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Spirituality and politics
What do you think about spirituality and politics? Can you be a spiritually, politically passionate person? Do you think that they are separate areas and one should not get involved in both (oil/water) or do you think you can be involved in both and see clearly (as clear as being an imperfect human can...lol)?????
Motives....let each man examine his/her heart.
_______________
For him who confesses, shams are over and realities have begun; he has exteriorized his rottenness…he longer smears it over with hypocritical show of virtue – he lives at least on the basis of veracity (truth).”
.................William James
Confession is good the for soul…it takes a heavy burden off your shoulders by cleansing you and is the first step in dealing with life on life’s terms. The Bible tells us that those who conceal their sins will not prosper, but those who confess and forsake those sins will find mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
I know it’s good, but who do I confess to?
Taken from the following site to share: http://physical4christiansoul.com/examine-heart.html
_______________
For him who confesses, shams are over and realities have begun; he has exteriorized his rottenness…he longer smears it over with hypocritical show of virtue – he lives at least on the basis of veracity (truth).”
.................William James
Confession is good the for soul…it takes a heavy burden off your shoulders by cleansing you and is the first step in dealing with life on life’s terms. The Bible tells us that those who conceal their sins will not prosper, but those who confess and forsake those sins will find mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
I know it’s good, but who do I confess to?
Taken from the following site to share: http://physical4christiansoul.com/examine-heart.html
Ok well I think that church and state should be separate. I think that history shows what happens when they are united - violent persecutions.
The religious leaders of today cry out and say they need to moralize the United States. We need to return to God's law but where do they go to change people? They go to Capital Hill. But Capital Hill can't change the hearts of people. You see for obedience to be acceptable to God it has to come from inside, it cannot be imposed from outside and so as a result of not doing the work from within so that righteousness can come out, society gets worse and worse and worse. Lawlessness abounds.
Perhaps we should reconsider what separation of church and state really means and why being united was opposed so long ago. The United States congress came close to enacting a Sunday law in 1888. You should look up the arguments against it.
Truly there is nothing new done under the sun.
And it's interesting that they have a bunch of religious leaders saying this is what God wants:
Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. Ezekiel 22:26 (No difference between Sunday and Saturday? One is holy and one is common. Remember Nadab, and Abiu? and Belshazzar - when they used God's holy for the common, or common in the place of holy. What is holy is what God says is holy. Now what we offer in it's place.)
Her prophets whitewash these deeds for them by false visions and lying divinations. They say, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says'--when the LORD has not spoken. Ezekiel 22:28
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? Jeremiah 5:31
The religious leaders of today cry out and say they need to moralize the United States. We need to return to God's law but where do they go to change people? They go to Capital Hill. But Capital Hill can't change the hearts of people. You see for obedience to be acceptable to God it has to come from inside, it cannot be imposed from outside and so as a result of not doing the work from within so that righteousness can come out, society gets worse and worse and worse. Lawlessness abounds.
Perhaps we should reconsider what separation of church and state really means and why being united was opposed so long ago. The United States congress came close to enacting a Sunday law in 1888. You should look up the arguments against it.
Truly there is nothing new done under the sun.
And it's interesting that they have a bunch of religious leaders saying this is what God wants:
Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. Ezekiel 22:26 (No difference between Sunday and Saturday? One is holy and one is common. Remember Nadab, and Abiu? and Belshazzar - when they used God's holy for the common, or common in the place of holy. What is holy is what God says is holy. Now what we offer in it's place.)
Her prophets whitewash these deeds for them by false visions and lying divinations. They say, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says'--when the LORD has not spoken. Ezekiel 22:28
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? Jeremiah 5:31
It does get heated as many see and may have been on the receiving or giving end...lol!
I found the following in a blog online which was interesting because of whose quote was being commented on....Former president hopeful, John Edwards...Chapel Hills, NC.
.......
