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 A Declaration by American Evangelicals Concerning Donald Tru |
philunderwood |
Imperfect elections and flawed candidates often make for complicated and difficult choices for Christians. But sometimes historic moments arise when more is at stake than partisan politics--when the meaning and integrity of our faith hangs in the balance. This is one of those moments.
A significant mistake in American politics is the media�s continued identification of �evangelical� with mostly white, politically conservative, older men. We are not those evangelicals. The media�s narrow labels of our community perpetuate stereotypes, ignore our diversity, and fail to accurately represent views expressed by the full body of evangelical Christians.
We are Americans of African and European descent, Latino/a, Asian American, and Native American. We are women and men, as well as younger and older evangelical Christians. We come from a wide range of denominations, churches, and political orientations.
We believe in the unity of the body of Christ, but we acknowledge the diverse nature of a community whose faith is biblical and evangelical. And we are growing. Given the rich diversity within our unity, we call upon the political world to hear all our voices, and for the media to acknowledge that the evangelical community is quite diverse.
As evangelical Christians, we believe our hope and allegiance rests in the person of Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, and Lord of our lives. That is why no politician, party, movement, or nation can ever command our ultimate loyalty. As citizens both of the Kingdom of God and this world, we vote with humility, knowing that our favored candidates always fall short of biblical values. We recognize that despite our unity in Christ, we will inevitably disagree about which political stances come closest to the heart of God for our nation.
We believe that the centrality of Christ, the importance of both conversion and discipleship, the authority of the Scriptures, and the �good news� of the gospel, especially for the poor and vulnerable, should prevail over ideological politics, and that we must respond when evangelicalism becomes dangerously identified with one particular candidate whose statements, practice, personal morality, and ideology risk damaging our witness to the gospel before the watching world.
We believe that racism strikes at the heart of the gospel; we believe that racial justice and reconciliation is at the core of the message of Jesus.
We believe the candidacy of Donald J. Trump has given voice to a movement that affirms racist elements in white culture�both explicit and implicit.
Regardless of his recent retraction, Mr. Trump has spread racist �birther� falsehoods for five years trying to delegitimize and humiliate our first African-American president, characterizing him as �the other� and not a real American citizen. He uses fear to demonize and degrade immigrants, foreigners, and people from different racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. He launched his presidential campaign by demonizing Mexicans, immigrants, and Muslims, and has repeatedly spoken against migrants and refugees coming to this country�those whom Jesus calls �the stranger� in Matthew 25, where he says that how we treat them is how we treat him. Trump has steadily refused to clearly and aggressively confront extremist voices and movements of white supremacy, some of whom now call him their �champion,� and has therefore helped to take the dangerous fringes of white nationalism in America to the mainstream of politics.
Mr. Trump has fueled white American nationalism with xenophobic appeals and religious intolerance at the expense of gospel values, democratic principles, and important international relationships. He mocks women and the sanctity of marriage vows, disregards facts and the accountability to truth, and worships wealth and shameful materialism, while taking our weakening culture of civility to nearly unprecedented levels with continuing personal attacks on others, including attacking a federal judge based purely on his Mexican heritage, mocking a disabled reporter, and humiliating a beauty pageant winner for her weight and Latina ethnicity�to give just a few examples.
Because we believe that racial bigotry has been a cornerstone of this campaign, it is a foundational matter of the gospel for us in this election, and not just another issue. This is not just a social problem, but a fundamental wrong. Racism is America's original sin. Its brazen use to win elections threatens to reverse real progress on racial equity and set America back.
Donald Trump's campaign is the most recent and extreme version of a history of racialized politics that has been pursued and about which white evangelicals, in particular, have been silent. The silence in previous times has set the environment for what we now see.
