[demonrum]

Can a "good" Christian be a good American?:

Theologically - no. Because his allegiance is to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost--not to a government, a leader or to "the Flag" (see: idolatry).

Religiously - no. Because no other religion is accepted by his God except it direct all reverance towards the Father, the Son & the Holy Ghost.

Scripturally - no. Because his allegiance is to the Ten Commandments (Thou Shalt not Kill for instance) & Gospel: "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment." (Matthew 5:21) vs. an order from a commanding officer to do otherwise, for example).

Geographically - no. Because his allegiance is to the kingdom of Heaven, which is open to all who accept God, regardless of temporal location, citizenship, or language--further, the land occupied by the United States isn't even mentioned in the Bible.

Socially - no. Because his allegiance to the Old Testament forbids him to make friends with those of a different faith, lest they attempt to convert them from the True Faith,--even to kill them.(Exodus 22:20;& others--google bible intolerance)

Politically - no. Because he must submit to their preachers (spiritual leaders), who may not agree 100% with the policies or actions of the administration in charge (be it Bush, Clinton, Reagan or Carter), or the Pope, who isn't even an American.

Intellectually - no. Because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it was drafted by many who considered themselves philosophers & freethinkers.

Spiritually - no. Because to declare "one nation under God," in a pledge of allegiance to a flag amounts to idolatry.
Therefore after much study and deliberation.... perhaps we should be very suspicious of ALL CHRISTIANS in this country.

They obviously cannot be both "good" Christians and good Americans."

..still reading?

The point I'd like to make here is that Christians aren't monolithic--all marching to the same step, saying & believing exactly the same things. (I could also have written that it's impossible to be a good Jew & a good American because primary loyalty is always to Israel, which is equally as absurd)

Islam isn't a cartoon drawn in broad strokes in primary colors any more than Christianity or Judaism is.

[pieceofthepuzzle]

Render unto Ceaser what is Ceaser's..........

[PigRigger]

Sorry, you are wrong.

Major distinction between Christianity and Islam is the fact that Christians find salvation through God's grace and Christ's sacrifice. We aim to become one with God, not enforce his rule on all who oppose him.

It is a spiritual struggle to overcome the inherit desires of this world, not to overthrow it. We acknowledge that any actions on our part will fall short of earning God's forgiveness and salvation. Christ even stated He did not come to overthrow the kingdoms of this world, He came to save mankind.

This is not to say that we, as Christians, should not stand against the issues of the day we find evil and unjust, but that is not our directive. In fact, Christ told us we would be looked on as outsiders and many time despised for our beliefs. Yet, not once, did he request of us to kill in God's name.

Unfortunately, Islam teaches, and demands, its' followers to reshape the physical world we live in. It teaches that one's action, no natter how heinous, are glorified if it is done to promote Allah.

I'm sorry you cannot see the difference, it is rather glaring and obvious.

[dirtboy]

Politically - no. Because he must submit to their preachers (spiritual leaders), who may not agree 100% with the policies or actions of the administration in charge

Yeah, right. I guess that's why Jesus said to render unto God what is God's and Caeser what is Caeser's.

So you argument falls flat right there. Oh - and there is no such passage in the Koran, because Islam seeks to have its religious leaders also be its political leaders.

[Jezebelle]

What a crock.

[prairiebreeze]

since 2006-7-29....

[IYellAtMyTV]

Nice 'straw-man argument'.
I don't believe I need reply, as others have made the point for me. I also note that you haven't responded to any of the points mentioned.

By the way, did you read the article? Did it seem familiar? Sounded kind'a like you, didn't it?