Too often political discussions and election years can bring the absolute WORSE in us. Although I don’t agree with some of our nation’s leaders, we need to be praying for them and not wasting our time slandering them. I’ve heard some of the most hateful words come out of Christian’s mouths when speaking of political leaders. Let us try to remember that above being a Republican or Democrat our most important role should be a CHRISTIAN.
With all this being said, I wanted to share an article I read 3 years ago that I have shared with others in the past (posted below). The article was written by Anthony Cook, who writes a weekly religion column for my hometown newpaper, The Anniston Star. I’ve always enjoyed his articles and especially his perspective on politics in this article. Hope you enjoy it!!
Anthony Cook:
With all this being said, I wanted to share an article I read 3 years ago that I have shared with others in the past (posted below). The article was written by Anthony Cook, who writes a weekly religion column for my hometown newpaper, The Anniston Star. I’ve always enjoyed his articles and especially his perspective on politics in this article. Hope you enjoy it!!
Anthony Cook:
Is Jesus a Democrat or Republican?
Published: August 4, 2007
Democrat, Republican. Conservative, Liberal.
Our country today seems to be split almost down the middle based on these affiliations, these party names.
Republicans for the most part are considered conservative, while Democrats tend to have liberal leanings.
Which are you?
Is either more godly than the other?
Have you held up your party beliefs to the Bible?
Do they all fit perfectly?
Shouldn't they?
Members of each party claim to have the more Christian view of the world, while also accusing the other party of being in cahoots with the devil himself.
But instead of allowing conservatives to define liberals and liberals to define conservatives, let's look at how the dictionary defines each.
According to Webster's New World Dictionary, a conservative is someone who is cautious, safe, and tends to preserve established traditions and principles.
A liberal, by definition, is someone who is generous, tolerant of other views and favors change that benefits individuals.
In plain terms, as a conservative, I believe I have the skills, will power, work ethic and moral fiber to achieve the American dream, and should be left alone to fail or succeed on my own.
But, as a liberal, I believe the founders of this country intended for the American dream to be something for everyone, and if a fellow American needs a hand, we should all be willing to help where we can.
There's nothing un-American or ungodly about either of those views, and, in fact, this country was founded on a document that embraces all those ideals.
The problem is that the people who speak for both sides are caricatures of those ideals. They make conservatives sound like heartless ogres and liberals sound like psycho Robin Hoods.
And both sides claim to have the God market cornered.
Where would Jesus be in the argument? On the Right or on the Left?
He'd be where he is today - above it all.
He told the disciples to: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Mark 12:17)
Jesus never condemned government, but he never considered government to be a partner in his mission to save people.
I believe he would remind liberals today that "... ye have the poor always with you ..." (Matt. 26:11).
You can't rescue everybody from their situation. Some people are where they are because of choices they've made in their life. Unfortunately, that's also freedom.
Jesus came to save man from his sins, not from his decisions.
And I believe he'd remind conservatives today that "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt. 25:40)
You can't call yourself the party of compassion while you make decisions that widen the gap between the "haves" and "have nots."
Republican, Democrat ...
Liberal, Conservative ...
Which are you?
Is either more godly than the other?
The only way to be godly is to be like Christ.
"... there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
If you're called by that name, the others ought not matter so much.
Our country today seems to be split almost down the middle based on these affiliations, these party names.
Republicans for the most part are considered conservative, while Democrats tend to have liberal leanings.
Which are you?
Is either more godly than the other?
Have you held up your party beliefs to the Bible?
Do they all fit perfectly?
Shouldn't they?
Members of each party claim to have the more Christian view of the world, while also accusing the other party of being in cahoots with the devil himself.
But instead of allowing conservatives to define liberals and liberals to define conservatives, let's look at how the dictionary defines each.
According to Webster's New World Dictionary, a conservative is someone who is cautious, safe, and tends to preserve established traditions and principles.
A liberal, by definition, is someone who is generous, tolerant of other views and favors change that benefits individuals.
In plain terms, as a conservative, I believe I have the skills, will power, work ethic and moral fiber to achieve the American dream, and should be left alone to fail or succeed on my own.
But, as a liberal, I believe the founders of this country intended for the American dream to be something for everyone, and if a fellow American needs a hand, we should all be willing to help where we can.
There's nothing un-American or ungodly about either of those views, and, in fact, this country was founded on a document that embraces all those ideals.
The problem is that the people who speak for both sides are caricatures of those ideals. They make conservatives sound like heartless ogres and liberals sound like psycho Robin Hoods.
And both sides claim to have the God market cornered.
Where would Jesus be in the argument? On the Right or on the Left?
He'd be where he is today - above it all.
He told the disciples to: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Mark 12:17)
Jesus never condemned government, but he never considered government to be a partner in his mission to save people.
I believe he would remind liberals today that "... ye have the poor always with you ..." (Matt. 26:11).
You can't rescue everybody from their situation. Some people are where they are because of choices they've made in their life. Unfortunately, that's also freedom.
Jesus came to save man from his sins, not from his decisions.
And I believe he'd remind conservatives today that "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt. 25:40)
You can't call yourself the party of compassion while you make decisions that widen the gap between the "haves" and "have nots."
Republican, Democrat ...
Liberal, Conservative ...
Which are you?
Is either more godly than the other?
The only way to be godly is to be like Christ.
"... there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
If you're called by that name, the others ought not matter so much.
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