Bible Question:
Question: In Matthew 5:9 Jesus says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Is this refering to people who make peace between countries, or people groups or individuals; or does it refer to Christians who labor to reconcile (make peace between) the unbeliever and the Father? I ask this because with the the US elections quickly approaching, this was mentioned as a topic for discussion when choosing whom to vote for. For it seems that at least one candidate is not a "peacemaker" if viewed in the non-spiritual sense. My personal thought is that if one is called a peacemaker and for this reason also a "son of God" then peacemakers seems to refer to reconcilers. Any thoughts? |
Bible Answer: Hi, Tlewis! The problem with politics is that it is based on opinions and perspectives... when the candidate wants to be elected he/she would subscribe to whatever sways the public (votes) even though they may not believe in anything but making their "mark." Just recently we found out that the governor of NJ was not only involved in an adulterous relationship but the relationship was with a man--after the fact, we now hear how his "buddies" had warned him about the perils of having such open relationship (open as far as his immediate political system)... Is there any record where the NJ governor spoke to the public and made his adulterous relationship known? I do not recall any such! So are the peacemakers... President Clinton swore that he would be a National President... that he would keep America out of international involvement... yet, his presidency followed President Bush's which hurled America knee-deep in at least one international affair... so only weeks into his inauguration Presiden Clinton was gearing up for a military confrontation... Anyone can boast of being a Christian candidate... not many will adhere to Scripture when all matters of government is concerned (war, abortion, homosexuality, poverty, education, employment, taxation, gene-splicing, stem-cell and other chemichal and bioengineering...); since these topics are easily manipulated and most of the exchange become heated and emotional, a Bible forum is not the best place to seek the exchange... As Christians we should not be interested in politics during the pre-election month/month and a half... we should be involved every day of every year seeking to inform (those who are actively involved) other Christians of the activities of the political parties, and seeking to learn about the people representing America (those who are not politically active), those who eventually dictate the rule of the government. Here's my suggestion to you: Yahoo offers free setups, speak to a few of your acquaintances and organize an on-line discussion group on Scripturally based government/political/social issues... I am sure that a few of this forum's and other Biblical forums' members will be willing to explore political issues based on a Biblical approach! God Bless! Angel |