The Heresy of Ideological Religion

Kristof: What about someone like me whose faith is in the Sermon on the Mount, who aspires to follow Jesus’ teachings, but is skeptical that he was born of a virgin, walked on water, multiplied loaves and fishes or had a physical resurrection? Am I a Christian, President Carter?

Carter: I do not judge whether someone else is a Christian. Jesus said, “Judge not, …”

Kristof:One of my problems with evangelicalism is that it normally argues that one can be saved only through a personal relationship with Jesus, which seems to consign Gandhi to hell. Do you believe that?

Carter: I do not feel qualified to make a judgment. I am inclined to give him (or others) the benefit of any doubt.


Opinion | President Carter, Am I a Christian?

Jesus said "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Me." Jimmy Carter says we can't judge whether or not someone who denies the resurrection is saved. Not only that, but we can't make a judgment regarding the salvation of those who reject Christ.

This is why I said I'd rather stand with Christ. We can't stand with both. Do you share Carter's doubts and lack of discernment regarding these things?

 

Wait....are you suggesting that Christians should have supported the DNC when Obama was President? The DNC held a principle of aiding the poor and helping those who couldn't help themselves. Is this what you mean by "biblical principle"? Do you believe Islam to teach "biblical principles" in its stand for make leadership in the home? Are Hindus biblical for following principles that are "pro-life"? Are those who oppose gun ownership following biblical principles if the reason for their opposition is a love for children and an attempt to keep guns out of their hands?

I support the GOP's stance against abortion. This is not a support for the GOP but an affirmation that their and our (Christian) interest meet on some points. I really don't care about most other points.

 

I do feel qualified to say that no one comes to the Father but by Christ. Do you not???

Carter gave an unbiblical answer. We are told to have an answer (or "apology") for the faith that is in us. If we cannot stand firm on Christ and the Resurrection, then were exactly are we to stand?

Carter gave a political answer. (I'm not questioning his salvation, but his stand).

 

I agree. Those who are Christians but are also yoked to one party or another should reach across party lines in order to be faithful to God. God's Kingdom is not of this world, whereas our political parties are.

 

Scripture teaches us to judge within the Church. Carter took the "judge not" out of context by ignoring the very next command to judge.

 

I suggest you spend a little more effort on Scripture and perhaps a little less with the political herd.

You assume a nationalism foreign to Scripture - even with Israel. You assume one who opposes abortion must support the GOP to that end. You seem to confuse the principles regarding Christian submission and obedience to secular government with nationalization rather than the witness of the believer.

 

Not at all. If so you would have lost with the “typical liberal logic” comment, or the “you are thoroughly confused about what the Bible says”. My comment was merely an observation, just as how “hypocritical” may be an applicable term at this point in reply to your comment quoted above. (If you want to whine about the "hypocritical" part, the "report" button is below).

Except this theory has no biblical basis.

The reason the languages were “confused” was not to establish national boundaries. At the time of Genesis 11 the whole world had one language. As men moved eastward they settled settled in Babylonia. There they sought to construct a great city and tower.This is common to ANE religion as people built cities (typically temple cities) and ziggurats in order for the god to come down and dwell among the people. The events of Genesis 11 predate ANE ziggurats, but the concept is most likely the same – that is, to re-create a garden (or Eden) state where God once again dwells with man.

The scattering of Genesis 11 was not (according to Scripture) an establishment of the principle of nationalization but rather a response to the disobedience of men who were commanded to “increase in number and fill the earth” (Genesis 9:19). Rather than doing this they settled in Shinar and God scattered them.

Which is why I suggested (I thought kindly) that you study Scripture more and secular politics less.

Yes, I cannot separate my witness from my testimony. I will stand firmly against abortion, against hate, against racism, against taking advantage of the poor…. but at the same time stand firmly against the world because of my stand in Christ.

The irony here is that you are unable to name even one biblical principle, command, or value that I have opposed on this thread except that I do not believe the GOP to be a Christian organization. Yet you complain when I note that there are some people who seem to believe one political party or another is an extension of the Christian faith.

 

I wasn't saying you were whining. Sorry if you thought otherwise.

The idea was not building Eden out of stone. The ANE idea was to build a city of God.

Scripture is absent the idea God designed nationalism. It is absent the idea Satan has been trying to unite nations in opposition to God's dividing of people.

Instead Scripture says God commanded men to inhabit the earth, men refused, and God scattered them.

 

Oh, don't misunderstand. Scripture does say we are of a nation. I believe in that sense of nationalism. I also believe we are to be loyal and patriotic insofar as that loyalty and patriotism is godly. I mentioned this when others insulted the Obama Presidency and continue to do so with President Trump.

But if you do not see the reasons Scripture itself gives for paying taxes and rendering honor then you need to revisit the topic.