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Amariselle: Most of your arguments revolve around the question of where in Scripture a particular idea is. This needs a whole different thread, but Catholics do not believe that revelation is limited to the Bible. The question is whether God is still revealing His truth to His people or whether...

That's very interesting, thank you. What is your authority?

Keep in mind that the Catholic church is very ancient. In fact, all other Christian religions spring from the same root. But the Catholic church, especially, has kept many of its archaic practices and expressions. It's really good to delve into the whys of Catholic doctrine, to understand where...

Yes, yes, yes! Bravo! Mary is the Mother of the Church. Of ALL of us.

I've been blessed to be part of a Christian interfaith experiment for about 30 years now, belonging to an online Christian group that has people from many different denominations, non-denominations, faith groups, doctrines, etc. We even have fundamental unpleasant disagreements on politics. But...

Dear me, such an old debate. It's always easier to judge, which allows us to feel all self-righteous and proud of ourselves, than it is to try sincerely to understand. But Jesus and His disciples called for unity in His Church, and unity will not come by judging but only by understanding. So...

Awwww, I'm so sorry you're in pain. Do you know what the cause is? Have you lost someone or something? Are you grieving? My husband, who also suffers from depression, says that depression is losing track of who you are. I think that is very true! There are so many possible causes of depression...

Interesting, thanks. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said much of conservative Christianity has absorbed the materialistic, consumeristic values of the wider culture--although my evangelical friends and family members would fervently disagree. I think they have absorbed Ayn Randian...

Okay, I understand. People will go to any lengths to justify not following the commands of Jesus. I see myself doing the same thing sometimes. I totally agree with you on the issue of giving to the beggar in the street. It's not up to me to determine if he REALLY needs it or is going to buy...

Yes. But I think what I'm noticing is that these Christians do not mind helping other people and in fact believe that as Christians that's what we do. Their objection is that they don't want Uncle Sam taking their hard-earned money to take care of the poor and vulnerable. At least that's what I...

But I think we put too much emphasis on homosexuality. Sin is sin is sin. The Bible says that judgment begins at the house of God. If we look within our own ranks, we can find plenty of sin to cause us concern about God's judgment. For instance, God hates divorce, and Jesus talked about divorce...

But how do you decide who is lazy and who has a genuine need? Would you take help away from those in need in order to prevent the help going to lazy bums?

The story of Lot is often used to prove the evils of homosexuality. But it's really about him protecting men he knew were angels sent by God. The fact that he offered his daughters, which no doubt would have been a huge heartbreak, is evidence that he thought protecting the angels was more...

Thanks, Jack, that's a very interesting perspective. Sometimes I think our American "rugged individualism" gets us in trouble.

Heh-heh. Well, yes, this is about the intersection of politics and Christianity. Agreed. But there must be some kind of compromise position. Laws are given to restrain evildoers, not burden decent people. Government's job is to do what we can't do as individuals. I did do that once, in fact...

Thanks for your Canadian perspective. I have often thought that as well, that the political right has hijacked the religious right. And I think it was easy to do and the main factor was abortion. I know plenty of Christian conservatives who vote on that one issue alone and don't seem to care...

And I might add, not just the Prosperity Gospel, but also Ayn Rand's philosophies, which is particularly baffling to me since she was an atheist.

Excellent. Yes, I should have added that many of the Christians I'm referring to are generous, kind, giving people on a personal level. But when it comes to political solutions to human problems, it's like their hearts become hard. I think the key must be that they believe charity should be done...

I believe you're talking about this, right?-- These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness...

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful feedback. I think the most important point here is that we can't fit a political party into a Christian framework. They are of the world, but God's kingdom is not of this world. As one poster pointed out, they are not motivated by love. Let me add that they...