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A lesson in politics from Roman Christians?

Discussion in 'Political Debate & Discussion' started by NaasPreacher (C4K), Apr 12, 2010.

  1. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    I am listening to a Church History class from Reformed Theological Seminary on iTunes. I was impressed and moved by something I heard, then looked up today. Here is the testimony of Christians who did not rebel against their government despite some of the most incredible persecution and denial of human right ever exercised against any people ever.

    In 311 Galerius issued the Edict of Toleration ending official Roman persecution against Christians. At the end of the edict we find these words:

    'Wherefore, for this our indulgence, they ought to pray to their God for our safety, for that of the republic, and for their own, that the republic may continue uninjured on every side, and that they may be able to live securely in their homes.'

    And a quote by Will Durant on the topic

    Are there lessons here for Christians of today who are so upset about possible 'loss of freedoms?'
     
    #1 NaasPreacher (C4K), Apr 12, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 12, 2010
  2. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    That's terrific! Isn't iTunesU just the best thing ever? Its free classes. I brush up on my Greek and Hebrew there.:thumbsup:

    Absolutely. The militancy of modern day western fundamentalists against the supposed loss of freedoms is sorta silly in light of our brothers and sisters in Christ who have died and been physically persecuted and have not violently resisted. I remember hearing a guy yelling about the perceived loss of a freedom (which it hadn't been taken away) while sitting next to a friend of mine who was a pastor in India. My friend had been beaten about six months prior because of his Christianity. I asked what he thought afterwards and he simply replied that it is a mark of honor to be beaten for Christ.

    I am convinced that most of the anger in the western evangelical Church is coming from people looking for a fight because they aren't accomplishing much for the Gospel in their own lives.

    Your point is a fine one.:thumbs:
     
  3. Robert Snow

    Robert Snow New Member

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    This is a good lesson for us today. I hope the ones here who despise government will take it to heart. Thanks!
     
  4. Winman

    Winman Active Member

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    Robert, who here despises government? I would bet everyone here loves their country. But that does not mean we cannot dislike certain policies. What did the founding fathers say in the Declaration of Independence?

    These men did not hate or despise government, they simply did not believe the English government just, and set about to set up a new government that was just. Notice that these just powers are derived from the "consent of the governed". Well, in the case of the recent Health Care Bill, it can hardly be said this law was passed with the consent of the governed, numerous polls showed the majority of Americans were firmly against it. This law was shoved down our throats without our consent, and the people have a legitimate right to be upset about it.
     
    #4 Winman, Apr 12, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 12, 2010
  5. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    American Christians really have it tough - Health Care Reform. All our Roman brethren had to put up with was things like be torn apart by wild animal or roasted alive.

    No wonder American Christians take steps (like angry protests) the Roman Christians never did.
     
  6. Tom Bryant

    Tom Bryant Well-Known Member

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    Maybe the reason many here protest about the losses of liberty is so that our country does not become like Rome and the killing of martyrs.

    What are people supposed to say, "I hope that our country takes away our freedoms so I can be as spiritual as the Christians under the domination of Rome." ?
     
  7. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    My point was the example that the Roman Christians set. I can't word it any better than Will Durant as quoted in the OP.

     
  8. RAdam

    RAdam New Member

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    The point you aren't getting is those people living under an already established regime that was against God anyway. We, on the other hand, have lived in a country that has been very God honoring in the past, attributed our properity and freedoms to God in the past, and all citizens were better off for it. We have great freedoms that are an extreme anomoly in history. Those of us that have studied the harsh persecutions that our brethren in Christ have suffered throughout the centuries, and even in this present age, are saddened at the prospect of this country going down that same path given it's incredible history.

    Does it not sadden you to see this country stray so far away from its roots? Does it not sadden you to think of future Christians in this country suffering like our old Roman brethren? Does the thought of this one God honoring nation turning into such a God hating nation that it would spill the blood of the saints not sadden you? Our Roman brethren had people they loved, including little children that confessed Christ, thrown to the lions for the entertainment of the people. Can you imagine? I can't.
     
  9. billwald

    billwald New Member

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    Boggles my mind how anyone can support the Declaration of Independence AND Lincoln's War.
     
  10. RAdam

    RAdam New Member

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    How anyone can hate the Declaration of Independence is beyond me.
     
  11. windcatcher

    windcatcher New Member

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    Here's Durant in The Story of Civilizations v1p71
    Perhaps this speaks better to the issue of your question in many respects.
     
  12. Aaron

    Aaron Member
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    Take your sanctimony somewhere else. The Roman Christians have nothing of which to boast over those who have suffered under Lenin, Stalin, or Mao, or under the intollerance that is waiting in the wings in America.

    Maybe you should take some time to educate yourself on these matters before you make another post as you stagger under the load of colossal ignorance.
     
  13. Dragoon68

    Dragoon68 Active Member

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    Yes! Praise God as the source of all the blessings our nation has enjoyed for so long through no individual merit of our own, pray that He will continue to sustain our nation around its fundamental principles, work hard for the sake of all who will follow us to protect and defend the liberty which has come to us at such a high price, and let no liberal misunderstandings confuse our clear thinking.
     
  14. JohnDeereFan

    JohnDeereFan Well-Known Member
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    There are, indeed, many good classes and lectures on itunesU. I'm listening to a very good one now about sacred harp singing.

    Didn't realize that although it's most closely associated with the rural south, that it actually originated in New England. Learn something new every day.

    But I digress. I'm a little reluctant to listen to the RTS lectures because of their association with the heretic, Steve Brown.

    But that's just me.
     
  15. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    You cannot say it at all because you failed to make a legitimate comparison. The Roman Government and the American Government are apples and refrigerators. This country was established on opposing our government when it errs. The Romans government was not.
     
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