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Trump’s “Christian” supporters do not follow a central message of Jesus

Daisy said:
Exactly...that's what we have the Bible for..
Click to expand...

Per AI:

Jesus Christ, as depicted in the Bible, is often described as a figure of profound compassion, demonstrating empathy and concern for the suffering of others. His actions and teachings highlight his willingness to alleviate pain, offer comfort, and provide support, making compassion a core element of his ministry.

Here's a closer look at how Jesus expressed compassion:
Actions and Teachings:
  • Physical Healing:
    Jesus performed numerous miracles, primarily healing the sick, lame, blind, and possessed, often prompted by their pleas or the compassion he felt for their suffering. For example, he healed a leper by "moved with compassion" (Mark 1:41).

    • Provision for the Needy:
      Jesus provided food for the hungry, ensuring the well-being of those in need. He also demonstrated compassion for the large crowds, teaching them and providing them with what they needed.
    • Teaching on Compassion:
      Jesus' teachings, including parables like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, emphasized the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and helping those in need.
    • Empathy and Understanding:
      Jesus often showed empathy for the struggles of others, understanding their pain and offering comfort and support. For instance, when he saw Mary weeping over Lazarus's death, he was "deeply moved in spirit and troubled" (John 11:33).
Key Examples of Compassion:
    • The Good Samaritan:
      This parable highlights the importance of showing compassion to everyone, regardless of their background or status.
    • The Parable of the Prodigal Son:
      This story illustrates the father's unconditional love and compassion for his wayward son, demonstrating a willingness to forgive and welcome back those who have strayed.
    • The Resurrection of Lazarus:
      Jesus' profound emotion and action in raising Lazarus from the dead is a powerful demonstration of his compassion and power.
    • Healing the Leper:
      Jesus, moved by the leper's plea, reaches out, touches him, and heals him, demonstrating a tangible act of compassion.
    • The Blind Man:
      Jesus heals a blind man, again demonstrating compassion and offering a restoration of sight.
In essence, Jesus' compassion is characterized by his deep concern for the well-being of others, his willingness to act on that concern, and his teaching on the importance of showing love and kindness to all, reflecting God's own compassion for humanity.

These certainly are not the values of the Trump cult Christians, who offer not a peep of criticism as Trump and the Republicans remove needed benefits from “the least of these” in order to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy.
 
Daisy said:
Exactly...that's what we have the Bible for..
Click to expand...
And the Holy Spirit. Really, though, this gets back, in my opinion, to understanding that it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves...."
 
watsup said:
Per AI:

Jesus Christ, as depicted in the Bible, is often described as a figure of profound compassion, demonstrating empathy and concern for the suffering of others. His actions and teachings highlight his willingness to alleviate pain, offer comfort, and provide support, making compassion a core element of his ministry.

Here's a closer look at how Jesus expressed compassion:
Actions and Teachings:
  • Physical Healing:
    Jesus performed numerous miracles, primarily healing the sick, lame, blind, and possessed, often prompted by their pleas or the compassion he felt for their suffering. For example, he healed a leper by "moved with compassion" (Mark 1:41).

    • Provision for the Needy:
      Jesus provided food for the hungry, ensuring the well-being of those in need. He also demonstrated compassion for the large crowds, teaching them and providing them with what they needed.
    • Teaching on Compassion:
      Jesus' teachings, including parables like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, emphasized the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and helping those in need.
    • Empathy and Understanding:
      Jesus often showed empathy for the struggles of others, understanding their pain and offering comfort and support. For instance, when he saw Mary weeping over Lazarus's death, he was "deeply moved in spirit and troubled" (John 11:33).
Key Examples of Compassion:
    • The Good Samaritan:
      This parable highlights the importance of showing compassion to everyone, regardless of their background or status.
    • The Parable of the Prodigal Son:
      This story illustrates the father's unconditional love and compassion for his wayward son, demonstrating a willingness to forgive and welcome back those who have strayed.
    • The Resurrection of Lazarus:
      Jesus' profound emotion and action in raising Lazarus from the dead is a powerful demonstration of his compassion and power.
    • Healing the Leper:
      Jesus, moved by the leper's plea, reaches out, touches him, and heals him, demonstrating a tangible act of compassion.
    • The Blind Man:
      Jesus heals a blind man, again demonstrating compassion and offering a restoration of sight.
In essence, Jesus' compassion is characterized by his deep concern for the well-being of others, his willingness to act on that concern, and his teaching on the importance of showing love and kindness to all, reflecting God's own compassion for humanity.

