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RenewingMinds
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The Journal
Below are Journal entries, eclectic commentary, and information bulletins for site additions in 2008. A kind thanks to my dear wife for proof reading these comments from time-to-time. Most recent posts are shown first:
July through December of the 2008 Journal is published as a separate page.
6/30/2008
Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword [division]." Matthew 10:34
To assume that only men, not God, cause division is to create the logical, but false and un-Scriptural, assumption that men can always achieve unity. Such efforts may produce an ecumenical and superficial sense of 'togetherness', but only at the expense of truth, integrity, and genuine pneumatological (Holy Spirit) unity.
Christ's prayer in John 17 is clearly not for the former, but rather the latter form of unity.
The fundamental reason behind the current conflict and division is that God's spiritual New Creation is being assembled, in part on Earth, before the Old Creation is fully dismantled.
"Now you, brothers (genuine Christians), like Isaac, are children of promise. At that [ancient] time the son born in the ordinary [Old] way persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit [New]. It is the same now" Galatians 4:28,29.
6/29/2008
"Jimmy Carter had mastered the God-speak VOCABULARY, but he was using a very different DICTIONARY. Barack Obama has discovered that dictionary. It’s now digitalized and part of his campaign."
David Stokes, pastor of Fair Oaks Church, Fairfax, VA (Willow Creek Asso.) has some interesting observations regarding the similarities between Carter's presidential campaign and Barack Obama's bid for the White House. See Carter, Obama, and the Evangelicals.
6/24/2008
The fact that the hypocritical Left and liberals are singularly motivated by a lust for power with little or no regard for "truth" needs constant repeating. The moral relativism of yesterday has become the postmodern mantras of today.
Twenty years ago, the Left began their campaign to disenfranchise conservative religious voters via the fallacious argument that Jefferson's reference to "separation of Church and State" meant the absolute exclusion of religious and religious-based values from civic and political processes. Why were conservative Christians portrayed as 'second-class' citizens who had forfeited their right to enter the voting booth? The liberals' lust for power and control! Of course, anyone with a whit of understanding about America's Founding and Constitutional documents quickly recognized how bizarre liberals and the political Left had become.
The above-mentioned, hypocritical nonsense didn't begin its demise until a religious group of Left-wing individuals found a voice within the largely secular Democrat Party. Led by '60s radical Jim Wallis and his 2005 book God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It, Wallis was able to get his fellow liberals to begin to understand how their own religious worldviews effected their politics and policies. Also see the Wikipedia entry for Jim Wallis.
For the Democrats, a 'visible' turnaround occurred in the most recent presidential primary campaign. A new stratagem was in play. No longer would Democrat candidates distance themselves from religion and religious-value voters. No longer would they hide or conceal their own personal worldviews and values. In her 562-page autobiography, Living History (Simon & Schuster, 2003) and her more recent, A Woman in Charge: The Life of Hillary Rodham Clinton (Knopf, 2007), Ms. Clinton discusses her liberal United Methodist background, her college religious mentor, the Rev. Don Jones, and the contributory influence of liberal/neoorthodox theologians Reinhold Niebuhr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Paul Tillich had in forming her religious, social, and political views. For an interesting, albeit less-than-objective journalistic perspective, also read the Mother Jones' 2007 four-part article: Hillary's Prayer: Hillary Clinton's Religion and Politics.
So why did I focus upon Hillary Clinton when Barack Obama has become the Democrat's presidential candidate? Answer: Perspective. To clearly understand Barack Obama's current 'religious posturing', you need to understand the nature of his recent competitive struggle with Hillary Clinton. What lesson did both of these Left-wing candidates learn? 1) It's better to be open and candid with voters about religion, even if one's beliefs are superficially held. 2) A majority of religious Americans are simply undiscerning or spiritually indifferent, and the agnostics and atheists voters will discount the rhetoric as, in fact, largely what it amounts to--political rhetoric. Cynically speaking, the Democrats have now matched the current crop of Republicans. There are a few exceptions--more Republican than Democrat, however.
My dear wife stated it simply and succinctly, "Barack Obama is the wrong black man to be President." It may be of interest to readers of our websites (both friends and enemies), but both Diane and I voted for former 1996 presidential primary candidate, Alan Keyes. Further, my undergraduate accounting degree was from a college with a 97% black student body. So, any objections we might have to Barack Obama are not even remotely based on the color of his skin. Readers of withChrist.org and email correspondents are global and ethically diverse.
In short, candidate Obama's religious beliefs are along the lines of opportunistic political afterthoughts. Like many so-called leaders today, he is a chameleon capable of reflecting back what each audience wants to hear in their own particular vernacular. Despite this ministry's long-standing theological differences with Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family, Dobson is 'spot on' regarding Barack Obama.
"I think he's deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own worldview, his own confused theology," Dobson said. "... He is dragging biblical understanding through the gutter."
Dobson described Obama's approach as trying to govern by the "lowest common denominator of morality," and further described the presumptive Democrat nominee as holding a "fruitcake interpretation of the Constitution."
"Am I required in a democracy to conform my efforts in the political arena to his bloody notion of what is right with regard to the lives of tiny babies?" Dobson said. "What he's trying to say here is unless everybody agrees, we have no right to fight for what we believe."
Our Nation, including each and every born-again Christian, faces a very difficult future. The problems are of such a magnitude, that no human leader(s) can possibly begin to solve them all. Voting is both a sober and non-idealistic exercise. Beware of those who ply promises upon promises. Choose wisely.
6/15/2008
The negative mood of common American citizens toward the current Administration is rather remarkable. American culture is built around instant gratification and most problems are viewed by a majority as resolvable in the short term. Thus, the popularity of the "change" mantra and the pander of politicians to fix this and that if they're elected.
This is not to say that the Bush Administration had either its religious or political fundamentals right. As I've mentioned in prior posts, one need not look far to see that "freedom" is not a shared universal value. The erroneous Bush axiom has had profound consequences. Today, political correctness trumps democracy in California! If liberal Americans can't understand it nor Canadian citizens appreciate it (reference to recent decisions by the Canadian Human Rights Commission), how can any Administration expect "freedom" or democracy to take "root" in nations which are ruled by Islamic leaders?
And while on the subject of Islamic leaders, the Obama campaign is in full-spin cycle. Barack's half-brother Malik living in Kenya won't keep his mouth shut regarding Barack's prior identification as a Muslim. See: Malik Obama confirms his half-brother Barack grew up a Muslim. Given the level of American illiteracy on the subject of religion and how it influences politicians' views and policies, I don't expect this issue to get much traction with voters come November. For a large number of Americans, religion or lack-there-of doesn't seem to affect how they live or act--it's compartmentalized to a few hours on Sunday or maybe religious holidays. Increasingly "European."
