As an atheist I don’t really put much stock in the pope. Even Pope Francis. This one seems reasonable and actually seems intent on following the spirit of Christianity. An oddity. And as such he opens himself up to the hate groups and fundamentalists. Did I say “and” ? Which lead me to think about the difference between the “real” Christians and false Christians. Which lead me to think about the RINOS.
A RINO, according to the rightwing of the GOP, is a person who is a Republican In Name Only. That would be someone who supports moderation and compromise as opposed to all out warfare.
Some examples of RINOS would be Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Bush 1 and 2, both Romneys and any other politician who is unwilling to shut down the government in a hissy fit. RINOS are considered traitors to the imaginary GOP inhabited by fundamentalist ministers, Tea Party radicals, birthers and the uber-rich.
RINOS are seen as worst than liberals in some way, They are traitors.
Of course, in reality it is the RINOS that are true to the GOP principles. Conservative. Moderate. Willing to compromise. Empathetic to the powerless and poor. Pro small business.
Which brings us to the CINOS.
The CINOS are those who, in my opinion, are Christians in Name Only. Those who claim the label of “Christian” but avoid , at all costs, any actions which are Christ-like.
Who are the CINOS? Well, Mike Huckabee is one. And homophobe Kim Davis. They want to be considered “Christians” for all purposes EXCEPT living their lives as Christians. All the wealthy, Jesus-Will-Make-You-Rich fundamentalist preachers. All are CINOS.
Those who oppose birth control and abortion while demanding an end to welfare for poor children. Those who seek to criminalize children because their parents are illegal immigrants. Those who want the benefits of society without paying taxes. CINOS all.
Whether you like the pope or not, this particular pope seems to embody the spirit of Christianity. Tolerance. Forgiveness. Responsibility. Responsibility for someone other than your own bank account. No nastiness. No hostility toward anyone. And that is contrary to modern American fundamentalist “Christians”.
So, I propose a new term when labeling these phony “Christians”. Let’s call them CINOS. Christians In Name Only. Those who want the label and privileges of religion while ignoring the social message. Wanting to be called “Christians” but refusing to act like Christians.
So, this pope has been an inspiration, There are still Christians who accept the message of Christ. Christians who can follow their faith without being nasty and repulsive. The pope seems to be one of them.
As for the others? Let’s call them what they are. “Christians in Name Only”. CINOS.
The Old Liberal 