Christian Antagonism

   CHRISTIAN ANTAGONISM

Christians are one in mind and voice, harmoniously glorifying the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5+6)

The core of that oneness is the Christian gospel. The reality expressed in one verse underpins the entirety of all godly doctrine, which reads:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life*."

*Explaining what eternal life is Jesus said; "Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. (John 17:3)"

So if we are one, why are millions of believers challenging Christian oneness? (John 10:16)  The major reason for the disunity trend is the mingling of the Gospel with the Political/Economic Views of the World (1John 4:5).  These intrusive views create a different bases for friendly associations between Christians.  With the unifying purity of the gospel compromised, factional controversies shatter Christian oneness as described in 1Timmothy 6:3b-5.

"If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing.

"Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain."

By contrast 2Tim. 2:24-26 describes Christians united by the Gospel with one mind and voice;

"And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.  He must gently reprove those who oppose Him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will."

Each of us must guard ourselves against being drawn toward "unhealthy interests in controversies."  We are instead directed to unite with our fellow Christians, even antagonistic Christian.  How is that possible?  

We avoid the trap of focusing on controversies by refocusing our minds on Christ Jesus within us...in the light of His manner of life and teaching.   Philippians 2:1+2 prescribed a healthy alternative response to controversies. 

"Therefore, if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. (Philippians 2:1+2)"

The diagnoses of the unhealthy antagonistic mind is contained in the next verse, Philippians 2:3; "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or EMPTY PRIDE, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves."

Empty pride is simply an unwarranted inflated opinion of one's self.  Those who are most seriously afflicted with that type of emptiness exhibit a profound need to prove their superior to advance their status. Deprived of the oneness the pure Gospel provides, we have a tendency to feel some necessity to establish "respect" under the new politically-contaminated gospel.  It's only natural to become antagonistic to make others feel or look bad to elevate oneself.  But that makes it extremely difficult to develop "like-minded" fellowship with an unhealthy antagonistic Christian.

Margaret J. Marcuson, writing for christiancentury.org offered advice on how best to respond to Christian antagonists.  

1) Don't respond defensively, because the antagonist interprets it as fear, and increase their attack.

2) Stay focused on your goal, b/c antagonists intentionally attempt to distract their victims.

3) Establish a light-hearted attitude, and don’t take the antagonist too seriously. 

4) Margaret recommends bringing respected authorities into the confrontation.

 [I suggest the exact  opposite]  

I propose that you actually AVOID enlisting allies, and NEVER quote authorities or their findings. 

Otherwise, the antagonist will deviate from the controversy at hand, and inject some unrelated grievance they have with the facts or authorities you introduce.

Incidentally, if you happen to be a Christian Antagonist, you are probably already planning to debunk M. J. Marcuson's recommendations.  However, her tactics simply mimic the still small voice of the Holy Spirit.  

Ideally, a confrontation with a Christian antagonist serves as an alarm to the victim, not to run, but to turn toward God, within you.  Then having reconnected with His Spirit, completely yield to His loving compassion for the distressed antagonist.  I further advise that you don't try to restore them to health, let God do that.  Just love them. 

Whether the antagonist acknowledges it or not, Christ in you will extend His restorative "eternal life" to them, which is apolitical love.

Remember two things; 

1) Confrontations with Christian Antagonists are alarms, warning you to turn to God within you.  

2) Christian Antagonists are not well, and need loving restorative health that only God by His Spirit can give.  

St. Augustine, around 400 years after the cross of Christ, boiled it down to this: "Once for all, then, a short precept is given thee: Love, and do what thou wilt."

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PLEASE FORGIVE ME

I realized while writing this article I also tend toward an unhealthy interest in controversies.

I hope my future involvement in controversies will serve to unify rather than magnify the division between my dear brothers an sisters in Christ. 

I'm a CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC

          Why I'm a

CHRISTIAN DEMOCRAT

I am a Christian Democrat, not because it provides maximum participation for all citizens, or because humanity is wise and good enough to rule the nation, but because real democracy is the only peaceful, none violent, means to combat political tyranny.  Tyranny, by definition, occurs when an individual or wealthy cadre rule a nation in their own interest rather than for the public good.

