Statement of Faith

Statement of My Faith and Politics

I have been asked by my left friends and a few of my right leaning friends to clarify my positions.

Here is my short manifesto on my thoughts.

Yes I Voted in the 2016 Presidential Election! We have a two party system for a reason. Every four years we vote to change the direction of the country.

This gives us an opportunity for a voice into political affairs. Opinions are spun from peoples own history, ethnicity, peers, how they were educated, and their faith or lack there of and more.

1. I am a Conservative on Faith.

I am a man of the Christian Faith. My faith has a had profound effect on my reasoning spiritual and politicly.

There are others that may disagree with my positions profoundly. I don't hate them personally. The opposite of hate is indeed is a tenant of my faith. Although not observed my life nor in others of faith at times. 

I believe in the Truth of Scripture to the best of my Finite mind. God is Infinite and my mind is not. There are areas of the Holy Bible I can not totally get my arms around. However I believe God is just and I trust His Character.

I trust His substitutionary death and resurrection for me and love to tell the story when invited to share my experience.

2. I am a Conservative Financially 

I believe that neither people of governments can exist by spending more than they can afford. I don't see 21 Trillion  dollars as reasonable.

It would seem at times that governments think that money grows on trees. Yes indeed their are much needed programs we need in Education, care for our poor and under privileged, racial tentions, infrastructure and more.

Wise spending is also painful spending. Need for programs are real but we must acknowledge resources are stressed.

Mike Huckabee wrote in one of his books that "compassion is not compassion if you can't afford it", Everyone has a reason and benefit for their program. Solutions are going to be painful and disagreements well be many. 

3. I Am a Conservative on Social Issues

Issues that plague our nation must require true bi-partisan solutions. I can say, with certainty, that neither side is doing all they can.  For sure the word "Conservative" today does not mean maintaining the Status Quo. Nor does Progressive "necessarily mean moving ahead with workable initiatives."

I believe our welfare programs should work to promote self sufficiency. I am for reform that promotes pride in people for work well done. That means providing opportunities for education that furthers job skills, teaches beneficial parenting and productive family life. With proper education then employment opportunities must be a national priority. Each individual should access how do I and others fit into solving the problem?

4. I am a Conflicterd on Immigration. 

I believe we should have a plan for others of different faiths and history to enter our country. I believe in the purpose of our constitution. It makes sense to me that those those come to our nation illegally should have some liability. There are way to enter our nation legally. If we need to change our laws so be it. However illegal is sill illegal. 

          In order to enforce the law we have to enforce it. Make sense? . The problem has grown and solutions leave much to               be desired. How we deal  with Children born in this country, new spouses and many more.

Does illegal entry make all the people than enter illegally bad? Of course not. But they are indeed illegal and should face some consequences. Can we send them all illegals home? At this point this seems totally unreasonable to me. So amnesty seems unreasonable to me as well. Any solution is complicated and requires a bilateral mindset. 

The problem, as it has become, could have been averted if the law had been enforced.  This includes not only those who entered our country illegally, but those who employed them. Now we have a problem that requires a complicated solution.

We see trouble and malice often in light of how we have been taught to think and our own personal experience. No matter our political persuasion, this kind of thinking is often deceiving! While this is understandable it is essential not to characterize everyone and every policy as bad before we actually know (not Think) its reason or purpose is evil. I am disgusted by both sides trying to make complicated issues simple when they are not.

5. I am Conflicted on Race Issues

While I do believe that legislation does have a place in racial issues, I believe government has done a poor job of managing issues. This is the purpose of the entire government left and right. The left would like to do what is in their best interest to keep their traditional voting block. The right has done a horrible job of being heartily involved in the lives of many minorities to the detriment of both. It is easy to see that some of us true conservatives are not well represented often in our own party! 

6. I am a Conservative on Theological Issues

I am not a humanist! I don't believe that man has infinite answers to all the questions and solutions of life. I believe we have finite minds and that many answers will be found only as we meet the Father. I find solace in the fact that the Jesus gave himself for me. For me that is amazing and underserved Grace! I don't have to wonder were I going after this. Christ died for my sin. While I have been a life long student of comparative religion this seems pretty unique to me. God is the great judge and not me.  That takes a lot of pressure off me. 

I am convinced that while politics my offer some help to the problems of this world, the heart of man will be changed little. I am convinced that knowing God personally through faith in Jesus Christ is key to eternal life.

The Horrible School Shooting in Florida

Few if any of us and not saddened by the death of 17 students and the resulting the pain of other students, families, and friends. Emotions run high as they should.

There are many things that need to be addressed with dispatch and resolve.

As best as I am able, I like to share some insights. I don't expect agreement from all of you.  I do hope that there are issues worthy of consideration.

Mass Violence in Schools and Society!

Yes, we must all need to rationally deal with the issue if mass violence! There are no reasonable excuses to not consider all possible cures for violence. As easy as it is to place blame, it cannot be placed on any one institution or person. Answers are complex and never simple. Every law restricts rights!! Every law cuts two ways. Every piece of legislation steps on someone’s toes.

The causes of mass violence are many. Maybe you can add more issues.

Ignorance, Despondence, Feeling of Hopelessness, Mental Disorders, Friendlessness. Lack of reasonable homelife, Lack of affirmation and worth, Feeling of superiority, Disenchanted. Being bullied or feeling Disenfranchised.

One teacher hands out questionnaires questioning who kids would pall around with and similar questions. She keeps the answers confidential. She reviews the answers to see who is never or seldom mentioned. You can see how many might fit the some of the conditions above.

