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 David Barton's book attempted to dispel the popular notion that Thomas Jefferson was a secular politician.
August 10th, 2012
05:15 PM ET
Barton's 'Jefferson Lies' book yankedBy Eric Marrapodi and Dan Gilgoff, CNN (CNN)–A best-selling book is getting boxed up and returned to the publisher after complaints of historical inaccuracies. Publisher Thomas Nelson has withdrawn 'The Jefferson Lies" after a lengthy review found the author, David Barton, had included "historical details that were not adequately supported," said Brian Hampton, a senior vice president and publisher for Thomas Nelson. Hampton said the move was "extremely rare" and he could not recall a time in the publisher's history when it had recalled a book in this manner. "We’re disappointed for everyone concerned," Hampton said. Barton is the founder and president of the Texas-based WallBuilders, a group that describes itself as "dedicated to presenting America's forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on the moral, religious and constitutional foundation on which America was built – a foundation which, in recent years, has been seriously attacked and undermined," according to its website. "The Jefferson Lies: Exposing the Myths You've Always Believed About Thomas Jefferson," was published in April. In it Barton attempted to dispel the popular notion that Thomas Jefferson was a secular politician who pioneered the idea of strict church-state separation. It was Barton's first book with Thomas Nelson and was released to great expectations. By May 13, 2012, the book landed on The New York Times Best-Sellers list. But even before the book was published, Hampton said Thomas Nelson began receiving complaints. "First concerns came our way from people who hadn’t read the book," he said. The publisher thought the complaints were from people on the opposite ideological spectrum from Barton, a conservative political star who has long billed himself as an evangelical historian. "We still took them seriously and began a review process," Hampton said. Despite the complaints, the book still went to press. As Thomas Nelson was conducting its own review, so were academics. Warren Throckmorton, an associate professor of psychology, and Michael Coulter a political science professor, both at Grove City College, a conservative Christian school in Pennsylvania, were also conducting their own review. They published their own e-book that fact checked Barton called "Getting Jefferson Right." Barton had written off other critics as "liberal elites," but this was a searing attack from within the evangelical community. Hampton said there was no outside tipping point for the publisher. “We were monitoring everything that was happening out there,” he said. He said concerns were expressed about the book from a variety of sources. “What was most compelling to us was engaging with the manuscript.” “The first thing we did was go back to the book and see what was a matter of opinion or analysis,” Hampton said. After the internal review of Barton's book, Hampton said, “We became convinced there were parts of the book that were not historically supported.” “Both withdrawing it from the marketplace and reverting the rights back to him seemed like the best thing for us to do,” he said. Barton told Bob Smietana, a religion reporter for the Tennessean, a Nashville-based newspaper, “All I got was an e-mail saying it was canceled,” he said. “It was a complete surprise.” In a statement issued by WallBuilders late Friday night Barton said, “while Thomas Nelson may have ‘lost confidence’ in the work, others have not and thus the book has already been picked up by a much larger national publisher and distributor. Even at the time Nelson dropped the work, they admitted that it was still selling very well.” A representative for WallBuilders would not name the new publisher, suggesting the details were not final and the final word would come through their website once those details could be worked out. Barton’s statement pushed back hard against Thomas Nelson’s review of his material. “We find it regrettable that Thomas Nelson never contacted us with even one specific area of concern before curtly notifying us they had dropped the work. Had they done so, we would have been happy to provide them with the thorough and extensive historical documentation for any question or issue they raised; they never asked,” the statement continuted. “The Jefferson Lies has not been pulled from publication and it will continue to sell nationally,” it concluded. The book is still available through Barton’s website. Amazon.com was no longer carrying the book on Friday through its regular processes, instead was directing customers to used booksellers who carried the book. Barton told the Tennessean he thought some of Throckmorton's critiques were off base. “This is one of the cases where he is just nuts,” Barton told the Nashville paper. Barton wears a variety of hats in Republican and conservative circles. He is a former top official in the Texas GOP and a sometimes consultant with the Republican National Committee, a behind-the-scenes political operative who advises presidential candidates and coordinates trips to Israel for the likes of Glenn Beck, and a prolific author, speaker and Washington tour guide on the evangelical circuit. Beck wrote the forward to 'The Jefferson Lies." Barton and his work were also featured prominently in former "Growing Pains" star Kirk Cameron’s movie “Monumental,” about the role of religion in American history. |
  About this blog
The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
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So much for separation of church and state...as I've suggested many times, the stated goal of many Christians is to impose their beliefs on others in line with directives of the bible. That Christians don't understand this is a complete violation of the rights of others, and is directly opposed to the spirit and letter of our Const.itution. From Barton's website...
