When folks tell me they believe in God, the questions that come to my mind are “How are they acting in accordance with His teachings?” “Would God approve of the decisions they’re making in His name?” Are there tangible or observable evidence that confirms their stated beliefs?
I am asking myself these questions quite frequently these days because religion, Christianity, God, and values are occupying the center stage in American politics. Hardly a day goes by without some group informing us that President Obama’s political decisions are undermining the Christian values of our nation, or eroding the Christian Conservative principles upon which this nation was founded. A few went as far as saying, “President Obama has declared war on the churches in America.”
Whenever I hear these remarks, I find it helpful to remember some of the key facts the bible (The New Testament) tells me about Jesus:
· He believed in entitlements and a safety net for the poor, the sick, and those who could not take care of themselves.
· He was against the taking of the human lives. He opposed wars, the death penalty, and genocides caused by hunger, poverty, or social engineering.
· He believed that it was better to give than to receive. He favored programs like Medicare, Social Security, and other entitlements that helped others. He disliked programs like the Bush Tax Cuts, subsidies, and other programs that benefits those who already have an over abundance of money. He believed in giving so strongly that He gave His life (the ultimate gift) for us!
Folks who claim to believe in God should be demonstrating through their actions that their beliefs are the same as His. At present, their beliefs appear to be the opposite.
By
James Porter
