AJ’s very honest “burn it down” comments the other day have made me completely change my mind on the best path forward for conservatives. I now believe:
1. I want Mueller to be allowed to finish his job without political interference, but I don’t want to see Trump removed from office no matter what Mueller discovers.
2. At year-end, I would like to see Paul Ryan retire. If they desire, Trumpers in the House can choose a Trumpist speaker.
3. Kelly, McMaster, Mattis and Tillerson have attempted to shape and curtail Trump. If they are tired, let them retire and be replaced by Trump loyalists. Let’s see how that works.
4. If he desires, let Trump fire Sessions, Rosenstein and Wray and replace them with Trumpists who will seek to prosecute Hillary and other Trump enemies as Trump has directed.
In other words, Trump needs to be allowed to be Trump. Trumpism needs to be given a chance. Trumpists needs to be allowed to flesh out what Trumpism means as AJ and Debra have debated Net Neutrality.
If Trumpism succeeds it will defeat the Democrats at the polls, and the Republican Party will be replaced by the Trump Party. If Trumpism fails and is defeated by the Democrats, a new brand of Republican will eventually emerge. It will likely contain elements of Trumpism and elements of libertarianism and old-fashioned Reagan conservatism.
Interesting article by Dreher. He asked a question, I commented like this:
I’ve told my Bible study members for years, “as soon as people start talking about Jesus and politics or money, you need to leave. Jesus is not about politics nor money.”
I’ve watched Evangelical engagement with politics for most of my adult life and when I recognized the cynical way Republicans used pro-life voters 20 years ago, I registered as an Independent.
A close reading of the Bible shows us we are to live in this world but not be identified with this world–and I believe that includes politics.
Yes, we’re informed, but our spiritual beliefs should be reflected in our how we live our lives and vote–not on what a political party tells us to do with our vote.
As for this alleged Evangelical crack up (I read CT), it won’t affect me at all except to make me sad and cause me to pray more–I need to guard my soul from anger.
Political lives come and go, nations rise and fall, my God remains the same and He reigns.
What comes to mind when some fellow believers lament that we <b<have to support morally questionable (or worse) Republican candidates or else our country will be ruined is this:
As Christians, we are responsible for following God’s ways & will, & leaving the results to Him. If we think we have to support a sexually immoral candidate in order to keep enough Republicans in power, then are we really trusting God?
If we are not even supposed to eat with a believer who is in overt sin, should we vote for a believer who is unrepentant about their overt sin?
Here is an excerpt, longer than I usually share, from near the end of an article I shared a few days ago, that I think sum up my own thoughts well:
“When a public Christian is accused of some immorality, the honorable and moral thing to do has been to take a leave of absence until the matter of settled. This is precisely what Moore, who sees himself as a godly and moral candidate, has refused to do.
But what if this is merely a political ploy to remove a candidate from running for office, and what if it’s all a lie in the end? What if our godly candidate is merely being persecuted and harassed (by “the powerful Obama-Clinton Machine,” as Moore put it), and this is further evidence we’re not in just a political battle but a spiritual one (as Moore has repeatedly claimed)?
Well, how does the Bible say we fight spiritual battles when, for instance, people “falsely say all kinds of evil against you” (Matt. 5:11)?
By turning the other cheek (Matt. 5:39).
By forgiving 7 times 70 (Matt. 18:22, KJV).
By doing good to our enemies (Matt. 5:43–48).
If we’re really anxious to help the nation become more godly, we have to act godly even when we think we are unfairly judged, even when the stakes are at their highest:
But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. (1 Pet. 2:20–23)
Some have argued along these lines: We have the best chance in decades of reversing Roe v. Wade, protecting the religious liberty of the church, and reversing unjust and immoral laws! Let’s say for the sake of argument that such a political agenda could be enacted in the next few years by the means chosen—electing and supporting officials whose behavior is widely viewed as immoral. Will our political enemies be convinced of the righteousness of our moral agenda? Or will they think we are hypocrites who are using political power to force our wills on others? Will they more deeply respect us, or will they more deeply resent us and disbelieve our faith?
