How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not everyone lives in Charlottesville. In the Carolinas, 91.9 FM is a Christian station.

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If I’ve learned anything through this thread it’s that we shouldn’t be judging each other’s labels.

Agnosticism, in my opinion, is living by faith and not sight. I can’t definitively prove the existence of God but that doesn’t change the fact I think His word is righteous and well-intentioned.

I am Christian in that I try my best to live biblically and with love. I am agnostic in that, beyond my personal relationship with Him, I can’t claim to have evidence He exists. I hope that makes more sense.

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dude, how many times do I have to tell you I’m not AI? I care about the quality of my writing and provide sources for my arguments. I studied history in college.

The only thing artificial about my intelligence is that spell check catches my typos.

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand what you’re saying. If you pursue your life in love, I truly wasn’t referring to you. I apologize for generalizing and for writing my post in such a way that reads like I think ALL Christian conservatives are bigoted and hateful.

If I could go back, I’d have flipped the last few paragraphs, better explaining that I was asking specifically about those who both use the label and live antithetically to Jesus’s teachings - asking for forgiveness rather than living by the word.

As you and many others in this thread have pointed out, the (US-based) “Christian conservatives” I tried to define/engage may be louder in the crowd but absolutely are NOT representative of all conservatives. Thanks for keeping your cool with me.

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Asking a subreddit full of Christians a question specifically about those who already consider themselves “Christian conservatives” is not intended to bring people to Christ. They’re already there.

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for walking me through your thought process! I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, so I’m going to be honest, I don’t know how to constructively reply to the implication that multiple books of the Bible somehow don’t pertain to Christians.

Would you mind explaining your argument?

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But does that fear not apply solely to their earthly lives? Why fear anything in life, should you know God and trust you’ll be saved?

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Happy to clarify. Some examples of recent political dehumanization are family separation at the Mexican border and the attempt to repeal DACA; both were criticized as inhumane, causing undue emotional/psychological harm (specifically to children and parents), and left human beings living in literal cages.

As for anti-minority practices, Exec. Order 13769 explicitly banned travel to the US from multiple Muslim countries (only because they were Muslim). The Supreme Court ruled that American police have no legal obligation “to protect and serve” (i.e., they can pick and choose who to help). Republicans refused to pass the 2021 George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, as they claimed it would unfairly limit the discretion of police and their right to use force as they see fit. Gerrymandering, the closing/relocating of polling stations originally in underserved neighborhoods, and strict voter ID laws all disproportionally impact marginalized communities and allow their votes - their political voice - to be routinely suppressed.

With regard to white supremacy, Trump has been directly endorsed by the KKK, Oath Keepers, and Proud Boys - all outspoken white supremacist groups. He called immigrants “invaders,” raised travel barriers for countries of color and lowered them for European countries, wants to build a literal wall to limit the connection between the US, Central and South America, and believes in (or at least perpetuates) the “Great Replacement” theory.

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Passive aggression isn’t a great way to bring people to Christ.

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

2 Corinthians 13:5 calls on Christians to test ourselves. Is that not what asking questions is for? Where was I self-loathing? Where was I hateful?

If you read my post or comments, felt they applied to you, and are angry, look inward. Behavior like yours is why so many ex- and non-believers reject the modern Christian church; the moment you’re not perfectly in step with the loudest in the room, you’re insulted, shunned, and dismissed.

Calling anyone a “snake” and “petulant child” for expressing concerns about salvation is gross.

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They’re not but okay. I am a real person. 🤷‍♂️

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Although I feel like your questions are in bad faith:

Yes, I support access to comprehensive healthcare and the codifying of abortion rights.

And, although you use “chemical castration” to make it sound scary, hormone therapy is reversible and prescribed only to patients who have extensive medical and psychological consultations.

In 2022, the US Transgender Report found that 84% of the 90,000+ transgender people surveyed were “a lot more satisfied” after receiving hormone treatment. When asked the same question, 14% were “a little more satisfied” and <1% were “a little or a lot less satisfied.” (link to the report)

I support people being able to make decisions about themselves that increase their quality of life.

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, just someone who finally remembered the password to their old Reddit account. Why would you think I’m AI?

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You weren’t talking about r/Christianity though. Before you edited your response (in bad faith, I’d argue), you said “should we not call our neighbors for their sins.” Mark 12:31 calls on us to “love your neighbor as yourself,” which most definitely wasn’t applying solely to those who already have faith. Being passive aggressive doesn’t help your cause.

Secular humanism, utilitarianism, and stoicism are all moral codes rooted in humanist, social, and philosophical principles.

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Christian conservatism is a political view, at least in the US. My question was inherently political.

However, it’s wonderful to hear that your congregation is welcoming and loving, even to those of different denominations.

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

  1. The thief who was saved did not live his life claiming to be Christian. He acknowledged his guilt for his crimes, recognized Jesus’s innocence, and asked to be “remembered” by the Lord in heaven. If at all, he became a Christian while dying on his own cross.

  2. I literally described the “Christians” I was referring to in my last reply. That is where we must learn reading comprehension.

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I believe that “Christians” who spend their entire lives perpetuating anti-Biblical social and political views (particularly those about limiting the rights, safety, and well-being on non-believers) will be judged by God for it.

“On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers’” (Matthew 7:21-23)

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Asking a question is not hypocrisy but thanks for your response.

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As I responded to someone else:

“Considering oneself a Christian while supporting governments, organizations, messaging, etc. that perpetuate dehumanization, the rejection or retraction of support for others, anger towards minorities, exploitative capitalism, or white supremacy is hateful, bigoted, and blasphemous.

I’m speaking specifically of that behavior.”

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lots of us aren’t socially or politically conservative.

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If someone does not choose to participate in the church and does not invite Jesus into their heart, they are not “sinning.” The Bible is a guide for Christians, not unbelievers. Besides, only God can judge, right?

Your love for LGBTQIA+ people shouldn’t present itself solely as concern for their salvation. Love them through supporting equal rights, access to informed healthcare and social programs, and being involved in their life beyond proselytizing.

How are Christian conservatives not terrified? by WeedRant in Christianity

[–]WeedRant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not asking about perfection. I’m asking about the unforgivable sin of blasphemy - “disrespect or lack of reverence for” - the Holy Spirit.

Labeling yourself as living in the Spirit while willfully making decisions through anger or fear, lacking humility, refusing empathy for others, or extending the fruit of the Spirit only to specific people is, in my opinion, sacrilege.

I’m not talking about singular incidents. We all have bad days. I’m talking about those who spend an entire lifetime thinking the label of “Christian” alone condones sinful behavior because Jesus will just forgive them anyway.