Liberals vs Conservatives
71DEMOCRAT AND REPUBLICAN DIFFERENCES: THE POLARIZATION OF AMERICA
America is a house divided as never before. A polarization has developed among Liberals vs Conservatives. A chasm exists in the differences between Democrats and Republicans. I submit that these are superficial terms.
America has really become a house divided between Non-Believers and Believers—in the Creator God of the Holy Bible. These two incompatible worldviews frame the beliefs of both sides on nearly every political issue.
A hundred years ago the Believers outnumbered to Non-Believers in America by ten to one. It was then that American colleges—virtually all founded by Christians with a distinct Christian mission—cast off belief in God as "unscientific" and began proselytizing college students in the name of Darwinism.
Fifty years ago the Believers outnumbered the Non-Believers by eight to one. Non-Believers have since taken control of the courts, the public school system, and the media. They used these powers to sow doubt among American children about the existence of God.
The split now is approximately 50-50. To keep this article as simple as possible, I must generalize. I will include among Believers only those who believe in the God of the Bible who created the universe—Christian, Muslim and Jewish Believers. Non-Believers thus will include Atheists, Agnostics, Pantheists, Buddhists, Wiccans, and New Agers—anyone who does not believe in the Creator God of the Bible.
DEMOCRATS VS REPUBLICANS: WORLDVIEWS COLLIDE
In general, Conservatives believe that God created the universe and all living organisms. Only man is a spiritual being that inhabits a physical body. God revealed to man the rules of life, the blessings of obedience, and the curses of rebellion. God gave man Free Will. After mortal man dies, he faces God at Judgment Day to answer for the life he has lived. God sees everything you do; hears every word you say. God hears and answers the prayers of Believers.
The vast majority of Liberals believe that life and the universe are totally accidental. Man is merely an animal without a soul. Either there is no God; we cannot know if God exists; or God may be some kind of unknowable, uninvolved, universal spirit. The Bible is fiction written by men. If Jesus existed at all, he was a nice man who had some good moral ideas.
LIBERALS VS CONSERVATIVES: WHAT IS TRUTH?
Most Conservatives believe that God is Truth. His Truth was revealed to man in His Word and in His Son. Morality and Civil Laws have proceeded from this Truth. The Laws which govern society should thus never conflict with the Truth of God.
Most Liberals do not believe Truth exists. One man's truth is another man's lie. All truths are subject to change. Moral and Civil Laws are constructs of men, some designed solely to oppress others. Since Absolute Truth does not exist, any means—including willful fabrications—may be used to achieve certain ends.
CONSERVATIVES VS LIBERALS: GOOD AND EVIL AMERICA
America was founded by 52 devout Christians and 3 Deists. For this reason, America, its Founding Fathers, its founding documents, and its history are at the core of current political differences between Democrats and Republicans.
To the vast majority of Republicans, America is an exceptional nation that embarked on a Great Experiment based on Faith and Freedom. Its Founding Fathers were an incredible group of men; its Founding Documents have stood the test of time and should be venerated. Individual rights come from God, and should be protected by the State. The history of America is an unprecedented success story among nations. America has always honored God and must continue to do so. Government and the Christian Faith work together toward common ends.
In general, to Democrats the Founding Fathers of America were greedy, backward slave-owners. Our Founding Documents are out-of-date and should be circumvented if not replaced. Faith in God, prayer, and the Bible have no place in public life, nor does a Christian cross, Christmas tree, Crèche, or the words "Merry Christmas." The Creator Clause in the Declaration of Independence must be stricken; the Pledge of Allegiance is an embarrassment. Human Rights are granted by the State. The history of America is one of relentless oppression of everybody except heterosexual, wealthy, white men. The focus of American history should be on slavery, the mistreatment of American Indians, and the inherent evils of the white man. The American Flag is a symbol of oppression.
COMPARISON OF DEMOCRAT AND REPUBLICAN WORLDVIEWS: MARRIAGE & FAMILY
To Conservatives, marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God since the beginning of the human race. The family is a creation of God, designed for the nurturing of the young, and the stability of human societies. Both marriage and the family should be nurtured and supported by Church and State. Marriage and the family have authorities that predate, and are above, those of the State.
To Liberals, marriage and the traditional family are merely human constructs, mostly invented by men to enslave women and children. Marriage and the family should be abolished. The State should make everyone wards of the State and dependent upon the State for survival.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS: HUMAN SEXUALITY
The most profound differences between Democrats and Republicans can be understood by a comparison of Democrat vs Republican worldviews about human sexuality.
The majority of Conservatives believe that human sexuality is a gift from God, which manifests itself most gloriously in its natural purpose: the ability to reproduce ourselves. Fertility is a sacred blessing. The sexual act between human beings is a spiritual union, which God wants confined to marriage between a man and a woman. Unborn babies are Images of God that are living human beings placed in a mother's womb for protection until birth.
The majority of Liberals believe that human sexuality evolved for pleasure, and that fertility is a curse. The sexual act between human beings is nothing more than animals copulating; no restrictions apply other than consensuality. Unborn babies are clumps of tissue that are not alive and have no value except that assigned by the current feelings of the pregnant woman. Abortion is a righteous thing, but photographs of an aborted child are evil.
LIBERALS VS CONSERVATIVES: A HOUSE DIVIDED—INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY
Conservative Republicans believe that each human life has a transcendent purpose. Each person, except the disabled, should be responsible for their own life, and bear responsibility for freely chosen moral failings. The individual is sovereign. Charity has a central role in the lives of individuals and local communities. Jesus instructed us to care for the poor, the widow and the orphan; feed the hungry; give drink to the thirsty; care for the sick; clothe the naked; provide shelter for the homeless; visit prisoners who are incarcerated; AND tell them the Good News. The last part of these commands is the most important, because it is often spiritual sickness that causes the other symptoms. Humans and human societies will always be ravaged by sin, by violence, and by poverty until Jesus returns.
Liberal Democrats believe that there is no purpose to human life as we are no more than random cosmic accidents. Society should be responsible for people's lives. People do not fail morally; they fail because of genetic disposition or societal oppression. Private charity should be abolished since it oft times carries a spiritual message designed to improve the lives of fallen individuals. The State should command the heights of charity through bureaucracies, which administer charity along with the correct political ideology, and provide an apparatus to monitor compliance with the actions, speech, and thoughts approved by the State. There is no such thing as a spiritual problem in human beings—at least none with symptoms that pharmacology cannot palliate. Humans and human societies are perfectible by using social science to train people—as animals—in proper behaviors.
