"People who believe in their own supremacy rather than that of a higher being are far more capable of acts of sadism and horror...Yes, I know that religious people have committed terrible crimes down the ages, but they have done so in spite of, and in contradiction to, their beliefs."
What about Osama bin Laden? His actions have NOT been in contradiction to his beliefs. As unfashionable as it is to say, what he's doing is firmly rooted in Islamist law. He is not simply "misinterpreting" or "distorting" his religion. No one wants to admit that.
Now I agree that I want my president to be a Christian. But there are Democrats who believe in a higher power -- as in, almost everyone who attends my church. They're not just poseurs: they believe in Christ and they are Democrats. But I think they're utterly wrong.
At the same time, some Republicans who make a show of being Christian ARE poseurs. Not most, in my opinion, but some. And I admit I have a hard time knowing what's sincere and what isn't.
For these reasons, the real litmus test for me is whether I agree with the leader's policies. Is the person a true conservative?
"Now I agree that I want my president to be a Christian. But there are Democrats who believe in a higher power -- as in, almost everyone who attends my church. They're not just poseurs: they believe in Christ and they are Democrats. But I think they're utterly wrong. "
If almost everyone who attends your church is still a democrat, I'm pretty sure you're going to the wrong church.
In my church there used to be a guy who had a demo bumper-sticker on his car -- But then he and his wife got divorced. She got a different car and he stopped coming.
For me the test is what they do - not what they profess.
A certain former President had this really big Bible he'd carry to church...
Being a Christian is not simply believing in Christ. Demons believe in Him as well. That's not to suggest there are no democrats that are not Christians, just that belief alone is not salvation.
At the same time, some Republicans who make a show of being Christian ARE poseurs. Not most, in my opinion, but some.
Sad, but very true.
And I admit I have a hard time knowing what's sincere and what isn't.
37 And He said to him, " 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' 38 "This is the great and foremost commandment. Matthew 22:37-38
Democrat, Republican or Independent, if one doesn't observe the greatest commandment of God then they are not really a "good" Christian.