Today, I made North Carolina history. I have become the first openly-transgender person in state history to seek election to our State Legislature.

I am running because I dare to dream what may be possible rather than accept what is.

What is

600,000 North Carolinians lack even the ability to access basic healthcare, because of cost. We can do better. Our Legislature refuses to even discuss expanding Medicaid, preferring that over 1/2 a million of our citizens go without healthcare. That taxes we pay to Washington partly fund the expanded Medicaid program in 33 other states.

They would prefer our rural health clinics, doctors and hospitals struggle to remain open, rather than increasing the number of people able to visit them, enabling them to remain solvent and continue to serve the rural population.

What is

A severe shortage in school support staff, especially school counselors and nurses. If our children are not able to stay healthy, they cannot learn. This is an injustice. We can and must do better.

What is

We are working off our third set of maps in five years, because the NC-GOP is incapable of drawing District maps that comply with the free and fair election provisions of the NC Constitution. It is beyond time we took the map-drawing duties out of the hands of elected officials with a vested interest in the outcome, and placed them in the hands of a non-partisan citizen’s redistricting committee which would draw maps that the Legislature can then vote on without amendments.

Gerrymandering is bad, regardless of which Party engages in it, and it deprives citizens of one of the most important rights a citizen has…the ability to cast a ballot that matters; the ability to hold their elected officials accountable.

What is

Is a state with a large agricultural economy – placed at disadvantage, because our government forbids local governments from buying or leasing equipment to provide broadband access to citizens in rural areas the private companies refuse to serve.

Economic development does not come to areas unserved by broadband, health records are increasingly transmitted via the Internet, and the latest precision agricultural equipment depends on a broadband signal. lack of this hurts our farmers and hurts our economy. This is the rural electrification of our century.

What is

A majority Party in our Legislature that refuses to hold votes when they know the votes will not go their way, rather than coming to the table to negotiate in good faith with the minority Party. This is not democracy, if you only have a vote when you know what the outcome will be.

Because of this, we currently lack a state budget. Our Governor vetoed the budget…which he, by law, had ten days to do. Our Legislature should have a comparable limit, they must override within ten days, or the veto stands. Instead, the NC-GOP treated NC to a four-month-long dog and pony show, complete with dirty tricks, refusing to vote, and holding our teachers and many other school and state employees hostage. Many programs are not being funded even at previous levels, because of this lack of a budget.

What is

We have a State Legislature that continues to cut funding to education, even as our state’s Lottery increases its support of education. This was not the intent of voters who approved the Lottery in 2006. The intent was for the Lottery funds to supplement funds from the General Assembly, not supplant them.

What is

A state that refuses to value and protect its LGBTQ citizens, and grant them full civil rights and protects of law.

All of these things and more, I pledge to work on as the next Senator from District 18.

What I dare to dream

I dream of a state in which all voices are heard, not just those of the rich, powerful and connected. A government that works for ALL of its citizens, not just the few who can afford to hire lobbyists. I dream of educational excellence and economic opportunity…I dream of a state we can all be proud to say is our home.

Too many of our citizens’ voices are not being heard; their challenges remain unaddressed. I am running because I hear their voices, and I want to make sure our government does, too.

EDITOR’S NOTE: PlanetPOV welcomes all of its members, including those running for political office, to post and share their opinions and visions here. Any candidates are similarly free to post here as well under our Terms of Use. By offering this open forum, PlanetPOV is not endorsing or opposing any candidate for public office.

127
Leave a Comment

Please Login to comment
9 Comment threads
118 Thread replies
10 Followers
 
Most reacted comment
Hottest comment thread
10 Comment authors
AdLibkesmarnKalimaDahlia Swantwilson117 Recent comment authors
  Subscribe  
newest oldest most voted
Notify of
Dahlia Swan
Member
Dahlia Swan

Congrats and wishing you all the best! I’m sorry for some of the comments I just read – and see some things never change. People that “claim” they are Christian and are complicit in their cruelty to others … only use Christianity as an excuse to be a bully and have their own issues. You are going to be great for NC!

twilson117
Member

Congrats Angela. I know it’s been a bit of a battle for you but you’re persevering.