CONSERVATIVES VS LIBERALS—THE ALL POWERFUL STATE
To Believers in the Creator God of the Bible, a huge nation such as America, with a wide divergence of worldviews, many of which are regional or even local, should have a small central government. Local communities should control their own schools; communities and states should have all rights not specifically outlined in the Constitution of the United States. This means that if one village (or state) wants to pray in its village schools, or read the Bible; operate its own charities; and articulate its own laws about marriage and abortion—it should have the Freedom and Liberty to do so without interference from outsiders. This also means that if a village (or state) wishes to ban religion and churches; proclaim the Holy Bible to be Hate Speech; banish marriage and the family; practice infanticide; worship Satan; and glorify homosexual behaviors—it should have the Freedom and Liberty to do so without interference from outsiders.
To Non-Believers, each hamlet within the borders of America must be ruled by the Central State, which must pervade every aspect of human life including speech and thought. The worldview of Non-Believers must control every American citizen. The Central State must be all-powerful and possess absolute authority over marriage, family, sexuality, reproduction, economics, religion, charity, education, freedom of association, freedom of speech, freedom of thought, trade, agriculture, housing, food, individual states, local communities, and life itself.
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (14)
- Funny (2)
- Awesome (14)
- Beautiful (5)
- Interesting (1)
CommentsLoading...
A well written, biased Hub; that clearly shows me how much work needs to be done for the U.S. to get us up to these non-progressive standards. Have you considered politics? I think you'd be perfect. For the "right" party however. :)
storytellersrus— Yes, it is simplistic. It would take a book to break it down. And that is the book I am working on! Thank you for reading my work.
Interesting though very simplistic! I am a believer/non-believer.
mecheshier— You are welcome! Thank you for coming. I appreciate the compliment.
Fabulous Hub!! Thank you.
hemustincrease— I only catch news about the UK if it pops up on Fox News or WorldNetDaily.com
I did read about the Christian couple you referenced. Once again, this is a case of Big Brother forcing its views on ordinary people, invading THEIR privacy, trumping their values, in the name of "fairness" and "tolerance," which are code words for the deprecation of individual liberty and freedom.
I agree with your comments wholeheartedly. Thank you very much for your thoughtful insights.
Ah ok. I think my mind wandered off on a tangent somewhat. Do you follow the UK news at all? There has recently been a Christian couple there taken to court on the basis that they refused to permit a homosexual couple to share the same room in their bed and breakfast (which is also their own home). This couple have set forth a 'married couples only in double rooms' rule since they opened their business. It applies to heterosexual non married couples also. These Christians offered the couple two separate rooms (according to their policy). It was nothing to do with hostility towards homosexuals. Simply a desire to run their business and their home according to what THEY believe. They have lost one court hearing but been given permission to appeal. These kinds of things are exactly as you say. A 'tolerance' for everything contrary to Christianity and a blatant hostility and attack upon the liberty of Bible believing Christians. (And also upon others who hold to similar morality.) I can better understand now your reason for including other religions in your grouping. BTW if you are interested in the case i mentioned you can find it on the Christian Institute website. They are a group who seek to promote awareness of political agendas that are hostile to Christianity and also defend any who are facing legal battles.
hemustincrease— I wrote this because the level of political disharmony has risen to new heights in our nation. As I study issue and issue, it strikes me that Believers are on one side of almost all of these issues I have highlighted, while scoffers are on the other. I wrote this in the hopes people would think deeper about these issues and why they feel the way they do about them; to go deeper than party or political labels to the core of each persons worldview.
In my view, liberty without order and virtue is license not liberty as properly understood. And a nation of rotting people will not long live free. Already enslaved to their lusts, they are someday enslaved by a government as well.
I did not have Muslims and Jews in this Hub when I first published it. I received one email from a Muslim and one from a Jew protesting that I might perceive them on the infidels side of these particular issues. Both assured me that on these political issues, Muslims and Orthodox Jews agree with Christianity. So, I hesitatingly revised my first section to include them. I struggled with it though.
I totally agree wth your last, long paragraph. I perhaps did not articulate my thoughts on this very well. What I meant was that Christians would allow the wicked to have their own cities or states, living in utter immorality, if the wicked would allow us to have ours as well. I was hoping some of my readers would perceive that this is exactly what Christians are doing—there are no political movements to prohibit sin in Las Vegas from Christians who don't live there—but the immoral Americans are not willing to leave us alone. They intrude into every tiny hamlet in America with their insistence on their agenda being followed, whether it be abortion, homosexual behaviors, educational standards, political correctness, removal of every vestige of Christain Faith from the public square, the promotion of socialism, et al. They have accomplished this by subverting the Constitution to rob local communities and states of their rightful civil powers to the benefit of a national government that promotes evil in the name of tolerance.
I am struggling to properly grasp your personal perspective in this. (Which of course could be entirely intentional on your part! :))Was this written in order to highlight two extremes? Or are you advocating the 'liberty and freedom' you spoke of in the 'let anybody do as they like without interference' extreme?
Firstly, in including Muslims and Jews in the group labelled 'believers' are you not compromising the Bible right from the beginning?? Muslims and Jews are believers. But they don't believe the Bible to be the entire truth. Both reject Christ as being the Son of God....being VERY God. And as such reject the Gospel (which begins in Genesis and ends in Revelation.) I recognise that this is not a hub purposed to give massive insight into individual beliefs. But i do consider that the differences between Muslims, Christians and Jews (authentic and fundamental ones, not nominal) are so vast that it does no real 'justice' to any to group them together in that way.
Which leads to my other struggle with parts of this. Bible believing Christians seek to live in obedience to GODS laws. And one command of Christ is to 'preach the Gospel' to all peoples. So although the notion of people living their own way according to their own beliefs and desires etc without interfering with anybody else, sounds like liberty and freedom. That can only be from a humanistic perspective. A Bible believing Christians true liberty comes from obedience to Christ. We are nowhere commanded to go and make laws in other nations however. Only to go and make 'disciples'. (Not by 'force' of course. Only by the preaching and living of the Word of God.) And the influence of Christianity has been huge all throughout history. Some of that influence has been in the upholding of GODS laws and that is what we seek to do today in the west. But mostly that influence has been due to the love and the benevolence of true followers of Christ. And sadly the totalitarian state we are in has limited genuine Christian (or any other religion) charity also by being Robin Hoods. Totalitarian states take away our freedom to GIVE good aswell as to receive good for our families. It is dangerous reading your hubs. They always set off a zillion other things in my head for other hubs. LOL But time never permits them. Suffice to say. I agree with you about where this nation is presently at. And if i have misunderstood your meaning in any of this PLEASE forgive me. I ought to have gone to bed a long time ago.snnnnnnnnnoooooorrrrrrrrrrre
larryprice5372— Welcome to the Hub Pages Community! I appreciate your service to our country.
