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Posts Tagged ‘vote’

Be Warned, A Political Statement

Posted in Acceptance, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , on November 6, 2024|

by Michael Donahoe

I am not into politics although I have always voted since I was first eligible. I do not like to make political statements, but in regard to this past election I do want to say a couple things.

After a big day of voting on November 5, we woke up to the results. About half the country is excited and happy, the other half is disappointed, mad and scared. The main point being, the majority have spoken and we all need to make the best of it. I am glad we have a democracy and the freedom to vote for who we think will do the best job…hopefully that will continue.

As I said, many people are disappointed and are wondering what happened, how could God allow this to happen. I believe that God gave dominion to the human race over the earth. God does not force any will or ways on us. Look at Jesus and how he lived. He forced nothing on anyone. He loved all people, all nations, all religions, all nationalities. I believe that we are the hands and feet of God on earth today. God works through us, but we have to be the ones to act. We all see things differently and we will act in different ways, so obviously, there is not going to be only one outcome that is considered God’s will.

The will of the majority was heard in this election. This was done by acts of people following what they thought was best for the country. God did not intervene and force a different way because I believe God is not an authoritarian God nor a dictator, but allows free will of people and works through the will and actions of the people.

Now is not the time for more hate and arguing. The majority have spoken and no matter which way you voted, now is the time to continue to stand up for love. Love for your neighbor, love of enemies, love for your country and for those from different countries, those of different religions, different races, different political views, different genders and gender identities.

Remember that God loves the world. God does not love the USA or Israel above any other people. Life will go on and there will be opportunities in the future to make necessary changes. Let’s continue to follow the Spirit of God who is love, and do what we feel is best for one another and for all people in our country.

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Michael Donahoe was added as a writer as his views fit perfectly with those of Done with Religion. He also writes on Substack at https://personalmeanderings.substack.com/

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How Can You Vote for Them?

Posted in Acceptance of Others, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , on September 5, 2024|

by Jim Gordon

I am not much into politics and I certainly do not put much hope or trust in politicians. I very seldom make political statements since I feel politics is a personal thing. Who to vote for or if to vote is up to each individual. I also realize that not everyone who reads our articles are from the USA or of the Christian faith. So, bear with me since this will be from an American and Christian perspective.

First off, whether you vote Democrat, Republican, Independent or third-party is entirely a personal choice. I understand the concept that as Christians we live in the Kingdom of God and we trust God as our head and pledge no allegiance to man. Yet living in this world we believe in the political process and we vote for those we feel is best to lead the country. I believe in praying for our leaders and trying to get the best people into office for the good of the country no matter which party they represent.

Either way we look at this, the one thing that really bothers me is seeing Christian people and especially those in leadership positions making comments such as “if you are a Christian why are you supporting this person”, or, “if you were a real Christian, you would not be voting for that candidate” or “you cannot be a Christian and be a Democrat” or “you cannot be a Christian and vote Republican”.

I personally think that Christians who make these type statements should keep their views to themselves. We all should have the right to vote for the person we feel is best, and to do so without someone trying to put a guilt trip on us for having a different view, especially when it comes to our Christian beliefs.

I understand pastors giving their personal opinions when asked about who they like as a candidate, we all do that, but that should be done on a personal and private basis. I do not believe that should be done from the pulpit or during a church service. I believe that political parties do not define our Christian beliefs. I personally know Christians who are Republican, Democrat, Independent and who claim no political group at all. I believe it is wrong for a Christian to use their religious belief to guilt another person and say they should not vote for a particular party or candidate.

I think most people are smart enough to listen, read and decide for themselves who they want to support. Most people want the best for our country and they believe they are voting for the person who will do the best job to fulfill that purpose, no matter which party they represent.

Jim Gordon and his wife left the institutional church after spending over fifty years within the system. Jim wanted a way to express his thoughts and concerns about the religious system and why he and his wife decided to leave the institution but not their faith in God. Jim can be contacted by email at: jimgordon731@gmail.com

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Who Should We Vote For?

Posted in Acceptance of Others, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , , , on September 1, 2024|

By Mike Edwards

I try to keep my Posts for the most part spiritual in nature as opposed to political. But those two arenas share commonalities. Both suppress freedom of speech or at least open dialogue. Try claiming God doesn’t condemn gays. You are called a heretic in many religious places. Dare to argue Covid vaccine benefits versus risks and you are called a misinformer or conspiracist. It seems to me freedom of speech is critical. May the pursuit of truth win! 

Should we vote on a candidate based on sexual history?

Currently, there are two candidates running for President in November 2024. You may need to google several search engines about their possible past sexual behaviors. If guilty, they simply join a list of past Presidents. Isn’t it more important current behaviors than past transgressions they may regret? We don’t know if they regret their sexual past because no one ask, and our past sins aren’t necessarily best to be made public. Ask their partners. And since none of us were there in the bedroom in the past, we may never know the full truth. So, basing one’s vote on past sexual behaviors is tricky. We may find no one qualifies.

Should we vote based on one character’s – if a racist, Jew hater, etc.?

Both candidates are accused of being anti-democratic. Often, candidates are accused of being a racist. In past decades racists didn’t hide their hatred for those not their color. It was obvious. I admit I am tired of being accused a racist because I am a white dude. I married my daughter to a black man with my blessings and I have biracial grandchildren. Crazy but I love them as much as the white grandchildren. I never agreed with my parents that whites can’t share the same water fountains as blacks. Yes, I am old. I am not sure we can ever definitely determine one character behind closed doors or what is claimed by others. If candidates openly proclaimed they hate Jews (i.e. Nazis) – I don’t vote! 

