A New Type of Christian Political Discussion

[JustChristian]

I'd like to propose that we change the way we communicate as Christians on political issues. I realize that I've been as bad as anyone else and I apologize for that. I personally am going to try to correspond on the board in a more Christian way talking about the issues but leaving out personal attacks or outlandish statements. I hope that we can together make this political discussion more Biblical and more valuable than it has been recently.

I hope that the majority of posters will join me in this effort. This means not characterizing political figures as:

1) the Anti-Christ

2) the Fuhrer

3) Marxist

4) a murderer.

This applies to name-calling of fellow Christians on the board as well.

I think that discussions of economic and legal policy justifiably can include the terms socialistic, free market only, strict constructionist, etc.

I believe that the word "liberal" should be defined and that theological liberals should not be considered to be the same as social or political liberals. Radical is beyond liberal. The two do not mean the same thing.

I'm going to do a poll to see how many people are willing to give up the name-calling and harsh rhetoric we've had in the recent past. All facts are one the table. All reasonable interpretations are on the table. All wild accusations with no basis in fact are off the table.

I pledge to start doing this myself. I will try hard not to initiate such attacks and I will no longer answer them.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

I was convicted from my devotions in 2 Timothy 2v23-26 the last two days. By God's grace I will not quarrel, but seek to be gentle to all.

 

[JustChristian]

I was convicted from my devotions in 2 Timothy 2v23-26 the last two days. By God's grace I will not quarrel, but seek to be gentle to all.

I'm really going to change. I'm disgusted at myself for taking this so far.

 

[JamieinNH]

I will continue to try to be more Christ-like in my posts. I often have been drawn into a debate and when looking back at though I wish I hadn't said that...

I will tell you though, my hardest effort is dealing with people that are crude and always on the side of right. When I see posts/people like that I am drawn to prove them wrong. The one thing I have found though, it those people generally will never change and there is little to do to change their minds. I should just leave well enough alone...

Given that, I will continue to try to be more Christ-like in my posts.

 

[Crabtownboy]

Calm, rational political discussions would be most welcome. I'm onboard.

At St. John's College in Annapolis the students have what they call seminars twice a week. About 20 students meet with two tudors ... they are not called professors there ... and there are three rules:

1-Everyone will have read the assignment for the seminar.
2-No first names. Mr. or Miss are to be used in responding to another.
3-Everyone must be polite in their disagreements.

Good rules.

 

[dragonfly]

Wow! Where are all the hyper-conservatives at?

 

[rbell]

My commendations to you, JustChristian. And forgive me, please, for my harsh words towards you.

This is a good course correction for all of us.

 

[KenH]

If this forum can truly become one in which policy is discussed in a rational, calm manner I will be glad to interact with fellow Christians on such matters.

 

[Salty]

2-No first names. Mr. or Miss are to be used in responding to another.

Good rules.

Why are first names not allowed?

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

Where are all the hyper-conservatives at?

Well, I'm not hyper, but I am definitely a right-wing, conservative.

I commend you, JustChristian, for making these public statements and I'm with you all the way.

 

[dragonfly]

Well, I'm not hyper, but I am definitely a right-wing, conservative.

I forgive you! :laugh:

 

[Crabtownboy]

Why are first names not allowed?

Too informal which could lead to being impolite. It is a way of teaching respect.

 

[JustChristian]

Mr

I'm bumping this up to see if any of the conservatives on this board want to try posting in a more Christian manner.

 

[LeBuick]

I'm bumping this up to see if any of the conservatives on this board want to try posting in a more Christian manner.

Glad you bumped Just Christian. I missed this one but will commit also.

I'm not really as liberal as I sometimes post but I do believe in jumping in on the side of the underdog. Around here, that would be the liberals. Perhaps that isn't always the most Christian way to approach discussions.

I remember trying to get my daughter and her friend to play nice. Her friend stopped coming over.

I also apologize to anyone I've offended...

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

I'm bumping this up to see if any of the conservatives on this board want to try posting in a more Christian manner

Does that mean my reply wasn't Christian enough???

Why are first names not allowed

It's a matter of privacy.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

I will be more Christlike in my posts.

He called people vipers, pointed out bad doctrine in a loud voice, he got physical with people who tried to defile his church, his own people wanted him dead.


'nuff said.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

I'm bumping this up to see if any of the conservatives on this board want to try posting in a more Christian manner.

Does this mean you will now start answering challenges ?

 

[windcatcher]

I try to be Christlike.... It is not a sudden 'just now' position, but I recognize that others and myself are human.

When I've been convicted of less, then I've gone to the person involved and asked their forgiveness.

I appreciate your statement, JC: It's good to remember..... our own words will stand in judgement against us.

 

[JustChristian]

Does this mean you will now start answering challenges ?

I will answer appropriate questions in the most reasonable way I can. I will ignore wild unsubstantiated accusations and attacks.

However, I'm concerned that we see primarily a unwillingness by conservatives to stop the bashing and name calling as evidenced by a very low participation in my offer to tone things down.

 

[Mexdeaf]

However, I'm concerned that we see primarily a unwillingness by conservatives to stop the bashing and name calling as evidenced by a very low participation in my offer to tone things down.

Perhaps that is because conservatives are used to being offered olive branches that have thorns on them. Having a strong sense of distrust is a hallmark of a conservative. "Trust, but verify."