I am thrilled that you have shared my article. Lord knows, I need all the readers I can get. Thank you very much for coming by to check out my work. I am grateful for your warm words. I look forward to reading your Hubs. God Bless You!
Here is an excellent article about our society.
Yes, we have moved away from God in many ways. Our Government is truly teaching our children wrong, and envoking Constitutional interpritation to fit their agenda.
God Bless our Country and our Families in these times.
A really wonderful article here. I've shared it all over the internet. God Bless you too!
Keep up the great work.
englishtea— Welcome to the Hub Pages Community! I'll be over to read some of your Hubs very soon. Thank you for taking the time to read my work. I very much appreciate your kind and complimentary comments.
Edmund Burke said: "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
I do see the Supreme Court as a major problem in the downfall of American society and culture. The problem there is overstepping their boundaries to make law rather than interpret laws on the books—as is their true constitutional function.
I certainly don't teach my children to hate, either. I don't hate anybody. And I resent leftists who always holler that anybody opposed to their worldview "hates."
I really like this hub. I am being to get a taste for your writing. You have a very strong position. I am a believer as well.
After reading this hub I am inspired to stand my ground. I don't think your statements are that broad. In fact you have broken down the issues and removed the smoke screen surrounding these issues.
How could we as a nation let our government take prayer away from our children? I won't teach my children to hate but I won't teach my children that same sex marriages are normal.
It's people like you... That people like me... Look to in order to have our stance articulated so courageously.
drpastorcarlotta— I know you are all about the truth, Doctor Pastor. It is an honor to have you here. Thank you for the love!! I sure appreciate the Voted-up! And your visitation. :D
I agree with stars439, "You are always a brave writer that will say what needs to be said." I can relate because I am about the TRUTH as well. Face it, that's what sets us FREE! Voted-up! Love you!!!!!!!
Whidbeywriter— Thank you very much for the voted up and awesome! :D
I appreciate the link from your Hub. I am going to come over tomorrow and see what you have been writing lately. I am grateful to read that you appreciated my effort here.
I completely agree with your comments. Prayer is surely in order. It is a spiritual battle for the soul of our nation. I say the lovers of what is good, right, and true should make a stand. God Bless You!
I have voted up and awesome! Lots of truth to be found in your hub and of course some good comments reflecting different beliefs, isn't that what makes a good write? Ever since we stopped having prayer in schools in the 1960's and took away the ten commandments, etc. we have become a more divided nation. Things have gone down hill fast. I believe Jesus loves everyone but with "free will" there will always be the non-believer who believes in his own understanding and will leave God out of the picture. As you so elequently stated that is what is happening in our country, and that is why we need everyone to pray - for our country, our government and those who rule our schools and cities, for hearts to be softened and ears to be opened to the truth....loved your hub and placed a link to it on mine. Blessings!
ChilliWilly— You are welcome. Thank you for your kind words. I once had a good friend from Lithuania; his name was Jonas Berzanskis. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community.
This is very interesting and informative article. Thanks for sharing!
jjmyles— Thank you! I surely agree with your assessment. I am glad we are in agreeance. Truth and Honor: deep and profound words there. And yes, the Truth is unsettling. Great point!!
Excellent article! moral relativism is destroying our great nation and I appreciate those that take the side of truth and honor. Your article is speaking truth and I'm sure that many will find that provocative and unsettling as the truth most often is.
rls8994— It is a pleasure to see your lovely face in my row of comments. I am glad you enjoyed this piece. Thank you for coming!
Great writing as usual James. I greatly enjoyed reading this hub!
ama83— It is sad. There has been a great shirking of basic human responsibilities. Nihilistic narcissism rules the day. Who can look around the landscape of American culture and be proud of what it has degenerated into? Not me.
Thank you for taking the time to read my Hub. I agree with and appreciate your comments. And you are welcome. :-)
It is sad when I think of the state our country is in. Honestly, when it comes to issues like abortion, I often think that our society chooses to just believe whatever lets their minds rest at ease, without guilt.
For myself, I took an issue like abortion and tried to look at it from a scientific point of view. I still came out believing that life is important, no matter what the early stages are.
It's too bad the lives of many Americans only look for what's simple and worry-free.
Thanks for another great hub :)
Wintermyst— Thank you very much for your accolades! I appreciate the visit and your comments. I am glad we are in agreeance. And yes, our rights are steadily being eroded.
Well this is totally awesome. I couldn't have said it better myself. I so agree with you. I don't care what people say, it seems we are losing more rights than gaining them as a nation. Well done.
izettl— It is a pleasure to see you again, my dear. Thank you for visiting my Hub. I appreciate your excellent comments.
I am glad you enjoyed my Hub. Of course, Americans have always been divided about politics. That is only natural. That is why totalitarian states take away freedom; it creates a false unity when dissent is crushed.
I will come over and read your Hub. I have never had anything but positive experiences in churches. I do not belong to one but have long been a church visitor. I dare say I have been to nearly every denomination—and enjoyed them all—from Catholic Mass to Holy Rollers.
I agree with your remarks. Well said! :-)
It seems there is a reason to divide us all in one way or another. I thouroughly enjoyed this hub and always love your points and organizing of them. I like the mix of politics and religion.
I spent years of not believing (as a young adult)after years of believing (as a kid) and now a believer- once and for all. I just wrote a hub about this, but my reason for not believing for a period of time was mostly due to church and why it negatively impacted my life. I finally realized church is not God and once I separated the two, I have a great relationship with God in my life. I don't worship him once a week on Sundays, I worship and talk with him and learn about him most days of the week.
I mention all this because churches have received a bad reputation in the media and in people's personal experiences. Those who are discouraged by church can still have God in their lives. Church has become the face of God and religion, and admittedly it's not the best representation at times. Since non-believers don't believe in God, all they see is the church.
