Conservatism vs Christianity

[Zemke]

How to handle the situation?

The things of this world and every deception are meant to get us to hope in this life. This world is still in the hands of the wicked one.

Instead of weeping and falling to our knees in the early seventies over Roe v Wade the majority of the church got political. The seventies was the sign that America had slid to far. Roe v Wade was a symptom as was gay activism, new age, the Steelers winning four super bowls etc. A symptom of a nation gone bad.

We can't fix this in the flesh, that was and still is a mistake.

The Jews had physical battles but in the new covenant our battles are spiritual. The Jews had a physical structure, a house of God, but in the new covenant we are the stones that make a holy habitation for the Lord. The Jews had the church state, the place God was worshiped and dwelt on the earth, we like our father Abraham are sojourners looking for a city built by God. America is a nation as are all the rest. God loves the conservative the liberal the homosexual the Marxist, communist, Buddist, Muslim etc. But he hates what draws them into it and the institutions, but he loves the people in them.

We are His servants, ambassadors of His kingdom to come, to bring the gospel of peace, to speak the gospel of the kingdom. Speaking the truth in love.

What can we do? When Paul was surrounded with all the Greek statues and pegan worship in Athens he didn't bind territorial spirits or put on a healing show, he preached the gospel.

America may be to far gone, maybe not, I don't know. But we all know people destined for hell if they don't repent. We can at the least, start there. But first we need to start with ourselves. "Deny yourself, pick your cross and follow Me"-- Jesus

[coelacanth]

With the heresy of republicanism infecting the american church and spreading like a disease , what can we as christians do to make sure these awful beliefs don't take hold of our churches for good? I honestly want to know.

People pick up these evil mindsets from fox news . And others. And the pastor sure can't make sure to go to everyones home in the church each night to make sure that his congregation isn't being influenced by the conservative media. So how do we as christians combat such an unchristian philspophy such as conservatism , especially when its gaining such a foothold in our churches??

People talk about the problem of porn and pre marital sex and such happening in our churches , as they should. But the conservative thing is way more serious. And its more seriouis because....yeah there may be a few guys in church addicted to porn.......... But a HUGE percentage of guys IN CHURCHES watch Fox News , CNN , or listen to some conservative radio nearly every single night!!! So yeah....this is a huge issue. And I just would like some opinions from real christians on how to handle this situation.

How are Fox and CNN even remotely related? What specifically are you talking about that you find so contrary and counter productive?

[MorningGlory]

With the heresy of republicanism infecting the american church and spreading like a disease , what can we as christians do to make sure these awful beliefs don't take hold of our churches for good? I honestly want to know.

People pick up these evil mindsets from fox news . And others. And the pastor sure can't make sure to go to everyones home in the church each night to make sure that his congregation isn't being influenced by the conservative media. So how do we as christians combat such an unchristian philspophy such as conservatism , especially when its gaining such a foothold in our churches??

People talk about the problem of porn and pre marital sex and such happening in our churches , as they should. But the conservative thing is way more serious. And its more seriouis because....yeah there may be a few guys in church addicted to porn.......... But a HUGE percentage of guys IN CHURCHES watch Fox News , CNN , or listen to some conservative radio nearly every single night!!! So yeah....this is a huge issue. And I just would like some opinions from real christians on how to handle this situation.

How are Fox and CNN even remotely related? What specifically are you talking about that you find so contrary and counter productive?

Fox and CNN are not that different when it comes down to the wire; I watch both of them. The differences are superficial.

[coelacanth]

With the heresy of republicanism infecting the american church and spreading like a disease , what can we as christians do to make sure these awful beliefs don't take hold of our churches for good? I honestly want to know.

People pick up these evil mindsets from fox news . And others. And the pastor sure can't make sure to go to everyones home in the church each night to make sure that his congregation isn't being influenced by the conservative media. So how do we as christians combat such an unchristian philspophy such as conservatism , especially when its gaining such a foothold in our churches??

People talk about the problem of porn and pre marital sex and such happening in our churches , as they should. But the conservative thing is way more serious. And its more seriouis because....yeah there may be a few guys in church addicted to porn.......... But a HUGE percentage of guys IN CHURCHES watch Fox News , CNN , or listen to some conservative radio nearly every single night!!! So yeah....this is a huge issue. And I just would like some opinions from real christians on how to handle this situation.

How are Fox and CNN even remotely related? What specifically are you talking about that you find so contrary and counter productive?

Fox and CNN are not that different when it comes down to the wire; I watch both of them. The differences are superficial.

Can you elaborate? I haven't observed that yet.

Thanks

[MorningGlory]

With the heresy of republicanism infecting the american church and spreading like a disease , what can we as christians do to make sure these awful beliefs don't take hold of our churches for good? I honestly want to know.

People pick up these evil mindsets from fox news . And others. And the pastor sure can't make sure to go to everyones home in the church each night to make sure that his congregation isn't being influenced by the conservative media. So how do we as christians combat such an unchristian philspophy such as conservatism , especially when its gaining such a foothold in our churches??

