“There can be little doubt that this move is a clear attempt at intimidation, whatever else may be going on. That’s readily apparent from, for example, Trump’s animus towards Bolton, his pattern of investigating and prosecuting adversaries, and FBI Director Kash Patel’s apparent gloating in real time.
” Forgive me if I view with skepticism the actions of an administration headed by Trump, who clung to boxes of wrongly-held classified documents after he left office despite repeated requests for their return–not to mention the actions of the administration’s now-FBI director who twisted himself into pretzels to defend the possession of those documents. I was the least surprised person in America when press reports indicated that the FBI went into Bolton’s house with bags ‘but nothing was seen coming out of the residence’”
We are already deep in the territory of authoritarianism; we have only a few baby steps left before arriving at full-on fascism, and our momentum is carrying us in that direction, we are falling forward into it.
bob1 wrote:
“I’d argue that we’re already there, and all indications are that it will just get worse.”
I’d argue the same bob1.
Why do you think the current administration wants control of all the police departments across the land?
It happened to the German people in the 1930(s).
It was called Gestapo.
The raid on Bolton is only the beginning of the raids. Don’t be surprised when Biden in raided, or Obama, or the Clintons. And Republicans shouldn’t be surprised when their own are raided at the smallest infidelity to Trumpism, at the slightest criticism: fascism eats its own offspring in order enforce fidelity and fanaticism.
“My family and I shared a similar experience in Montreal a few months back as well as in France in the last year. Not only was there an absence of the daily belligerences we encounter daily in the US but there was a clear appreciation for difference and a sense of self-composure and good-conduct that makes public life sustainable. Whether it was on the road, in restaurants, on the sidewalks or in stores, the air of mutual respect was astonishing. We seldom if ever saw the micro and macro aggressions that are evermore a trademark of life in the US: No bumper stickers featuring guns and skulls and threats, nobody tailgating and ignoring basic road rules, nobody wearing shirts confessing to the world to stay out of their way because their day is not going as planned. In both places we felt like visitors from a brutal, underdeveloped land and it was with
the utmost sadness, embarrassment, and humiliation that we returned from both trips. Fortunately, however, our travels hae reminded us that the grass is sometimes greener.”
Rob. Murphy – The book looks interesting, and I like John Mark Comer who wrote the forward.
The definition of Deconstruction has changed over the past 15 years. Back then it was about re-evaluating what you believed in a thoughtful way. I changed my views on eschatology and became more Christ-centered about everything. I started reading the Bible more, and I never stopped attending church. I need as new word for what I went through.
@Terry – I was challenged by my own “remodel” of beliefs that I have repented from, I had promoted political idolatry for so long, I am grieved by my misrepresentations of Jesus.
I found the book powerful in content and quite beautiful in writing style. I greatly enjoyed it at the same time I’m challenged by it to cling closer to Jesus. It’s a remarkable reading experience.
Rob, I really appreciate the sharing of your journey and how faith is changing for you. I know its tough and wish you the best as you continue.
Took a peak at the book you linked. I don’t really know much about it, but want to say…I honestly didn’t have a choice in my “deconstruction”. The foundation just crumbled from underneath me and I could no longer see things the same way. It was terrible, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. That said, some will find themselves in the same place I was, where all they knew is no longer true. I think God is big enough for all the questions and doubt.
And I’m still banking on once saved always saved 🙂
It’s all yours today…
Roger Olson
“Another Step Toward Fascism in America”
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogereolson/2025/08/another-step-toward-fascism-in-america/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=BRSS&utm_campaign=Evangelical_digest&utm_content=259&utm_campaign=BRSS_EVG_Roger%20E%20Olson&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Newsletter&utm_term=
I’d argue that we’re already there, and all indications are that it will just get worse.
“There can be little doubt that this move is a clear attempt at intimidation, whatever else may be going on. That’s readily apparent from, for example, Trump’s animus towards Bolton, his pattern of investigating and prosecuting adversaries, and FBI Director Kash Patel’s apparent gloating in real time.
” Forgive me if I view with skepticism the actions of an administration headed by Trump, who clung to boxes of wrongly-held classified documents after he left office despite repeated requests for their return–not to mention the actions of the administration’s now-FBI director who twisted himself into pretzels to defend the possession of those documents. I was the least surprised person in America when press reports indicated that the FBI went into Bolton’s house with bags ‘but nothing was seen coming out of the residence’”
The Contrarian
We are already deep in the territory of authoritarianism; we have only a few baby steps left before arriving at full-on fascism, and our momentum is carrying us in that direction, we are falling forward into it.
bob1 wrote:
“I’d argue that we’re already there, and all indications are that it will just get worse.”
I’d argue the same bob1.
Why do you think the current administration wants control of all the police departments across the land?
It happened to the German people in the 1930(s).
It was called Gestapo.
The raid on Bolton is only the beginning of the raids. Don’t be surprised when Biden in raided, or Obama, or the Clintons. And Republicans shouldn’t be surprised when their own are raided at the smallest infidelity to Trumpism, at the slightest criticism: fascism eats its own offspring in order enforce fidelity and fanaticism.
Book recommendation:
Death to Deconstruction by Josh S Porter
https://a.co/d/f2e11fM
From a NY Times reader:
“My family and I shared a similar experience in Montreal a few months back as well as in France in the last year. Not only was there an absence of the daily belligerences we encounter daily in the US but there was a clear appreciation for difference and a sense of self-composure and good-conduct that makes public life sustainable. Whether it was on the road, in restaurants, on the sidewalks or in stores, the air of mutual respect was astonishing. We seldom if ever saw the micro and macro aggressions that are evermore a trademark of life in the US: No bumper stickers featuring guns and skulls and threats, nobody tailgating and ignoring basic road rules, nobody wearing shirts confessing to the world to stay out of their way because their day is not going as planned. In both places we felt like visitors from a brutal, underdeveloped land and it was with
the utmost sadness, embarrassment, and humiliation that we returned from both trips. Fortunately, however, our travels hae reminded us that the grass is sometimes greener.”
Rob. Murphy – The book looks interesting, and I like John Mark Comer who wrote the forward.
The definition of Deconstruction has changed over the past 15 years. Back then it was about re-evaluating what you believed in a thoughtful way. I changed my views on eschatology and became more Christ-centered about everything. I started reading the Bible more, and I never stopped attending church. I need as new word for what I went through.
Terry, perhaps reevaluating.
@Terry – I was challenged by my own “remodel” of beliefs that I have repented from, I had promoted political idolatry for so long, I am grieved by my misrepresentations of Jesus.
I found the book powerful in content and quite beautiful in writing style. I greatly enjoyed it at the same time I’m challenged by it to cling closer to Jesus. It’s a remarkable reading experience.
Rob, I really appreciate the sharing of your journey and how faith is changing for you. I know its tough and wish you the best as you continue.
Took a peak at the book you linked. I don’t really know much about it, but want to say…I honestly didn’t have a choice in my “deconstruction”. The foundation just crumbled from underneath me and I could no longer see things the same way. It was terrible, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. That said, some will find themselves in the same place I was, where all they knew is no longer true. I think God is big enough for all the questions and doubt.
And I’m still banking on once saved always saved 🙂