Form-Specific Guidelines for Conservatives

[JimfromOhio]

http://www.christianforums.com/t6899878/

Conservative Christianity is defined by its allegiance to the Holy Scriptures and the traditional beliefs and teachings of the Christian Church on issues of theology and morality. Central to this worldview is the belief that Truth exists objectively and independently of our perception. Truth is unchanging and absolute.

• The Holy Scriptures are inspired, the written Word of God. Scripture is revelation from God given for the instruction of his people in faith, morals, and doctrine. The revelation of scripture is completely reliable and authoritative. (Jim agrees)
• The minimum standard of doctrinal belief in order for a person to be considered a Christian is accurately contained within the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. The doctrines contained within these creeds are the bare essentials upon which Christians must agree. (Jim agrees)
• Our Christian faith can not be separated from our views on politics and society, or any other area of life. The Conservative Christian worldview holds the following values and views to be necessary expressions of Christian morality based upon Holy Scripture and the established teachings of the Christian Church. (Jim agrees with the condition that I share my beliefs and explain why I believe such, nothing more)
• The sanctity of human life.Human life begins at conception and ends when the body can no longer naturally sustain itself. Human life can not be ended prematurely without just cause and just authority to do so. This includes most cases of abortion and euthanasia. (Jim agrees)
• Sexual morality is a fundamental requirement of Christian moral teaching. The Scriptures repeatedly address the topic of traditional sexual morality as a necessary part of our obedience to God and right living. Sexually moral behavior, in Scripture, and in the established teachings of the Church is held to be limited to sex between a husband and his wife. All other sexual activities fall under the heading of sexual immorality and depart from conservative christian teaching and morality. (Jim agrees)
• Sin separates people from God. Thus it is destructive and harmful. Jesus Christ came not only to grant us a way of forgiveness from sin, but also to free us from bondage to sin. Our Lord Jesus Christ has imparted to us the ministry of reconciliation. It is our duty and privilege to teach people the gospel of forgiveness of sins, freedom from sin, and reconciliation to God. Freedom begins with knowing the truth. (Jim agrees)
• Truth and Love are both God's character. All truth can be expressed in love. When addressing others in the forum we should hold ourselves accountable to the belief that all people are created in God's image, and as such deserve a basic level of respect, regardless of their deeds. This is not meant to muzzle honest discourse or comment, but to remind that all truth, must be expressed in love. Therefore, Conservative Christians may not flame visitors but rather seek to reason with them with an attitude of service and love.(Jim agrees)
• Sola Scriptura – Not all conservatives hold to the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. As per the forum rules we all acknowledge the inspiration, complete reliability, and authority of scripture. However, some conservative Christians may hold Holy Tradition and the Church to be authoritative, or necessary to proper interpretation of scripture, in addition to the scriptures. Others do affirm Sola Scriptura, and are also welcomed equally on this forum. Neither position is preferred. No rule will be made concerning the views of Sola Scriptura, or the Traditions of the Church. Which position is correct is to be determined by the individual, not the forum. (Jim agrees)
• Biblical Literalism – Not all conservatives hold an absolute literal interpretation of scripture. This may especially be seen in the areas of eschatology and the Genesis creation account.(Jim agrees)

FURTHER:
Christ have not given us a political agenda, but a spiritual mandate to proclaim the Gospel and disciple the nations (Matthew 28:19-20). The world who are without Christ also have their own views. More often than not, the secular world view is in conflict with the bible. To Christians, this should NOT be a surprise. To the world who are without Christ, this conflict is not a surprise either. Christian Grace is about loving other people who are very different and that we have the freedom to do so but at the same time, respect how they practice their beliefs. I truly believe that homosexuality is condemned outright in both the Old and New Testaments. In the United States, Christians have the right, in a free society, to make their case against homosexual conduct. True Christians knows that not everyone is willing to be a Christian. I can’t be like a Pharisee to make sure they don’t break God’s “rules”. I can’t force against their will to believe what I believe. Being a Christian is being a person whose primary form of witness is by their spiritual life, but they do not hide the fact that they are Christians and that they show their spiritual light through deeds first and then words. In our Christian fellowship (not individual), we must recognize that the Holy Spirit desires to take us and lead us, and use us as instruments through which He can express Himself in the community. I have learned that democracy does not give me any real power at all because in God’s providence, He allowed democracy to basically swamp each of us Christians among non-believers.