6/14/2008
Maturing believers are initially surprised to discover the level of diversity extant for 'spiritual growth' teachings. When believers first awaken to the truth of Romans 6-8, they generally lack the ability to differentiate between differing views and interpretations of the doctrine of sanctification. What is typically not understood is the relationship between an individual's theological foundation and one's view of the identification truths. Thus, Arminians and Calvinists, dispensationalists and non-dispensationalists, all set forth their particular understanding of what the Apostle Paul is saying on this subject. Arminians tend to lay heavy emphasis upon the will--the believer's grasp of truth rather than the Truth's grasp of the believer. Thus, Romans 6-8 is stacked atop their collection of humanistic tenets. Similarly Calvinists, while generally correct in the area of God's sovereign action, are wedded to a non-dispensational view that cannot make a clean break with OT Law or the principle of law. Over time, their erroneous grasp of law becomes Law's grasp on them. For either Arminian, Calvinist, or non-dispensationalist the end result is bondage and legalism--not genuine spiritual freedom.
5/14/2008
I can't resist echoing Frank Pastore's fine article, Questioning "An Evangelical Manifesto." Since both liberals and the Left abandon the possibility of "truth" long ago, for them it all comes down to POWER--spanning the spectrum of subtle manipulation or the bone-crushing heel of their boot. They are simultaneously libertine and authoritarian--set in a quintessential framework of humanistic arrogance--rejecting the veracity of the Bible, THEY demand to be the "measure of all things."
4/25/2008
After 13½ years, I have decided to temporarily suspend Journal posting, while maintaining the correspondence side of this ministry. The current need to reorganize the administration of household affairs is demanding increased attention. During this time, I will be seeking the Lord's mind regarding The Journal's future. Your prayers are deeply appreciated.
4/8/2008
The
clock has seemly run down in the Middle East. The naval battle group led
by the powerful USS Abraham Lincoln (click on image) is in route to the Persian
Gulf. Iran,
Syria, Lebanon militaries are "on alert." Western media is
overly focused on domestic economic issues, but this will be changing shortly. Ahmadinejad is doing everything short of standing on his head to provoke a
military confrontation; he's begging for an Armageddon-like catastrophe so as to
hearken the return of
Mahdi, the
mythical Islamic messiah.
4/6/2008
Pontiff pontificates on Divorce and Abortion. Despite the fact that a majority of evangelicals do not formally acknowledge the Roman Catholic Pope and Magisterium as being authoritative, Catholic ethical arguments often find traction among evangelicals due to their unfamiliarity with the issues. Similar to their erroneous opposition to capital punishment (death penalty), Catholicism's rationalistic understanding of marriage, divorce, and remarriage contravenes biblical scholarship of both OT and NT--e.g., Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible, The Social and Literary Context, David Instone-Brewer, Eerdmans, 2002.
The Roman Catholic Church, together with some evangelicals/fundamentalists, believe that Christians can never divorce, and place divorce on par with abortion (murder of the innocent), and homosexuality. While this view may appear to be based on simply and clear logic, it is fundamentally wrong.
"Many who have sought to follow it [i.e. this position] have suffered long-term abuse within marriages that they believe they must not leave. Others, who have been divorced or separated against their will, live without hope of remarriage in Church because they believe that a valid divorce is impossible."
"Although separation is allowed for adultery or desertion by an unbeliever, this is not real divorce. Many believe that marriage is indissoluble--a characteristic that is variously called 'ontological', 'one-flesh', or 'sacramental'. The Catholic Church ameliorates the problems [and there are many] of this position by allowing the 'annulment' of marriages." Instone-Brewer
No such annulment is available to evangelical believers, who are generally relegated to the realm of second-class status or worse.
4/2/2008
DAVID BERLINSKI has a Ph.D. from Princeton University and has taught mathematics and philosophy at universities in the United States and in France. He is the bestselling author of such books as A Tour of the Calculus, The Advent of the Algorithm, and Newton’s Gift. A senior fellow at the Discovery Institute in Seattle and a former fellow at the Institute for Applied Systems Analysis and the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques, Berlinski writes frequently for Commentary Magazine, among other journals. He lives in Paris. - Random House
Mr. Berlinski is not an evangelical Christian, rather a Jewish agnostic. However, his target is the most vocal leaders of the currently popular atheism movement, Messrs. Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, and Christopher Hitchens, darlings of America's sacrosanct public educational system.
"The fool has said in his heart, "[There is] no God." Psalm 14:1
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“Berlinski knows his science and wields his rapier deftly. He makes great sport with his opponents, and his readers will surely enjoy it.” —Tom Bethell, bestselling author of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Science
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“A powerful riposte to atheist mockery and cocksure science, and to the sort of philosophy that surrenders to them. David Berlinski proceeds reasonably and calmly to challenge recent scientific theorizing and to expose the unreason from which it presumes to criticize religion.” —Harvey Mansfield, Professor of Government, Harvard University
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“Berlinski’s book is everything desirable: it is idiomatic, profound, brilliantly polemical, amusing, and of course vastly learned. I congratulate him.” —William F. Buckley Jr.
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“With high style and light-hearted disdain, David Berlinski deflates the intellectual pretensions of the scientific atheist crowd. Maybe they can recite the Periodic Table by heart, but the secular Berlinski shows that this doesn’t get them very far in reasoning about much weightier matters.” —Michael J. Behe, Professor of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, bestselling author of Darwin’s Black Box and The Edge of Evolution
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“David Berlinski plus any topic equals an extraordinary book.” —Chicago Tribune
3/31/2008
The Invisible Crash?
Is it over…or has it just begun?
1
10 =10.1 (to the first power)
100 = 10.2
1,000 = 10.3
10,000 = 10.4
100,000 = 10.5
1,000,000 = 1 million =10.6
1,000,000,000 = 1 billion = 1 thousand million = 10.9
1,000,000,000,000 = 1 trillion = 1 million million = 10.12
Few can grasp the magnitude of one trillion of anything. One trillion is the equivalent of one thousand billion or one million million. I say this as an introduction to UK business editor Ambrose Evans-Pritchard’s recent articles, Fed's rescue halted a derivatives Chernobyl and Fed eyes Nordic-style nationalization of US banks. Also, James Pressley's Brace for $1 Trillion Writedown of `Yertle the Turtle' Debt. For those interested in prophecy, global finance, or simple survival, please read these articles. In the first, he states:
“Bear Stearns had total [derivative] positions of $13.4 trillion. This is greater than the US national income, or equal to a quarter of world GDP - at least in "notional" terms. The contracts were described as "swaps", "swaptions", "caps", "collars" and "floors". This heady edifice of new-fangled instruments was built on an asset base of $80bn at best.”
$13,400,000,000,000 = derivative positions
$80,000,000,000 = balance sheet total assets
Stated another way, traders at Bear Stearns entered into ‘side-bets’ equal to $167.50 for each $1 of the hedge fund’s financial assets—a huge inverted pyramid!
Students of biblical prophecy have often speculated regarding what events or social forces would be necessary to bring about a potential ‘one-world electronic monetary system’ as foreseen by the Apostle John and recorded in Revelation 13:17. Collapse of the global financial system would do the job.
