Christian= Republican?

[Josh]

12/22/06:

Christian=Republican?

First off, this is coming from someone with some Republican leanings (on some issues). I just find it alarming how much, at least in the popular image, our faith is linked to a political stance.

That's certainly not to say that we should not be involved in the policital realm, but I think as Christians we must also always be careful to dileneate the difference (even if they are sometimes subtle) between our faith and our politics.

Disagree? Not going far enough?

Didn't have a lot of time to go into this, but I thought I'd bring this one up.

[steve]

12/28/06:

It may very well be the political leaning of choice for American Christians, but one finds a great deal of socialist, environmentalist and leftist Christians in Europe. As a former died in the wool republican, I must admit that it caught me off guard a bit to find people here with such political persuasions also having truly living and active relationships with God. Some of my best friends here are such people. There are good historical reasons to account for the fact that so many american christians are right wing, but like you said we must dileneate the difference between our faith and our politics. Since moving here, I'm considerable less died in the wool.

[andy]

1/14/07:

Previet! Cag di la? I don't know what I would call myself. Working in social services in one of the most advanced countries in the world--I see a strange mix of people who really "need" help, but also should be striving to make a difference in their own lives. Many times these two points don't meet. Our systems our set up (politically, socially, economically) so that opportunity exists for individuals. I believe that the influence of Christian thought has allowed for this throughout the short 250 year history. Watching immigrants in this country succeed every day makes me believe this is true.


Christians are caught in a tough place. Individualistic thought comes out of greek, hebrew, and roman culture (as opposed to what we might find in some of the native american practices). As such, it makes perfect sense that many christians are involved in the political relm, or at least feel strongly about "how things should be" in the U.S. We haven't been burned like the Germans and aren't as cautious (my impression is this is the reason for the EU and the swing towards socialism). At the same time, we must be true to the core tenants of christianity. Feed and provide for the widows and orphans. We are called to give, yet sometimes "giving" is the worst thing we can do if it means giving stuff.


Oregon has had a waiver regarding TANF (welfare) for hte past few years. Now they actually are enforcing the limit of length of time a person can be on welfare (5 years). I have seen a noticable change in the people that I know who access these services. They are finally thinking for themselves and their future. Individualistic thought promotes this, and in a country like the U.S., this is valuable. I don't think we can apply this around the world in countries where racism and lack of opportunity exits at a deeper level.


Peace.


Andy

[Josh]

1/15/07:

I know we've discussed this before to a certain degree, but that's one of the things I appreciate about biblical Christianity- one of the ways it rings true to me-, that it sits squarely in the midst of the two opposite poles of Individuality and Corporate Responsibility.

[rose]

1/21/07:

Andy, your words resonate with me. I want to follow what the Bible says about feeding the poor and helping the widow, and I know that social services are extremely important, but I also feel like there is something missing in the way the United States handles people in need. You see this first hand, Andy, whereas I only hear stories. But I do know that many people abuse the system and it was good to hear that Oregon is putting some boundaries in place. This is the land of opportunity and I do believe that if one works hard, they can get themselves into a position where they are providing for themselves and their family. Please remember that I did say social services are important in many instances, but it's also difficult to hear about those who take advantage of the system, and therefore never learn to stand on their own two feet and work toward a goal.



This is yet another reason why I straddle the fence politically - I'm not ready to join either camp on this issue.

[Josh]

You know, as I reflect more on this, I think we are definitely in the midst of a redefining of the relationship of Christianity to political affiliation. At least among younger Christians, I almost consistantly hear that no political party has a special claim on Christians or the Christian perspective, and that voting is becoming much more a matter of the hard work of thinking about individual issues than towing the party line. I'm encouraged by this.

[Margot]

This looks like a very old thread, but I think it jumped out at me because of our current Election Fever, (how many days/minutes/seconds left???)
First let me say I only wish I could agree with Josh's last post of long-ago:
i.e. I wish we were re-defining our connections between our chosen faith and our political afilliations. In the (admittedly) small town where I live, Christian almost always equals Republican. This connection infuriates me because any opportunity to speak intelligently with Believers invariably sends them scurrying home to pray for my everlasting soul!
Not that I am really coming down in favor of either party, because I agree and disagree with both on some very important things. Guess I just want to talk it out without feeling like I am wearing a scarlet letter on my chest. (Can you tell I am grateful for this forum??)
One more thing I have to add after seeing this week's televised debate:
What I was most struck with was that no one got very worked up over anything! Yeah, yeah, John scolded Barack and slapped his hand a few times and Barack acted like John was a thorn in his seat, but when I see debating, I want to see DEBATING! Where's John telling Barack he's no JFK? Where's someone sweaty and swarthy like Richard Nixon? This country's going to you-know-where in a handbag full of debt, but I didn't see anyone so much as raise his voice or pound his fist!
I just gotta ask: where's the passion, kids?

[michelle]

Hey Margot!

I hear you about being frustrated with Christian = Republican. Everytime I hear "Religious Right" I want to scream. As a recovering Republican......ok as someone who last year re-registered as a Democrat, I don't like it being assumed that just because I'm a Christian that I'm also a Republican. I too agree with some things on each side, though I agree more with Democrats, which is why I switched teams.

As far as the passion thing goes, I've got to be honest, I'm quite thrilled that Obama, for one, is not one to get overly passionate. Some would say he doesn't get passionate at all. I like there is someone running for president that has a cool head and will not let his emotions get the best of him. To me it's important for diplomacy's sake.

[krhagan19]

As for Christians being Republican. With the disturbing news about the "enhanced interrogation" techniques. READ methods of interogation explicitly listed as torture by the Geneva Convention. As well as the naked prisoner beating, stackings and abuse. All taking place under a GOP administration and furthermore, atleast the enhanced interrogations being supported at the highest levels, including former Vice President Dick Cheney. I guess I would ask WWJT? Who would Jesus Torture?

[robin]

As for Christians being Republican. With the disturbing news about the "enhanced interrogation" techniques. READ methods of interogation explicitly listed as torture by the Geneva Convention. As well as the naked prisoner beating, stackings and abuse. All taking place under a GOP administration and furthermore, atleast the enhanced interrogations being supported at the highest levels, including former Vice President Dick Cheney. I guess I would ask WWJT? Who would Jesus Torture?

The " enhanced interrogation techniques" were approved by both parties. The problem is the Democratic leaders are shameless and pathetically irresponsible with their power. What kind of person would give their stamp of approval for such practices only to turn around and deny that they were ever given information what was going on. Perhaps only the lowest kind of person like, Nancy Pelosi.

What ever one believes about water boarding, we must be honest with ourselves and admit that both Parties played a roll in approving the practices (I'm not sure if I can call it torture).

[krhagan19]

I will agree with you there. Though by the general leanings of this thread, it doesn't matter what the Godless democrats do or don't approve of. What matters is that the Christian GOP Administration ALSO Approved and as followers of Christ they should not approve of Torture.