Christian = Republican?

[SwirlingEd]

New to the forums. Hello all.

Anyone else really tired of the tight integration between Christianity and politics? Particularly the radical right and Republicans? I get so frustrated because I feel like people feel so strongly about the moral issues that they immediately jump on the Republican bandwagon regarding every other issue.

Its not that I'm a flaming liberal - so please don't misunderstand. But I think we are often so misguided when we try to "take the country back for God." God's kingdom is not of this world, and our model is Jesus. Jesus did not come to this world to overthrow the Roman Empire and give Israel back its earthly kindgom. His kingdom was not of this world, and his methods were not like our methods.

Thoughts?

 

[God_follower]

Christianity should = Jesus like you said,

but sadly a lot of people are like how you said.

 

[chilifrankplate]

You'll never win people to Jesus by trying to force them to live the way you think they should. This country was based on freedom, and when you try to restrict the freedoms of others because their lifestyle doesn't line up with yours, then you will just create resentment, and have no chance of winning them to the Lord. This being said though, you can't just give the keys to the ultra liberal and let them drive the country into a bridge abuttment either.

 

[New_Wineskin]

New to the forums. Hello all.

Anyone else really tired of the tight integration between Christianity and politics? Particularly the radical right and Republicans? I get so frustrated because I feel like people feel so strongly about the moral issues that they immediately jump on the Republican bandwagon regarding every other issue.

Its not that I'm a flaming liberal - so please don't misunderstand. But I think we are often so misguided when we try to "take the country back for God." God's kingdom is not of this world, and our model is Jesus. Jesus did not come to this world to overthrow the Roman Empire and give Israel back its earthly kindgom. His kingdom was not of this world, and his methods were not like our methods.

Thoughts?

I agree . I am registered as "Republican" but *only* because their platform has more items in line with my preferences than the Democratic platform *and* going to a better party which is smaller does not accomplish anything since the power belongs to the two main parties .

Both of the main parties have wrong objectives and both have good objectives . The reason why they are so close is that they balance each other .

I don't agree with the idea that the USA was *ever* a Christian country and I do consider that it is in a better place now than ever in its history with regards to godliness . Yet , I do not give into nationalism or consider that the Lord looks at this country with more favor than any other .

 

[Sabertooth]

Being unemployed, I think the Democrats are more sensitive to people in my situation, but ending [murder]-on-demand is a higher priority for me as a Christian voter. It just happens to be in the Republican platform.

 

[Halel]

Well, the Bible does say we should 'occupy' til Jesus comes back, so I think we should be involved in seeing that our country follows godly principles as much as possible. That would mean being involved in every area, including politics.

I think far too many confuse the agenda of their political party with the gospel, though.

 

[Grl4Christ987]

I have a favorite saying of mine that I heard Pastor Rod Parsley say:

Christians are neither Democrat nor Republican but Christocrats. Even though I am a registered Republican I consider myself an Independent (I am an active member in the Constitution Party, notice my party icon) with a lot of Democrat ideas. I think that even us as Christians should be more open to what a Democrat has to say, even though we may not agree on some issues we can agree on different issues.

In Christ,

Kimmie

 

[Doug45]

It is my understanding that George Washington prayed a prayer of dedication over this nation shortly (hours) after his first inauguration. He prayed for the new nation and warned prophetically that should our nation ever turn away from God that His hand of protection would be removed.

This prayer is commemorated in a small chapel with a bronze placque. It still exists in New York City; the only building remaining in tact at ground zero. How interesting. I haven't seen it so I cannot verify its existence, however I believe the source to be reliable.

I'm not sure what constitutes a Christian nation, but there are many documents that strongly indicate most of our founding fathers had faith in God and many of them sacrificed far more than we have for their faith and conviction that this democratic republic was the will of God.

Sadly, the ratio of passionate believers to non-believers has diminished drastically. We are left to ally ourselves with the political system because the Church in our western culture is predominantly no longer an 'alien culture' but has taken on the color of society. We are the Church. We are no longer 'alien'.