3/29/2008
The Founders of our Nation believed in "limited government." However, the caveat was that limited government was only appropriate to a moral and religious people--a fact conveniently overlooked by both the Left and libertarian Right. The Founders' design was a decentralized form of self-government, radically different from either the Left's socialistic or the Right's libertarian utopias. Sadly, evangelicals and some born-again Christians often get drawn into endorsing one or the other form of political utopianism, even without much conscious effort.
Christians, of all people, must remember that mankind is sinful and that enforced law (punishment) serves a rightful purpose during the age. Many of today's dispensationalists are confused, failing to discern the (law) nature of the age vs. the heavenly nature of the Church. This has largely occurred due to erroneously referring to the period from Pentecost to the Rapture as "The Age of Grace," or "The Church Age." Neither is theologically correct.
PS. My comments above triggered several emails requesting further clarification. Many are unaware of the differences between Traditional and Pauline dispensationalism and the potential ramifications associated with each system.
All dispensationalists believe the NT contains truth(s) that, while related, are fundamentally different from the covenant-based systems revealed in the OT. One's understanding of the nature and degree of these differences often explains why dispensationalists are not all on the same page, theologically speaking. See my Dispensationalism's Theological Persons and the late Miles Stanford's polemic paper, The Progressives' KINGDOM CHURCH.
During the last decade of the twentieth century, two Christian authors--Miles Stanford and Roy Huebner, proposed explanations for the capitulation of dispensational theology toward non-dispensational covenantism. Both believed the heavenly-nature of the Church was compromised: by relating the Church to Israel's New Covenant (Stanford) as well as by failure to maintain John Darby's distinctions between dispensations, ages, and administrations. Departing from Darby, Traditional dispensationalism largely following the ageism scheme put forth by American-born C. I. Scofield, which posited seven (7) distinct periods, the sixth dispensation being "Grace" or "Church." The detailed account of how Scofield synthesized his own theology using 2-parts Issac Watts covenant ageism together with 1-part dispensationalism borrowed from John Darby is found in the late R. A. Huebner's, Dispensational Truth, Volume 1. In either case, the born-again Church was 'brought to earth' and made the simple recipient of Abrahamic blessing.
3/18/2008
Christian church history has long established the following downward theological progression:
Arminianism (free will "Christian" humanism)
↓
Liberalism (denial of the veracity of the Word of God and basic doctrines)
↓
Heretical and cultic religion
Ultra-liberal denominations like the United Church of Christ, currently in the news due to racist and hate-filled comments made by Barack Obama's so-called spiritual mentor--the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, find root in the humanistic ecumenical movement of the past century.
Interfaith "oneness" & "human potential" minister Gerald (Jerry) Jud summarized the special identity of the United Church of Christ with these words, "a progressive, flexible, creative force in American [liberal] Protestant Christianity; deeply concerned and willing to take risks in faithful action concerning the problems that confront man in a new age; willing to support experimental ministries in an attempt to penetrate with the gospel the different worlds in which man lives; and ecumenical to the core." Indeed! However, there's one big problem. The United Church of Christ, founded in Cleveland Ohio in June 1957, was NEVER connected to the BIBLICAL GOSPEL from day one. It's both heretical and cultic.
All three of the remaining US presidential candidates, Democrat and Republican, are nominalists; "Christian" only in the most broad sense of the term. None have a 'grounded' morality; the Ship of State is adrift.
3/9/2008
"California courts have held that ... parents do not have a constitutional right to homeschool their children."
"Parents have a legal duty to see to their children's schooling under the provisions of these laws."
"A primary purpose of the educational system is to train school children in good citizenship, patriotism and loyalty to the state and the nation as a means of protecting the public welfare." California Justice H. Walter Croskey, Second District Court of Appeal.
"Against all these [Unitarian] theological tendencies, and against statist education, Archibald Alexander Hodge, Princeton theologian and orthodox Calvinist, made a forthright stand [mid-1800s]. He saw the statist claim, that 'self-preservation' of the State required statist education, as a denial of the competence of other agencies as well as of their right to self-preservation. Moreover, 'The tendency of the entire system...is to centralization.' It enthroned also the radically fallacious idea that secular and atheist opinions and approaches to education were 'neutral' while religious approaches were partial and prejudiced. Hodge insisted that the statist [i.e. government-funded] approach was as fully committed and sectarian as any other, that it was indeed an establishment of an immediate minimum theism but in fact an ultimate atheism [in violation of the First Amendment's religious establishment clause]." R. J. Rushdoony, The Messianic Character of American Education.
By now, most 'aware' Christians have heard or read about the February 28th ruling by a California appeals court. The decision, which touched a deep nerve and was strongly denounced by conservative leaders as well as California's own conflicted governor, will undoubtedly be appealed to the state Supreme Court.
"Even as the court's decision is expected to be stayed pending appeal, some parents are already making clear that they will move their families from the state if necessary," he said. "If parents have no constitutional right to educate their own children, what other aspects of the parent's choices for their own children lack protection? This question reaches far beyond educational decisions." Dr. Albert Mohler
3/5/2008
God is never a passive bystander in the political affairs of the world (Proverbs 21:1), and neither should we be passive. Under America’s constitutional, democratic, republican form of government, we are active participants in choosing our representatives. We should work to discharge our civic responsibility in the best way possible. As a Nation (not individually), we get what we deserve. While I do believe the current primary process is a bit squirrely, we always need to acknowledge God’s sovereign involvement in outcomes. However, the fact that He allows the wicked to prosper (Psalms 73:3) or gain positions of power, should not be interpreted as either Divine weakness nor approval of the wicked.
While no candidate will meet all our criteria, Mike Huckabee represented many of the qualities I want in a President. Nevertheless, he's out. The choice between the Republican and Democrat candidate in the general election is rather simple. Neither the Democrat platform (political/policy worldview) nor Clinton or Obama, understand reality as God sees it—i.e., biblically. If either were to win in November, Christian liberty would erode more rapidly and the current cultural hostility and hatred toward born-again Christians would manifoldly increase. Theoretically speaking, McCain should be better.
3/3.1/2008
Solemn financial news this Monday morning. Markets may be in for a steep decline.
The Federal Reserve's rescue has failed
3/3/2008
For those who cling to the silly notion that religion doesn't determine political policy views, here's two 'corkers' from Democrat presidential candidate Barack Obama.
"I don't think it [a same-sex union] should be called marriage, but I think that it is a legal right that they should have that is recognized by the state." "If people find that controversial then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans."
2/28/2008
How do Western liberals know Islam is, in fact, a "religion of peace"?
Answer: The flowers never lie!
2/26.1/2008
A fair percentage of readers to withChrist.org are technically oriented--engineers, scientists, and other over-educated types. Of course, it does go hand-in-glove with systematic theology.
