I'm going to discuss something that I have really debated about bringing up in my blog. I have given myself excuses as to why I shouldn't and have delayed writing about it. I was thinking of writing a separate blog about this subject so as not to offend others and cause strains on friendships. However, a few friends of mine told me to be honest and real and go ahead and blog about it. They said that I shouldn't hide my real opinions on the subject and be honest. This is a topic that inflames passions on both sides and in my opinion has become increasingly less civil over the years. The topic of course is politics.
As you might be able to tell from the blog title today, I am a little different than expected of the stereotypical Christian. There is an expectation in America that if you are Christian then you belong to one certain party and it is inconceivable to be a member of the other party. I personally don't believe that. Today I am going to give a slight background of my political views and snippets of why. I am not going to go too deep on any topic (over the next few months, I will go over different political issues in my blog). I will state that I am not a Republican.
This isn't to state I am totally enamored with the Democratic Party as well. However, I take issue with a party who paints themselves as a religious and patriotic party when a lot of their actions speak otherwise. I see a party that comes across as arrogant because they say they are Christian and demonize those who are different. I worry because I feel they paint a picture of God that is eaten up by the masses which is in stark contrast to the God from the Bible. I worry that they use God to score political points or incite a base for their purely selfish motives.
I don't expect everyone to agree with me on this. I know a lot of people that I consider close friends who wont agree with me. But, just because you disagree with me - I won't question your moral character, name call, or question if you are a believer or not. (Let's not call each other names is what I am saying). I remember when both parties had different views but treated each other with respect. I might not agree with you but there's no reason to be rude or disrespectful to one another.
There are a few things I do agree with Republicans on. I consider myself socially conservative. But, I try to look deeper at the root cause for why things happen and see what we can do about correcting them. I would prefer to treat the root of the disease rather than the symptoms. One day, I will discuss these in the future. I know that these are hot-buttoned issues. They generate intense emotions. I am hoping that when the time comes when I blog on these matters, that we can debate our differences. Then, we can part a little wiser, still friends, and treat each other with respect. The United States is a free country and we are all entitled to our opinions. People should not be belittled or demonized because they think differently from you. My point is to not change how you vote when I talk politics. Maybe I will, maybe you will teach me as well. There's nothing to fear from learning about each other.
The following is a list of what I believe - you may agree with me or you may not. I am entitled to believe based on what I see and hear, just as you are. These are the thoughts I have on subjects near and dear to me and influence my vote.
1. I believe in God, first and foremost
2. I believe in science - this does not invalidate God's existence. As a matter of fact, it brings me closer to Him as I become more amazed at His creation.
3. Corporations are not people like the Supreme Court says. Money should not have the influence in politics that it does.
4. I believe in equal rights
5. Freedom for all does mean freedom for all
6. This country was not founded as a Christian nation
7. Climate change is real - we are a sinful people and I'd wager that our activities have had an adverse effect on our environment.
8. We have the right to own guns - but the Second Amendment does say "well regulated" for a reason.
9. Health care is a right not just for those who can afford it.
10. Unemployment doesn't mean you are lazy.
11. Welfare helps the poor, it doesn't punish the rich.
12. Investing in education is more important than investing in warfare (by the way the US spends more than the next 11 countries combined in defense spending - if we are serious about the deficit, this is a good place to start)
13. Nation building here is more important than nation building other countries.
14. Demand for products & services creates jobs - not tax breaks.
15. I'd rather trust unions than corporations in helping workers.
16. We have the right to follow whichever religion we want, or no religion at all, our government should represent no singular set of religious beliefs. Also, they should not force their "beliefs" on the citizenry.
17. The Constitution doesn't just protect the rights I agree with, it also protects the rights I don't agree with.
18. We should protect the weakest among us, not the wealthiest.
19. Our country should benefit 100% of it's citizens, not a select few.
20. Military support should be more than weapons and having wars - it also means benefits & job training for our soldiers afterwards.
This is some of the stuff I believe. I have issues with politicians forcing their brand of Christianity on others. Or sneaking what they stand for attached to other bills and changing the rules to suit their needs. If you have such strong convictions, stand up for them - allow them to be debated. Doing sneaky things only makes your arguments appear weak.
I know not everyone will agree with me. My list is not comprehensive and kind of vague. I will eventually get to different parts of it in detail down the road. My hope is that we can encourage healthy debate. Disagree with me all you like, that's fine. I enjoy a discussion of ideas - we should not be afraid of differing opinions. I'm a man, I make mistakes, I can be wrong sometimes, even a little naïve. We all are - none of us are perfect and have all the answers. It doesn't mean we should fill our hearts with anger and hatred for those who don't agree with us. That is my prayer that people will be more gracious and merciful.