TOCB
Member

Congratulations Angela! I wish the best for you and the people of the great state of North Carolina.

Opie Cat
Member
Opie Cat

Congrats! Wishing you all good luck in your efforts Angela. (Excellent post BTW.)

MurphTheSurf3
Editor

Angela…my friend, you make a remarkably clear, and cogent argument for why your states needs persons of integrity, with wisdom and a commitment to work for the people and not for themselves or for special interests who have paid for the loyalty of legislators. You clearly lay a claim to being such a person. As I said before, I will support you in this effort. I will make another contribution tonight.

May I suggest that you post this at New Yabz as well. It is worth being seen and your are worthy of the role you have undertaken.

All my admiration to you.

AdLib
Admin

Wishing you the best of luck and great success, Angela!

JONDO
Member
JONDO

Some things are constant. Merry Christmas.

AdLib
Admin

As we’ve learned from Trump, those who resort to such insults are usually projecting their own issues.

Hope this helps you with your issues:

Free Telephone Counseling Hotlines in the United States

JONDO
Member
JONDO

That is just a tactic to silence comment but Merry Christmas to you as well

AdLib
Admin

Again, projection. Your insult was intended to silence her free expression. Not only won’t that work here, it just reflects the typical hypocrisy of those who bully.

Christmas is a time for self-reflection and a consideration of one’s humanity. Wishing Merry Christmas in earnest reflects goodwill and the kind of person who could consider their compassion towards their fellow human beings. Said in cynicism, it is far more insulting of one’s own character or lack thereof.

So, in the spirit of the season and being an eternal optimist, I hope your wishes are earnest and I wish you a Merry Christmas.

JONDO
Member
JONDO

Thank you I am sincere even to Angela. The GLBTers are the political bullies attempting to convince society that immoral behavior deserves the protection of law.

AdLib
Admin

You’re welcome, I would hope that there are always opportunities to discuss disagreements without ill will.

I understand that some believe their religious views should be instituted as laws but that is specifically prohibited by The Constitution of the U.S..

The U.S. was founded to provide religious freedom. Some religious folk have lost sight of why this country was founded in the first place.

I understand that for religious reasons, you have personally judged LGBTQ folks to be immoral and have taken that a step further to believe that they should not be legally protected from being victims of prejudices.

I have seen racists out there who believe black people are mostly criminals and immoral and undeserving of legal protections against attacks on them for their race.

Both sensibilities are, IMO, immoral.

Morality is not an absolute, your view of morality may strike me as immoral (which it does). But the difference between us is that I don’t believe those who I see as immoral are less deserving of legal protections than those I see of being moral.

The real test of one’s belief in justice is if they can apply it to people who disagree with them as fairly as they apply it to those who agree with their views.

Should a majority Muslim city be able to take away legal protections from Christians that Muslims continue to enjoy, simply because of the difference in religious beliefs and morality?

As a personal belief, as much as I disagree with you, you’re entitled to your opinion. However, advocating that the force of law is put behind a subjective belief about morality is the definition of injustice.

JONDO
Member
JONDO

You are incorrect on several counts. I do not believe any religious person wishes to codify their beliefs as law. A sense of morality is essential to just laws and Christians do seek that. And that is not prohibited by the Constitution. European and American law has its roots in Judao Christian morality. We would not be the country we were and are without codifying morality to a degree. The people choosing GLBT behaviors are not inherently immoral. The behaviors are immoral.

The Constitution protects the free exercise of religion for Muslins and Christians and I do not see Muslins unable practice their religion. I do think this country should limit Muslim immigration since it is not in the collective interest of Christian and even atheist Americans to embrace Sharia Law.

And you are likewise incorrect with your last paragraph

AdLib
Admin

Morality and Christianity are two separate things. One can be Christian and moral, one can be Christian and immoral. One does not inherit morality simply because of the religion they claim as theirs.

As for your theory about Christianity being the basis of U.S. laws, once again I direct you to read the Constitution and study history to understand that the Founders intentionally created a constitution that did not rely on religion for its laws, one of the core reasons they wanted a republic and not a religious monarchy like the one they fought a revolution to leave.

Some of the Founders were Atheists so that kind of undermines this assumption as well.

As for US law being based on Christianity, the core morality and laws of Christianity stem from The Ten Commandments. Guess how many of them are actually laws in the U.S.?

Only 2 out of 10 and they are pretty obvious ones that The Ten Commandments really didn’t need to be sourced for:

1. Killing people.
2. Stealing.

I think every society came up with those two pretty easily without the need of cribbing from The 10 Commandments. 8 out of 10 are not laws and they shouldn’t be.

Your prejudice against Muslims has no foundation except your mistaken belief that the U.S. was founded as a Christian country and Christians should prevent those of other religions from having different beliefs.

And BTW, if Christians who display bigotry would truly understand the Constitution and the 1st Amendment prohibiting the establishment of a religion by government, they would know that the same law that prevents them from making laws based on their beliefs prevents those Muslims who believe in Sharia Law from making that the law of the land so there is nothing to fear from them.

And thankfully, unfounded fears and paranoia are not a basis for lawmaking in the U.S.

JONDO
Member
JONDO

Your belief that only two Commandments can be related to US Law shows why you so misunderstand Christians. Commandments 1-4 relate to our personal relationship with God not society. #5 honor your father and mother. The moral relationship is ingrained in law until emancipation because the family is the basis of society. Oh and note, man and woman not some mishmash. #7 you shall not commit adultery. Entrenched Until recently but the libs have been pecking away at this. But adultery is still has legal consequences in divorce and the responsibility for children. You did acknowledge #6 and 8. #9 False witness – try lying to law enforcement or a court. #10 you shall not covet. Acting on coveting and taking what is not yours covers a huge range of range of legal consequences.

AdLib
Admin

Do you really believe that all of these simple concepts that all societies adopt, including ones that aren’t Christian, were invented by the Bible?

Respecting others, whether parents or spouses, is not anyone’s invention. It’s common behavior even among animals.

And no, bearing false witness in the Bible just refers to lying which is not against the law. You really think the Bible was referring to perjury in a criminal trial?

No, coveting is not stealing, it is the act of wanting which is not a crime. The 8th Commandment already says, “Don’t steal”. Did they just throw that in a second time to round out the number of commandments to 10?

The irony is that many of those who claim to be very religious seem less informed about their religion than those who aren’t.

The bottom line is that the U.S. is NOT a “Christian Nation”. Most of its laws are not based on the Bible or Christianity. So neither you nor any follower of any religion has justification to declare an official religion for the country that excludes any who have different religious beliefs.

Your “moral” opinions are just simple prejudices. There are many religious Christians who exhibit the love of Christ and love their neighbor no matter how they differ from them.

Christ did not preach prejudice or hostility. I would challenge you to share one single quote from him in the Bible that validates your prejudice against your neighbors.

JONDO
Member
JONDO

Hi JONDO,

new reply have been posted by the AdLib on the discussion section you’ve been interested in

https://planetpov.com/2019/12/05/papers-filed-north-carolina-has-first-in-history-openly-trans-candidate-for-state-legislature/#comment-250313

Do you really believe that all of these simple concepts that all societies adopt, including ones that aren’t Christian, were invented by the Bible? Respecting others, whether parents or spouses, is not anyone’s invention. It’s common behavior even among animals. And no, bearing false witness in the Bible just refers to lying which is not against the law. You really think the Bible was referring to perjury in a criminal trial? No, coveting is not stealing, it is the act of wanting which is not a crime. The 8th Commandment already says, “Don’t steal”. Did they just throw that in a second time to round out the number of commandments to 10? The irony is that many of those who claim to be very religious seem less informed about their religion than those who aren’t. The bottom line is that the U.S. is NOT a “Christian Nation”. Most of its laws are not based on the Bible or Christianity. So neither you nor any follower of any religion has justification to declare an official religion for the country that excludes any who have different religious beliefs. Your “moral” opinions are just simple prejudices. There are many religious Christians who exhibit the love of Christ and love their neighbor no matter how they differ from them. Christ did not preach prejudice or hostility. I would challenge you to share one single quote from him in the Bible that validates your prejudice against your neighbors.