C. S. Lewis defended his own "classical liberal Democratic" views*1 this way: "Mankind is so fallen that no man can be trusted with unchecked power over his fellows."*2

God's Spirit, scriptures, and "sound" teaching leads to God's chosen ends (God's will)*3, and thereby directs His people to choose even political methods, even in the realm of politics consistent with Christian comportment: "And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."*4

For that reason, the implementation of the spirit led life, within the limitations of the material/political world requires practical human wisdom; intelligently, sensibly, and prudently.*5  The goal of perfect governance in an imperfect world is, and always has been, an impossibility.

Our Constitution prescribes its own legitimate end goals for its here-and-now governmental structure.  It is to continually promote and protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for its citizens.*6



If we fail to protect and defend liberty then tyranny under the influence of the super-wealthy-few will prevail. Tracing the path from democracy to tyranny is so simple and straightforward that even Wikipedia points to the road that leads there.  It's Democracy degenerating into autocracy, then tyranny.

 "Democracy's long for freedom. Freedom eventually becomes more and more chaotic.  Chaos require the imposition of oppressive power to regain and maintain order.  A champion, a hero, then comes along and is allowed to exercise unrestrained power, which inevitably cause him or her to become a tyrant."*7

Therefore, I am a Christian Democrat because the goal of a perfect government, though an unattainable illusion is a goal noble enough to keep me working toward life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, yet it's illusive enough to keep me, and every patriotic Christian Democrat patiently trying.

Source Reference are annoying (especially when they are common knowledge), but are added for those who find them necessary.
*1 Dyer and Watson, "C. S. Lewis on Politics"
*2 C. S. Lewis, "God in the Dock"
*3 John 16:13-16, 2Timothy 1:13
*4 Micah 6:8b
*5 Matthew 10:16
*6 US. Declaration of Independence
*7 Wikipedia, Google Search

NONSENSE CONFUSES REALITY

 
    NONSENSE CONFUSES REALITY

 VANISHING VALUABLES
 Dish + SPOON 

 Diddle Diddle was a word-repetition with a specific meaning in 1600s England.   As late as fifty years ago I heard this rhetorical ploy designated as double-talk.   In North America, double-talk or doublespeak is known as a deliberate unintelligible speech combing nonsense syllables and actual words to confuse the hearer.

One of my first jobs was in a mechanic's garage that had a payphone within the work area.  A slick salesman regularly used the phone.  He always requested that we continue our noisy work while he talked.  One day I was close enough to hear what he was saying, but I couldn't understand much of it.
I was told later that he was speaking double-talk.  Judging from his repeated use of the phone, it worked for him.

 By inserting incoherent words , phrases, with real suggestions he confuses the listener just enough to make nonsense sound reasonable .

Our ability to recognize truth when we hear it depends on our clear perception of reality.  Apparently, Double-talk clouded the minds of enough people over the ages to be a useful ploy called "Diddle Diddle.  It is obviously used by swindlers to turn situations to their advantage even today.

The ancient nursery rhyme, "Hey Diddle Diddle", depicts the chaos and loss that results when deliberate nonsense is made to sound reasonable.

 Even though there doesn't seem to be any conclusive evidence linking ‘Hey Diddle Diddle’ to any of specific political intrigue, the riddle can be applied to any deliberate distortion of reality.  Applying the nursery rhyme to today's political confusion, any number of substitutions are equally appropriate.  

IDENTIFY YOUR OWN 
POLITICAL CHARACTERS
1) Source of the Diddle Diddle00pm
2) Comfortable Cat playing fiddle
3) Unprofitably active Cow
4) The Dog, (a) not chasing the cat 
                     (b) not herding livestock
                     (c) amusedly not guarding
With all the confusion.
CONSIDER THE COST 
5) The valuable things just slip away








Please ignore anything written below this line.  
------------------------------------------- 
For those who have already seen it, let me explain.  I forgot these musings were not erased.  I was trying to force some supernatural concepts into a natural children's rhyme, and obviously failed.  
I'm leaving the trash now as an example of my human foolishness.

