Comments on: Gut Thoughts on Government and Evil http://lifeasmission.com/blog/2008/09/gut-thoughts-on-government-and-evil/ exploring the mystery of life and mission as one and the same Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:58:09 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: JR Rozko http://lifeasmission.com/blog/2008/09/gut-thoughts-on-government-and-evil/comment-page-1/#comment-5083 JR Rozko Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:52:38 +0000 http://lifeasmission.com/blog/?p=685#comment-5083 Objectivity is a myth, so I am not sure I could feign it.  If I implied that I was speaking objectively, that was not my intention.  I have added a disclaimer to my comment on Palin above.  So, if anyone wants to comment on the actual content of this post, I am happy for discussion to continue, but as far as the rabbit trails that seem to be emerging in the discussion, I am just not that interested.  To be honest, I am not even sure how interested in the content of the post even - probably much better discussions to be having. Objectivity is a myth, so I am not sure I could feign it.  If I implied that I was speaking objectively, that was not my intention. 

I have added a disclaimer to my comment on Palin above.  So, if anyone wants to comment on the actual content of this post, I am happy for discussion to continue, but as far as the rabbit trails that seem to be emerging in the discussion, I am just not that interested.  To be honest, I am not even sure how interested in the content of the post even – probably much better discussions to be having.

]]> By: ordinarycitizen http://lifeasmission.com/blog/2008/09/gut-thoughts-on-government-and-evil/comment-page-1/#comment-5082 ordinarycitizen Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:30:32 +0000 http://lifeasmission.com/blog/?p=685#comment-5082 ordinaryradical-i would agree with you in almost every case....except when the blogger is a openly professing follower of Christ. Then I believe we should "DO JUSTLY, love mercy and walk humbly with our God." I called him out because he seems to be feigning objectivity yet all his posts regarding the candidates indicates anything but. BTW, I think ALL the media outlets could use some balance/less attack; honest and truthful wouldn't hurt, either. Wildflower-please don't feel as if you caused a disturbance.....you didn't disturb me at all. I admire and appreciate your honesty; there is alot to like and dislike about both parties in this election, in my opinion. And I believe that unveiled, open discussions without hidden agendas are healthy and vital. I appreciate that about your posts and am more that willing to discuss the issues with anyone, but without pretense. ordinaryradical-i would agree with you in almost every case….except when the blogger is a openly professing follower of Christ. Then I believe we should “DO JUSTLY, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.” I called him out because he seems to be feigning objectivity yet all his posts regarding the candidates indicates anything but. BTW, I think ALL the media outlets could use some balance/less attack; honest and truthful wouldn’t hurt, either.
Wildflower-please don’t feel as if you caused a disturbance…..you didn’t disturb me at all. I admire and appreciate your honesty; there is alot to like and dislike about both parties in this election, in my opinion. And I believe that unveiled, open discussions without hidden agendas are healthy and vital. I appreciate that about your posts and am more that willing to discuss the issues with anyone, but without pretense.

]]> By: ordinaryradical http://lifeasmission.com/blog/2008/09/gut-thoughts-on-government-and-evil/comment-page-1/#comment-5081 ordinaryradical Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:27:17 +0000 http://lifeasmission.com/blog/?p=685#comment-5081 I'm not really sure why one would feel the necessity to be balanced on a personal blog. Everyone knows these are JR's views, he's entitled to write whatever view he feels worthy of mentioning. He's not fooling us into thinking he's being "objective." This isn't a national media outlet (at least I'm pretty sure it isn't - how's your traffic?) and for that matter even our most popular national media outlet could use a little balancing and less attack. I don't try and write rival opinions in my personal journal when I reflect on issues, and I don't think one needs to be bound to that on a personal weblog either. I’m not really sure why one would feel the necessity to be balanced on a personal blog. Everyone knows these are JR’s views, he’s entitled to write whatever view he feels worthy of mentioning. He’s not fooling us into thinking he’s being “objective.” This isn’t a national media outlet (at least I’m pretty sure it isn’t – how’s your traffic?) and for that matter even our most popular national media outlet could use a little balancing and less attack. I don’t try and write rival opinions in my personal journal when I reflect on issues, and I don’t think one needs to be bound to that on a personal weblog either.

]]> By: wildflower http://lifeasmission.com/blog/2008/09/gut-thoughts-on-government-and-evil/comment-page-1/#comment-5080 wildflower Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:24:54 +0000 http://lifeasmission.com/blog/?p=685#comment-5080 Hey, didn't mean to cause a disturbance... I appreciate being informed of facts concerning either and all parties. I personally choose to remain anonymous cause I like this blog and discussing it's contents, so I'm here for the topic because thats the limit of my freedom. It's a little something I look forward to every day... I read people's blogs. (about 15 or so a day and this one's my favorite) I comment when interested, and I tend to bring questions, but never to cause conflict between people. Can we get back on the subject? For example, are there any other pivotal questions/answers given to/by the candidates that is worth discussion... or maybe even a vote!?? ;-) Hey, didn’t mean to cause a disturbance… I appreciate being informed of facts concerning either and all parties. I personally choose to remain anonymous cause I like this blog and discussing it’s contents, so I’m here for the topic because thats the limit of my freedom. It’s a little something I look forward to every day… I read people’s blogs. (about 15 or so a day and this one’s my favorite) I comment when interested, and I tend to bring questions, but never to cause conflict between people. Can we get back on the subject? For example, are there any other pivotal questions/answers given to/by the candidates that is worth discussion… or maybe even a vote!?? ;-)

]]> By: ordinarycitizen http://lifeasmission.com/blog/2008/09/gut-thoughts-on-government-and-evil/comment-page-1/#comment-5079 ordinarycitizen Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:59:59 +0000 http://lifeasmission.com/blog/?p=685#comment-5079 Sigh. didn't mean to put you on the defensive.....I was just pointing out that for a person who claims to be "positively stressing" about forming his views you seem to be "informing" alot of people with just one side of the debate. Wouldn't hurt to include some criticism of all the candidates, now would it? Sigh. didn’t mean to put you on the defensive…..I was just pointing out that for a person who claims to be “positively stressing” about forming his views you seem to be “informing” alot of people with just one side of the debate. Wouldn’t hurt to include some criticism of all the candidates, now would it?

]]> By: JR Rozko http://lifeasmission.com/blog/2008/09/gut-thoughts-on-government-and-evil/comment-page-1/#comment-5078 JR Rozko Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:03:28 +0000 http://lifeasmission.com/blog/?p=685#comment-5078 Sigh. An "attack blog," really? This is the sort of inflammatory rhetoric that really doesn't help conversation much.  Neither the author of that blog nor I meant to attack, merely to inform.  I feel pretty well informed on Obama, his position, and his track record.  I can't say the same for Palin - and I would venture to guess that this is true for most folks. You are of course free to mention anything you like in the comments.  I will respond if I am able and feel it is appropriate.  Or, even better, you could start your own blog so I can comment anonymously thereby further guaranteeing that the conversation never gets truly relational (and therefore helpful) ;) Sigh. An “attack blog,” really? This is the sort of inflammatory rhetoric that really doesn’t help conversation much.  Neither the author of that blog nor I meant to attack, merely to inform.  I feel pretty well informed on Obama, his position, and his track record.  I can’t say the same for Palin – and I would venture to guess that this is true for most folks.

You are of course free to mention anything you like in the comments.  I will respond if I am able and feel it is appropriate.  Or, even better, you could start your own blog so I can comment anonymously thereby further guaranteeing that the conversation never gets truly relational (and therefore helpful) ;)

]]> By: ordinarycitizen http://lifeasmission.com/blog/2008/09/gut-thoughts-on-government-and-evil/comment-page-1/#comment-5077 ordinarycitizen Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:59:18 +0000 http://lifeasmission.com/blog/?p=685#comment-5077 my point exactly......someone said they LIKED Sarah Palin and you linked a post from an attack blog. Maybe I should bring up Obama's views and voting record on abortion, his view of Bill Ayers as "mainstream" and his citing Rev. Wright as a "spiritual mentor" so you can comment on those. Just trying to maintain some balance here. my point exactly……someone said they LIKED Sarah Palin and you linked a post from an attack blog. Maybe I should bring up Obama’s views and voting record on abortion, his view of Bill Ayers as “mainstream” and his citing Rev. Wright as a “spiritual mentor” so you can comment on those. Just trying to maintain some balance here.