These certainly are not the values of the Trump cult Christians, who offer not a peep of criticism as Trump and the Republicans remove needed benefits from “the least of these” in order to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy.
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I could not care less about Trump...
 
forn said:
The problem with this assertion is, of course, that in the case of welfare, what you are essentially doing is volunteering your neighbor's money to pay for your good deeds.
Charity is good works. Advocating that the government do it is stealing from your neighbor.
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You are aware that governments have been “stealing” from their citizens to pay for a variety of things in society, aren’t you. I repeat that society comes from the Latin, socius, meaning “ally.” We decided at least as far back as the New Deal that we are in this together. So we have at a local level, fire and police departments, at a state level, various assistance programs, and at a national level, a military charged with defending all of us, and programs like Medicare and Medicaid to help the elderly and the poor. Depending on where you live, some of my money likely goes to benefit you, and no doubt vice versa. We all suck at a different societal teat.

The great conservative intellectual, William F Buckley, saw his role as standing in front of history, yelling “STOP!” Your argument appears to place you beside Buckley with your hand up, but just about all the nations of the world are bearing down on your argument. While we may differ about the number of cars that locomotive should be pulling, may want to slow that train down, too few of us want to and none of us, will be able to turn it around.
 
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watsup said:
No thanks. Not interested in your myths and superstitions.
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Lees said:
You're the one that said the Christian faith is all a myth. Not me. Do you now deny it? Yet you want to play the role of Bible expositor. Again, oxymoron.

Lees
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Lees:

Whether or not watsup thinks the Christian faith is a myth is beside the point. Any non-Christian observer of Christendom (atheist, Muslim, Hindu, etc.) is capable of reading Matthew 25:40-45 and reach the same conclusion that watsup came to, namely: Certain members of Christendom are counterfeit Christians for failing to live up to what their Bible says.

​

Alter2Ego
 
forn said:
The problem with this assertion is, of course, that in the case of welfare, what you are essentially doing is volunteering your neighbor's money to pay for your good deeds.
Charity is good works. Advocating that the government do it is stealing from your neighbor.
Click to expand...
forn:

Really? Taxing people and using a relatively small amount of that money to assist those in need is your idea of "stealing from your neighbor"?

What about when that same government "steals from your neighbor" by wasting money on space exploration, spending tax money on proxy wars overseas, providing tax breaks for the very wealthy, creating situations that prevent the poor from escaping poverty..... and I could go on and on with this. Below is an example of U.S. government waste resulting from taxing people here in the USA aka "stealing from your neighbor."

"
www.whitehouse.gov

At USAID, Waste and Abuse Runs Deep

For decades, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been unaccountable to taxpayers as it funnels massive sums of money to the
www.whitehouse.gov www.whitehouse.gov


But you complain about the U.S. government providing charity to the poor, right here, in the USA.



Alter2Ego
 
Alter2Ego said:
Lees:

Whether or not watsup thinks the Christian faith is a myth is beside the point. Any non-Christian observer of Christendom (atheist, Muslim, Hindu, etc.) is capable of reading Matthew 25:40-45 and reach the same conclusion that watsup came to, namely: Certain members of Christendom are counterfeit Christians for failing to live up to what their Bible says.
Click to expand...
I think the trap that many like perhaps yourself and watsup is the notion that Christians are somehow perfect representatives of Christ. Needless to say, they are not.

To be sure there are many that indeed are "counterfeit", so to speak. Although that does not mean the rest are perfect.

Alter2Ego said:

​

Alter2Ego
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watsup said:
Per AI:

Jesus Christ, as depicted in the Bible, is often described as a figure of profound compassion, demonstrating empathy and concern for the suffering of others. His actions and teachings highlight his willingness to alleviate pain, offer comfort, and provide support, making compassion a core element of his ministry.

