 percent in 2003. The CNN poll also found that 62 percent say that American society has strayed too far from its religious foundation in the past 50 years.When it comes to the Bible, CNN's poll found that 57 percent say they believe the Book of Revelations' description of the violent end of the world, where all but Christians perish. Nearly one in five believes it will happen in their lifetime."
The Christian Right is attempting to bring the U.S. back to true religion by cultivating teen groups like "Teen Mania," featured in two of the photos above taken in San Francisco. This city was targeted because, I suppose, it is considered a site of corruption and liberalism. The teens gathered in a large stadium where there were light shows, inspirational music, stirring evangelical messages and many chances to emote spiritually. The teens and their adult leaders also staged a rally outside of City Hall, the place where same sex marriages have been performed.
Teen Mania has an impressive corporate site online.
Some photos of the site are above.
Part of Teen Mania training is special summer training sessions where the teens are inspired by evangelical ministers and leaders, learn techniques to bring America back to God and deepen their own sense of faith.
Pastor John Hagee of the Cornerstone Church, a mega congregation in San Antonio --- shown above seated between the U.S. and Israeli flags --- is one of a growing number of evangelical leaders who believe it is important for real Christians to support Israel. In Pastor Hagee's words: "Genesis 12:3 "And I will bless them that bless thee and curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all nations of the earth be blessed." Point: God has promised to bless the man or nation that blesses the Chosen People. History has proven beyond reasonable doubt that the nations that have blessed the Jewish people have had the blessing of God; the nations that have cursed the Jewish people have experienced the curse of God."
Pastor Hagee also has an impressive online site.
At his church in Texas, Pastor Hagee has constructed from stones brought from Jerusalem a replica of part of the "Wailing Wall" or the Western Wall --- all that remains of the Jewish Temple.
One feature of God's Christian warriors is to encourage and enable as many true Christians as possible to be active in politics -- local, state and national. Goal: to bring America back to what they believe were the religious traditions of the Founding Fathers.
