The most influential evangelical you've never heard of.

September 6, 2007 10:15 AM

D. James Kennedy, father of Christian Dominionism, has died.
posted by EarBucket (82 comments total)

Pre-summary of thread:

- good
- let's not be so harsh
- no, let's
- *argument over the merits of religion*
posted by DU at 10:23 AM on September 6, 2007 [12 favorites]

One of those fronts was his never-ending battle against homosexuality and what he saw as a "gay agenda." His groups offered reeducation "cures" to troubled gays, whom Dr. Kennedy described as "little boys looking for a daddy to love them."

Why do the vocabulary choices of anti-gay bigots often sound so... well... gay?
posted by Faint of Butt at 10:26 AM on September 6, 2007 [1 favorite]

good
posted by 2sheets at 10:27 AM on September 6, 2007 [2 favorites]

let's not be so harsh
posted by JDHarper at 10:27 AM on September 6, 2007 [2 favorites]

No, let's
posted by BitterOldPunk at 10:28 AM on September 6, 2007 [2 favorites]

Religion has various merits.
posted by box at 10:29 AM on September 6, 2007 [2 favorites]

No, it doesn't.
posted by rokusan at 10:30 AM on September 6, 2007 [4 favorites]

Religion has various merits.

Bullshit.
posted by Poolio at 10:30 AM on September 6, 2007 [2 favorites]

And your post schedule:

1-50 - good
51-60 - let's not be so harsh
61-100 - no, let's
101-500 - *argument over the merits of religion*
501-1000 - longboats
1001-1500 - is this the longest thread ever?
1501+ - grapefruitmoon makes her triumphant return.

Please keep to this plan. Last thing we need is a "let's not be so harsh" showing up in the 400s. It distracts from poo-flinging milieu.
posted by dw at 10:30 AM on September 6, 2007 [1 favorite]

Wow. That biography link gets super-bonus points for overuse of the word "Romish."
posted by verb at 10:33 AM on September 6, 2007

I used to love The Romish. Whatever happened to that nice Michael Chiklis?
posted by box at 10:34 AM on September 6, 2007

lolxians
posted by ZachsMind at 10:36 AM on September 6, 2007

You forgot "who?"
posted by smackfu at 10:36 AM on September 6, 2007

Please keep to this plan.

I'd be more interested in finally getting an insider's look at this Gay Agenda, which I guess can now finally be made public. Does it include set times for interior decorating, for instance? Do motions for canapes and fizzy drinks require a second?
posted by yhbc at 10:36 AM on September 6, 2007

One down, so many to go.
posted by notsnot at 10:37 AM on September 6, 2007

Why do the vocabulary choices of anti-gay bigots often sound so... well... gay?

Because they're all gay?
posted by god hates math at 10:40 AM on September 6, 2007 [2 favorites]

The time is now right for me to announce that I am grapefruitmoon's sock puppet.

Oh, and

.
posted by Pastabagel at 10:42 AM on September 6, 2007

Tank Hearse!
posted by kuujjuarapik at 10:42 AM on September 6, 2007 [1 favorite]

*
posted by loquacious at 10:44 AM on September 6, 2007

In high school, this kid I knew carried around a little planner notebook which he called "The Gay Agenda."
posted by nasreddin at 10:47 AM on September 6, 2007 [5 favorites]

..|.,
posted by Pope Guilty at 10:49 AM on September 6, 2007 [1 favorite]

For a religion thread, this is actually progressing very well.
posted by brain_drain at 10:50 AM on September 6, 2007

brain drain

Only because I'm preoccupied with XBOX Live Arcade.
posted by The Confessor at 10:52 AM on September 6, 2007

Holy crap, why didn't anyone tell me that Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix got released for XBLA?
posted by box at 10:55 AM on September 6, 2007

Fuck him.


(is that better?)
posted by notsnot at 10:57 AM on September 6, 2007

It's going to get Kennedy's goat if he shows up in heaven and finds out the mormons were right after all.
posted by mullingitover at 10:58 AM on September 6, 2007

I'd have more enthusiasm about there being one less prominent Dominionist if there weren't so many others waiting to step into his place.
posted by gurple at 11:01 AM on September 6, 2007 [2 favorites]

Yeah! One less person retarding human progress.
posted by Mr_Zero at 11:02 AM on September 6, 2007

1501+ - grapefruitmoon makes her triumphant return.

