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Post by librarylady on Nov 5, 2019 23:39:02 GMT
It is focused on politics, but then the statement broadens it to ALL of us in ALL discussions. Here is what I know about it:
1. Golden Rule 2020: A Call for Dignity and Respect in Politics The National Institute for Civil Discourse, which is based with the University of Arizona, is addressing the need for civil discourse in our political society. Its national organizer is the former Senior Director of Membership for LWVUS with whom I have worked and for whom I have great respect and appreciation.
The following is an invitation for congregations to participate in a year-long project called the Golden Rule 2020. It kicks off on November 3, which is exactly one year before the November 3, 2020, general election. The goal is to get congregations to commit to applying spiritual principles to our public life to help heal the divisions in our country and promote the Golden Rule in political discussions and activities throughout the 2020 campaign season.
Many faith traditions teach some form of the Golden Rule. All Americans are invited to join in applying this principle to our politics. As part of this call, the organizers share this message:
We are Americans with different values, beliefs, and political views and wish to express our concern about the polarization and incivility that is tearing our country apart. We are troubled by the prospect of an angry and hateful political campaign season in 2020 that will further divide us as a nation. We believe that a path forward through this national dilemma can be found by following the Golden Rule: “treat others as you want to be treated.” We believe that if enough people follow this “Golden Rule” principle, it will help generate the respect and civility we so desperately need right now in our country.
Golden Rule 2020 was created by Christian leaders coming out of a convening hosted by the National Institute for Civil Discourse in May 2019. They represent a diverse group of denominations and organizations including: American Baptist Churches USE, National Association of Evangelicals, the Episcopal Church, the Southern Baptist Ethic and Religious Liberty Commission, Presbyterian Church USA, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops—Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development, and the National Council of Churches.
Applying the Golden Rule in Political Discourse
Even when there is a genuine desire to do so, it is sometimes very difficult to know how to practice the Golden Rule. This can be especially true in dealing with those who have different political views or who see the world from a very different perspective. Jesus’ command that we should “treat others as we would like to be treated” clearly also applies to the world of politics and yet we rarely hear discussion of how to apply that principle in the midst of intense political debate. However, if enough people applied the Golden Rule to political discourse it could help change the way we talk to each other and perhaps even help break the stalemate that keeps us from addressing some of our most pressing national problems.
For those Christians who are interesting in applying this central ethical principle to political discourse, the best place to begin is this question: How would I like others to behave towards me when I’m in a political discussion where there is disagreement? Different people would offer a range of answers, but some common responses to this question would probably be things like: show respect, listen, tell the truth, acknowledge areas of agreement, don't distort my position, don't question my motives or patriotism, etc. If those are the ways we want to be treated then it makes it possible to begin to make a list of actions we can take to apply the Golden Rule in interactions with others. Below are two lists that may be helpful in trying to answer the question of how to apply the Golden Rule to political discussions.
To Apply the Golden Rule in Political Discussions: I Will • Always show respect for the other person • Listen patiently—especially when there is disagreement • Use precise and truthful language that communicates my views without exaggerating • Try to understand the experience out of which the other person arrived at his/her views • Look for areas of mutual agreement • Pray for the other person and our political leaders I Won’t • Use inflammatory words, or derogatory names • Make broad generalizations about individuals or groups • Assault the character of others or falsely impugn their motives • Question another person’s faith or patriotism • Demonize or describe as enemies, those who hold political beliefs different from my own
Guidelines like these “dos” and “don’ts” provide a way to think about what it really means to apply the Golden Rule when dealing with those of other political views. While each person must determine the specific actions they will take to “treat others as we want to be treated,” there is no denying the fact that, even in the contentious world of politics, we are commanded to do exactly that. =======================================
This was presented to our church board Sunday. Our congregation voted to participate.
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Post by mom on Nov 6, 2019 1:14:51 GMT
My Church is participating in this, and I think its a good thing.
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Post by Baseballmom23 on Nov 6, 2019 1:53:30 GMT
My church hasn't announced it but I too think it is a good thing.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Mar 29, 2024 8:31:17 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2019 11:58:58 GMT
This is a great idea!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Mar 29, 2024 8:31:17 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2019 22:35:02 GMT
I like it, I think it would help a lot.
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trollie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,580
Jul 2, 2014 22:14:02 GMT
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Post by trollie on Nov 6, 2019 23:18:59 GMT
Is Trump participating?
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craftykitten
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,304
Jun 26, 2014 7:39:32 GMT
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Post by craftykitten on Nov 6, 2019 23:37:42 GMT
The people who need to pay attention to this, won't.
Unfortunately my experience had shown me that rule sets like this are generally used to limit the arguments of others - "don't call us Nazis its mean."
I guess we can always live in hope.
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Post by librarylady on Nov 7, 2019 15:45:39 GMT
Bawaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
He probably does not grasp the concept.
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Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,639
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Jul 8, 2014 16:31:47 GMT
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Post by Loydene on Nov 7, 2019 16:20:06 GMT
I basically disagree with "churches" getting involved in "politics". I think a congregation can listen to its leaders and make their choices on how to behave. But those messages should not slop over into politics, in any way ... and when they do, the church should become fully subject to all taxes. If your congregation wants to vote on a "golden rule", it should be for ALL discussions in all life all of the time.
But that is what I thought we were taught in Sunday School ??