WallBuilders' goal is to exert a direct and positive influence in government, education, and the family by (1) educating the nation concerning the Godly foundation of our country; (2) providing information to federal, state, and local officials as they develop public policies which reflect Biblical values; and (3) encouraging Christians to be involved in the civic arena.
To assist in the formation of sound public policy, we have established the WallBuilders' ProFamily Legislative Network. This arm of WallBuilders monitors and collects pro-family legislation from the various states in over a dozen different areas (e.g., marriage, abortion, education, public morality, gambling, parental rights) which we then make available to legislators and activists in other states at their request, thus enabling pro-family legislation to be introduced in states across America. We also support efforts by groups such as The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) and Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation that seek to provide principled Christian leadership in diverse policy areas, including a comprehensive call to civic responsibility and a call to truth on environmental stewardship.
Thanks guys for providing another source to back up my claims.
Atheists, as usual, are pulling a fast one. David Barton – 07/12/2012 takes on his critics.
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=118208
So many religious trolls, can't stop can you? Addicted to jesus, HALLELUJAH
It looks like Chucky got loose in here last night (@Dave). Good thing his batteries ran out before he did much damage! 😈
@Dave,
are you just a reflexive surrogate for Mr. Barton, or are you David Barton himself?
David Barton makes outrageous claims. He is on record as having said that the founders of the United States debated evolutionism versus creationism, about 80 years before Charles Darwin published the On the Origin of the Species.
Going to his own website to find evidence that his claims are accurate is an absurd notion.
Christian economics and greed -101:------->>
The Baptizer drew crowds and charged for the "dunking". The historical Jesus saw a good thing and continued dunking and preaching the good word but added "healing" as an added charge to include free room and board. Sure was better than being a poor peasant but he got a bit too zealous and they nailed him to a tree. But still no greed there.
Paul picked up the money scent on the road to Damascus. He added some letters and a prophecy of the imminent second coming for a fee for salvation and "Gentilized" the good word to the "big buck" world. i.e. Paul was the first media evangelist!!! And he and the other Apostles forgot to pay their Roman taxes and the legendary actions by the Romans made them martyrs for future greed. Paul was guilty of minor greed? Yes!!!
Along comes Constantine. He saw the growing rich Christian community and recognized a new tax base so he set them "free". Major greed on his part!!
The Holy Roman "Empirers"/Popes/Kings/Queens/Evangelicals/Prophets/"Profiteers" (like Barton) et al continued the money grab selling access to JC and heaven resulting in some of today's richest organizations on the globe i.e. the Christian churches (including the Mormon Church) and related aristocracies. Obvious greed!!!
An added note: As per R.B. Stewart in his introduction to the recent book, The Resurrection of Jesus, Crossan and Wright in Dialogue, ( Professors Crossan and Wright are On Faith panelists).
"Reimarus (1774-1778) posits that Jesus became sidetracked by embracing a political position, sought to force God's hand and that he died alone deserted by his disciples. What began as a call for repentance ended up as a misguided attempt to usher in the earthly political kingdom of God. After Jesus' failure and death, his disciples stole his body and declared his resurrection in order to maintain their financial security and ensure themselves some standing."
