Politics brings out the worst in people

[matt wade]

Why is it that politics brings out the worst in people? Christians that normally treat each other with respect suddenly have no issues with name calling and personal attacks once politics are involved.

Would the politics section of this board really be a good testimony of our Christianity? Debate is is a good thing. It can be done in a civilized and respectful manner. If an unbeliever stumbled in here would they think we were a civilized and respectful group, or just more of those "hateful Christians"?

I'm not excluding myself from admonishment. I've typed things here that went a little too far. For that I apologize and I'll keep my typing respectful in the future .

 

[Ps104_33]

Politics isnt for the thin-skinned. Go to another forum if you cant take the heat. I love it!!:love2:

 

[AresMan]

Too many Christians allow "politics" to shape their Christianity. They allow political mouthpieces like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity (or Michael Moore and Alan Colmbs) to shape their own Christian faith rather than allowing the Bible itself to shape their faith.

 

[AresMan]

Politics isnt for the thin-skinned. Go to another forum if you cant take the heat. I love it!!:love2:

I thoroughly enjoy debating politics. I am just sick of Christians trying to put me on a guilt trip as if I am not right with God unless I compromise my Christian beliefs to mortgage my soul to one political party regardless of their positions on certain issues.

I am convinced that, for the most part, the Democrats and the Republicans are anti-American statists who do not give a whit about their own oath of office to defend and uphold the Constitution. If this country collapses into a totalitarian state, I do not wish to believe that I supported it.

 

[Aaron]

"Politics" and "Police" are the same word. A governor's "policy" is about when the State will use its overwhelming force to coerce it's citizens. Politics brings out the worst, but also the best. As Thomas Jefferson said, the tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.

 

[Gina B]

Mostly because it affects people's pockets, and when it doesn't, it impacts their health or attacks their deepest values, such as religion or work ethic.

Almost always though, it's money. People who don't have ANY ethics suddenly get some when their pocketbook is threatened.

If it bothers you, just stand back quietly and watch, because when you do that it's really amusing. I usually don't get much involved now, I just sit back and giggle because with a few simple words, these people arguing are Mr. Bill, getting kicked in the head repeatedly but going back for more, sometimes thinking they're having fun, not realizing they're getting smooshed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiGCD2Z0w9s
Watch that video, it is THE perfect mirror image in so many ways.

 

[JustChristian]

"Politics" and "Police" are the same word. A governor's "policy" is about when the State will use its overwhelming force to coerce it's citizens. Politics brings out the worst, but also the best. As Thomas Jefferson said, the tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.

I don't think he was talking about saying someone is a non-Christian because they don't vote for "God's Party." Patriots fight for freedom not political parties.

 

[ray Marshall]

"Politics" and "Police" are the same word. A governor's "policy" is about when the State will use its overwhelming force to coerce it's citizens. Politics brings out the worst, but also the best. As Thomas Jefferson said, the tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.

I, myself do not like people that are all for their party. If someone does good or bad, they should be recognized for what they have done. I believe both or even third partys are liable for whatever they do regardless of what political party you aheard to. The truth hurts people who are set in their ways regarding their party choice. That is why I don't like to do politicing on this bb. If they leave a scar in their history, then it should be discussed in an adult way. Let the chips fall if it is a historic fact.

 

[matt wade]

Politics isnt for the thin-skinned. Go to another forum if you cant take the heat. I love it!!:love2:

You love the name calling and personal attacks? Maybe this whole web site isn't for you then?

 

[Bro. Curtis]

I like the challenges, and I like the nastiness. Iron sharpens iron. As I remember, some of the N/T saints weren't all that nice to each other......

I agree with PS104, this forum ain't for the whiners.

 

[matt wade]

I like the challenges, and I like the nastiness. Iron sharpens iron. As I remember, some of the N/T saints weren't all that nice to each other......

I agree with PS104, this forum ain't for the whiners.

Yes, you'll have to excuse me that I thought this forum was for Christians. When I find people saying they actually enjoy the nastiness (defined as "A desire to harm others or to see others suffer"), I begin to wonder if the forum really is for Christians.

Like I said before, I'm all for debate. I enjoy debating on a variety of topics, including politics. I just thought as Christians we would try and be above name calling and personal attacks. I never for the life of me thought that any Christian would say that actually enjoy those things.

 

[Gina B]

Yes, you'll have to excuse me that I thought this forum was for Christians. When I find people saying they actually enjoy the nastiness (defined as "A desire to harm others or to see others suffer"), I begin to wonder if the forum really is for Christians.

Like I said before, I'm all for debate. I enjoy debating on a variety of topics, including politics. I just thought as Christians we would try and be above name calling and personal attacks. I never for the life of me thought that any Christian would say that actually enjoy those things.

Matt, I understand what you're saying.

There IS a difference between a spirited debate, using a bit of teasing or a well-placed poke to make a point, and what we see happen more often...just plain meanness.

No, that shouldn't happen in an ideal world, but you know what? It does. At least this is a controlled environment. I've been on other boards where the believers get much nastier, much more cruel because there is less moderation.