Unsubscribe

PlanetPOV
2:08 PM (4 hours ago)
to me

Hi JONDO,

new reply have been posted by the AdLib on the discussion section you’ve been interested in

https://planetpov.com/2019/12/06/facing-facts-the-gop-is-a-russian-asset/#comment-250314

Not a very high bar you’re setting there. If that’s the best you can do, okay.

Unsubscribe

Philip Aylward
3:13 PM (3 hours ago)
to PlanetPOV

“Invented by the bible”? God’s Commandments were given to us by God. Regarding the equivalency of humans and animals, animals do not write law. Sorry lying to the police and courts is ILLEGAL. Common lying is not illegal. Where would society be if we could lie legally to the police. Thank a Christian. I said that many of the “actions’ resulting from coveting are illegal. The coveting motive is not the action of theft nor does it just pertain to stealing. Remember the movie Hannibal the serial killer coveted what he first saw. He did not steal he possessed as his action. This is still a Christian Nation despite the efforts of some progressives. Morality is not prejudice. Moreover I am not prejudiced. One is not prejudiced against a behavior.

AdLib
Admin

Don’t mean to upset you, just setting the record straight, Christianity offered nothing new or original to the world in terms of “laws”.

The Sumerians established laws thousands of years before Jesus and Christianity existed, around 2100 BC, laws against murder, stealing and bearing false witness, all the items that you thought Christianity originated.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Ur-Nammu#Surviving_laws

No, this is not a Christian nation, you clearly know very little about world history, the history of legal principles or the history of the founding of the United States.

Though some may emotionally need to believe that a nation that was founded on separation of church and state somehow is a Christian nation, it makes no sense. Neither does painting prejudice as “morality”.

Many self-proclaimed Christians rode with the KKK and lynched innocent black men, women and children in the name of “morality”.

Christ’s teachings were about love and “Love thy neighbor.” Since you wouldn’t answer it in my previous, I challenge you again, quote one sentence from Jesus where he supports the prejudicial “morality” you exhibit in his name.

I know you can’t but if you try, maybe you’ll recognized that prejudice, fear and/or hatred towards those who are different in some way from you is not moral or Christian.

AdLib
Admin

Yes, those who are intimidated by people who are simply different from them often embrace intolerance out of fear. They can be like children who are afraid of growing up, clutching tighter and tighter onto their simplistic prejudices, especially as they’re exposed because insecurity is as insecurity does…it feeds on itself.

I don’t fully understand why some people feel the need to claim how passionately they believe in a religion while espousing beliefs that contradict what that very religion is all about.

There are many out there who are fearful and disappointing but I also have seen (and know) people who are brave and principled.

I do wish more people would have the courage to be heroes in their own lives and in the lives of others but that doesn’t make me take for granted the many people who do stand strong and won’t back down from doing what’s right.

There may always be a segment of people that espouse prejudice and hide behind religion to claim it’s due to morality but as you say, they are the ones who are weaker because they are slaves to their fears.

JONDO
Member
JONDO

so you recognize Transgenderism as Cognitive Dissonance?

JONDO
Member
JONDO

its just a tactic to try to shift the exchange to the other party

JONDO
Member
JONDO

As you are only repeating yourself I will once again wish you a sincere Merry Christmas and suggest we can let it go at that.

JONDO
Member
JONDO

You can never be a woman. You can engage is gender fraud

JONDO
Member
JONDO

II do not wish to upset you fragile ego but while liberals and progressives may have had a short day in the sun and they may have a few days left Christians have faith that God will deliver his kingdom and his values to the whole world and that Jesus will be King.
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/04/05/christians-remain-worlds-largest-religious-group-but-they-are-declining-in-europe/
Currently the Church is being chastised by God for the sins in the Church. But this will only make it stronger. There is also prophesy that a Pope will be assassinated. But fear not.
The powers/nations are being destroyed.
Where are the Sumerians? Long gone.

“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

Jesus’ last words to the adulteress release her from liability before the impromptu court, but He still judges her for her sin of adultery: “Go and sin no more.”

AdLib
Admin

Your response to learning that Christianity isn’t actually the basis for the U.S. legal system or the founding of the country is to express hope that The Rapture will come soon?

A bit of a curious disconnect, isn’t it?

And to prove something, I’m not sure what, you linked to an article that explains that Christianity is declining in most Western nations.

