Reply #38: There is another answer you are missing... [View All]

Most educated people are aware of extremist takes on ideology and theology...some people are afraid of listening to these views, and some people use those views to prove their own extreme ideological viewpoints.

You should have respect for people that directly experience desperate explanations for the distress they live in, and overcome those views to stand up and try to lead people to a better place.

There is absolutely no truth to the idea that hearing someone talk directly influences everything you do.

Also, people need to start asking why they don't hear that type of talk in other churches. Sometimes you get nutjob evangelicals, but for the most part, white suburban churches simply do not have to talk about issues of poverty, race, or god's role in inequality. There is that special type of privilege that comes from comfort where you do not have to ask or think about questions or problems that other people are forced to live with.