Thanks for expanding on the premiss that religion is all about money and power. The truth clowns will be here soon to provide their circular arguement, so it is written, so shall it be. They fail to point out that the writing can be edited, embelished, or simply changed if cash flow is in danger.
Dave
The only tards are the atheists liars in this world.
.
Atheists, as usual, are pulling a fast one. David Barton – 07/12/2012 takes on his critics.
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=118208
@Dave
Yes, as all the other religious trolls on this blog, your superior view of the world convinces everyone to drop to their knees and pray to your particular fairy tale god because prayer changes things, but surprisingly can not make your critics go away, pretty lame that praying, the preying on the duped is quite successful (as in shearing the sheep).
Pence, this Reality character is a modern day Pharisees that is jealous of Jesus, wants him crucified again so the madness of men can rule.
Saving Christians from the Big Resurrection Con/Disease:
From that famous passage: In 1 Corinthians 15 St. Paul reasoned, "If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith."
Even now Catholic/Christian professors of theology are questioning the bodily resurrection of the simple, preacher man aka Jesus.
To wit;
From a major Catholic university's theology professor’s grad school white-board notes:
"Heaven is a Spirit state or spiritual reality of union with God in love, without earthly – earth bound distractions.
Jesus and Mary's bodies are therefore not in Heaven.
Most believe that it to mean that the personal spiritual self that survives death is in continuity with the self we were while living on earth as an embodied person.
Again, the physical Resurrection (meaning a resuscitated corpse returning to life), Ascension (of Jesus' crucified corpse), and Assumption (Mary's corpse) into heaven did not take place.
The Ascension symbolizes the end of Jesus' earthly ministry and the beginning of the Church.
Only Luke's Gospel records it. The Assumption ties Jesus' mission to Pentecost and missionary activity of Jesus' followers The Assumption has multiple layers of symbolism, some are related to Mary's special role as "Christ bearer" (theotokos). It does not seem fitting that Mary, the body of Jesus' Virgin-Mother (another biblically based symbol found in Luke 1) would be derived by worms upon her death. Mary's assumption also shows God's positive regard, not only for Christ's male body, but also for female bodies." "
"In three controversial Wednesday Audiences, Pope John Paul II pointed out that the essential characteristic of heaven, hell or purgatory is that they are states of being of a spirit (angel/demon) or human soul, rather than places, as commonly perceived and represented in human language. This language of place is, according to the Pope, inadequate to describe the realities involved, since it is tied to the temporal order in which this world and we exist. In this he is applying the philosophical categories used by the Church in her theology and saying what St. Thomas Aquinas said long before him."
http://eternal-word.com/library/PAPALDOC/JP2HEAVN.HTM
The Vatican quickly embellished this story with a lot CYAP.
Of course, we all know that angels are really mythical "pretty wingie talking thingies".
With respect to rising from the dead, we also have this account:
o An added note: As per R.B. Stewart in his introduction to the recent book, The Resurrection of Jesus, Crossan and Wright in Dialogue,
o
p.4
o "Reimarus (1774-1778) posits that Jesus became sidetracked by embracing a political position, sought to force God's hand and that he died alone deserted by his disciples. What began as a call for repentance ended up as a misguided attempt to usher in the earthly political kingdom of God. After Jesus' failure and death, his disciples stole his body and declared his resurrection in order to maintain their financial security and ensure themselves some standing."
o p.168. by Ted Peters:
Even so, asking historical questions is our responsibility. Did Jesus really rise from the tomb? Is it necessary to have been raised from the tomb and to appear to his disciples in order to explain the rise of early church and the transcription of the bible? Crossan answers no, Wright answers, yes. "
o So where are the bones"? As per Professor Crossan's analyses in his many books, the body of Jesus would have ended up in the mass graves of the crucified, eaten by wild dogs, with lime in a shallow grave, or under a pile of stones.
@Dave
...so the madness of men can rule again. You must have spent your whole life giving yourself a colonoscopy; if you think jesus/god is ruling the world with peace and love now, you are beyond deluded, I question your sanity.
