Bread and butter, Author stu_spivack, Source https://www.flickr.com/photos/35034346243@N01/292742953/ (CC BY-SA 2.0 Generic)
It is all too human to compare ourselves with others. She has better hair. He has a better car.
Even Christians do this…whether they should or not [1]. Oftentimes, the comparison is in spiritual terms. He is always speaking up at bible study. She has headed the Christian women’s group for years.
Calculating Spirituality
This, of course, is foolishness. We may be able to count our blessings. But we cannot calculate our spirituality.
We cannot grade our relationship with Christ any more than assign a numeric value to our other relationships. There simply is no formula. How often should a good husband take out the garbage? How tall is a good wife?
Paul said, on this subject:
“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Cor. 10: 12).
Visions, Dreams, and Speaking in Tongues
Still, we fall into the trap. Bread and butter Christianity is not enough. Love of God and neighbor is not enough. We should see apocalyptic visions, have prophetic dreams. We should speak in tongues, heal by the laying on of hands, and hear God’s voice audibly.
If we do not have these gifts, we must be failed Christians. So we presume. Read more…
Statue of Molossian mastiff (so called “Jennings Dog” or “Dog of Alcibiades”), Author Marie-Lan Nguyen, Source British Museum (Accession No. GR 2001.10-10.1), (CC BY 2.5 Generic)
“Blood and destruction shall be so in use And dreadful objects so familiar That mothers shall but smile when they behold Their infants quarter’d with the hands of war… And Caesar’s spirit… Shall in these confines with a monarch’s voice Cry ‘Havoc,’ and let slip the dogs of war…”
– Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (1601)
The Roman military used Molossian mastiffs much as the US military uses German shepherds today. With time, the phrase “dogs of war” became a synonym for soldiers. The term “havoc” originated as an order during the Middle Ages. It was an instruction to sack and burn.
This presidential campaign has let loose the dogs of war.
Until recently, political animus was considered on the fringes of acceptable behavior. However, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have together set forces in motion that are not likely to be easily corralled.
Neither respects the truth; neither respects the law. As a result, causes, characters, and practices previously frowned on have come out of the shadows.
Despicable Causes and Characters
White nationalists have formed a PAC on behalf of Trump, and initiated robocalls.
Former KKK leader, David Duke, and Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin have openly praised the Republican candidate. Trump has, in turn, praised Saddam Hussein and quoted Benito Mussolini.
Disgraced former congressman, Mark Foley, who sexually propositioned underage pages, attended a Trump rally. The father of the Orlando shooter attended a Clinton rally.
Deplorable Practices
Hyperbole is the rule. According to Trump, Pres. Barack Obama is the “founder” of ISIS, with Hillary Clinton the “co-founder”. According to Clinton, Trump’s rhetoric is making him the “recruiting sergeant” for ISIS. These may or may not have been sarcastic remarks. Believe whatever you like.
Racial, ethnic, class, and religious warfare are seen as political tools. Mexicans are rapists or so they say. Muslim immigrants must be banned for our safety; a Muslim registry should be established. A Muslim Gold Star family that presumes to take issue with this can be sharply criticized.
The integrity of the judiciary and electoral process have been called into question. A judge of Mexican heritage, we are informed, cannot be objective. The election will be “rigged” (no specifics necessary).
Violence threatens at political rallies. Trump supporters chant “Lock her up” (something we fear may turn to “Hang her high”). Anti-Trump protesters trash property, and brawl in the streets.
And assassination has been directly or indirectly encouraged. We are told that “Second Amendment people” may be the only ones able to stop Hillary Clinton from taking away their weapons, and destroying the Constitution in the process. This may or may not have been a bad joke.
Scandals
The twin scandals of Benghazi and Clinton’s emails hang in the air like a foul odor. The Clinton Foundation scandal looms. Some of us even remember Whitewater.
We are not any more likely to see the text of those very expensive speeches Hillary Clinton gave Wall Street, than we are to see Donald Trump’s tax returns. The chances of either candidate bringing Wall Street to heel are precisely nil.
The fraud claims against Trump University are a fitting, if pitiable, footnote. Read more…
Marble bust of Aristotle (Roman copy of lost Greek original), Louvre Museum (Atlas database: entry 922), Photographer Eric Gaba (Wikimedia Commons user: Sting) (CC BY-SA 2.5 Generic)
“A public official may not appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement, in or to a civilian position in the agency in which he is serving or over which he exercises jurisdiction or control any individual who is a relative of the public official…”
– 5 USC 3110 – Employment of relatives; restrictions
Asked this week what women he might consider for his Cabinet, if elected, Donald Trump put forward his daughter, Ivanka [1]. Trump’s children have been highly visible, taking an active part in his campaign. Hillary Clinton’s daughter, Chelsea, has, also, in recent years hinted at political aspirations [2].
