Can one be a Democrat and a Christian?

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings Lotar,

Since we are not living in a theocracy or a monarchy, but a democracy, as Christians we must weigh our choices carefully and choose that which best exalts Christ within the limitations set before us.

If we vote for any other party than Democrat or Republican, then we foolishly waste our time and our vote. Sure, we may be letting the world know that "we have an opinion", but I want an opinion that counts for the edifying of the body and for the human race.

If we vote Democratic, we are saying in effect that their liberal views are okay, or that we are "stuck with it anyway", so I will just consider the benefits of their party. The Democratic party has always and notoriously sought to "feed people the fish", instead of "teaching them how to fish".

If we vote Republican, I agree, it is not necessarily a Christian organization, but it most closely represents what our founding fathers intended this nation to be, which is a "godly" nation. NOT a "liberal nation", where "every man does what is right in his own eyes."

I want to see more conservative judges on the Supreme Courts of the land. Since their tenure is for life, the only way we are going to get them there is to keep a Republican in office who will appoint "conservative judges" whenever an opening appears.

I firmly believe this:

Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

 

[Philip]

I don't think all morality can be legislated;

however, preserving life would be definitely something we can place into law.

I agree. The lives of people, especially those who can not protect themselves, should be protected by law. However, I hold this opinion not for moral reasons.

Laws do not make people moral in themselves, but they do point to, and give greater credibility to, the moral foundations on which they are based.

They can, but it is not a necessity.

Do you think Constantine, along with other Orthodox rulers, allowed complete freedom of will or did they legislate Orthodox values?

Not relavent. We do not live in an Orthodox state. We live in a plural democratic republic. We can not expect our fellow citizens to hold the same moral views as we do, nor should we try to legislate our morals on them. I am a firm believer that the laws of a state should be based on protecting the rights of its citizens. This is not moral argument, but a logical-legal one. I don't want to be murdered. I assume the readers of this post do not want to be murdered. So, we agree together that the state should protect its citizens from murder. This extends to unborn infants. From the view of law, they should be protected from murder like all citizens as part of the social contract.

I honestly don't know much about the laws of modern Orthodox states, but do they have laws that coincide with their Orthodox foundations?

I don't believe there are any Orthodox states today. There are some that support the Orthodox Church, but they are not themselves Orthodox.

 

[Lotar]

Greetings Lotar,

Since we are not living in a theocracy or a monarchy, but a democracy, as Christians we must weigh our choices carefully and choose that which best exalts Christ within the limitations set before us.

If we vote for any other party than Democrat or Republican, then we foolishly waste our time and our vote. Sure, we may be letting the world know that "we have an opinion", but I want an opinion that counts for the edifying of the body and for the human race.

I have already said as much.

If we vote Democratic, we are saying in effect that their liberal views are okay, or that we are "stuck with it anyway", so I will just consider the benefits of their party. The Democratic party has always and notoriously sought to "feed people the fish", instead of "teaching them how to fish".

If we vote Republican, I agree, it is not necessarily a Christian organization, but it most closely represents what our founding fathers intended this nation to be, which is a "godly" nation. NOT a "liberal nation", where "every man does what is right in his own eyes."

I want to see more conservative judges on the Supreme Courts of the land. Since their tenure is for life, the only way we are going to get them there is to keep a Republican in office who will appoint "conservative judges" whenever an opening appears.

I firmly believe this:

Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

Well, I am *gasp* a liberal, and I believe that socialism most closely represents the Christian faith. *waits for the rocks and rotten tomatoes*

 

[PaladinValer]

Well, I am *gasp* a liberal, and I believe that socialism most closely represents the Christian faith. *waits for the rocks and rotten tomatoes*

**Gives Lotar a few bushels of ripe grape tomatoes and offers him some chain mail armor w/ coif, a long sword, and a shield to defend himself against thrown veggies**

I agree with most of what you've said here.

 

[shastajade]

I think its all a matter of what democratics believe. What they live by. First of all for example, most democrats are pro-choice. That distinctly opposes the Word of God. God is not pro-choice. Its His choice. Second of all, God doesn't say in the word "choose the right political party or burn" . But His word does say "do not be conformed to the pattern of this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..." If you have a difficult time as a serious christian determining whether or not being a democrat in this day in age is against Gods word, then line it up. Everything obviously will not agree 100% in this imperfect world. However, if you look at it, I have never really established chosing a political party, but i look at what republicans believe, vs. what democrats believe, and democrats are for almost everything that opposes the Word of God. (ie. homosexuality, same sex marriages, partial-birth abortion, etc) If ever in doubt, line it up.

 

[Basil]

The US isn't a theocracy. It never will, so don't you all think that we shouldn't force our theology into the laws of our country that protects all regardless of their beliefs? . . . and the idea of theocracies scare the living daylights out of me.

Our rule of law in the West has always been affected by our Christian heritage. It's not a matter of establishing a theocracy, it's a matter of using our values/Christian conscience to guide our legislation.

