[Vision2020] The church’s culture war

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of today’s Moscow-Pullman Daily News with tanks to Joann Muneta.

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The church’s culture war

I read Doug Wilson’s suggestion to address the cultural schism in Moscow by having representatives of his “church community” on stage with representatives of the “town” to have a cordial discussion. On the face of it, having a cordial discussion sounds progressive and friendly. The problem is that it’s Wilson himself who has caused the schism and is on record on national television and internationally as working to change our town by means of a culture war.

Then he complains about the “us” vs. “them” divide. How rude of us. It’s like someone coming to your door to take your house and then complaining because you don’t invite him in for dinner.

Wilson wants to erase or recolor Moscow’s “little blue dot” representing the caring, inclusive community that we treasure. In this case, blue represents the small “d” of democracy; our American values of separation of church and state; support for public education; equality of women; providing safe health care; respect for diverse religions; and valuing and protecting every person with “liberty and justice for all.”

It is typical of Wilson to do or say something outrageous like standing on a rainbow flag or circulating a book approving of slavery, and then say it was just a joke or misunderstanding. The hymn sing in Moscow City Hall’s parking lot may have been legal, but along with other words and actions it was clearly designed to facilitate Christ Church’s nonmasking movement, making the pandemic an opportunity for more polarization and schism when we needed unity and help for the more vulnerable. The scars from that remain. We don’t encourage polarization, but neither can we accept Wilson’s plans for waging and winning a culture war. We must stay united, active, and peaceful for the sake of our community and its future generations.

Joann Muneta, Moscow

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Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
http://www.MoscowCares.net

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

“A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met.”
- Roy E. Stolworthy
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