How Are You Different?

[IntoTheCrimsonSky]

HI Everyone,

I figured that a good question to start off while I'm feeling my way around here would be this:

How are you, as a conservative Christian, different from others? What do you consider to be a big part of why you call yourself a CC? :) Do you find it hard in today's very liberal world..?

Blessings and Love,
Sarah

[Criada]

I am not necessarily typical of the membership here, but I'll give you my take on it.
As far as I am concerned, it comes down to accepting what the Bible says, and trying to live according to that, without compromising to fit in with the world around us.

However, I am English, and I think the US view is a little different... as I am sure some people will explain.

Hope that helps a little.
:)

[IntoTheCrimsonSky]

I am not necessarily typical of the membership here, but I'll give you my take on it.
As far as I am concerned, it comes down to accepting what the Bible says, and trying to live according to that, without compromising to fit in with the world around us.

However, I am English, and I think the US view is a little different... as I am sure some people will explain.

Hope that helps a little.
:)
Thanks for the responce. :) I completely agree with what you said.

Interested to see what others feel.

[Sunrise78]

As far as I am concerned, it comes down to accepting what the Bible says, and trying to live according to that, without compromising to fit in with the world around us.

I would definitely agree with that.

I think in the US the word "conservative" has more of a political connotation. I'm not sure if this is the same in the UK?

[BAFRIEND]

Being a conservative Christian to me means placing PC and popularity second place to concern over salvation and scandal.

There is not a god- It is THE GOD. He is the Lord over us all and He has rules.

[edb19]

I'm with Bafriend - I look at it as recognizing God as God, recognizing that His word is truth (and that truth is absolute - no gray areas).

God is sovereign over His creation

[Izdaari]

I don't look upon being a conservative Christian as setting me apart. I just follow Christ, and I seem to fit the description of a conservative. But even though I'm an American, I would say I'm conservative in the English style, taking after the Christian writer who influenced me most, C.S. Lewis. And I'm a theological conservative only, not a social conservative or political conservative. Not being all three, as so many here are, I often fit better in the Moderate forum.

Is it hard fitting into today's world? Yes, as hard as it for any Christian, considering how much the secular progressives set the agenda and control the culture. Social moderate and political libertarian that I am, I'm still not one of them.

[Ishida]

I'm an extremely introverted left handed asexual gamer who is also a theologically conservative Christian with a distaste for sports.. I have a lot more if you want it. Hard in this liberal world, yeah, people get mad because you believe in a truth, and that it is a high truth, and also it's human to generalize, so often I'm put in with groups of people who I have no idea who they are or what they do. Not so much liberals either, just..the world. (Oh the hypocrisy..)

[IntoTheCrimsonSky]

Thanks for the responces, everyone. :) I can actually relate a lot to you. I find when it does come to politics and such, though, I'm often split. Agreeing with certain liberal concepts and certain conservative ones. Overall, though, I have a feeling I fit in here pretty nicely. ;)

[SolomonVII]

I am conservative in the sense that I understand the principles of the Christian tradition as being the fundamentally sound foundaton for building a society upon and a future world upon.

To the extent that Christ's agenda is intself radical and liberating in its effects upon society, the irony is that being a conservative in Christ teaching leads to radical results, with the ways of the world constantly being turned on their head. With the kingdoms of this world being transformed into the Kingdom of God through following Christ teachings, the effect is revolutionary.

Additionally, my conservatism is a question of understanding Christ to have been building his church for the past two thousand years and placing myself within that tradition that really stretches back from the time of the Adam and Eve and the fall.

This is opposed to some progressive thought which sees the foundations of society, including the Judeo-Christian morality and religious foundations as being fundamentally flawed, or archaic in need of revolutionary change. Without Christ at the center of change, the danger of this approach is cynicism turning into nihilistic disbelief in anything at all.

It is also different from some other conservatives who see Christ and our societies as being fundamentally incompatible with each other.
to the extent though, that even these conservative Christians accept the teachings of Christ even just for the sake of belief in Christ, in effect we are on the same side of most debates.

[WarriorAngel]

It is not hard per say on myself, because no matter what happens, I am still going to keep trying to work out my own salvation with trembling.

Yet it does make me sad to see things that occur in this world. [extreme liberalism]

:crossrc: I keep thinking, so many souls, so many cannot see.
Lord have mercy on us all.

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

HI Everyone,

I figured that a good question to start off while I'm feeling my way around here would be this:

How are you, as a conservative Christian, different from others? What do you consider to be a big part of why you call yourself a CC? :) Do you find it hard in today's very liberal world..?

Blessings and Love,
Sarah

I think terms like conservative, moderate and liberal are needless and divisive really. "Conservative" typifies structured spirituality that comes at the expense of seeming piousness that separates your spirituality and faith from others- while liberal suggests a universal and inclusive spirituality that has no real principles. Afterall, the very question of this topic is how are you different from others as a conservative.

[rmw8855]

I am not necessarily typical of the membership here, but I'll give you my take on it.
As far as I am concerned, it comes down to accepting what the Bible says, and trying to live according to that, without compromising to fit in with the world around us.

:)

I look at it as recognizing God as God, recognizing that His word is truth (and that truth is absolute - no gray areas).

God is sovereign over His creation

I agree with you both. :thumbsup: God's word is truth :clap:

I don't find it hard per se. It is harder to be a political conservative in my family than a religious one ^_^ . Thank God I live in a country where I am free to express my faith without fear.

[rmw8855]

Thanks for the responces, everyone. :) I can actually relate a lot to you. I find when it does come to politics and such, though, I'm often split. Agreeing with certain liberal concepts and certain conservative ones. Overall, though, I have a feeling I fit in here pretty nicely. ;)

Welcome to CC :hug:

[JPPT1974]

It's hard but you got to
Accept the world for who and
What it is as you can't change the world.
Only God can do that.

