It's interesting to note which threads generate the most

[MineralMan]

discussion in the Religion Group. I'm not sure what that means, exactly, but it's really interesting. Discussion is the goal of this Group, as it is everywhere on DU. That's why we're here - discussion. It's something to encourage, I believe.

[elleng]

1. How about this?

Speaker Paul Ryan just forced the House chaplain, a respected Jesuit priest, to resign - apparently for political reasons.

According to press reports, Republicans were upset with Father Patrick Conroy for not being enthusiastic enough about their tax cut bill and for once inviting a Muslim professor of religion to offer the daily prayer.

Father Conroy is not a left-wing activist; he was originally appointed by Republican speaker John Boehner and confirmed by a unanimous vote.

Congressional chaplains are supposed to be nonpartisan pastors, not Christian figureheads for the GOP agenda.

Tell Paul Ryan: Reinstate the House chaplain.
http://act.faithfulamerica.org/sign/ryan_conroy/?t=1&akid=1085%2E81534%2EpaGlNv

[MineralMan]

2. I thought that was an interesting story, yesterday.

Frankly, I can't see the need for a chaplain for Congress in the first place. They are needed in the military, because military people are assigned to many parts of the world, often in remote areas where there is no access to places of worship. But, Congress isn't in that situation. There are plenty of churches and other places to worship in D.C. and in their home towns. They can worship just about any time they choose.

So, I can't see how chaplains are needed by Congress. I don't mind them having chaplains, but this forcing to resign smacks of religious prejudice, somehow.

[dameatball]

3. There seems to be some murky hint of political leanings that Ryan disagrees with.

But your main point is (I think) that chaplains are not needed in Congress and I agree. They can pray whenever they want to, just like in schools.

[MineralMan]

4. Everything is political for Ryan.

He's total slime, that one.

[dameatball]

5. Yep. I had read someplace that the chaplain was opposed to poor people starving to death.

[MineralMan]

6. Clearly not in line with dominionist goals.

Ryan is the devil, incarnate. Widow's peak and all.

[Bretton Garcia]

8. Paul Ryan looks strikingly like Eddie Munster

Popular topics often by the way, often center around Guil, and older discussions. Notably major philosophical topics relating to compatibilities and incompatibilities between 1) liberal Christians, and 2) liberal atheists.

Guil constantly pushes the notion of an open, generous, allegedly nondogmatic "liberal" church.

The main argument again at him at this time, is probably that the liberal church is not as liberal or good as he alleges.

Your own independent topics are often quite good. Though older topics, agendas, still have some popularity too.

[guillaumeb]

7. Agreed and recommended. eom