People talk about the problem of porn and pre marital sex and such happening in our churches , as they should. But the conservative thing is way more serious. And its more seriouis because....yeah there may be a few guys in church addicted to porn.......... But a HUGE percentage of guys IN CHURCHES watch Fox News , CNN , or listen to some conservative radio nearly every single night!!! So yeah....this is a huge issue. And I just would like some opinions from real christians on how to handle this situation.

How are Fox and CNN even remotely related? What specifically are you talking about that you find so contrary and counter productive?

Fox and CNN are not that different when it comes down to the wire; I watch both of them. The differences are superficial.

Can you elaborate? I haven't observed that yet.

Thanks

CNN has more content that favors Obama; Fox has more content that trashes him. Outside of that.....I see very little difference. The articles are the same pretty much. CNN doesn't have as many buxom blondes with short skirts as Fox and has better documentaries. Fox has better newscasters and their morning show is way better than CNN's. As I'm fond of telling people....I watch them both and then divide by two to get close to the truth.

[ByFaithAlone]

How about being more specific about the ways in which conservatism are not in harmony with Christianity. Maybe in that way, Christians can help fix conservatism.

Well, it doesn't seem that he is going to reply but here are a few issues with conservatism that strike me as non-Christian in nature. Note that these are broad generalizations and I in no way mean to offend all conservatives.

First, conservatives tend to spend way too much money on the military and defense. Christ commanded us to be peacemakers yet all too often, I feel as though conservatives are the ones rushing off to war. Sometimes, the war seems justified but other times it seems fruitless and provides for nothing but sorrow and destruction. Obviously there are exceptions to the rule. Ron Paul wants to pull out all troops from certain areas of the globe and use diplomatic channels (although the methods he wants to use may be a bit extreme).

Secondly, conservatism in the United States does not always promote care for our fellow human beings. The GOP tends to want to cut social services instead of the military. They value a strong defense over the over anything else, no matter how many people could be affected. Note that my issue is not with budget cuts themselves but rather what conservatives in the US do to achieve those cuts. I guess my problem is that conservatives in our Congress would rather spend billions on fighter planes that are replacing planes already generations ahead of any potential enemy rather than helping hungry and homeless Americans. Is this what Jesus would want of us?

Lastly, conservatives tend to be set in their ways almost by definition. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Only time will tell. However, remember that Jesus was radical for his time. Not just “liberal” but radically outside the box. His message defied what Jewish “conservatives” would have said. He encouraged us as Christians to be radical in our love for others.

Again, I am not saying that all my criticism reflects all conservatives but it is something to think about.

Regards

--Matt

[coelacanth]

How about being more specific about the ways in which conservatism are not in harmony with Christianity. Maybe in that way, Christians can help fix conservatism.

Well, it doesn't seem that he is going to reply but here are a few issues with conservatism that strike me as non-Christian in nature. Note that these are broad generalizations and I in no way mean to offend all conservatives.

First, conservatives tend to spend way too much money on the military and defense. Christ commanded us to be peacemakers yet all too often, I feel as though conservatives are the ones rushing off to war. Sometimes, the war seems justified but other times it seems fruitless and provides for nothing but sorrow and destruction. Obviously there are exceptions to the rule. Ron Paul wants to pull out all troops from certain areas of the globe and use diplomatic channels (although the methods he wants to use may be a bit extreme).

Secondly, conservatism in the United States does not always promote care for our fellow human beings. The GOP tends to want to cut social services instead of the military. They value a strong defense over the over anything else, no matter how many people could be affected. Note that my issue is not with budget cuts themselves but rather what conservatives in the US do to achieve those cuts. I guess my problem is that conservatives in our Congress would rather spend billions on fighter planes that are replacing planes already generations ahead of any potential enemy rather than helping hungry and homeless Americans. Is this what Jesus would want of us?

Lastly, conservatives tend to be set in their ways almost by definition. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Only time will tell. However, remember that Jesus was radical for his time. Not just “liberal” but radically outside the box. His message defied what Jewish “conservatives” would have said. He encouraged us as Christians to be radical in our love for others.

Again, I am not saying that all my criticism reflects all conservatives but it is something to think about.

Regards

--Matt

Conservatives in general are more charitable than most and want to cut government social services because that is not where charity belongs. Giving belongs with us as individuals. Relying on the government for anything leads to waste and greed being the rule of the day, that is plainly evident, that is why conservatives in general don't want power and control shifted to the government, anyway it belongs with the people and should not be given away. Many generations of people sacrificed and died so that individual freedom could thrive, not government authority.

Christ said we should have our swords ready. How can you have one ready if you don't have one at all?

Being conservative in relation to Christ is a good thing. Though he was radical as far as the Jewish leader were concerned He was not changeable as you seem to elude. Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, just as God is and just as the scriptures say. All things are to be weighed against Christ and His word and what you have eluded to does not align with either.