But I wondered why you did more separating in this hub. Some people find themselves in between categories and deny religion because they aren't quite on board with one or the other. I believe arriving at and being a believer has many stages and even believers have low points.
gusripper— Happy New Year to you Grasshopper!!
Happy new year master.
nflagator— Welcome to the Hub Pages Community!
Is beauty in the eye of the beholder?
I am glad you enjoyed this Hub. I enjoyed reading your comments and I thank you for them.
magnoliazz— Thank you for reading my work. I appreciate your fine comments. :-)
Neil Sperling— You are welcome, brother. I appreciate the dialogue!
andromida— You are welcome. I am glad we are in agreeance. Yes, this used to and still would minimize many conflicts. Thanks for reading my piece. :)
carolina muscle— You are welcome, my friend! Thank you for coming by to read and for leaving your kind words for me.
magnoliazz— Thank you my dear! I appreciate your gracious praise!
You wrote: "I believe America is number one in the world because of our belief in God."
I could not agree with you more, and a multitude of great thinkers agree with us about this.
I do not think I have read anything by "Highvoltagewriter." I will rectify that very soon. I appreciate the tip.
God is awesome and the fact that He created me with a special purpose is a wondrous blessing to know.
I am well pleased that you enjoy my work. I enjoyed reading your lovely comments, especially these:
"America needs to turn back to the Lord, or we will begin to suffer for it. Christians need to stand proud and strong and together like never before. We need to pray that those who have lost their faith will find it again. Above all we need to pray and love those who have never known God."
Amen.
Very enjoyable Hub. Truth, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. I'd venture to say all religious groups have had extremism in their past, (some are still engaged in it). As believers, no matter which religious group, we are expected, even obligated to share the "Good News". Unfortunately, some individuals allow their passion to "Spread the Truth", to overtake their, (dare I say it), common sense.
Nell Rose! I get what you are saying! I too see God's fingerprints everywhere. Its kind of like those 3D pictures where you have to adjust your eyes to see it, but once you do there is no going back.
I know it seems a bit odd to some,but I feel it is the highest worship of God possible. I am filled with awe over what God has created and it just never gets old.
Thank you Nell Rose for a truly interesting comment.
Gottcha - Thanks for a stimulating Hub!
The last comparison "The all powerful state" is really great analysis.This type of freedom of localized laws certainly minimize many conflicts.Thanks a lot :)
I always have something interesting to read when I visit, James... thanks!!!!!!!
Royal Diadem— Thank you!! Thank you very much! :D
Neil Sperling— Yes, I agree with you that it is the zealots who seek to force everyone else to change, while the silent majority toward the middle just gets on with daily life as best they can.
What I didn't explicate very well is this: The zealotry is all coming from the anti-Christ side, and that side has had an incredible winning streak going for decades, so much so that any complaint is dismissed as "divisive." And that the results by any societal analysis have been horribly disastrous for the people of this nation.
I haven't seen any demands or lawsuits that crosses put installed in the bath house district of San Francisco; or that Christmas Carols be sung in schools in the Bronx; or that big stone tablets of the Ten Commandments be installed on hooker's row in Las Vegas by the city. No. There have been hundreds of lawsuits and threats of lawsuits file by East Coast Atheists against little burgs in the heartland—that they have no other interest in—that they must remove or prohibit crosses, creches, Christmas Trees, Bibles, Bible study groups, prayer, chaplains, Christmas songs, the Ten Commandments, etc etc etc.
God Bless You James! Another excellent hub!
I believe America is number one in the world because of our belief in God. Just look at some of those African nations who worship demons, they live in mud huts and are dying of all kinds of illnesses that most Americans never even heard about. Look at what happened to Haiti the voo doo capital of the world.
I know a lot of people get turned off by certian religions, but you don't need religion to know God. Like Highvoltagewriter,another hubber, who was a Satanist turned Christian says, "After religion, try Jesus".
BTW, Highvoltagewriter writes all about his experiences with the occult and what made him turn to Jesus. He knows that Satan and his demons are real. He saw his friends die one by one. If not for his mother's prayers, he would have been dead too.
Nowdays Highvoltagewriter will tell anyone of his love for God and Jesus and how grateful he is that Gods loves him back and the feeling of peace he has found.
America needs to turn back to the Lord, or we will begin to suffer for it. Christians need to stand proud and strong and together like never before. We need to pray that those who have lost their faith will find it again. Above all we need to pray and love those who have never known God. Its our job to show them that God's love is for all, not just for a few.
God loves you because he created you and he knew you even before you were in your mother's womb! How awesome is that?
Thanks again James, I always enjoy your hubs.
no body— I tend to agree with you. I appreciate your thoughtful insights. I thank you for taking the time to read my work. God Bless You Brother!
Nell Rose— Well Nell, I would say you have your bases covered. :D
Thanks for sharing your beliefs and practices. God Bless You in 2011.
James
Great article !
James - Thanks for commenting on my post. Your last statement "For one example, they insist on intruding into every little remote village with their zealous ideology." is what I see different.
It is my observation that it is only the extremists and the new recruits (for lack of a better word) that do all the noise making and intrusions. No different than new Christians or Christian extremists. The new recruits have an enthusiasm born from the inner change that they found personally uplifting. I know when I first became a re-born Christian I wanted to enlighten my friends and those around me of my better way of life. To the point of intruding.
Early American Christians forced their beliefs on the Natives.
My observation is the silent majority from all beliefs seldom push their beliefs on anyone. I contend it is the extremists in both religion and politics that are the intrusive radicals that cause more harm than good.
The silent majority are more "live and let live."
The US is polarized into two groups. Conservatives and Progressives. I think it interesting that as a Christian I am comfortable only on one side. Kinda makes me think that the polarization may be forming in a different way. God and Satan for the coming Anti-Christ regime. Much thoughtfulness my brother.
Hi, James, we are great believers, I place myself in the pagan/Christian catagory. It works like this, I go to church and believe in what I am told, but I also add the fact that God is in everything as well, I also love science so throw that one in the works, and what do you get? me confused! ha ha no not really, I do believe that science and God are the same thing, the only difference is that faith is, well, faith, and science just tries to prove it! cheers nell
Fullerman5000— I am glad we are in agreeance. It's good to hear from you about this. Thank you for the compliment.
It was reported recently that President Obama quoted the Declaration of Independence three times in one week where he left out the word "Creator" in the "inalienable rights" clause. This is typical of the Atheist Progressives who fully intend to destroy America, so they can construct something new on its ashes.