]]> By: JR Rozko http://lifeasmission.com/blog/2008/09/gut-thoughts-on-government-and-evil/comment-page-1/#comment-5076 JR Rozko Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:46:12 +0000 http://lifeasmission.com/blog/?p=685#comment-5076 @ordinarycitizen - No desire on my part to spend my time chronicling all the bothersome tidbits of parties or candidates.  There are quite enough folks doing this already.  I mention this one only because it came to my attention directly and because a commenter above mentioned Sarah Palin specifically. @ordinarycitizen – No desire on my part to spend my time chronicling all the bothersome tidbits of parties or candidates.  There are quite enough folks doing this already.  I mention this one only because it came to my attention directly and because a commenter above mentioned Sarah Palin specifically.

]]> By: ordinarycitizen http://lifeasmission.com/blog/2008/09/gut-thoughts-on-government-and-evil/comment-page-1/#comment-5075 ordinarycitizen Fri, 05 Sep 2008 05:20:04 +0000 http://lifeasmission.com/blog/?p=685#comment-5075 JR, there are many things that are bothersome on both sides of this election.....are you gonna start including all the links or just those you determine are relevant? JR, there are many things that are bothersome on both sides of this election…..are you gonna start including all the links or just those you determine are relevant?

]]> By: JR Rozko http://lifeasmission.com/blog/2008/09/gut-thoughts-on-government-and-evil/comment-page-1/#comment-5074 JR Rozko Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:01:53 +0000 http://lifeasmission.com/blog/?p=685#comment-5074 This is bothersome. http://tinyurl.com/5kwetq Disclaimer: I don't mean to imply in the least that this is the only story related to a candidate or party in this election that is bothersome to me, it just happens to be one that was recently brought to my attention and caught me off guard. This is bothersome.
http://tinyurl.com/5kwetq

Disclaimer: I don’t mean to imply in the least that this is the only story related to a candidate or party in this election that is bothersome to me, it just happens to be one that was recently brought to my attention and caught me off guard.

]]> By: wildflower http://lifeasmission.com/blog/2008/09/gut-thoughts-on-government-and-evil/comment-page-1/#comment-5073 wildflower Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:48:55 +0000 http://lifeasmission.com/blog/?p=685#comment-5073 Yeah, I agree that I don't like the viciousness of politics on either side. Unfortunately, it always gets that way the closer election day draws near. One thing that could help is to look at what each candidate has done in his or her office in the past... what positive and negative choices have they made on a smaller level for this nation? What are their true standards on issues tht effect our nation's children, our poor, views on abortion, marriage, war, etc.. That's kind of what I'm researching (and with caution on where I am getting the data.) I would like to hear from more of my fellow believers on their reasons for supporting Obama or McCain. Yeah, I agree that I don’t like the viciousness of politics on either side. Unfortunately, it always gets that way the closer election day draws near. One thing that could help is to look at what each candidate has done in his or her office in the past… what positive and negative choices have they made on a smaller level for this nation? What are their true standards on issues tht effect our nation’s children, our poor, views on abortion, marriage, war, etc.. That’s kind of what I’m researching (and with caution on where I am getting the data.) I would like to hear from more of my fellow believers on their reasons for supporting Obama or McCain.

]]> By: c. wess daniels http://lifeasmission.com/blog/2008/09/gut-thoughts-on-government-and-evil/comment-page-1/#comment-5072 c. wess daniels Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:11:14 +0000 http://lifeasmission.com/blog/?p=685#comment-5072 I've watched all the speeches. The problem is they're just speeches, not something you can really mess up. Palin did a nice job delivering last night, but it was written for her by the McCain crew. However, I wasn't impressed with the personal slams and her appealing to fear as a rhetorical device. McCain's crew seems to be getting more and more vicious, not something all that attractive to me. I’ve watched all the speeches. The problem is they’re just speeches, not something you can really mess up. Palin did a nice job delivering last night, but it was written for her by the McCain crew. However, I wasn’t impressed with the personal slams and her appealing to fear as a rhetorical device. McCain’s crew seems to be getting more and more vicious, not something all that attractive to me.

