Not sure I understand Trump's movement in the polls

[testboner]

When Jesus was asked, "what is the greatest commandment?" He replied, "love God with all your heart, soul and mind. And the second is, love your neighbor as yourself."

From that, I take the following. God commands us to: (1) love God, and (2) love people. Policy is effectuated in the U.S. through politics. Policy affects people, either for good or for bad. Thus, being active politically permits me to have a role in promoting policies that are good for people. So being politically active is one way that I can love people.

Being politically active, AND doing it constructively. That is my responsibility.

TG,
That is a respectable stance / bar to set for yourself. Voting however is neither a responsibility, mandate nor commandment for believers. All such responsibilities, mandates and commandments that do apply, are things we’re to live by (apply) for our self. We have no rightful control over others, and so….. Love God, love our neighbor as ourself (including our enemies), and do to others as we’d like done to us is our role. Over and over we’re told to love one another, it’s even stated the entire law is fulfilled by this alone: Love your neighbor as yourself (Gal 5:14). Nowhere, NOWHERE are we instructed to control one another — just to love one another.
And if taken at face value (I have a theological contention however in overall context), Roman’s 13 states that God, not us in any way chooses authorities: “….there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
By God, not us.
Anywho…….. Jesus kingdom is not of this world, nor is ours supposed to be. And our citizenship is in heaven, not America nor any other nation. Paired with instruction, Rom 12:2, to not be conformed to this world (its beliefs, customs, behaviors, spirit and so on) but rather transformed by the renewing of our mind, is quite a strong position to not be carried away with this worldly system. “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” So much more.
I always express to my “Christian” friends, family members and others in general when on this topic, that if they can show me clear and concise, contextually accurate scriptural instruction to participate in politics / voting, then I’ll reconsider my personal convictions that I’ve arrived at primarily from scripture.

 

[testboner]

And BTW, I’m a massive repeat offender Christian. I’m on no pedestal!
And FT, I know how you feel, where you’re at on “God,” and I respect that choice / belief as well as all others. I’m not an exclusivity (religious or otherwise) bigot. Nor obviously, a “patriotic,” / nationalistic supremacist.

 

[tommyguns2]

And BTW, I’m a massive repeat offender Christian. I’m on no pedestal!
And FT, I know how you feel, where you’re at on “God,” and I respect that choice / belief as well as all others. I’m not an exclusivity (religious or otherwise) bigot. Nor obviously, a “patriotic,” / nationalistic supremacist.

I know that Jesus lived in a very political time. The Jews were under occupation, and according to their theology, they viewed their messiah as a military, political leader/ruler who was coming to liberate the Jews and re-establish David's throne. Consequently, he was under great pressure to make things political.

You're absolutely correct. Jesus specifically avoided involving himself in politics, as he had bigger goals... the kingdom of God. In fact, Jesus was quite the rabble-rouser. Cavorting with sinners, eating and drinking, and doing things on the sabbath. So I'm trying daily to remember the big picture, while at the same time living daily in this world with the people that are around me. Some days are easier than others!

 

[Littleguy]

A bit different question now to pose for those of you here who identify with, consider yourself to be, Christian; Are you a more devoted, disciplined, spiritually matured Christian as a result of however much interest, time and thought you’ve involved yourself with all this politic-ing?

View attachment 15605

I asked someone once if they thought Jesus was a sissy hanging in that cross?
Of course he was not, being a Christian means standing up for your values and being a MAN not letting people walk all over you, step over the dog shit not in it.
Dont be a part of stupid shit or go along with it fight the good fight and dont be a loser dipshit.
So no my growth has not increased but I stood my ground and will to the end.
Boner we have interacted for over 17 years on these boards I like you and respect where you were and who you are even though you are a SHIT STIRRER

 

[Massive G]

I have stayed out of this thread starting when the infantile name calling and insults started to try and bait others to respond.
What does religious status have to do with voting? It's a right and a civic duty.
A vote for Mickey Mouse was for Kamala. I voted for Donald Duck Trump with every coin in my bank account. I dropped 50 k from a mature bond into the stock market when it dropped a few days before the election.
Back in the game.

 

[testboner]

I have stayed out of this thread starting when the infantile name calling and insults started to try and bait others to respond.
What does religious status have to do with voting? It's a right and a civic duty.
A vote for Mickey Mouse was for Kamala. I voted for Donald Duck Trump with every coin in my bank account. I dropped 50 k from a mature bond into the stock market when it dropped a few days before the election.
Back in the game.

