Political divisions in America seem to be at an all time high. So what can we do? Before I suggest some solutions, let’s add some history to our discussion. After all, political divisions are not new.
The election of 1800 was a very contentious race between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. So was the contest between Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams. And the list of heated presidential campaigns goes on and on right up to the modern era. If you are looking for examples of a nation divided, just consider the campaigns between Lyndon Johnson and Barry Goldwater or George Bush and Al Gore.
My point is, we have been here before. America has been a divided nation many times in the past over many issues. How do we bring healing?
First, we recognize that certain issues are by their very nature divisive. Slavery was divisive in the 18th century, for good reason. Abortion, stem cell research, race relations, homosexual marriage, etc. are also divisive issues.
Second, Christians should be models of civility in America. We must set the tone and lead the way in our behavior as we confront the moral issues of the day. While we may disagree with others about the morality of these issues, we should also model civility while we are doing so. We can disagree without being disagreeable. Romans 12:21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Civility also requires humility. A civil person acknowledges that he or she does not possess all wisdom and knowledge. Therefore, one should listen to others and consider the possibility that they might be right and that he is wrong. Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.”
We live in a divided nation, but Christians should be an agent of healing rather than division. As we articulate our biblical convictions, we should also convey our biblical compassion and be model citizens of civility. I’m Kerby Anderson, and that’s my point of view.
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Taxes, even social issues like homosexuality and abortion leave room for compromise. Not in our stand but in the way we stand. Even if these things become the law of the land we can call upon people to come outo the fold and out of these dapraved things. Sometimes however, there is no resolution but force. Nobody could say with a straight face that the jews had a duty to march into the ovens in order to be civil (Many actually did preferring not to resist even when they did have the means)
But even in a violent confrontation, there is a way to fight and still be civil. Some neocons refer to the movie "300" as an early example of Christians fighting off evil Muslims. (Thermopolye was before Christ, Mohammed and after the Isreal was over run so this is not true. Bother were Pagan) However, one thing I did get from this film was this: Nobaody can say this was not macho and yet, there was not a single profane word spoken. The comebacks were as civil as they were profound.
"Our arrows will block out the sun!" A reply in a matter of fact one was "So then we shall fight in the shade."
A terse order to "Lay down your weapons!" was answered with "Come and get them!"
Even more inspirieing was "Kingdom of Heaven" I Know, too many Evangelicals claim it is anti Christian propaganda. The truth is the truth and ALL of the events, with some atristic license were portrayed with accuracy. Once again, if one can look beyond ones political bias, there were aweson acts of faith being protrayed. When Orlando Blooms Character cries out in despair "I have lost my religion!" A Monk explains "The Kingdom of Heavan lies here (Pointing to his head) and here (Pointing to his heart).Holiness is what you decide to do every moment of every day. either good or evil, right or wrong.
And I love the oath of the Knight:
"To be without fear in the face of ones enemies, to speak the truth even if it leads to your own death, to be upright and holy in order so that God may love thee (We can debate this but if taken in the right context, it can still be considered correct) and to defend the helpless.
In reality, The Grand Marshall exclaimed "I wonder of there is room here in Jeruselem for a perfect Knight?" So I believe one can be firm and still be civil. One can be tough without being vulgar. Click here to reply to this post
NOTHING PREDEDES CHRIST
Posted On: 11/26/07 10:36:14 AM
Age 64, OH
You say, "Thermopolye was before Christ". As you may be well aware NOTHING was BEFORE Jesus. John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. The Revelation 13:8 "the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world." - you are correct as far as the history of man does but you are incorrect as far as the history of God Almighty. Lou Click here to reply to this post
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