...confusing an audience. occurs when a slick salesman is allowed to distort reality.  our recognition accompanies the chaos of living with a false sense of realty.  It depicts
 a plate running away with a spoon as the consequence of confusion.

The loss resulting from our political confusion is not as humorous with consequences far worse than the loss of a plate and spoon.

It is an encounter neither right nor wrong, neither left nor right, but simply "IS".  The meal is God.  Our recognition of His Reality within our heart is our spoon...the utensil by which we partake of Reality.


Reality.  The spoon of recognition made known by His Spirit within each of us.  Recognizing His Reality too precious to allow it to be carried off by even the most exquisite dish.


When a Christian population receives contradicting accounts of reality they will discern reality in light of their knowledge of God.

However, when their knowledge is mediated by religious creeds, holy books, church norms, community standards, and the like, knowledge becomes second-hand.  Yet, God provides one-on-One, first hand knowledge of Himself by implanting His Spirit deep within us.

The desire to speak to or listen to the existent God is an operation of God's Spirit. Experiencing this inward communication leads us to pray, and when prayer is disentangled from the confusing clutter of second-hand sources it yields discernment of the Truth.

His Truth is like the silver spoon in the nursery rhyme.  It is neither right nor wrong, neither left nor right. Truth "IS" an aspect of God's character made known by His Spirit within each of us.  Personally knowing Him in this way grants us an unconfused perception of His reality, exposing the "Diddle Diddle" of the swindler in the light of His character.

When you hear His truth in your heart, believe Him, and refuse to go with some second-hand dish, who will run away with that precious spoon.  In other words know the Truth and the Truth will keep you free.

Scriptural confirmation noted in, but not isolated to the following:
Ephesians 1:8-10, 1:13, + 1:17-18
Ephesians 4:13
John 8:36-47

U. S. SPLIT BY MEANS VS ENDS

U. S. SPLIT BY MEANS VS ENDS

The United States political divisions reflect a confusion over words.  The misunderstanding starts with the words Republican and Democrat.  Theses two labels are mistakenly thought of as representing opposing points of view within one political system.  However, the Republican and Democrat labels actually designate two contrasting political theories. 

The specific difference concerns the process of governmental decision making.  One focuses on the "ends" of governing; it's goals, while the other focuses on the"means"; the methods used in governing.

The word "Democrat" refers to someone committed to a particular "means"of governing, in which the majority rules, even if the outcomes (the ends) are unexpected and occasionally even undesirable.  It is true that the democratic method may not be applicable in all cases, but it is the Democrat's preferred means of governing.

Republicanism, rather than focused on a particular "means" or method, directs its attention on the "ends"...the goal.  To achieve the desired ends, any means will do, even questionable "means", as long as they achieve the desired "end."

The confusion of terms is compounded when both Republicans and Democrats misuse and misapply other words like "Left and Liberal", or "Right and Conservative".

 For example, a Leftist and a Liberal may both be Democrats if they both believe democracy is the best "means" of reach some political "ends".  Often ends Democrats seek are only marginally acceptable to either the Left or the Liberal affiliates.

* Liberals believe in individual rights and freedom within civil boundaries.

* Leftists believe in reordering society on a type of Socialistic Marxist Communism model.

A Republican, on the other hand, is committed to particular "end" goal, and as mentioned could be reached using any "means" believed to be most effective, as long as the means point toward a specific "end".

 Nevertheless, with an emphasis on the "ends" the Christian Right and Political Conservatives must submit to "means" neither entirely approves.  However, as constituent members of the same party they regularly adopt a unified "means", which actually contradict their own guiding principles.

The Christian Right and Politically Conservatives unit as Republicans around an overarching desired "end", which is ultimately a Higher Good.  The Higher Good is clearly defined as a state in which the actual political power is only granted to the most worthy citizens, who select representatives to protect their interests.