Prayer changes things .
What you just said in essence was that honesty is not healthy for children and other living things. If a person honestly believes their religion then they are being honest and if someone honestly doesn't believe they are also being honest.
Actually, atheism is wonderful for children and all people! Prayer as it turn out, is just a time-sucker-upper. Who would've thought.
Atheists help people be productive and spend more time contributing to society rather than wasting it on make-believe notions.
Atheists encourage people to take responsibility for their actions within society instead of having their misdeeds excused and often hidden within their religion (comforting their weak minds, but simultaneously disserving society).
Break the matrix of deception by all religions. Break the fallacy of revelation.
If the thought leaving your imaginary friends behind is just too much, or makes you want to go p00py, then try Atheism Lite™ (agnosticism) for a period of time to ease your way into a much more rewarding, peaceful life.
It is written. RIF
heavenSnot
Just another cheap hustler making a buck of the sheep that believe in a 2000 year old fairy tale. I could see where the vicar of christ on earth and evangelicals would be pis*sed if they didn't their cut.
PS: Historical accuracy is not a religiuous requirement, any religion requires faith in the fairytale.
Please show the historical inaccuracy you reference
@truth
I will not get into the arguement that a person/prophet named jesus was actually born of a god 2000 yeard ago, but the assertions that 'he' walked on water, changed water into wine, raised people from the dead, cured peoples illness just by touch, rose from the dead himself, etc., etc, are all myths plagiarized from other religious tomes, you know it, if you did some very basic research.
http://atheism.about.com/od/Errors-Mistakes-Genesis-Bible/Errors-Mistakes-Genesis-Bible.htm
Atheists, as usual, are pulling a fast one. David Barton – 07/12/2012 takes on his critics.
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=118208
..
Unfortunately, this is not the first time that a Texan has had a hand in revising history on the topic of Jefferson. This was big news in the Lone Star State in 2010 but largely ignored in the rest of the country. That's a shame because school textbooks in your state are more than likely the ones that made the cut in TX, The state is a large enough purchaser to be able to dictate to the textbook publishers who then peddle the Texas edited final edition to the rest of the country.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/13/education/13texas.html
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/headlines/20100521-Texas-State-Board-of-Education-approves-9206.ece
𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝟲 – 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗰𝘆, 𝗢𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀
𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗻𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀.
The book written by the leader of the Texas Republican Party and voice for the Christian right is so full of lies that it's own publisher is refusing to sell it. Maybe that tells us something important about Republicans and the religious right.
Atheists, as usual, are pulling a fast one, along with the gang up routine, throwing the bull out and see what sticks.
David Barton – 07/12/2012 takes on his critics.
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=118208
Dave,
You are making this very hard on Jesus. Now he's going to have to come down here and choose between Barton and Throckmorton/Coulter/Jenkinson!
@Dave
You have to face the fact that the scriptures that make up the bible are also full of historical inaccuracies. The early christians edited and selected the religious texts that fit their dogma of the time and were manipulated as required. Many texts that supported a contrary view point were not included or rewritten. A man hears what he wants to hear and diregards the rest (Paul Simon) sums up why the bible should be in the fiction section of any book store.
@mitch
please show the historical inaccuracies in the Bible
truth be told: Lets start with the virgin birth; the flood; creationism; the age of the earth; the resurrection-none of those are accurate. Now we understand that given how gullible you are, seeing this for what it is might be a little difficult but this is the 21st century and there is no excuse for your ignorance. Stop being a lazy little child and read some updated information that is actually backed with solid evidence.
You atheists are jealous of Jesus, just as the Pharisees back in biblical times. That's why they crucified him, the same way you are doing today.
Bob: Hard to be jealous of a creature we do not believe in!
To "Dave" who is repeatedly posting that "atheists are pulling a fast one."
Dude, how big a re.tard can you be? In addition to all the actual historians who voted his book "the least credible book on American history currently in publication" it is other Christians who have called bullsh.it. In short, everyone who is not a Glenn Beck or Michele Bachmann stooge has condemned it as deplorable.