[WannaWitness]

I am conservative when it comes to theology and Biblical principles although rather moderate politically. In fact, I'm a bit disappointed in politics as a whole (disregarding party), so I sometimes wonder whether I really belong here.

[ReformedChapin]

I am conservative when it comes to theology and Biblical principles although rather moderate politically. In fact, I'm a bit disappointed in politics as a whole (disregarding party), so I sometimes wonder whether I really belong here.
this is a theologically conservative forum

[Criada]

I am conservative when it comes to theology and Biblical principles although rather moderate politically. In fact, I'm a bit disappointed in politics as a whole (disregarding party), so I sometimes wonder whether I really belong here.
You are very welcome here.... and this forum has nothing to do with politics, the term conservative is used purely theologically!
:hug:

[Anglian]

An interesting question, with many interesting answers.

My own Oriental Orthodox tradition is a conservative one. By that we mean that we hold to that which we inherited from our forefathers. We have not adapted it because it is the Faith once received and needs no adaptation. We know we are strangers in this world. Christ's message to this world was one of repentance and amendment of life, and a call to walk in His way; it was not a negotiation with this world on how best to adapt His message to our own sinful ways. He came to change us; it is our sin that makes us wish to change that message when it makes us uncomfortable.

Western society is, at the moment, in thrall to moral and other forms of relativism. This can make the Christian message seem unpalatable; but the sinner never likes to be told he or she is sinning.

But as Christians we are told to love our enemies, and to love the sinner even as we hate the sin. It sometimes seems as though Western Christianity gets hung up on Judgement; the Oriental Orthodox tradition emphasises more the process of theosis in this life and our spiritual development by making our will obedient to His.

Is that conservative or liberal - or just Christian?

In peace,

Anglian

[Izdaari]

But as Christians we are told to love our enemies, and to love the sinner even as we hate the sin. It sometimes seems as though Western Christianity gets hung up on Judgement; the Oriental Orthodox tradition emphasises more the process of theosis in this life and our spiritual development by making our will obedient to His.

Is that conservative or liberal - or just Christian?
I would say it's mature Christian, as in my observation that description fits the wisest liberal, moderate and conservative Christians.

[Anglian]

I would say it's mature Christian, as in my observation that description fits the wisest liberal, moderate and conservative Christians.
Dear Izdaari,

Thank you for the kind and honest response.

For a Faith founded upon repentance and humility and love it is odd that so many of its adherents seem to have problems with two of this trio.

It sometimes seems as though there is a strain of the old Manichean heresy (the one which believed that matter and the material world were bad and only the spiritual things were good) in modern Christian belief.

Of course one can look at this world and its works and despair, and the Scriptures certainly counsel us against getting too attached to it and its material goods; but it is still God's world and we are still His children, and in it there is much that is good and beautiful - and everyone of us can be redeemed if we will let Him into our lives.

What is sad is the number of times one comes across people who have been turned away from the Faith by the narrow and judgemental way some of us seem to have behaved in their eyes. He came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief, and I stand in such awe of that gift, of which I know I am not worthy, that all I want is for others to come to Him and to know His love and forgiveness.

In Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile - nor, I hope, Conservative nor Liberal.

In peace,

Anglian

[Simon_Templar]

I define myself as conservative because I hold the traditional beliefs and values of the Faith and of my culture.

I don't find it hard to be conservative per say, in todays world... more depressing and disappointing because I can see how far we have fallen as a people and as a society. Not just in terms of religion but in terms of culture, education, everything.

The more society slides into "liberalism" the more stark the contrast becomes. It is a sometimes startling phenomenon when out in "daily life" you happen upon conversations on politics and the like and find that the "common" "average" people among your peers essentially believe your view point to be extremist, and unreasonable. Especially when in truth, they have nothing but a charicature vision of what your view is.

[Nadiine]

I thought this was a good [old] thread --

I'm conservative politically and theologically.

I do wonder how one can be theologically conservative, yet politically Liberal? :scratch:
How can one 'separate' their faith from their political views?

Can someone plz. explain that?

[GQ Chris]

I thought this was a good [old] thread --

I'm conservative politically and theologically.

I do wonder how one can be theologically conservative, yet politically Liberal? :scratch:
How can one 'separate' their faith from their political views?

Can someone plz. explain that?


I am theologically and politically Conservative as well.



That's a fairly easy one to explain, because they choose to.

[Nadiine]

I am theologically and politically Conservative as well.



That's a fairly easy one to explain, because they choose to.
But... if you actually BELIEVE the conservative moral views, how do you vote in a person who's party opposes & fights the conservative morals?

This is what I don't get. :confused::confused:

I view it as a compromise or contradiction to what is believed, am I wrong?

[GQ Chris]

But... if you actually BELIEVE the conservative moral views, how do you vote in a person who's party opposes & fights the conservative morals?

This is what I don't get. :confused::confused:

I view it as a compromise or contradiction to what is believed, am I wrong?

No, you're not wrong. I just have to refer back to what Michael Savage says about liberalism.

[MrJim]

How am I "different"?

I haven't voted since Reagan 84 and don't plan to this one. It's not apathy but rather a trust in God's sovereignty...so that's a way that I'm different.

Many many Christians have come to understand the corrupt deviant nature of the US government~and many, like myself, think it's well past the point of no return. Some however think there is still hope so they try to work the side that they think is the most Godly direction. So sides are chosen, each thinking the other is wrong (ranging from "mistaken" to "you can't be a Christian and vote like that"), and so more division is fomented within the body, much to excitement of some, believing division is a good thing. Then the measure of spirituality becomes how much more "correct" one is over the other simply in choosing some politician that is in the process of saying and doing about anything to get elected and whether you have a D or R is the true measure of faith.