*However, the Christian Right has a specific Higher Good in mind.  It is a state that will safeguard its Christian values from the threat of cultural or spiritual dilution or corruption.

*The Political Conservative envision a different Higher Good.  He desires a State that will protect his political power, social advantages, and economic self-interest.

Not understanding the different political emphasis of these labels imply gives rise to the Republican believe that Democrats are stupid, and causes Democrats to think Republicans are insane.

 In other words misunderstood words and mismatched coalitions shape both the "means" and "ends" of our political parties.  Republican and Democratic Parties alike face a very similar challenges.  While the Rs must accept "means" that betray their values in order to gain a shared "end" goal.  The D's, insistent on democratic "means", usually settle for an uncertain "end" goal short of what they actually desire.

A political optimist really has only one hope for the survival of any semblance of a functioning Republican-Democracy.  He must believe that the stupid and the insane (as the parties call each other) will reach some extraordinarily intelligent compromises.

On the pessimistic side, as long as the Christian Right insists on doing God's work following the "means" of Politically Conservatives, and the Democratic Liberals keep accepting the radical "end" goals of its Leftists partners, both the stupid and the insane will sooner or later drive this fragile Democratic-Republic into the ditch.

In this confusion the poor Realist, has but one viable hope.  It is that one of the two parties will completely demolish the other in the 2020 elections.  I admit, even though it maybe unrealistic, I remain a nervous optimist.
God, please increase my faith.

C. S. Lewis, Christian Politics Today

C. S. LEWIS CHRISTIAN POLITICS TODAY

Excerpts lifted from C. S. Lewis' essay written in 1941 expresses my own concerns about the present Evengelical Christian attachment to the Republican Party.  Lewis forecasted the resulting entanglement with such accuracy, I simply offer his remarks.

 The Guardian, Anglican newspaper
published his essay under the title,
 Meditation of the 3rd Commandment

...the temptation of claiming for our favourite opinions that kind and degree of certainty and authority which really belongs only to our Faith.

The danger of mistaking our merely natural, though perhaps legitimate, enthusiasm for holy zeal, is always great ... The demon inherent in every party is at all times ready enough to disguise himself as the Holy Ghost (God's Spirit) ; the formation of a Christian Party means handing over to him the most efficient make-up we can find.  And when once the disguise has succeeded, his commands will presently be taken to abrogate all moral laws and to justify whatever the unbelieving allies of the "Christian" Party wish to do.

By the mere act of calling itself the Christian Party (or the party of Evangelical Christians)
It implicitly accuses all Christians who do not join it of apostasy and betrayal.

The principal which divides it from its brothers and it to its political allies will (is) not theological.  ...it will have no more power...to control the behaviour of its unbelieving allies.

In the near future, God willing, I will examine other areas concerning the effects of our ongoing Christian/Political alliances.

POWER WARPED LEADERS

                   POWER WARPED LEADERS  

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Great power warps the heart of even great leaders.  Power not only injuries our political leaders, clergy, CEO’s, media heads, and all in authority, but has done so throughout human history.  Even the best men and women granted unlimited power, over time fail to continually lead with great power, but instead become led by it.  First and Second Samuel, dispassionately records the reality of the reprehensible effect of first two powerful kings of Israel, 1050-970 BC.

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 Moshe Halbertal and Stephen Holmes’ analyzed the corrupting effect political power had on both King Saul and King David in, The Beginning of Politics: Power in the Biblical Book of Samuel.  They identified the downside of political power saying:

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“Seekers and wielders of sovereign authority end up using the power they have been granted for the welfare of the community for the hollow purpose of clinging to political power for its own sake.”

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D. Kyle Trowbridge, who critiqued their book for Christianity Now, says the corruption of leaders is not restricted to individual rulers. ‘“The People’ can also foster many of the same tendencies.  Majorities, be they in numeric or persuasive powers, can also…uphold and maintain political power.”  To be more specific; interest groups, religious coalitions, financial interests, political parties, and the like also exhibit similar shameless tyrannically retention of their political power.  They do this, regardless of harming national unity or our common good.