Nepotism – defined by Merriam-Webster as favoritism based on kinship – places personal interest ahead of the public good. The practice is a way of consolidating power. It secures financial advantage for the trusted members of a family, while extending control by that family over a given function or area of interest.
John F. Kennedy, you may remember, nominated his brother, Robert, for the position of Attorney General of the United States, though the younger Kennedy had little or no trial experience. JFK was not the first to appoint a family member to public office. Some 40 of Ulysses S. Grant’s relations benefited directly or indirectly while he was president. Read more…
Remaining gates at Marshalsea Debtors Prison, London, Author Russell Kenny, Source http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2122/2119466639_5695691755.jpg?v=o (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported)
“At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release of debts” (Deut. 15: 1).
The Israelites were directed to forgive debts every seventh year to reflect God’s forgiveness of sin and avoid the development of a permanent debtor class. Debtors prisons, however, existed in England as late as the 19th Century [1].
Men and women owing money could be imprisoned at the discretion of their creditors, until those debts were paid. Unlike other European nations, England placed no time limit on such imprisonment which might last for decades. That often meant entire families lived in prison, actually raising children there for lack of a viable alternative.
Since English prisons were privately run, prisoners were charged for rent, food, and clothing. The charges were simply added to their existing debts. Many debtors never regained their freedom.
Debtors Prison Today
“And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors” (Matt. 6: 12).
Though debtors prisons have been outlawed for some 200 years in the United States, they exist today.
The Supreme Court in Bearden v. Georgia made clear that those too poor to pay court fines could not be imprisoned for their failure to do so. The 1983 decision stated that a judge first had to determine if a defendant had the ability to pay, so that the refusal to pay was willful. Read more…
Defendants in the dock at Nuremberg Trials (front row: Hermann Goring, Rudolf Hess, Joachim von Ribbentrop, and Wilhelm Keitel), National Archives and Records Administration (Identifier 540128), (PD- Federal Govt.)
“Of one thing we may be sure. The future will never have to ask, with misgiving: ‘What could the Nazis have said in their favor?’ History will know that whatever could be said, they were allowed to say. They have been given the kind of a trial which they, in the days of their pomp and power, never gave to any man.
But fairness is not weakness. The extraordinary fairness of these hearings is an attribute of our strength.”
– Excerpt from the closing argument by Robert Jackson at the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials
Last year marked the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. This year, Pres. Francois Hollande of France commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day by meeting with Pres. Hasan Rouhani of Iran, a nation that denies the Holocaust.
Everywhere, antisemitism and antisemitic violence are on the rise.
According to the Kantor Center for the Study of European Jewry, there has been at least a 40% increase in such incidents worldwide, since 2013 [1]. Violence against Jews has included the killing of four men in a kosher supermarket in Paris, the stabbing of a rabbi in Marseilles, the killing of a guard at a Copenhagen synagogue, the beating of a man in a Berlin subway, and an attack on congregants at a London synagogue.
The EU has chosen to interject itself into the Palestinian conflict by labeling Jewish goods as from occupied Judea, Samaria a/k/a the West Bank, and the Golan Heights – never mind that there are 200 other territorial disputes across the globe which have not received this attention, including China’s occupation of Tibet [2]. Read more…
“The Court by Pilate (First Interview)” by James Tissot, Source: http://faithofthefathers.blogspot.ru/2013/03/some-good-friday-art-by-james-tissot.html (PD-Art; PD-old-100)
“He who controls the past controls the future. He who controls the present controls the past.”
– 1984, George Orwell
To a large extent, we are what we know. Our beliefs are based on that knowledge, our actions based on those beliefs.
But what if our knowledge is not as accurate as we suppose? What if our “facts” are wrong and our assumptions false? If we hand the responsibility for truth off to someone else – anyone else – we run the risk that truth has been compromised.
Bias in the News
Consider where we get our news of the world. The majority of Americans rely on television as their primary news source, followed by the internet [1].
Approximately 60% of Fox News viewers describe themselves as conservative [2]. Compare this with the 36% of MSNBC viewers who describe themselves as liberal. MSNBC actually positioned itself as the liberal version of Fox, in an effort to boost ratings [3].
Fox News trumpets the mottos “Fair & Balanced” and “We Report, You Decide”. Fully 85% of MSNBC programming content is “opinion”, while only 14% qualifies as hard news [4].