Maybe Dave is David Barton himself....?
For not a GOPer:
Well, that covers a lot of ground. Say, you cover a lot of ground yourself. You better beat it – I hear they're going to tear you down and put up an office building where you're standing. You can leave in a taxi. If you can't get a taxi, you can leave in a huff. If that's too soon, you can leave in a minute and a huff. You know, you haven't stopped talking since I came here? You must have been vaccinated with a phonograph needle.
Hahaha! I love it.
Atheists, as usual are pulling a fast one. David Barton – 07/12/2012 takes on his critics.
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=118208
Dave: You apparently know nothing about Atheists...educate yourself...the following will be useful in doing so: http://atheism.about.com/od/atheismmyths/Atheism_Myths_Misconceptions_How_Theists_Misrepresent_Atheism.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwWYfwuTeaw
Christianity is hinduism, criminality of hindu's, criminals of Egypt and Persia, hinduism, corruption of truth absolute by twisting teaching's of truth absolute to substantiate hindu Mithra ism, filthy savior ism, Pharaoh's as owner of half god hood and his pot head hindu shamon priest of other half, They just not hind, violate teachings of son of blessed Mary, but deny human equality enshrined in fundamentals of American foundation, truth absolute, nothing else. A theology, hypotheses of hindu, criminal sanatans, goons in violation of American values. Expect nothing better from them.
Is this an example of schizophasia?
Barton was obviously trying to make real Christians look bad. You have to be either a total moron to think Jefferson was a Christian or be making up blatant lies that no legitimate historian or publisher would support.
None of this makes sense.
Why would a publisher ruin their reputation by supporting a religious lier or moron? It is unbelievable. The professionals at Thomas Nelson would never make themselves to be such fools. They must have agreed with Barton's attempt at making Christians look bad. It is the only rational explanation.
A conspiracy theory? That's not what I'd call a 'rational explanation'.
@Henderson,
dude, how many times do you need to post the same concept?
Clearly the publishers thought he would make them some money.
He was making them some money.
There are plenty of people out there who want to believe that the founders were all Evangelical Protestants and are happy to uncritically regurgitate his lies as truth.
When the liberties he was taking with the truth, were exposed by Christian academics (Professors Warren Throckmorton and Michael Coulter of Grove City College, a largely conservative Christian school in Pennsylvania) the publishers got cold feet and pulled the plug.
You've had 'no true Scotsman' thrown at you a bunch of times already. Give it a rest with the 'incredulity'. This guy is flim flam, but see what Mike Huckabee says about him:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8mwGYr0OWzw
We should all be forced, forced at gunpoint no less, to watch David Barton???? Yeah right!
Creationists lie in a similar fashion. Somehow, are they assuming that Jesus would be OK with lying in his name?
People should be forced at gunpoint to listen to religiously modified versions of American history? This is some serious Taliban-level scary shit.
I'll post this again.
Atheists, as usual, are pulling a fast one. David Barton – 07/12/2012 takes on his critics.
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=118208
@GOPer, there was a bit of sarcasm and joking going on there. Barton is actually probably a moron and Thomas Nelson was probably more concerned about making a quick buck than the veracity of his claims. When it came out how wrong Barton is, they decided enough was enough and did the right thing.
A committed Christian rewriting history, years after the fact, to suit his own theological ends.
A bit like four guys we call Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. How anybody can give credibility to writings by religious zealots that, by remarkable coincidence, happen to support their own theological positions, is beyond me.
Unless of course one is a drinker of the Koolaid.
Maybe you missed the part where evangelicals were the source of the complaints. Kind of shreds your statement doesn't it?
billdeacons, I believe he was referring to the author only.
Jefferson gave up his belief in God during his affair with Sally Hemings.
You atheist truly believe if you tell your lies often enough people will buy them. It's the lies of your teachers that conditioned you.
