Politics and your church

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's been a problem for us. Many Republicans in our church. The only liberal ones we've found are forever harping on LGBT issues, which I think is partly why so many people have abandoned the Democrats. I support LGBT but it's not my primary interest.

I agree and I'm really liberal. The transgender focus drives me particularly crazy. This is a tiny percentage of people. And I think it's pretty understandable why a lot of people, most of whom hadn't even heard of transgenderism until like a couple years ago, are hostile to accommodating them. The righteousness over the issue is bewildering to me. A typical person in the middle of the country predictable is either skeptical or indifferent. I don't understand any the Democrats got on a high horse about it (I'm a Democrat) and why some churches do the same.

So glad to hear I'm not the only one. I think this one issue probably turned enough voters to put Trump in office. The NYTimes has been relentless in promoting transgender equality. I'm so sick of it that I'm switching my subscription to the Washington Post. I have a transgender in law and I'm fine with him, but the number of people claiming to be trans has gone through the roof in two years. I'm not in favor of treating prepubescent children with powerful hormones to prevent secondary sexual characteristics. The science just isn't there.

Yes, kindred spirit! Loretta Lynch's speech about it was so weird -- way to shoot ourselves in the foot, liberals, and provide some great video fodder for Fox News to say: look what the crazy liberals are up to now. By the same token, we overplayed our hand on marriage equality. We won in the Supreme Court. That should have been enough. A LOT of middle-of-the-road people were insulted by Obama then proceding to light up the White House with the rainbow flag. What was the point of doing that? Again, great visual produced for conservatives to point to and rile people up. Churches should take note. It's important to address political issues delicately or you risk driving people away (and toward the right).

[Anonymous]

^^^ and I also dropped NY Times in favor of WashPo for this and other reasons

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, those not getting political at this time should be ashamed of themselves. This administration poses an existential threat to us all. Wake the fuck up.

I think you'll get your wish. Trump wants to eliminate the Johnson Amendment, which will open the door for churches to be directly involved in political campaigns. This is a huge thank you to the Christian right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'll answer honestly. I go to an evangelical church and the whole vibe is that things are fine, people are being dramatic and overreacting and people went to the march for life, etc. I won't say who I voted for, but I have to openly admit, that people who voted for Trump do.not.care. one bit about the things he's done so far. If anything, they are thrilled that he is doing the things he promised to. I don't think people in my community care and I don't think they will be riled up until something happens that literally impacts them. This other stuff? Not a big deal.

PP, of the economy does not improve in 2 years, do you think these people will be disillusioned with Trump? My sense is for a lot of people it just comes downs to the fact that Trump says he's pro-life and for the religious liberty of Christians and nothing else matters. Do you agree?

I think it would take a recession or war for people to snap out of it (PP here). I don't think absent some sort of negative personal consequences people in my church community would care about Trump beyond generally supporting him because he supports pro-life, pro-religion issues.

[Anonymous]

I'm from Latin America and when we had military dictatorships, the Catholic church became the resistance's biggest ally. The church stood up for human rights and became a safe space for many. It also offered a moral compass against the oppression of the regime.

The pope is continuing this tradition by speaking out against Trump. I think it's a beautiful and Christian thing to do. If a church doesn't speak out against oppression, I don't think they can really call themselves Christian.

[Anonymous]

No politics in our church. Never has been, never will be. It's not a matter of left or right, it's always been about living a good clean God based life. I will say this, the only political stand is abortion but I see that as a moral thing. The side yard of the church and around the Virgin Mary grotto has crosses to remember the killed unborn but it's a silent kind of thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm from Latin America and when we had military dictatorships, the Catholic church became the resistance's biggest ally. The church stood up for human rights and became a safe space for many. It also offered a moral compass against the oppression of the regime.

The pope is continuing this tradition by speaking out against Trump. I think it's a beautiful and Christian thing to do. If a church doesn't speak out against oppression, I don't think they can really call themselves Christian.

Thank you for sharing. I'm a lapse Catholic and am going to attend Mass for the first time in decades because I'm so impressed with the Catholic leadership.

[Anonymous]

^^^ lapsed

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'll answer honestly. I go to an evangelical church and the whole vibe is that things are fine, people are being dramatic and overreacting and people went to the march for life, etc. I won't say who I voted for, but I have to openly admit, that people who voted for Trump do.not.care. one bit about the things he's done so far. If anything, they are thrilled that he is doing the things he promised to. I don't think people in my community care and I don't think they will be riled up until something happens that literally impacts them. This other stuff? Not a big deal.

Not so reminiscent of Jesus

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'll answer honestly. I go to an evangelical church and the whole vibe is that things are fine, people are being dramatic and overreacting and people went to the march for life, etc. I won't say who I voted for, but I have to openly admit, that people who voted for Trump do.not.care. one bit about the things he's done so far. If anything, they are thrilled that he is doing the things he promised to. I don't think people in my community care and I don't think they will be riled up until something happens that literally impacts them. This other stuff? Not a big deal.