Wait...there's more.....
I support the death penalty if a person clearly did the crime of killing another person (without any reasonable doubt and sciencifically proven). Studying government biblically for many years, I have learned so much in each topic in the bible.

Romans 13:4
In KJV: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

NIV: For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

God gave the governments the sword and He gave them the sword to use. This is to keep goodness prevalent and evil subdued. If you will read I Peter 2:14, “Governors we are to be subject to as under them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers.” That’s the law enforcement. They are sent for the punishment of evildoers. They do not bear the sword in vain.

Final Words......

A Christian's life and standard of moral living are not private matters but rather they are critical issues of faith and discipleship for non-believers around us who are "watching" us because they believe we are hypocrites. Moral decline is a spiritual problem due to depravity of sin, not a political one, and its solution is the gospel, not partisan politics. If its hard to forgive, then it is hard to love another because LOVE forgives. Love hopes all things (1 Corinth 13). Love refuses to take human failure as final. With Christ in me, my human failures are never final. Love never keeps a record of wrongs. Love forgives and love is unable to think about them anymore. Forget the past and move on. Focus on the future as I focus on Christ at the same time. Romans 4:8 (also Psalms 32:2) "Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him". In 1 Corinthians 13:5 says "Love does not act unbecomingly"; which means a Christian should demonstrate godly love and have real Christian credibility.

Christians are to act like Jesus, toward sinners and brethren in compassion, toward saints in warm affection, toward others in love. We are to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Jesus Christ has forgiven us.

Is this conservative enough?

 

[ReformedChapin]

Doh...not another I'm not a conservative enough debate.

 

[JimfromOhio]

Doh...not another I'm not a conservative enough debate.

LOL Ignore this thread then.

 

[ReformedChapin]

LOL Ignore this thread then.

Sorry Jim, I just think these "debates" lead to endless personal attacks and anger among believers. I have been called a liberal myself and I know how hurtful that can be since most of the time those statements are questioning your faith. I hope this issue gets resolved in a peaceful manner.

 

[Hentenza]

You are conservative enough Jim. All of us conservatives are allowed to have disagreements among ourselves. We just have to disagree charitably.

 

[JimfromOhio]

You are conservative enough Jim. All of us conservatives are allowed to have disagreements among ourselves. We just have to disagree charitably.

Thank you sir.

I was trying to point out that I am as conservative as they are but my approach is different.

 

[Sketcher]

Is this conservative enough?

I'd say so.

 

[JustAsIam77]

Doh...not another I'm not a conservative enough debate.

Where have you been ReformedChapin? You're scarce around here lately.

 

[JimfromOhio]

Where have you been ReformedChapin? You're scarce around here lately.

Now this thread is moving towards to "reunion". LOL

 

[ReformedChapin]

Where have you been ReformedChapin? You're scarce around here lately.

Finals week and I have a gf so that keeps my busy.

But thanks for asking, I do miss all you guys here especially the reformed folk.

 

[MrJim]

But thanks for asking, I do miss all you guys here especially the reformed folk.

 

[CaliforniaJosiah]

(this post excepting....) I'm actively reading but not posting in any part of the Faith Groups Forums for the reasons noted in the signature line of every one of my 11,000 + posts. I frankly don't know how to post anything that does not have at least the POTENTIAL to be misunderstood - and since it is the current policy of the Faith Groups section of CF that a misunderstanding is a rule violation - not to the one misunderstanding but to the one who posted, there's no way to avoid warnings or worse. Thus, best to not post. Which has been my policy for several weeks now. But I do come to several sections here (including the Lutheran one) almost daily - I just don't post. And won't unless the policy changes.