Atheists, as usual are pulling a fast one. David Barton – 07/12/2012 takes on his critics.
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=118208
Dave: Lies? You should consider backing claims like that with facts.
It's you atheists liars that are rewriting history. You are nothing but con artists.
David Barton – 07/12/2012 takes on his critics.
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=118208
TruthPrevails, fact is you atheists are jealous, lying, do nothings. Prove me wrong.
Dave: You still have not provided any factual evidence to back your claims that Atheists lie. Outside of your buybull there is no evidence for your imaginary friend god. Atheists do plenty of good (Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF...to name a couple) but you're too gullible and blind to understand that. We know enough that prayer is only a placebo (look up thew Templeton study done on this). All the term Atheist means is a disbelief in a god of any form. We are for the most part good, tax-paying citizens...we stand for equal rights for all because unlike you we do not have outdated information to tell us what to think. If you wish to start condemning Atheists, you need to look at the history of your own belief-crusades, Salem Witch Trials, Scopes Monkey Trial or how about we just go with the obvious fallacies-virgin birth; resurrection; the flood; Adam and Eve...the fact that you're just accepting of what that book says is only proof of how lazy and gullible you are. Time to grow up little boy...this is the 21st century. That computer and the internet you are using were invented by Atheists...so please tell us once again how we do no good in this world!!
“WallBuilders' founder and president, David Barton, resides in Aledo, Texas (just west of Fort Worth), with his wife, Cheryl, and their three children. David spent eight years as an educator and school administrator before founding WallBuilders. "
So how did he become a scholar in US history and religion? Anybody know?
And let us review MR. Barton's finances as per guidestar.org (See Wallbuilders).
Salary: he pays himself = $108,049 (he, his wife and his mother make up 50% of the board of directors),
Then there are those other unspecified salaries of $288,872 (his mother and wife?),
He billed Wallbuilders travel expenses of $67,000 in 2009.
And then there is the securities portfolio of $1,149,239 where he/Wallbuilder pays no tax on interest, dividends or capital gains because Wallbuiders is a "non-profit".
Hmmmm???????
Why would a Christian make up lies about a historical figure like Thomas Jefferson?
To sell books and make money?
That would be so unchristian and contradict what Christ taught. It would be hypocritical. It does not make any sense at all. Look at that smile, it is Jesus's smile! Jesus would not make up lies. Barton has no reason to make up lies, especially not to make money. Right? right? Barton, a Christian, would make up lies to make money! Everyone agrees, right?
Oh crap! That last sentence was supposed to read "Barton, a Christian, would NOT make up lies to make money! Everyone agrees, right?"
Funny Freudian slip though 😉
Reality, jealous that he makes money and your copied and paste garbage gets you nothing except the chump pay that CNN provides.
Atheists liars, as usual are pulling a fast one. David Barton – 07/12/2012 takes on his critics.
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=118208
Dave: Wow, you're simply another ignorant troll...no bridge to hide under?
and you are nothing but a foreign bully, common sense stands with dave on this one
Christian economics and greed -101:
The Baptizer drew crowds and charged for the "dunking". The historical Jesus saw a good thing and continued dunking and preaching the good word but added "healing" as an added charge to include free room and board. Sure was better than being a poor peasant but he got a bit too zealous and they nailed him to a tree. But still no greed there.
Paul picked up the money scent on the road to Damascus. He added some letters and a prophecy of the imminent second coming for a fee for salvation and "Gentilized" the good word to the "big buck" world. i.e. Paul was the first media evangelist!!! And he and the other Apostles forgot to pay their Roman taxes and the legendary actions by the Romans made them martyrs for future greed. Paul was guilty of minor greed? Yes!!!
Along comes Constantine. He saw the growing rich Christian community and recognized a new tax base so he set them "free". Major greed on his part!!
