What Do Christians Want?

[Madeline]

I'm a bit baffled by the general tone of some posts on here regarding the wants and needs of christians as to their communities. I get the very uneasy feeling that what some want is a world in which non-christians have no power, no voice, and no visibility.

Some seem angered at the idea that the US Constitution provides for a separation of church and state, insisting that the Founders could not have ever wanted any religion other than christianity to have an impact on public life here. Others seem to feel that non-christians should not be permitted to erect their houses of worship just any old place. Then there are complaints that some public figures may be less than fully christian, or that the occasional non-christian slips by and is elevated to high office.

I'm just curious. Do christians really want or need a country in which no one else's religious or spiritual lives are respected?

 

[elvis]

to go to heaven.

 

[Madeline]

And I hope, for their sakes, they all get that elvis. But I kinda sorta meant before they die.

 

[Sky Dancer]

I'm a bit baffled by the general tone of some posts on here regarding the wants and needs of christians as to their communities. I get the very uneasy feeling that what some want is a world in which non-christians have no power, no voice, and no visibility.

Some seem angered at the idea that the US Constitution provides for a separation of church and state, insisting that the Founders could not have ever wanted any religion other than christianity to have an impact on public life here. Others seem to feel that non-christians should not be permitted to erect their houses of worship just any old place. Then there are complaints that some public figures may be less than fully christian, or that the occasional non-christian slips by and is elevated to high office.

I'm just curious. Do christians really want or need a country in which no one else's religious or spiritual lives are respected?

I don't know what Christians want. Ask me what this one Buddhist wants.

 

[kwc57]

You are talking about politicially active, vocal, social conservative Republican Christians. The Southern Baptist Convention alone has something like 13 million members. Each one is an individual with their own thoughts. Add in all the other denominations out there along with Catholics and you can't really lump Christians into one common thought group.

 

[Sky Dancer]

I hope what they want is to live in peace.

 

[Immanuel]

I'm a bit baffled by the general tone of some posts on here regarding the wants and needs of christians as to their communities. I get the very uneasy feeling that what some want is a world in which non-christians have no power, no voice, and no visibility.

Some seem angered at the idea that the US Constitution provides for a separation of church and state, insisting that the Founders could not have ever wanted any religion other than christianity to have an impact on public life here. Others seem to feel that non-christians should not be permitted to erect their houses of worship just any old place. Then there are complaints that some public figures may be less than fully christian, or that the occasional non-christian slips by and is elevated to high office.

I'm just curious. Do christians really want or need a country in which no one else's religious or spiritual lives are respected?

The last thing in the world that I, as a Christian want, is the government being involved in religion at all. I don't even care if the government adopted my own faith all the way down to the denomination I belong to. No matter what, if the government gets directly involved in religion it is a major problem.

I don't have a problem with allowing religious decorations on public property as long as it is done equitably.

What do I want? The opportunity to have my say. The opportunity to freely discuss my faith if I so choose and to learn about Sky Dancer's faith as well. I want the same rights that you have. I want freedom... the freedom to be who I am.

Immie

 

[Immanuel]

I hope what they want is to live in peace.

That too!

Immie

 

[PLYMCO_PILGRIM]

I dont know what all these different religions feel they are entitled to based on the fact that they have a religion.

Me personally I just want everyone to treat their fellow humans with compassion and respect.

Im a non religious man of faith in god and karma

 

[kwc57]

Madeline,

Her is an excerpt from the Baptist Faith and Message which is a statement of faith of sorts by the Southern Baptists. These excerpts deal with what they believe a Christians responsibility in in society and the scriptures they base it on.

The Baptist Faith & Message

XV. The Christian and the Social Order

All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.

Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy 10:12; 27:17; Psalm 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 8:16; Matthew 5:13-16,43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff.; 10:21; Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25; John 15:12; 17:15; Romans 12–14; 1Corinthians 5:9-10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8.


XVI. Peace and War

It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war.

The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9,38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36,38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1-2.


XVII. Religious Liberty

God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.

Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7,24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1,13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.

 

[Sky Dancer]

This whole topic makes me feel sad.

 

[Immanuel]

This whole topic makes me feel sad.

Why?

If we can come to know and understand each other a little better, why does that make you sad?

Immie

 

[Madeline]

Me too, Sky Dancer. Sometimes I feel as if many christians would be happier if me and mine did not live here, or exist at all. It can be very sorrowful. I'm not sure they understand all the pain they sometimes cause.

 

[Sky Dancer]

This whole topic makes me feel sad.

Why?

If we can come to know and understand each other a little better, why does that make you sad?

Immie

That's very sweet Immie. I've been discussing separation of church and state, whether the US is a secular government or a Christian state, the rise of domionism and theocracy movements, mega churches organizing to oppose civil marriage equality and whether Christianity is a superior religion to Islam or not.

What I've decided to do is stick to Buddhism and let Christians figure out what they're about.

It's more important to me to live in peace than argue.

 

[Immanuel]

This whole topic makes me feel sad.

Why?

If we can come to know and understand each other a little better, why does that make you sad?

Immie

That's very sweet Immie. I've been discussing separation of church and state, whether the US is a secular government or a Christian state, the rise of domionism and theocracy movements, mega churches organizing to oppose civil marriage equality and whether Christianity is a superior religion to Islam or not.

What I've decided to do is stick to Buddhism and let Christians figure out what they're about.

It's more important to me to live in peace than argue.

Arguing when defined as discussing matters of opinion is not a bad thing so long as the argument remains a discussion, when it deteriorates into hatefulness, it becomes a problem.

Immie

 

[Sky Dancer]

Why?

If we can come to know and understand each other a little better, why does that make you sad?

Immie

That's very sweet Immie. I've been discussing separation of church and state, whether the US is a secular government or a Christian state, the rise of domionism and theocracy movements, mega churches organizing to oppose civil marriage equality and whether Christianity is a superior religion to Islam or not.

What I've decided to do is stick to Buddhism and let Christians figure out what they're about.

It's more important to me to live in peace than argue.

Arguing when defined as discussing matters of opinion is not a bad thing so long as the argument remains a discussion, when it deteriorates into hatefulness, it becomes a problem.

Immie

There are folks I can talk to and folks I can't talk to.

 

[Mr Natural]

I'm a firm believer in the 11th Commandment:

11. Thou shalt keep thy religion to thyself.

 

[Immanuel]

That's very sweet Immie. I've been discussing separation of church and state, whether the US is a secular government or a Christian state, the rise of domionism and theocracy movements, mega churches organizing to oppose civil marriage equality and whether Christianity is a superior religion to Islam or not.

What I've decided to do is stick to Buddhism and let Christians figure out what they're about.

It's more important to me to live in peace than argue.

Arguing when defined as discussing matters of opinion is not a bad thing so long as the argument remains a discussion, when it deteriorates into hatefulness, it becomes a problem.

Immie

There are folks I can talk to and folks I can't talk to.

Ditto and there are also people that I can talk to at certain times and that at other times, just plain bring out the worst in me.

Immie

 

[Immanuel]

I'm a firm believer in the 11th Commandment:

11. Thou shalt keep thy religion to thyself.

I disagree.

I like to know about other people's beliefs. I am not offended by discussing it with them.

However, I would agree with it like this:

11. Thou shalt not attempt to force your religion on anyone else.

Immie

 

[Sky Dancer]

I'm a firm believer in the 11th Commandment:

11. Thou shalt keep thy religion to thyself.

Then what are doing on a religion and ethics forum?