A Lesson in Financial Lust: Living up to the Journal's eclectic nature, I want to call to your attention a graph shared with me by my oldest son. It reflects the nature of current US/Global mortgage crisis. The point of this post is to say, "It's not over...the fat lady has yet to sing."
Here's the explanation. The chart represents both the volume and nature of adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) which reset from December 2006 to January 2013. These ARM mortgages have "reset" provisions (time bombs) which change the payable interest rate--possibly higher. Thanks to Alan Greenspan, our fractional-reserve banking system fueled this multi-trillion dollar expansion in real estate construction and a home buying binge. It is reported that PC day traders were even speculating in buying and selling homes!
The darker grey bars on the left represent the notorious sub-prime junk loans--loans to individuals with poor credit or even illegal foreigners who were sold homes and given mortgages!! The associated loan applications and so-called supporting documentation were often bogus and fraudulent. Oversight was minimal, the fruit of cost-cutting agendas and a feminized-nurturing approach at work in financial regulatory agencies.
The borrowers have failed to make their payments and the "deals" have soured. Global investors are being forced to acknowledge these defaults and swallow their losses on their financial statements. This is "Penn Square" like, but on a global scale. "But wait, there's more!" to quote the popular line from late night infomercials.
Take note of the second bulge (center) on the graph. This is a sizeable number of exotic mortgages that will begin to reset around April 2009.
"The option adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) might be the riskiest and most complicated home loan product ever created. With its temptingly low minimum payments, the option ARM brought a whole new group of buyers into the housing market, extending the boom longer than it could have otherwise lasted, especially in the hottest markets. Suddenly, almost anyone could afford a home -- or so they thought. The option ARM's low payments are only temporary. And the less a borrower chooses to pay now, the more is tacked onto the balance."
The 'master-mind' response to this financial crisis will be similar to the current central bank action. Make credit easily available...the very strategy that's got us here to begin with. Bottomline? The further demise of the U.S. dollar.
2/26/2008
The "war" with the West continues to take on different dimensions and today the Internet is often a means for targeting naive and unsuspecting Christians. The latest popular ploy is solicitation to Christian ministries for translation work. The ruse is to offer to translate Christian publications from English to some other language...of course, at a price. The individual behind the proposition (file in the blank) uses an alias and offers no means of validating language translation credentials. The 'canned' email is a carefully crafted con, designed to fool unsuspecting evangelistically-oriented Christian believers.
"Faith cometh by hearing and hearing from the Word of God"(Romans, 10:17)
Dear Brother in Christ,
Greetings from Pakistan.
I am (fill in the blank) from Pakistan. I have studied your web site, and I found it the most wonderful site to get right to the True Word of God. I found that all your material is full of knowledge concerning development of religious faith. Living in Pakistan we Christians is to face many obstacles to get the access to the Word of God. Most of the people in Pakistan are not capable to understand the English language. It’s because our national language is Urdu. My suggestion for you is to create your material in my language of Urdu and Punjabi also. It will bring lots of blessings of the Word of God for the Pakistani and Indian Urdu and Punjabi speaking people. For that purpose I as a translator will bring your material into Urdu languages and into Punjabi language as well. Although it will take your low expenses as well, as fund for the Word of God to reach out to the deserving people. As a translator I will take the expenses that will be spending just for the Word. I will be looking for your kind words on this my humble request as soon as possible.
"There is nothing more precious than to read and listen the Word of God into your own language."
Sincerely,
(fill in the blank) (Pakistan).
This ministry has never pre-paid for any foreign language translations, nor engaged translation work before researching the qualifications of those involved.
2/23.1/2008
There are new and ominous signals that a major war is about to erupt in the Middle East. Here are a few links.
Iranian official: Countdown to Israel's destruction has begun
Nasrallah declares Israel “will definitely cease to exist” in next war
Ahmadinejad’s unbridled attack on Israel causes foreboding
2/23/2008
An expanded version of the 2/16 article on marriage, divorce, and remarriage is now available and linked below.
2/19/2008
Roy A. Huebner, Pauline dispensational theologian passed into the Lord's glory on Monday morning. Based upon limited information, brother Roy Huebner lived in New Jersey and was associated with the Tunbridge Wells (TW) brethren for much of his life as a believer.
2/16/2008
The Relationship of “Both-at-Fault” to No-Fault Divorce
2/13/2008
Defining Evangelicalism Down & "Born Again" Christianity Up?
Paul Edwards, Baptist pastor and columnist at Townhall.com, wrote a wonderfully insightful article yesterday entitled--Defining Evangelicalism Down. Mr. Edwards identifies how the religious Left has engaged an agenda to subvert conservative evangelicalism. The Left's tactics draw upon a postmodern understanding of the power associated with words and language--i.e., whoever defines the meaning of words often controls the conversation. He writes:
The Religious Left’s appeal for the Religious Right to “broaden its agenda” to include poverty, HIV/AIDS, and the environment ignores the fact that conservative evangelicals have always had a strong commitment to these issues. So if conservative evangelicals are already leading the efforts to relieve poverty and disease, what’s behind the call to “broaden the agenda”? Another agenda altogether.
What’s really happening here is an attempt by the Left to define evangelicalism down by moving it away from its [born again] emphasis on the power of the gospel to change lives. The church’s ability to affect [sic] social and cultural change, bringing relief to the poor and suffering, is rooted first and foremost in its commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and what the [born again] gospel says about the condition of man in sin which results in the symptoms of poverty and disease.
The Religious Left invalidates the conservative evangelical commitment to humanitarian relief because we are achieving our ends in the name of Jesus Christ through the gospel, without the assistance of government funding. The fundamental tenant [sic] of modern liberalism is that a government program funded by redistributed wealth is the preferred method of humanitarian relief rather than what the church is accomplishing by faith through compassionate hearts.
The new [and old] voices of the Religious Left – Rick Warren, Joel Hunter, Tony Campolo, Jim Wallis, et al – are defining down what it means to be an evangelical by making the symptoms of man’s sin (poverty, disease, etc.) a priority rather than addressing the cause of those symptoms (sin) and the cure found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. [bracketed comments mine].
I have been watching this and experiencing it firsthand for some time. The religious Left has also been working to subvert the influence of the so-called "Religious Right" by changing the meaning of words and other ploys. Here's a classic example. Speaking to the issue of whether "born again" Christians will vote Republican or Democrat in the upcoming election, Christian Post Reporter Jennifer Riley writes:
Not only does the marketing research firm Barna Group and Ms. Riley redefine what it means to be a "Born again Christian," they distort historical fact by making evangelicalism a "subgroup under Born-again Christians." Even a brief exposure to 18th-to-20th century church history will show that it's the other way around--"born again Christians" have always been either one-and-the-same or a subgroup of the larger "evangelicalism." For more on this, go here.
