I don't understand why Evangelical Christians believe that the United States government should force THEIR beliefs on others who don't believe in their faith. Any explanation?
I mean hasn't the despicable conditions of totalitarian theocracies in history and today given enough reason that the different opinions and belief of others will only create conflict in those societies?
2006-11-03 09:12:00 · 21 answers · asked by skybluwine 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Did you by chance re-read your question? So whose beliefs should we follow? Should Christians be quiet and accept what you believe? If someone was shaping politics in a manner to which you agree with would you feel like you are shoving your beliefs down others throats or is it ok? Is it only a problem when what they believe differs from your beliefs? Religion is not the basis to which people's beliefs differ from one another. Sure for those who are religious their religion shapes what they believe, but taking religion out of it you will still have people with differing views. You want to know why Christians religious beliefs mix with politics? That's simple, it's because its what they believe. In other words, if my religion defines who I am and my beliefs then I will carry those beliefs in all aspects of my life. How hypocritical would I be if I believe in Pro-Life yet vote Pro-Choice when it comes to politics. Christianity has nothing to do with it. When someone believes strongly about an issue they will push those beliefs, no different than you wanting people to agree with what you believe.
The real problem you are having here is that you do not believe as they believe so you percieve them as shoving their beliefs down your throat. Now if you are going to tell me that you don't do that, that you keep your beliefs to yourself, then what are you passionate about? What is the point of having those beliefs if you are not willing to back them up? Don't take it out on Chrisitans because they believe so strongly on an issue they are willing to fight for it.
2006-11-03 09:52:41 · answer #1 · answered by Bruce Leroy - The Last Dragon 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Government can force their beliefs on others. That's why we have traffic laws, That's why we have laws to protect others from harm. Of course the question is how far should they go but we are free to elect those who think the way we do. A person cannot separate his moral beliefs if he is in the government because he is called upon to make moral decisions. That's part of the job. Your morals affect every area of your life if you are true to your beliefs.
2006-11-03 09:20:31 · answer #2 · answered by handsomeworshipper 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The evangelicals are convinced that their views are right and that anyone who does not follow what they believe to be right will go to hell. Therefore it is their "burden" to save people from hell.
However, this sounds like another group of people: Muslim extremists who feel that their views are right and they must attack others until everyone follows their beliefs and has a good afterlife.
2006-11-03 09:51:31 · answer #3 · answered by x 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely EVERYONE has beliefs of some sort that define their morality: political, religious, spiritual, physical, sexual, scientific, etc. All actions that anyone takes in their life and in their interactions with others is based on a set of beliefs.
Christians do not believe it is the role of the government to promote religious beliefs. When Christians promote their beliefs, it is based on two things: the biblical mandate received by Jesus Christ to do just that worldwide, everyday with everyone who doesn't know him, and a heartfelt desire to offer the hope and relationship that they themselves enjoy with God. Whatever belief system is prominent in the leadership that governs a nation, it is inevitable that their belief system will be the primary motivation for their actions, goals, interpretations, principles and doctrines.
Conflict of varying levels is the naturally occuring result of two differing ideologies working towards discovering the truth. It is inevitable, and it is not the sole result of spiritual ideologies: All belief systems, not just spiritual ones, result in conflict of varying levels.
Everyone has a belief system somewhere, and the frictional airing and expressing of opinions and beliefs based on those systems is the inevitable, unavoidable result of living among and socializing with human beings. Learning how to express them according to peacable and life-respecting principles is the reasonable and realistic goal of all, despite the historically recorded results to the contrary.
And, finally, separation of church and state is a fallacy; it does not exist. Read Thomas Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Anabaptists, the document from which the statement is supposedly drawn from. You'll see that his words were terribly twisted out of context. He wanted to keep government out of religion, but not religion out of the government.
2006-11-03 09:30:14 · answer #4 · answered by Rodeba1 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
We are not forcing our views on anyone when stating an opinion. If that is true, then you are doing the same thing right now. All anyone can do is vote, why go on and on and on like some of you do? Just vote. We vote our conscience. If I vote for someone who is an abortionist then I am as guilty of murder as they are. If I vote for politicians who approve of homosexual lifestyles then I am as guilty as they are. That's not forcing our views or opinions on anyone. That's called making a wise decision. And I will not whine about the way someone else votes, voting is still a freedom in America.
2006-11-03 09:32:33 · answer #5 · answered by Grandma Susie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You could use your question for pretty much any group in the world.
Why do you think your worldview should have any influence on politics? Can you separate your beliefs from your decisions? Honestly?
Why is it that this one group so offends others. I grant many can be offensive, but I suspect it is more the fact that they are rather than what they do that offends.
2006-11-03 09:17:50 · answer #6 · answered by tantiemeg 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Evangelical Christians aren't forcing Jesus Christ on anyone. They are teaching others the Good News of God's Salvation. And they are praying for our country.
2006-11-03 09:21:31 · answer #7 · answered by t_a_m_i_l 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I 'm a Christian, I pray for everything and everyone! I believe that as a Christian we have a duty to pray for our leaders everywhere. And leave the rest to God, He will make the judgment call!
2006-11-03 09:23:01 · answer #8 · answered by see 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Any persons religious beliefs, that don't effect the way a person deals with society is not worth much. If you feel free turning your religion on and off at will, it doesn't mean enough to you.
2006-11-03 09:15:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
First of all, marry me. <3
To answer your question, they believe that they are the opiate of the masses. They have this crazy notion in their head that this is a Christian Nation founded by Christian People under Judeo-Christian principles (like slavery and genocide), and its people are quickly diving into an immoral abyss.
It's all a load of bullshit to the rational thinker's critique, but unfortunately there are a lot of people in this country who would like to see a theocracy in our government. They believe that they are the Moral Majority... they and only they know what's best for the people.
2006-11-03 09:16:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