Comments on: A Little Something To Chew On

By: Corbett

Corbett — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:16:10 +0000

Quote “…but the fact is we were established through conquering and used God as a rationale for our taking over half of north america with the notion of ‘manifest destiny.’”

Larissa, you are right that much of our early expansion was at the expense of others, just as our treatment of many (Mexico, Native Americans, Ethnic Minorities) has been horrible. But Nate is still right. We have plenty of military and (un)civil skeletons in our collective closet, but we are not a nation that seeks to conquer other nations. Whether misguided or not, the current “war on terror,” including the occupation of Iraq was not done to annex other sovereign states or even to “steal” their oil. It was done to preserve the peace in the United States. “Hit them over there, before they can hit us over here.”

Again, I’m not defending our foreign policy, nor am I taking a shot at Rob Bell. I just like to give everyone–even our present executive branch–the benefit of seeing reality, instead of constructing conspiracy theories and such.

By: Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:58:45 +0000

Zucker said: “I dig Rob Bell, but it seems he missed the mark this time.”

Agreed. We need to separate our belief in Christ from our allegiance to the USA. On the same token we need to separate our charge to strictly follow the entire Gospel from our allegiance/worship of Rob Bell.

The man is human, fallible and won’t always get it right.

By: Zuker

Zuker — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:59:39 +0000

Wow, Rob Bell will get up in someones grill and tell it! As posted earlier (Sean B.), I believe he is pushing an agenda in his own right. He has a generations ear, and I hope he understands the ramafications with that.

I, personally, think we have to seperate our belief in Christ with our allegiance to the country. We need to have an allegiance to Christ, not G Dub or the governmental system in place. Christians are to be free not limited to a governmental party.

The problem with his analagy is that he is implying we are there for a land (oil) gathering mission. Contestable, we were mislead to be in that area of the Middle East [still], but surely he doesn’t think that the US should be compared to the Romans, Babylonians, or Assyrians that God set into motion to help Israel see that their (and our) God is to be worshiped and not mocked.
I dig Rob Bell, but it seems he missed the mark this time.

By: Larissa

Larissa — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:06:02 +0000

“we are not a “conquering” nation like the romans and greeks and the wwii germans were.”

i’m not trying to tick anyone off, but the fact is we were established through conquering and used God as a rationale for our taking over half of north america with the notion of “manifest destiny.”

i think rob bell is just trying to make us really think about our role as citizens in supporting this war that has gone on now for 5 years and has resulted in the deaths of so many American heroes and innocent victims, yet i’m not sure any of us really know why…

By: Nate

Nate — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:47:40 +0000

i can’t say i know anything about rob bell.
i do agree with the people who have said that is a thought provoking statement, but I don’t agree with the whole concept. Israel was always a nation with an army, as almost every nation has always been. there is no problem with having an army and weapons. we are not a “conquering” nation like the romans and greeks and the wwii germans were. we go to war when we need to, we try to free penoople from bondage (t saying we always are wise about this), but you cannot use an argument like this to say we should disband our army and get rid of the weapons. it would be like someone saying “i trust in God to provide” and then sits on his butt waiting for things to pour into his lap. no, it still takes work to provide for your family, and it takes work to protect a nation. but you can still place your TRUST in the Lord.

By: Karen

Karen — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:45:53 +0000

I don’t get all the “for or against Rob Bell” stuff. I liked Velvet Elvis. I disagree with his quote. Nothing against him. I couldn’t pick him out of a line up.

I believe that truth is truth no matter what the degree. For example, I don’t see the ethical or moral difference between defending our country against Islamic extremists or defending my home and my children from a home invader. Maybe you guys can help me understand why this is unjust or wrong. I sincerely don’t understand, but I hope I’m not offending anyone. Sorry in advance if I am. And Texas, I’m sorry to disagree, but historically, Egypt and Rome were much more powerful in their respective “worlds.” That is why Germany wanted to be the 3rd Reich. We’re big, but not on that scale. Please take my comments humbly, because that is my intended tone. God Bless, and good conversation.

By: Jered

Jered — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:34:44 +0000

There is difference between chuuch and the state conists
a equality under one kingdom of heaven. This the teachings consisted of feedom and security to all of Christ..
The history consists of civil wars to obtain a country of Isearal Old testament and laws the ten commandments.
Currentally The globial powers focus on army the tank to conquere to the chariot the Roman Chariot United States to tanks for Christian views still has not changed much in 2008. That very issue U.S

The acts of mercy for common area church and state of the destruction of goverment and values of the third world nations community once peace obtained
Help people out local to obtains security for job to community this what the church is and means.

Peace be with you

The state focuses on weakness of humanity instead of ablity. The church focuses abilities not ablility this peace for the community.

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:38:43 +0000

Justin, If that was our philosophy, We probably wouldn’t have had to respond to 9-11 or capture Bin Laden. We need a deeper fundamental change than our president can provide. Be it Clinton, McCain or Obama for the next 4 years, there may be some differences on the surface, but we still live at the expense of others. When we are not standing on someone’s back we will not have to worry about 9-11 happening again.

By: mudpuppy

mudpuppy — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:54:15 +0000

(Nobody told Los that Rob Bell was the antichrist. Opps.)

Great quote buddy. Keep challenging us!

By: justin aka j rocka

justin aka j rocka — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 05:04:37 +0000

I was thinking about this last week. So in Romans it says to not have vengeance. To let God handle it.
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:19-21

I wonder if we as a country were able to respond differently to 911 where we would be. If we would have actually trusted God. Maybe Bin Laden would be in custody. Who knows.

Christian nation? We are not. We claim it for votes.

Then we go to the old testament to justify our wars.

Jesus said to turn the other cheek. Then offer up the other one. We don’t have the balls.

Rob Bell gets a lot of crap because he nails it. It makes Christians who hold their flags higher than their Allegiance to Christ uncomfortable. He had a great 3 part sermon on this about a year or so ago called “Calling All Peacemakers” You all should listen to it. Then come up with one good reason why we should drop bombs on people.

DROP BEATS, NOT BOMBS

OBAMA 08.

Peace.