The obvious darkness that has overshadowed our nation begs an answer to the question 'Where is the light that dispels the darkness?' And 'Where is the saltiness that we are supposed to savour this society with?' We must move from survival mode to life in the Spirit. We must sing the song of the Lamb which is a song of triumph.

I am not discouraged, downhearted, disillusioned, or depressed. I am instead encouraged and expectant because the scripture says that the dark would grow darker and the light would grow brighter.

This is one of the most marvellous times in history. It's time to be fire-starters instead of wet blankets. It is time for faith and bope in stead of being complainers and mumblers (mumbler is one who sees the glass half empty. I appologize for the pun). It's time to see the invisible which abides in the heart and kingdom of God. And it is time to drag it into the temporal realm unto the glory of Jesus. The Redeemed of the Lord are the recorded winners. Let's dispel the darkness by lighting fires wherever we go.

No offense intended by this post; I realize that my words have an edge. I don't like to use the flat of the sword though for it serves only to demean. Let it be understood that my words find me wanting as well.


Just my thoughts,

Doug

 

[12volt_man]

New to the forums. Hello all.

Anyone else really tired of the tight integration between Christianity and politics? Particularly the radical right and Republicans? I get so frustrated because I feel like people feel so strongly about the moral issues that they immediately jump on the Republican bandwagon regarding every other issue.

Where else are we to go?

The Democrats don't want Christians and the Constitution and Libertarian Parties are a vote for the Democrats.

 

[He put me back together]

Well, yeah--I'm a little tired of preachers saying they are preaching the word of God while they're giving a political pitch, but democrats do it too. Actually, the democrat preachers that I've witnessed were among the worst for such things--the difference is, it seems there are more republicans behind the pulpit nowadays, whether there are more in the congregation or not. I roll my eyes at lots of things, though. There are many more wastes of time that the pulpit thumps besides "Christians should vote for this guy." Sometimes time is wasted on other forms of politics. Eh, well...I'll just leave the rest of that alone.

But there are certain things Christians should stand for, and voting sometimes is the means. These, however, are better presented as principles in an announcement moreso than the thumping of a political party under a blab of raised volume that is supposed to impersonate the Holy Spirit.

Furthermore, there is a particular idea among Christians (and everybody else it seems, Liberal atheists especially, mind you) that the law should be conformed to their depiction of moral right--and that moral wrongs should be punished. When it comes to American law, morality is not the issue. Whether there is a clear and direct violation of the rights of other citizens is the issue. The instance of something being declared damnable in the Bible is not a basis for making it illegal.

 

[lan]

I am not Republican, nor demorcrat, left, nor right, cause lifes not all about black nor all about white.


I am of the Jesus party. I vote on my knees.
Very effective.

 

[Andyman_1970]

I think sometimes Christian Republicans forget that there are multiple ideas and philosophies that the Republican party holds that are not Biblical.

 

[heron]

I think what happened, was voters looked at a few long-standing issues like abortion and stem cell research, and decided that they could not stomach a leader who was willing to make decisions in that direction.

The sad part of this, though, is that these issues are not going to suddenly get resolved by one person in office. They can go on and on and on and on, and even if they're resolved, it will only be temporarily. We need to look at the issues that shape all our lives now, and our futures: economic stability, safety, health, social security, education (and I don't mean more standardized tests), etc.

 

[lan]

I think sometimes Christian Republicans forget that there are multiple ideas and philosophies that the Republican party holds that are not Biblical.

Yes. And although many feel a "responsible-Christian", must be politically active, jesus was not.

The politics of America have now become intwined with our obedieance to Jesus, thus driving a sword through the body of believers. And the Word. And somehow the theroy of Jesus and America" is synonimous. Yet nothing is further from the truth.

If we would simply obey Jesus, we will see this Nation turn. But this is another issue.

 

[Harlan Norris]

New to the forums. Hello all.

Anyone else really tired of the tight integration between Christianity and politics? Particularly the radical right and Republicans? I get so frustrated because I feel like people feel so strongly about the moral issues that they immediately jump on the Republican bandwagon regarding every other issue.