When combative conservative Christians refuse to suffer patiently in the public square, retaliate when insults are hurled at them, and do not refrain from the appearance of evil, they sabotage not only their political cause but the cause they care about the most: the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Resisting the Temptations of Political Life
What events of the last year and a half have shown once again is that when Christians immerse themselves in politics as Christians, for what they determine are Christian causes, touting their version of biblical morality in the public square—they will sooner or later (and often sooner) begin to compromise the very principles they champion and do so to such a degree that it blemishes the very faith they are most anxious to promote. And one of the biggest blemishes—for it is an open refutation of Jesus’ prayer that we be one—is when we start divorcing one another over politics. Jesus said it is our unity in him that will, more than anything, help the world see “that you [Father] have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:23). No wonder few believe much of anything we say anymore.
The way forward is unclear. For to love one’s neighbor in a democratic society means that Christians must participate in the public square to seek the common good. We cannot forsake our political duty, and that duty will lead believers in different directions. It’s just that when we do engage in politics, we so often end up doing and saying things that make us sound and act like we don’t care about the very values we champion. Perhaps the first step is for Christians Left and Right, when they stand up to champion a cause, to stop saying “Thus says the Lord” and “Lord, I thank you that you have not made me like these other Christians,” but frame their politics with, “Lord, have mercy on me a sinner.” “
And here’s the link for those who may want to read the rest:
It would be helpful, if a link does not contain enough of the headline to see what it’s about, if we could include the headline, & maybe the sub-headline, too, when we share a link. (I realize I forgot to do that above.) A lot of times, a comment including a link gives no indication of what the article is about, so I have to click on it just to find out if I want to read it or not.
I didn’t want you to vote for Moore, just to not vote for a Democrat, any Democrat! There is not a thing that Democrats want that I see as good. Nothing.
As for being Pro-Life, “You go girl!” We, too. (Notice the cute way I got that pun in? eye roll)
The sentiment in the article Kizzie posted (and apparently Rick did a couple days ago?) is good, but here is THE reason it will continue to fall on deaf ears:
What events of the last year and a half have shown once again is that when Christians immerse themselves in politics as Christians, for what they determine are Christian causes, touting their version of biblical morality in the public square—they will sooner or later (and often sooner) begin to compromise the very principles they champion and do so to such a degree that it blemishes the very faith they are most anxious to promote.
Only a year and a half? That’s not the half of it. Gross Christian compromise at the voting booth goes back at least three decades, and the failure to recognize that as the greater problem than Trump is why things will continue basically the way they have been and the Christian voice will be as ineffective as always.
It is pretty clear that the intentions of the FBI during the investigation (if that is what you call it) was to exonerate Hillary Clinton instead of accurately reporting out a report of the investigation.
“Democratic Congresswoman Jackie Spier said Friday the “rumor on the Hill” is that President Donald Trump intends to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller next week when Congress is gone for the holidays.
Should Trump go through with the unconfirmed rumor, Spier said an “effort” for impeachment would follow.
Spier added Republicans are aiming to shut down the House Intelligence Committee’s own Trump-Russia investigation and likened Trump’s possible firing of the special counsel to that of former President Richard Nixon’s infamous “Saturday Night Massacre.””
Not looking to argue or call anyone out, just my thoughts on the matter.
You get the choices they give you. While it may help some to feel more pious putting in an acceptable (in your mind) protest vote for someone more to your liking, it’s a meaningless vote. Some people are more pragmatic than that and pick one of the choices who could actually win. Especially when one of the choices is better for the rest of the country, although they have glaring shortcomings, but the other is the anti- to everything you believe and hold dear. Should the country really suffer worse so you can feel better?
One side has come out and publicly attempted to limit Christians’ rights and ability have a say, voting against their opponent becomes a cut off your nose to spite your face endeavor. By not taking the lesser choice, you hurt yourself and others worse, all so you could feel more pious?