I don’t think that makes the point you think it does.

JONDO
Member
JONDO

Those are the End Times Sealed. Jesus will judge the rest.

AdLib
Admin

Yep, I guess it’s like playing the lottery for them, before the numbers are called, they’re thinking, “I could be part of the 144,000!”

Then after the numbers are called, they’ll finally concede, “Ah, the odds were so high I was never going to win anyway!”

There are 2.18 billion Christians in the world…and only 144,000 of them are getting raptured? I suppose our friend Jondo thinks he’s going to win a lottery where the odds are 99.9999% against him.

Someone’s in for a big surprise!

JONDO
Member
JONDO

GLBT is a Sin. The fate of God’s creation is in God’s hands not mine. I do enjoy life and have no desire to cut it short

AdLib
Admin

One of our PlanetPOV members spent much of her career as a lobbyist for a Christian organization, one of the largest lobbying groups in California, focused on bettering life for everyone. She lobbied to help the poor, minorities, workers, protect democracy, she is one of the most genuinely compassionate and principled people you’ll ever meet.

As you describe about John Pavlovitz, who PlanetPOV follows on Twitter, there are Christians and people of every other religion who truly embody the love, compassion and goodness of human spirit that is at the core of every meaningful religion.

There will always be those who cynically usurp what a religion has built (or create their own cult) to bring themselves power and wealth and they will prey on those who are emotionally needy or just foolish to build their power base. And those misguided people just repeat the selfishness and hatred poured into their ears, oblivious or uncaring about how their behavior is a betrayal of their avowed religion.

Some eventually recognize the mistake they’ve made but it seems like most never look up to question the strings that have been tied to them to control and manipulate them.

Oh well, it’s been that way for a long time. There will always be “followers” who lack critical thinking skills and can be easily manipulated to say and do what actually only benefits the leaders they follow…often at their own expense.

But at least, they are a minority. Decent people of reason and conscience make up the majority of Americans and, keeping on a religious note, thank God for that.

twilson117
Member

Well said.

As you know by now Jondo is one of those, shall I say, willful idiots who will not admit they are wrong regardless of the amount of proof presented to him.

I had many encounters with him and he likes his little one line responses thinking they portray him witty, when in fact the show his shallowness and intolerance for any and all things that fail to conform this his belief system.

He sighted work he did, I suspect because he believes that it puts him a notch above those who haven’t perform in his view as a Christian should. But that is nothing more than a version of “showy display” and and attempt to win a place in heaven with supposed good works. But, if Jondo truly believes in the Bible, then it’s what’s in his heart that leads to salvation not the showy display.

There are those who will say that they don’t know what’s in so-n-so’s heart so they won’t judge them, but the words one speaks are a good clue to what is indeed in one’s heart. Jondo’s words and his actions against Angela is a clear enough indication of his feelings for her.

As I said Jondo will continue with his one line comments as it’s his only way of launching any form of cogent discussion. So when I was on Yabberz, I took to blocking him. After all there is only so much dribble one can tolerate when you finally have to just shut it off or else on finds themselves going to Best Buy to replace their monitor. 🙂

AdLib
Admin

twilson117, “willful” is the perfect word to describe someone like this.

Despite that most people point out to him that his arguments and opinions are defective and hateful, he just willfully continues to regurgitate the same hatred and anti-Christian prejudices that demean himself…not his intended victims.

The total lack of self-awareness is amazing to see. Being so clueless about how such flat out wrong behavior disqualifies and humiliates the person doing it.

Why advertise to other people that you are not worthy of being listened to?

Sometimes, such people have and continue to alienate others from them and they’re content to get negative attention because at least it’s better than none.

As for whatever stories he’s told to describe good works he’s done, when someone is frequently dishonest and of bad character, they have no credibility IMO so any claims by an anonymous person are as legit to me as every other untrue and unjustifiable thing he’s said.

The rise of Trump and the fact that around one-third of Americans support him no matter how horrible he is, forced me to accept that there is a large swath of people in this country, and undoubtedly, around the world, who have profound mental issues of one kind or another. This can lead some of them to embrace prejudice and hatred as an emotional shield, to protect them from facing the feelings of fear, insecurity and inadequacy that haunt them.

