tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8964653702148488357.post6768176839846254934..comments2016-01-03T15:51:15.493+11:00Comments on Yeah, I guess I should have a blog: Political activism in a secular societyMichael Angelicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08243521105582433095noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8964653702148488357.post-88468709957285154892011-02-22T18:06:22.206+11:002011-02-22T18:06:22.206+11:00Hi to you too! Brain bending will probably help yo...Hi to you too! Brain bending will probably help your practice go better anyway. ;)<br /><br />Re politicians' beliefs and convincing them to do one thing or another - I agree, as long as it's all out in the open. I wouldn't want anyone to hide their views until after the poll and then come out and say "Hey everyone, now that I'm in power this is what I'm going to do!"<br /><br />I have to challenge your point about universal social standards though - they seem to be less and less universal! The devil's in the detail as usual, what's the definition of just/unjust homicide?<br /><br />Re those two passages from Matthew, that's my point exactly - if society condones an action, lobbying for it to be outlawed only marginalises the church. God's laws should be enforced through preaching and teaching, and not through the civil government.Michael Angelicohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08243521105582433095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8964653702148488357.post-80607007359705659802011-02-22T06:43:33.688+11:002011-02-22T06:43:33.688+11:00Firstly - hi Michael! And thank you for posting su...Firstly - hi Michael! And thank you for posting such an interesting article. I didn't realize it was you writing until I'd finished reading. Ha. Although I really need to go and practice, I'm going to take a few mins to give you my thoughts, since - well - you asked. But I'm going to keep it as brief as possible.<br /><br />Let me start by saying that I think it's perfectly appropriate for politicians of any religious persuasion to lobby for what they believe to be the country's (or state's, or region's) best interests. Notice that I didn't say "the best interests of the people they represent" - the politician's duty is not to act as a political puppet for those who voted for him/her, but to stand for the good of all those on whom his/her (presumably successful) lobbying will take effect.<br /><br />One can attempt to convince others to adopt his/her beliefs by way of educated, informed discussion or other respectful means; but in the end, we are all free-willed beings who, irregardless of this or that religion's core beliefs and/or concerns, have the right to pursue our own convictions. Although a certain politician may have strong convictions of his/her own, the diversity of those over whom they have some kind of influence must be acknowledged and respected. With this in mind, it is my opinion that it should be the politician's agenda (as it relates to socio-religious issues) to promote those ideals that, while upholding universal social standards (i.e. it is universally understood that no man can unjustly take another's life), allow each and every member of society to practice their beliefs without hindrance.<br /><br />Finally, see the following two passages from Matthew:<br /><br />Matthew 5:28 says, "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."<br /><br />And Matthew 15:18-20 says, "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man ‘unclean’."<br /><br />If, in accordance with conservative Christian belief, it is understood that the thought of sin is equivalent to the action itself (and, therefore, just as potentially harmful to society), what good does it do to outlaw certain actions that many in our society honestly condone, and even encourage (such as homosexuality)? The only thing gained is more tension, increased stereotyping and political/social division.<br /><br />With the various religious wars around the world and silent conflict among ourselves, this is the last thing we need.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18372765579331196269noreply@blogger.com