How Do You Feel About Mixing Religion With Politics
Edwards: Jesus Would Be 'Appalled CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) - Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards says Jesus would be appalled at how the United States has ignored the plight of the suffering, and that he believes children should have private time to pray at school. Edwards, in an interview with the Web site Beliefnet.com, said Jesus would be most upset with the selfishness of Americans and the country's willingness to go to war "when it's not necessary.""I think that Jesus would be disappointed in our ignoring the plight of those around us who are suffering and our focus on our own selfish short-term needs," Edwards told the site. "I think he would be appalled, actually." Edwards was interviewed by David Kuo, a conservative Christian who served as deputy director of President Bush's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives until 2003. Kuo wrote a book, "Tempting Faith, An Inside Story of Political Seduction," that said Bush aides privately called conservative Christians "nuts,""ridiculous" and "goofy" "http://story.news.ask.com//article/20070306/D8NMD9U02.html photo Edwards - Jesus Would be Appalled
________________
responses to the above:
I've heard about this guy--- I don't think he would be a good president -it has nothing to do with religion but something about him is just not right- i don't know what it is. [shambuca]
That is what made me read the news item because I feel there is something that I dont trust. He is young, handsome, but.... [whiteheather39]
If anyone wants to get into what Jesus would be apalled at, I just don't think anyone of us could be left off of that list. I am sure we all have done something that would bring a tear to His eye. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. As far as religion and politics, that is hard for me because, I do not want to be told when, where and how to worship. I believe everyone has a right to pray or not pray anywhere they might be. These are 2 very hot topics, religion and politics that can pit brother against brother. [lovesfreedom]
I can understand that we all have our personal feelings about religion and I would certainly hope that any presidental hopeful would have religious beliefs but I don't like it being used as a political tool. [whiteheather39]
Religion has no place in politics. They are supposed to be separate. One has nothing to do with the other. I don't care what religion a person is, just don't bring it to the white house. [spiritwolf52]
I think it's risky. A non-religious person could claim to hold Christians values just because the majority of the electorate are Christians, using it to his advantage but not really giving a damn about it in truth. At the same time you can't help a candidate's personality and in that includes their choice and view on religion, they are as free to express it as anyone. But it is impossible to prove or disprove ther true feelings towards it. [4ftfingers]
I really dontthink it should be mixed but they also should put God back in where they have took it out! To me a politician can be releigous and put to works of thruth in all they do and tell us no falsehoods. and Some where in the bible it says turn the other cheek , But we cant go on doing that forever as I dont think that Jesus would want us to be trampled on . And yes charity begins at home so they do need to more into effect to help our own citizens first! [Lakota12]
I dont like it,they are two different things we have enough problems in the world now with out the government nosing around in religion they need to be worrying about the messes they made and cleaning them up and leave religion alone. [kebpete]
Politicians shouldn't allow their beliefs to interfere with their job. Of course, most do it to gain popularity with a certain group of citizen, and this is most unfair. The Western world has struggled long enough to separate Church and State, and I'd hate to think that we're going backwards and let age-old superstitions rule our everyday lives. We have secular laws based on reason and politicians that shouldn't turn into preachers. [Thomas73]
religion and politics should never be mixed. politicians affect everyones lives, not just those of their own religion, and no religious group should be favoured politically over another. [Galena]
The United States has a long tradition of separating church from state, but an equally powerful inclination to mix religion and politics. Throughout our nations history, great political and social movements from abolition to womens suffrage to civil rights to todays struggles over abortion and gay marriage have drawn upon religious institutions for moral authority, inspirational leadership and organizational muscle. But for the past generation, religion has been woven more deeply into the fabric of partisan politics than ever before.The 2004 election was the latest presidential campaign in which candidates openly discussed their religious beliefs, churches became increasingly active in political mobilization and voters sorted themselves out not just by their policy preferences but also by the depth of their religious commitment. In fact, whether a person regularly attends religious services was more important in determining his or her vote for president than such standard demographic characteristics as gender, age, income and region. Polling data also indicate that Americans are divided over how involved churches should be in the political process. According to a July 2006 poll by the Pew Forum, roughly half of Americans (51%) think churches and other houses of worship should express their views on day-to-day social and political questions, while 46% believe these organizations should stay out of political matters.Although the public is divided over churches speaking out, most Americans view President Bushs expressions of religious faith as appropriate. Barely more than half (52%) say Bush mentions his religious faith the right amount and another 14% say he talks about his faith too little. Only about a quarter (24%) believe that Bush mentions his faith too much, a percentage that has stayed about the same in the past two years but is much higher when compared with July 2003 (14%).-kramxel [kramxel]
I think it's wonderful that he is a religious man..if he really is?? But I think religion and politics must be kept separate. I don't think as long as we all have different religious beliefs then politics should be separate. [mari61960]
I definitely think that mixing religion and politics is a very dangerous proposition. So many people have such strong views on their religion, and religion is very specific about how people should live their lives. If religious doctrine could be turned into law, it might force people to follow a doctrine they don't believe, for no reason other than those in power feel it is the best way of life, without any evidence to back that up. Religion is a private thing, and people shouldn't be able to tell one another what to believe... I think that the founding fathers definitely got this one right, and we need to continue to uphold the separation of church and state to avoid disaster (as seen throughout history when religion began to mix with politics). [valthezeh]
________________________
http://www.steveverdon.com/how-do-you-feel-about-mixing-religion-with-politics.html
I found the following in a blog online which was interesting because of whose quote was being commented on....Former president hopeful, John Edwards...Chapel Hills, NC.
