This is exactly how Leftists operate -- first demonize the opposition then seek to destroy it through state power. This is now S.O.P. for the Democrats. Standard Operating Procedure. Christians and conservatives are now (a) Christian Nationalists, (b) White Supremacists, (c) Domestic Terrorists, (d) Semi-Fascists, (e) Fascists, or (f) Nazis.
You do not need evidence for any of this since the destroyers of democracy are now claiming that they are fighting for democracy. Just like North Korea is the "Democratic" Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK).
WELL SAID:
I think this is well said, and I agree with everything in this particular comment.
What we generally see, is simply the lumping of Christians into arbitrary categories which are pejorative by nature.
Then once you've place them all into a tidy category, in which they may not belong at all, you simply demonize the category... it's also done with other groups of people, not just Christians.
This is not to say everyone who calls himself a "Christian" actually is one, or everyone who calls himself a Christian has any sense.
Nonetheless, the nature of the attack is still the nature of the attack.
SOLUTIONS:
There are 2 methods I use for fending off these pejorative types of categories, and I highly recommend them, because they just work:
1.) Ask your interlocutor to define his terms, and to do it very precisely.
a. Once he has explained precisely what he does and does not mean, you have won. There is no longer a vague, nebulous bogey man, no vague, meaningless label to paste on everyone he dislikes.
b. The reason this works: clarity is like shining a light into the dark; it just puts an end to deception... which is pretty biblical.
(When people won't explain exactly what they mean by their accusation, you cannot defend against it. So, you rectify this.)
c. An Example of My Response:
"Thank you for clarifying. According to YOUR definition of these words, I would make the case that _____." Then you simply state your case and knock down his argument.
2.) Ask your interlocutor to define his terms in order to REPLACE IT with a SYNONYM that is more clear.
a. This is the simplest solution, and I use it all the time to clarify messy situations.
b. If you replace a confusing "hot button" term, with a clear simple term, it usually ends the entire argument.
c. Once again, you are simply using clarity, like a flashlight, to illuminate the dark shadows of intentional confusion.
d. An Example of My Response:
"So what you really mean is x? Well, let's use that word instead." Then you restate his case, using this new term that is more clear, and you quickly knock his argument down.
3. RECAP: You clarify the issue, using his own words (which he is then obligated to accept), and then it's all over.
Take care everyone.
.
1
1