Vote on what you feel best for your country, children, and grandchildren

The joke is all politicians lie. Look for one who lies less. If you lean left make sure you read from those who lean to the right. I think it is fair to say the majority of mainstream media outlets lean left so the search is more challenging. If you lean right, make sure you understand policies and viewpoints of those on the left. I would suggest it’s not about one’s personality, unknown private affairs, but policies for our future.

Best decisions (finances, etc.) are made not just with our feelings but our cognitions too! Who has the best economic policies that help those who live paycheck to paycheck, not those who can survive inflation because fortunate to have extra monies? Who has the best border policies that protect us from letting in those who wish to harm us with drugs or who are on terrorist lists, etc.? Who has the best crime policies that protect us from evil people while pushing for equal justice for all?  Who best advocates for free speech so the best ideas can win the truth debate? You decide!

Who Should We Vote For?

Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. He couldn’t find enough people to discuss God openly so he started blogging years ago. Mike also has his own site where he writes that can be found at What God May Really Be Like  He can be contacted by email at: medwar2@gmail.com

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Christianity and Politics

Posted in Acceptance of Others, christian living, Jesus follower, Kingdom of God, Lifestyles, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , , , on September 30, 2020| 4 Comments »

by Jim Gordon

Many people wonder if Christianity and politics can actually exist together. It seems that Jesus really had no real interest in the political system of his day, yet he also did not condemn it. He said to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.

In our day and age politics can be a powerful thing and many people find it extremely important. No matter what country you live in it is controlled by a political party in one way or another. Many countries, like the United States participate in free elections and others are under more of a dictatorship. Either way, we humans are all under some type of political influence and control.

I find that coming from a Christian viewpoint it seems many Christian people in the United States feel that if you are a Christian you have to be a republican. Personally, the way I feel about politics I really do not care which political party a person belongs too. Unfortunately, I really do not see much of the ways of Jesus in either of our main political parties. It seems politicians are more concerned on political power and financial gain rather than on serving the people and making things better for all.

When I vote, I try to vote for the person I feel will do that best job for the most people and I do not worry which political party they belong too. I know there are many politicians who are of the Christian faith, yet there are also many who only use Christianity to get more votes.

Truthfully, being a Christian has nothing to do with a political party. Those of us who are followers of Christ live every day by our faith which involves every aspect of living. Our faith in God is not a Sunday only thing or a political thing. Many people seem to think they have a spiritual life on Sunday and a secular and political life the rest of the week. Yet the truth is we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we walk with the Spirit of God each and every day. Everything we do can be considered spiritual because God is within us all the time.

Many people seem to think we can use political power to force our Christian values on everyone. I for one do not believe we should or can legislate Christian values and morality on anyone. God does not force his love and ways on us, so why should we try to force our values and beliefs on others. Only by the power of the Spirit living within us can righteous living and loving others be accomplished.

Jesus was obviously more interested in speaking of and teaching about the kingdom he was a part of, the Kingdom of Heaven. He was not nearly as worried or concerned about worldly kingdoms or political powers.

I would love to see people stop bringing Christianity down to a political purpose. Focus on Christ and loving others no matter which political party they endorse, if any. Politics is not the answer and is not worth all the fighting and arguing over. Loving God and loving one another is a much more important and meaningful way of life.

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Can We ‘Vote In’ Morality?

Posted in christian living, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 6, 2015| 2 Comments »

Have you noticed how we Christians want to legislate morality?

We have our pet doctrines and think that if we could get the right people into office, or the right laws passed, the world would be a better place.

We think if we can get the democrats out and the republicans in, or the other way around, things will improve. If we can just get Roe v Wade overturned, get the 10 commandments posted on the courthouse wall, put prayer back in school, or keep ‘In God We Trust’ on our money, things will be better.

morality

The trouble with this way of thinking is, it does not work and it is not right. We cannot legislate “Christian” values or what we consider to be morally right.

There is no political party that is going to make everything OK. It is so aggravating at times to listen to people condemn one political party or the other, when neither party is going to have the answer that makes everything better. If one political party was replaced by another political party, the only thing that would change would be the people who are complaining.

We get so caught up on what ‘man’ can supposedly do, when no human is going to come up with the answer to solve all our problems. Only by trusting God and allowing Him to work in each of us, will anything change in our world.

Nothing will change until we come to realize that Christ is within us, and it is by his power that we live and love others. We are not of this world, but of the Kingdom of God.

kingdom of god

The Kingdom of God is where we as followers of Christ actually live….now. It is not something in the future, after we die. The Kingdom of God is within us, and it is for the here and now. I think we miss a lot of the complete Gospel message when we only focus on the salvation part of it and forget the Kingdom of God aspect.

We need to forget the allegiance we seem to think we need to political parties and seek first His Kingdom.

We should be praying for our leaders, no matter which party they belong too. Although we pray for them and respect their position, we should not be placing our hope in any political party. Political parties are made up of human beings who are imperfect, and truthfully, most often only looking out for their political agenda and financial well-being.

Seek first the Kingdom of God. Realize the Spirit of God lives within us and we are actually living in the Kingdom right now. Listen for the voice and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and love others no matter who they are or what they think. We are not going to change people by voting in politicians and making new laws. Only by loving people, accepting them as they are, and showing them the love of God by our actions, will we make any real impact on our world.

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