I think we may be too close to our culture to see it's distincly Christian character (although that's being challenged today). If you were in regions trying to enact Muslim Sharia law you would feel the clear distinction our Christian faith has in our laws.

 

[Basil]

Well, I am *gasp* a liberal, and I believe that socialism most closely represents the Christian faith. *waits for the rocks and rotten tomatoes*

I cannot cast the first tomato, but I have to state that I think socialism as a human institution will only work when we reach a state of perfection. Review those European nations who are highly socialized and see what shape Christianity is in there. Is it flourishing? National socialism has always reared its head against Christ's Church, never supporting it as far as I'm aware.

The effort to push socialism in our nation is another serious flaw in the Democrat party, not a virtue. Their socialism is rooted in humanistic philosophy not some ideal of Christian communal living. Those of us with eyes can clearly see the results of the socialistic welfare state established primarily by well-intentioned but uninformed Democrats. It hurts and enslaves people, making them dependents of the state. Sitting in suburbia, reading it on paper, it may sound great to set up programs to take care of people, but the execution is not good like the intent.

Small socialistic enclaves might succeed, but only on a small scale with groups who share the same ethics/faith and participate voluntarily.

Basil

 

[Timesearcher]

Honestly, i think that americans need to stop with the belife, that America is a christian country. There is nothing in the Bible, to support the point of view, that America is a christian country. From there you can also stop to belive, that both parties, republicans or democrats, have anything to do with the Lord. Parties that support abortion are ungodly but the ones that accept the lobby power of the oil magantes are too.
Now, we tend to consider one sin more then another, but friends sin is sin, but the corruption of the political system is too. It is a matter of chossing from the bad the best one.

 

[MrsGnomeCrusher]

Yes, vanshan, I'm sure that when Jesus comes back the first thing he'll do is sign up for the Republic Party.

I think you are hijacking religion to match your political beliefs.

Are you doing Christ's work by denouncing Democrats?

"Nothing darker than democrats"? You have got to be kidding me. This thread is a disaster.

[OFF-TOPIC DERAIL]
Wow. I have to say this is an interesting thread, minus this response from this poster.

I think you are hijacking this thread and twisting the OP's words because you don't like what s/he's asking. I think it was a serious question that has brought on some interesting answers from various people. Maybe this is something that the OP is stuggling with and is looking for more information to base an opinion on. You're pretty quick to judge.

By stating that this thread is a disaster because someone stated something you didn't agree with doesn't really add too much to the conversation, does it?

Now, back to the OP . . . [/OFF TOPIC DERAIL]

 

[Mary_Magdalene]

The answer to the original post:

No.



ITA with DadErnie!

 

[praying]

If we vote Republican, I agree, it is not necessarily a Christian organization, but it most closely represents what our founding fathers intended this nation to be, which is a "godly" nation. NOT a "liberal nation", where "every man does what is right in his own eyes."


Blessings,

Dad Ernie

If as you say the founding fathers wanted a "godly" nation why did they lead the lives they did?


I think you need to base your vote on the person that you believe will best accomplish the job not the party. And that should be based on what it is you think needs to be done and how best those goals can be achieved. If the person you wish to vote for is democratic and you think that they have the best ideas for getting things done then that is who you should vote for. You should not not vote for that candidate because the democratic party supports abortion rights.

I am a registered democrat but I would vote for a republican in a heart beat if felt they could best accomplish the job.

 

[Dad Ernie]

If as you say the founding fathers wanted a "godly" nation why did they lead the lives they did?


I think you need to base your vote on the person that you believe will best accomplish the job not the party. And that should be based on what it is you think needs to be done and how best those goals can be achieved. If the person you wish to vote for is democratic and you think that they have the best ideas for getting things done then that is who you should vote for. You should not not vote for that candidate because the democratic party supports abortion rights.

I am a registered democrat but I would vote for a republican in a heart beat if felt they could best accomplish the job.

You may want to examine the literature put out by the American Center for Law and Justice (ALCJ) or listen to some of their radio programs. This is a Christian lawyer service that is fighting for Christians in the courts of America. You might be very surprised at how "righteous" our patriarchs actually were.

I have already stated my position many times in this forum, but I think that murder of the innocent unborn child is as heinious crime as they come and ANYONE who supports this policy should immediately face Christ at His Judgment Seat. Homosexuality is next in line. As I have quoted before:

Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

You would be wise to take this verse to heart.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

 

[nephilimiyr]

I think its all a matter of what democratics believe. What they live by. First of all for example, most democrats are pro-choice. That distinctly opposes the Word of God. God is not pro-choice. Its His choice. Second of all, God doesn't say in the word "choose the right political party or burn" . But His word does say "do not be conformed to the pattern of this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..." If you have a difficult time as a serious christian determining whether or not being a democrat in this day in age is against Gods word, then line it up. Everything obviously will not agree 100% in this imperfect world. However, if you look at it, I have never really established chosing a political party, but i look at what republicans believe, vs. what democrats believe, and democrats are for almost everything that opposes the Word of God. (ie. homosexuality, same sex marriages, partial-birth abortion, etc) If ever in doubt, line it up.