So you're right. It's not how it SHOULD be. We'd all do well to remember that when we talk, to always follows the ideal of not saying anything unless it is for the benefit of others.
On the otherhand, have you ever considered that maybe it benefits some people to be told they are being morons? :laugh:

 

[just-want-peace]

Why is it that politics brings out the worst in people?

Speaking only for myself, but I do get my dander up when I am robbed and can't do squat about it simply because it's LEGAL!

(At least in the OLD WEST, you had the option of resisting or caving; now there's no way to resist effectively!)

I remember many years ago I commented that "--just because it's legal don't mean it's right; after all that bunch in DC could make murder legal!"

So now, guess what - they've done just that!!!!!

 

[Bro. Curtis]

Yes, you'll have to excuse me that I thought this forum was for Christians. When I find people saying they actually enjoy the nastiness (defined as "A desire to harm others or to see others suffer"), I begin to wonder if the forum really is for Christians.

Like I said before, I'm all for debate. I enjoy debating on a variety of topics, including politics. I just thought as Christians we would try and be above name calling and personal attacks. I never for the life of me thought that any Christian would say that actually enjoy those things.

Four times in your post you brought up the word "Christian". We've all seen this before. Someone complains about name calling, and beats us over the head with Christ.

Doubting my faith is more offensive to me than calling me a nasty name. Any day.

I sure am glad my salvation doesn't run thru you.

Like it's been said, if you don't like us, don't play with us.

 

[matt wade]

Four times in your post you brought up the word "Christian". We've all seen this before. Someone complains about name calling, and beats us over the head with Christ.

Sorry to bring up the word Christian. I didn't realize it was an offensive term.

Doubting my faith is more offensive to me than calling me a nasty name. Any day.

I sure am glad my salvation doesn't run thru you.

Like it's been said, if you don't like us, don't play with us.

I love you as a brother in Christ.

Since you "like the nastiness", can you at least tell me why name calling and personal attacks are OK when politics are involved? Are these acceptable ways to act when politics are not involved?

 

[dragonfly]

Yes, you'll have to excuse me that I thought this forum was for Christians. When I find people saying they actually enjoy the nastiness (defined as "A desire to harm others or to see others suffer"), I begin to wonder if the forum really is for Christians.

Like I said before, I'm all for debate. I enjoy debating on a variety of topics, including politics. I just thought as Christians we would try and be above name calling and personal attacks. I never for the life of me thought that any Christian would say that actually enjoy those things.

The problem is Curtis can dish it out, but he cannot take it. If you get him angry
He lashes out.

 

[steaver]

Why is it that politics brings out the worst in people? Christians that normally treat each other with respect suddenly have no issues with name calling and personal attacks once politics are involved.

There should not be any name calling or personal attacks between Christians. It happens, but it should be called out by each other and appologies made. We have moderators, but we as Christians should be able to moderate ourselves.

:jesus:

 

[Bro. Curtis]

I don't see it as offensive. Sorry. I had a drill instructor yell things in my face, whilst spit flew from his mouth, and heard truly offensive words directed at my mother. At a very high volume, mind you.

So iguess there's Baptist Board tough, and navy Boot-Camp circa late '70's tough.

The names simply do not bother me. I find some of them even funny.

But I really don't think that's a reason to claim a closer relationship with Christ, or tell me I'm acticg in an unChristian manner.

 

[steaver]

AresMan; I am just sick of Christians trying to put me on a guilt trip as if I am not right with God unless I compromise my Christian beliefs to mortgage my soul to one political party regardless of their positions on certain issues.

Brother, you shouldn't let other's views of you upset you. As long as you are following God's word in your life and in your decisions you should feel just fine with yourself. Try to help those who are not following God's word see the error of their way in a polite and biblical way.

God Bless! :wavey:

 

[matt wade]

I don't see it as offensive. Sorry. I had a drill instructor yell things in my face, whilst spit flew from his mouth, and heard truly offensive words directed at my mother. At a very high volume, mind you.

So iguess there's Baptist Board tough, and navy Boot-Camp circa late '70's tough.

The names simply do not bother me. I find some of them even funny.

But I really don't think that's a reason to claim a closer relationship with Christ, or tell me I'm acticg in an unChristian manner.

I'm sorry you went through what your drill instructor put you through. I honestly don't see the value in someone screaming and berating you, but that's a topic for another thread .

Just because one has become conditioned to name calling and personal attacks, doesn't make it right.

I don't claim to have a closer relationship with Christ than anyone else. I try my best to walk with Him and I can't judge you and your walk. When I started this thread, I didn't call out any names or point any fingers at particular people. I even stated that I am guilty of the same thing.

My whole point is that we should be able to debate as Christians (sorry to use that word again). I don't think I'm alone in this. The rules of this forum even state, "Unbelievers visit this site as well and when they see anger toward others in the Body of Christ they immediately pass a bad judgment on us as a whole. Please be sensitive to this issue."