Bush jokes and God's word

[tjustleft]

I am new to this forum and would like to say hello to everyone. I lived in Amarillo for over 30 years before moving away. I am still in the Panhandle (Clarendon and Skellytown).

I would like to bring up a subject that keeps coming up among my friends and family. As the presidential race heats up my email is getting more flooded with political jokes. Most of them sat to forward the joke to everyone on my list. I have refused to do so. Sad thing is that no one seemed to want to forward my email stating that the Bible tells us not to speak poorly about our leaders.

I decided to write an article about this. If you have the time take a look. Yes this is partly a shameless plug but that shouldn't deter me from spreading God's word. alongtheway.110mb.com/comments/political-jokes.html

May God bless you all,
tjustleft.

[puritanlad]

Scripture says believers to submit to those in authority over us, but not that we can't speak negatively of them. At the same time it's not right to call a leader (or anyone) a mother f*cker, unless they really are, but that's a whole different thread.

[tjustleft]

Hi puritanlad,

Actually scripture mentions speaking negatively about those in power. Believe me I was surprised. Here is the scripture.

II Peter 2:9-11

9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. KJV

Jude 1:8-25

8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

Peter also had this to say. He had more to say but this is the short of it.

II Peter 2:12-22

12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

I pray this helps to shed light on scripture that is often overlooked.

May God bless you,
tjustleft.

[puritanlad]

No sir, you have ripped these passages from their context. They are speaking of the unrighteous; not what believers ought to be doing.

[tjustleft]

Hello puritanlad,
First off thank you for challenging my article. It caused me to reread it. If I had not done so I would not have noticed that I had left out the remarks about David and Daniel.

This article is not taken out of context. The bible is quite clear on this.
David submitted to Saul and did not disrespect him. Daniel did the same with Nebuchadnezzar. They sought to reach their leaders by prayer and example.

You are correct in that

Aug 28, 2008 17:36:42 GMT -5 puritanlad said:

They are speaking of the unrighteous; not what believers ought to be doing.

God considers speaking disrespectfully of our leaders as being unrighteous.
Again Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

Also: I Peter 2

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

"but also to the froward" In what context do you take these scriptures? Is there a scripture that says if the leader is ungodly or froward as above that we can speak negatively about them? If you can show me such scripture please do so. I would be grateful to be enlightened in the word of God. I have ripped nothing from context. That is something I strive never to do for as to do such knowingly would be blaspheme. To do so in ignorance would be speaking foolishly.

May God bless you,
tjustleft.

[puritanlad]

Ok, I misunderstood you; my mistake.
Now, 2 Peter 2 is speaking of people who "despise authority" not people who talk about the government whle still submitting to them. Also Jude is speaking of those who "reject authority." I believe a Christian could say something to the effect of "such and such political leader is a liar", and continue to submit to their authority. These verses aren't even speaking of individuals but of authority.