 

[MrJim]

(this post excepting....) I'm actively reading but not posting in any part of the Faith Groups Forums for the reasons noted in the signature line of every one of my 11,000 + posts. I frankly don't know how to post anything that does not have at least the POTENTIAL to be misunderstood - and since it is the current policy of the Faith Groups section of CF that a misunderstanding is a rule violation - not to the one misunderstanding but to the one who posted, there's no way to avoid warnings or worse. Thus, best to not post. Which has been my policy for several weeks now. But I do come to several sections here (including the Lutheran one) almost daily - I just don't post. And won't unless the policy changes.

Don't live in fear~I've not gotten a warning in months

 

[Nadiine]

It's easy to be considered theologically conservative yet
not so conservative socially or politically -
that's where most of the issues spring up & the FSG's
don't fully cover that to my knowledge.

I don't care what a person claims to believe, anything
that leans too far into liberalalism (socially/politically)
won't be well recieved by all -possibly most-
who are theologically, socially& politically conservative across the board.

I tend to think what we have going on in some forums are social or
political moderates clashing w/ 'across-the-board' conservatives.
And since a good chunk of threads aren't just spiritual/biblical topics,
that's where the differences appear.

You can still theologically fit in this forum - yet be moderate
and that will sometimes cause issues w/ conservatives.
There aren't enough Congregational forums to fit everybody into
their little compartments for 100% agreement. & I doubt that
even exists on this planet

 

[BelindaP]

There are many whose conservative theology makes them liberal politically. This is all too often misunderstood by the across-the-board conservatives. Being conservative politically =/= being conservative theologically. American Christians in particular have a hard time distinguishing between the two.
For example, I am 100% Nicene-compliant, if you want to call it that.
I am pro-life in every way. That means I oppose abortion, the death penalty, unjust wars, and I speak out boldy on social justice issues. It gets me in trouble with American conservatives all the time.

 

[JimfromOhio]

There are many whose conservative theology makes them liberal politically. This is all too often misunderstood by the across-the-board conservatives. Being conservative politically =/= being conservative theologically. American Christians in particular have a hard time distinguishing between the two.
For example, I am 100% Nicene-compliant, if you want to call it that.
I am pro-life in every way. That means I oppose abortion, the death penalty, unjust wars, and I speak out boldy on social justice issues. It gets me in trouble with American conservatives all the time.

I am pro-life however I am pro-capital punishment. I am speak out against unjust wars, unjust discrimination, treating any citizens as 2nd class citizens, and other social issues that ought to be fair.

As Christians, our perspective (the way we see the world) shapes our reality. Whether we realize it or not, our unique point-of-view influences our life and the world around us.

One of my political issues is people with disabilities and many have views this as far left democratic while history show that the Republicans have been support people with disabilities much more than the democrats. We, people with disabilities do not want money that comes to our pockets. We want our share of quality of life.

Many experts and people often treats disabilities as 2nd or 3rd class citizens as for finding ways to "cure them" rather than helping them with their disabilities. We live in a world which places great emphasis on beauty, wealth and power. People with disabilities are often a symbol of the opposite – they struggle with physical or mental imperfection, powerlessness and often poverty. This only adds to the stigma which isolates them, separating them from the mainstream of life. This fix or cure is a form of discrimination is a problem faced by disabled people including children around the world.

We need to have a solid and sound concept to understand disabilities and how those with disabilities can enjoy quality of life. People with disabilities are God's best visual aids to demonstrate how they treat those with disabilities.

What exactly is "quality of life"?

What is really the true definition of "quality of life"?

In terms of quality of life, many people took on other meanings such as "satisfaction with life" or "as good as someone else's life."

