They may be on to something!!!!! LOL Really though, it tends to sum up the entire problem with a lot of stuff! Broadly speaking, if we tend to view everything someone says or types in the the worst possible way we get to where we are as a society. I would like to think you and I are a perfect example of that. You called me out and I called you out and I can say every time I saw you post I was on the defense and planned to be snarky or not accepting anything you said. I would like to think, even though we have never met in real life, that you at least are willing to agree now where we do and agree to disagree in a more gentleman type way, where we don't but do not take each other as idiots when we don't. If we are just a microcosm of this board, let alone society, A little humbleness and understanding can change everything. I look forward to your posts now and try to be much more respectable where we may disagree. I see it in your posts also.
His words arent the ones with made up falsehoods. The OP made some valid points based on some factual info. You just went off the rails with made up nonsense that you cant back up so you just resort to ratings. You cant drop his mic for him.
These people do not represent my Christian culture and I think they put way too much emphasis on earthly kingdoms. But looking at their declarations, they sound a lot like any other political group’s manifesto. You could take each of those points and with a few word changes make it represent progressives or leftists. Every political group or party seeks to control government at local, state, and national level. Every political group wants to be the influencer in our country.
I’m just leaving my cigar store in Asheville where I meet a few times a week with 5-7 guys to have a cigar. They’re all conservatives. I’ve found that once we start talking politics on a particular issue, we start out at opposite ends. But we all like each other, and we start talking, and one may say what about this, or what about that, and we start to see the complexity of the issue and gradually start moderating our views and end up far less apart. It’s called listening, keeping an open mind and being willing to compromise. That’s largely missing in America now. I really appreciate your post. I’ve tried to be more moderate and less confrontational, though I don’t always succeed.
Wisdom is relative. Biblical wisdom is in and of itself a lifelong journey of growth and discovery. You don't get to dictate what is or is not wisdom of substance.
Seabud. Sorry your relevent post got turned upside down by those that would rather throw hateful shade. Your OP is truly one to contimplate for believers and is something that i have shifted on over the years. The God of the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures that Christians follow told us that Gods desire was not for an earthly king, but His 9wn followers begged and insisted on it. He granted it and His followers have been convoluting it ever since. Perhaps never more so than the following of evil men in a (sincerely held) belief that he is a lesser of two evils. The lesser of two evils is still evil.
No I don't, and I'm not. I do get to voice my opinion on what wisdom is, though. I don't think plank is a wise man. He appears to be learned when it comes to the Bible, but that is not in and of itself wisdom, IMHO.
Perhaps you shouldn't assume that Plank's faith precludes him from being versed and wise in many areas? Ever seen his posts on the recruiting boards? Ever discussed history with him? Its weird to me that we make judgements based in the narrow scope of topics that are discussed here. Many people have spent decades collecting wisdom and knowledge of the Christian faith in highly educated and formal ways. Those people have come to many of the same conclusions that Plank has.
One of the best lines I ever heard. "We were created with one mouth and two ears, so spend twice as much time listening as talking" I try, but it is a struggle when we have deep held beliefs.
Good advice. In the prison ministry that I have volunteered in, the motto is “listen listen love love.”
I'm halfway through this thread, but do have a gentle suggestion for Christians who respond to attacks/insults with attacks/insults. You don't make your case for conversion with that approach. I'd suggest your doing it wrong and that it denies Christ. I'm not saying one can't defend their faith, but to do so with insult or subtle condescension communicates uneasiness for one's faith, not strength. In the end the world is saying "show me, don't tell me...". Carry on.
I should have qualified by saying "based upon his posts on THFSG". Never seen his posts elsewhere or discussed anything with him. I also recognize that making judgments is a sin. I'm a sinner and stand by my opinion of plank's wisdom based solely on what he posts on this site. I've no doubt some (many?) don't have a positive opinion of my wisdom based upon my posts.
Jew here observing from the sidelines. Looking at contemporary Christianity is like looking at an entire range of religions, some entirely insane, others a lot like Judaism. A few things that irk me are… Stores or restaurants with signage declaring "Where Jesus is Lord." Um, no! Not while I'm in here. Feels very exclusionary. Billboards along the freeway down south with insipid headlines. Used to freak out my kids then they just laughed when they got older. That made it hard to explain to them that my sister and her Baptist husband weren't (quite) that crazy. Getting involved in politics. I guess this is where the Christian Nationalism comes in. Is there or is there not a true separation of church and state? That part of Christianity is the most toxic, divisive element of our society. Conversations with fundamentalists/evangelicals about my own faith that go nowhere. They tell me how much they admire our people but then ask questions about our practices and beliefs, "Just trying to understand" but is more about challenging our lack of belief in "Our lord and savior Jesus Christ." These often end with "We're so much alike." I'm very cool with most Episcopalians, Lutherans, Unitarians, Methodists, Presbyterians and Catholics. Also cool with Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, B'Hai and Hindus. Forgot atheists. The few I know are very cool and very smart. I will argue with anyone about organized religion being bad for society. Won't get into that right now.
Using these nutjobs to represent Christianity's norms is akin to using Corine Brown as the representative of Gator Nation. Just because they stand in that building and claim something, doesnt mean anything.
Of course they don't represent the norm among Christians. The meme referenced right-wing extremism, not the norm among Christians. But these nutjobs clearly represent a sizable minority prone to embrace nationalism, white supremacy and, in some cases, violence to impose their will on the majority. Some are no different than the Taliban.
Love Loved the opening line. Any journalist will say they’re key to grabbing readers’ attention. Sure did mine, plus it reflected a sense of humor about a touchy topic.
We can take solace that any god closed her ears and didn’t hear a word. The gallows for Pence is seared in mine.
