[MD] New Model Army, Mystic(DQ) Experience, and Religion (SQ) as Power

[Case]

> dmb replies:
And you seem to be suggesting that I'm all freaked out about some tiny
fringe group of extremists. But as I keep trying to tell you, 85% of
Americans call themselves Christian and the party of the religious right
is in control of all three branches of government. And there is also the
problem of trying to fit theism into the MOQ.

[Case]
This was to Ian but since I have made the same charge several times I am
butting in. Saying that 85% of Americans are Christian does not put them
all in the religious right. Many Christains are as appalled by the right
wing as are atheists.

> dmb replies:
> Firstly, I'm not asking for a hypothetical version of acceptable theism.
I'm asking you to identify and describe one that actually exists.
Secondly, if it acknowledge that "God" is a mystical metaphor rather
than an actual god, then it would be inaccurate to describe it as
theism. Theism, by definition, is the belief in a supernatural being. If
that belief is absent, then its not theism and I have nothing to
criticize. As I understand these key terms, your suggestion makes no
sense and refers to nothing that exists in the real world. Please
explain.

[Case]
American Indian religion is pantheist. It holds that god is part and
parcel of the world and exists in all things. Pantheists as well as many
pagan groups hold that we and everything around us are manifestations of
the Living God.

As for specifically theistic groups whose faith leads them to perform high
Quality works, I mentioned the Koinonia and Habitat for Humanity earlier
but I would add the Salvation Army, Freemasonry and 12 Step programs. None
of these are part of your religious conspiracy and to varying degree
qualify under Ian's definition to, "acknowledge the mystical metaphorical
value of the idea of "god", but don't prescribe its literal authority
outside the spiritual realm." In fact under this defination one could
include most of the "mainline" denominations; basically the non-alter
callers.

For Christain writers who fall into this catagory I would include Marcus
Borg, Burton Mack, Elaine Pagels, Thomas Jefferson and Bishop John Shelby
Sprong.