So, does this parallel the Rapture or the Second Coming?
posted by quin at 11:02 AM on September 6, 2007

.
posted by nola at 11:07 AM on September 6, 2007

Jesus. What an... yeah.
posted by grubi at 11:13 AM on September 6, 2007

i still can't understand it

how the HELL can a team like the u of m lose to appalachian state?
posted by pyramid termite at 11:16 AM on September 6, 2007

Christ: "What an asshole."
posted by GrammarMoses at 11:16 AM on September 6, 2007

Christ: "What an asshole!"
posted by Pope Guilty at 11:16 AM on September 6, 2007

Damn you, GrammarMoses.
posted by Pope Guilty at 11:17 AM on September 6, 2007

Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
- Mark Twain
posted by dougzilla at 11:23 AM on September 6, 2007

†
posted by athenian at 11:23 AM on September 6, 2007

Fuck Yeah!
posted by jeblis at 11:28 AM on September 6, 2007

As they say, De mortuis nil nisi bonum.

Okay, I guess this is going to have to be a "nil".
posted by Creosote at 11:30 AM on September 6, 2007

what i think is weird:

kennedy wasn't the only rabidly anti-GLBT leader to die on tuesday.

congressman collier (R)-ohio, died on the very same day.

kinda creepy.

doesn't make me miss 'em, tho.
posted by CitizenD at 11:31 AM on September 6, 2007

^^

uh, yeah.

that would be congressman paul gillmor, the distinguished homophobe from the great state of ohio.

sorry 'bout that.
posted by CitizenD at 11:33 AM on September 6, 2007

"Espousing deeply conservative social views, he often preached against abortion, homosexuality, liberal judges, stem-cell research, the teaching of evolution and secular values."

OK, can we get back on schedule for standard human progress now that he's gone?
posted by travis vocino at 11:35 AM on September 6, 2007

Damned by the Pope. Now that stings.
posted by GrammarMoses at 11:36 AM on September 6, 2007 [1 favorite]

Two rabid homophobes both die the day Larry Craig says he's coming back?

The gift that keeps on giving.
posted by DU at 11:41 AM on September 6, 2007

Yeah... but...um, he’ll be back, right?

Dominionism, at least the theocratic stuff, is exactly equal to the kind of muslim theocratic fanaticism we’re having problems with. Religion is one thing, fanaticism of any stripe has no merits.
posted by Smedleyman at 11:45 AM on September 6, 2007

Dominionism, at least the theocratic stuff,

Dominionism is by definition theocratic. As you point out, though, it's important to recognize that the distinguishing characteristic of these folks isn't that they're Christian, it's that they're fanatics. Calling themselves Christian is just a convenience for gaining power in the US.
posted by gurple at 11:50 AM on September 6, 2007

As you point out, though, it's important to recognize that the distinguishing characteristic of these folks isn't that they're Christian, it's that they're fanatics. Calling themselves Christian is just a convenience for gaining power in the US.

They are Christians, though.
posted by Pope Guilty at 11:54 AM on September 6, 2007 [1 favorite]

And isn't R.J. Rushdooney generally considered the father of Dominionism?
posted by Pope Guilty at 11:55 AM on September 6, 2007

They are Christians, though.

Well, yeah, they are. I guess my point, though, is that mainstream Christians shouldn't feel any particular need to defend these people or see them as spiritual authorities.

I've talked to a number of mainstream Christians who feel uneasy about Dominionists and televangelists and whatnot, but they can't seem to go so far as to condemn them. Boy, it'd be great if they would.
posted by gurple at 11:57 AM on September 6, 2007

Rushdoony's known as the father of Christian Reconstructionism, which is closely related in a lot of ways but not the same thing.
posted by EarBucket at 11:57 AM on September 6, 2007

Yeah... but...um, he’ll be back, right?

If Jesus comes back, we'll kill him again.
posted by quin at 11:59 AM on September 6, 2007

So, they like Old Dominion? It's an ok school. I don't know how the team is this year.
posted by a robot made out of meat at 12:03 PM on September 6, 2007

It tickles.

Well, sure, if you're a Master of Evil. But I'm still slogging through my apprenticeship.
posted by GrammarMoses at 12:16 PM on September 6, 2007 [1 favorite]

"Christ: What an asshole."
posted by kigpig at 12:16 PM on September 6, 2007

Lolxian sounds a lot like Lesbian, if you slur it when you pronounce it.
posted by Joey Michaels at 12:17 PM on September 6, 2007

Dominionism, what a kickass name for a religion. Too bad about all the gay-bashing and anti-reproductive rights stuff.
posted by Wonderwoman at 12:32 PM on September 6, 2007

From the second link:

"Our job is to reclaim America for Christ, whatever the cost," Kennedy says. "As the vice regents of God, we are to exercise godly dominion and influence over our neighborhoods, our schools, our government, our literature and arts, our sports arenas, our entertainment media, our news media, our scientific endeavors -- in short, over every aspect and institution of human society."

I'm not going to miss him.
posted by maryh at 12:46 PM on September 6, 2007

Is Dominionism something I would need to own whips, chains, and leather masks to understand?

No, that would be Opus Dei.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 1:36 PM on September 6, 2007 [5 favorites]

“ ‘Dominionism is by definition theocratic’/ ‘They are Christians, though.’”

Matter of perspective I think. My (albeit limited) understanding is there are nuances in dominionism. Could just be a red herring I suppose.
But I mean, what’s the difference between the Sunnis and the Shiites? Within the muslim faith you have various sects and varying claims to legitimacy of various kinds.
So the Sunnis are more state-oriented and the Shiites are more fractured. Does that mean by definition the Sunnis are theocrats and Shiites aren’t? Not always. Depends on the state and the local flavor. And there can be serious antagonism between sects (and violence (pun int’d)).
Same deal with these folks.
I understand that some Christians condemn Dominionists. I’ve seen it various places on the web et.al Many Neo-Nazi groups claim a Christian faith, they hate Catholics and some other brands of Christians (indeed, there are arguments over whether Catholics are Christians).

The (belabored) point being - while any fanatic group is essentially perpendicular to nearly everyone else - they have (perhaps counterintuitively) more friction with people closer to themselves; within their own sphere or labeling scheme or whatnot, than with people further afield.
So while the Sunni puritans (colloq. Wahhabis) might give other Sunnis a hard time and will kick Shiites in the ass they might cut the Alawites (who celebrate some Christian holidays) a break because they don’t consider them truly Muslim.
But you’re right gurple, it doesn’t seem to go both ways.
Happens in the Muslim community, happens with some jews and the exesses of Israel, happened with far leftists and communism and far rightists and fascism - why anyone would defend a crew that would likely force them to convert or die is beyond me. Fanaticism isn’t a purer or stronger form of whatever the core belief is, it’s just toxic. A thing unto itself.

“Is Dominionism something I would need to own whips, chains, and leather masks to understand?”

Sure, what do ya need? *opens trunk*
posted by Smedleyman at 1:54 PM on September 6, 2007

Anyone remember the Illuminati game? Any group with whose alignment is Fanatic is opposed to any other group whose alignment is also Fanatic. Of course, might be more realistic if Fanatic groups were opposed to any other group period.

I won't mourn this guy's passing, but I'm not going to dance on his grave either. It would have been preferable if he'd had a change of heard and started preaching Jesus-type Christian values like love and understanding instead of hate before he died.

And yes, it would also be preferable if it rained Sam Adams beer instead of water when I'm thirsty.
posted by Loudmax at 3:23 PM on September 6, 2007

When I lived in Fort Lauderdale, I always wanted to have sex in a car parked in Coral Ridge Presbyterian's parking lot. With Kennedy dead, doing so now would just seem... hollow.
posted by the_bone at 4:29 PM on September 6, 2007

good riddance.
posted by amberglow at 4:48 PM on September 6, 2007

After several dozen posts, I'd think that someone would have pointed out that D. James Kennedy was not the father of Christian Reconstruction, aka "Dominionism." It was Rousas John Rushdoony.
posted by Yakuman at 4:56 PM on September 6, 2007

CitizenD: what i think is weird: kennedy wasn't the only rabidly anti-GLBT leader to die on tuesday. congressman collier (R)-ohio, died on the very same day. kinda creepy.

Not creepy at all... clearly it's the beginning of the Rapture. You know, end of the world and stuff. They're with baby jeezus now and we were left behind.
posted by Hairy Lobster at 5:22 PM on September 6, 2007

And now he finally knows what he has so long believed.