Most people have family and friends as a baseline of what normal, decent, well-adjusted people are like so what maladjusted folks don’t realize is that it is quite glaring when they display such behavior.

Like bigotry, mental illness is far more rampant in the country than we may have assumed pre-Trump.

All that said…hope you got a great deal on a monitor!

Kalima
Admin

Angela, he feeds off your replies, so you don’t have to engage with him anymore. If his replies come to your Inbox, delete them. We know what he is and should ignore him. We are all on your side.

Don’t feed the trolls.

JONDO
Member
JONDO

Hi JONDO,

new reply have been posted by the Angela Bridgman on the discussion section you’ve been interested in

https://planetpov.com/2019/12/05/papers-filed-north-carolina-has-first-in-history-openly-trans-candidate-for-state-legislature/#comment-250302

Let me tell you what we DO seek, Jondo, okay? I really do not even know why I engage you, because it is clear your mind is made up, and that we LGBTQ are all demons in your mind. But we aren’t. We’re just people. People wired a little differently than you are. But, like you…we want to work, laugh, play, love and live. We care about the same things you do..or at least most people do. And those things are that I believe most of us have a desire to see a well-educated and healthy public…who can then be self-sufficient and drive economic opportunity that empowers and enriches all of us. You see, in humans, there is a thing called a bell curve. Those who fall under that bell curve, which is arbitrarily defined…are considered “normal” – and those who do not…are not considered normal. But here is the thing…if we all fit under that curve, it would not be a curve, it would be a straight line…and how boring would THAT be? Also, some in society seem to have the idea that what falls outside the bell curve is BAD. It isn’t. It is just different. Now…with all that background…which I sincerely hope you do read…let me tell you what our agenda as LGBTQ people is: We do NOT seek any person’s permission or acceptance of our authentic selves. We do not feel the need to ask your permission, nor will we allow you to determine our validity or our truth. We also do NOT seek to change any of your “sincerely-held beliefs” – religious or otherwise. We are not into being the Thought Police. As I said, we are into being allowed, without unfair extra obstacles and without harassment or other additional impediment…to live, laugh, work, love and play…just like everyone else. So the only thing we seek is the protection of our government to make that a reality. Because of people like you who will not simply live and let live. We seek only to prevent you from acting on those beliefs you hold…IN WAYS THAT CAUSE OBJECTIVE AND MEASURABLE HARM TO US. Because, like you…we have a right to live. I doubt you have read all this,, but I hope that you have…and that you will consider my words. And I, in all sincerity wish you and yours a Merry Christmas, or Happy Hanukkah, or whatever holidays you and yours celebrate at this time. I wish you peace and joy…just as I wish for my entire LGBTQ family…and myself.

Unsubscribe

PlanetPOV
4:17 AM (2 hours ago)
to me

Hi JONDO,

new reply have been posted by the Angela Bridgman on the discussion section you’ve been interested in

https://planetpov.com/2019/12/05/papers-filed-north-carolina-has-first-in-history-openly-trans-candidate-for-state-legislature/#comment-250303

Who gets to define “maral” versus not “moral?” Why do you get to arbitrarily decide that? My own take would be that…any behavior that harms another person in an objective, measurable way…is immoral. All else is moral.

Unsubscribe

Philip Aylward
6:44 AM (2 minutes ago)
to PlanetPOV

The first thing you do is jump to accusations. I do not consider you a demon. Secondly you are not wired differently, you have made different choices based on you confusion. You have let that way of thinking and the behavior become ingrained. Maybe that is what you mean by “wired”. But “wired” does not mean born that way. You do not have to overcome your “wiring”. In terms of work , laugh, play and even the desire to serves are common good things. The drive to feel normal about your choices makes you want to “champion” promoting the behavior as normal. If your word “demonic” at all comes into play it is that the choice is spiritually inspired by the bad. This is the crux of fitness for office. The choice is a mental illness. You need to get beyond the illness to better help.

Your use of the bell curve is to pretend normality is just silly. The range of human actions/choices includes the good and the bad and they all fall under that curve and EVERY person can fall into doing the bad or evil. The idea is REPENT the bad.