These certainly are not the values of the Trump cult Christians, who offer not a peep of criticism as Trump and the Republicans remove needed benefits from “the least of these” in order to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy.
Click to expand...
watsup:

Your emphasis on "Trump cult Christians" ignores scripture that says NO Christian should be any part of the world's politics.

John 18:36​

"Jesus answered: “My Kingdom is no part of this world. If my Kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my Kingdom is not from this source.”"


Concerning his disciples, Jesus said to his heavenly father (Jehovah) in prayer, shortly before he would be executed:

John 17:16​

"They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world."


Millions of members of Christendom--worldwide--ignore that command to be no part of the world when they participate in political activities.



Alter2Ego
 
Alter2Ego said:
Lees:

Whether or not watsup thinks the Christian faith is a myth is beside the point. Any non-Christian observer of Christendom (atheist, Muslim, Hindu, etc.) is capable of reading Matthew 25:40-45 and reach the same conclusion that watsup came to, namely: Certain members of Christendom are counterfeit Christians for failing to live up to what their Bible says.

​

Alter2Ego
Click to expand...

Really? So, what are you, and is that your determination of (Matt. 25:40-45)?

Lees
 
MAGA

they call themselves conservatives

They call themselves Christians

They don't even know the definition of the words
 
Alter2Ego said:
Lees:

Whether or not watsup thinks the Christian faith is a myth is beside the point. Any non-Christian observer of Christendom (atheist, Muslim, Hindu, etc.) is capable of reading Matthew 25:40-45 and reach the same conclusion that watsup came to, namely: Certain members of Christendom are counterfeit Christians for failing to live up to what their Bible says.

​

Alter2Ego
Click to expand...

SuperDS77 said:
I think the trap that many like perhaps yourself and watsup is the notion that Christians are somehow perfect representatives of Christ. Needless to say, they are not.

To be sure there are many that indeed are "counterfeit", so to speak. Although that does not mean the rest are perfect.
Click to expand...

SuperDS77:

The trap for many like yourself is that you assume too much. Not once did I suggest that Christians are "somehow perfect representations of Christ" for the simple reason that Christ was a perfect human while all of Adam's offspring are not. However, the Bible gives clear instructions that sinful humans are capable of following. Christian followers of Jesus, for example, are not supposed to indulge themselves in deliberate sin. That has nothing to do with being a "perfect representative of Christ" and more to do with self-control.


Alter2Ego
 
Lees said:
Really? So, what are you, and is that your determination of (Matt. 25:40-45)?

Lees
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31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.
32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life


Matthew is much longer than simply Matthew 25:40-45, in fact - 40-45 are merely a portion of the sheep and goats parable.

I really do - personally - despise when people cherry-pick Bible verses. And then use them to warp the message, like the post below.

Lees said:
(Matt. 25:40-45) is not speaking to the Christian age. It speaks to the time of the Tribulation period when ones actions towards the Jews who are being persecuted will be the basis of the Lord's judgement. And you are trying to impose it upon actions during the Christian age.

Lees
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The entire book of Matthew is a gospel. It most definitely is speaking to CHRISTIANS. All Christians - for all times. It’s an accounting of Jesus own life and teachings and betrayal and death and rise. Starting with Matthew 1 "the Geneology of the Jesus the Messiah"

To even begin to claim that the LIFE OF JESUS is not speaking to the Christian age? And call themselves a Christian? Is complete horsehit.

Stop using the Bible as a bludgeon to advance politics and political ideologies that in no way, shape or form align with the teachings of Jesus.

I'm sick of it. Doing such is more harmful to the body of Christ on earth than any other actions a person could take. Christians are supposed to walk a life that aligns with the teachings of Christ. The cruelty being shown to other human beings in politics, governance, daily life - in not only the US but countless places around this earth - do just the opposite.
 
Alter2Ego said:
Lees:

Whether or not watsup thinks the Christian faith is a myth is beside the point. Any non-Christian observer of Christendom (atheist, Muslim, Hindu, etc.) is capable of reading Matthew 25:40-45 and reach the same conclusion that watsup came to, namely: Certain members of Christendom are counterfeit Christians for failing to live up to what their Bible says.

