Comments about ‘The gospel in words: Civility’

Jesus from the Sermon on the mount "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for for those who persecute you"(Matthew 5:44 NIV) Jesus is making the commandments(law) look easy. This is law not Gospel.

It think the quote that Mr. Cannon used explaining civility as "polite or liberal education; training in the humanities, good breeding; culture, refinement" is extremely interesting to use in our current political climate. The very word "liberal" is so maligned that we forget that it is actually a very good word and a good trait to have in your relations with others.

I wonder if we replaced the word liberal with civil if it would change our politics. Is it liberal to want universal health care? Would it be better if it were civil for everyone to have access to health care. The same could be said about immigration policies.

It also is implied that "Liberals" are weak and won't stand up for what's right. Yet if you apply "Civility" to your actions you may also be viewed as weak. Just as Mr. Cannon said that being Civil is a strength, being Liberal also takes strength. For instance with immigration, is building a fence a sign of strength or is working with the complicated problems of both the cause and consequence of immigration. Taking a long range view requires strength.