Thanks for reading.
As you might be able to tell from the blog title today, I am a little different than expected of the stereotypical Christian. There is an expectation in America that if you are Christian then you belong to one certain party and it is inconceivable to be a member of the other party. I personally don't believe that. Today I am going to give a slight background of my political views and snippets of why. I am not going to go too deep on any topic (over the next few months, I will go over different political issues in my blog). I will state that I am not a Republican.
This isn't to state I am totally enamored with the Democratic Party as well. However, I take issue with a party who paints themselves as a religious and patriotic party when a lot of their actions speak otherwise. I see a party that comes across as arrogant because they say they are Christian and demonize those who are different. I worry because I feel they paint a picture of God that is eaten up by the masses which is in stark contrast to the God from the Bible. I worry that they use God to score political points or incite a base for their purely selfish motives.
I don't expect everyone to agree with me on this. I know a lot of people that I consider close friends who wont agree with me. But, just because you disagree with me - I won't question your moral character, name call, or question if you are a believer or not. (Let's not call each other names is what I am saying). I remember when both parties had different views but treated each other with respect. I might not agree with you but there's no reason to be rude or disrespectful to one another.
There are a few things I do agree with Republicans on. I consider myself socially conservative. But, I try to look deeper at the root cause for why things happen and see what we can do about correcting them. I would prefer to treat the root of the disease rather than the symptoms. One day, I will discuss these in the future. I know that these are hot-buttoned issues. They generate intense emotions. I am hoping that when the time comes when I blog on these matters, that we can debate our differences. Then, we can part a little wiser, still friends, and treat each other with respect. The United States is a free country and we are all entitled to our opinions. People should not be belittled or demonized because they think differently from you. My point is to not change how you vote when I talk politics. Maybe I will, maybe you will teach me as well. There's nothing to fear from learning about each other.
The following is a list of what I believe - you may agree with me or you may not. I am entitled to believe based on what I see and hear, just as you are. These are the thoughts I have on subjects near and dear to me and influence my vote.
1. I believe in God, first and foremost
2. I believe in science - this does not invalidate God's existence. As a matter of fact, it brings me closer to Him as I become more amazed at His creation.
3. Corporations are not people like the Supreme Court says. Money should not have the influence in politics that it does.
4. I believe in equal rights
5. Freedom for all does mean freedom for all
6. This country was not founded as a Christian nation
7. Climate change is real - we are a sinful people and I'd wager that our activities have had an adverse effect on our environment.
8. We have the right to own guns - but the Second Amendment does say "well regulated" for a reason.
9. Health care is a right not just for those who can afford it.
10. Unemployment doesn't mean you are lazy.
11. Welfare helps the poor, it doesn't punish the rich.
12. Investing in education is more important than investing in warfare (by the way the US spends more than the next 11 countries combined in defense spending - if we are serious about the deficit, this is a good place to start)
13. Nation building here is more important than nation building other countries.
14. Demand for products & services creates jobs - not tax breaks.
15. I'd rather trust unions than corporations in helping workers.
16. We have the right to follow whichever religion we want, or no religion at all, our government should represent no singular set of religious beliefs. Also, they should not force their "beliefs" on the citizenry.
17. The Constitution doesn't just protect the rights I agree with, it also protects the rights I don't agree with.
18. We should protect the weakest among us, not the wealthiest.
19. Our country should benefit 100% of it's citizens, not a select few.
20. Military support should be more than weapons and having wars - it also means benefits & job training for our soldiers afterwards.
This is some of the stuff I believe. I have issues with politicians forcing their brand of Christianity on others. Or sneaking what they stand for attached to other bills and changing the rules to suit their needs. If you have such strong convictions, stand up for them - allow them to be debated. Doing sneaky things only makes your arguments appear weak.
I know not everyone will agree with me. My list is not comprehensive and kind of vague. I will eventually get to different parts of it in detail down the road. My hope is that we can encourage healthy debate. Disagree with me all you like, that's fine. I enjoy a discussion of ideas - we should not be afraid of differing opinions. I'm a man, I make mistakes, I can be wrong sometimes, even a little naïve. We all are - none of us are perfect and have all the answers. It doesn't mean we should fill our hearts with anger and hatred for those who don't agree with us. That is my prayer that people will be more gracious and merciful.
Thanks for reading.
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