If we study history, and look at ancient Rome, and read the OT, it would appear that has been the case throughout all of human history, including the time that Christ walked the Earth.
That is true, it seems there has always been homosexuality, prostitution, the molestation of children, murder and they even had infanticide as we do today. Paul preached a strong message regarding each and the need for the practices to come to an end. At least in the church.
We simply live in a time where we have access to things like the internet and we have more knowledge of these things.
Agreed
I would say the best we can do is try to be like Christ, and treat others as Christ has treated us. When the harlot was brought before him by an angry mob, he humbly forgave her sins on the spot, he protected her from those who would do her harm, and he showed her (and all us) what real love and compassion looks like, and how it manifests itself on Earth.
John 8:10 When Jesus had raised Himself up a]and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
Real love and compassion always points to a sinless life. Just as important as Jesus' compassion to forgive, is his Compassion to instruction to sin no more. He wanted her to stay in that freedom by living righteously.
To the degree that we simply treat one another with that type of respect and commitment to love and forgiveness and compassion, is the degree that we bring heaven to Earth. Perhaps that is the best that we can do. There is also profound beauty and love and compassion to be found on Earth. We should enhance it, glorify it, and *be* it to the best of our abilities IMO.
Agreed. I also believe that crosses over to people we have relationships with and even into the political world.
In terms of bringing it to 'politics' I would say that it would be best to elect leaders that best exemplify Christ's values, love, forgiveness, compassion, honesty, humility and inclusiveness.
I agree to a certain point - but Jesus was nowhere near inclusive.
Matthew 10:34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’
Luke 9:
4“Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”
Luke 10: 10 But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.’ 12 But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city.
2 Thess 3:10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
I think we in the United States have taken an important step in that direction in the last few months by electing a man who better exemplifies those traits of love and forgiveness, unity, honesty and humility, than his predecessor. That's in important first step IMO.
On this we are polar opposites, but that is for another thread. Thank you for your well thought out and well said reply.