​

Alter2Ego
Click to expand...


Lees said:
Really? So, what are you, and is that your determination of (Matt. 25:40-45)?

Lees
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Lees:

I am a Christian follower of Jesus Christ and a worshipper of his heavenly Father, Almighty God Jehovah.


Lees said:
Really? So, what are you, and is that your determination of (Matt. 25:40-45)?

Lees
Click to expand...


My determination of Matthew 25:40-45, you ask. Those verses are part of Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats. Whereas the OP gave it a larger meaning to include all of humanity, I will narrow that parable down to Jesus' true Christian followers.

Matthew 25:40​

In reply the King will say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Matthew 25:41​

“Then he will say to those on his left: ‘Go away from me, you who have been cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels.

Matthew 25:42​

For I became hungry, but you gave me nothing to eat; and I was thirsty, but you gave me nothing to drink.

Matthew 25:43​

I was a stranger, but you did not receive me hospitably; naked, but you did not clothe me; sick and in prison, but you did not look after me.’

Matthew 25:44​

Then they too will answer with the words: ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to you?’

Matthew 25:45​

Then he will answer them, saying: ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of these least ones, you did not do it to me.’



Alter2Ego
 
Alter2Ego said:
But you complain about the U.S. government providing charity to the poor, right here, in the USA.
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Nice list but you are presenting a list that creates a void that creates an opportunity for China…..even to getting a foothold in the Western Hemisphere……Trump is making that possible….
 
The Ten Commandments were Moses.
About 70 percent of the King James Bible is focused on Paul, not Jesus.
Modern day evangelical Christians should be called Paulists, because most of them follow the teachings of Paul, not JC.
 
Paul followed the example set by both Jehovah God and Jesus Christ by using God’s Word in his preaching and teaching work...
 
Alter2Ego said:
Millions of members of Christendom--worldwide--ignore that command to be no part of the world when they participate in political activities.
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Is that not what posting on DP is, participating in political activities? :unsure:
 
Alter2Ego said:
www.whitehouse.gov

At USAID, Waste and Abuse Runs Deep

For decades, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been unaccountable to taxpayers as it funnels massive sums of money to the
www.whitehouse.gov www.whitehouse.gov

But you complain about the U.S. government providing charity to the poor, right here, in the USA.
Click to expand...


Metanoia said:
Nice list but you are presenting a list that creates a void that creates an opportunity for China…..even to getting a foothold in the Western Hemisphere……Trump is making that possible….
Click to expand...

Metanoia:

I care nothing about Donald Trump. He is a mere mortal like the rest of us. The list I provided from an independent website refers to waste by the U.S. government in general, and those types of waste did not begin with your current president. That said, you need to take your concerns to the members of Christendom who voted Trump into power. Jesus instructed his followers that they should be no part of the world and its politics. See my Post 487 and the scriptures I presented therein.

Alter2Ego

Post in thread 'Trump’s “Christian” supporters do not follow a central message of Jesus'

watsup said:
Per AI:

Jesus Christ, as depicted in the Bible, is often described as a figure of profound compassion, demonstrating empathy and concern for the suffering of others. His actions and teachings highlight his willingness to alleviate pain, offer comfort, and provide support, making compassion a core element of his ministry.

These certainly are not the values of the Trump cult Christians, who offer not a peep of criticism as Trump and the Republicans remove needed benefits from “the least of these” in order to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy.
Click to expand...
watsup:

Your emphasis on...


Alter2Ego
 
BirdinHand said:
Matthew is much longer than simply Matthew 25:40-45, in fact - 40-45 are merely a portion of the sheep and goats parable.

I really do - personally - despise when people cherry-pick Bible verses. And then use them to warp the message, like the post below.




The entire book of Matthew is a gospel. It most definitely is speaking to CHRISTIANS. All Christians - for all times. It’s an accounting of Jesus own life and teachings and betrayal and death and rise. Starting with Matthew 1 "the Geneology of the Jesus the Messiah"

To even begin to claim that the LIFE OF JESUS is not speaking to the Christian age? And call themselves a Christian? Is complete horsehit.

Stop using the Bible as a bludgeon to advance politics and political ideologies that in no way, shape or form align with the teachings of Jesus.