No thanks. While I would love choices more aligned with my beliefs, that rarely is an option any more. And this is politics, not church, compromise, and not having ideal choices, is sometimes necessary and the way it goes.
Bob, if it makes you feel any better, an Alabama Democrat, is more conservative/Republican than a California Democrat. 😉
I threw my vote for President away and look what we got. I couldn’t throw away my vote this time.
We had Christmas today. After dinner and presents, my sister, brother-in-law and I got to visit about current theological and political issues at length for the first time since the election.
Here in North Texas, my friends are about 90% Trumpkin, 5% Democrat, 5% other. In liberal Austin, their friends are about 60% Trumpkin, 30% Democrat and 10% other. Most of our friends are from church, school or business, so we move in very conservative circles.
For 90 minutes, the three of us told each other variations of the same message I have been saying here for two years. It felt good for all three of us to know we are not alone.
Our four children and their spouses share our basic outlook. My 81 year-old mother, on the other hand, gets all her news from Fox and Friends and thinks we may all be too hard on poor old Trump. She worries about Fake News, the Deep State, Hillary, Muslims, Obama and women who may have “invited” assaults from Trump, Roy Moore, O’Reilly and others.
I believe that all of us have to follow our conscience in how we vote, we all have reasons for voting the way we do, & that’s okay. My thoughts are a reaction to those who have insisted that those of us who don’t believe in voting for people like Trump or Moore are going against God’s ways for not making sure a Republican gets into office, as if the only way God can work is through getting Republicans elected.
AJ, I appreciate those thoughts. There’s a long version and a short version in reply. Here’s the short one:
1) We’ve tried all that and it doesn’t do anything.
2) Our duty is to God, and, as Kizzie said, He is in charge of the outcomes.
3) Think of the scriptural examples. The Bible is full of examples–it’s like an overriding theme–of people who walk by faith, in the face of contrary circumstances, and not by sight.
There’s a bigger picture here than just American politics.
Speaking of O’Reilly, it is too bad that he didn’t know the story about him sexually harassing that woman was false before he agreed to pay her the $24,000,000.
I told you guys from the very beginning that many allegations were false and politically driven. There is big money behind trying to destroy Mr. Trump, me and others.
Something in this paragraph in Dreher’s piece struck me:
“That notion is bewildering to evangelical leaders who see Mr. Trump as their champion. They say that Mr. Trump has given them more access than any president in recent memory, and has done more to advance their agenda, by appointing judges who are likely to rule against abortion and gay rights; by channeling government funds to private religious schools; by recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel; and by calling for the elimination of the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits churches and charitable groups from endorsing political candidates.”
Shouldn’t the agenda of evangelical leaders be to lead people to Jesus?
I don’t want government funds going to Christian schools where they can lead to government control. I don’t mind the Johnson Amendment. If entities are going to be charities and receive tax-deductible contributions, I don’t want them to endorse candidates. I do not care if the US recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel nor do I care if a president gives White House access to self-appointed Christian “leaders”.
Some of you may have been praying for Charles Murray. You don’t get much of a testimony in a Tweet, but I don’t think he would have made this statement flippantly.
I’m a five-fer! White, male, heterosexual, Christian, right of center (I’m having a hard time with political labels these days). It’ll be nice to be back in Cambridge. https://t.co/wQcheRKTy0
Although I’m glad to see that Ricky’s political calculus has finally allowed him to align with Trump, I’d be more glad if Trump were not quite so easily aligned with the predictable party line.
A commenter after the Dreher article linked above, shared their church experience and said “ If the Democrats weren’t so fanatical about abortion and so hostile to religious liberty, they could really clean up among younger Evangelicals right now.” That could be true. Unfortunately, I don’t see the Democrat party changing in a way that would be at all welcoming to traditional Christians young or old. This makes many Christians that don’t fall in line with establishment Republicans effectively politically homeless. However, I have ceased to think of that as a bad thing.