Goodnight, sweet prince, and may angels sing thee to thy sleep.
posted by Mr.Encyclopedia at 5:46 PM on September 6, 2007

he doesn't deserve a period
posted by mike3k at 6:10 PM on September 6, 2007

Yakuman
After several dozen posts, I'd think that someone would have pointed out that D. James Kennedy was not the father of Christian Reconstruction, aka "Dominionism." It was Rousas John Rushdoony.
::cough::
posted by Sangermaine at 6:15 PM on September 6, 2007

The World Famous: Is this the longest thread ever?

No, but it is a tribute.
posted by dr_dank at 7:57 PM on September 6, 2007 [1 favorite]

More environmental pollution.
posted by Henry C. Mabuse at 10:31 PM on September 6, 2007

Loudmax : Anyone remember the Illuminati game?

Only that when upright it said INWO and when flipped it said OMNI.

That bugged me for a long time. Then I played the game with a really good Judge and I realized that the engine sucked.

I loved the origins, but the end result just didn't work for me.
posted by quin at 10:47 PM on September 6, 2007

He hasn't died, he's just been called back to the home office for some discipline.
posted by moonbiter at 11:10 PM on September 6, 2007

After several dozen posts, I'd think that someone would have pointed out that D. James Kennedy was not the father of Christian Reconstruction, aka "Dominionism." It was Rousas John Rushdoony.

Dominionism Has Two Daddies.
posted by Sparx at 12:41 AM on September 7, 2007 [1 favorite]

So, I just want to say, Dominionists may call themselves Christians, but I think it's fair to say that that is a debatable point. It bugs me that people will use a Bible as a prop for whatever delusional or megalomanial fantasies they want to pursue.

I think if one went back to the Bible and read the Gospels with an approach of openness, or even read up on how the early Christians lived, one might (if being honest) be surprised to find how far afield all of these different "fundamentalist" sects are. It would be hard to imagine your typical tubby suburbanoid latte-shlurping SUV-driving super-mega-church-goers giving away all that they owned and living a life of humility, charity, etc. Jesus was a longhair, and what he preached was actually pretty radical - and much harder to pursue now than it might even have been back then (uh, if you discount all the martyrs, lions, colliseums, etc.)

Maybe this is obvious to everyone else, or just kind of dull and straight-sounding, but I thought I'd say it.
posted by newdaddy at 10:13 AM on September 7, 2007

It angers me, newdaddy--you Christians need to stop these people from the evil they do--the rest of us only see these people speaking for all of you--all the time.
posted by amberglow at 4:56 PM on September 7, 2007

(yours is the typical reaction--disassociating yourself from "them")
posted by amberglow at 4:57 PM on September 7, 2007

What, so your suggestion is that nobody should do nuttin'?

If Lieberman is a Democrat, then, yes, Democrats on the street should be doing something about that ass. They can vote, they can write their representative, they can write the committee that oversees the Democrat party operations, they can write to the newspaper. They can do something.

Religionists can do the same. There is no need to allow psuedo-Christians to hijack the religion, so as to use it as a crude political tool. No need to let shysters misappropriate the name so as to rake in the bucks from gullible and desperate people.

The silence of the American people on issues political and religious is going to be the destruction of the country. If you don't shout out your voice, how the hell do you expect your needs and desires to be met? Your politicians and priests are not mind readers!

Something like eighty percent of your country wants Bush and Cheney impeached. Yet nothing is done. Why is that? Because y'all don't demand it.
posted by five fresh fish at 6:48 PM on September 7, 2007 [1 favorite]

what fff said. And Lieberman actually stopped being a Democrat when he left the party after losing the primary to Lamont. He officially started his own party.

All Democrats tell the party over and over and over they should stop dealing with Lieberman and take him off all his committees--because it would mean Cheney has to step in on every vote to break ties, they haven't done it.
posted by amberglow at 2:37 AM on September 8, 2007

the ONLY religious service broadcast to American service men and women by the Pentagon run Armed Forces Network Radio is the Coral Ridge Hour.
posted by amberglow at 3:02 AM on September 9, 2007

Bloody scary, that.
posted by five fresh fish at 8:16 AM on September 9, 2007

and that's not the only Dominionist/Christian Right influence and propagation, etc, among the Armed Forces by any means.
posted by amberglow at 8:07 PM on September 9, 2007

and related: Hillary and "The Family"
posted by amberglow at 8:08 PM on September 9, 2007

original story: Hillary's Prayer: Hillary Clinton's Religion and Politics
posted by amberglow at 8:09 PM on September 9, 2007