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Post by keesha on Nov 7, 2019 17:04:09 GMT
This is a good effort. Hopefully it will help people who struggle with changing how they voted in the past I have made my own rule - if you are still supporting him or defending your past support you are not allowed to talk to me about anything political. That includes sending me stupid memes or attempts at comedy to lessen the blow. Shit got serious and I am past being able to tolerate our difference in opinion. If you tell me you will support this man in the future I don't see how we will remain friends/family. Thanks for listening, I feel better now haha. That being said I enjoy in private the IG #impeachthemotherfucker for my daily sanity and amusement
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Just T
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,517
Jun 26, 2014 1:20:09 GMT
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Post by Just T on Nov 7, 2019 17:30:21 GMT
I like it, I think it would help a lot. I wonder...will it help your dear, beloved Trump??? Somehow, I doubt he is onboard with this "rule."
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Post by librarylady on Nov 7, 2019 17:44:19 GMT
If your congregation wants to vote on a "golden rule", it should be for ALL discussions in all life all of the time. But that is what I thought we were taught in Sunday School ?? If you read the document, that is what it says......put this attitude into ALL aspects of your life.
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Post by pierkiss on Nov 7, 2019 20:54:24 GMT
I basically disagree with "churches" getting involved in "politics". I think a congregation can listen to its leaders and make their choices on how to behave. But those messages should not slop over into politics, in any way ... and when they do, the church should become fully subject to all taxes. If your congregation wants to vote on a "golden rule", it should be for ALL discussions in all life all of the time. But that is what I thought we were taught in Sunday School ?? I’m sitting on this bench with you.
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Post by femalebusiness on Nov 7, 2019 21:49:56 GMT
I basically disagree with "churches" getting involved in "politics". I think a congregation can listen to its leaders and make their choices on how to behave. But those messages should not slop over into politics, in any way ... and when they do, the church should become fully subject to all taxes. If your congregation wants to vote on a "golden rule", it should be for ALL discussions in all life all of the time. But that is what I thought we were taught in Sunday School ?? Amen!!
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Nov 7, 2019 22:08:28 GMT
While an excellent idea, those who are the reason for this "golden rule" will never abide, never sign up, will find a way to twist it that they aren't doing it.
Right now, the republican party is aggressively raging a literal war on people who don't agree with their dangerous policies, saying that it is THE OTHER who are nuts and crazy, ignoring every single lie, transgression, ethical and moral avenue, so I cannot imagine that this would have even a grain of salts hope in hell that they would be on board.
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Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,639
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Jul 8, 2014 16:31:47 GMT
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Post by Loydene on Nov 8, 2019 2:37:28 GMT
If your congregation wants to vote on a "golden rule", it should be for ALL discussions in all life all of the time. But that is what I thought we were taught in Sunday School ?? If you read the document, that is what it says......put this attitude into ALL aspects of your life.
And I totally do -- until it gets to an issue of morality, ethics and/or illegal actions. So much of the "uncivil discourse" about which some people complain, are comments AGAINST the immoral, unethical and illegal behavior that is seen going on these days.
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Post by librarylady on Nov 8, 2019 3:11:59 GMT
If you read the document, that is what it says......put this attitude into ALL aspects of your life.
And I totally do -- until it gets to an issue of morality, ethics and/or illegal actions. So much of the "uncivil discourse" about which some people complain, are comments AGAINST the immoral, unethical and illegal behavior that is seen going on these days. One can complain/protest etc. about those things (and should) but do it in a civil manner....use that old "disagree without being disagreeable."
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Post by refugeepea on Nov 8, 2019 3:40:52 GMT
I will -remember if I'm offended, it doesn't mean I'm right. -know that we can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my rights to exist.
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Post by refugeepea on Nov 8, 2019 3:55:52 GMT
Unfortunately my experience had shown me that rule sets like this are generally used to limit the arguments of others - "don't call us Nazis its mean." Yes, the persecution complex. You can prove the fallacies and dangerous teachings of someone's religion with actual facts. You can do the same thing with politics. You are mean, you are anti, you aren't strong enough to be a Christian, or you want to sin.
Unfortunately, there is also a flip side of dangerous black and white thinking that all religions are bad.. all Republicans are evil, all Democrats are evil.
This is the number one reason why I rarely participate on political threads. There really is no point. For my sanity, I've found it's best to not discuss politics and to show up and vote.
That being said I enjoy in private the IG #impeachthemotherfucker for my daily sanity and amusement I'll have to check it out. I've found some other accounts on instagram that helps me with the religion I left.
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Post by refugeepea on Nov 8, 2019 4:04:35 GMT
For anyone that likes to listen to podcasts, I suggest Reveal. The episode about Trump winning the 2016 election is very enlightening. If people on both sides cannot treat each other with decency, I will not be surprised if another stellar candidate like Trump is our next president.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Mar 29, 2024 8:31:17 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2019 12:43:30 GMT
Unfortunately my experience had shown me that rule sets like this are generally used to limit the arguments of others - "don't call us Nazis its mean." Yes, the persecution complex. You can prove the fallacies and dangerous teachings of someone's religion with actual facts. You can do the same thing with politics. You are mean, you are anti, you aren't strong enough to be a Christian, or you want to sin.
Unfortunately, there is also a flip side of dangerous black and white thinking that all religions are bad.. all Republicans are evil, all Democrats are evil.
This is the number one reason why I rarely participate on political threads. There really is no point. For my sanity, I've found it's best to not discuss politics and to show up and vote.
That being said I enjoy in private the IG #impeachthemotherfucker for my daily sanity and amusement I'll have to check it out. I've found some other accounts on instagram that helps me with the religion I left. LOVE your comments and feel very similar. I am a person of faith in Jesus Christ. I very much believe in treating people like I wish to be treated.
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used2scrap
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,027
Jan 29, 2016 3:02:55 GMT
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Post by used2scrap on Nov 8, 2019 14:43:08 GMT
I would like to see religious groups more concerned with denouncing the hate and venom the POTUS spews, then encouraging their members to be complicit in their support.
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