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…
Rally to raise awareness of sexual violence on campus, following rape report, Johnson Hall, University of Oregon, Author Kamala McCullum (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported)
Two campus rape cases have recently been in the news:
- In the Turner case, a Stanford athlete convicted of raping an intoxicated woman at a fraternity party was sentenced to 6 months in jail [1].
- In the McClure case (a Title IX action), victims at the University of Kansas assert the school took little or no action when they reported having been raped [2].
The vast majority of men would never inflict violence – sexual or otherwise – on a woman. The question arises: Why did ethics and morality not act as deterrents, when the crimes in question took place? Why do some men who seem well-adjusted feel no compunction about raping the women in their lives, if the opportunity arises?
The violence directed against women arises from at least three distinct sources:
- The men who believe themselves “entitled” to sex from any woman in whom they express an interest. With an inflated ego, such men may find it difficult to believe a woman would refuse them. They view the women who do refuse as selfish, manipulative, and worse. Athletes who have always been treated as exceptional may fall into this category.
- The men who experience violence in the family setting. This group is, in effect, taught from childhood that violence against women is normal and acceptable. Violence against women becomes an outlet for all their adult frustrations. These are the abusive boyfriends and husbands.
- The tiny fraction of men who are sociopaths, born and/or raised without conscience. These men are chameleon-like, making every effort to appear normal. They may be charming, but lack real empathy.
Other factors contributing to sexual violence include the attitude toward sex in our society; the absence of objective standards of behavior; and our acceptance of a false morality.
Sex in Society
Pervasive in our society, sex has been reduced in value to a sales device. Want to look sexy? Buy these jeans.
While romantic love is viewed as the highest ideal, chastity is no longer considered a virtue. Since sex is simply another bodily function, bodily fluids are casually exchanged. Rape is not recognized as “a big deal”. Read more…
“Abandoned House and Street Sweeper in North Philadelphia,” Author Dick Swanson for EPA, Source National Archives and Records Administration, College Park (Identifier 552748).
“Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love…
We’re all from different places
Different shades
Different faces
A bell filled up with different nations
Dependent on Independence Declaration
Yo, we made it
But we know glory and the grave…
Proclaim justice throughout the land
To all the inhabitants
We were supposed to lavish it
But like all God’s gifts
Sins caused mismanagement
It’s a fallen world
And a hurting city
A broken frail system
Only those that have hope
Can give help to the stricken”– A Community of Grace, Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia, http://www.clcphila.org
The Democratic Party will be holding its Presidential Convention in Philadelphia this year. Undoubtedly, the delegates will be treated to the City of Brotherly Love’s many tourist attractions and historic sites. Whether they take in more remains to be seen.
As those of you who read this blog regularly know, Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia (CLCP) has a ministry to the forgotten men, women, and children who make up the urban poor. Staffed by volunteer attorneys, CLCP has grown to 10 clinic locations – a size that astounds those of us present at its humble beginnings. Yet the workload continues to increase. Read more…
Ter Apel Monastery, Netherlands, Author Gouwenaar at nl.wikipedia (PD)
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has sold a hilltop convent to singer, Katy Perry for $14.5 million [1]. The few remaining Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary occupying the convent had initially arranged another sale, expecting to use the proceeds for their living expenses. As of this writing, they are yet to receive any moneys from the Archdiocese for the sale.
There is an open secret in the Catholic Church. Other than the limited funds put aside by individual diocese and religious orders, no reserve exists for the care of elderly priests, nuns, and sisters who devoted their lives to prayer and service to others.
According to the National Religious Retirement Office, many of America’s religious will spend their retirement years without 401(k)s, pensions, or even, in some cases, Social Security benefits [2].
The Retirement Fund for Religious (the largest of several such appeals) raises $28 million annually. However, the unfunded portion exceeds $4 billion [3]. As of 2011, over 500 religious communities reported inadequate funding for retirement purposes. In Philadelphia, funds are so tight that retired priests living in church-owned housing have been asked to cede a percentage of their pensions to the Archdiocese.