.......
How Do You Feel About Mixing Religion With Politics
Edwards: Jesus Would Be 'Appalled CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) - Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards says Jesus would be appalled at how the United States has ignored the plight of the suffering, and that he believes children should have private time to pray at school. Edwards, in an interview with the Web site Beliefnet.com, said Jesus would be most upset with the selfishness of Americans and the country's willingness to go to war "when it's not necessary.""I think that Jesus would be disappointed in our ignoring the plight of those around us who are suffering and our focus on our own selfish short-term needs," Edwards told the site. "I think he would be appalled, actually." Edwards was interviewed by David Kuo, a conservative Christian who served as deputy director of President Bush's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives until 2003. Kuo wrote a book, "Tempting Faith, An Inside Story of Political Seduction," that said Bush aides privately called conservative Christians "nuts,""ridiculous" and "goofy" "http://story.news.ask.com//article/20070306/D8NMD9U02.html photo Edwards - Jesus Would be Appalled
________________
responses to the above:
I've heard about this guy--- I don't think he would be a good president -it has nothing to do with religion but something about him is just not right- i don't know what it is. [shambuca]
That is what made me read the news item because I feel there is something that I dont trust. He is young, handsome, but.... [whiteheather39]
If anyone wants to get into what Jesus would be apalled at, I just don't think anyone of us could be left off of that list. I am sure we all have done something that would bring a tear to His eye. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. As far as religion and politics, that is hard for me because, I do not want to be told when, where and how to worship. I believe everyone has a right to pray or not pray anywhere they might be. These are 2 very hot topics, religion and politics that can pit brother against brother. [lovesfreedom]
I can understand that we all have our personal feelings about religion and I would certainly hope that any presidental hopeful would have religious beliefs but I don't like it being used as a political tool. [whiteheather39]
Religion has no place in politics. They are supposed to be separate. One has nothing to do with the other. I don't care what religion a person is, just don't bring it to the white house. [spiritwolf52]
I think it's risky. A non-religious person could claim to hold Christians values just because the majority of the electorate are Christians, using it to his advantage but not really giving a damn about it in truth. At the same time you can't help a candidate's personality and in that includes their choice and view on religion, they are as free to express it as anyone. But it is impossible to prove or disprove ther true feelings towards it. [4ftfingers]
I really dontthink it should be mixed but they also should put God back in where they have took it out! To me a politician can be releigous and put to works of thruth in all they do and tell us no falsehoods. and Some where in the bible it says turn the other cheek , But we cant go on doing that forever as I dont think that Jesus would want us to be trampled on . And yes charity begins at home so they do need to more into effect to help our own citizens first! [Lakota12]
I dont like it,they are two different things we have enough problems in the world now with out the government nosing around in religion they need to be worrying about the messes they made and cleaning them up and leave religion alone. [kebpete]
Politicians shouldn't allow their beliefs to interfere with their job. Of course, most do it to gain popularity with a certain group of citizen, and this is most unfair. The Western world has struggled long enough to separate Church and State, and I'd hate to think that we're going backwards and let age-old superstitions rule our everyday lives. We have secular laws based on reason and politicians that shouldn't turn into preachers. [Thomas73]
religion and politics should never be mixed. politicians affect everyones lives, not just those of their own religion, and no religious group should be favoured politically over another. [Galena]
The United States has a long tradition of separating church from state, but an equally powerful inclination to mix religion and politics. Throughout our nations history, great political and social movements from abolition to womens suffrage to civil rights to todays struggles over abortion and gay marriage have drawn upon religious institutions for moral authority, inspirational leadership and organizational muscle. But for the past generation, religion has been woven more deeply into the fabric of partisan politics than ever before.The 2004 election was the latest presidential campaign in which candidates openly discussed their religious beliefs, churches became increasingly active in political mobilization and voters sorted themselves out not just by their policy preferences but also by the depth of their religious