First, the term "Liberalism" in general defines a political philoshphy and not theological teachings or beliefs.
How convenient for this unknown person. All of the benefits but none of those nasty drawbacks like noting the ejecta of this philosophy and the damage it is causing to our society and to civilization.
A close reading of the Holy scriptures will show that neither liberalism nor conservatism is mentioned.
True enough. But right and wrong are definitely mentioned. Some of these instances are referred to as "Commandments". One side in this debate doesn't seem to be too enamored with these items, especially as they relate to the governing of our cities, towns and nation.
Both you and I have to make personal choices every day of our lives, and we will answer to God for each choice
That we will. But since this person doesn't seem willing to admit that many "liberals" make different choices from others (after all, he claims liberalism is a philosophy, not a system of belief) one wonders why this covering statement is included.
First, the bible teaches that ever political leader, (the bible says King), gains his authority from God and is there to serve God's purpose in some manner. The bible doesn' say ever good conservative King, it says ever King and even included that arch enemy of conservatives, William Jefferson Clinton.
Also true. But that argument would be more convincing if the author could tell us where Christians are instructed to knowingly and willingly support a "king" whose teachings do not align with Scripture.
Now let me give you a truism regarding Christianity. You can't accept part of God's teaching and throw out the parts you don't like.
Let me reply with another truism: one side of this debate is throwing out a heck of a lot more than the other side. This isn't a difficult thing to see.
I don't believe the Bible teaches communism any more than I believe it teaches conversativism. However, I believe it does teach us to love our fellow man, that we are our brother's keeper and the proper response to all mankind's problems is not to simply say "Get a Job."
All well and good. But while we are called to voluntarily help our fellow man, most conservatives I know believe that there is a Godly way to accomplish all these things - which does not involve breaking His laws.
Loving our fellow man does not include jumping into bed with him, or attempting to marry him. Being our brothers' keeper does not necessarily include being placed in involuntary financial servitude to the institutions dedicated to this purpose. And getting a job could very well be the best way for our downtrodden brothers and sisters to provide for themselves.
Our Lord never said that following His path would be easy. I too believe that it's a bit far-fetched to say you can't be both a Christian and a liberal, but the moral high-wire act a liberal Christian must perform seems infinitely more dangerous.
Thanks for the reply - here is what I had sent to this fellow before I posted:
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Interesting that I should get your reply – although you were not one I sent this too.
There is a lot that you did not mention – of the more important points missed:
There are conservative Democrats and Liberal Republicans – it’s not completely a party line issue.
The Liberal agenda includes many blatantly anti –Bible ideologies such as Murder of unborn children, promotion of homosexual lifestyle, etc.
YES – the Bible teaches (particularly in the early Church) for CHURCH members to pool resources and to take care of orphans, widows, etc. It does NOT give instructions to the GOVERNMENT to do these things (unlike the liberal/leftist mentality). This is what separates my view on public assistance from the left’s.
Yes – ALL those in authority are there by the authority of God – as even unpleasant and terrible things also ALL work to the Glory of God. But we also get what we deserve – as our country sinks further into moral decay and indecency, so shall our level of leadership. I can’t help but wonder if we are being allowed to sink into the gutter much as Israel did before their judgment – to make a point and to teach a lesson. Notice how the good Kings in Israel was granted an “extension” of time before their judgment.
Neither political party is perfect – thus the reason I don’t vote a “straight party line”, instead voting for the candidate that most closely reflects my ideology. My rather “conservative” political point of view precludes me from voting for any candidate that comes down on the “wrong” side of issues as they relate to my beliefs.
Guess how many “liberal” candidates I typically vote for.....