Its not that I'm a flaming liberal - so please don't misunderstand. But I think we are often so misguided when we try to "take the country back for God." God's kingdom is not of this world, and our model is Jesus. Jesus did not come to this world to overthrow the Roman Empire and give Israel back its earthly kindgom. His kingdom was not of this world, and his methods were not like our methods.

Thoughts?

Well said, I can tell you that I have written the same thing in several posts.I personally think that mixing religion and politics is an abomination.Especially Christianity and politics.The gospel of Jesus Christ is 180 degrees aposed to politics.The gospel being only truth,and frankly politics being only lies,slander, half truth,extortion,and every other evil thing.It's a sad day when Christians are looking to politicians for spiritual enlightenment.

 

[SwirlingEd]

The sad part of this, though, is that these issues are not going to suddenly get resolved by one person in office. They can go on and on and on and on, and even if they're resolved, it will only be temporarily. We need to look at the issues that shape all our lives now, and our futures: economic stability, safety, health, social security, education (and I don't mean more standardized tests), etc.

I really agree with this.

I understand people wanting to align themselves with the party that most coincides with their beliefs, but I still think that EACH issue requires an objective evaulation. The problem I see is that both sides have positive valid goals that should be considered, but there is so much animosity, that each side swings to the extreme and then dig their heals in. Greg Boyd (whchurch.org.content.page_274.htm) has a 4 part sermon (4/18 - 5/9) series on "Kingdom Over" vs. "Kingdom Under" that really addresses these issues. I found them very thought provoking.

And I have to say, as I try to witness to people. I have to really disassociate myself with the militant right before I can even get them to consider listening to me - not as a comprimise, but because I really am embarrased at the close-minded, hateful attitudes. Its an obstacle. I think people claim that they want to bring the country back to God, but they really are scared of people that aren't like them imposing their beliefs. And again, the left isn't any better -- which is why I think Christians should start thinking for themselves, reading their Bible for direction and quit getting their religion from muckrakers like Bill O'Reilly.

 

[lan]

Harlan and Ed, so much truth, so much truth in your post.


Amen

 

[autumnknight]

Well, the Bible does say we should 'occupy' til Jesus comes back, so I think we should be involved in seeing that our country follows godly principles as much as possible. That would mean being involved in every area, including politics.

I think far too many confuse the agenda of their political party with the gospel, though.

Nice post, Halel. I agree completely.

 

[heron]

"And somehow the theory of Jesus and America" is synonymous."

Yeah, when did that happen! I have Christian friends at church, but run into very few Christians in other arenas. That kind of statement emerges when we're spending too much time with our Christian cronies. I understand there are documents of dedication to God by founding fathers, but we have strayed fa-a-a-ar from our era of grace and consecration.

Religion in politics makes me queasy and jumpy, but I can't say it's not scriptural. That's where our Mosaic Laws came from. My first reaction is always wondering what secret agenda they're trying to pass through the guise of morality.

 

[WannaWitness]

New to the forums. Hello all.

Anyone else really tired of the tight integration between Christianity and politics? Particularly the radical right and Republicans? I get so frustrated because I feel like people feel so strongly about the moral issues that they immediately jump on the Republican bandwagon regarding every other issue.

Its not that I'm a flaming liberal - so please don't misunderstand. But I think we are often so misguided when we try to "take the country back for God." God's kingdom is not of this world, and our model is Jesus. Jesus did not come to this world to overthrow the Roman Empire and give Israel back its earthly kindgom. His kingdom was not of this world, and his methods were not like our methods.

Thoughts?

I have never been one to mix Christianity with politics. There are Christians that are affilated with different parties -- Republican, Democrat, Independants, and so on.

Now I'm registered to vote, but I am not affiliated with any party (non-partisan). Politics just seems to be one of the most tender subjects -- when people argue about it, the riffs are sometimes unrepairable. So I don't venture out into that area very much. I just have some views that I'd rather keep to myself.

It simply goes without saying that even all the Christians are going to disagree on some things -- political or not. Yes, it is okay to disagree, but we should NEVER let those disagreements get in the way of harmony. I've repeated several times: AGREE TO DISAGREE! Wouldn't we be so much better off?