commitment. In fact, whether a person regularly attends religious services was more important in determining his or her vote for president than such standard demographic characteristics as gender, age, income and region. Polling data also indicate that Americans are divided over how involved churches should be in the political process. According to a July 2006 poll by the Pew Forum, roughly half of Americans (51%) think churches and other houses of worship should express their views on day-to-day social and political questions, while 46% believe these organizations should stay out of political matters.Although the public is divided over churches speaking out, most Americans view President Bushs expressions of religious faith as appropriate. Barely more than half (52%) say Bush mentions his religious faith the right amount and another 14% say he talks about his faith too little. Only about a quarter (24%) believe that Bush mentions his faith too much, a percentage that has stayed about the same in the past two years but is much higher when compared with July 2003 (14%).-kramxel [kramxel]
I think it's wonderful that he is a religious man..if he really is?? But I think religion and politics must be kept separate. I don't think as long as we all have different religious beliefs then politics should be separate. [mari61960]
I definitely think that mixing religion and politics is a very dangerous proposition. So many people have such strong views on their religion, and religion is very specific about how people should live their lives. If religious doctrine could be turned into law, it might force people to follow a doctrine they don't believe, for no reason other than those in power feel it is the best way of life, without any evidence to back that up. Religion is a private thing, and people shouldn't be able to tell one another what to believe... I think that the founding fathers definitely got this one right, and we need to continue to uphold the separation of church and state to avoid disaster (as seen throughout history when religion began to mix with politics). [valthezeh]
________________________
http://www.steveverdon.com/how-do-you-feel-about-mixing-religion-with-politics.html
I think we should know about politics and read our bible too. We have to watch and pray. By seeing how the world is we know how near Christ is to coming.
I think though that politics has no business being talked about on the pulpit though. Who we should vote for and the like.. it can cause a divide.
The bible has history and tells us whats happening and what will happen. So it's important to study to know these things.
I think though that politics has no business being talked about on the pulpit though. Who we should vote for and the like.. it can cause a divide.
The bible has history and tells us whats happening and what will happen. So it's important to study to know these things.
Key word for me this week is : Balance!!!!!!!
Within that word, squeezed tightly is "honesty". I forget some times when things become personal and lose sight of what is most important. It is wonderful how we can adapt and change our views as we learn.
Within that word, squeezed tightly is "honesty". I forget some times when things become personal and lose sight of what is most important. It is wonderful how we can adapt and change our views as we learn.
I would agree with you. I think a person's spirituality is the core of who we are and it influences what we do.
I wrestle with keeping them separate....not there yet. My spiritualness brings me back to realizing my faults whether through someone else or what is called, "the Holy Spirit". My passion brings me the ideals of being honest and being fair so that none are left out when it comes to good things.
D.
I wrestle with keeping them separate....not there yet. My spiritualness brings me back to realizing my faults whether through someone else or what is called, "the Holy Spirit". My passion brings me the ideals of being honest and being fair so that none are left out when it comes to good things.
D.
I doubt that the two could be separated. It would seem that one's political views would follow one's sense of spiritual awareness.
I think if we can appriciate difference between fanatic and spiritual, then there is no duality and both (spiiiirituality and polictcs) can so-exist.
Hello. I know for myself, I can't keep them separate. The spiritual side comes first, as it is able to help me through personal issues, as well as assist others. When I get caught up in politics, I just become disillusioned, and angry at the corrupted mess our "elected" representatives insist is for our best interests. Through spiritual principles I can make my world a better place no matter how screwed up the government becomes. GM
I Think as long as you dont let your spirituality interfere with your political views and decssions then its fine.
Like abortion debate. Just because your belief says it wrong shouldn't effect how you decide to with it. (I'm kinda pro=life except for certain cases. ie Rape, risks are to high, and such). The desicsion should be more based on whats good for society not whats good for your spirituality.
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