Something wicked comes this way, my friend.
Ictodd1947— You are very welcome, my dear. No worries. We all slip up—I know I have lots of times. By the way, I am sorry I left the "1947" off my last response to you. Thanks for coming back. Keep on truckin'!
Amy Becherer— You are welcome and thank you for coming back. I appreciate your position.
My Hub is not so much to do with "organized religion" as it is about "worldview." Nonetheless, I get you and I think you're great!
James :D
I pledge alligence to the divided states of america. YOu are so right about this country. It is ashame to watch them try to take God out of a Nation that was found and instituted under the Lord. This coutry needs major help and fast. great hub
oceansnsunsets— What a pleasure to receive you here! Thank you for coming! I appreciate your compliments and you are quite welcome.
Your comments are awesome! I agree with 100%. Of course those in spiritual darkness hate the light of truth. As Dr. Samuel Johnson wrote:
"We not only do what we approve, but there is danger lest in time we come to approve what we do, though for no other reason but that we do it. A man is always desirous of being at peace with himself; and when he cannot reconcile his passions to his conscience, he will attempt to reconcile his conscience to his passions; he will find reason for doing what he is resolved to do, and . . . will scoff at religion."
George Washington said: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that any man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness."
Franklin Delano Roosevelt said: "If we will not prepare to give all that we have and all that we are to preserve Christian civilization in our land, we shall go to destruction."
John Fitzgerald Kennedy wrote: "The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.""
And in the immortal words of Samuel Adams: "While the People are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their Virtue they will be ready to surrender their Liberties to the first external or internal Invader."
Neil Sperling— Thank you very much for taking the time to read my article. Oh no, the non-Believers are far MORE dogmatic than Believers. Their positions of "Diversity" "Tolerance" "Social Justice" "Political Correctness" "Multiculturalism" "Historical Revisionism" "Hate Speech" as well as unrestricted abortion, glorification of homosexual behaviors, the shaming of America, the denigration of white men, and the firm establishment of Secular Humanism as a new national religion are an all or nothing proposition. For one example, they insist on intruding into every little remote village with their zealous ideology.
DavePrice— As far as I am concerned, you are right on time Brother. I appreciate your affirmation and encouragement. Thank you for reading my Hub, and for your comments.
Thank you James for clarifying the email as being false statements. That is okay as I did not verify the email and should have before passing it on...You did and that proves your expertise in writing your hubs. Always facts! That's important... wuv..u...too!
Thanks so much!
If you need to delete the comment...you can..as we do not want to get bashed by anyone for false info.
James,
First, I appreciate your response and effort to clarify my comment.
I believe in those principals central to the Catholic Church. I am not educated enough to comment on the qualifications of our Founding Fathers or The Constitution. I placed myself in the middle because I have distanced myself from organized religion. I chose to believe in the teachings of the Catholic Church, but I abhor the examples set by the leaders of the church in the Vatican.
Since I refuse to go back to Church, although I am a believer, I figured my place fell in the 40% you categorized to Jeff May in your response to his comment, 6 days ago. I took exception to your description of the "middle" group being comprised of those that "either don't care or are undecided". Speaking for myself, I can unequivocably say "I do care" and although I can speak for no one but myself, I would venture a guess that most people, judging from the number of responders here, do weigh their beliefs and give careful consideration to issues of this magnitude.
So, I suppose my issue is more with semantics. Regardless of where any individual lands in the percentiles, landing in the middle does not mean, I don't care nor am I undecided.
Thank you, James
Ictodd— What a pleasure to see you here, melady. Thanks for coming! I appreciate your comments and I love you. But . . .
The quotes supposedly from President Obama are not real. John Semmens published them in "The Arizona Conservative" as satire. It is possible that a Marxist radical such as Obama might believe such words, but he never said them. In public. :D
Nell Rose— Well, you have certainly enlightened me as to pagan beliefs. So, tell me, Nell, where do the pagans fall on the specific issues I outlined above? Do they fall on what I called the "believer" side or the "non-believer" side?
Thank you for very much for taking the time to read my article. I appreciate your gracious comments. I meant no offense to any party. Especially you! :D
Happy New Year!
James
tonymac04— I tried not to make value judgments as to "good" and "bad" Tony. I must have failed. Or, maybe in your hearts of hearts YOU see those on one side of these issues as "not so good."
As I went through some of the major issues, the worldview of the Non-Believers came from their own words, that I have studied not only from books and articles by Atheistic or Progressive writers but also from the comments I receive here on HubPages. I do not think those who hold these views see themselves as "bad" at all. Au Contraire: they see their views as "good."
Bishop (retired) Spong is the worst kind of heretic. From inside the Episcopalian Church he produced writings that proclaimed the Christian Faith and the Bible are false about just about everything. He falls absolutely on the non-believer side on every issue; while wearing a bishop's robes.
I agree with you that I did not do the Hindus justice in this article. Of course, there are very few of them in America. To all Hindus: I apologize.
You wrote: "This Hub seems to me to be an argument in favour of religious intolerance and an attempt to impose a morality based on a narrow interpretation of the Bible on others. Or at least to deny validity to any other viewpoint."
I thought I presented the worldviews of non-believers as they themselves express it. I don't think I commented as to the validity of their views. It is not the believers who are trying to force their worldview on everybody else. The last fifty years have been a relentless onslaught by non-believers on everything believers hold dear.
To those in the so-called "reproductive rights" movement, fertility is a curse, not a blessing.
With the exception of rape, there is no such thing as an "unwanted pregnancy." There are women who wish they weren't pregnant; and men who wish their women weren't pregnant. But all pregnancies are the result of intentional actions that have found their natural, logical result. Contraception does not change the nature of this action. In fact, it makes the actors more aware that what they are doing makes babies in accordance with the natural functions of sexual organs. The problem is not that the body has failed but that the body has succeeded.
Children have always been a natural consequence of sexual intercourse, even when contraception was available (since it fails quite often). Abortion changes everything. Now it is a woman's fault if she allows an inconvenient person to be born when she could have opted to kill it instead. Obviously, this means that the baby's humanity is only denied when its mother doesn't want it.
Amy Becherer— Thank you, my dear, for coming by to check out my Hub. I appreciate your thoughtful comments. And you are most welcome.