The Holy Roman "Empirers"/Popes/Kings/Queens/Evangelicals/Prophets/"Profiteers" (like Barton) et al continued the money grab selling access to JC and heaven resulting in some of today's richest organizations on the globe i.e. the Christian churches (including the Mormon Church) and related aristocracies. Obvious greed!!!
An added note: As per R.B. Stewart in his introduction to the recent book, The Resurrection of Jesus, Crossan and Wright in Dialogue, ( Professors Crossan and Wright are On Faith panelists).
"Reimarus (1774-1778) posits that Jesus became sidetracked by embracing a political position, sought to force God's hand and that he died alone deserted by his disciples. What began as a call for repentance ended up as a misguided attempt to usher in the earthly political kingdom of God. After Jesus' failure and death, his disciples stole his body and declared his resurrection in order to maintain their financial security and ensure themselves some standing."
truth be told: IDIOT!!! I called your friendly delusionist a troll for stating the same thing on every post. Btw: This is an international website and we will remain here. When you realize that the computer and internet you are using were invented by Atheists and that your buybull is 2000 years old and has no pertinence in society, your opinion might be taken seriously. Purchase a dictionary and a few books on science and start living in this century.
Truth Prevails, what's the matter, you atheists don't want Christians to question your hit and run, gang up routines?
This Reality character is a modern day Pharisees that's jealous of Jesus and wants the tradition of men to rule.
Kinda hard to be jealous of a dead guy.
Steve, we noticed that atheists are still trying to crucify Jesus. That means you are green with envy.
Come again? Wasn't that deed done 2000 years ago. Unlike you freaks I prefer to let the guy rest in peace.
Karen: Nothing to be envious about little girl. Your beloved imaginary friend jesus was nothing special (resurrection is impossible but you're obviously not intelligent enough to understand that). We do not envy something we do not believe exists. Your obvious lack of comprehensions skills proves how gullible and ignorant you really are. Only children and mental health patients have imaginary friends and given that you're not a child we can only assume that you need help for your mental health issues-starting with a good dose of medication to cure you of those delusions and then a lock down in a padded room.
Only a total moron would think Jefferson was Christian. Are you claiming Barton is a moron?
Are we really supposed to think a moron could get published? That would make the publishers look like morons and they have no reason to do this. Do you think Thomas Nelson would let themselves be made a fool?
Maybe the publisher sold their dignity to make money off Christians. After all the economy kind of sucks.
@Henderson,
I did reply to this same question back on p2.
You said 'moron'.
In response I said 'smarmy con-man who got caught telling lies...'.
He did get Glenn Beck to write the forward. That should be evidence enough that the book would be twisted and fallacious.
So is their holy book of contradictions, called Bible. What do you expect?
Atheists liars, as usual, are pulling a fast one. David Barton – 07/12/2012 takes on his critics.
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=118208
You atheists have always been jealous and will continue to be jealous of Jesus and all the Christians that follow him. We've got your number now. Atheist Losers.
Karen: Jealous of an imaginary creature? Wow, that statement just qualified you and your bed-buddy Dave for the poster-children of the newest asylum.
@GOPer, it is called satire.
Hello folks. Everyone is cordially invited to visit ... thestarofkaduri.com
Is it just me or is anyone else waiting for that Alien mouth-on-a-stalk to shoot through his teeth?
Buddy, you are proof that you don't follow through with your own research, but, if an atheist tells you his lies, you buy it, no questions asked.
Atheists, as usual are pulling a fast one. David Barton – 07/12/2012 takes on his critics.
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=118208
Dave, spamming your propaganda won't help your cause in the slightest.
@Damocles– ;P I missed this last night. I was thinking of Joel Osteen without the benefit of orthodontia.
@Dave
Oh, I'm all for research pal! Hook me up with an interview with old DB here so we can get to the bottom of the mouth-stalk mystery.
@tom tom
Yeah it just struck me when I saw the pic.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4KBx4vvlbZ8
@Rebel
Cr@p... I followed your link thinking that maybe it had something to do with the article.
*sighs*... I was wrong... you wasted my time.
Peace...