Is it possible to support the Conservative party while at the same time be a Christian?

[RainbowintheMagpiesTail]

My sister (who life has been very kind to) is a fervent supporter of the Tory's and their policies regarding cuts to welfare but at the same time a devoted follower of Jesus- even goes to Mass every Sunday. In my mind, these two things are irreconcilable. Could someone explain how this is possible?

Have you seen what Christians have done in the name of their God through history... Supporting the Tories is pretty minor really.

However, I think Jesus would have been a Corbynite

I remember someone trying to tell me that Conservative economic policy is the most in line with Christian principles. Personally, I don't see how a follower of Christ can support the kinds of policies the Conservatives are implementing, in terms of benefit cuts, cuts to NHS etc.

I remember someone trying to tell me that Conservative economic policy is the most in line with Christian principles.

Well, they're wrong.

What's the contradiction?

Isn't the message: Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, but also give up all wordliness and assist the needy?

Wanting Caesar to have a small government is mere detail. Assisting those in need does not have to be done by a specific government programme.

No. The main message is to 'Love thy neighbour'.

The message is not to force them to become homeless, starving, or poor or to kill them by removing their essential support.

Jesus walked amongst the poorest, the lepers, prostitutes, and repented criminals.

He taught to care for one another and to always share to help others, which is pretty much the opposite of what Tories do.

www.openbible.info/topics/sharing

www.openbible.info/topics/jesus_and_the_poor

black not sure the main message of most churches is 'love thy neighbour', it appears to be 'kill the homosexual, muslim and jew'.

However, creating a society to enable people to make the most of themselves and not rely on state handouts seems perfectly christian.

Carol decker - how offensive.

I am a Christian and Conservative. I don't see the contradiction. Our congregation is mostly Conservative but there is a range of political opinion. Almost everyone gives to the wider community in some way.

black not sure the main message of most churches is 'love thy neighbour', it appears to be 'kill the homosexual, muslim and jew'.

Churches are not what are in question here. The question was whether it is possible to be 'Christian' - follow the teachings of Christ - and be a Tory.

However, creating a society to enable people to make the most of themselves and not rely on state handouts seems perfectly christian.

First of all, the Tories don't care about helping people 'rely on themselves', as they remove aids for people to do so at every opportunity.

Secondly, no, Christianity is not about 'Self-reliance' at all. That may be an ideology you think is right, but it's not 'Christian'.

Thirdly, during the time of Christ, there was no modern welfare state. In fact, there was no nation-state. Christ did spend his entire adult life helping people and 'handing out' food and aid to poorest, though.

black not sure the main message of most churches is 'love thy neighbour', it appears to be 'kill the homosexual, muslim and jew'.

Churches are not what are in question here. The question was whether it is possible to be 'Christian' - follow the teachings of Christ - and be a Tory.

However, creating a society to enable people to make the most of themselves and not rely on state handouts seems perfectly christian.

First of all, the Tories don't care about helping people 'rely on themselves', as they remove aids for people to do so at every opportunity.

Secondly, no, Christianity is not about 'Self-reliance' at all. That may be an ideology you think is right, but it's not 'Christian'.

Thirdly, during the time of Christ, there was no modern welfare state. In fact, there was no nation-state. Christ did spend his entire adult life helping people and 'handing out' food and aid to poorest, though.

Carol-

However, creating a society to enable people to make the most of themselves and not rely on state handouts seems perfectly christian.

In any case, the Tories have nothing against state handouts, so long as it goes to their rich mates, corporations, MPs, Lords, and the 'Queen'.

The only time they have a problem with 'handouts' is when it goes to the needy - which is why they are killing people.

No.

Supporting the tories and being Christian are polar opposites imo.

In a multicultural society as a Christian, Hindu, Muslim, or even Klingon, to forgive a socialist political party that could spend a few £trillion in power to build so few homes, leave 1.7 million families (5 million people) in a social housing queue, consign so many of the poorest in society to a mediocre education and a life of benefits/welfare – while having a secret immigration policy and finding 3 million homes and jobs for those abroad?
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/6418456/Labour-wanted-mass-immigration-to-make-UK-more-multicultural-says-former-adviser.html

Is it possible to have been in an already multicultural Britain and forgive the Labour Party for wasting such a copper £££ bottomed opportunity to improve homes/opportunities for all?

My sunday school teacher once told us, a group of 13 and 14 year olds, fhat the early Christian Church was one of the few Communist organisations to actually work.

Now that opens a whole can of worms

Plenty of Conservatives disagree with what the Government are doing so I don't see them as incompatible with Christianity: that's far too sweeping a statement.

black who decides Christ's teachings except the church? You appear to have your own definition.

No. A true Christian would not support the tories.

caroldecker, can you please explain / back up your statement.

"not sure the main message of most churches is 'love thy neighbour', it appears to be 'kill the homosexual, muslim and jew'."

because it strikes me as really offensive, and I don't know where you get this idea from. I am neither Christian nor Conservative, but really, what are you on about?

Of course Conservative supporters can believe in the fairy story otherwise known as Christianity if they so wish. That, of course, also applies to being a Muslim or a Zoroastrian or Buddhist or Sikh or Pagan or even a Jedi or any other fairy story.

Majestic

On homosexuality, you have Sodom and this which is one of many I could find.
jews here
muslims

The church does not love thy neighbour and there is no agreed view of christianity, else we would have only one christian church.

Not sure why it is on MN, that week after week, people are allowed to be as offensive as they like to Christians, whilst any other form of insult to anyone is jumped down on from a great height ?

Ignorant and offensive op

caroldecker - none of that is even vaguely representative of the vast majority of christians or christian churches. Your statement is wildly inaccurate and offensive.

Sorry - linked to catholic websites. These represent 1.2 billion people, over 50% of Christians. The African churches tend to be more extreme.
Don't know how explaining the position of over half the world's Christian's is offensive.

No. Not possible.

BackforGood Believe me, people are gleefully and joyously offensive to Muslims on here. Arabs also get a rough ride as a google of any thread on Dubai shows.

Returning to the thread, as a Muslim, I don't recognise caroldecker's depiction of churches.

Both Christianity and Islam make a big deal of helping the needy and not hording wealth, so I think there is an incompatibility with the Conservative ideals of lower taxes and cutting/eliminating the welfare state.

There are many Christians on mumsnet so if you are are correct in how you are representing their views caroldecker then they will surely come and back you up and say yes we want to kill homosexuals, Muslims and Jews. That should clear things up.

The pope was worshipping at ground zero recently inviting other faith leaders to join him including Muslims and Jews. He must have forgotten to kill them as he was preaching his message of peace and reconciliation.