[Izdaari]

But... if you actually BELIEVE the conservative moral views, how do you vote in a person who's party opposes & fights the conservative morals?

This is what I don't get. :confused::confused:

I view it as a compromise or contradiction to what is believed, am I wrong?
That's a dilemma I'm used to but from a slightly different perspective: As a Goldwater conservative (aka hawkish libertarian aka neolibertarian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neolibertarianism)), I almost always have to vote for someone who disagrees with me on a major portion of my worldview or not vote at all. The last major party nominee I completely agreed with was Goldwater, and he ran when I was 10 years old.

If I vote for a conservative Republican, he'll be much more socially conservative than me, and probably into the Republican version of big government, which I loathe only slightly less than the Democratic version. But we'll mostly agree on foreign policy.

If I vote for a liberal Democrat, he'll have a UN-centric "surrender monkey" foreign policy, probably be into gun control, and tend toward European-style democratic socialism. Since lib Dems are opposite to me on most things, it's rare I'd vote for one.

If a Libertarian is running, he'll have a utopian isolationist foreign policy, but we'll agree on most everything else. Except for foreign policy, Ron Paul is nearly a perfect match for me on the issues. The problem is I care a lot about foreign policy.

So if I won't compromise my principles, I don't get to vote at all... and not voting is against my principles too. :scratch:

[Izdaari]

How am I "different"?

I haven't voted since Reagan 84 and don't plan to this one. It's not apathy but rather a trust in God's sovereignty...so that's a way that I'm different.

Many many Christians have come to understand the corrupt deviant nature of the US government~and many, like myself, think it's well past the point of no return. Some however think there is still hope so they try to work the side that they think is the most Godly direction. So sides are chosen, each thinking the other is wrong (ranging from "mistaken" to "you can't be a Christian and vote like that"), and so more division is fomented within the body, much to excitement of some, believing division is a good thing. Then the measure of spirituality becomes how much more "correct" one is over the other simply in choosing some politician that is in the process of saying and doing about anything to get elected and whether you have a D or R is the true measure of faith.I mostly agree with you, MrJim. I don't think Christians as a body should even try to agree on a candidate for the exact reasons you cite, and if I never hear a word about politics from the pulpit, that's the way I like it. The difference is I'm willing to vote for the lesser evil. The choices may be lousy, but I'm able to reach a consensus on it with myself. But if my church (and I just mean my local congregation) tried to agree on a candidate? It'd never happen, we're politically too diverse, and it would split us. Not worth it!

[GQ Chris]

how I'm different? I'm in the world, but not "of this world" and I am also Out of this World.

[MrJim]

how I'm different? I'm in the world, but not "of this world" and I am also Out of this World.http://bestsmileys.com/aliens/7.gif

[Izdaari]

I thought this was a good [old] thread --

I'm conservative politically and theologically.

I do wonder how one can be theologically conservative, yet politically Liberal? :scratch:
How can one 'separate' their faith from their political views?

Can someone plz. explain that?

Ask Tony Campolo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Campolo) or Jim Wallis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Wallis). They're both theological conservatives but political liberals. (I'm not personally familiar with Wallis' work, but I like Campolo's.)

For myself, I'm theologically conservative (mostly) and libertarian (except for foreign policy, where I'm usually in agreement with conservative Republicans). I think that lines up fairly well with God's will. God wants us to be moral, but there's virtue in it only if it's freely chosen, not coerced. And the same goes for charitable giving: it's right to do it, but it isn't right to force others to do it.

[GQ Chris]

http://bestsmileys.com/aliens/7.gif

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2224/2445879929_d7746bd8c4.jpg

[MrJim]

Ask Tony Campolo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Campolo) or Jim Wallis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Wallis). They're both theological conservatives but political liberals. (I'm not personally familiar with Wallis' work, but I like Campolo's.)

For myself, I'm theologically conservative (mostly) and libertarian (except for foreign policy, where I'm usually in agreement with conservative Republicans). I think that lines up fairly well with God's will. God wants us to be moral, but there's virtue in it only if it's freely chosen, not coerced. And the same goes for charitable giving: it's right to do it, but it isn't right to force others to do it.

Campolo:doh: he was involved in a heresy trial IIRC...as long as those guys support abortionists they are suspect..

[Izdaari]

Campolo:doh: he was involved in a heresy trial IIRC...as long as those guys support abortionists they are suspect..Aye, and the panel, led by J.I. Packer, found him "methodically naive and verbally incautious" but not heretical. That's from the link in my post. I don't agree with Campolo on politics, but from his writings, he seems like a very solid Christian to me.

Note also (from the same link) that "...Campolo has also criticized the more liberal mainline (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainline_%28Protestant%29) Christian denominations because ""they fail to emphasize a personal, transforming relationship with Jesus Christ."" I think we'd all agree with him on that.

[WannaWitness]

I knew a very Godly Pentecostal lady (she went on to be with the Lord a few years ago) -- very moral with strong personal convictions. She was very straightforward Biblically. She stuck to the King James Bible, always wore dresses, and didn't even believe in playing cards. This made her ultra-conservative theologically. And I remember her telling me she was a Democrat (therefore politically "liberal").

Here's an interesting link -- http://www.drurywriting.com/keith/democ.htm

I don't agree completely with everything in the above article, but I think this might, as a whole, explain why one might be "conservative" theologically, yet "moderate" or "liberal" politically. (I don't want to debate; I'm just simply providing a little food for thought to look at and take it as you wish).

