[TheRealThing]

I agree with you that even though Trump has a questionable past when it comes to the issues we should still keep an open mind (not in the liberal sense but in the actual sense haha!) to his ideas and be receptive if we see that he really has switched his position on moral issues. If everything shows Trump actually has made a big change, if we aren't receptive to that then we shouldn't be receptive to Paul who killed people prior to changing and writing several books in The Bible.

Any new Christian eager to learn more about God and is not afraid to speak out for His Son would be a better presidential candidate than Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders. If Donald Trump really is a Christian or not, that's tough to determine and as you mentioned, it shouldn't be our determination. Based on everything I have seen with Trump, there are times that I feel good about him but other times I don't trust him. I've gone back and forth with it. Cruz has been my favorite for close to a couple of years now, I can't see that changing because of his consistency. However, if Trump were to win the nomination he would have my vote. Definitely don't want to see Clinton or Sanders become the POTUS.

[SNIP]
That's what I've gathered so far and I'm sure I'm leaving out a point or two.

How about if I just make a comment after each of yours, which I will put back up in blue ink in an effort to keep things as clear as possible.


1. Said that he would be the best representative Christians have had in a long time.
After watching Christians get reintroduced to persecution via certain present administration officials, what a welcome relief it would be to have a sitting President restore them (in the secular sense) to their rightful place in the society setting. No one can do any harm to one of His children apart from His permissive will. He protects us always, but persecution is part and parcel to the faith.

2. Even when he was pro-choice, he stated that he hated the concept of abortion.
Believable

3. A lot more attentive than the current administration as to the Christian persecution overseas.
Long overdue and totally part of the President's responsibilities.

4. Is not afraid of being labeled a bigot, hater, etc. (although I wish he would take on some of the LGBT groups).
The GM union blue collar types who got caught smoking dope on their break were fired. Those guys had a lot of bad things to say about the guy who fired them. But the good of the company has not one thing to do with protecting those guilty of breaking the rules. We have become a nation of people who expect to be extended ridiculous levels of leniency for every trespass we might choose to commit. Such unreasonable lack of responsibility abounds in every walk of US life. It is high time a President grew some courage and faithfully executed his oath of office.

And one more thing. If Eric Holder had stepped up and warned the looters and pillagers that they were all headed for the hoosegow, you can bet they'd have pulled in those horns and behaved. But no, they were given special privilege to break the law for a season. It's got to stop. But the President cannot take on LGBT groups, and I'm sure you know why. However, that is clearly within the purview of the Church and they need to step up.

5. Has spoken highly of leaders such as Tony Perkins or Jerry Falwell, Jr.
Shows his mindset, and rightfully so.
[COLOR="blue"]
6. Did speak at the Values Voter Summit, although I'm pretty sure I saw the speech, he focused mainly on economy and immigration.[/COLOR]
In character.

7. Has consistently addressed the problem of our political correctness and the decline of our society.
Thank God.
8. He's not bought and paid for. Thus, it's unlikely we will see him cave as Mike Pence and other Indiana lawmakers did with the Indiana RFRA.
Hallelujah!!!



Negative

1. When watching one of his interviews on the topic, he did state that he was a believer in traditional marriage. When asked if he supported civil unions, he said that nobody in his administration would be discriminated against, hinting that he did.
Could have been a dodge until he gets down the road a bit.

2. While illegal immigration and the economy are big priorities, he has rarely mentioned the slaughter of over 55 million innocent unborn babies.
The number is likely much higher than that but, as with any other candidate, if he lies to us then we vote him out. Meanwhile, we know the numbers will continue to spin at an ever greater rate if Hillary or Sanders has a thing to do with it. That is their proud promise to the American voter.

So, you have Trump on the one hand who says he opposes abortion, and you have the offspring of Satan on the other vowing to extend the slaughter. I know my mind's made up! :biggrin:

[COLOR="blue"]3. Considered by some to be the most LGBT "friendly" Republican.
4. LGBT activist George Takei tried to convince him to change his views on marriage over lunch. Trump attended a "wedding" prior to meeting with Takei and told Takei it was a "beautiful marriage." Takei said that Trump agreed to disagree on it, but seemed to think that Trump didn't believe in it himself and was using it to cater to the Republicans - he's a good businessman and needs to pander to his base. Takei didn't think Trump would have any problem holding "weddings" in his hotels, restaurants, etc.[/COLOR]
Politicians cannot oppose what homosexuals do. Where they have gone wrong is to pass legislation validating the depravity by giving such abominable behavior legal standing. According to Laurence J. Kotlikoff, one of the Social Security benefits which have recently been extended to folks would be the inclusion of homosexual partners. That is unthinkable wrongheadedness at work. God has warned clearly in the Scriptures that when society begins to manifest such behavior, they have entered into territory that brings with it judgment and damnation the likes of Sodom and Gomorrah. If we don't change, we will pay. Maybe the Church can prevail upon DC to repeal gay legislation once certain folks leave power.

5. When defending issues such as abortion or marriage redefinition, Trump repeatedly states his position but struggles to formulate an argument to defend himself. He quickly tries to dodge the topic. If he approaches these two issues with the mentality he approaches illegal immigration in building a wall (another issue we supposedly didn't have a lot of support for) he would likely change some minds.
Agreed

6. Given that he has been divorced three times, defending traditional marriage will be difficult for him.
Not in my book.

7. When speaking about Christians he brings up topics such as persecution overseas or the war on Christmas. Topics that a majority of people can agree on. He avoids a lot of the controversial topics.
Well, on occasions such as these the doctrine of separation of Church and state does apply in the spirit of Thomas Jefferson's writings. At any rate, his would be to give equal protection, the Church has the rest.

8. If he will turn on Ted Cruz, he will likely turn on anybody.
Nobody is without baggage. Ted has his and he deals with controversy in his own way. But this is the race for the White House and they can only get so much mileage out of the so-called bromance. Ted has given as good as he has gotten. All will be forgiven if the Republicans can finally deliver this cycle. But, unlike the Trump detractors, I do not accept that it is all about himself. Like it was with "The Highlander," in the end, their can be only one.

9. He mentions growing up listening to Norman Vincent Van Peele. He wrote The Power of Positive Thinking. I don't know a great deal about him. I never was big on denominations until recently, but I am heavily questioning of the Episcopal (who was just suspended by the Anglican Church for 3 years), Presbyterian (Where Trump comes from), and especailly the United Church of Christ, all three of which have fallen into liberal worldviews.
Freedom of Religion. I will say, that had he grown up a L Ron Hubbard adherent, we might have a problem, LOL. Like I said though, I will take somebody who is working through his time in his quest to find the truth of God anytime over the alternative. :Thumbs: