Ronin

Please reconcile your stance on the separation of church and state with this statement ~

-DM-

. . . and of course Muslims, Mormons, Hindus, JWs, Christian Scientists, and others might also feel the same way.

In what way and according to whom is that "the best way to influence society"?

-Don-

Starboy

Kevin,

I find your answers troubling. Perhaps I am reading too much into your responses but you seem to be of the mind that it is your right to impose your morality on others but others should not be allowed to impose their morality on you. Do I understand you correctly.

Starboy

spurly

Ronin, I'd be glad to. Like I said, it was late when I wrote that, and what I should have written was this:

The instruction in or teaching of religion should be left to the home and religous institutions.

However, the practice of our relationship with God has got to affect everything we do if we really believe that he exists. Thus, the practice of our faith is lived out wherever we are every day - whether that be in the public forum, at work, in our house, etc.

Thanks for giving me a chance to explain.

Kevin

spurly

Starboy,

There I'm sorry my answers trouble you. Maybe I can help clear some things up so you aren't so troubled.

No, I never said that we should impose our morality on others. However, we have to live out our faith in every area of our lives - public and private. I can not go up to someone who does not have the relationship with God that I have and force them not to get an abortion, if that is what you are talking about. However, as a Christian, because I believe with every fiber of my being that God exists, and that he is the God of the Bible, I have to live out that faith in the public forum. That means trying to convince others to believe as I do. I hope that makes sense.

I think Hindus living in our country should do the same thing, if they really believe in their gods. So should Muslims, New Age followers, etc., if they really believe that they are following the true way.

I hope this clears things up. Feel free to ask if you have any more questions.

Kevin

Starboy

Kevin, if I understand you correctly what you are saying is Christian influence of society should be entirely through their good example and works and that they should not under any circumstances attempt to promote their religion through government? Do you think it is a Christian’s duty to point out to other Christians that would promote their religion through government that they are wrong to do so? Would you go so far as to say that it is the duty of a Christian to oppose those who would impose their religion on others through the use of government?

Starboy

spurly

Yes, Don that is right. In our society they have just as much of a right to do that as Christians do. No disagreement here.

Don, by living out our relationship with God in front of a watching world, other people can see and understand what our faith is all about and what God is all about, and what he stands for.

I guess I take this cue from Christ (who I know you have some problems with). It was he who encouraged his followers to be "salt of the earth" and "light of the world".

Thanks for asking.

Kevin

Naked Ape

Do you mean to imply that you CAN go up to someone who DOES have the relationship with God that you have and force them not to get an abortion?


Cheers,

Naked Ape

spurly

Nope. Sorry to give you that impression, but I didn't mean for that to be read into what I wrote.

Thanks for helping me clear that up.

Kevin

spurly

Yes. That is about what I believe. One thing that upsets me somewhat about Christendom today is that instead of trying to live out their relationship with God before the watching world, and telling others lovingly about God, they think that the way to evangelize is by getting government to pass laws that enforce what they believe.

The problem with that, as far as Christianity goes, is that people can follow all the laws - and still miss what Christ came for - a relationship with God.

What should Christians do when other Christians strive to spread their faith through passing laws? One of our main responsibilities is to point out to them, in love, the real way that Jesus wants us to impact our world. As far as opposing them, I don't know how to answer that, because I don't know what you mean by that phrase. If you could explain it, then I might be better able to answer your question.

Kevin