What's happening is that the meaning of "born again" is being progressively 'watered down' as well as elevated to an inclusivistic sphere which can include the religious Left. As a twist on the phrase, "If you can't beat them, join them," the Left is seeking to change the context of meaning. By stealthily redefining the meaning of "born again," and the Gospel, the religious Left, homosexuals, and other theologically errant groups (e.g. Mormons) can counter the exclusive claim of biblical Christianity as well as advance their inclusivistic agendas and goals. Presto! They're all now "born again!"
How can we stand against this destructive agenda? By boldly articulating the truth in an uncompromising fashion. I recommend that each and every reader maintain a supply of THE NEW BIRTH EXPLAINED, and be ready to share it.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places.] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; Ephesians 6:10-17.
2/10/2008
Here is a good first-step, civic solution to the political problems of the hour. Since this document attempts to draw together a coalition of Americans to support like-minded candidates, it does not address the core problems of spiritual bondage and corruption nor the fundamentally-flawed mechanism of government-funded public education, which daily advances that spiritual corruption.
The original Founders of America were deeply aware that government could not address nor solve the spiritual bondage and corruption of any Nation of people. Are you also aware of the fact?
2/9.1/2008
The inevitable and frightening development in California has occurred. The pseudo-Republican governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed SB 777. Will the state's Christians begin looking for the doors? Read: 'Mom,' 'dad,' banned; now 600,000 students could go & WHY CHRISTIANS MUST RESCUE THEIR CHILDREN FROM CALIFORNIA'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
An Axis of Evil
Will the rest of the Nation be next? Will John McCain lead the Nation in the same direction Schwarzenegger has led California? I think so.
2/9/2008
The principled, conservative message of Mike Huckabee at CPAC. Later in the day, Mike Huckabee won every Republican precinct in Kansas and the popular vote by better than 2-to-1. Mike Huckabee's unwillingness to compromise and his determination of spirit are inspiring. It is the same type of spirit that undergirds this website...deeply-rooted, principled views that don't echo the crowd.
KEITH MYERS/The Kansas City Star
"The line outside the Matt Ross Community
Center at 8101 Marty in Overland Park
stretched around the building Saturday as
Republicans waited to participate in the
Kansas presidential caucuses."
2/8/2008
Reuters New Service has this headline today: EVANGELICAL DIVIDED, A lack of enthusiasm for McCain among some evangelicals could lead to a lower voter turnout, which may tilt the election in favor of the Democrats. More wishful thinking in the MSM? If there's any truth to it, this is the liberal's dream come true. The MSM want the public, particularly evangelicals, to believe McCain's candidacy is inevitable. That may be true, but there's still many reasons to move forward and not abandon principle for pragmatism. Don't forget to support conservative Republicans and all other levels of state and federal government.
2/7/2008
The surprising (shocking for some) news has just come from CNN: GOP sources: Romney to suspend campaign. The question now is how the existing uncommitted Romney delegates will split between McCain and Huckabee. Some claim...the Romney supporters were ersatz-conservatives all along. Mike Huckabee will seek to change the tone of the conversation between now and November.
2/5/2008
"If I believe the country will suffer with either Hillary, Obama or McCain, I would just as soon the Democrats take the hit . . . rather than a Republican causing the debacle," he said. "And I would prefer not to have conservative Republicans in the Congress paralyzed by having to support, out of party loyalty, a Republican president who is not conservative."
Rush Limbaugh
With a Hillary, Obama or McCain presidency, we ALL, the entire country, takes a hit! The markets and business community will turn very bearish and the mood of the country's consumers with money may become very negative. Any and all 'stimulus packages' will count for very little. Of course, the MSM is currently silent on how the markets are perceiving what's happening in the realm of politics and the future. You decide.
Dow Jones Industrial Average
DOW DOWN 370
2/4.2/2008
Conservative talk radio, with few exceptions, has thrown its endorsement to Mitt Romney. No surprise there. None that I listen to understand the practical role and adverse consequences of erroneous theology. Despite the chatter, I feel it's a premature decision. Nevertheless, I'll share my rationale of how I'll be voting in tomorrow's Colorado caucus and why.
In addition to all the typical "values" issues, the threat of Shariah law and public accommodation to Islam/Muslims rank at the top of my concerns. I'm not sure whether any of the Republican presidential hopefuls genuinely understand that the problem is Islam, not Islamic terrorism or so-called "extremists." That said, I ask myself the question, "Which of the three candidates* is more likely to awaken to the inherent nature of the threat as well as the general erosion of Western values and culture?" Either by process of elimination, reliance on public statements, or past behavior, the answer is always Mike Huckabee. Sure, I wish he was stronger in certain areas, but Christians need to understand that politics, sooner-or-later, becomes a matter of what is, rather than some unobtainable idealism. A vote for Mike Huckabee is NOT a vote for John McCain. Read about the real possibility of a brokered Convention.
*A Democrat candidate will likely never 'awaken'.
2/4.1/2008
Cornelia Stanford, widow of the late Miles J. Stanford, will turn 93 on February 13th. If you're an identified reader/supporter and you'd like to help celebrate her birthday by sending her a card, send me an email and I'll send you her current address. Please note on your card that you're 'linked in' through Miles website and withChrist.org.
2/4/2008
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus sake, so that His life may revealed in our mortal body. So then death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." 2 Corinthians 4:8-12
The charismatic evangelical Joe Farah opines: "The conservative movement is dead." But is this really the case? It isn't really "dead," but rather it has figuratively run out of moral, intellectual, and spiritual gas. Even the so-called Reagan Revolution burned very low-octane fuel.
Even more fundamental, they press their agenda through families, churches, and core educational channels. Herein lies the fight that's been largely ignored. But, there is a silver lining to all of this.
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
2/3.2/2008
(click on graffiti)
2/3.1/2008
The multicultural wonders of Britain's Labour Party and their decent into the abyss: Multiple wives will mean multiple [welfare] benefits
Then read the associated comments and get of taste of the public outrage...often by women. Sadly, America is probably next...because some court will render an 'activist' opinion and some politically-correct governor will feel obligated to sign it into law. "Yank4U" was compelled to wax poetic:
"Seriously, didn't any of you Brits see this kind of oppression coming from your government when you voluntarily gave up your rights to bear arms? Marxism on the left, Sharia on the right, stuck in the middle with no way to fight."
Mind you, our so-called "right to bear arms" (nor Mitt Romney) will do little to stop this kind of cultural erosion.
2/3/2008
Alan Keyes, Herb Titus, and WND highlight Mitt Romney's "catastrophic" and "socially-damaging actions" while he was Governor of Massachusetts. Read: Keyes blames Romney for same-sex marriage, Charges 'complete misunderstanding' of role as governor, significance of court's opinion. Pay particular attention to how the Massachusetts' Court set the stage, because you'll want to keep this in mind as you read the next article above.
2/2.1/2008
The fruit of American religious ignorance and multicultural concession: Islamist 'Trojan horse' in Pentagon, say experts - FBI: Top defense advisers linked to radical Muslim Brotherhood. Here's the story of a recently 'awakened' US military officer and his attempt to educate the uneducated. Sadly, the suppression of Christian voices may come sooner than most realize. Will you be shocked when this 'politically-incorrect' and supposedly "unloving" website is forced to shut down?
