prisonchaplain

Pray and choose the best one according to your conscience.
To me, Trump is apologetically a liar, thief and adulterer.  If nothing else, Joe Biden goes to church, has not committed adultery as far as we know, and loves his family.
That's not to say Joe Biden is a great or perfect person, he's not.  There are many that are much more moral and righteous than he is, but of the two, he seems to me to be the more righteous individual.
It has nothing to do with the policies in this, just pointing out that this is one factor behind my decision of who I'll probably vote for.
The other is that there are comments from Trump that sound scarily like what Hitler said before he seized power and some of the things Trump has inferred sound scarily as if he would do away with democracy and other items if he could.  Whenever he says something he points a finger, but three fingers are pointing back at him and normally that's because what he is accusing others of is what he WANTS to do or has tried to do (In my opinion).
From what I've read and seen, that's untrue.
An example of what Trump really feels about Ukraine probably can be seen from the first attempt to Impeach him (individuals call it an impeachment, but only the house called the impeachment, but as he was not convicted by the Senate and acquitted, he wasn't really impeached IMO). 
He attempted to withhold aid from the Ukraine for his own personal gain (a futile attempt as the President doesn't hold the purse strings in the way he was trying, Congress does, so it really doesn't make sense that he could be charged under that idea as he didn't have the power to do so in the first place...once again...IMO).
I think Ukraine would be under Russian control today if Trump had been President at the time of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.  His initial response to the Russian invasion before his people got him to backtrack says it all to me...
That's my personal opinion.  Trump didn't seem to show much spine when he was talking with Putin and Putin seemed to almost always have the upper hand with Trump...almost as if Putin had something over Trump.
 
That said...my vote will be for Biden if it is between those two most likely...BUT for many who vote that way I expect it's not going to be so much that they are voting for Biden or support him, but that the are voting against  Trump.
I honestly think that if the Republicans were being honest with themselves, they'd realize Nikki Haley has a much better chance of winning against Biden than Trump simply for that factor alone.  Many will swallow their dislike of democrats just to vote against Trump, but that sentiment isn't there if Haley was running. 
 
 

I have a fantasy that involves Trump, Biden and CONTROL-ALT-DELETE. Then I wake up to a Dystopian world in which these two are the main candidates for POTUS. I used to call myself a conservative. Now I am moderately so. I really haven't changed, but the world and the Republicans have. For example, I believe that the US should support Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. We should counter Chinese ambitions. I used to be considered a bit of a hawk and an anti-communist. Now, Trump and Tucker label me a globalist and say that folks like me (well, Ben Shapiro to be honest) don't love America. Of course, the alternative is Biden and Harris. So, I'm at a loss. Any counsel?

The Democrats are becoming the Republicans. Who wants to support Ukraine? Israel? Who's attacking Anti-Communists for not loving America (Tucker Carlson)? Next thing you know, Democrats will be demonstrating to RE-fund the police. When they do, I may switch parties. 

I don't necessarily argue with this. However, I remember the saying, "The favorite doesn't always win but it's still the best bet." Those who give themselves over to the discipline of formal study have a higher chance of exhibiting intelligence than those who won't. 

I don't necessarily argue with this. However, I remember the saying, "The favorite doesn't always win but it's still the best bet." Those who give themselves over to the discipline of formal study have a higher chance of exhibiting intelligence than those who won't. 

It helps that my congregation can't vote. Also, I cut my teeth on federal workers not being allowed to associate politics with work (even though I'm with the state now). Plus this year my current thought is a curmudgeonly pox on both candidates. 

Hey, you can always hope that brother Rush's interpretation of Ezra's eagle is mostly correct, and Biden's presidency is cut short for some reason and the big giant head wakes up and eats Harris and Trump.  Of course, I'm not so sure being ruled by the big giant head and his two little-head cronies will be better, but, ya know, it would be different....

I have a fantasy that involves Trump, Biden and CONTROL-ALT-DELETE. Then I wake up to a Dystopian world in which these two are the main candidates for POTUS. I used to call myself a conservative. Now I am moderately so. I really haven't changed, but the world and the Republicans have. For example, I believe that the US should support Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. We should counter Chinese ambitions. I used to be considered a bit of a hawk and an anti-communist. Now, Trump and Tucker label me a globalist and say that folks like me (well, Ben Shapiro to be honest) don't love America. Of course, the alternative is Biden and Harris. So, I'm at a loss. Any counsel?

Welcome to my world. I always viewed myself as a Goldwater conservative but now I’m viewed as a “moderate” or “democrat”  because, like you, I feel we should support the Ukraine, Israel, etc. And I don’t dig conspiracies or worship god-emperor Trump.   
Enjoy the ride @prisonchaplain. Develop a thick skin, expect to encounter a TON of hate from Trumpers and enjoy the show.
Also, it helps out tremendously to have friends who you can have in depth conversations with. Sadly, a lot of “people you see at church friendships” are a mile wide and inch deep. One disagreement and boom-you never hear from them again
As a pastor people depend on you. You need someone to rely on too.  Go out and form friendships with people who aren’t like that.  

