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But look around - do you find anyone other than Christians (and no, for the purposes of this particular discussion, Mormons don't qualify)? Did you ever wonder if that just might be because they've been driven away? I don't know if that's true, of course, but the possibility is very real, and that's sad.

On the contrary, there are some of Jewish beliefs I have met in the forum, and certainly we've seen a Wiccan or two crop up from time to time. I think the reason we see mostly Christians is because (at least in the Reformed variety) the Bible not only speaks to personal responsibilities, but also to ecclesiastical and governmental responsibility to God. Samuel Rutherford's classic work Lex, Rex: or The Law and the Prince, directly challenged the idea that government is above the law - specifically, God's Law. As far as I know, only Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have any sort of codified ethics for the corporate moral behavior of men (note that I'm not saying they advocate the same set of ethics). I believe this is why you don't find other religious advocates participating on a political board, at least to the extent that these three do.

How do we Christians live up to the requirements of the Great Commission if we only talk (or fight) amongst ourselves?

How can we Christians live up to that part of the Commission which states "...make Disciples of all Nations...", if we limit our discussions to only personal, pietistic matters? "Nations" are corporate and political entities. Nations are also to be discipled.

"...make Disciples of all Nations...",

That is the essence of all religions. Their methodology for gaining more membership of the club of us against them attitude has been to get a brownie point if you bring converts in. Moslems have managed to do well in this area. Christians have done good for hundreds of years converting others by force/intimidation, or bribes to Christianity. Now, thank God, we know better. We found that soft sell is better!

If you want my opinion, as a Christian, I would rather live my life according to Jesus example; humble/meek/forgiving/loving, and the last thing on my mind would be to witness to others! They can see that you are my disciples if you love one another?

Excellent points. Since the main function of this forum is political in nature the question becomes how does ones doctrine of God affect ones political beliefs. Since this country was founded by Christians, and this is a conservative forum, why should we be concerned whether those of non-Judeao/Christian beliefs be driven away? If I were to post a thread that titled; "I think President Clinton was a great president", how long would it take before I got zotted? Is the purpose of the Religon forum for evangelical prostelyzing? It shouldn't be.

On the religon forum we have three main groups. The RC's emphasis human authority. The Arminians emphasis individual piety. The Calvinist emphasis God's soveriegnty. Each of these emphasis will have a direct bearing on ones political understandings. Our theology directs our politics. If our common goal is that our country return to a Christian emphasis in the political realm then it becomes necessary that those of different Christian theological emphasis be allowed to vigorously debate their particular emphasis. By understanding our oppositions viewpoint hopefully we can find some common area of agreement in the political realm. I'd much rather debate someone who has a passion for his/her beliefs than a post-modern pussy.

Perhaps you should consider suspending the thin-skinned abuse button pushers?