Sorry no offense meant, but Christ is the answer not political ideology. However there are things of this world that align with Christ and there are things that appear to align with Him on a superficial level yet in essence they are deviant and deceptive, and lead people away from Christ not to Him.

[hr.jr.]

With the heresy of republicanism infecting the american church and spreading like a disease , what can we as christians do to make sure these awful beliefs don't take hold of our churches for good? I honestly want to know.

People pick up these evil mindsets from fox news . And others. And the pastor sure can't make sure to go to everyones home in the church each night to make sure that his congregation isn't being influenced by the conservative media. So how do we as christians combat such an unchristian philspophy such as conservatism , especially when its gaining such a foothold in our churches??

People talk about the problem of porn and pre marital sex and such happening in our churches , as they should. But the conservative thing is way more serious. And its more seriouis because....yeah there may be a few guys in church addicted to porn.......... But a HUGE percentage of guys IN CHURCHES watch Fox News , CNN , or listen to some conservative radio nearly every single night!!! So yeah....this is a huge issue. And I just would like some opinions from real christians on how to handle this situation.

I guess you think Christians should go vote for baby butchers and promoters of the homosexual agenda?

[nebula]

First, conservatives tend to spend way too much money on the military and defense. Christ commanded us to be peacemakers yet all too often, I feel as though conservatives are the ones rushing off to war. Sometimes, the war seems justified but other times it seems fruitless and provides for nothing but sorrow and destruction. Obviously there are exceptions to the rule. Ron Paul wants to pull out all troops from certain areas of the globe and use diplomatic channels (although the methods he wants to use may be a bit extreme).

"Peace through strength."

And diplomacy is feeble. It didn't work to stop Hitler, for example. Or try diplomacing the warlord in Uganda.

Secondly, conservatism in the United States does not always promote care for our fellow human beings. The GOP tends to want to cut social services instead of the military. They value a strong defense over the over anything else, no matter how many people could be affected. Note that my issue is not with budget cuts themselves but rather what conservatives in the US do to achieve those cuts. I guess my problem is that conservatives in our Congress would rather spend billions on fighter planes that are replacing planes already generations ahead of any potential enemy rather than helping hungry and homeless Americans. Is this what Jesus would want of us?

Welfare is a broken system that creates more problems than it solves. Not saying that it hasn't helped genuine hard workers who simply can't obtain higher incomes, however it does create a system of poverty and abusers of the system that drain the resources.

In other words, conservatives' problem with social welfare is not the care for the poor in needy, but the method and the results of this method.

Lastly, conservatives tend to be set in their ways almost by definition.

And Liberals are different . . . how?

And Libertarians are different . . . how?

Not just “liberal” but radically outside the box. His message defied what Jewish “conservatives” would have said. He encouraged us as Christians to be radical in our love for others.

Jesus was not a political liberal as "liberal" is defined by our political system. Bad comparison.

Jesus always asked, "What are you doing for the poor and needy?" He never asked, "What are you pushing your government to do for the poor and needy?"

[ByFaithAlone]

Conservatives in general are more charitable than most and want to cut government social services because that is not where charity belongs. Giving belongs with us as individuals. Relying on the government for anything leads to waste and greed being the rule of the day, that is plainly evident, that is why conservatives in general don't want power and control shifted to the government, anyway it belongs with the people and should not be given away. Many generations of people sacrificed and died so that individual freedom could thrive, not government authority.

Christ said we should have our swords ready. How can you have one ready if you don't have one at all?

Being conservative in relation to Christ is a good thing. Though he was radical as far as the Jewish leader were concerned He was not changeable as you seem to elude. Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, just as God is and just as the scriptures say. All things are to be weighed against Christ and His word and what you have eluded to does not align with either.

Sorry no offense meant, but Christ is the answer not political ideology. However there are things of this world that align with Christ and there are things that appear to align with Him on a superficial level yet in essence they are deviant and deceptive, and lead people away from Christ not to Him.

I agree with you that Christ is not to be aligned with a political ideology. I was only trying to point out some flaws that Omegaman wanted in order for "Christians to fix conservatism." Now, I would agree that conservatives are charitable people and I agree with less government involvement. However, I also believe that Christ would not exactly be happy with our policy of overmilitarization. As I said before, defense is fine. However, when we spend billions of dollars to replace technology that far and away outstrips our nearest enemies or our friends for that matter, I have to ask, is it worth it when the money could be saved or be given to charities to help the poor. I am not arguing that the liberal ideology is the right one or that Christ would approve of such ideology. I am merely bringing up problems that are facing conservatism and that need fixed. I also take issue with your statement that conservatives, "in general don't want power and control shifted to the government, anyway it belongs with the people and should not be given away." Look at the Patriot Act, over aggressive military spending, etc. I know that conservative ideology demands more power to the people but in reality, what have they done?