For this reason, we cannot ignore this bigotry, set it aside, just focus on other issues, or forget the things Mr. Trump has consistently said and done. No matter what other issues we also care about, we have to make it publicly clear that Mr. Trump�s racial and religious bigotry and treatment of women is morally unacceptable to us as evangelical Christians, as we attempt to model Jesus� command to �love your neighbors as yourself.�
Whether we support Mr. Trump�s political opponent is not the question here. Hillary Clinton is both supported and distrusted by a variety of Christian voters. We, undersigned evangelicals, simply will not tolerate the racial, religious, and gender bigotry that Donald Trump has consistently and deliberately fueled, no matter how else we choose to vote or not to vote.
We see this election as a significant teachable moment for our churches and our nation to bring about long-needed repentance from our racial sin. Out of this belief we have written this declaration, inviting you to be part of what we have learned from one another and long to see in the churches and the world�a commitment to justice and the dignity of all human lives.
We invite you to stand with us, join in this declaration, and pass it along to your friends, congregants, pastors, students, and the diverse evangelical church.
https://www.change.org/p/donald-trump-a-declaration-by-american-evangelicals-concerning-donald-trump?recruiter=607959236&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink
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Golf Cart Mafia Underboss
Posts: 3954
10/7/16 11:47 pm
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Resident Skeptic |
| Quote: | | Mr. Trump has fueled white American nationalism with xenophobic appeals |
| Quote: | | Because we believe that racial bigotry has been a cornerstone of this campaign, |
Those two lines tell it all. It shows that some so-called "Evangelicals" buy into the line that to endorse strict adherence to immigration laws is a sign of white supremacist tendencies or racism.
The person who wrote this is the same thing that Paul called the Galatians, "bewitched and foolish".
_________________
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves UPCI |
Acts-dicted
Posts: 8065
10/8/16 7:03 am
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Cojak |
Sorry, I cannot forward nor support the attachment. It, like is said about Trump, is one sided and biased. It seems that everyone WANTS a cause, NEEDS to be in the lime light.
We have here a breach of separation of Church and state. Just the thing constantly yelled about "Churches could lose their 'tax free' status by backing a candidate, wouldn't it be so about 'NOT BACKING' a candidate.
I have never been a TRUMP ONLY SUPPORTER. I was a Jeb Bush guy, then a sorta Marco supporter. I then became an Anyone but Hillary guy.
I am white, a Christian and a child of God.
I doubt Trump will make it, I actually wish he would drop out, even at this late date, but when the chips are down, I do not want to be saying 'Madam President', That is what this petition is advising. 
This is the sort of thing that got us Obama the last 4 years, statements like "It would be a sin to vote for Mitt Romney he isn't a real Christian." So we got a Muslim leaning President. OUCH 
Sorry Phil, I usually like your stuff! 
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http://shipslog-jack.blogspot.com/ |
01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011
Posts: 24285
10/8/16 7:46 am
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philunderwood |
| Quote: | This is the sort of thing that got us Obama the last 4 years, statements like "It would be a sin to vote for Mitt Romney he isn't a real Christian." So we got a Muslim leaning President. OUCH Evil or Very Mad
Sorry Phil, I usually like your stuff! |
This is not my stuff. I am contributing to the discussion of the negative reality we all face as Jesus following Americans. We are without leadership in this arena. I do agree with the macro (not getting on the Trump train based on the collective evidence of his egomania and his narcissism) but the micro statements of bias are too evident to let this be my flag. In fact, my response to this publicly is, "I am grieved."
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Golf Cart Mafia Underboss
Posts: 3954
10/8/16 9:14 am
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UncleJD |
| philunderwood wrote: | | Quote: | This is the sort of thing that got us Obama the last 4 years, statements like "It would be a sin to vote for Mitt Romney he isn't a real Christian." So we got a Muslim leaning President. OUCH Evil or Very Mad
Sorry Phil, I usually like your stuff! |
This is not my stuff. I am contributing to the discussion of the negative reality we all face as Jesus following Americans. We are without leadership in this arena. I do agree with the macro (not getting on the Trump train based on the collective evidence of his egomania and his narcissism) but the micro statements of bias are too evident to let this be my flag. In fact, my response to this publicly is, "I am grieved." |
Well said. I don't believe the "racism" charges, those were painted by the media. It is not racist to say things like "illegal immigrant", or that many of those illegally entering our country are criminals. Its not racist to say the words "radical Islamic terrorists", or that Muslims need to be screened better. It is their culture that breeds terror more than any other. Its not racist to acknowledge that.