I'm sick of it. Doing such is more harmful to the body of Christ on earth than any other actions a person could take. Christians are supposed to walk a life that aligns with the teachings of Christ. The cruelty being shown to other human beings in politics, governance, daily life - in not only the US but countless places around this earth - do just the opposite.
Click to expand...

Yes, (Matthew) is one of the 4 Gospels. And (Matt. 25:40-45) are just a portion of the judgement of the Gentile nations as stated in (Matt. 31-46). But, (Matt. 31-46) is no parable.

The entire Bible is for Christians. But not everything said in the Bible is to the Christian. I despise it when people try to apply Bible verses to the Christian that are not addressed to the Christian.

And, the Gospels are not written as an accounting of Jesus life. If that were the case they are woefully incomplete. Each of the 4 Gospels has a theme whereby the Holy Spirit uses certain events in Christ's life to present and build on that theme. And the theme of the Book of (Matthew) is Christ as 'King of the Jews'. Christ is coming as the King to offer that Kingdom promised to Israel in the Old Testament. Understand that though the Book of (Matthew) is in the New Testament, it is on Old Testament ground.

The Christian age begins at Pentecost and goes to the Rapture of the Church. (Matt. 25:31-46) pertains to the time of Christ's return to earth, the Second Coming of Christ. See (Matt. 25:31) Christ has returned and is setting up His Kingdom on earth. The earth has just passed through the 7 year Tribulation period, which the Church missed as it was raptured out. Israel has returned back to God, but has undergone persecution by the anti-christ during that Tribulation period. Especially the last 3 and 1/2 years. Thus in (Matt. 25) Christ is judging the Gentile nations. That judgement is based upon the way they treated the Jews during that Tribulation period.

Understanding what is being said, and to whom it is said, is not cherry picking verses.

Lees
 
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Lees said:
Yes, (Matthew) is one of the 4 Gospels. And (Matt. 25:40-45) are just a portion of the judgement of the Gentile nations as stated in (Matt. 31-46). But, (Matt. 31-46) is no parable.

The entire Bible is for Christians. But not everything said in the Bible is to the Christian. I despise it when people try to apply Bible verses to the Christian that are not addressed to the Christian.

And, the Gospels are not written as an accounting of Jesus life. If that were the case they are woefully incomplete. Each of the 4 Gospels has a theme whereby the Holy Spirit uses certain events in Christ's life to present and build on that theme. And the theme of the Book of (Matthew) is Christ as 'King of the Jews'. Christ is coming as the King to offer that Kingdom promised to Israel in the Old Testament. Understand that though the Book of (Matthew) is in the New Testament, it is on Old Testament ground.

The Christian age begins at Pentecost and goes to the Rapture of the Church. (Matt. 25:31-46) pertains to the time of Christ's return to earth, the Second Coming of Christ. See (Matt. 25:31) Christ has returned and is setting up His Kingdom on earth. The earth has just passed through the 7 year Tribulatin period, which the Church missed as it was raptured out. Israel has returned back to God, but has undergone persecution by the anti-christ during that Tribulation period. Especially the last 3 and 1/2 years. Thus in (Matt. 25) Christ is judging the Gentile nations. That judgement is based upon the way they treated the Jews during that Tribulation period.

Understanding what is being said, and to whom it is said, is not cherry picking verses.

Lees
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So, your assertion - so we are clear - is that the parables do not apply to Christians and how Christians act as members of the body of Christ on Earth in this day?

That’s what you are going with?
 
Alter2Ego said:
Lees:

Whether or not watsup thinks the Christian faith is a myth is beside the point. Any non-Christian observer of Christendom (atheist, Muslim, Hindu, etc.) is capable of reading Matthew 25:40-45 and reach the same conclusion that watsup came to, namely: Certain members of Christendom are counterfeit Christians for failing to live up to what their Bible says.

​

Alter2Ego
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Well, any non-christian can also be wrong. And why would you trust one who believes the Bible is just a myth to explain to you what it says? And especially those who are antagonistic towards Christ and the Bible and the Church.

I don't understand your last statement. Live up to the Bible...how?

Lees
 
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