I think Christians have always been politically homeless to a large extent. But being politically homeless should not a bad thing for a people who view themselves as being pilgrims in a fallen world. National citizenship is a valuable inheritance and responsibility for which I am sincerely grateful. But when our national citizenship or political alliances begin to cloud the view of our eternal citizenship, it’s a clear indicator we’re veering from the straight and narrow and need to correct course immediately. To me, one sign that this is happening is when I hear choruses of Christian leaders telling us we ‘must’ vote one way or another (or at all) or we are not good Christians. Voting is a matter of conscience, and Christians need to be charitable with each other.
Debra – That’s the point I’ve been trying to make, too. The article I linked to, that Ricky linked to earlier, also makes the point about Christians needing to be charitable with each other.
Speaking of 538, here is Nate Silver agreeing with Charles Murray about liberal media bias.
This was true with 2016 election coverage. Clinton's polling lead was flimsy if you looked at it rigorously (Trump within margin of error, Electoral College problems in Midwest, lots of undecideds, volatile race). But a lot of news outlets didn't scratch beneath the surface. https://t.co/v87uDOWcXL
And here is Silver and his crew agreeing with me that there is nothing traditional conservative Republicans can do to improve matters as long as Trump is the President.
So long as it's abiding Trump/Trumpism, the GOP is going to keep nominating more Moores. https://t.co/TrHBK3BOrj
So we sit back and watch Trump vs. Mueller, Trump vs. the Democrats, Trump vs. the truth, and the Patriots vs. the Steelers with no dog in any of the fights.
Kevin D. Williamson pretending he is Milton Friedman:
"A 60-inch flat-screen television was, until the day before yesterday, a token of wealth. You can buy a good one from Samsung for less than $300, or just a couple of bucks over what a minimum-wage worker earns in a 40-hour week." Read more at: https://t.co/OzArwWjRkN
Wandering Views 
Mark Galli in Christianity Today on an issue we have discussed:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2017/december-web-only/roy-moore-doug-jones-alabama-editorial.html
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Of course, Dreher had some thoughts on the article:
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/an-evangelical-crack-up/
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AJ’s very honest “burn it down” comments the other day have made me completely change my mind on the best path forward for conservatives. I now believe:
1. I want Mueller to be allowed to finish his job without political interference, but I don’t want to see Trump removed from office no matter what Mueller discovers.
2. At year-end, I would like to see Paul Ryan retire. If they desire, Trumpers in the House can choose a Trumpist speaker.
3. Kelly, McMaster, Mattis and Tillerson have attempted to shape and curtail Trump. If they are tired, let them retire and be replaced by Trump loyalists. Let’s see how that works.
4. If he desires, let Trump fire Sessions, Rosenstein and Wray and replace them with Trumpists who will seek to prosecute Hillary and other Trump enemies as Trump has directed.
In other words, Trump needs to be allowed to be Trump. Trumpism needs to be given a chance. Trumpists needs to be allowed to flesh out what Trumpism means as AJ and Debra have debated Net Neutrality.
If Trumpism succeeds it will defeat the Democrats at the polls, and the Republican Party will be replaced by the Trump Party. If Trumpism fails and is defeated by the Democrats, a new brand of Republican will eventually emerge. It will likely contain elements of Trumpism and elements of libertarianism and old-fashioned Reagan conservatism.
In the meantime we will all be entertained.
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Interesting article by Dreher. He asked a question, I commented like this:
I’ve told my Bible study members for years, “as soon as people start talking about Jesus and politics or money, you need to leave. Jesus is not about politics nor money.”
I’ve watched Evangelical engagement with politics for most of my adult life and when I recognized the cynical way Republicans used pro-life voters 20 years ago, I registered as an Independent.
A close reading of the Bible shows us we are to live in this world but not be identified with this world–and I believe that includes politics.
Yes, we’re informed, but our spiritual beliefs should be reflected in our how we live our lives and vote–not on what a political party tells us to do with our vote.
As for this alleged Evangelical crack up (I read CT), it won’t affect me at all except to make me sad and cause me to pray more–I need to guard my soul from anger.
Political lives come and go, nations rise and fall, my God remains the same and He reigns.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I agree, Michelle.