Key Paper: “To Our Great Detriment” Ignoring What Extremists Say About Jihad by Stephen C. Coughlin, Esq.
2/2/2008
"It's true that [John] McCain is unpopular with Reagan conservatives because he decidedly is not, on far too many issues, a Reagan conservative. But it's more than that. He is the anti-conservative. He instinctively sides against conservatives and relishes poking them in the eye. He enjoys cavorting and colluding with our political enemies and basks in the fawning attention they give him. Adding insult to injury, he now pretends to be the very thing he is not: an across-the-board Reagan conservative."
David Limbaugh.
But it's even more than that. There's more going on relative to McCain's bid for the nomination than most of the public is aware of or polite folk wish to acknowledge. John McCain, like the late Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater, is an anti-Christian bigot and shares contempt for the Religious Right with those on the other side of the political divide. This particular strain of bigotry surfaced at the end of Goldwater's life when he bitterly expressed the view that the Republican party had been taken over by religious zealots. John McCain wears that mantle. His eleventh-hour claim to being a "social" or values conservative is a political ruse.
Based on polling, McCain thinks he can get away with his 'mid-air' hijacking. Super Tuesday will show whether the Republican base will fall for his huff-n-puff or fight and remain faithful to principles, then use the Convention process to decide the nomination.
2/1.1/2008
On the subject of delegate count, Rush Limbaugh is being quoted as saying, "A vote for Huckabee is a vote for John McCain."* This is only true in the eleven "winner-take-all" states of: Florida, New York, Missouri, Arizona, New Jersey, Utah, Connecticut, Montana, Delaware, Virginia, and Vermont (510 of 2,380 delegates). 1,870 delegates will be split in the remaining thirty-nine states to more accurately reflect the preferences of the voter base. The total number of delegate votes needed to win the nomination is 1,191. None of the three leading candidates appear capable of gathering this number before getting to the September 1st Convention. Thus, it will be a 'brokered' convention.
* A number of the pro-Romney crowd are fear-mongering and echoing Rush Limbaugh...loudly.
2/1/2008
Many Christians doubt the value of paying attention to politics. However, there are very important lessons to be learned that often carry over directly into other parts of life, particularly the well-being of the local church(1). If you've been a Christian for any length of time, you should be painfully aware of the heavy political dynamic that takes place in most local churches. Like it or not, there is conflict and serious power struggles taking place in every viable congregation. How high the stakes are typically makes the difference. I'm always surprised at the naïveté on the part of many regarding this dynamic. The common expectation is that doctrinally safe and sound churches should exist without effort, conflict, or blood. But it simply doesn't work that way. If your minister or pastor continually makes bad leadership decisions or is belligerently leading the church into erroneous doctrinal realms, the adults have a responsibility to work toward having that individual dismissed and finding someone with integrity. If you're unhappy with what's going on or the direction your church is headed, STOP GIVING and take up the fight!! The decision to "stop going" should be made very carefully. It's really common sense, isn't it?
(1) The recent efforts by John McCain and his liberal comrades to shanghai the Republican Party remind me of the dynamic which frequently occurs in evangelical and fundamental churches. An outside candidate for pastor comes to interview for "the job," and intentionally misrepresents himself as theologically conservative. Why the pandering? He either needs regular income or recognition and power. After being hired and gaining a sense of security, the individual then begins reshaping the congregation to his liking, even to the point of contravening the church's doctrinal statement, principles, and operating bylaws. If the congregation doesn't rise to the occasion and act POLITICALLY, the church's integrity and assets will likely be forfeited to others. The Nation is collapsing, in part, because its churches have collapsed.
1/31.1/2008
Last night's Republican debate included another hair-brain rant by Ron Paul regarding the United States going off the gold standard. Everyone snickers when Paul does this because he repeatedly fails to adequately explain the issue. It's too complicated and he shouldn't even try. This casts him as the wing nut, which he really is. In my opinion, it wasn't coincidence that Mike Huckabee was positioned at the end of the table, on the other side of Ron Paul.
The economic subject of monetary gold standard vs. fraction-reserve (FR) banking system is so far over the heads of the public, even college educated public, that it's not worth going into much detail. Ideally, a gold-backed currency creates monetary and fiscal discipline. However, taken on the whole, it doesn't allow for anything near the level of economic growth achievable under a FR banking system. Under gold, we'd still by using oil lamps and heating with hunks of coal. The power of western and global capitalism to "lift all boats" is due in large part to FR banking.
Sadly, 99 percent of Christians don't understanding of either economics or money. Thus, they're vulnerable and fall prey to various conspiracy theorists who propose secret and hidden agendas on the part of government and agencies. These conspiracy models are able to gain traction on account of their seeming like-kind correspondence to the unseen Satanic and demonic realm. The anti-central bank crowd is the equivalent to the charismatic demonist crowd. Just cast out the "Federal Reserve" demon and all will be well.
1/31/2008
After watching last night's so-called Republican debate on CNN, I am more convinced that the democratic process in this country is being seriously compromised and manipulated by the liberal media elites. There wasn't much real debate; rather, the event was a forum for John McCain with Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, and Ron Paul watching on. The moderators didn't moderate, and allowed McCain excess license to pontificate.
It is no secret that liberal media elites wish to marginalize the large evangelical Christian base within the Republican party. They've done this by free media saturation of McCain's early primary wins in a few early liberal states. However, John McCain does not represent a majority of today's Republicans. He is one of the last of the secular libertarian followers of the late Barry Goldwater. The Left-wing in America want an old and haggard repeat of moderate Bob Dole, so that Obama can waltz in looking fresh, vibrant, new...and ready for "change."
The CNN debate appeared 'staged' to give McCain further momentum and to undermine any traction of Mike Huckabee (their worse fear) or Mitt Romney--both articulate conservatives. As has long been known, CNN is the operative new medium of Left-wing liberals. Last night's event only confirmed it with big CAPITAL LETTERS.
1/30/2008
Why will gold (GLD) perform handsomely and be a safe-haven investment up to the Rapture and Second Coming?
(Click on Picture)
I guess Ahmadinejad was inspired by W's State of the Union address.
1/28/2008
Recent musings from the road. How to Misunderstand the OT Book of Hosea
1/27/2008
The Republican primary is shaping up to be a very 'high-stakes' race. To date, social liberal John McCain remains in the race based on wins in New Hamsphire (liberal) and South Carolina (conservative, but heavily military), and a potential win in Florida (liberal again) on Tuesday the 29th. His campaign has been able to leverage the conservative split between Huckabee and Romney.
Super Tuesday (February 5th - 24 states) will likely be the deciding factor. If McCain were to win the Republican presidential primary, large numbers of conservatives might bolt from the Republican ranks and realign themselves with any traditionally-conservative third party ticket. John McCain might attempt to counter the defection by selecting a conservative, religious vice-presidential running mate, but many may see this as a repeat of the 1988 George "HW" Bush/token Dan Quayle ticket.