I covered a number of specifics: Is there a God who sees what we do? Is there life after the grave? Is marriage ordained by God or a human construct? Was Jesus resurrected? Is America a great nation or an evil oppressor? Is it alright to kill unborn children? Were the Founding Fathers brilliant or old fuddy duds? Is our Constitution worth saving? Is consensuality all that matters when a society decides its sexual mores?
I think you are saying that you are on one side on some of these questions, and on the other side for others?
James, this is a well written hub, and I suspect you may get some nitpickers about individual little facts, but for the most part I agree that what you are saying is true. You said it well, and so much more could be said but it would contain volumes. So well done.
I think its hard for many to accept the truth of matters, like what the founding fathers believed in, so they go after all sorts of other things. People have always had the freedom to choose to obey the words of Jesus and the Bible or not, but only one truth is actually taught by the Bible, and should be judged accordingly.
I like that this country can be pluralistic in the sense that we can all live and let live and have very differing views like you said. Some are at war with other's worldviews and beliefs and not a whole lot explains this EXCEPT (imo) the Christian world view does. The bible was the first to say that what its truths state, would be as foolishness unto to those that don't believe. Notice, they cannot just leave it alone, but must attack it as if to want to destroy it. I think this is not indicative of just another worldview. You did mention other believers and their views, but also if you note, only one group is super especially attacked and this I think also is indicative of the truths of matters. Sorry if I am rambling, but hopefully you get the idea. ALL that we see and observe now and in human history, tips its hat to what I think the truth actually really is. NO ONE can make that true or not, truth just IS. This is hard to take by many because it runs deeper and our consciences seem to know it is true or not. Thus, the huge battle in part, that we see. My hearts desire would be that others would be open to reality as we all can see it and observe these things and have eyes opened and hearts willing to see something they may not want to see (initially, that conflict with held worldviews and beliefs).
This country is great for a reason and you talk about that, and it DOES matter that it came directly out of a GOOD worldview, despite some of the imperfections of the framers perhaps. It is undeniable that it proves it is a good worldview/belief system and the ironic attack is also telling and a proof all of its own. Thank you James.
Interesting and this hub has inspired lots of comments already. So do you mean that believers follow a dogma - and non- believers don't? That is the black and white summed up in one sentence, as I understand you. Great article for inspiring comments.
You could have fleshed this out in a dozen hubs and it wouldn't have said it better. Straight and to the point. I just hate getting in here late when others have already said all the things I'd say - gotta work on getting here sooner :D
A house divided cannot stand. Any house...I believe in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit as you do and there is no unity period. I received an email just about a week ago that explains so much::::
What do you make of our oversight? Maybe we deserve what we got. Maybe we will think before we "VOTE" NEXT TIME. what say ye!
The man told us straight up what he was planning to do and nobody listened.
The following is a narrative taken from a 2008 Sunday morning televised "Meet The Press'. The author (Dale Lindsborg) is employed by none other than the very liberal Washington Post!!
From Sunday's 07 Sept. 2008 11:48:04 EST, Televised "Meet the Press" THE THEN Senator Obama was asked about his stance on the American Flag.
General Bill Ginn' USAF (ret.) asked Obama to explain WHY he doesn't follow protocol when the National Anthem is played.
The General stated to Obama that according to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171...During rendition of the national anthem, when the flag is displayed, all present (except those in uniform) are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Or, at the very least, "Stand and Face It".
NOW GET THIS !! - - - - -
Obama replied:
"As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides". "There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression.." "The anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all that sort of thing."
(ARE YOU READY FOR THIS???)
Obama continued: "The National Anthem should be 'swapped' for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like To Teach the World To Sing'. If that were our anthem, then, I might salute it. In my opinion, we should consider reinventing our National Anthem as well as 'redesign' our Flag to better offer our enemies hope and love. It's my intention to disarm America to the level of acceptance to our Middle East Brethren. If we, as a Nation of warring people, conduct ourselves like the nations of Islam, where peace prevails - - - perhaps a state or period of mutual accord could exist between our governments ."
As President, I will seek a pact of agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity, and a freedom from disquieting oppressive thoughts. We as a Nation, have placed upon the nations of Islam, an unfair injustice which is WHY my wife disrespects the Flag and she and I have attended several flag burning ceremonies in the past".
"As President of the United States and I have put my hatred aside. I will use my power to bring CHANGE to this Nation, and offer the people a new path.. My wife and I look forward to becoming our Country's First black Family. Indeed, CHANGE is about to overwhelm the United States of America "
Yes, you read it right; he really said this, he believes this, and the US of A didn't listen!
Simply; there is nothing left to say...we are seeing it unfold day by day.
God Bless you James for having the grit to say what others can't.
Hi, this is interesting, I had never thought of it this way before, I do believe that even non believers actually do believe a little! I know that's hard to explain but the saying, 'you protesteth too much' comes to mind, I would just like to explain a bit about pagans or witches though, they do believe in God, in fact some are pagan/Christians, what this means is that we and I will say we, because I have always been pagan in my beliefs, as well as believing in Jesus. We believe that everything is made from God, when we say Blessed be, and, no, I am not a full on witch dancing naked in the moonlight, ha ha I just read about it, and feel it, but what it means is that when they do rituals, calling down the moon, or spells, it is in fact just asking for the Light of God to come and bless them. In each and every leaf we believe that God is there, we can pray outside in a field because God is all around us. Witches wouldn't be witches without their belief in God, because they wouldn't believe in any sort of power. Of course there are the satanists who are the complete opposite, but in fact they are an oxymoron, I think that's the right word! they say God doesn't exist, yet they believe in Satan! how that works I have no idea! I think they are just anarchists trying to annoy people! anyway, sorry for going on! ha ha great hub as always, cheers nell
While I admire and respect the clarity of your views and your expression of them, I have to say that I respectfully disagree with your basic assumption which underlies the whole Hub - believers = good; non-believers = bad.
Life is not that clear-cut. There are many nuances and levels of complexity that make such a dualistic world-view untenable, in my opinion. Also you seem to take a very specific line about who are "believers" - is Bishop Spong, whom you refer to in one of your comments here, a believer or a non-believer?
Then there are many believers in Jesus and God who do terrible things, both within the believers' camp and to those without.
I know you felt a need to simplify in order to keep the wordcount down, but in so doing you have rested your argument on some very questionable premises.