PP, of the economy does not improve in 2 years, do you think these people will be disillusioned with Trump? My sense is for a lot of people it just comes downs to the fact that Trump says he's pro-life and for the religious liberty of Christians and nothing else matters. Do you agree?

NP. I absolutely agree. He beat The Devil Herself. That is all that matters.

Keep telling yourself that - and that this is what Jesus would do. He wouldn't, of course, He'd recognize Trump for the poser he is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a Minister. I'm working for Hospice now, but was in a church before we moved. It's not easy for church leaders right now. Thankfully, my church was very tolerant and fairly liberal. LGBTQ friendly, diverse, open to discussions on different faiths, etc. We spent a lot of time trying to live like the Christ we claimed to follow. So, while I know we had members who were Republicans and conservative, I really doubt we had anyone in our membership who would support Donald Trump.

That said, ministers avoid politics in the pulpit. For one, we risk our tax exempt status. More importantly, ministers in church leadership positions should not be politicians.

I'm not working in a church right now. I can be very active in my local political groups. And I am. I've spoken at several marches and Interfaith Prayer Breakfasts. I think clergy should be pointing out the hypocrisy of Christians turning away refugees. And frankly, if you support Donald Trump, you may claim to be a Christian, but you are behaving nothing at all like your Christ.

Shame on you.

One could say the exact same thing about Hillary and her stances.

The choices this cycle were very difficult for all people of faith. Many Christians voted to protect tehe supreme court. They did the bexst they could with the two terrible choices.

No. Sorry, but you could not say the same thing about Hillary Clinton. I don't like her. But she is not even close to Trump. I'll just leave this here for consideration.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5QHZdW9H0w/VlS63Nh0FGI/AAAAAAAAJss/w2zoLQV9V0A/s1600/11058186_10102105263097677_254630602442504098_n.jpg


We are commanded to love our neighbor, but what does that mean? Galatians 5:14 explains: "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself." If we ask, as the teacher of the law did in Luke 10:29-37: "And who is my neighbor?" We read that Jesus responded by saying:

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise."

That last sentence is really important.

I will not question your faith as you have done for others.

I did not vote for Trump.

I will say that this was an agonizing election for many devoit and Christ-like Christians.

Hillary's wholesale advocacy of tye slaughter of innocents and the radical left's aggressive attempts over the last 4-8 years to restrict freedom of religion and conscious, along with the future of the supreme court and protecting the constitution weighed heavily on many voters who saw her views as the greater evil as compared to Trumo's approach to border control and immigration policies.

Many people of faith agonized over this election.

Many people of faith and moderation expressed grave concerns over the past eight years about Obama's over reach, use of decree and edict and acting like an emperor instead of a president who followed the constitution. We warned that the left needs to quit looking the other way with his disregard for the constitution just because he aligns with you politically, because the he sets a precident for the next guy who might not share your values or priorities. But the left didn't listen and didn't care. They created this situation we have now. Trump is doing nothing differently with his executive orders than Obama did. Did you speak up with concern for our constitution then, when Obama was setting the stage for all future presidents to do the same? I doubt it.

So reflect inward before you claim to know the hearts, faith and relationship with God that others have

You need to pray. Hard. Then go and reread the Bible. And turn off Fox News. Then pray some more. You are listening to the Pharisees. You have lost your way, friend, if you can possibly think Clinton vs. Trump was an agonizing decision for a Christian who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. No contest. Trump's every move is completely antithetical to the teachings of Jesus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a Minister. I'm working for Hospice now, but was in a church before we moved. It's not easy for church leaders right now. Thankfully, my church was very tolerant and fairly liberal. LGBTQ friendly, diverse, open to discussions on different faiths, etc. We spent a lot of time trying to live like the Christ we claimed to follow. So, while I know we had members who were Republicans and conservative, I really doubt we had anyone in our membership who would support Donald Trump.

That said, ministers avoid politics in the pulpit. For one, we risk our tax exempt status. More importantly, ministers in church leadership positions should not be politicians.

I'm not working in a church right now. I can be very active in my local political groups. And I am. I've spoken at several marches and Interfaith Prayer Breakfasts. I think clergy should be pointing out the hypocrisy of Christians turning away refugees. And frankly, if you support Donald Trump, you may claim to be a Christian, but you are behaving nothing at all like your Christ.

Shame on you.

One could say the exact same thing about Hillary and her stances.

The choices this cycle were very difficult for all people of faith. Many Christians voted to protect tehe supreme court. They did the bexst they could with the two terrible choices.

