The emphasis of this thread is not politics, therefore I have chosen the general forum to post in.
A brief scan of the politics forum will reveal a deep divide between members of the PB. I am not as concerned as to why Christians have different political views as much as I am concerned with the manner in which these views are expressed and the emotional responses that follow. Let me start by saying that the discussion of politics brings out passions in me that I have no problems expressing. By reading a sampling of the posts in the politics forum I would dare say that my fellow PB'ers have no such problem either. But why is it that our political differences seem to divide us more than our theological differences? Could it be that deep in our heart of hearts we hold our political opinions higher than our theological convictions?
I have witnessed (and been guilty of) a lack of charity when discussing politics that seems, for the most part, to be present when having a theological discussion. In fact, once our political leanings are expressed they may define us more than our understanding of God. For example: Like Bush-Hate Bush. I have seen this topic divide believers and stunt fellowship. I know believers that will actually avoid one another because of opposing views. Brethren, this ought not to be!
I do not what this thread to turn into a political debate! If you feel the need to debate, go to the political forum. I wonder whether we can express opinion on politics without losing our love for one another. What say you? Why does it seem that our political views define us more than our theological views? What does that say about us? This is not about Iraq, Bush or the economy. In twenty years the subject of the debate will change but the passions won't. Why is that we can seemingly agree to disagree on baptism but not on politics?
Interested in your comments.
A brief scan of the politics forum will reveal a deep divide between members of the PB. I am not as concerned as to why Christians have different political views as much as I am concerned with the manner in which these views are expressed and the emotional responses that follow. Let me start by saying that the discussion of politics brings out passions in me that I have no problems expressing. By reading a sampling of the posts in the politics forum I would dare say that my fellow PB'ers have no such problem either. But why is it that our political differences seem to divide us more than our theological differences? Could it be that deep in our heart of hearts we hold our political opinions higher than our theological convictions?
I have witnessed (and been guilty of) a lack of charity when discussing politics that seems, for the most part, to be present when having a theological discussion. In fact, once our political leanings are expressed they may define us more than our understanding of God. For example: Like Bush-Hate Bush. I have seen this topic divide believers and stunt fellowship. I know believers that will actually avoid one another because of opposing views. Brethren, this ought not to be!
I do not what this thread to turn into a political debate! If you feel the need to debate, go to the political forum. I wonder whether we can express opinion on politics without losing our love for one another. What say you? Why does it seem that our political views define us more than our theological views? What does that say about us? This is not about Iraq, Bush or the economy. In twenty years the subject of the debate will change but the passions won't. Why is that we can seemingly agree to disagree on baptism but not on politics?
Interested in your comments.