As for myself, I simply don't think there is a "Christian" party. I think politics have a lack of morals no matter what the party is, and there isn't a politician around who's completely lily-white. What I do believe, however, is that all politicians need our prayers.

[Nadiine]

I knew a very Godly Pentecostal lady (she went on to be with the Lord a few years ago) -- very moral with strong personal convictions. She was very straightforward Biblically. She stuck to the King James Bible, always wore dresses, and didn't even believe in playing cards. This made her ultra-conservative theologically. And I remember her telling me she was a Democrat (therefore politically "liberal").

Here's an interesting link -- http://www.drurywriting.com/keith/democ.htm

I don't agree completely with everything in the above article, but I think this might, as a whole, explain why one might be "conservative" theologically, yet "moderate" or "liberal" politically. (I don't want to debate; I'm just simply providing a little food for thought to look at and take it as you wish).
thank you for the link, I'll read it when I get more time later today.

thanks for dropping that by
:wave:

[MrJim]

There is an old-school democrat that is quite conservative~dems today are generally identified with RoevWade but that's just from the early 70/s...fair amount of Blue Dogs out there..

[little_tigress]

i think we've all got our own definitions of conservative. for me if i call myself conservative its referring to my theological beliefs. I adhere to absolute truth and believe in the inerrancy of the Holy Scriptures and the Biblical principles all Christians are called to live out. In the theologically liberal church today thats becoming increasingly rare because hey its just mean to say there's such a thing as absolute truth, thats implying that someone else is wrong! :eek: :P

as for politics i think people rely on that way too much as an indicator of who people are in Christ. I'm not politically conservative but i know i am a daughter of The King and I love His Truth.

[Simon_Templar]

Ask Tony Campolo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Campolo) or Jim Wallis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Wallis). They're both theological conservatives but political liberals. (I'm not personally familiar with Wallis' work, but I like Campolo's.)

For myself, I'm theologically conservative (mostly) and libertarian (except for foreign policy, where I'm usually in agreement with conservative Republicans). I think that lines up fairly well with God's will. God wants us to be moral, but there's virtue in it only if it's freely chosen, not coerced. And the same goes for charitable giving: it's right to do it, but it isn't right to force others to do it.

Actually I consider Campolo to be a flaming liberal theologically as well. Perhaps doctrinally would be a better term than theologically.

[edb19]

As for myself, I simply don't think there is a "Christian" party. I think politics have a lack of morals no matter what the party is, and there isn't a politician around who's completely lily-white. What I do believe, however, is that all politicians need our prayers.

agree totally about there being no "Christian party" - sadly I know both Democrats and Republicans who have said that a person can't be a Christian if they vote whichever the opposite party is (don't know how else to word that, hope it makes sense)

While I know my pastor's political leanings because we've discussed them on occasion, he never talks politics in the pulpit other than to routinely pray for all government officials - from local politicians to the occupant of the White House along with other world leaders

[Nadiine]

I don't believe either party is "Christian"... but one party does tend to have the majority of conservative Christians that find those morals closer to scripture principles from God.

Starting with being anti abortion just for starters - and very importantly.

IF the republican party candidates were all republican and all of them were anti abortion, and put anti abortion judges on the benches, I doubt we'd have mass infanticide going on.

I start there becuz life should be the most important value to a nation; if the infant / life isn't seen as sacred, then I have less hope in other values & standards people hold.

Outside of moral laws, I'd have less of an issue against liberalism - a little less.

[Simon_Templar]

I would not call the republicans a Christian party. There are many many problems with the republican party. The biggest problem with them in my opinion, is that they are too much like the democrats :P

Honestly though.. there was a time when a Christian could in good conscience belong to either party. I think in the last ten years maybe twenty.. the democratic party has become so dominated by radicals that it has become essentially anti-christ.

Don't get me wrong.. I know good people, good christians who are democrats.. but for the most part they believe in a democratic party that no longer exists.

I agree with the Catholic Bishop who recently said that the Democratic party has become the party of death. In addition to that they have become the party of sexual immorality and to a large degree what I would consider anti-freedom. In addition to that, it is a party that is defined by religious pluralism and moral relativism.

Again, there are plenty of immoral and perverted republicans.. but the party platform hasn't made justifying that a part of its agenda.

The irony is that while the agenda of the democratic party on one hand seems tailor made to remove people's ability to run their own lives, on the other hand the areas where it does stress personal freedoms.. its almost always freedom to do evil.

[Nadiine]

Don't get me wrong.. I know good people, good christians who are democrats.. but for the most part they believe in a democratic party that no longer exists.
yep, I've said this for a long time

[WannaWitness]

I personally think a person with true Biblical morals can be of any political party. I just can't make myself believe that all Democrats (and other non-Republican parties) are "immoral" and all Republicans are "moral". The way I see it, there are skeletons in the closets of all of them, regardless of party affiliation.

Just my two cents. :)

[Nadiine]

I personally think a person with true Biblical morals can be of any political party. I just can't make myself believe that all Democrats (and other non-Republican parties) are "immoral" and all Republicans are "moral". The way I see it, there are skeletons in the closets of all of them, regardless of party affiliation.

Just my two cents. :)
I wasn't saying ALL democrats are immoral & repubs. moral.

Many are unsaved in both parties for starters. But there are alot of unsaved conservatives also.

What I was saying is that republicans support more conservative moral values that are more consistent with scripture. I do not at all believe that absent liberalism, that republicans would be pushing for gay rights & gay marriage or abortion

[WannaWitness]

I wasn't saying ALL democrats are immoral & repubs. moral.