Now we are dealing with "quality of life from society's perspective" and "quality of life from the individual's perspective who is disabled".

To really understand "quality of life" is to effectively use knowledge and technology to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities requires understanding the many meanings of disability and of quality of life. What can we do to make a difference in the quality of life for those with disabilities?

Therapies and rehabilitation services will always improve the quality of life by helping clients become productive citizens or live independently.

The real key is:
"How and what kinds of therapies and rehab" can help? From a non-disabled perspective? Or from disabled perspective?

Often, I noticed that there are some rehabilitation efforts may increase functioning but not improve the quality of life. There are areas that are still facing barriers in one form or another. Improving the material quality of life, improving public safety and security, improving education, Christianity and spiritual values, increasing employment or improving work conditions for those who are truly disabled, improving the cultural quality (i.e. Deaf Culture) of life, improving the psychological and social quality of life and much more.

I am sure this discussion will be on-going for the rest of my life. LOL

 

[BelindaP]

Sounds to me like we agree on the social justice issues. My problem with the death penalty is the way it is implemented in this country (US), which is a social justice issue. I wouldn't have too much of a problem with it otherwise. I agree with you about the way society approaches disabilities as a problem to be solved rather than something that should be coped with.

 

[Nadiine]

There are many whose conservative theology makes them liberal politically. This is all too often misunderstood by the across-the-board conservatives. Being conservative politically =/= being conservative theologically. American Christians in particular have a hard time distinguishing between the two.
For example, I am 100% Nicene-compliant, if you want to call it that.
I am pro-life in every way. That means I oppose abortion, the death penalty, unjust wars, and I speak out boldy on social justice issues. It gets me in trouble with American conservatives all the time.

God is pro life too - yet He gave death penalties....
Not saying I'm for it, just that maybe our view of justice is a little
different than His.

I speak out on social justice issues too - it doesn't make me liberal.

If one doesn't vote their theological views, I have to wonder about
that. Every democratic President seems to undo the abortion
restraints that the republican presidents put in place ... why is that?
Clinton was the first to open up PBA against Billy Graham's
counsel.

If one is pro life, why vote for a leader who claims they're
pro death and opens the floodgates to it?
It seems to run rampant on the left for some reason?

When a party leader supports infanticide, I can hardly expect
them to care about my life or anyone elses - thus, I feel they
disqualify themselves for caring about the sanctity of life in general.

 

[BelindaP]

Why? Because the Republicans haven't done squat to reduce the number of abortions. In fact, their lack of attention to social justice issues increases the number of abortions.

And why do the dems open up abortion as you call it? Because it actually decreased the number of abortions by providing birth control to people who desperately need it in Africa. Along with refusing funding for agencies that provide abortion in Africa, those policies also refuse funding for birth control.

The Republican party has people bamboozled with the whole abortion issue. They keep getting votes for it, but they don't do anything to stop it. They're taking advantage of all the social conservatives by paying lip service to moral issues without doing anything to remedy them.

 

[JimfromOhio]

Sounds to me like we agree on the social justice issues. My problem with the death penalty is the way it is implemented in this country (US), which is a social justice issue. I wouldn't have too much of a problem with it otherwise. I agree with you about the way society approaches disabilities as a problem to be solved rather than something that should be coped with.

No government is perfect. Even the Roman government was not perfect and crucified Jesus Christ who was innocent (even by the Roman Government). Jesus never once objected their capital punishment law because He knows that the Government is ordained by Him. God gave the governments the sword and He gave them the sword to use. This is to keep goodness prevalent and evil subdued. If you will read I Peter 2:14, “Governors we are to be subject to as under them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers.” That’s the law enforcement. They are sent for the punishment of evildoers. They do not bear the sword in vain.

Remember what Jesus said to the Pilate about who got more authority?

John 19:10-12
10"Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"
11Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
12From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar."