If you are the type that doesn't like to discuss religion and politics, or if you like to avoid things that are controversial, then this is not the page for you!
I believe that people need to think more about what they believe. Where did this aversion to discuss religion and politics come from? The idea that religious and political discussion is fruitless annoys me because it tends to suggest that neither can be based in fact.
I believe that essential matters of religion and politics can be examined, that it can be determined whether they are right, wrong, or gray by an examination of the world around us and the history before us.
I believe that there is plenty of room for personal preferences, and that the preceding belief does not preclude individual convictions. Many matters cannot be determined right or wrong (what I call gray), and this makes for a diversity of different opinions, and these opinions are interesting to consider.
I believe that there is absolute and universal truth.
I believe that there is one God, and that we can know about Him through His special revelation to us, the Bible.
I believe that the Bible is a unique book, that it is inspired by God, and that it was perfect in its original script. It testifies to its own divine nature through the historical fulfillment of specific prophecies. The Old Testament and the New Testament are consistent, and there are no contradictions.
I believe that God is holy and that Heaven is a perfect place. God's standard for Heaven is perfection, which no person can achieve without divine intervention, because no person is free from sin.
I believe that because of God's love for us that he provided a way for us to be reconciled and for us to be seen as perfect by providing an atonement for our sins. This atonement is in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is God incarnate. Christ lived a perfect life, yet was crucified in order that the great exchange could take place, that our sins could be exchanged for His righteousness.
I believe that Jesus Christ is God's only provision for us to be accepted into Heaven. I'm sure this will sound arrogant to some, and it would be the height of arrogance, if you assume that it is not true. However, if it is true, then stating that belief is the most compassionate thing that could be done.
I believe that our souls live an eternal life after death, in either Heaven or Hell. Heaven is offered as a free gift to anyone and does not have to be earned or deserved.
As you may have guessed by now, I am a conservative. Al Gore would call me a "right-wing radical extremist." I've don't think Al Gore believes in the existence of a mainstream conservative.
I believe that government is a necessary evil, not an organization that is capable of compassion. I believe that civilization thrives on freedom, and the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of one's own labor.
I believe that government solutions are the least efficient and should only be used when no other possibility exists.
I believe that the mainstream media has a liberal bias.
I believe that the government DOES legislate morality. For example, it is illegal to commit murder because doing so is morally wrong. I share with my liberal friends the desire for a better world, but I don't believe that government has the answer. For more on the subject, please read "The Tragedy of American Compassion."
I believe in the equality of opportunity, not in the equality of outcome.
I believe that human life is sacred, that it begins before birth, and that the termination of a human life before birth is murder.
I believe that racial relations are made worse instead of better by race-oriented government edict.
I believe that the 1992 riots in LA were the responsibility of the rioters.
I believe that an endless list of special groups could be invented, each of which are supposedly worse off than those outside that group. Attempts by the government to protect such groups by granting them special favors may be well-intended, but is the path to destruction.
I believe that the USA is a Christian nation. This has been largely erased from history in my generation, but consider this: In the late 1800's the Supreme Court held a five year study on the question and concluded that the USA is a Christian nation. If you disagree, how many years of study have you made?