Many are unsaved in both parties for starters. But there are alot of unsaved conservatives also.

What I was saying is that republicans support more conservative moral values that are more consistent with scripture. I do not at all believe that absent liberalism, that republicans would be pushing for gay rights & gay marriage or abortion

I see.

[Simon_Templar]

I wasn't saying ALL democrats are immoral & repubs. moral.

Many are unsaved in both parties for starters. But there are alot of unsaved conservatives also.

What I was saying is that republicans support more conservative moral values that are more consistent with scripture. I do not at all believe that absent liberalism, that republicans would be pushing for gay rights & gay marriage or abortion

Right, this is my point as well.. its not that there aren't immoral republicans and moral democrats. There are plenty of each. In fact one of the reasons the republican party has taken such a hit in the last few years is because of scandals due to the gross immorality of some republicans.

What I'm talking about is the platform and agenda of the parties. There may be many good and moral democrats but they apparently don't control the democratic party because the agenda of the party itself is not moral and not good. The democratic party is not catering to its moral members.. it is catering to the radical and in many cases wicked members.

Honestly, for the most part, when I vote republican it is entirely by default. I'm not a big pro-republican guy. I would say that in some ways the republican party's agenda is more moral, simply because it tends to be more traditional.. but the reality is there are plenty of things about the republican party I don't like either. In the end the republican party like any major political group is about power... however, they tend to cater to people who are more moral.

Many Christians do get really hypocritical about this stuff too because they are bandwagon jumpers... like Christians who in the primaries publically vowed that they wouldn't support McCain.. but now are jumping on the bandwagon and basically declaring the McCain Palin ticket to be God's ticket.
I'm going to vote for McCain because I think it is the best option available... but I make no bones about the fact that I don't particularly think he is a good option. I just think he's a little better than the other guy.

[ZiggyShrugged]

HI Everyone,

:wave: Hi there!

I figured that a good question to start off while I'm feeling my way around here would be this:

How are you, as a conservative Christian, different from others?

I think of myself as a conservative Christian because I feel strongly conservative, both fiscally and socially.

What do you consider to be a big part of why you call yourself a CC? :)

The fact that I refuse to compromise my conservative stance just because "the other side" is so bad.

Do you find it hard in today's very liberal world..?

Most especially right now, seeing as how we have a Liberal and a Liberal-Lite to choose from in the upcoming presidential election. The pressure to compromise with evil for the sake of keeping another evil out of the big chair is quite great.

Blessings and Love,
Sarah

Many blessings to you too, Sarah!
Ziggy

[GQ Chris]

I am a Conservative Christian Man; both theologically and politically... BUT... I do not wear pleated Dockers pants. I don't even own pleated pants, I have since thrown them all out. That's how I'm different... GQ.

[Nadiine]

I am a Conservative Christian Man; both theologically and politically... BUT... I do not wear pleated Dockers pants. I don't even own pleated pants, I have since thrown them all out. That's how I'm different... GQ.
(but you DID own a pair!!!)

yer still guilty lol

*tsk tsk*^_^

[Nadiine]

Most especially right now, seeing as how we have a Liberal and a Liberal-Lite to choose from in the upcoming presidential election. The pressure to compromise with evil for the sake of keeping another evil out of the big chair is quite great

Well when you only have 2 options... it isn't compromise - it's all you have to work with.

The man got boo'd at his own stinking rally - I mean......... please.
I heard his comment & couldn't believe he said that!
People keep asking him to take his gloves off - but that isn't who he is.
He doesn't see the other side as "ebil" or dangerous (shows me how far left of center/right he is)

Look, who got him elected as our Candidate in the first place?
I sure didn't. My pick was Fred Thompson, 2nd was Romney - not happy about his religion, but hey, it's all there is to pick from.
Huckabee's voting record looks as liberal as Obama's w/ his overtaxing & spending & welcoming illegal aliens in with a red carpet; which is why I wouldn't vote for him. Christian or not. (who can even trust that these days? We were told Clinton is Christian...& others)

:|

[Nadiine]

to Ziggy -
I just saw your join date, welcome

:wave:

[Ishida]

I wear all black usually(not like a goth, just normal black clothes) and play lots of video games and live in my own dream fantasy world of swords and magic...

[MrJim]

I wear all black usually(not like a goth, just normal black clothes) and play lots of video games and live in my own dream fantasy world of swords and magic...

Sounds like it's time for an intervention ;)

[Ishida]

>_>..

[AnneSally]

HI Everyone,

I figured that a good question to start off while I'm feeling my way around here would be this:

How are you, as a conservative Christian, different from others? What do you consider to be a big part of why you call yourself a CC? :) Do you find it hard in today's very liberal world..?

Blessings and Love,
Sarah



Wow! What a timely question which must have been written especially for yours truly.:P

Firstly, I still don't really understand what a Conservative Christian is. Does that mean a political Christian? Because if it does then I am not one. If it means that one believes in the Bible and takes a more conservative stance on issues such as gay marriage and abortion (which have been politicised) then yes I guess I am.

Secondly, I am not American and in the societies I have lived in religon and politics are very much separate entities, they rarely mix, so it is a very different climate to what you experience in the States.

I am not of the far left so don't fully agree with the ideology in its entirety and when all is said and done I try to keep spiritual truth and this world (such as the political systems and their agendas) separate. I understand that there is a tendancy to merge these concepts in America? (from my outside impression, it certainly seems that way anyway). But I do not believe that they are one and the same, meaning, I don't believe that politics is how the Kingdom of God is being established here on earth.

