jcbraithwaite7
11-10-2007, 12:57 PM
So the title might be a bit shocking but I have seen other posts and comments asking "Is it Ron or the message", we have been called cult following zombies, and even accused of worshiping Dr. Paul. Maybe the title should be parallels between Christianity and Campaigning.
I am a Christian and I don't for one second forget where my TRUE hope really lies. However, I have been finding myself using examples that are parallel to Christianity/religion and this campaign. So while I would never consider what I feel for Dr. Paul and the message of freedom "worshipping" I do feel there are parallels.
Example 1.
While passionate and with the best of intentions over zealous Christians shouting and preaching fire and brimstone have turned more people off to the Christian message than have won people over. The presentation of the message is vital. Overwhelming someone with scriptures and fear is the same as dumping too much information and bringing up CFR, one world domination, micro chips etc. stop doing that!
Example 2.
I am a cancer survivor. I always believed in God but it wasn't until I was humbled and literally brought to my knees (barfing for a week at a time will do that) did I realize how much I needed God in my life. Our American way of life is literally on the verge of being brought to its knees. Maybe then people will realize how important freedom, liberty and our Constitution is.
Example 3.
At church there are always a few people who do everything. The standard 80/20 rule- 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people. There are too many people who believe in the mission, agree with the direction and generally want to do more but sit back and let others do the work, join the commitees, donate and spread the message. For a church to thrive you need more propeller and less rudder to get somewhere. People need to get off the sidelines and start getting involved.
Example 4.
Tithing. A sensitive subject for many Christians. Tithes are needed to get things done. We need to give even when we don't have the money. It is often said that the gifts we give come back to us and we will be blessed. Ron Paul's campaign needs the money and the return of our freedom is worth it and truly will come back to us. So pass the plate and quit making excuses.
Example 5.
Many people who believe in the basics of Christianity disagree on interpretation or specifics. In-fighting has divided so many churches and if not kept in check could do the same for our campaign.
Example 6.
Being part of the Christian faith really connects you to others with the same belief. I may have nothing in common with other Christians but our faith makes it possible for us to have something in common. When I was at the post-debate rally in Orlando I was amazed at the diversity. People I really have nothing in common with share the same passion and goal that I have. Same with Dr. Paul's message. Freedom may be popular but the message is unifying.
Example 7.
Faith combined with action is the best we can do. I believe in Heaven. Some don't. Some laugh at me and think "Why are you wasting your time with being a Christian when it may not even be for real." We don't know what will happen when we die but we need faith. We need to do the things here on earth to gurantee that we end up in Heaven. I don't know if Ron Paul will win. People laugh at me for believing he can. We need to do ALL we can do to make sure that he does win and have faith that the result will turn out the way we hope.
Example 8
Christianity is based on free will. God doesn't make us follow Him he wants us to make our own choices. Those choices have benefits and consequences but in the end God wants to give us free will to make them. Ron Paul's message is about free will. Decisions we make have benefits and consequences and we must be prepared and responsible for both. So I guess God would check Libertarian if he was registering to vote. Free will doesn't mean we don't take care of needy, or less fortunate. It means we choose to do that and are not forced to do it. I love to garden but doing it on my own is very different from someone forcing me to go pull the weeds. I don't like to be forced to do something and many times am more apt to do it if it is my choice. I would be much more compassionate on my own if I wasn't being forced to take care of others via taxes and entitlements.
Example 9
Once you hear the message you are never the same. Sometimes you may need to hear the message more than a few times to finally get it. "I once was blind but now I see..." is very much how I felt once I realized the importance of sound money, the evil of The Federal Reserve, the importance of freedom and protecting The Constitution.
Example 10.
As a Christian the Bible is the foundation. As American's The Constitution is our foundation. I would never attend a church and follow a pastor who says, "Well... the Bible was good in its day but times have changed so we don't have to follow what is says anymore." Just as we should never allow a leader to disregard The Constitution because 9/11 changed everything.