No. Sorry, but you could not say the same thing about Hillary Clinton. I don't like her. But she is not even close to Trump. I'll just leave this here for consideration.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5QHZdW9H0w/VlS63Nh0FGI/AAAAAAAAJss/w2zoLQV9V0A/s1600/11058186_10102105263097677_254630602442504098_n.jpg


We are commanded to love our neighbor, but what does that mean? Galatians 5:14 explains: "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself." If we ask, as the teacher of the law did in Luke 10:29-37: "And who is my neighbor?" We read that Jesus responded by saying:

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise."

That last sentence is really important.

You do realize how completely subjective your post was don't you? Hypocritical too.
It is not for any of us to judge another's status as a good Christian.

Actually, it is pretty easy to see that so many have lost their way in following Trump.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'll answer honestly. I go to an evangelical church and the whole vibe is that things are fine, people are being dramatic and overreacting and people went to the march for life, etc. I won't say who I voted for, but I have to openly admit, that people who voted for Trump do.not.care. one bit about the things he's done so far. If anything, they are thrilled that he is doing the things he promised to. I don't think people in my community care and I don't think they will be riled up until something happens that literally impacts them. This other stuff? Not a big deal.

PP, of the economy does not improve in 2 years, do you think these people will be disillusioned with Trump? My sense is for a lot of people it just comes downs to the fact that Trump says he's pro-life and for the religious liberty of Christians and nothing else matters. Do you agree?

I think it would take a recession or war for people to snap out of it (PP here). I don't think absent some sort of negative personal consequences people in my church community would care about Trump beyond generally supporting him because he supports pro-life, pro-religion issues.

But he is not pro-life. He may be pro-birth, but his support of life ends there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a Minister. I'm working for Hospice now, but was in a church before we moved. It's not easy for church leaders right now. Thankfully, my church was very tolerant and fairly liberal. LGBTQ friendly, diverse, open to discussions on different faiths, etc. We spent a lot of time trying to live like the Christ we claimed to follow. So, while I know we had members who were Republicans and conservative, I really doubt we had anyone in our membership who would support Donald Trump.

That said, ministers avoid politics in the pulpit. For one, we risk our tax exempt status. More importantly, ministers in church leadership positions should not be politicians.

I'm not working in a church right now. I can be very active in my local political groups. And I am. I've spoken at several marches and Interfaith Prayer Breakfasts. I think clergy should be pointing out the hypocrisy of Christians turning away refugees. And frankly, if you support Donald Trump, you may claim to be a Christian, but you are behaving nothing at all like your Christ.

Shame on you.

One could say the exact same thing about Hillary and her stances.

The choices this cycle were very difficult for all people of faith. Many Christians voted to protect tehe supreme court. They did the bexst they could with the two terrible choices.

No. Sorry, but you could not say the same thing about Hillary Clinton. I don't like her. But she is not even close to Trump. I'll just leave this here for consideration.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5QHZdW9H0w/VlS63Nh0FGI/AAAAAAAAJss/w2zoLQV9V0A/s1600/11058186_10102105263097677_254630602442504098_n.jpg


We are commanded to love our neighbor, but what does that mean? Galatians 5:14 explains: "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself." If we ask, as the teacher of the law did in Luke 10:29-37: "And who is my neighbor?" We read that Jesus responded by saying:

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise."

That last sentence is really important.

I will not question your faith as you have done for others.

I did not vote for Trump.

I will say that this was an agonizing election for many devoit and Christ-like Christians.

Hillary's wholesale advocacy of tye slaughter of innocents and the radical left's aggressive attempts over the last 4-8 years to restrict freedom of religion and conscious, along with the future of the supreme court and protecting the constitution weighed heavily on many voters who saw her views as the greater evil as compared to Trumo's approach to border control and immigration policies.

Many people of faith agonized over this election.

Many people of faith and moderation expressed grave concerns over the past eight years about Obama's over reach, use of decree and edict and acting like an emperor instead of a president who followed the constitution. We warned that the left needs to quit looking the other way with his disregard for the constitution just because he aligns with you politically, because the he sets a precident for the next guy who might not share your values or priorities. But the left didn't listen and didn't care. They created this situation we have now. Trump is doing nothing differently with his executive orders than Obama did. Did you speak up with concern for our constitution then, when Obama was setting the stage for all future presidents to do the same? I doubt it.

So reflect inward before you claim to know the hearts, faith and relationship with God that others have

You need to pray. Hard. Then go and reread the Bible. And turn off Fox News. Then pray some more. You are listening to the Pharisees. You have lost your way, friend, if you can possibly think Clinton vs. Trump was an agonizing decision for a Christian who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. No contest. Trump's every move is completely antithetical to the teachings of Jesus.

And I would say the same for you friend. Anyone who thought that chosing HRC over trump was the "Christian" way has truly lost touch with what it means to be a Christian

[Anonymous]

So Trump was the only logical choice for an in-touch Christian?