Commence throwing of rotten tomatoes.:yum:

:P:D

[Nadiine]

Wow! What a timely question which must have been written especially for yours truly.:P

Firstly, I still don't really understand what a Conservative Christian is. Does that mean a political Christian? Because if it does then I am not one. If it means that one believes in the Bible and takes a more conservative stance on issues such as gay marriage and abortion (which have been politicised) then yes I guess I am.

Secondly, I am not American and in the societies I have lived in religon and politics are very much separate entities, they rarely mix, so it is a very different climate to what you experience in the States.

I am not of the far left so don't fully agree with the ideology in its entirety and when all is said and done I try to keep spiritual truth and this world (such as the political systems and their agendas) separate. I understand that there is a tendancy to merge these concepts in America? (from my outside impression, it certainly seems that way anyway). But I do not believe that they are one and the same.

Commence throwing of rotten tomatoes.:yum:

:P:D

http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/scared/scared0012.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net/freesmiley.php?smiley=scared/scared0012.gif)


.

[MrJim]

Wow! What a timely question which must have been written especially for yours truly.:P

Firstly, I still don't really understand what a Conservative Christian is. Does that mean a political Christian? Because if it does then I am not one. If it means that one believes in the Bible and takes a more conservative stance on issues such as gay marriage and abortion (which have been politicised) then yes I guess I am.

Secondly, I am not American and in the societies I have lived in religon and politics are very much separate entities, they rarely mix, so it is a very different climate to what you experience in the States.

I am not of the far left so don't fully agree with the ideology in its entirety and when all is said and done I try to keep spiritual truth and this world (such as the political systems and their agendas) separate. I understand that there is a tendancy to merge these concepts in America? (from my outside impression, it certainly seems that way anyway). But I do not believe that they are one and the same, meaning, I don't believe that politics is how the Kingdom of God is being established here on earth.

Commence throwing of rotten tomatoes.:yum:

:P:D

Here the idea is that you can't separate faith from any aspect of your life though it's mostly a talk idea~folks do it all the time...me included. I watched Iron Man last night; not a program reflecting Christian faith and principles, so there's a case where I compartmentalized my Christian beliefs, boxed 'em up and set them on a shelf till it was over..man I suck..

[AnneSally]

http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/scared/scared0012.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net/freesmiley.php?smiley=scared/scared0012.gif)


.




http://img116.exs.cx/img116/1231/z7shysterical.gif

[Nadiine]

Here the idea is that you can't separate faith from any aspect of your life though it's mostly a talk idea~folks do it all the time...me included. I watched Iron Man last night; not a program reflecting Christian faith and principles, so there's a case where I compartmentalized my Christian beliefs, boxed 'em up and set them on a shelf till it was over..man I suck..
all of us do that tho.

The difference with politics is that oftentimes morality is legislated federally - I can't separate the 2 becuz my Christianity governs my vote where morality is concerned.
It starts with abortion.
I have a hard time voting for a candidate that doesn't value life of a helpless fetus trapped in a mother's body & can't speak for itself yet.

But I have no doubt that in the world we live in today, we're going to be forced compromise in the candidates we're handed.

:sigh:

[AnneSally]

Here the idea is that you can't separate faith from any aspect of your life though it's mostly a talk idea~folks do it all the time...me included. I watched Iron Man last night; not a program reflecting Christian faith and principles, so there's a case where I compartmentalized my Christian beliefs, boxed 'em up and set them on a shelf till it was over..man I suck..


Why do you suck? If you suck I must be seriously sucktitude.^_^

But honestly, I don't see any political system or agenda or ideology here on earth as God's Kingdom. If the Kingdom of God was a matter of human politics passing legislation and laws then Jesus died in vain.

[AnneSally]

I can't separate the 2 becuz my Christianity governs my vote where morality is concerned.
It starts with abortion.
I have a hard time voting for a candidate that doesn't value life of a helpless fetus trapped in a mother's body & can't speak for itself yet.



Ah, now this I understand because I am against abortion. This is where I want it banned and the reason is because of what I believe as a Christian. The problem for me is that whilst I agree with the right on that matter (and maybe some others) I agree with the left on yet other matters.

All becoming a Christian has done for me is to make my life in this present world more difficult and conflicted, politically speaking.

[MrJim]

All becoming a Christian has done for me is to make my life in this present world more difficult and conflicted, politically speaking.

Well then you are on the right track:thumbsup:

[AnneSally]

I have a hard time voting for a candidate that doesn't value life of a helpless fetus trapped in a mother's body & can't speak for itself yet.



Indeed, and I have been in some mighty dust ups on another site because I hate Obama's stance on abortion. But then I agree with the Democrats on other stuff.....this is very difficult for me....if I were an American I'd feel as if I were stuck between a cliff and a hard place.....:sigh:...trapped between this policy and that policy.....:doh:

[MrJim]

all of us do that tho.

Right~that makes me a hypocrite. If I can't be trusted with the small things (such as guarding myself against heathen entertainment) why should I think I would be trusted with bigger things? Devil trips us with spiderwebs; he rarely has to use anything stronger...

[AnneSally]

Well then you are on the right track:thumbsup:


Touche. lol. Thank you.:)

[AnneSally]

Right~that makes me a hypocrite. If I can't be trusted with the small things (such as guarding myself against heathen entertainment) why should I think I would be trusted with bigger things? Devil trips us with spiderwebs; he rarely has to use anything stronger...


But Jesus said that His Kingdom was not of this world. So how do you reconcile that His Kingdom relies on your/our political votes?:confused:

[Nadiine]

Right~that makes me a hypocrite. If I can't be trusted with the small things (such as guarding myself against heathen entertainment) why should I think I would be trusted with bigger things? Devil trips us with spiderwebs; he rarely has to use anything stronger...
technically you're a hypocrite anytime you sin & in a TON of things including worry/anxiety etc.