What comes to mind when some fellow believers lament that we <b<have to support morally questionable (or worse) Republican candidates or else our country will be ruined is this:
As Christians, we are responsible for following God’s ways & will, & leaving the results to Him. If we think we have to support a sexually immoral candidate in order to keep enough Republicans in power, then are we really trusting God?
If we are not even supposed to eat with a believer who is in overt sin, should we vote for a believer who is unrepentant about their overt sin?
Here is an excerpt, longer than I usually share, from near the end of an article I shared a few days ago, that I think sum up my own thoughts well:
“When a public Christian is accused of some immorality, the honorable and moral thing to do has been to take a leave of absence until the matter of settled. This is precisely what Moore, who sees himself as a godly and moral candidate, has refused to do.
But what if this is merely a political ploy to remove a candidate from running for office, and what if it’s all a lie in the end? What if our godly candidate is merely being persecuted and harassed (by “the powerful Obama-Clinton Machine,” as Moore put it), and this is further evidence we’re not in just a political battle but a spiritual one (as Moore has repeatedly claimed)?
Well, how does the Bible say we fight spiritual battles when, for instance, people “falsely say all kinds of evil against you” (Matt. 5:11)?
By turning the other cheek (Matt. 5:39).
By forgiving 7 times 70 (Matt. 18:22, KJV).
By doing good to our enemies (Matt. 5:43–48).
If we’re really anxious to help the nation become more godly, we have to act godly even when we think we are unfairly judged, even when the stakes are at their highest:
But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. (1 Pet. 2:20–23)
Some have argued along these lines: We have the best chance in decades of reversing Roe v. Wade, protecting the religious liberty of the church, and reversing unjust and immoral laws! Let’s say for the sake of argument that such a political agenda could be enacted in the next few years by the means chosen—electing and supporting officials whose behavior is widely viewed as immoral. Will our political enemies be convinced of the righteousness of our moral agenda? Or will they think we are hypocrites who are using political power to force our wills on others? Will they more deeply respect us, or will they more deeply resent us and disbelieve our faith?
When combative conservative Christians refuse to suffer patiently in the public square, retaliate when insults are hurled at them, and do not refrain from the appearance of evil, they sabotage not only their political cause but the cause they care about the most: the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Resisting the Temptations of Political Life
What events of the last year and a half have shown once again is that when Christians immerse themselves in politics as Christians, for what they determine are Christian causes, touting their version of biblical morality in the public square—they will sooner or later (and often sooner) begin to compromise the very principles they champion and do so to such a degree that it blemishes the very faith they are most anxious to promote. And one of the biggest blemishes—for it is an open refutation of Jesus’ prayer that we be one—is when we start divorcing one another over politics. Jesus said it is our unity in him that will, more than anything, help the world see “that you [Father] have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:23). No wonder few believe much of anything we say anymore.
The way forward is unclear. For to love one’s neighbor in a democratic society means that Christians must participate in the public square to seek the common good. We cannot forsake our political duty, and that duty will lead believers in different directions. It’s just that when we do engage in politics, we so often end up doing and saying things that make us sound and act like we don’t care about the very values we champion. Perhaps the first step is for Christians Left and Right, when they stand up to champion a cause, to stop saying “Thus says the Lord” and “Lord, I thank you that you have not made me like these other Christians,” but frame their politics with, “Lord, have mercy on me a sinner.” “
And here’s the link for those who may want to read the rest:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2017/december-web-only/roy-moore-doug-jones-alabama-editorial.html?utm_source=ctdirect-html&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_term=9474712&utm_content=553681450&utm_campaign=email
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Haha! I just realized that the link Ricky shared first thing this morning is to the same article I shared a couple days ago & in my last comment.
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It would be helpful, if a link does not contain enough of the headline to see what it’s about, if we could include the headline, & maybe the sub-headline, too, when we share a link. (I realize I forgot to do that above.) A lot of times, a comment including a link gives no indication of what the article is about, so I have to click on it just to find out if I want to read it or not.
