Assassination Attempt
I think most people around the world are aware that there was an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump. Whether there was complicity or only gross negligence will likely never be known. For our purposes, it really isn't at issue. Of course, being a "Trump supporter" has nothing to do with how this should be considered. It's not my point. “Politics” aside, no American, no Christian, no human who is not horribly influenced by Evil can condone or even be ambivalent toward such an act. Even opponents of President Trump's policies should be appalled.
But even before this, from an informed, objective viewpoint, anyone who sees the obvious, absurdly one-sided & hateful way Trump has been portrayed should be appalled. Any thinking person should at least be curious about truth when such an obviously unbalanced picture is given. (Don't people even wonder if they're being manipulated?) The idea that it's morally superior—or even “okay” for Donald Trump to be pursued in order to be removed from discourse should be be horrifying for any American or advocate of fair play and free speech. Constitutionally-protected free speech? Not for Trump, pal. It appears that the powers who are entrusted to uphold free speech are acting like a cheap, vindictive banana republic. And people are surprised that there's anger, resentment and distrust?
The apparently unstable young man who tried to assassinate President Trump was apparently influenced by these forces of insane hatred, manipulation and vengeance. Forces responsible for fanning the flames of unreasoning hate. Some people who are morally and ideologically identical to the unhinged shooter actually rejoiced at the attempt to take President Trump's life. Disgusting, ungodly, unAmerican insanity. (See Romans 1: 16-end) The only political views that could support such an act or even the desire to forcefully remove him are on the order of anarchists, banana republics or overt Marxists whose hyper-control can tolerate no other voice. The attitude that government is somehow more “democratic” when it crushes democratic differences and legitimate opposition IS itself what is damaging or destroying the Republic. Destroy democracy to save democracy? As though destroying the tolerant (no, really tolerant) discourse & dispute somehow "saves Democracy" is the very manipulative doublespeak out of the dystopia of the book 1984.
I'm not suggesting anyone at church is of such a "stripe". I pray you are untouched by the hate-mongering around us. (Romans 12:2) As you know, it has always been the place of Christians to stand for Christian principles in the public realm. Not first and foremost to change the world, but because it serves God. It is only God who changes individual hearts.
The world can only be saved by God, not us. Christians know the world is flawed. (Romans 3: 23, 1John 5: 19) Since Christ came to overcome sin for all, Christians also know that all people are sinful (flawed, selfish) no matter how much we like them personally or how nice they seem, they all need the transformation of Christ. Soon, we get to make decisions to vote for flawed humans & so must decide to vote for someone who shows (not merely speaks) support for the most godly principles or most important godly principles. (Hint—It's not your billfold.) (Psalm 33:12 , Proverbs 14: 34 & 29:2)
I realize that I've brought up several different issues here and have barely done more than that. I don't intend to offend people. I'm willing to speak God's Truth to offend evil or arrogance, but offense is not my purpose! Christians are to act in ways that show & live God's values, not the world's. (Titus 2: 7-8, Proverb 25: 21-2) Pastor Geoff Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12: 2 I just printed one of the verses Geoff referenced, but I urge you to read all the referenced verses. Bob W.