We all live in this world & if we feel guilty about watching movies or tv or playing games... etc. etc., then we either need to change our lifestyles so we don't live in guilt, or maybe seek the Lord in our Christian liberties & serve Him & love Him and come to some peace about our liberty until God decides to remove it from us.

Back in bible days they didn't have TV & computers & stuff that we get tempted with. It might be more difficult in our times than bible times to live with less worldly stuff?

[MrJim]

But Jesus said that His Kingdom was not of this world. So how do you reconcile that His Kingdom relies on your political vote?:confused:

You're missing my point~~I've not voted since '84..I'm speaking of other things. And while His Kingdom is not OF this world it certainly is here :clap:

Lk 17:20 –Lk 17:21 KJV
And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

[AnneSally]

You're missing my point~~I've not voted since '84..I'm speaking of other things.


Oh sorry.:sorry:

[AnneSally]

And while His Kingdom is not OF this world it certainly is here :clap:

Lk 17:20 –Lk 17:21 KJV
And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.



EXACTLY!! It is here, within us.

[MrJim]

EXACTLY!! It is here, within us.

So many folks take that as unction for transformed people to transform society. Therein is where the breakdown happens-and in America often it's seen as politics being the vehicle. As Nadiine said gov't can make unGodly laws [like abortion], so that's one target. Others see gov't as a way to ease suffering of its citizens [often the "liberal" approach] so they want to see the gov't spend money more towards that end.

I think in many ways both miss the bigger picture and more could be accomplished without looking toward gov't as the vehicle...

[AnneSally]

So many folks take that as unction for transformed people to transform society. Therein is where the breakdown happens-and in America often it's seen as politics being the vehicle. As Nadiine said gov't can make unGodly laws [like abortion], so that's one target. Others see gov't as a way to ease suffering of its citizens [often the "liberal" approach] so they want to see the gov't spend money more towards that end.

I think in many ways both miss the bigger picture and more could be accomplished without looking toward gov't as the vehicle...


I don't put my faith in politics or the govt. The Bible does say to respect and fear the rulers and authrorities out of respect for Him because it is His minister. I try to do that but I'm not always very good at it. I sometimes disagree with the government and want to rail against it. How can that be good when the Bible says to be in subjection to it for my own good? But at the same time I respect authority....how conflicted....(scratch head)

I have lots of unreconcilable questions about politics and society, so ultimately, I think I agree with you and don't look toward govt as the vehicle for God's Kingdom, but as a secular minister for God in this present world to keep order.

Obviously, I don't think it always reflects His will otherwise this world would be perfect and there would be no abortion, no dictators, no evil.

[Nadiine]

So many folks take that as unction for transformed people to transform society. Therein is where the breakdown happens-and in America often it's seen as politics being the vehicle. As Nadiine said gov't can make unGodly laws [like abortion], so that's one target. Others see gov't as a way to ease suffering of its citizens [often the "liberal" approach] so they want to see the gov't spend money more towards that end.

I think in many ways both miss the bigger picture and more could be accomplished without looking toward gov't as the vehicle...
I disagree tho, we do more than ONE way... politics is ONE way of several.

It's not like I (we) stop witnessing to people, refuse to go to church, give offerings, give to charities or work in ministries to further God's kingdom.

We simply do SEVERAL things, it's not an either/or option. Since politics does govern morality, I'm bound (as a born again believer) to promote the party who is more compliant and in agreement with biblical moral principles - and it sure isn't the liberal party.

Errgo, I do my part in trying to keep a more Christian standard moral into office (who then elects conservative supreme court judges over the land, etc) - AND my part in financial service to the Lord and daily Christian life; living out my faith.
(perfectly? no. but I try)

[Nadiine]

I don't put my faith in politics or the govt.
:amen::amen:I sure don't see how they've earned our faith any...

I feel sorry for people who don't have the Lord to trust in -
I couldn't handle life without knowing the Lord these days.

[MrJim]

I disagree tho, we do more than ONE way... politics is ONE way of several

Politics seems to be the BIG way though~it's the pinnacle of achievement; you don't see people gettin' all hepped up about much of anything else as they do their political candidates~and this is in church!

Skip the political vehicle~work the charity & missionary end of things instead of letting itself be whored out by the politicians and I believe the Church might find itself again.

[AnneSally]

:amen::amen:I sure don't see how they've earned our faith any...

I feel sorry for people who don't have the Lord to trust in -
I couldn't handle life without knowing the Lord these days.


It would be a nightmare. To have to put one's faith in politics? What choice do you really have? Sold out to a political agenda you can't trust or become an anarchist? It's as stark as that....

Shudder.:eek:

Thank God Jesus is Lord.:hug:

[AnneSally]

Politics seems to be the BIG way though~it's the pinnacle of achievement; you don't see people gettin' all hepped up about much of anything else as they do their political candidates~and this is in church!

Skip the political vehicle~work the charity & missionary end of things instead of letting itself be whored out by the politicians and I believe the Church might find itself again.


hmm. Well, America is going through a very challenging juncture in history. It reminds me of what I've studied about what happened in Britain when it was secularising. There is a struggle going on between the secular and the sacred. It's tough for America and in many ways I agree with Christians standing their ground and that can only be done by upholding the Bible, God, and Jesus Christ as the SUPREME authority and barometer of morality and Truth. That has its place in the public sphere.

The Church in England undermined themselves and paved the way for the hideous things going on over there today.....yikes....

