I am typing this as I watch the vice-presidential debate. There is a lot to think about, a lot of very complex issues to be considered. In many ways, I am still debating. But there is one thing I am not debating. Let’s review what it means to be a Christian (when you claim to be one – if you don’t, then I have different expectations for you).
Lying is INEXCUSABLE for a Christian. Lying includes taking someone’s comments out of context knowingly to support your agenda.
Attacking anyone’s character is INEXCUSABLE for a Christian. Using words that build others up would be in order.
I strongly suspect that loving your neighbor, loving your enemies and blessing those that persecute you – fundamental to Christianity - works on a local and global level.
Being a Christian means believing that God’s way works, not just throwing out support for a handful of evangelical issues and displaying nationalism.
Have I ever fallen into these failures? Sure. I'm just glad I wasn't on national TV.
6 comments:
I’m having trouble thinking of an instance in national politics where God’s way really worked. Actually, I can’t even think of where it was attempted. Clearly, supporting evangelical issues and displaying nationalism works for republicans, like class warfare works for democrats. I like the line in that U2 song, “you lied to me 'cause I asked you to.” I give Palin and Biden a little slack. It’s not their fault. They both mean well and they’re faced with an impossible choice: lie and attack, or let the country move in a direction they feel is inexcusable.
I'm having trouble thinking of an instance in national politics when national politics really worked.
I agree that God's way is a grass roots movement, but wouldn't it be great to have a leader encourage people to move in that direction instead of succumbing to what you call "an impossible choice"?
Jimmy Carter is oft criticized (happens to be my favorite), but his willingness to sit down with dictators is impressive to me - his desire to promote peace non-violently. His grass roots movements to tackle poverty and homelessness. For me, the very thing that the Repubs want to criticize Obama for - being willing to talk - is something that I think is needed and right. It's interesting.
The other troublng thing about last night - with the single exception of Darfur - it was an egocentric and insular debate about America and its issues. As a matter of fact, when other areas of the world were even mentioned - with the exception of Israel - they were painted with such a negative brush. How does God feel about that?
Oh, I wish I had more time today. I'm all for talking to other leaders, but let's discuss Jimmy Carter another time. I agree that the way we talk and act toward other countries is arrogant and counterproductive. And national politics doesn't work and it would be great if someone actually stood up and spoke the truth, and did so in a respectful way. My only point is that we can look more critically at ourselves and our culture than focusing on how bad our politicians are. We don’t consume so much fat and sugar in this country because we don’t like the way it tastes. Gotta go.
"I agree that God's way is a grass roots movement, but wouldn't it be great to have a leader encourage people to move in that direction instead of succumbing to what you call "an impossible choice"?"
It would be WONDERFUL...unfortunately those are the guys left behind in the primaries....
"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron."
— H.L. Mencken
I am so disillusioned from this whole presidential campaign. They are nothing but soundbytes. I've come to the conclusion I am a bitter Hillary supporter. Still undecided but this may be the first presidential election since I was able to vote that I may actually not vote.
I'll put my hope and change in another Person's hands
I agree with Maureen about the primaries... that's usually the only time I get to vote for my TRUE choice.
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