Which begs the question, why should such appeals be necessary? Read more…
Handmade clay jars and pots, Jordan, Author Mervat Salman (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported)
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed – always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you” (2 Cor. 4: 7-12).
Early on, in our walk of faith, we are on fire for the Lord [1]. The feeling is akin to being in love. Not only is Scripture alive for us, the Lord speaks clearly to us through all sorts of people, places, and things.
We may be tried, during this period. But we bear up, certain that with God we will triumph.
Naively, we assume “triumph” with God to be synonymous with “winning” in material terms. Only much later, do we realize that the struggle is as much with ourselves and our nature, as it is with external forces.
Fainter
As we go forward on the journey, God’s voice grows fainter for most of us, not stronger. We must seek Him out, are fortunate to hear an occasional whisper. This is not necessarily because we have strayed.
When we first learned to ride a bike, we had training wheels in place. Chances are there was a trusted parent holding the bike from behind. This helped us gain confidence. Eventually though the training wheels were removed, and the parent let go.
That was a necessary step in the process. We were not abandoned.
So it is with faith. God does not abandon us. Gradually, He stretches our faith. We learn to trust in His love and guidance, even when we do not feel His presence.
Hard-Pressed
With time, however, our testing becomes more severe. We no longer triumph, at least not in a worldly sense. We are rejected, misunderstood, even while attempting to do good.
This is the desert (or wilderness) experience. Our spiritual resources run dry. Our very faith seems arid and lifeless. We may feel defeated by our own shortcomings, and despair.
But the desert experience is not a punishment. Christ, too, was tempted in the desert [3]. Temptation strengthens our resolve; reveals where there is room for growth; and teaches us not to rely on our own strength. Read more…
Roman and Islamic ruins, Palmyra (“Tadmor”), Syria (2006), Author James Gordon, NY, NY (CC Attribution 2.0 Generic)
“Then Solomon went to Hamath-zobah and captured it. He built Tadmor in the wilderness…” (2 Chron. 8: 3-4).
At last report, Syrian forces had recaptured the ancient city of Palmyra from ISIS. Located 130 miles northeast of Damascus, Palmyra (Aramaic “Tadmore”) is described in the Bible as having been built or fortified by King Solomon. A community is thought to have existed in some form at the location for nearly 4000 years.
Before the Syrian Civil War, Palmyra was known as a World Heritage Site and tourist destination. Once a caravan stop on the route to far-off India and China, Palmyra offered modern visitors the chance to view and explore well-preserved Babylonian, Roman, and Byzantine ruins.
ISIS changed all that, destroying whatever historic structures it deemed idolatrous, and leaving behind a mass grave.
Included among the structures demolished was the Temple of Baalshamin, the Canaanite sun, storm, and fertility god referred to in the Bible as “Baal”. It was Baal that the Prophet Elijah defeated by asking God to rain down fire from heaven (1 Kings 18: 30-38).
Idolatry
God many times in the Bible warned against idolatry, describing Himself as a “jealous God” (Deut. 6: 14-15). This prohibition was not only a reflection of God’s supreme status and authority, but His disapproval of the practices associated with idol worship.
Baal worship, for instance, could involve self-injury (1 Kings 18: 28), food offerings to the dead (Ps. 106: 28, Hosea 2: 5, 8), ritual prostitution (Judges 8: 33, Hosea 2: 2-4), and human sacrifice (Jer. 19: 5).
Since there is no other God but God (Deut. 6: 4, Isa. 46: 9, and numerous other passages), the worship of idols – whatever form they may take – is, by definition, demonic.
ISIS, however, deserves no praise for opposing idolatry. In the view of that malevolent group, Judaism and Christianity qualify as idolatrous. ISIS, in other words, worships a different god than Christians and Jews; a different god than Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is not a matter of labeling. It is a matter of identity.
All gods are not equivalent, any more than all boxers are World Champion. Laying claim to the title is not enough. That is as true today as it was when the Temple of Baalshamin was first raised in Palmyra.