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Such is the story of those two good men, Saul and David.  Neither wanted to be kings, but both became “paranoid, isolated, and fearful” that they would lose their power.   Trowbridge’s epithet fpr the first king reads, “He never bought-into the finitude of his own knowledge and authority,” ending up “a moral monster.”   The second king, who was no better than his predecessor, actually recognized his abuse of power, repented, and in the end is remembered as “a man after God’s own heart.”  Acts 13:22

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Not all of us are political leaders, but most of us identify ourselves with a politically persuasive group or leader.   If you cannot influence your group or leaders’ shameless hold on power, turn from them, and in the end be the one after God’s own heart.

THE GAMBLE OF LOVE IN POLITICS

THE GAMBLE OF LOVE IN POLITICS 

“Political discourse is the Las Vegas of Christianity—the environment in which our sin is excused. Hate is winked at, fear is perpetuated and strife is applauded. Go wild, Christ-follower. Your words have no consequences here. Jesus doesn’t live in Vegas.”

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Before the Las Vegas mass murder, it was advertised, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”  If only it was true.   Tragically, like mass shootings, rancorous political discourse has spread nationwide. 

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The opening paragraph, quoted from a 2016 article by Bryan Roberts’ 7 “Things Christians Need to Remember About Politics,” post on “Relevent,” was published before the massacre.   The excerpts that follow, though modified, echo my heart felt sentiments.

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______________________________

Bryan reminds us to spend more time honoring and praying for our leaders and less time vilifying them.  Paraphrasing him, I agree this doesn’t mean praying the President will be impeached; it doesn’t mean praying some political hero will have his way.  God commands us to pray for our leaders—for their wisdom, for their hearts and for them to be led by Him. 

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The Church must be engaged in politics, but it must avoid being defined by the divisiveness of politics.  Those who argue over politics don’t love their country more than others. They just love to argue more than others. Strife and quarreling are symptoms of weak faith (Proverbs 10:12; 2 Timothy 2:23-25; James 4:1) and are among the things the Lord “detests.”

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We need to rise above the vitriol and learn to love our neighbors the way God commanded us. We need to love our atheist neighbor who wants to keep creationism out of schools; our Democrat neighbor who wants to keep gay marriage and abortion legal; our Republican neighbor who celebrates death penalty statistics and gun ownership; and yes, even the former and the present president.

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I must also add to Bryan’s reminder that opposition is not hatred. It is a mistake to accuse the challenger of malice toward you or your political idol.  If opposition is Christian, it is offered as an act of love, rather than an attempt to spray death from an upper window or a post on social media.

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  Expressions of loving-disagreement don’t need the discretionary boundaries of Vegas.  After all, there is no shame in exposing one’s Christian love, ether inside or outside a vail of sin, hatred, fear, or strife.

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But many ask, “How does a Christian escape the political environment where sin is excused, hate is winked at, fear is perpetuated, and strife is applauded?”  The Christian must turn to God, where He lives, and ask Him for a reminder of His presence.  Now listen carefully, the fact that you want to turn to Him in prayer is not merely you expressing your own desire, but you are experienced the will of God.  It is His will emanating from within you.  Acknowledging the desire to know He is present within is an expression of God’s Will.  In that moment, you have found the connection of God’s Spirit linked to your spirit.

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 Having recognized God’s will, alive in your heart, you are presented with a choice…do His will or your own.

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 This is the simplest part of the process.   So, let me remind you, you turned to Him because you could not do something…in this case, love your political opponent.   That is something you didn’t really want to do, but rather it is something He wants done.  That choice is all the work you are called on to do, ether comply with His will, or resist and do your own will.  If you yield, He then does the work of loving your opponent through you.  It is not you doing your work, but Him (GOD) doing His work in and through you.  You simply let Him do what He wants to do with you.

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When God exhibit Christ’s love through you, He deposits love into the political discourse, usually without saying a word about His Son.  He loves your enemy while you discuss politics with your opponent.  There has been a supernatural transformation, because in the words of Bryan Roberts, “Jesus doesn’t live in Vegas.”