On the other hand, the one that does it for me, is that I can't choose between evil corruption on the left, or evil perversion on the right. I stand by my claim in 1998 that I would never support a Republican that was as vile as Bill Clinton, especially one that says he has no need to repent of anything only to find out just how immoral of a life he's led. I will abstain, I do not believe that God would have me choose one of these to be my leader. I will abstain and pray for God's mercy on our country no matter who wins. |
Golf Cart Mafia Consigliere
Posts: 3147
10/8/16 9:26 am
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Resident Skeptic |
| philunderwood wrote: | | Quote: | This is the sort of thing that got us Obama the last 4 years, statements like "It would be a sin to vote for Mitt Romney he isn't a real Christian." So we got a Muslim leaning President. OUCH Evil or Very Mad
Sorry Phil, I usually like your stuff! |
This is not my stuff. I am contributing to the discussion of the negative reality we all face as Jesus following Americans. We are without leadership in this arena. I do agree with the macro (not getting on the Trump train based on the collective evidence of his egomania and his narcissism) but the micro statements of bias are too evident to let this be my flag. In fact, my response to this publicly is, "I am grieved." |
NEWS FLASH: We are in this situation as Christians for the simple fact that the Federal Government at will operates outside of the limits placed on it by the States in the Constitution. These issues will not be resolved by trying to "fix Washington". Our only hope is the establishment of new American republic whose government is patterned after the original intent of the Framers concerning the Constitution and Amendments added (with the exception of the 16th and 17th Amendments, and with a drastically clarified 14th Amendment).
Christians will never again experience the freedoms they once did, nor will States ever again enjoy the republican form of government and rights to self determination while remaining part of this corrupt Union.
There are many independence movements in Texas and some are not worth considering. But there is one that stands out as a logical, well-thought-out movement all Christians should become a part of. Texas can be the first domino of many to fall if we will concentrate our efforts in restoring her status as an independent nation instead of languishing the way we are now, hoping for a conservative President to arise someday.
Christians deserve a country where they can be assured the public schools will be true centers of learning rather than indoctrination centers run by leftists, where they never fear an activist Supreme Court legislating from the bench by forcing churches to accept the gay agenda, where local communities run their own affairs and decide for themselves on whether or not to have prayer in school or religious expressions on public land.
This is not a joke , friends. This is simply history repeating itself. History is on the side of freedom and self-determination. We owe to ourselves, to our posterity, the Framers and to God to preserve Christian American values, even if it is in a geographically smaller area.
And this post only covers the moral and religious reasons for independence. We have not even discussed the huge financial advantages separation from the USA will bring.
http://www.thetnm.org/
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"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves UPCI |
Acts-dicted
Posts: 8065
10/8/16 9:34 am
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c6thplayer1 |
Just more examples of how morally corrupt trump is. I for one don't look for excuses to justify a vote for him. He crossed the line of acceptable a long time ago.
What we have seen recently , and in the past , is just the tip of the iceberg.
The blame for the failure of the GOPs success lies solely with the GOP for allowing this guy on the their ticket.
We will have to endure another democrat in our highest office for another term. Provided the GOP gets out of the sewer they jumped into will determine if there will be another GOP president. |
Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology
Posts: 6385
10/8/16 9:52 am
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Change Agent |
| Enjoyed your post Phil. Lots of truth in that post. |
Acts Enthusiast
Posts: 1449
10/8/16 9:58 am
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Resident Skeptic |
| c6thplayer1 wrote: | Just more examples of how morally corrupt trump is. I for one don't look for excuses to justify a vote for him. He crossed the line of acceptable a long time ago.
What we have seen recently , and in the past , is just the tip of the iceberg.
The blame for the failure of the GOPs success lies solely with the GOP for allowing this guy on the their ticket.
We will have to endure another democrat in our highest office for another term. Provided the GOP gets out of the sewer they jumped into will determine if there will be another GOP president. |
This story will go away in three days if REPUBLICANS stop talking about it and start talking about all the items flowing forth from Wikileaks as I write this.
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"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves UPCI |
Acts-dicted
Posts: 8065
10/8/16 9:59 am
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c6thplayer1 |
| Resident Skeptic wrote: | | c6thplayer1 wrote: | Just more examples of how morally corrupt trump is. I for one don't look for excuses to justify a vote for him. He crossed the line of acceptable a long time ago.
What we have seen recently , and in the past , is just the tip of the iceberg.
The blame for the failure of the GOPs success lies solely with the GOP for allowing this guy on the their ticket.
We will have to endure another democrat in our highest office for another term. Provided the GOP gets out of the sewer they jumped into will determine if there will be another GOP president. |
This story will go away in three days if REPUBLICANS stop talking about it and start talking about all the items flowing forth from Wikileaks as I write this. |
Your correct on this one. In three or four days this will be history forgotten. But whats next with trump? Guaranteed there will be another trump debacle before the election. |
Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology
Posts: 6385
10/8/16 11:20 am
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Dean Steenburgh |
| Resident Skeptic wrote: | | Quote: | | Mr. Trump has fueled white American nationalism with xenophobic appeals |
| Quote: | | Because we believe that racial bigotry has been a cornerstone of this campaign, |
Those two lines tell it all. It shows that some so-called "Evangelicals" buy into the line that to endorse strict adherence to immigration laws is a sign of white supremacist tendencies or racism.
The person who wrote this is the same thing that Paul called the Galatians, "bewitched and foolish". |
Amen!!!!
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Golf Cart Mafia Capo Famiglia
Posts: 4682
10/8/16 1:03 pm
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Dean Steenburgh |
I too will not forward this statement as it is both divisive & flawed with statements that are misleading & provoking.
This nation needs to do the hard job of protecting it's borders like most other nations in this world & to do so is not racist or phobic in any manner whatsoever!
_________________
"Empty nest syndrome is for the birds!"
Email me at: SteenburghDean@gmail.com
Church planters are focused on just one thing ...introducing people to Jesus!
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Golf Cart Mafia Capo Famiglia
Posts: 4682
10/8/16 1:05 pm
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Nature Boy Florida |
There is a Trojan horse entering our country - and Phil is the one opening the gate. He should inspect what is coming in - instead of calling it racist to check.
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Whether you like it or not, learn to love it, because its the best thing going today! |
Acts-pert Poster
Posts: 16646
10/8/16 1:25 pm
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philunderwood |
| Nature Boy Florida wrote: | | There is a Trojan horse entering our country - and Phil is the one opening the gate. He should inspect what is coming in - instead of calling it racist to check. |
Huh????
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Golf Cart Mafia Underboss
Posts: 3954
10/8/16 2:01 pm
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Dean Steenburgh |
Daniel 2:20-22 we know that God is the one who sets up the kingdoms of this world & America is not exempt to God making the decision as to who will lead us.
So if God wants Trump in there I think somebody is thinking that God has made a mistake???
You make sure & tell God what to do next time before you call good Christian believers immoral & cast doubt on their faith.
We all know that Darrell Castle doesn't stand a chance & neither does Johnson.
Use your vote to defeat the enemy of America ...your nation depends on it.
As for me & my house we will vote for Trump so that we don't throw away our God given gift to keep Hillary out unless God wants her in 
_________________
"Empty nest syndrome is for the birds!"
Email me at: SteenburghDean@gmail.com
Church planters are focused on just one thing ...introducing people to Jesus!
What are you focused on? |
Golf Cart Mafia Capo Famiglia
Posts: 4682
10/8/16 2:13 pm
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| It always amazes me |
Randy Franklin |
how all all of these "spiritual" people get so upset about things Trump has said but somehow they can totally overlook Hillary's lies, crimes, ultra pro abortion agenda, anti gun rights views and her plans to appoint liberal justcies that will no doubt limit our basic religious freedoms.  |
Hey, DOC
Posts: 53
10/8/16 3:16 pm
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| Re: It always amazes me |
Dean Steenburgh |
| Randy Franklin wrote: | | how all all of these "spiritual" people get so upset about things Trump has said but somehow they can totally overlook Hillary's lies, crimes, ultra pro abortion agenda, anti gun rights views and her plans to appoint liberal justcies that will no doubt limit our basic religious freedoms. |
Welcome to Acts Randy & you have spoken a genuine truth!
_________________
"Empty nest syndrome is for the birds!"
Email me at: SteenburghDean@gmail.com
Church planters are focused on just one thing ...introducing people to Jesus!
What are you focused on? |
Golf Cart Mafia Capo Famiglia
Posts: 4682
10/8/16 3:47 pm
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| Re: It always amazes me |
philunderwood |
| Randy Franklin wrote: | | how all all of these "spiritual" people get so upset about things Trump has said but somehow they can totally overlook Hillary's lies, crimes, ultra pro abortion agenda, anti gun rights views and her plans to appoint liberal justcies that will no doubt limit our basic religious freedoms. |
Who is overlooking it? This is the subject d'jour.
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Golf Cart Mafia Underboss
Posts: 3954
10/8/16 4:00 pm
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| Re: It always amazes me |
Dean Steenburgh |
| philunderwood wrote: | | Randy Franklin wrote: | | how all all of these "spiritual" people get so upset about things Trump has said but somehow they can totally overlook Hillary's lies, crimes, ultra pro abortion agenda, anti gun rights views and her plans to appoint liberal justcies that will no doubt limit our basic religious freedoms. |
Who is overlooking it? This is the subject d'jour. |
I think it's quite clear phil - he's pointing out that a bunch of you guys are all over Trump in every way possible & even to the point where you sign a petition & post the petition on Acts.
But where is your equal disgust with a woman who is a traitor & should be tried for treason IMO?
You knew what he meant!
_________________
"Empty nest syndrome is for the birds!"
Email me at: SteenburghDean@gmail.com
Church planters are focused on just one thing ...introducing people to Jesus!
What are you focused on? |
Golf Cart Mafia Capo Famiglia
Posts: 4682
10/8/16 4:57 pm
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| Jesus stayed out of politics.... |
spartanfan |
As a pastor, I have felt the "pressure" to say something (anything) to influence my congregation to vote one way or the other. I have refused.
There is nothing recorded in the New Testament about Jesus Christ speaking out against any of the political issues of His day. Nothing in His teachings gives even the slightest hint that He had any political involvement.
People feel strongly one way or the other. I could pick a side and tear those opposite apart in a debate. I could win - and my ability to influence people for the sake of the Kingdom would be diminished in the process. That's too high a price to pay just to "spit into the wind."
If most people spent as much time praying about it as they do posting and talking about it maybe those millions of "prayer hours" could make a difference in the spiritual climate of our country, which to me is far more important than the political climate.
I will vote. That's all my people know. As the result of my stance as a spiritual leader - I will have no egg on my face.
But that's just me. Everyone else is free to handle it however they choose without condemnation from me. To each his or her own.
I just wasted 3 minutes of valuable prayer time on this  |
Golf Cart Mafia Underboss
Posts: 3638
10/8/16 8:30 pm
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