tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20184070.post5269131278656698727..comments2024-01-11T10:58:30.769-05:00Comments on Jesus community: measuring politics, politicians and political eventsTed M. Gossardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10580691315315271791noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20184070.post-72305271841273092812007-01-12T17:59:00.000-05:002007-01-12T17:59:00.000-05:00Mark, So true. It would be nice if we could loving...Mark, So true. It would be nice if we could lovingly talk over our differences. Sometimes you can. I appreciate blogging in this. Sometimes I've been corrected or given a better or fuller view.Ted M. Gossardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10580691315315271791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20184070.post-54873286124926658042007-01-12T17:06:00.000-05:002007-01-12T17:06:00.000-05:00Charity said, "I find it hard to discuss my real v...Charity said, "I find it hard to discuss my real views about political issues because I have so many assumptions to climb over."<br /><br />Amen to that. It's what I was trying to say.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20184070.post-52777494287103008402007-01-11T19:01:00.000-05:002007-01-11T19:01:00.000-05:00Charity, So true. In so many Christian places you ...Charity, So true. In so many Christian places you either have to side with the religious right or the religious left, or you're wrong. And what's missing is the thoughtful Christian critique we need to bring to every issue. With room for disagreement. And refusing to demonize others, but trying to understand their positions.<br /><br />Good point about our own personal responsibility. <br /><br />I just listened to the speech, as best I could after getting home from work. The consensus is certainly that it is a mess! I feel bad for the troops there, for those who have been there, and will go. And for those who did not make it back.Ted M. Gossardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10580691315315271791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20184070.post-87942453616623656812007-01-11T18:53:00.000-05:002007-01-11T18:53:00.000-05:00L.L., Yes. We need people who can and will do that...L.L., Yes. We need people who can and will do that.<br /><br />To judge politicians by their fruit seems to me to look at their character, their policies, the results of their policies. I think of scandals and failed policies. But, of course, success does not determine good fruit. Nor does saying good things, while accomplishing little or nothing in regard to them.Ted M. Gossardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10580691315315271791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20184070.post-77907224414214926432007-01-11T15:14:00.000-05:002007-01-11T15:14:00.000-05:00I do believe there's a measuring line in the Chris...I do believe there's a measuring line in the Christian way... "by their fruits you shall know them." And this is where the prophetic voice comes in... if fruit is bad, then the tree is questionable... and somebody needs to say this wherever they are in the orchard, and whatever orchard they've been gifted to work in.L.L. Barkathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13333960142447144678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20184070.post-53297105662214831832007-01-11T14:41:00.000-05:002007-01-11T14:41:00.000-05:00Mark, Thanks. It is a tall order. And I think it's...Mark, Thanks. It is a tall order. And I think it's wise to keep a lid on it in churches and homegroups, as far as what party you're registered to, and political philosophy.<br /><br />However one cannot escape, in the kingdom of God coming in Jesus, a prophetic stance, in bringing that vision to bear on everything. Nothing should escape that prophetic critique. We must not be taken in by the kingdoms of this world. Though at the same time, I believe a certain kind of engagement is in keeping with our calling. As those who are the salt of the earth, and the light of the world.<br /><br />We need Christians here in this country in both the Democratic and Republican party. And we can thank God for good politicians who may not be Christian, in both, I believe. And we must also hold all to the standard of God's kingdom vision. We won't agree on what that standard is, always. And I think dialogue in a conversational tone, done in love, is need here. But I so much agree with you, that we must not rubberstamp any party or politician.Ted M. Gossardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10580691315315271791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20184070.post-12360874971898041972007-01-11T12:44:00.000-05:002007-01-11T12:44:00.000-05:00I don't know, Ted. I just don't know. Mixing poli...I don't know, Ted. I just don't know. Mixing politics and religion makes me so nervous.<br /><br />On the one hand, I think we need Christians who are comfortable being salt and light in the profession of politics. And in the voting booth for that matter.<br /><br />But I just get nervous when any group talks as if God has sanctioned their platform or their candidate. And both sides do this.<br /><br />Notice I haven't said a word about the speech. I just can't. What would be the point in choosing a side?<br /><br />Still, I'm glad to hear Christians tentatively talking about it as you are doing here.Mark Goodyearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13515891157372544251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20184070.post-81229711581733093392007-01-11T12:14:00.000-05:002007-01-11T12:14:00.000-05:00Amen, Dan. I so much agree. And we just have to ag...Amen, Dan. I so much agree. And we just have to agree to disagree at times. Though I do think the more we discuss matters in a loving spirit, the more we can find common ground. I think another important key for me is to realize just how fallible I can be on this.Ted M. Gossardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10580691315315271791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20184070.post-69657180078808397422007-01-11T09:38:00.000-05:002007-01-11T09:38:00.000-05:00Good thoughts Ted,
We really do need to hear and ...Good thoughts Ted,<br /><br />We really do need to hear and respect those who have different political views. We can all pray for justice and peace even if we have different ideas of how political philosophy gets us there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com