I agree with you for the most part but if your suggesting I should vote for the lesser of two evils isn't that also conforming to the pattern of this world?

 

[nephilimiyr]

Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

You would be wise to take this verse to heart.

Yes but as it's been poionted out in this thread numerous times that the republican party isn't any party that is without their sins. God judges all sin the same. I don't believe he'll say to himself...Anyone who voted for democrates did a worse thing then those who voted for republicans. If you think that then I believe your going to be awfully surprised during your judgment time. I honestly believe that if you vote for a person or party that you knowingly will not uphold those things God says is righteous then you will have to answer for that vote.

 

[Crazy Liz]

Yes but as it's been poionted out in this thread numerous times that the republican party isn't any party that is without their sins. God judges all sin the same. I don't believe he'll say to himself...Anyone who voted for democrates did a worse thing then those who voted for republicans. If you think that then I believe your going to be awfully surprised during your judgment time. I honestly believe that if you vote for a person or party that you knowingly will not uphold those things God says is righteous then you will have to answer for that vote.

Ah! Here's the crux.

What if you know no candidate or party will uphold those things God says are righteous? Every one will fail to uphold something that is righteous?

If so, should you not vote at all?

Would not voting absolve you of responsibility?

 

[Reader Nilus]

The sins against the poor and orphan take a great deal of space in the Bible, and it is those sins that the Republican party and the Christian Right is silent on. Greed is running this country now.
To answer the OP yes one can be a Christian and a Democrat as I am both.
Jeff the Finn

 

[nephilimiyr]

The sins against the poor and orphan take a great deal of space in the Bible, and it is those sins that the Republican party and the Christian Right is silent on. Greed is running this country now.
To answer the OP yes one can be a Christian and a Democrat as I am both.
Jeff the Finn

I do find fault in the republican party for things but not for not takeing care of the poor and orphaned. For people who expect the government to do it all or next to all just simply doesn't understand the role of government.

I know christians both right and left wing who give very generously to charities and causes. To say that the christain right wing is silent on the situation of the poor and orphaned is just hate speach the way I understand it.

 

[nephilimiyr]

Ah! Here's the crux.

What if you know no candidate or party will uphold those things God says are righteous? Every one will fail to uphold something that is righteous?

If so, should you not vote at all?

Then I suggest everyone start looking further into ALL the candidates instead of always just the top two guys.

If you still can't find one to vote for I would say yes, not voteing is an option. I haven't always usued this option but in the past 10 years or so I find more and more of my choices being in the category of unaceptable. I have always voted for president however for such offices like mayor, govenor, and congressmen I haven't. I do see a none vote as a vote in itself. It's to say that the choices are unaceptable.

As for not voteing, the large majority of Americans only vote in the general presidential elections. How many Americans vote in the primary elections? When there are elections just for judges or mayors alot of times people mostly stay home. To me that's mostly from lazyness.

Would not voting absolve you of responsibility?

Responsibility of what? If I chose to not vote it will be for a reason. It will be to show that I will not play this game of lieing, cheating, and stealing. And for what? a canidate I don't even believe in or agree with? I don't think so! My vote is worth more than to just vote for the sake of voteing and or to be loyal to a certain party.

 

[Dad Ernie]

Yes but as it's been poionted out in this thread numerous times that the republican party isn't any party that is without their sins. God judges all sin the same. I don't believe he'll say to himself...Anyone who voted for democrates did a worse thing then those who voted for republicans. If you think that then I believe your going to be awfully surprised during your judgment time. I honestly believe that if you vote for a person or party that you knowingly will not uphold those things God says is righteous then you will have to answer for that vote.

If there were only one single thing that the Republican party stood for and that was anti-abortion, I would vote for that party. I have considered what I would do if I had to choose the life of my wife, or the life of my unborn baby. No matter how "righteous" my wife might be, on some level she is guilty because of her own sin. An unborn baby is the most innocent of all creatures. It would be a real tough call, but I believe I would have to choose the baby's life over my wife's. I know that she would rather "be with the Lord", but my unborn child would not even have a chance at life.

When you consider just what abortion is, it is the result of an irresponsible lustful act as a rule, and those who want the abortion do so, so as not to take responsibility for their own lust. The number of women who are raped and then decide to abort if they become pregnant, are so small in comparison to the number of women who just want to fulfill their lust.

Since God is the author of life, abortion is like killing Jesus over and over again, and I am sure that is what He feels in His heart about it. Anyone who places their lust over the heart of Jesus does not know Him. Anyone who might think a Democrat would give them a better economy, are actually saying that it is more of a concern than the killing of an innocent. I don't see Jesus being very happy about that.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

 

[daveleau]

We mirror what our focus in life is with our vote and with our politics. If we vote Democrat because we think they have a better economic plan and ignore their ideas on abortion, homosexuality, religious freedom, and other things that are contrary to Scirpture, then what are we saying is most important to us?