There has been a trend on this website to cite the bible when arguing your political views. I feel that using religious arguments in the political arena is inappropriate, and I have been able to separate my Christian morals from my political opinions. I have noticed that many of the verses which people are mentioning are being used incorrectly, and usually the context of the verse is adjusted to fit the meaning that the author wants.
Again, I feel that using religious teachings for the basis of political opinions is wrong, as we do have a separation of church and state. You can argue all you want that the
United States is a Christian nation, but just look to the first amendment and I don’t understand how you can believe that. But that is beside the point. Many conservatives use the Bible to justify their feelings toward homosexuality and abortion, but they ignore the teachings of Christ on one very important issue: welfare.
The general consensus in the conservative mindset is that welfare is exploited by the unemployed as a means to continue their laziness and an excuse to remain jobless. Jesus teaches, however, that it is our duty as Christians to give up our wealth and give to the poor.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8
If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.
Matthew 19:21
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaver. Then come, follow me.”
Again, I do not use the bible in my arguments, but if you insist on using it, how can you ignore verses like these? Many of the people on this site argue that abortion is bad because God says so. Homosexuality is bad because God says so. Premarital sex is bad because God says so. But welfare, universal healthcare, and taxes are bad because….maybe you just don’t want to give up some of your money. Maybe you should see what God has to say on all issues before picking and choosing what you want out of the Bible.
Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the
kingdom of
God.
- Matthew 19:24
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Its funny that you cited the Bible in your argument against citing the Bible for political arguments. I agree the Bible should stay out of non-religious arguments. Its complete bullshit to cite to Bible to make it seem as if "God is on your side" of the issue.
The point is, I don't agree with using the Bible in political arguments, but if people are, they can't pick and choose what they want to use. This is just saying that they ignore some points in the Bible while using others, all to fit what they want to say. Normally I wouldn't use it, but I just had to point out something that many people are missing.
I whole heartedly agree with you. Keeping religion out of discussion saves people the agonizing argument of whether God exists and whether He has a say in politics or world opinion. You write well and I understand your viewpoint, don't let Daimler get you down. = )
P Rizer
I agree that the rich have a mandate to help the poor. Even more so, I believe it is EVERYBODY'S responsibility to help the poor (including the poor people helping themselves). Many people do not want to be "burdened" by the circumstances of the less fortunate, but I am not one of these people. We are only as strong as our weakest link. The fact that people can spend inordinate amounts of money on clothes, shoes, parties, and cars while their fellow man dies of hunger is incomprehensible. I know I cannot save the world, but I think it helps to share whatever I have.
On the issue of quoting scriptures and the like, not everyone believes in God or the validity of the Bible. Although I am a Christian and I believe in both, I do find it useless to justify a point with references that not everyone sees as being valid. Yes, the Bible definitely affects my political and social views and opinions, but I would not tell a rich atheist that God said to give your money to the poor. :)