It's about political definitions, most of which have been lost to us in the last three or four decades.
First, let's address real political definitions.
After that let's consider which side of the aisle a born again Christian ought to plant his flag.
Finally we can think about whether we should declare an allegiance to any flag at all.
It's an election year, boys and girls and American political insanity always seems to bubble to the surface of our society in this season. Electioneering is now the subject of late night comedians, more than usual I may add. It's the daily foot-in-mouth disease that plagues politicians who seek to continue their employment, who talk too much while being very carefully non-committal, and who are accustomed to sleeping and thinking too little. Meanwhile most Americans try without much success to ignore the hype that accompanies the over funded propaganda that passes itself off as truth. Nothing could be further from it.
What are liberals and conservatives anyway? I had the opportunity to talk to Daniel Ruth, liberal columnist for the St. Petersburg Times recently. His career has gone back as far as the days of King, Viet Nam and the Nixon scandal. Ruth said that the dividing line between Democratic liberalism and Republican conservatism has vanished. The old definitions, which we found so comfortable, are gone. Gone too, it seems, is anything resembling government regulation of big business, banks and the military. What then is your personal definition of liberalism and conservatism in the context of modern American politics?
What political agenda should a Christian adopt? If the liberal policies and directions of the Democratic party have disappeared is the new face of American Communism a good substitute? How about the Libertarian Party? More American than a red flag, Libertarianism supports legalized grass and a return to isolationism. Is this a real answer for America? If the Republican Party no longer supports government restraint, but supports the financial cartel instead is Dominionism a good substitute?
Ever pronounce the Pledge of Allegiance? Dumb question, right? Me too. We all grew up saying it over and over. Where I work some meetings begin with this form of political religious ceremony. Should a Christian pledge his or her allegiance to the flag of any republic, dictatorship, empire, etc.? Bear in mind that performing the act connotes political, moral and spiritual responsibilities despite the argument of some that 'God' should be removed from the vow.
Swearing allegiance to the flag of the republic is a vow to perform specific acts of cultural and moral responsibility. Some would not have it so. Some would bury their heads completely while others would support radical action. What does it mean if anything and should a Christian make such a promise in the first place if they don't mean to keep it?
Heavy questions. Serious subjects. Is a Christian political discussion an oxymoron? Did Jesus die for his country or for something more personal, something more anti-political? Will you vote this year or do you think the act, once a duty of every citizen, is now a pointless joke?
First, let's address real political definitions.
After that let's consider which side of the aisle a born again Christian ought to plant his flag.
Finally we can think about whether we should declare an allegiance to any flag at all.
It's an election year, boys and girls and American political insanity always seems to bubble to the surface of our society in this season. Electioneering is now the subject of late night comedians, more than usual I may add. It's the daily foot-in-mouth disease that plagues politicians who seek to continue their employment, who talk too much while being very carefully non-committal, and who are accustomed to sleeping and thinking too little. Meanwhile most Americans try without much success to ignore the hype that accompanies the over funded propaganda that passes itself off as truth. Nothing could be further from it.
What are liberals and conservatives anyway? I had the opportunity to talk to Daniel Ruth, liberal columnist for the St. Petersburg Times recently. His career has gone back as far as the days of King, Viet Nam and the Nixon scandal. Ruth said that the dividing line between Democratic liberalism and Republican conservatism has vanished. The old definitions, which we found so comfortable, are gone. Gone too, it seems, is anything resembling government regulation of big business, banks and the military. What then is your personal definition of liberalism and conservatism in the context of modern American politics?
What political agenda should a Christian adopt? If the liberal policies and directions of the Democratic party have disappeared is the new face of American Communism a good substitute? How about the Libertarian Party? More American than a red flag, Libertarianism supports legalized grass and a return to isolationism. Is this a real answer for America? If the Republican Party no longer supports government restraint, but supports the financial cartel instead is Dominionism a good substitute?
Ever pronounce the Pledge of Allegiance? Dumb question, right? Me too. We all grew up saying it over and over. Where I work some meetings begin with this form of political religious ceremony. Should a Christian pledge his or her allegiance to the flag of any republic, dictatorship, empire, etc.? Bear in mind that performing the act connotes political, moral and spiritual responsibilities despite the argument of some that 'God' should be removed from the vow.
Swearing allegiance to the flag of the republic is a vow to perform specific acts of cultural and moral responsibility. Some would not have it so. Some would bury their heads completely while others would support radical action. What does it mean if anything and should a Christian make such a promise in the first place if they don't mean to keep it?
Heavy questions. Serious subjects. Is a Christian political discussion an oxymoron? Did Jesus die for his country or for something more personal, something more anti-political? Will you vote this year or do you think the act, once a duty of every citizen, is now a pointless joke?