[Nadiine]

Politics seems to be the BIG way though~it's the pinnacle of achievement;
Sure it's a big way, politics rule & govern an entire country.
This is about trying to preserve the country as it was intended by the forefathers - liberalism was NOT what this country was built on and succeeded under.
(YOU DON'T THINK SATAN WORKS THRU POLITICS??) I work against my enemy

And I'm not real sure what you mean by Pinnacle of acheivment? Are you referring to pride & power? If so, you're WAY off there & it's an inaccurate judgment on people's motive.
It's more like fighting & scrapping before you go down for the count.
I DO live here and don't want liberalism ruling over my country - is that so wrong?

I may be a citizen of heaven, but for now God has me right here and I have the freedom to exercise my worldview; something OT Christians didn't have who had tyrants ruling over them & persecuting them.


you don't see people gettin' all hepped up about much of anything else as they do their political candidates~and this is in church!

I dunno which church you're talking about here -- not in my church and none of the churches I went to or hear on the radio use their churches for political platforms.
The ONLY time a church I know has involved itself in politics was to announce a petition that they hoped we'd sign that would leave our State's definition of marriage as btwn a man and a woman.
it was to combat homosexual marriages.
Nothing wrong with that. It's a MORAL issue and therefore spiritually important.

And I was HAPPY to sign it & so was my husband.

Skip the political vehicle~work the charity & missionary end of things instead of letting itself be whored out by the politicians and I believe the Church might find itself again.
Why skip it? Can't we walk & chew gum at the same time?

How hard is it to take 1/2 hour out my day to go to the church gym and punch some buttons on a screen?
Is this too taxing??

For me to NOT vote is to violate my own Christian conscience in not doing ALL I can to combat liberalism which I view as a growing cancer in the land. More harmful to Christianity than ignoring it to say "I trust in God, I don't have to ACT to do anything"

sorry Jim, won't do it and it isn't even a logical consensus to me when we can do all of the above.

[MrJim]

Sure it's a big way, politics rule & govern an entire country.
This is about trying to preserve the country as it was intended by the forefathers - liberalism was NOT what this country was built on and succeeded under.

Tell that to the slaves

(YOU DON'T THINK SATAN WORKS THRU POLITICS??) I work against my enemy
Jesus was offered the power spot of politics in Satan's temptations; He didn't buy into it[/QUOTE]

And I'm not real sure what you mean by Pinnacle of acheivment? Are you referring to pride & power? If so, you're WAY off there & it's an inaccurate judgment on people's motive.
It's more like fighting & scrapping before you go down for the count.
I DO live here and don't want liberalism ruling over my country - is that so wrong?
As long as it doesn't become idolatry~and that's much of what nationalism is~idolatry.
I may be a citizen of heaven, but for now God has me right here and I have the freedom to exercise my worldview; something OT Christians didn't have who had tyrants ruling over them & persecuting them.
?Old Testament Christians? What are they? You mean Jews living under the OT theocracy?

I dunno which church you're talking about here -- not in my church and none of the churches I went to or hear on the radio use their churches for political platforms.
The ONLY time a church I know has involved itself in politics was to announce a petition that they hoped we'd sign that would leave our State's definition of marriage as btwn a man and a woman.
it was to combat homosexual marriages.
Nothing wrong with that. It's a MORAL issue and therefore spiritually important.

And I was HAPPY to sign it & so was my husband.


Why skip it? Can't we walk & chew gum at the same time?

How hard is it to take 1/2 hour out my day to go to the church gym and punch some buttons on a screen?
Is this too taxing??

For me to NOT vote is to violate my own Christian conscience in not doing ALL I can to combat liberalism which I view as a growing cancer in the land. More harmful to Christianity than ignoring it to say "I trust in God, I don't have to ACT to do anything"

sorry Jim, won't do it and it isn't even a logical consensus to me when we can do all of the above.

Personal liberty is fine~frankly though from what I've seen in the past 20 years this "Religious Right" political stuff isn't working out very well~putting trust and hope into the lesser of two evils.

LESSER OF TWO EVILS~~that's what this politicking business is all about, then hoping your guy doesn't sell out too much. I know you don't like your choices but I will repeat what I've said before:

In a choice of the lesser of two evils~evil STILL wins the day.

[wingsofworship]

HI Everyone,

I figured that a good question to start off while I'm feeling my way around here would be this:

How are you, as a conservative Christian, different from others? What do you consider to be a big part of why you call yourself a CC? :) Do you find it hard in today's very liberal world..?

Blessings and Love,
Sarah



I don't call myself any particular denomination at this time because I'm still working that one out. I do know I lean to CC in many ways. I believe the people have down-sized the value of the Lord's Word until it's almost non-existant in most places on the information highway.

I understand the four horns in Zechariah 18:-21 to be powers. That they are government, religion, politics and economics. Those four things are clearly controlling the world at this time. The saving Grace for all of us is being removed systematically all over the world. The absolute Truth of His Word. His presence has been removed from the classrooms. Here in America schools have declined in their ability to do their job since that began (keep the people stupid). Our economics I don't even need to explain - the world everywhere is in the same shape. And then we have government. What needs to be said there is that they are not our saviour. Jesus Christ is our Saviour.

So I lean to conservatism because I still hold to the values of the fifties and sixties I was taught. And they came straight out of the Bible from a Bible-thumping dad. I think you must be conservative to keep yourself untainted by the world. I'm not entirely sure what the difference between conservatism and liberalisn is in the world today. That line has been so blurred it' all but erased. I just know when I walk according to the Word I am alright. The Word is conservative in my mind because it is not about carnal, lust or flesh things. Or even about us. It is about Jesus Christ and what He means to us. The world doesn't see that, so if I see as the world then I'm liberal in my mind.

I hope this makes sense. I'm not to good at words.