With the Republicans split, either Obama or Clinton might win the general election, which in fact would be a terrible outcome for the Nation. Any current religious liberties we enjoy would likely come under serious challenge from the liberal/Left X Muslim alliance. Whoever wins faces monumental challenges and a generally unrealistic and morally-debased public.
1/25.1/2008
On 8/14.1/2005, I commented upon the greatest domestic policy blunder of the Bush Administration, i.e., the failure to enforce the United States' southern border. Watch this video and understand the issue. That failure is now eclipsed by the supreme foreign policy blunder of his Administration, i.e., a subtle abandonment of Israel (to "peace") in the Middle East. This shift could easily be the turning point for cataclysm toward Israel, as well as ourselves. For what it's worth, the failure isn't entirely Bush's, as leaders in the EU and elsewhere would appear to also bear culpability. A nuclear Iran will lead to Islamic threats and blackmail which will in turn imperil the entire Western world. It is the Muslims' goal to cower the infidel Jews and Christians into submission, a status of dhimmitude, or death. As citizens of a democratic representative republic, the decision is now clearly ours.
1/25/2008
Kiss of Death. The ultra-liberal New York Times newspaper has endorsed Republican presidential candidate John McCain. That pretty much says it all.
1/24/2008
Road Trip. To pass the time driving, I often scan AM and FM radio channels. I typically don’t stop to listen to the dozens, if not more, of Christian radio programs. Why? They're generally boring and shallow. The typical radio listener is NOT a reader nor student of the Word. While I don’t have the data to prove my theory, I suspect that the IQ of the average Christian who listens to radio broadcasts for spiritual food is substantially below the IQ of Christians who read. Why? It’s the fundamental difference between listening versus reading. Nearly anyone can listen; but the mind of a reader is more likely to think and analyze.
1/18/2008
The liberal mainstream media's (MSM's) choice for the Republican candidate is John McCain, a social liberal. This is why they refuse to publically acknowledge the three-way or more division among conservative Republicans. They are attempting to portray the Republican base a more moderate and less conservative. But, if you consolidate the major conservative votes (Huckabee, Romney, Thompson), it would trump McCain by nearly 2-to-1.
1/18/2008
Governor Mike Huckabee responds to Frank Pastore's "Dear Huck" letter. Senator John McCain, the aging clone of the late libertarian/anti-theist Barry Goldwater, is the Left's and MSM's choice for a Republican candidate. Liberals do not want the Republican Party choosing their own candidate. So they have focused and seized upon McCain in their effort to control the outcome of the November election. I hope the voters of South Carolina wake up quickly.
1/17/2008
Christians, from "born again" to the cultural variety, better wake up! For decades, forces within America's secular and liberal culture, often under the leadership of the ACLU, have successfully sought to marginalize and discriminate against genuine believers. How? It's taken many forms.
The initial attack sought to redefine the meaning of "separation of church and state." Atheists, agnostics, skeptics, as well as hypocritical religious liberals have falsely claimed that conservative Christians cannot allow their personal religious and moral beliefs (worldview) to inform their political choice. And if that's not bad enough, some have even suggested that Christians be banned from voting and forced to leave America! No tolerance for hallowed diversity here, just the lust for raw power.
Of course, the ban doesn't apply to religious individuals of either Left-wing or liberal persuasion, just the so-called "Religious Right." For nearly five decades, anti-religious bigots have engaged in a secular crusade to disenfranchise religious voters and reduce them to second-class status. This election cycle, they've now expanded their arsenal of hate.
The new assault seeks to redefine Article VI of the U.S. Constitution. This redefinition is similar to the liberal effort to redefine separation. The last paragraph of Article VI reads:
The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.
[Emphasis mine.]
The prohibition of a "religious Test" is a prohibition upon government, NOT upon America's citizens. Americans are absolutely free to bring their worldview into the voting booth! The entire fabric of the Constitution and Bill of Rights allocates power (rights and prohibitions) to the various spheres (e.g., Federal and State) of government and the people. Don't be misled!
1/15/2008
STDs, HIV, and now...drug-resistant MRSA. Ok, add some Black Death in honor of multicultural diversity.
1/15/2008
The 2008 presidential election, as well as the primaries, are far more about religion than most citizens imagine. Many candidates talk about “family values,” but few realize the candidates aren’t talking about the same thing. Same words; different meanings.
For example, the Mormon concept of “family” is
radically different than the traditional Protestant view upon which
Similar to other cults (e.g., Christian Science, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Islam, Urantia, just to name a few), Mormons believe their religion is an advancement upon historic Christianity. Their belief is based on subsequent so-called revelations. These revelations contradict core Christian tenets and fail the broader test of canonicity (Heb. 1:1,2). Bottomline, all subsequent revelations amount to satanic-inspired deception--no exceptions.
If any particular "leader" is fundamentally deceived in the realm of personal religion, upon what basis can we hope for them not be vulnerable to deception on other levels, particularly by foreign powers and when the stakes are so much greater?
1/14.1/2008
The American Family Association (AFA) has issued its 2008 Voters Guide for the upcoming election, together with supporting references. Understandably, the guide focuses upon issues deemed important to American 'values voters', and doesn't give the bigger picture of what voters could expect from an potential Administration of any candidate. However remember this. An individual's worldview (religious or otherwise) makes the fundamental difference in the government we ultimately get. Download here.
1/14/2008
A film producer in Iran, with its president's approval and state funding, has created a movie to tell the "Islamic view of Jesus Christ" and to "show the 'common ground' between Muslims and Christians." Of course, both Islam's view of Jesus Christ (Koran) and movie are pure, unadulterated blasphemy. The Islamic world and its leaders continue to engage Western religious leaders in disingenuous and deadly detente aimed at forcing compromise with the exclusive claims of both Judaism (earthly kingdom) and Christianity (heavenly kingdom). Despite its claim to being on par, it is by both its tenets and its actions, a beguiling cult...forever pledged to violence, not peace. Get the facts: FAREWELL ISRAEL, Bush, Iran, and the Revolt of Islam.
Dr. Albert Mohler of the Southern Baptist Convention has also taken issue and raised objection to the ecumenical detente. Always good to see leaders with some spine.
1/12/2008
If it wasn't clear during the South Carolina presidential debates broadcast by Fox News, Senator Fred Thompson is no Christian, nor is he a ally of Christians. His insulting low-blow disingenuously referring to Mike Huckabee as a "Christian leader," was condescending and leveled with contempt. His religious background is washed-out Arminian Church of Christ. Neither is he qualified to claim the mantel of Ronald Reagan, also Church of Christ, for whatever that's worth. Many of the Republican candidates parrot "rule of law" supposedly to validate their conservatism. However, none have, to my knowledge, listened carefully. Reagan spoke of "the rule of law, under God." It does make a big difference. Again, read the Ellis Washington article mentioned earlier this month.