I have a fantasy that involves Trump, Biden and CONTROL-ALT-DELETE. Then I wake up to a Dystopian world in which these two are the main candidates for POTUS. I used to call myself a conservative. Now I am moderately so. I really haven't changed, but the world and the Republicans have. For example, I believe that the US should support Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. We should counter Chinese ambitions. I used to be considered a bit of a hawk and an anti-communist. Now, Trump and Tucker label me a globalist and say that folks like me (well, Ben Shapiro to be honest) don't love America. Of course, the alternative is Biden and Harris. So, I'm at a loss. Any counsel?

I have a fantasy that involves Trump, Biden and CONTROL-ALT-DELETE. Then I wake up to a Dystopian world in which these two are the main candidates for POTUS. I used to call myself a conservative. Now I am moderately so. I really haven't changed, but the world and the Republicans have. For example, I believe that the US should support Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. We should counter Chinese ambitions. I used to be considered a bit of a hawk and an anti-communist. Now, Trump and Tucker label me a globalist and say that folks like me (well, Ben Shapiro to be honest) don't love America. Of course, the alternative is Biden and Harris. So, I'm at a loss. Any counsel?

I have a fantasy that involves Trump, Biden and CONTROL-ALT-DELETE. Then I wake up to a Dystopian world in which these two are the main candidates for POTUS. I used to call myself a conservative. Now I am moderately so. I really haven't changed, but the world and the Republicans have. For example, I believe that the US should support Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. We should counter Chinese ambitions. I used to be considered a bit of a hawk and an anti-communist. Now, Trump and Tucker label me a globalist and say that folks like me (well, Ben Shapiro to be honest) don't love America. Of course, the alternative is Biden and Harris. So, I'm at a loss. Any counsel?

The Democrats are becoming the Republicans. Who wants to support Ukraine? Israel? Who's attacking Anti-Communists for not loving America (Tucker Carlson)? Next thing you know, Democrats will be demonstrating to RE-fund the police. When they do, I may switch parties. 

In Pentecost, we sometimes talk about "dead churches." We mean those that may preach/teach truth but lack the fire of the Holy Ghost. Ironically, AW Tozer, who was not Pentecostal, wrote of ministers who "turn the crank." He meant those who know how to operate a church--to run it effectively. They preach the truth, lead committees, sing on tune, and the congregation is mostly happy. But there's no Holy Ghost power in the place. He bemoans this reality. Even Francis Chan has said that he could quickly build a mega-church. He's a dynamic and authentic-sounding speaker. He knows good music and could hire the right worship band. With some demographic mapping, he is business savvy enough to find a great location. He's not interested, though. He wants the authentic. He wants a church that is Spirit-led. Again, he's not Pentecostal. 
Yes, many non-LDS (especially us Evangelicals) get caught up in claims of "the only true church." To my ears, "only living church" should be just as provocative. On the other hand, if it's true own it. If it was true and now it's not as true (maybe we're catching up), then soften it or let it go. 

I suspect that most Pentecostals are Young Earth Creationists. We tend the interpret scriptures as mostly literal and mostly historical. However, some of us are a bit more moderate in our understanding. I'm not dogmatic about creation and find that the day-age theory (that the earth could be much older than 6,000 years because "day" in Genesis could mean "age" rather than 24-hours). Still, the closer to literal interpretations  a theory is the more comfortable I am. Theistic Evolution (God designed the earth but it is many billions of years old, and God used the process of evolution to develop it) strikes me as too much of a compromise. Then again, I'm no scientist and could easily be wrong. It would not hurt my faith to find out the theistic evolutionists are correct.

Greetings. The topic of this string can easily lead to difficulties. What is a Christian? Latter-day Saints have throughout their roughly 200-year history experienced opposition from Protestant Christians--especially Evangelicals. Infamously, Governor Boggs, of Missouri, ordered that they could be shot and killed without penalty, because he wanted to drive them out of his state (this happened in the 19th century). So, the seemingly innocent, "Are you really Christians?" comes across as aggressive.
LDS will say they are Christians because they believe in Jesus Christ for salvation and because their fruits (godly lives) are positive. One of the common retorts are that the doctrines are different--especially concerning the Trinity and salvation by faith alone. In reality, the doctrines (teachings) are different. My own struggle, as a Pentecostal, is that Oneness Pentecostals (especially the United Pentecostal Church) deny the trinity. Nevertheless, while most Evangelicals consider them to be wrong, they would not deny their Christianity. Of course, some do.
So, in trying to learn about Latter-day Saint beliefs it might be best to simply ask doctrinal questions without debating what a Christian is. This site is a good place to learn a lot. However, another great starting place might be to read The Articles of Faith: 13 Beliefs | Come unto Christ (churchofjesuschrist.org). Those 13 teachings are the foundation of Latter-day Saint belief--so much so that they are considered scripture. 