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse
https://avoicereclaimed.com
Roman Lictor with Fasces, Author Xadaga (PD)
“…[P]ut off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt …and… put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4: 22, 24).
“Fasces” is the term for a bundle of wooden rods bound together with an axe. The image is displayed in the US House of Representatives, and appears on the dime. Meant to signify strength through unity, the fasces stood for a magistrate’s power over life and death, in ancient Rome.
Though most of us have forgotten now, it was, also, adopted in the 1920s as the symbol of Benito Mussolini’s National Fascist Party.
Fascism
Fascism as a form of government is characterized by extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, and right wing values. Its professed goal is to re-establish law and order in society. Freedom and individual rights are viewed as secondary to that goal.
Fascism opposes democratic thought, favoring totalitarianism and a one-party system. This ideology is coupled with a belief in so called “racial purity” and the New Man (Friedrich Nietzche’s “Superman”), a superior human being devoid of individuality, and characterized instead by hyper-masculinity and violence.
A Cult of Personality
A cult of personality developed around Mussolini, as fascism took hold in Italy. A similar cult grew up around Francisco Franco in Spain. Propaganda, captive media, and constant praise were used to create idealized images of both men.
Both exploited this – employing secret police, politically motivated executions, forced labor, and concentration camps to enforce their will. Rather than restored, the rule of law was abolished, and naked power substituted.
A New Man in Christ
With this history, it is not surprising that some have found the political violence and other aspects of the current campaign chilling.
Christianity, too, speaks of a new man. But the concept is wholly different from that proposed by Nietzche. The old Adam, Christians know, was replaced sacrificially by the new Adam who is Jesus Christ. The old man in each of us – our Adamic nature, prone to sin – is replaced by a new man, born again through Christ.
No political party or ideology, right wing or left, no attempt at social engineering, no matter how severely enforced, will turn men into Supermen. Our defect is a spiritual one.
But those who do not heed the past are doomed to repeat it.
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse
https://avoicereclaimed.com
Bell at Kovac Hill Church, Slovenia, Author Eleassar (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported)
The sound of church bells is being lost to the world.
The use of church bells became common during the Middle Ages. They once announced the times for daily prayer, Sunday services, marriages, and funerals.
Depending on their shape, size, weight, and composition, church bells like those at St. Mary-le-Bow in London each had a distinctive voice [1]. Before the Industrial Age, church bells could be heard from one end of a town to the other.
In times of war, church bells were often melted down for use as ammunition. During World War II, the Nazis confiscated countless bells for this purpose, some centuries old [2].
As church towers went out of fashion (and bell ringers became scarce), recordings were increasingly used as a substitute for actual bells.
On the first anniversary of 9/11, a Bell of Hope was presented by London to the people of New York. The bell was created by Whitechapel Foundry which, also, cast Big Ben and the Liberty Bell. The Bell of Hope resides at St. Paul’s Chapel, a stone’s throw from Ground Zero [3]. It has been rung in remembrance of terror victims worldwide, ever since.
“The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the Lord and when he comes out…” (Ex. 28: 35).
Lord God, the world is so filled with noise. It can be difficult to hear Your voice above the din. We ought, at very least, to respond to the call of bells. But even that is growing faint.
Touch our hearts and minds, Lord. Make Your word alive to us, that we may echo and respond to it. Make Your law resonate in us, till we peal like bells.
Amen
—
[1] True “cockneys” (formerly a pejorative term, now adopted as a badge of pride) are said to have been born within sound of the bells of St. Mary-le-Bow.
[2] Through the efforts of a small group of specially trained men and women in the Monuments, Fine Arts & Archives Division (the so called “Monuments Men”) Allied forces managed to rescue over 5 million pieces of art the Nazis had stolen, including many bells.
[3] Amazingly, St. Paul’s Chapel, a Revolutionary Era church in lower Manhattan, survived 9/11 without damage. The chapel fed, sheltered, and ministered to recovery workers during the long months of clean-up.
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse
https://avoicereclaimed.com
A Lawyer's Prayers 