[lynchburgwildcats]

I know Biden continues to get a lot of focus on here and honestly he deserves it. He sucks. I just really hope Republicans can put the Trump drug down. Dude is toxic and not good for the republican party, the conservative movement or our country. This statement on the passing of Colin Powell is pretty sick. Something I expect from toxic democrats but come on, there is a time in place to get your shots in. This is not that time. I've already seen it defended and it is insanity. I hope someone from the republican party that embraces conservative values can somehow break through because another Biden/Harris vs Trump battle sickens me.

I admired Colin Powell. Was he perfect? Of course not but he deserves more respect than this. Ok. Back to my message board hibernation.

Wonderful to see Colin Powell, who made big mistakes on Iraq and famously, so-called weapons of mass destruction, be treated in death so beautifully by the Fake News Media. Hope that happens to me someday. He was a classic RINO, if even that, always being the first to attack other Republicans. He made plenty of mistakes, but anyway, may he rest in peace!

https://www.donaldjtrump.com/news/news-azv8ydcpn8898

What do you expect? Everything with him will always and has always been 100% about himself.

[SumItUp]

Is there anything more phony or fake than the Steele dossier used in the Russia Collusion hoax?

[Sly Fox]

Trump had a nearby rally over the weekend here in Texas. Then he had a fundraiser at the home of one of my neighbors down my street the same day. If I had any confusion over the rabidity of his supporters it was quickly dismissed by the people in the streets in front of my house lined up just to witness his motorcade. I do live in one of the reddest couties in America. But my entire family was astonished at what we saw this weekend.

I am neither a Trump proponent or basher. But I am getting the strong impression that a second term is looking more likely by the day.

[Yacht Rock]

As my pastor says, there are folks who love their lord and savior Trump.

Before anyone chimes in, I know there are many idols in the world today. Trump happens to be a public one.

[paradox]

Pretty inappropriate for a pastor to behave that way.

Jerry actually led a national movement, but always claimed that his political views were his opinion...and as a pastor tolerated opposing views within his congregation.

[Yacht Rock]

If a pastor doesn't recognize and address idolatry going on in the church, they probably shouldn't be a pastor.

[paradox]

Idolatry in the church? Sounds extreme.

[Purple Haize]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone refer to Trump as their Lord and Savior. I’d be interested to see who is saying that

[TH Spangler]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone refer to Trump as their Lord and Savior. I’d be interested to see who is saying that

Its liberal spin. Its like labeling conservatives deplorables.

[stokesjokes]

Apparently if you don’t have a signed contract, it’s not idolatry.

I’ve seen golden statues to Trump, I’ve seen Jesus portraits with MAGA hats on.

More importantly, and more widespread, I’ve seen people who put their hope in Trump and display their devotion quite publicly. It’s a phenomenon I haven’t seen for any other political figure in my lifetime. Sure, you’d see yard signs during campaigns or bumper stickers if you’re really worked up, but a day doesn’t go by in Lynchburg that I don’t see yards with Trump flags flying, trucks with paraphernalia plastered all over them, all of this in a non-election year for a guy who lost more than a year ago.

The sticking point for me, though, and why I think it’s important to talk about, is that most of the people who are overboard on their Trump devotion also claim the name of Christ. You have political rallies for the dude taking place in churches.

Now obviously Trump support does not equal idolatry, but it’s plainly obvious that there is an idolatry problem in the church, specifically tied to right-wing politics, nationalism, and the so-called God-Emperor Trump.

And miss me with “but the left!…” nonsense. What the left does or doesn’t do has basically zero influence on the church. We talk about the problems outside of the church to deflect dealing with the problems inside of it.

[thepostman]

Come on guys, people have idolized politicians for years. Some of Trump supporters have taken that to an extreme. That isn't liberal spin, it is reality.

[Yacht Rock]

And to be fair, our pastors have addressed idolatry in all forms. Whether it be social media, media in general, the church itself, and politicians and politics in general.

It's something seen in the church, so it gets addressed, even if it makes people feel uncomfortable. Even Jonathan has addressed it at TRBC in sermons from time to time.

[Purple Haize]

Come on guys, people have idolized politicians for years. Some of Trump supporters have taken that to an extreme. That isn't liberal spin, it is reality.

Idolized? Sure. To a point. Calling him or Obama or Biden their Lord and Savior? Nope That’s entirely different

[Yacht Rock]

He was referring to their actions, not their words.

[thepostman]

Come on guys, people have idolized politicians for years. Some of Trump supporters have taken that to an extreme. That isn't liberal spin, it is reality.

Idolized? Sure. To a point. Calling him or Obama or Biden their Lord and Savior? Nope That’s entirely different

It was probably said in tongue and cheek.

Come on man!

[TH Spangler]

Come on guys, people have idolized politicians for years. Some of Trump supporters have taken that to an extreme. That isn't liberal spin, it is reality.

I clearly recall Obama worship as well. Hillary never could establish it

[Chippy]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone refer to Trump as their Lord and Savior. I’d be interested to see who is saying that

Yacht Rock's pastor

[thepostman]

Come on guys, people have idolized politicians for years. Some of Trump supporters have taken that to an extreme. That isn't liberal spin, it is reality.

I clearly recall Obama worship as well. Hillary never could establish it

Yes, I said that. People have idolized politicians for years. It is literally right in the statement you quoted....

[TH Spangler]

An election between Manchin/Gabbard and DeSantis/Tim Scott would probably bring the temperature down. I'll only support someone I think is above Chinese money and wants to stop the bleeding.

[stokesjokes]

Come on guys, people have idolized politicians for years. Some of Trump supporters have taken that to an extreme. That isn't liberal spin, it is reality.

I clearly recall Obama worship as well. Hillary never could establish it

Yes, I said that. People have idolized politicians for years. It is literally right in the statement you quoted....

And it ain’t the people sitting next to me in church who idolized Obama.

[paradox]

It's just politics fellas. Not a big deal if you like the Dems. It's your choice. Not your faith. I mean, at least, I hope it's not.

[Yacht Rock]

That's why I said people idolize all sorts of things in my initial comment. In this case, it was the Trump worship being addressed and has been an issue in the area I've lived more so than any other politician. I like a pastor who challenges me and/or the person next to me. It's helped me a lot in my walk with Christ.

[paradox]

God cares about those misplaced blue collar guys too. As Christians, we should be concerned with understanding people from all persuasions and backgrounds.

[Yacht Rock]

God cares about those misplaced blue collar guys too. As Christians, we should be concerned with understanding people from all persuasions and backgrounds.

I'm not even sure what you're trying to say. I don't think addressing idolatry in the church has anything to do with caring and understanding other people. You can do both at the same time.

You can have an open discussion about issues addressing society and also show compassion for the conditions that led people down that path as well. One of the reasons I love my church is that it's probably the most compassionate church to all kinds of people that I've found in our area. Christ has been doing some great things in our community.

[paradox]

So, when you see someone who maybe lost his way or may appear excessively devoted to something, what do you do? The default response doesn't always need to be harsh criticism and judgement. There's gotta be a better way, if we really care about people.