Here is where you go arrogant. “We do not feel the need to ask your permission, nor will we allow you to determine our validity or our truth.” Please remember that Society controls corrosive behavior if self control is not exercised.

Praying for your mind to exercise self control

JONDO
Member
JONDO

We are not hurting you by preventing the spread of perverted behavior. If you can avoid the conduct we are helping you repent.

Asking does not change your NATURE. There is no need to ask you anything. Your confusion is not important except to the extent that you do damage to children or others.

Your reference to science is an untruth.

Your paragraph about the DMS is a flat out lie.

No one is denying you a job, a home, healthcare…

Praying for your repentance and mental health.

I am certain Jesus is praying for you too

MurphTheSurf3
Editor

One of the finer counters to those who regard their moral stances as inherently superior of others on the basis of a moral system that is clearly subjective.

AdLib
Admin

Thanks pal.

I have always found that those who are truly moral and confident of how fair their views are, don’t feel the need to aggressively insist how others who have different beliefs are immoral and inferior.

As I mentioned, I find it more a matter of projection, revealing the flaws of the one claiming others are inferior.

JONDO
Member
JONDO

I remember you trying to claim to be a Christian Humanist. Contradictory terms.

MurphTheSurf3
Editor

In your opinion. And in the opinion of others. I do not claim it. I am it as are many others.

JONDO
Member
JONDO

not without belief in Jesus as the Son of God

MurphTheSurf3
Editor

The term Christian humanism has been used to refer to a wide range of views, some of which are more biblical than others. In general, humanism is a system of thought that centers on human values, potential, and worth; humanism is concerned with the needs and welfare of humanity, emphasizes the intrinsic worth of the individual, and sees human beings as autonomous, rational, and moral agents.

The extent to which this broad viewpoint is integrated with Christian beliefs determines exactly how biblical Christian humanism is.

Classical humanism, which is associated with the Renaissance, emphasized aesthetics, liberty, and the study of the “humanities” (literature, art, philosophy, and classical languages of Greek and Latin).

Secular humanism emphasizes human potential and self-fulfillment to the point of excluding all need for God; it is a naturalistic philosophy based on reason, science, and end-justifies-the-means thinking.

Christian humanism teaches that liberty, individual conscience, and intellectual freedom are compatible with, and supported by Christian principles and that the Bible itself promotes human fulfillment—based on God’s salvation in Christ and subject to God’s sovereign control of the universe.

Christian humanism represents the philosophical union of Christianity and classical humanist principles. While classical humanists studied Greek and Latin writings, Christian humanists turned to Hebrew and biblical Greek, along with the writings of the early church fathers. the patristics. Christian humanism, like classical humanism, pursues reason, free inquiry, the separation of church and state, and the ideal of freedom. Christian humanists are committed to scholasticism and the development and use of science and technology. Christian humanism says that all advances in knowledge, science, and individual freedom should be used to serve humanity for the glory of God. Unlike their secular counterparts, Christian humanists stress the need to apply Christian principles to every area of life, public and private.

Christian humanism maintains that humans have dignity and value due to the fact that mankind was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The extent to which human beings are autonomous, rational, and moral agents is itself a reflection of their having been created in imago dei. Human worth is assumed in many places in Scripture: in Jesus’ incarnation (John 1:14), His compassion for people (Matthew 9:36), His command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31), and His parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30–37). Paul’s allusions to secular writings (Acts 17:28; Titus 1:12) show the value of a classical education in presenting truth. The second-century writings of Justin Martyr also demonstrate the usefulness of classical learning in bringing the gospel to a pagan audience.

Christian humanists understand that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ (Colossians 2:3) and seek to grow into the full knowledge of every good thing for Christ’s service (Philippians 1:9; 4:6; cf. Colossians 1:9). Unlike secular humanists who reject the notion of revealed truth, Christian humanists adhere to the Word of God as the standard against which they test the quality of all things. The Christian humanist values human culture but acknowledges the noetic (i.e., intellectual) effects of man’s fallen nature (1 Corinthians 1:18–25) and the presence of the sin nature in every human heart (Jeremiah 17:9). Christian humanism says that man reaches his full potential only as he comes into a right relationship with Christ. At salvation, he becomes a new creation and can experience growth in every area of life (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Christian humanism says that every human endeavor and achievement should be Christ-centered. Everything should be done to God’s glory and not in pride or self-promotion (1 Corinthians 10:31). We should strive to do our best physically, mentally, and spiritually in all that God desires us to do and be. Christian humanists believe this includes intellectual life, artistic life, domestic life, economic life, politics, race relations, and environmental work.

Christian humanism believes the church should be actively involved in the culture and that Christians should be a voice affirming the worth and dignity of humanity while denouncing, protesting, and defending against all dehumanizing influences in the world.

Christian scholars such as Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, and Calvin were advocates of Christian humanism, although they did not call it that. Today, the term Christian humanism is used to describe the viewpoints of writers as varied as Fyodor Dostoevsky, G. K. Chesterton, C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Alexander Solzhenitsyn.

Christian humanism is biblical insofar as it holds to the biblical view of man—a responsible moral agent created in God’s image but fallen into sin. Christian humanism becomes less Christian the more it compromises with secular humanism, which promotes humanity to godlike status.

I suspect that much of this is a revelation to you.

JONDO
Member
JONDO

I have seen you post that Jesus is not the Son of God nor God himself. So much for the Christian priority over the Humanism you embrace

MurphTheSurf3
Editor

Very, very well thought, well said and well presented. I have had a number of good conversations with Jondo. It saddens me that he seems so stuck so often. Angela deserves our respect.

AdLib
Admin

Thanks Murph. You know me, I am fine with discussing differences of opinion with anyone, without it becoming a volley of personal attacks and insults.

That said, if a conversation does veer into personal attacks and insults, our ToU requires us to moderate it.

I never expect to change the prejudiced thinking of other people but I do try to offer a little perspective which hopefully may bring them to have at least a crumb of a doubt about harboring bigotry towards other human beings…which could have been them with a couple of changes of Fate.

TOCB
Member

Do you know that EVERY soul in this universe as well as EVERY universe is a projection of the Source of Consciousness (some people refer to this being as God). Therefore, just as you are a projection of the Source, so is Angela. AND since you are a projection of the Source and Angela is as well, you are also a projection of Angela from a different reality, as she is a projection of you from a different reality. Isn’t that amazing?

JONDO
Member
JONDO

I know that each of us individuals is a creation of God. I know that Jesus will Judge our behavior and deeds. Praying that Angela repents

TOCB
Member

I don’t know about you, but I have my hands full with my own repentance. Above all else, the Christian God commands humans to LOVE. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. As a practicing Christian, I am commanded to love you unconditionally and I am commanded to love Angela unconditionally. Maybe you practice a different kind of Christianity than I do, which you are entitled to do.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

JONDO
Member
JONDO

then he said this, Sin No More

TOCB
Member

Indeed. That is recorded as being said by Jesus. And as YOU have stated, Jesus is the authority to judge sins, not you or me.

Matthew 7:1-3 King James Version (KJV)

7 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Given our own limitations, why would we even want the burden of judging the sins of others, whether we think they are sins or not. IF you and I unconditionally love all of “God’s” creation, THAT is the most important thing we can do, according to the Christian “God”.

Matthew 22:36-40 New International Version (NIV)

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Let us endeavor to do what “God” commanded us to do, and let “God” do what ONLY “God” CAN do.

JONDO
Member
JONDO
TOCB
Member

Although I don’t dispute that you BELIEVE Jesus will “judge” the behaviors of humans, you actually do not KNOW that. I was indoctrinated in the Christian doctrine as a child and I BELIEVE much of it. However, Christianity is a religion, and religions are created by men. Most religions, including Christianity, have some good and some bad.

I BELIEVE the Source of Consciousness created ALL things and allows those creations a free will to experience unlimited realities. I also believe the Source is continuously expanding and that it is boundless. It is not limited in ANY way. It has no gender, but rather it is ALL genders, which probably include some genders that humans don’t even know about and cannot comprehend.

JONDO
Member
JONDO

Think you went off the rails at the end

TOCB
Member

Most humans cannot comprehend that concept, but that is okay. It is an evolution.

JONDO
Member
JONDO

Physician heal thyself

JONDO
Member
JONDO

You should seek counseling not office. Then seek to make society better.