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Dear Kim,
I didn’t want you to vote for Moore, just to not vote for a Democrat, any Democrat! There is not a thing that Democrats want that I see as good. Nothing.
As for being Pro-Life, “You go girl!” We, too. (Notice the cute way I got that pun in? eye roll)
LikeLiked by 1 person
The sentiment in the article Kizzie posted (and apparently Rick did a couple days ago?) is good, but here is THE reason it will continue to fall on deaf ears:
What events of the last year and a half have shown once again is that when Christians immerse themselves in politics as Christians, for what they determine are Christian causes, touting their version of biblical morality in the public square—they will sooner or later (and often sooner) begin to compromise the very principles they champion and do so to such a degree that it blemishes the very faith they are most anxious to promote.
Only a year and a half? That’s not the half of it. Gross Christian compromise at the voting booth goes back at least three decades, and the failure to recognize that as the greater problem than Trump is why things will continue basically the way they have been and the Christian voice will be as ineffective as always.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It is pretty clear that the intentions of the FBI during the investigation (if that is what you call it) was to exonerate Hillary Clinton instead of accurately reporting out a report of the investigation.
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2017/12/15/comey-and-fbi-watered-down-hacking-on-clintons-server-n2422829
Has corruption in the US government ever been so transparent and all-pervasive?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Do it.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-could-fire-mueller-next-153524743.html
“Democratic Congresswoman Jackie Spier said Friday the “rumor on the Hill” is that President Donald Trump intends to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller next week when Congress is gone for the holidays.
Should Trump go through with the unconfirmed rumor, Spier said an “effort” for impeachment would follow.
Spier added Republicans are aiming to shut down the House Intelligence Committee’s own Trump-Russia investigation and likened Trump’s possible firing of the special counsel to that of former President Richard Nixon’s infamous “Saturday Night Massacre.””
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My thoughts.
Not looking to argue or call anyone out, just my thoughts on the matter.
You get the choices they give you. While it may help some to feel more pious putting in an acceptable (in your mind) protest vote for someone more to your liking, it’s a meaningless vote. Some people are more pragmatic than that and pick one of the choices who could actually win. Especially when one of the choices is better for the rest of the country, although they have glaring shortcomings, but the other is the anti- to everything you believe and hold dear. Should the country really suffer worse so you can feel better?
One side has come out and publicly attempted to limit Christians’ rights and ability have a say, voting against their opponent becomes a cut off your nose to spite your face endeavor. By not taking the lesser choice, you hurt yourself and others worse, all so you could feel more pious?
No thanks. While I would love choices more aligned with my beliefs, that rarely is an option any more. And this is politics, not church, compromise, and not having ideal choices, is sometimes necessary and the way it goes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bob, if it makes you feel any better, an Alabama Democrat, is more conservative/Republican than a California Democrat. 😉
I threw my vote for President away and look what we got. I couldn’t throw away my vote this time.
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We had Christmas today. After dinner and presents, my sister, brother-in-law and I got to visit about current theological and political issues at length for the first time since the election.
Here in North Texas, my friends are about 90% Trumpkin, 5% Democrat, 5% other. In liberal Austin, their friends are about 60% Trumpkin, 30% Democrat and 10% other. Most of our friends are from church, school or business, so we move in very conservative circles.
For 90 minutes, the three of us told each other variations of the same message I have been saying here for two years. It felt good for all three of us to know we are not alone.
Our four children and their spouses share our basic outlook. My 81 year-old mother, on the other hand, gets all her news from Fox and Friends and thinks we may all be too hard on poor old Trump. She worries about Fake News, the Deep State, Hillary, Muslims, Obama and women who may have “invited” assaults from Trump, Roy Moore, O’Reilly and others.
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AJ – This is not about feeling pious.
I believe that all of us have to follow our conscience in how we vote, we all have reasons for voting the way we do, & that’s okay. My thoughts are a reaction to those who have insisted that those of us who don’t believe in voting for people like Trump or Moore are going against God’s ways for not making sure a Republican gets into office, as if the only way God can work is through getting Republicans elected.
