In a thread on another Blog (The Greenbenches) I stated that Christian teaching has two poles, one love and the other holiness. Many people place emphasis on one of these poles and tend to ignore the other. However both are necessary for completeness and order. I believe it is these two poles that shape my political beliefs and bring an eclectic mix to my policy stances.
If you place the emphasis on holiness or in its secular form morality, to the exclusion of love then the tendency to become judgemental is prevalent. I believe this outlook is common among many right-wing politicians whether they claim to be Christian or not.
If you place the emphasis on love or compassion, to the exclusion of holiness then the effects can be less immediate but this leads to a lack of moral compass, an anything goes culture which can destroy lives, families and ultimately society. Rome was destroyed largely by decadence. This outlook is more common among left wing politicians especially those of the liberal left.
Jesus clearly taught both love and holiness, God is love and we are called to be Holy as God is Holy. This means that we as Christians are to walk in compassion on this earth, without judging individuals but at the same time eschewing compromising with amorality in the world.
It is my intent to expand on these starting points in forthcoming posts.
If you place the emphasis on holiness or in its secular form morality, to the exclusion of love then the tendency to become judgemental is prevalent. I believe this outlook is common among many right-wing politicians whether they claim to be Christian or not.
If you place the emphasis on love or compassion, to the exclusion of holiness then the effects can be less immediate but this leads to a lack of moral compass, an anything goes culture which can destroy lives, families and ultimately society. Rome was destroyed largely by decadence. This outlook is more common among left wing politicians especially those of the liberal left.
Jesus clearly taught both love and holiness, God is love and we are called to be Holy as God is Holy. This means that we as Christians are to walk in compassion on this earth, without judging individuals but at the same time eschewing compromising with amorality in the world.
It is my intent to expand on these starting points in forthcoming posts.