For example, you wrote that "Non-Believers believe that life and the universe are totally accidental." There are many non-Abrahamic religions which would not agree, and you exclude the non-Abrahamic religions from the category of "believers". Also I don't think that many scientists or atheists would say that.
You write "Non-Believers believe that human sexuality evolved for pleasure, and that fertility is a curse." That would certainly not be the position of either an evolutionist or of a Hindu. Fertility is rather central to evolution, which would not have happened without it.
You write "Non-Believers believe that there is no purpose to human life as we are no more than random cosmic accidents." Again the non-Abrahamic religions you define as "non-believers" would not agree, nor, I think, would many scientists.
I recognise that your Hub refers to the situation in the US, but since the US is so dominant in world culture your world-view has implications for the rest of us, and it makes me feel extremely uneasy, to be frank.
Senator Joe McCarthy made extensive use of the method of "guilt by association", in the process making the lives of many fine people very miserable. The US was founded at least in part to get away from religious persecution and intolerance. This Hub seems to me to be an argument in favour of religious intolerance and an attempt to impose a morality based on a narrow interpretation of the Bible on others. Or at least to deny validity to any other viewpoint.
Now I know you will say that was not your intention. It is however the way the Hub reads, because of its very clear drawing of a line between your definition of what is "good" and what is "bad", a definition based on a particular way of interpreting of the Bible, a way not shared by all who are, per your definition, "believers".
James, simple is helpful, simplistic is unhelpful. This Hub tends towards the latter.
Love and peace
Tony
TattoGuy— Thank you for that compliment. Happy New Year to you!!
sherrylou57— I agree with you, my dear. And I thank you for taking the time to read my article and leave your comments. Happy New Year!!
I commend your courage in tackling this interesting, controversial subject matter. I hesitate to comment as the nature and complexities within warrant my careful consideration, but on initial reading, I can say that I I fall in the percentile of the the middle, which you describe as those that either don't care or are undecided. I respectfully beg to differ, James, as neither is a true assumption regarding my decisions, which are based on careful consideration. My upbringing in Catholic parochial schools and experiences influenced and determined my beliefs. Without going into details that no one cares about, I will say that the absolutes dictated by the Vatican are diametrically opposed to the hypocrisy of the churches mishandling of the abuse of it's children and their failure to accept full responsibility and consequences. This monumental failure is one example of my mistrust and inability to accept their leadership. As a result, I have avoided absolutes in my life. No man is infallible.
Thank you for taking on such a difficult, thought provoking subject. I admire your fearlessness, James.
Tom Cornett— Your comments are deeply profound, brother. I savored each word several times.
The so-called Main Line churches have done their best to stay in tune with the swiftly changing culture. As a result, they have lost half their members in the last fifty years. If you stand for nothing what is the point of church? People can get cultural relevance anywhere. They may as well meet in a restaurant to plan their latest Social Gospel outreach. You will not hear the words Sin, Hell, Judgment, or Satan preached. Many of them do not believe in the Resurrection anymore. It is more like a place for soft therapy.
We would do well to imitate Christ. That is, if we do not pick and choose only the parts that fit our lifestyle of His message as if we are in a cafeteria.
Thank you for your graciousness. I appreciate your warm words to me. God Bless You. And Happy New Year!!
Granny's House— Thank you, Tina, for reading my article. I do appreciate your remarks.
I also hope that you and your family have a wonderful, happy, and peaceful 2011.
James
stars439— You are right, Brother. People have been killed like cattle in many places on this earth. No century was so bloody as the twentieth. Thank you for the affirmation and encouragement. I agree with your fine comments.
Happy New Year! And God Bless You!
James
Happy New Year to a true gentleman !
I am a believer, no matter what anyone says, God, is the judge. You will have everlasting life or the lake of fire! He does give you free will and What will he be catching you at!
tinamarie9884— Thank you for your compliments and blessings. It is good to have you visit my Hub. I agree with you!
Happy New Year!
Wayne Brown— Welcome, WB! Yes, you have a good point there that Capitalists versus Socialists is a great divide. The vast majority of Socialists are also Atheists, as it is a godless ideology.
There are lots of liberals who believe there is a God; but much lesser so believe in the Bible—appreciate it though they might simply as fine literature.
I agree with your outstanding comments, my friend. Especially this:
"Ultimately Socialism demotivates the producer, the idea person, and anyone who possess a strong work ethic."
Amen!
And this:
"America will fail . . . on the apathy of its citizens and their belief in some rotten entitlement philosphy that sounds real good when one is sitting around some hippie camp fire singing Kumbaya."
Indeed!
Thank you, brother, for sharing these wise words with us. I appreciate this visitation from you. :D
James
James....you do stand brother. I would rather talk with a man who stands on a hill than one who lays on a mountain. Americans, for the most part have been pampered and spoiled by religion and government. Religion has not only weakened itself by practicing,"Middle of the road preaching," it has also become a blabbing coward who shines in the light of day and sleeps with Cesar at night.
I heard a Baptist preacher call the Catholic Church,"The Great Whore." I believe that religion itself is The Great Whore." Christianity has been divided for nearly two thousand years...the leaders have been,"Laying on a mountain."
People of the world have witnessed the weakness and confusion of the great churches. There is little if any conviction left in the church. We don't need,"Rock Star..mega church Preachers"....we need people with deep convictions that are bonded to the faith and works of Jesus. Without conviction...faith is just a powerless word.
If religion could fix it's own divisions...and do good works....at least....the non believers would begin to respect the unity and works. I believe it has never been about following or worshiping Jesus...for me...it is about being his brother.
Many blessings to you James....keep standing on the hill. :)
James, you knew this would get a rise out of people. Politics and religion always do. I have told my husband that this NEW YEAR, I am staying away from them both.
I am not going to let things that I cannot change bring me down and consume me
Hope you and your family have a wonderful and happy New Year
Peace, Tina
2besure— Thank you for your excellent comments. I agree with you—especially that if Believers were united, instead of fragmented, the positive impact on the world would be enormous. Well said!
DouglasTull— Thank you for taking the time to read my article, and for your compliments. I agree that people cannot be fit into neat little boxes. On many issues, there is room for compromise, and much overlap of the two sides. On the specific topics I cited though, there is a chasm that will be difficult to bridge on a national basis. That is why I long for a return to federalism.
The problem with third-party candidates is that they generally split the vote of one major party or the other, thereby becoming sort of self-defeating, even if they do awaken important attitudes toward particular issues and movements.