LikeLiked by 2 people
AJ, I appreciate those thoughts. There’s a long version and a short version in reply. Here’s the short one:
1) We’ve tried all that and it doesn’t do anything.
2) Our duty is to God, and, as Kizzie said, He is in charge of the outcomes.
3) Think of the scriptural examples. The Bible is full of examples–it’s like an overriding theme–of people who walk by faith, in the face of contrary circumstances, and not by sight.
There’s a bigger picture here than just American politics.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Speaking of O’Reilly, it is too bad that he didn’t know the story about him sexually harassing that woman was false before he agreed to pay her the $24,000,000.
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Congrats Ricky, er. .. Grandpa. 😊
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Sometimes, stereotypes are correct. Seventy percent of the H-1B visas issued each year go to Indians.
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Congratulations, Ricky!
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Something in this paragraph in Dreher’s piece struck me:
“That notion is bewildering to evangelical leaders who see Mr. Trump as their champion. They say that Mr. Trump has given them more access than any president in recent memory, and has done more to advance their agenda, by appointing judges who are likely to rule against abortion and gay rights; by channeling government funds to private religious schools; by recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel; and by calling for the elimination of the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits churches and charitable groups from endorsing political candidates.”
Shouldn’t the agenda of evangelical leaders be to lead people to Jesus?
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Interesting point, Kizzie.
I don’t want government funds going to Christian schools where they can lead to government control. I don’t mind the Johnson Amendment. If entities are going to be charities and receive tax-deductible contributions, I don’t want them to endorse candidates. I do not care if the US recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel nor do I care if a president gives White House access to self-appointed Christian “leaders”.
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Douthat praises Trump for the defeat of ISIS and a few other things as well.
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Some of you may have been praying for Charles Murray. You don’t get much of a testimony in a Tweet, but I don’t think he would have made this statement flippantly.
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When it comes to the current Administration reversing Obama era regulations, you can call me a Trumpkin:
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Although I’m glad to see that Ricky’s political calculus has finally allowed him to align with Trump, I’d be more glad if Trump were not quite so easily aligned with the predictable party line.
A commenter after the Dreher article linked above, shared their church experience and said “ If the Democrats weren’t so fanatical about abortion and so hostile to religious liberty, they could really clean up among younger Evangelicals right now.” That could be true. Unfortunately, I don’t see the Democrat party changing in a way that would be at all welcoming to traditional Christians young or old. This makes many Christians that don’t fall in line with establishment Republicans effectively politically homeless. However, I have ceased to think of that as a bad thing.
I think Christians have always been politically homeless to a large extent. But being politically homeless should not a bad thing for a people who view themselves as being pilgrims in a fallen world. National citizenship is a valuable inheritance and responsibility for which I am sincerely grateful. But when our national citizenship or political alliances begin to cloud the view of our eternal citizenship, it’s a clear indicator we’re veering from the straight and narrow and need to correct course immediately. To me, one sign that this is happening is when I hear choruses of Christian leaders telling us we ‘must’ vote one way or another (or at all) or we are not good Christians. Voting is a matter of conscience, and Christians need to be charitable with each other.
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Debra – That’s the point I’ve been trying to make, too. The article I linked to, that Ricky linked to earlier, also makes the point about Christians needing to be charitable with each other.
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Debra, I have decided it is wiser to abandon the lynch mob and just sell rope to Trump.
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Charity covers much. And it also makes it possible to debate different viewpoints and experiences.
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Wise decision Ricky. 😀
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The political nerds at 538 came up with this a month ago. Their prediction powers were good.
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Speaking of 538, here is Nate Silver agreeing with Charles Murray about liberal media bias.
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And here is Silver and his crew agreeing with me that there is nothing traditional conservative Republicans can do to improve matters as long as Trump is the President.
So we sit back and watch Trump vs. Mueller, Trump vs. the Democrats, Trump vs. the truth, and the Patriots vs. the Steelers with no dog in any of the fights.
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Kevin D. Williamson pretending he is Milton Friedman:
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