]]> By: wildflower http://lifeasmission.com/blog/2008/09/gut-thoughts-on-government-and-evil/comment-page-1/#comment-5070 wildflower Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:17:49 +0000 http://lifeasmission.com/blog/?p=685#comment-5070 Have you listened to any of the convention speeches? I have to admit I see things in both candidates that I like and dislike.  I really liked Sarah Palin though- and did not feel any thing but respect for the woman. I am truly unsure about my final decision, and deeply concerned about both candidates stances on issues that I care very much about, so I thought it would be good to write these things out and do some research, gather some data, and pray before I vote. I don't know how else to aproach the situation, and part of me wants to just not vote and ignore the news, conversations at work, etc. but then I don't think that would be responsible of me. So I will vote. I hope the nation votes and prays God's grace on who ever makes the cut because they will need it in these times. I also believe it is important to speak about our current and potential future leaders with respect. I am grieved at the loss of respect I've seen in my own life, and hope to continue to change that tide by speaking in ways that reflect that decision in my heart.  Have you listened to any of the convention speeches? I have to admit I see things in both candidates that I like and dislike.  I really liked Sarah Palin though- and did not feel any thing but respect for the woman. I am truly unsure about my final decision, and deeply concerned about both candidates stances on issues that I care very much about, so I thought it would be good to write these things out and do some research, gather some data, and pray before I vote. I don’t know how else to aproach the situation, and part of me wants to just not vote and ignore the news, conversations at work, etc. but then I don’t think that would be responsible of me. So I will vote. I hope the nation votes and prays God’s grace on who ever makes the cut because they will need it in these times. I also believe it is important to speak about our current and potential future leaders with respect. I am grieved at the loss of respect I’ve seen in my own life, and hope to continue to change that tide by speaking in ways that reflect that decision in my heart. 

]]> By: c. wess daniels http://lifeasmission.com/blog/2008/09/gut-thoughts-on-government-and-evil/comment-page-1/#comment-5069 c. wess daniels Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:21:58 +0000 http://lifeasmission.com/blog/?p=685#comment-5069 Good thoughts JR. I agree, I appreciate the understood limitations in our own abilities that Obama was spelling out. I think we as a country have a hard time believing we are limited. Good thoughts JR. I agree, I appreciate the understood limitations in our own abilities that Obama was spelling out. I think we as a country have a hard time believing we are limited.

]]> By: wildflower http://lifeasmission.com/blog/2008/09/gut-thoughts-on-government-and-evil/comment-page-1/#comment-5068 wildflower Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:14:44 +0000 http://lifeasmission.com/blog/?p=685#comment-5068 Hey brotha! don't stress! <strong>;)</strong> ... some find debating down right fun and I think it is good to question what goes on politically, so I appreciate you. In my opinion, a government or even a God fearing people group will never defeat evil in ALL the world- we can not because we have no control over anything but that which we are given... for most of us it is: one spirit, one body, and one mind to govern, and we're called to "battle" evil in that dominion first and foremost as a priority ... knowing that we will never fully defeat it even there- and so GRACE He gave, and so GRACE He died, and so GRACE He rose again, praise JESUS for His grace! Amen! Smile with me people!... Personally, I can not separate evil all by itself in one topic without the grace factor... because I see a picture of this is drawn for us in Romans at the same spot evil is addressed. I <em>so</em> wish there had been a follow up question on grace.... but thats just me. Like, "Does grace exist, what does that look like, and do you plan to use it?" I wonder what would have been the answers. hmmm. Hey brotha! don’t stress! ;)  … some find debating down right fun and I think it is good to question what goes on politically, so I appreciate you. In my opinion, a government or even a God fearing people group will never defeat evil in ALL the world- we can not because we have no control over anything but that which we are given… for most of us it is: one spirit, one body, and one mind to govern, and we’re called to ”battle” evil in that dominion first and foremost as a priority … knowing that we will never fully defeat it even there- and so GRACE He gave, and so GRACE He died, and so GRACE He rose again, praise JESUS for His grace! Amen! Smile with me people!… Personally, I can not separate evil all by itself in one topic without the grace factor… because I see a picture of this is drawn for us in Romans at the same spot evil is addressed. I so wish there had been a follow up question on grace…. but thats just me. Like, “Does grace exist, what does that look like, and do you plan to use it?” I wonder what would have been the answers. hmmm.

]]>