There is a debate about whether Allah is the Christian God under another name. I don't know the answer to that question. But both believe in the Creator God, and the God of Judgment. So, I think they can be reasonably lumped together for the sake of the issues I brought forth above.
I apreciate your fine comments.
prasetio30— You are most welcome Prasetio. I am honored that you would consider me even among your favorite writers. I appreciate the affirmation and your compliments.
I agree with your sentiments about the USA. Peace and love to you, my friend. Happy New Year!
James
ElderYoungMan— You are quite welcome, sir. Thank you for the compliment. Your comments are excellent. By profit motive, I think you refer to lobbying? If so, I surely agree with you. I'd like to see it prohibited. I will check out your Hub on the two-party system.
I agree with John Adams that our political system is based on a Godly perspective. He famously wrote:
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
America was never meant to be free from religion. Americans were supposed to be free to exercise their religion, in all spheres of life.
And yes: we can discuss chattel slavery versus indentured servitude whenever you are ready. :D
I appreciate your contributions to this discussion. Well done!
Dear James: You are always a brave writer that will say what needs to be said. We live in a dangerous world where in some countries people have been killed like cattle in places like Bosnia. What went wrong ? Some people just thought that life had no value. I am glad you stand up for ethical ideals. I believe ethics, and being good and right are God made things. And that God is a teacher of righteousness. Happy New Year, and God Bless You.
James, great job on your hub. I am truly a believer of GOD, all the creations and everything in the bible. Many blessings to you, Happy New Year!!
I see your point to a degree James but I think it comes down to a battle between Socialists and Capitalists. In terms of God-Fearing believers, I think the religious beliefs transcend political boundaries...in other words, conservatives are not necessarily the only ones who believe in God and the Bible...some liberals do as well. I think that this is a country which definitely was built on a religious foundation but with the idea that man is free and his liberties allow him to make personal gains of which he has ownership. Those on the other side of the road believe that all that is produced should go in one big pot and be shared of equally by all no matter whether they contributed anything to get it into the pot. Ultimately the second approach leads to failure whether you believe in God or not. Ultimately Socialism demotivates the producer, the idea person, and anyone who possess a strong work ethic. Eventually they come to see that there is nothing for their efforts except one slice of the pie. So they quit producing and the pie gets smaller and smaller yet it gets shared by more and more until the who system is bankrupt...whether they believe in God or not. Ultimately, our American society has grown beyond the 1950's and 1960's and can no longer spot a Socialist or Communist even if you give them clues. The Presidential election of 2008 bore that truth out. Ultimately, I don't think America will fail on its belief in the Lord, it will fail on the apathy of its citizens and their belief in some rotten entitlement philosphy that sounds real good when one is sitting around some hippie camp fire singing Kumbaya. WB
It is indeed a mess and only God can straighten it out. There is also much hypocrisy, contention and division among believers. Maybe if we could ever get on one accord, we could make a positive influence on the world.
Nice work. You gave a lot of great information. The one thing that I noticed and grasped is how you divided everyone into two groups. That is much the way that our country has become there are only two accepted political views Republican and Democratic, and in all reality it is dang near impossible to get on the national stage otherwise. So people are often clumped into one camp or the other whether they agree 100% or not. Much like the believers and non-believers categories. Because personally Christians and Jews worship the same God, although Christians go one step further with Christ. The Muslim god of Allah, despite what everyone wants to teach and say is not the same God that is worshipped by the Jews and Christians. Also all non-believers cannot be put into one category. There are far too many beliefs and methodologies to lump them together, but unfortunately that is how it works. You don't fit anywhere else so here is where we are going to put you. Like I said I love your work, and I agree with much of what you said, but I think we have to be careful in drawing our comparisons and categorizing people.
You are still my favorite writer, James. Everything you wrote always great, beautiful and easy to understand. You always come up with good presentation, that's make you different. I learn from you again and again. I know USA still become a super power country where we can find many people came from around the world and different nations. Thank you very much. I never hesitate to give my vote to you. Have a great New Year. Love and peace!
Prasetio:)
CMerritt— You are welcome, my friend. Thank you for taking the time to read my article.
Your wish is my hope: "I wish everyone would read this and take it to heart."
I appreciate your comments. I am with you.
claptona— Thank you for your gracious compliments. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community.
What I am going to do about it is simply to inform as many people as I can about the truth. I am no radical. This is my mission.
I appreciate your words, which I agree with wholeheartedly. :)
Oh, on your part on slavery, we can have a long discussion on the difference between indentured servitude and chattel slavery on another hub! ;-)
Thanks for the clarification. You are right, the founders in creating the constitution sought to build a nation based on the teachings of the most high. Imperfect as it was and still is, it was designed to follow the black and white law of God, while applying the grace of Jesus Christ, in accepting different perspectives and trains of thought. The idea was that if people went about expression peacefully, this nation could accept them and their contribution. We don't have that today and one of the main reasons is that we've allowed the profit motive to take over our governing structure. Until we fix that (see my hub on the 2 party system) we aren't going to recognize our country.
Great hub btw! We all need to bring God's word back into our political thinking and it's good to see folks doing that!
djbraman— Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I appreciate your gracious compliments as well.
I agree with your thoughtful insights. God Bless You!
Hello, hello,— Hello! Thank you for visiting and commenting.
I understand that this is presented as black and white. My thoughts are that God presents all human actions as either with or against His will; as either sin or righteousness. Do you believe that God sees a bunch of moral gray areas in human conduct?
I agree that the comments here have been excellent. And you are right about politics. The art of politics is compromise. On many issues this is possible. But on some issues there is no middle ground really. Is it OK to kill unborn children? I think yes or no are the only two possible honest answers. But I'm listening! :-)
lone77star— You are welcome, my friend. Thanks for coming and explicating your point of view. Your father was a prescient man.
Are you saying that there is no such thing as right and wrong? If someone burns down your house, rapes your wife, murders your children, and impales you on a stick like Vlad the Impaler . . . is that morally neutral? Is it merely an affront to your ego . . . and nothing more?
Do the Founding Fathers strike you as Pharisees? Our Founding Documents are Pharisaic?
I fully agree with you that humility is of paramount importance. But does this mean we should not recognize false teachers and imitate Christ in regard to His words about evil?
James A Watkins Hub Author 4 months ago
napetv— Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I appreciate your gracious compliments. Yes, there is much work to be done alright. I have thought about politics but I might have too many skeletons in my closet. :D