Sharon Benton

This is what happens when theological kooks are in charge. And when the media refuses to raise questions about the implications of extremist religion held by officials.

Theology can be dangerous - really dangerous.

I wanted to start a thread for people to share personal stories about the way the Trump Administration has already negatively impacted/hindered/eliminated their job/career.

I hope it will help people understand the scale and scope of the damage.

Please share as you feel comfortable.

As the expected Christian Nationalism EO came in, I’m seeing a bunch of “this isn’t real Christianity” noise in my mentions.

Nope.

Christian friends. 1/x 🧵

This is 💯 part of the history of Christianity, dating to Constantine, to the Holy Roman Empire, forced conversions, Inquisitions, +

Please, everyone, drop what you’re doing and read this:

Stevie Wonder just lifted my dragging spirits 💚

Taking an oath to the Constitution on your first day as a fed makes a permanent impression. Civil servants rock.

I no longer have hope in hope.

Hope is not a magic pill. Hope is in the work of our hands, the courage in our souls, and the compassion of our hearts.

Don't hope. Show up with love.

I think of the Hebrew for holy, kadosh, set apart for a purpose.

“Whatever you do, take another road home.”

I’m checking it out, too.

…of love as “the will to extend one’s self for the purpose of nurturing one’s own or another’s spiritual [our core reality where mind, body, and spirit are one] growth.”

Claiming a definition for 2025. “Affection is only one ingredient of love. To truly love we must learn to mix various ingredients—care, affection, recognition, respect, commitment, and trust, as well as honest and open communication.” -bell hooks, having herself claimed M. Scott Peck’s definition…

WE ARE STILL IN THIS.
Wipe your tears.
This is the difficult business of hope and defying expectation.
We do not give up.
We run through the tape.

Y’all aren’t allowed to throw in the towel until I do. 😉

Big breath. Locked in. Let’s do this.

To read later

Justice is the same word as holiness and righteousness used in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. Justice is also a common name for God, and one of God’s most notable attributes. –Megan McKenna (A Bowl of Perfect Light, 2024)

Looking for a #ProgressiveChristianity starter pack? Here you go! (And let me know who else should be added!)

go.bsky.app/9zHdbVU

So many important points in this article, like:

“Everywhere they looked where a nonviolent resistance campaign engaged the “active and sustained participation” of at least 3.5% of that nation's population: they won.”

Another thing giving me life (because I need to name such things every day right now). I just became a volunteer for my local Planned Parenthood. Gotta give in ways not connected to church people!

Look for a place that feels safe (I found a women-only, over 50 space coached by someone who has physical disabilities and modified for every body, including women in their 80s). Just had to share the joy of grounding and growth while facing the *^%# of these days.

finally found a path to centering in the moment in the midst of so much fear/anxiety/life. As a person for whom meditation has never been natural, CrossFit helps me be in the moment and release tension while boosting endorphins.

“The fewer people comply with injustice, the more difficult it is for unjust regimes to function.”

-Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg

Cole Arthur Riley’s Black Liturgies keep me in life.

This book. Much needed.

This book.