1/11/2008
With a nearly forty-year career in financial matters (CPA/CBA, accounting, taxes, banking), I know at least one thing for sure. The rich do not pay income taxes! The income tax burden falls mainly upon lower and middle income Americans. Why? Because anyone making six figure and up incomes hire tax accountants and attorneys to structure their financial transactions so as to pay the least amount of tax. The same applies to trust and estate planning...the rich don't pay 'death taxes'. I've seen a lot of it, and it's rather disgusting. Tax evasion is illegal. Structuring to minimize taxes using convoluted legal and accounting strategies is not technically illegal; however, it may be less than moral when considering society in the big picture. Isn't it time the rich pay their fair share of taxes?
I'm not sure whether the formulas proposed by FairTax.org, and endorsed by presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, are exactly what we need, but I think (speaking as a Christian) they would be a good start. Why? Two very big reasons. 1) a repeal of taxes upon income would remove the disincentive for work, investment, and productivity. This aligns with Christian ethics, e.g., 1 Thess. 4:11, 2 Thess. 3:10. 2) a tax* upon consumption would again align itself with the Christian virtue of prudent consumption, e.g., 1 Cor. 10:31, 1 Peter 4:3. One need not look far to see the 'consumer-frenzy' and gluttonous consumption. PS. While we're at it, let's repeal property tax funding of public education as well. Only then will there be true choice and healthy competition.
* Only utopian libertarians believe in absolutely NO taxation. Because mankind is sinful, limited government is necessary. Read Romans 13.
1/10/2008
Having watched the presidential debates, the most recent in South Carolina, my impression is that the Republicans, some more than others, are the ADULTS in this race, while the Democrats represent the CHILDren element of our society. Of course, I'm biased as an older white guy...who's raised a family, balanced a life-long personal budget, and has endured the nearly forty-year slog of a career, for the freedom of independent ministry. Certainly I favor certain candidates. This will not be an easy decision for the wiser and mature citizen of this great Nation.
Robust: Huckabee, Romney, Thompson
Less Strong: Giuliani, McCain, Paul
1/8/2008
Christians need to understand that there is nothing magical about democracy (despite the all the rhetoric to the contrary), nothing magical about constitutionalism, nothing magical about representative government. In an effort to diffuse power, the Founders wisely combined all three, together with a system of Federalism, to establish the American Republic, but they understood the limitations of their creation.
The American Republic has largely crumbled due to internal decay brought on by forces of secularism*. Like the fictional Lilliputians in Gulliver's Travels, these forces used government-funded education in the late 19th century to transform the culture and marginalize a Christian and moral majority.
* The Secular Revolution: Power, Interests, and Conflict in the Secularization of American Public Life, Smith, University of California Press, 2003.
1/6/2008
Over the past several years, several readers have written responses to withChrist.org’s [my] emphasis of including political and public policy awareness in the life of the Christian. Understandably, the email ranges from those quite critical to those supportive. Since this is a presidential election year, I hope to draft an article which sets forth the five, most popular positions (as I see them) among historic Protestant and Independent Christians. These include:
-
- noninvolvement based on Scripture & the Anabaptist tradition,
-
- noninvolvement based on Scripture as argued by dispensationalist J. N. Darby and early Plymouth Brethren,
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- involvement based on Scripture, natural law, and best exemplified by America’s Founders, British and American evangelicals,
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- indirect involvement based on Scripture and ‘Christian-consensus/culture’ theory, and finally
-
- involvement views of modern-day theonomists based largely on OT.
What seems to frustrate many is the fact that various views can all claim legitimacy based on the Bible. For a very basic explanation of why different interpretations exist, read The Bible: Understanding Its Message. My goal will be to show that the issue is not black or white as some propose, but rather a spectrum of arguable views--some better than others.
For either those excited or those irritated, and who want a head start on the subject, I recommend Toward a Biblical View of Civil Government, Robert D. Culver, Moody Press, 1974. This survey of both OT and NT references is out of print; however, used copies are available via a online search.
1/3/2008
"Many tender-minded Christians fear to sin against love by daring to inquire into anything that comes wearing the cloak of Christianity and breathing the name of Jesus. They dare not examine the credentials of the latest prophet to hit their town lest they be guilty of rejecting something which may be of God. They timidly remember how the Pharisees refused to accept Christ when He came, and they do not want to be caught in the same snare, so they either reserve judgment or shut their eyes and accept everything without question.
This is supposed to indicate a high degree of spirituality. But in sober fact it indicates no such thing. It may indeed be evidence of the absence of the Holy Spirit. Gullibility is not synonymous with spirituality. Faith is not a mental habit leading its possessor to open his mouth and swallow everything that has about it the color of the supernatural. Faith keeps its heart open to whatever is of God, and rejects everything that is not of God, however wonderful it may be.
Try the spirits is a command of the Holy Spirit to the Church. We may sin as certainly by approving the spurious as by rejecting the genuine. And the current habit of refusing to take sides is not the way to avoid the question. To appraise things with a heart of love and then to act on the results is an obligation resting upon every Christian in the world. And the more as we see the day approaching." A. W. Tozer
1/1/2008
"...for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God...For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong...For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring [judgment and] punishment on the wrongdoer." Romans 13: The Risen Christ via the Apostle Paul
A fair number of evangelical and fundamentalist Christians interpret Romans 13:1-7 (exposition spoken in the context of an existing autocratic and imperial Roman empire) as setting forth the complete ethical mandate for the Christian's obligation toward government: i.e., limited to submission, payment of taxes and/or revenue, paying respect and honor. Since other possible civic activities, e.g., democratically voting or holding office are not specifically mentioned, they erroneously reason that these are excluded responsibilities or liberties. However, this is a fallacious argument based on silence.
To find guidance, the believer must often discover the principle(s) contained in Scripture, rather than looking for a specific discussion of a topic. For example, the Bible contains no direct reference to the religious heresy of Islam. Why not? Because the last book of the Bible was written in approximately 95 AD and Mohammed was born in 570 AD. Thus, guidance for how Christians should deal with Muslims and Islam must be based on principles found in Scripture, not direct references. This would seems simple enough.
Despite the detailed history of government in the OT, many believers somehow assumed that God is indifferent whether the governmental authority is benevolent or tyrant, indifferent whether it can discern right from wrong, or indifferent whether it can effectively discharge its delegated authority. They have adopted an unscriptural form of fatalism, a view that is sadly incongruous with the robust moral and ethical teachings of Scripture.
"Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers." John Jay - 1st Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court
Having a problem with Jay's use of the term "Christian nation" or whether he violated Article VI of the Constitution by advocating the selection of "Christians" for "rulers?" Read Reply To Judge Richard A. Posner on The Inseparability of Law and Morality by Ellis Washington. This is an extensively argued small book for those with vigorous intellect. Serious thinkers, or the snow/cold-bound, need only apply.
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