VERITAS. What is truth? Better to live in a dystopian reality than a faux paradise. So, is God real? Is He the one, eternal, all-knowing, everywhere-present God we've been taught about? One journey that might help is to look into the design of the world. In other words, things fit together too neatly to be chance, or unguided evolution. 
To learn more, see: Discovery Institute | Public policy think tank advancing a culture of purpose, creativity, and innovation.

Fair point.  I try to be gracious when receiving praise (and most people don't seem to be bothered like I am), but I'm also not going to let someone continue in the false notion that everything I say is God's own truth - I know better.
Perhaps I simply like praise too much and am over-compensating.  Excuse me while I go check the leader board - I'm hoping to overtake that @zil person by the end of the year.

@zil2, I understand the temptation, but offer a different take. Saints/believers do well to give honor to whom honor is due. It's great when the recognize that God has used a speaker/story/incident to encourage/strengthen their spiritual lives. If God used us to bring that encouragement, then our duty is to say, "Amen, praise God!" Most people don't express gratitude or praise enough. I'm loathe to discourage any of it. If I sense there may be misdirection, then I should redirect. However, I always want to encourage the impulse to praise.
To offer a comparison, we criticize Muslims (or fundamentalist Christians) who cover women in excessively uncomfortable garb, in the name of modesty. We suggest that the males ought to have more self-control. Modesty is good, but it is my role to guard my heart and mind (or ask God to do so). I cannot blame another for being immodest--especially to an extreme.
Immodesty, pride, etc. are sins. However, it is my job to walk in modesty and humility, not the role of others to not tempt me.

Power corrupts. It's evil and wrong--especially when done under the guise of Christianity. Dear God, guard my heart and mind! 

Truly shameful...yes--especially given his brilliant and cogent defense of the gospel. To whom much is given much is required. 

@Maytoday, having read several of your posts now, I suspect that you will enjoy your interactions here and learn much. You show a healthy, balanced, sincere approach that works well. Ask a few questions at a time and read the responses carefully. The posters here appreciate interacting with non-LDS like us. You will receive thoughtful answers. Welcome and blessings to you!

Greetings. The topic of this string can easily lead to difficulties. What is a Christian? Latter-day Saints have throughout their roughly 200-year history experienced opposition from Protestant Christians--especially Evangelicals. Infamously, Governor Boggs, of Missouri, ordered that they could be shot and killed without penalty, because he wanted to drive them out of his state (this happened in the 19th century). So, the seemingly innocent, "Are you really Christians?" comes across as aggressive.
LDS will say they are Christians because they believe in Jesus Christ for salvation and because their fruits (godly lives) are positive. One of the common retorts are that the doctrines are different--especially concerning the Trinity and salvation by faith alone. In reality, the doctrines (teachings) are different. My own struggle, as a Pentecostal, is that Oneness Pentecostals (especially the United Pentecostal Church) deny the trinity. Nevertheless, while most Evangelicals consider them to be wrong, they would not deny their Christianity. Of course, some do.
So, in trying to learn about Latter-day Saint beliefs it might be best to simply ask doctrinal questions without debating what a Christian is. This site is a good place to learn a lot. However, another great starting place might be to read The Articles of Faith: 13 Beliefs | Come unto Christ (churchofjesuschrist.org). Those 13 teachings are the foundation of Latter-day Saint belief--so much so that they are considered scripture. 

@Maytoday, having read several of your posts now, I suspect that you will enjoy your interactions here and learn much. You show a healthy, balanced, sincere approach that works well. Ask a few questions at a time and read the responses carefully. The posters here appreciate interacting with non-LDS like us. You will receive thoughtful answers. Welcome and blessings to you!

Greetings. The topic of this string can easily lead to difficulties. What is a Christian? Latter-day Saints have throughout their roughly 200-year history experienced opposition from Protestant Christians--especially Evangelicals. Infamously, Governor Boggs, of Missouri, ordered that they could be shot and killed without penalty, because he wanted to drive them out of his state (this happened in the 19th century). So, the seemingly innocent, "Are you really Christians?" comes across as aggressive.
LDS will say they are Christians because they believe in Jesus Christ for salvation and because their fruits (godly lives) are positive. One of the common retorts are that the doctrines are different--especially concerning the Trinity and salvation by faith alone. In reality, the doctrines (teachings) are different. My own struggle, as a Pentecostal, is that Oneness Pentecostals (especially the United Pentecostal Church) deny the trinity. Nevertheless, while most Evangelicals consider them to be wrong, they would not deny their Christianity. Of course, some do.
So, in trying to learn about Latter-day Saint beliefs it might be best to simply ask doctrinal questions without debating what a Christian is. This site is a good place to learn a lot. However, another great starting place might be to read The Articles of Faith: 13 Beliefs | Come unto Christ (churchofjesuschrist.org). Those 13 teachings are the foundation of Latter-day Saint belief--so much so that they are considered scripture.