They can just quote Teddy Roosevelt!

His Americanism philosophy had many flaws, but this was not one of them.

This is also true for people.

When a person has more power than the government where they reside they become the government in fact.

The government in fact is the most powerful entity in its sphere.

A "small" government must still be the biggest most powerful entity in its sphere of influence.

I'm browsing using Microsofts browser, on the default homepage, and get a warning that my computer is infected! Call Microft tech support to fix!

Of course people fall for this!

(And yes, I am using an adblocker)

Williams focuses on a strong division between the kingdoms of this earth (civil government) and the kingdom of Heaven. (Spiritual).

Not only does he argue that these should be completely separate, but that any attempt to combine them is sinful and contrary to both the Bible and reason.

"Tweltfthly: Lastly true civility and Christianity may both flourish in a state or kingdom, notwithstanding the permission of divers and contrary consciences, either of Jew or Gentile."

"Sixthly. It is the will and command of God that, since the coming of his Son the Lord Jesus, a permission of the most Paganish, Jewish, Turkish, or anti-christian consciences and worships be granted to all men in all nations and countries:"

Just reading the chapter titles alone gives a sense of Williams views and the doctrine that many American Baptists have abandoned.

Example follows:

I would agree on this for many, especially the pastors of whom many are wolves rather than shepherds.

Definitely not out of the blue. Reagan definitely started it.

There are many who wanted a "king like all the other nations" . They found a political leader like all the other interest groups. Unfortunately they thought they were getting David but instead got Saul, but refuse to admit or acknowledge this

This is thought provoking and considering that individual soul liberty is a defining Baptist doctrine, is making me rethink some things.

I think we are both describing the elephant, just different parts of it. :)

Both are true, depending on the person.

I am trying to understand and explain how good people have fallen.

The ones who just wanted revenge were never good.

Amen.

Unfortunately in separating ourselves from "the world" we trapped ourselves in intellectual silos such as Fox News or the family research Council.

And helping people out of these silos requires patience, love, and the Holy Spirit.

Note I am not saying my father is this problem. But I saw this type of pastor in seminary all too often.

My father is an independent Baptist preacher and I studied for the ministry. My words are from sorrow and hope for revival.

Agreed. But their conscence was pricked. Rather than accept the leading of the Holy Spirit they hardened their hearts and refused to admit culpability.

Repentance requires humility and unfortunately pastors in many of the churches lack this key Christian virtue.

They supported Trump because he was not a Clinton. They chose "the lesser of two evils"

But because compromise is a dirty word for fundamentalism, rather than admit this compromise they willingly blinded themselves to Trumps wickedness. To do otherwise would be to admit their own sin