However, by the end of the 2012 campaign, Pres. Barack Obama was receiving 46% negative coverage from Fox, with only 6% positive. Of course, Mitt Romney was receiving 71% negative press from MSNBC, with only 3% positive.
Inaccuracy Online
As for the internet, according to the WikiAnswers Community, 55% of the information there is false [5].
Unfortunately, today’s students rely increasingly on the internet for information. Literacy and writing skills have been impacted, as have interpersonal skills. Plagiarism is no longer recognized as an offense. Students freely click, copy, and paste without real analysis on their part.
Truth at Risk
But truth is at risk when no longer retained in memory or verified by reliable, independent sources. Read more…
“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.”
– Elie Wiesel
As Christians, we may be called on to speak out against injustice, bigotry, and antisemitism in any number of contexts. Our response matters.
Whether we speak up or not – whether we witness or not – will be noticed. Make no mistake. Our response will be noticed by those suffering from injustice and those perpetuating it; by believers and non-believers; and by God, Himself.
Self-Righteousness
Despite his heritage and education, his talents, and his role in the early church, the Apostle Paul was never self-righteous after his conversion (Philippians 3: 4-7).
This is where many Christians today fall into error. We are to take a stand for righteousness. Our own righteousness is, however, as “filthy rags” when measured by God’s standards for holiness (Isa. 64: 6).
Unfortunately, some Christians resort to self-righteousness in an attempt to disguise that reality. This is often coupled with hypocrisy, a sin Christ was vocal against (Matt: 7:5). Thankfully, Salvation is not dependent on our righteousness, but rather on Christ’s.
Condemnation
“ ‘I have not come to condemn the world, but save it’ ”(John 3: 17).
Too many times, Christians (and those claiming to be Christian) make the mistake of condemning the sinner, along with the sin.
The actions of the Westboro Baptist Church illustrate this. Denounced both by the Baptist World Alliance and Southern Baptist Convention, this church is widely known for the hate speech it directs at American soldiers, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, and the LGBT community. Its website and protest signs make provocative statements such as “THANK GOD FOR DEAD SOLDIERS” and “GOD HATES FAGS”. Contrary to what the Westboro Baptist Church maintains, this is unbiblical conduct.
We all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3: 23). Compassion for the sinner is not to be confused with condoning sin or compromising the Word. Read more…
Pro-Life protest at US Supreme Court (2005), Author Rattleman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:RattleMan (GNU Free Documentation License subject to Disclaimers)
Ten people were injured in California last Sunday, in a confrontation between white supremacists and protesters [1]. While violence cannot be condoned, there will be times that men and women of good conscience are called to speak out in opposition to racism, antisemitism, and injustice [2].
These days, we see Christians do this most often in defense of the unborn and the poor. Christians (both black and white) have, also, played a major role in the civil rights movement.
But protest (another form of witness) does not necessarily require civil disobedience or manning the barricades, placards in hand. We may encounter bigotry in our everyday dealings with others.
Not all Christians understand what the Bible has to say on the subject of protest. This article is intended to clear up some misconceptions.
Meekness
“Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy” (Prov. 31: 9).
Meekness is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5: 22-23). The meek, we are told, will inherit the earth (Matt. 5: 5). Jesus described Himself as “meek and humble of heart” (Matt. 11: 29). Scripture encourages us to be patient in suffering (James 5: 10-11).
We are, however, directed to speak out for the poor and needy. How can these two concepts be reconciled?
Meekness reflects the Christian’s attitude toward self. Christians are not to glory in their own achievements. The Bible, however, is filled with commands to do justice and defend the weak (Lev. 19: 15, 35; Isa. 1: 17). God unequivocally condemns injustice, repeatedly calling Himself a just God (Deut. 32: 4; Jer. 22: 13).
We are, in other words, to act justly, ourselves, and vigorously defend the rights of others.
Taking a Stand
“And in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!” (Ps. 20: 5).
Some Christians avoid discussing uncomfortable subjects, whether publicly or privately. The Apostle Paul’s advice that Christians focus on lovely and admirable things (Philippians 4:8) is sometimes cited, in this regard.
Though hostile and angry confrontations should not be the norm for Christians, we may find ourselves involved in conflict, whether we want to be or not.
Paul never hesitated to take a stand for Christ. He addressed the thorniest of issues (Gal. 5: 2-11). He unashamedly shared his testimony, even when doing so might cost him his life (Acts 26).
We can do no less.
—
[1] MSN News (courtesy of Associate Press), “White nationalists, protesters clash in California; 10 hurt”, 6/27/16, http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/police-7-stabbed-at-white-supremacy-rally-in-california/ar-AAhEpU4.