I get your non interest, as it would seem (and I agree) logical to think: “What does politics / voting have to do with religious status?”
Well, my position is that the two should have nothing to do with each other — as in; each should be exclusive from one another, whether it be argued from the position of “separation of church and state,” or the distinction that one is about a heavenly (or after life) faith and the other is about earthly civics.
Yet, there’s always been a significant commingling of the two, and like all else now days, there are strange new slants to everything, and the past couple elections really brought a peculiar new potent essence of trying to nationalize / marry politics (and a politician) with religion — Christianity specifically.
History is rich with examples of what occurs when state power and religion blend into concentrated rule.
And MG, it’s my position that’s much too dangerous to allow, and as one who identifies with Christianity, I put forth that it isn’t for Christian’s to involve themselves with.
Since there’s been such an uptick in Christian nationalism, I was interested to get a finger on the pulse of those who’ve participated in this thread, that identify with Christianity and vote / voted as well.
Also wanted to express a different / my angle on it.

 

[tommyguns2]

Since there’s been such an uptick in Christian nationalism, I was interested to get a finger on the pulse of those who’ve participated in this thread, that identify with Christianity and vote / voted as well.
Also wanted to express a different / my angle on it.

I reject any notion of Christian nationalism. A person's spiritual condition is a function of the condition of their heart, and no one's heart has ever been changed due to the boot of the state on their neck. The idea that a Christian nation-state will somehow change the state of someone's heart seems ridiculous. Of course, atheism is a religion as well, and trying to force religious principles out of the public square is just as pointless. The public square is filled with citizens of all stripes, and we all bring our principles with us.

Concurrently, that doesn't mean that I cannot participate in the civic functions of the community within which I reside. For me, that means participation in Federal, State and local politics in as constructive a fashion as possible. At least that's the goal.

 

[testboner]

I reject any notion of Christian nationalism. A person's spiritual condition is a function of the condition of their heart, and no one's heart has ever been changed due to the boot of the state on their neck. The idea that a Christian nation-state will somehow change the state of someone's heart seems ridiculous. Of course, atheism is a religion as well, and trying to force religious principles out of the public square is just as pointless. The public square is filled with citizens of all stripes, and we all bring our principles with us.

Concurrently, that doesn't mean that I cannot participate in the civic functions of the community within which I reside. For me, that means participation in Federal, State and local politics in as constructive a fashion as possible. At least that's the goal.

Most definitely any move toward a theocracy is bad juju.

Happy birthday Martin Luther

 

[testboner]

 

[Massive G]

I get your non interest, as it would seem (and I agree) logical to think: “What does politics / voting have to do with religious status?”
Well, my position is that the two should have nothing to do with each other — as in; each should be exclusive from one another, whether it be argued from the position of “separation of church and state,” or the distinction that one is about a heavenly (or after life) faith and the other is about earthly civics.
Yet, there’s always been a significant commingling of the two, and like all else now days, there are strange new slants to everything, and the past couple elections really brought a peculiar new potent essence of trying to nationalize / marry politics (and a politician) with religion — Christianity specifically.
History is rich with examples of what occurs when state power and religion blend into concentrated rule.
And MG, it’s my position that’s much too dangerous to allow, and as one who identifies with Christianity, I put forth that it isn’t for Christian’s to involve themselves with.
Since there’s been such an uptick in Christian nationalism, I was interested to get a finger on the pulse of those who’ve participated in this thread, that identify with Christianity and vote / voted as well.
Also wanted to express a different / my angle on it.

America was founded as a Christian nation. I have no issue what anyone believes or thinks. We are all free thinkers and never once have I attacked anyone. I think this anti-government mantra and sovereign citizen shit is nonsense myself. I have no problems with those that believe or follow it. Many have strong feelings and beliefs. Don't care if anyone believes in any god or not.
What this thread turned into was complete obliteration of any polls.
Trump was always going to win no matter what. I feel bad for the democratic voters. They were lied to and mislead by the liberal fantasy elite media and lying pollsters. It wasn't even close. The democrats have shit on the common man and woman. Filling their coffers more than ever after their 4 year drought under Trump. I am very well off but still am shocked everytime I eat out or go to the store. I am cutting back on supplements because they are so expensive. I could afford it but refuse to pay anything remotely expensive. Reordering my ubiq/c10 and pycnogel was close to 150$. The pycnogel rose from 30 to 49 and the ubiq/c10 was 90. My omega 3s have went to 35 vs 18 in a year.
Trump has a huge mess they left him and many other things that mattered aren't in the news healthcare drug addiction and obesity are in the background. He may get his policies passed but they will slow walk or not do them at all. Democrats as Republicans do, will do everything to sabotage this country while he is in office. I send my sister 3k a month. She lives in a small town in an apartment that is $2500 a month. She has a good job making decent money as a pharmacy manager but when you add food gas insurance cell phone electric etc she is scraping buy. The money I send her is for her rainy day account.
I told her to use it anyway she wants.
Her husband of 20 years left her and my niece as soon as she turned 18 and left them with nothing telling them to go to a woman's shelter. He hid 100s of thousands of dollars and left her with 4 k. We have spent probably 30 k relocating her and helping her get on her feet. I see her struggles everyday as someone without a retirement and future relies on keeping a job that pays well enough to save for a future.
The struggles are real and this time people really voted for hope and change.
I don't believe in the system but it's all we got.

 

[testboner]

Get your kids out of gov’t indoctrination facilities.

America was founded as a Christian nation. I have no issue what anyone believes or thinks. We are all free thinkers and never once have I attacked anyone. I think this anti-government mantra and sovereign citizen shit is nonsense myself. I have no problems with those that believe or follow it. Many have strong feelings and beliefs. Don't care if anyone believes in any god or not.
What this thread turned into was complete obliteration of any polls.
Trump was always going to win no matter what. I feel bad for the democratic voters. They were lied to and mislead by the liberal fantasy elite media and lying pollsters. It wasn't even close. The democrats have shit on the common man and woman. Filling their coffers more than ever after their 4 year drought under Trump. I am very well off but still am shocked everytime I eat out or go to the store. I am cutting back on supplements because they are so expensive. I could afford it but refuse to pay anything remotely expensive. Reordering my ubiq/c10 and pycnogel was close to 150$. The pycnogel rose from 30 to 49 and the ubiq/c10 was 90. My omega 3s have went to 35 vs 18 in a year.
Trump has a huge mess they left him and many other things that mattered aren't in the news healthcare drug addiction and obesity are in the background. He may get his policies passed but they will slow walk or not do them at all. Democrats as Republicans do, will do everything to sabotage this country while he is in office. I send my sister 3k a month. She lives in a small town in an apartment that is $2500 a month. She has a good job making decent money as a pharmacy manager but when you add food gas insurance cell phone electric etc she is scraping buy. The money I send her is for her rainy day account.
I told her to use it anyway she wants.
Her husband of 20 years left her and my niece as soon as she turned 18 and left them with nothing telling them to go to a woman's shelter. He hid 100s of thousands of dollars and left her with 4 k. We have spent probably 30 k relocating her and helping her get on her feet. I see her struggles everyday as someone without a retirement and future relies on keeping a job that pays well enough to save for a future.
The struggles are real and this time people really voted for hope and change.
I don't believe in the system but it's all we got.

On this we have common ground: Things are a mess, and we want better — whatever that means.

 

[testboner]

America was founded as a Christian nation. I have no issue what anyone believes or thinks. We are all free thinkers and never once have I attacked anyone. I think this anti-government mantra and sovereign citizen shit is nonsense myself. I have no problems with those that believe or follow it. Many have strong feelings and beliefs. Don't care if anyone believes in any god or not.
What this thread turned into was complete obliteration of any polls.
Trump was always going to win no matter what. I feel bad for the democratic voters. They were lied to and mislead by the liberal fantasy elite media and lying pollsters. It wasn't even close. The democrats have shit on the common man and woman. Filling their coffers more than ever after their 4 year drought under Trump. I am very well off but still am shocked everytime I eat out or go to the store. I am cutting back on supplements because they are so expensive. I could afford it but refuse to pay anything remotely expensive. Reordering my ubiq/c10 and pycnogel was close to 150$. The pycnogel rose from 30 to 49 and the ubiq/c10 was 90. My omega 3s have went to 35 vs 18 in a year.
Trump has a huge mess they left him and many other things that mattered aren't in the news healthcare drug addiction and obesity are in the background. He may get his policies passed but they will slow walk or not do them at all. Democrats as Republicans do, will do everything to sabotage this country while he is in office. I send my sister 3k a month. She lives in a small town in an apartment that is $2500 a month. She has a good job making decent money as a pharmacy manager but when you add food gas insurance cell phone electric etc she is scraping buy. The money I send her is for her rainy day account.
I told her to use it anyway she wants.
Her husband of 20 years left her and my niece as soon as she turned 18 and left them with nothing telling them to go to a woman's shelter. He hid 100s of thousands of dollars and left her with 4 k. We have spent probably 30 k relocating her and helping her get on her feet. I see her struggles everyday as someone without a retirement and future relies on keeping a job that pays well enough to save for a future.
The struggles are real and this time people really voted for hope and change.
I don't believe in the system but it's all we got.

MG,
I remembered back to some of our prior discussions about diet, foods, ingredients we consume — carnivore vs glucose heavy, veggie etc. And it struck me, politics / politicians are like carbs.

They’re in just about everything and everywhere. They’re most abundantly artificial ultraprocessed “junk food” / garbage. Americans in particular are addicted to and consume them in excessive amounts. They (sugars = “politicians / politics”) go by many different names. They are hard to stop! Our health has been / is being largely negatively impacted by their overconsumption.

They may be cautiously utilized as a tool. We don’t want to give them up, they are fiercely defended, and yet ultimately they are non essential — we can thrive without them