Christian values. Most people have that general perception, which in my opinion should not be the case.
The basis for the GOP's claim on Christian values has at its foundation the concept of American Exceptionalism, which is the idea that the United States is different from other countries in that it has a specific world mission to spread liberty and democracy. Many people feel that God looks favourably on the United States because of our "freedom" and "perceived foundation" on Christian values. The GOP approach is to take steps to impose their values on as many people as possible around the world and here at home.
The concept of evangelism, or spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ, is a very real goal of Christianity. However, this is NEVER to be done through any type of force or pressure. Jesus only talked about teaching others about the Word, living our lives as a testimony, and sharing the Gospel with people. The fact that anyone would think that Jesus would want to use force or power in any way to bring people to believe in Him is to completely ignore His teachings and His examples. You will not find any examples in the Bible of Jesus suggesting that we impose our beliefs on anyone, but rather that people be lead to know Jesus through understanding his teachings peacefully.
A concept that IS at the heart of Christianity is a concept that also defines the Libertarian Party... FREEDOM. The idea that every single person on this planet was created in the image of God, with certain unalienable rights and freedoms, is central to Christian values. As a Christian, we believe that everyone is a sinner, EVERYONE. No one person is held in higher regard than any other person, period. No one person has power over any other person to impose his will or beliefs. We are all created in the image of God and given free will, which means we are free to believe and free to NOT believe. God calls on us to believe, but leaves that decision up to us and helps teach us why we should believe. God does not force us to believe
The ultimate state of enlightenment for every Christian is to find a place in their heart where they can exist in harmony with non-believers. The Bible is very clear about this as well as is evident in the story of Levi. Jesus actions instruct us to not cast away the most undeserving sinners in society, but rather to make friends with them and know them in an effort to more effectively spread the Word.
The only party that holds freedom and individual liberty as core values is the Libertarian Party. As Christians, we must respect the individual rights of everyone. Respecting those rights does not in any way mean that we agree with them or support them. Furthermore, we are free to try and peacefully influence others to believe as we believe and long as we do not infringe on the rights of others. We have no right to use power or government to impose our beliefs on others, period.
Those in the GOP that are part of the "religious right" are the primary target for this message. We need to help them understand that freedom is the core Christian value for which we all must fight! Forcing our believes on other is NOT what the Bible teaches us, nor is it what Jesus did nor instructed us to do to spread his Word.
AMEN!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment is an attempt at constructive criticism. I mean no offense, but anything worth doing is worth doing well.
ReplyDeletePlease, for the love of God, start proof reading your blogs before you publish them. There are so many grammatical errors on a regular basis that I can rarely bring myself to share them. However, you have some great posts that need to be shared.
OH DEAR GOD! SAY IT ISN'T TRUE! Which christian values? Slavery? Homophobia? Misogyny? I would hope that we base out politics on personal LIBERTY and freedom FROM religion or god save us all!!!! LOL
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