[2] All human beings were created in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1: 26-27). Whatever labels or symbolism groups like the Ku Klux Klan may choose to adopt, those that deny this fundamental truth are not acting in a Christian manner. Nor is antisemitism consistent with Christianity.
Part 2 in this series will be posted next week
Have a great 4th of July!
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse
https://avoicereclaimed.com
US Capitol at dusk, Author Martin Falbisoner (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported)
The ability of men and women to govern themselves was tested this week, not only in the United States but overseas. One can argue that it passed muster. But only by a razor thin margin.
Here are a few of the lessons we can learn:
Lesson 1: We still need the three distinct branches of government our Founding Fathers crafted
“…For the Lord is our Judge, The Lord is our Lawgiver, The Lord is our King; He will save us…” (Isaiah 33: 22).
With a tie vote, the US Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s decision to prevent expansion of two executive action programs, in effect prohibiting Pres. Barack Obama from selective enforcement of existing immigration law [1]. The programs in question were Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA).
Both for humanitarian and political reasons, the President had attempted to shield some 4 million illegal immigrants (primarily Hispanics) from deportation.
While a sizable number of Americans are sympathetic to the plight of illegals, there is widespread agreement that immigration reform should be undertaken by the legislative branch of government. Unfortunately, that has been stymied by those who view any path whatsoever to citizenship as unacceptable.
Lesson 2: Even the US Supreme Court is not above party politics
“What sorrow awaits the unjust judges and those who issue unfair laws. They deprive the poor of justice and deny the rights of the needy among my people. They prey on widows and take advantage of orphans” (Isaiah 10: 1-2).
As most Americans know, there is an opening on the Supreme Court. This is what gave rise to the tie (above). Democrats would like to appoint a liberal; Republicans, a conservative. Since Republicans currently control both the House and Senate, a vote on our Democratic President’s nominee has been deferred in the hope a Republican President will shortly replace him.
The judges we elect and appoint are men and women as flawed as the rest of us. We would do well to remember, however, that undermining the authority of the courts opens the door for the abuse of power by our executive and legislative branches.
If we want a wise judiciary, we must select wise judges. We cannot politicize the selection process, then claim surprise at the results. Read more…
Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Source http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWvHr-0BXhc&feature=plcp, Author Voice of America News (“Syrian Refugees Seek Out Smugglers”) (PD – US Govt.)
“We endure various attacks. But we do not ask God why He allows suffering. Birds sing, not because they have an answer, but because they have a song. We too have a new song to the praise of God.”
– Richard Wurmbrand (minister and Christian author, imprisoned and tortured for his anti-Communist stance)
Ours is a suffering world.
Persecution
Christians have not yet experienced this in the United States. Elsewhere, however, Christians are persecuted, imprisoned or driven from their homes, and murdered outright for their faith [1]. This occurs regularly in North Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, Sudan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, India, China, Indonesia, and around the globe [2].
Refugee Crisis
The persecution of our brothers and sisters is taking place against the backdrop of the European refugee crisis. Over two million men, women, and children are believed to have fled Syria, since the conflict began [3A]. Worldwide, there are an estimated 60 million displaced persons, more than ever before [3B].
Opportunity, Revival, and the Great Commission
This presents the church in the United States with a two-pronged opportunity we have yet to recognize: an opportunity both to live the Gospel of Christ and spread it.
In the face of corruption, sex scandals, cults of personality, the so called prosperity gospel, materialism, and other ills of the modern church, many of us have prayed for revival. God seems to have answered that prayer as only He could, by using evil for good.
There are now millions of souls in desperate physical, emotional, and spiritual need, all accessible to us and many for the first time receptive.
If Christians want to see increased spiritual interest, we have only to demonstrate it. If we want to make converts, win hearts for Christ; if we want to have an impact on the world, we have only to reach out. We have only to show our love.
Nominal Christians
“Shame on us nominal Christians. The name of Christ is wasted on us.”
– Lebanese police officer, “Proclaiming Jesus Among the Wolves”, Voice of the Martyrs Magazine, June 2016
According to law enforcement sources, over 100 Americans – primarily alienated young Muslims – have been radicalized, and gone to train or fight in Syria [4].
The politically neutral non-profit organization, Doctors Without Borders, sends volunteer physicians and medical supplies “where the patients are”: to epidemics, natural disasters, and armed conflicts, in 60 countries [5].
Where are the Christians serving? Surely, there is enough need to go around. Read more…
A Lawyer's Prayers 