So Ron Paul's message is not a religion. I do not worship him. However, his message just like that of the Christian faith is do or die. We are at a point in our country that it is do or die- our freedom will be lost. So with that... GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN!!!!
I am a Christian and I don't for one second forget where my TRUE hope really lies. However, I have been finding myself using examples that are parallel to Christianity/religion and this campaign. So while I would never consider what I feel for Dr. Paul and the message of freedom "worshipping" I do feel there are parallels.
Example 1.
While passionate and with the best of intentions over zealous Christians shouting and preaching fire and brimstone have turned more people off to the Christian message than have won people over. The presentation of the message is vital. Overwhelming someone with scriptures and fear is the same as dumping too much information and bringing up CFR, one world domination, micro chips etc. stop doing that!
Example 2.
I am a cancer survivor. I always believed in God but it wasn't until I was humbled and literally brought to my knees (barfing for a week at a time will do that) did I realize how much I needed God in my life. Our American way of life is literally on the verge of being brought to its knees. Maybe then people will realize how important freedom, liberty and our Constitution is.
Example 3.
At church there are always a few people who do everything. The standard 80/20 rule- 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people. There are too many people who believe in the mission, agree with the direction and generally want to do more but sit back and let others do the work, join the commitees, donate and spread the message. For a church to thrive you need more propeller and less rudder to get somewhere. People need to get off the sidelines and start getting involved.
Example 4.
Tithing. A sensitive subject for many Christians. Tithes are needed to get things done. We need to give even when we don't have the money. It is often said that the gifts we give come back to us and we will be blessed. Ron Paul's campaign needs the money and the return of our freedom is worth it and truly will come back to us. So pass the plate and quit making excuses.
Example 5.
Many people who believe in the basics of Christianity disagree on interpretation or specifics. In-fighting has divided so many churches and if not kept in check could do the same for our campaign.
Example 6.
Being part of the Christian faith really connects you to others with the same belief. I may have nothing in common with other Christians but our faith makes it possible for us to have something in common. When I was at the post-debate rally in Orlando I was amazed at the diversity. People I really have nothing in common with share the same passion and goal that I have. Same with Dr. Paul's message. Freedom may be popular but the message is unifying.
Example 7.
Faith combined with action is the best we can do. I believe in Heaven. Some don't. Some laugh at me and think "Why are you wasting your time with being a Christian when it may not even be for real." We don't know what will happen when we die but we need faith. We need to do the things here on earth to gurantee that we end up in Heaven. I don't know if Ron Paul will win. People laugh at me for believing he can. We need to do ALL we can do to make sure that he does win and have faith that the result will turn out the way we hope.
Example 8
Christianity is based on free will. God doesn't make us follow Him he wants us to make our own choices. Those choices have benefits and consequences but in the end God wants to give us free will to make them. Ron Paul's message is about free will. Decisions we make have benefits and consequences and we must be prepared and responsible for both. So I guess God would check Libertarian if he was registering to vote. Free will doesn't mean we don't take care of needy, or less fortunate. It means we choose to do that and are not forced to do it. I love to garden but doing it on my own is very different from someone forcing me to go pull the weeds. I don't like to be forced to do something and many times am more apt to do it if it is my choice. I would be much more compassionate on my own if I wasn't being forced to take care of others via taxes and entitlements.
Example 9
Once you hear the message you are never the same. Sometimes you may need to hear the message more than a few times to finally get it. "I once was blind but now I see..." is very much how I felt once I realized the importance of sound money, the evil of The Federal Reserve, the importance of freedom and protecting The Constitution.
Example 10.
As a Christian the Bible is the foundation. As American's The Constitution is our foundation. I would never attend a church and follow a pastor who says, "Well... the Bible was good in its day but times have changed so we don't have to follow what is says anymore." Just as we should never allow a leader to disregard The Constitution because 9/11 changed everything.
So Ron Paul's message is not a religion. I do not worship him. However, his message just like that of the Christian faith is do or die. We are at a point in our country that it is do or die- our freedom will be lost. So with that... GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN!!!!