If school counselors and teachers could seek more insight into potential problems then many issues could be addressed. Obviously, that might avoid mass shootings as well.

Reinforcing existing laws and creating new ones around gun legistaion and safety are open for discussion.

Education of the public imperative. Dispelling fact from emotions is critical.

Methods of Mass Violence

Certainly, Guns in the hand's of deranged people are incredibly destructive. If guns are not available, people intent on destruction can use explosives, fire, stabbing, airplanes, cars, chemicals to kill people in mass. Of course, many of these involve far more preparation. You can an add to the list! Look at 9-11

Indeed Kids Should be Protected!

In addition, we need to deal with the underlying issue of those inclined to violence. That is “the” core issue. If the is no desire to kill guns are a non-issue. If perpetrators are bent on killing better ways of identifying them and dealing with the issue beforehand is critical. We are woefully short of sensing the potential for this. Many of the kids prone to these issues may have been sharing some of the bitterness for years. Help may well have changed them for good. We owe it to them too.

Facts

Most people think the AR 15 is different from other regular weapons!

Wrong! The AR15 is just another rifle. All guns are for killing. An AR15  is no more powerful nor shoots any faster than any high-powered rifle intended to kill animals such as deer, bison or other wild game animals. All weapons are in reality semi-automatic. They shoot one round each time the trigger is pulled. No one wants to reload each time a round is fired. Thus the need for clips or revolvers such that carry additional ammunition.

Guns are not a new thing. They have been around for hundreds of years. They also save lives not only by law enforcement but by law-abiding citizens.

Somehow in the midst of frustration and hurt, we cloud issues. Somehow we falsely think taking guns away solves the problem. Taking guns away from law-abiding citizens will not likely deter many who are set on violence. Guns are in America by the many millions. Gun traders from all over the earth can and will sell guns to criminals.

Should we have tighter laws? Yes, Of course. Will that help? Only in degree and probably less than we can imagine. Any help is positive! That said, We live in a very divided world. In our own country, “each” political party has proponents that accuse the other of hate and more.

Despite all our efforts, kids are bullied and torn apart that do not fit the mold nor popular. Morals have declined to the lowest levels. Honesty has become irrelevant to power and economic gain. Getting higher grades on in school has caused many children to embrace cheating. The acts of achievement have often taken the place of morality. Having a desire for others power often corrupts our own desires.

The gun lobby protects the welfare of the constituency and rightfully so. However, they too may have to make allowances to deal what best for our nation.

In any event, there is much to do beyond guns! Let’s look at all issues not simply put the blame on one. There a plenty of issues that cause this kind of behavior. We need to have proper gun laws but they are only one of many major issues we need to address.

Feelings

Pain is real! Placing blame is the first reaction. Time for healing is necessary! Simple answers seldom work. 

I'm not here to support gun laws but to get beyond emotions and to look deeply at the entire issue!

The Term Racist in America

The definition by Wikipedia is "Racism is the belief in the superiority of one race over another, which often results in discrimination and prejudice towards people based on their race or ethnicity."

Unfortunately, this term is often used in Political Circles to demean one's adversaries. This leaves us to actually see the injustice only on the other side with no accountability to one's own heart.

It seems to me that the very definition has expanded to include what was once considered racism. The assumption that all or most of another race is absurd and is racist its own right! 

In reality, racism as we have come to use it, exists in every heart in some fashion. Nationality, Education, Community, Family and elsewhere. We are all taught to think and to value our own way of thinking.

Strong Examination is Important before we label whole groups of people "racist".

I have been accused of "not taking a stand" so allow me to take that stand! 

Racism knows no human boundaries!

In America, we have a two-party system, thank God! Allegiance to a party is not the same as supporting the ways of their leader. No leader is above reproach. One can voice his opinion regarding the leader without negating one's commitment to a cause. There is a difference and it is patently unfair to not make this distinction.

Again we need to make a regular look into our own heart and honestly take an inward look at our own heart whether we be Right or Left-oriented. This goes both ways folks! As one my friends has said, "you have not walked in my shoes". Our background can affect our thinking but it is not necessarily right

The use the term "racist" to demean our political opponents diminishes the fact that we are all Americans!  

Demeaning each other gives little hope to reducing the divide we suffer in our nation!

I strongly suggest the problems in America are far more Spiritual than Political. If we get our hearts right the political issues become small. I'm not to saying some political issues are unnecessary but they won't solve issues of the heart.

"What" I am Voting for VS "Who" I am supporting

So "what" am I voting for? Notice I did not say "who".

People most often ask which candidate are you voting for? Yes, I agree that a candidates name is on the ballot, I concede that. There is also a party that I must choose to vote.

While these issues are part of our system they do not describe "what" I'm voting for!

Within our system there appear to be two major thoughts. There are progressives and there are conservatives. The "what"  on each persons mind often entails a mismatch of thoughts. What one person determines the meaning of each position is up for grabs. If I had to choose a label then I'd have to choose that I fall into the conservative category. (Isn't a category a place old cats go?)  Sorry! :-)

That really does not define my position. It's simply a broad category.

So "what" does that mean to me personally?

1. Secure Borders
2. Balanced effective Financials
3. Debt Retirement
4. A welfare system that encourages personal growth and integrity
5. Free Trade
6. An effective way to handle immigration
7. Freedom to worship and practice or faith openly.
8. A Tax system that if Fair and Loopholes closed.
9. A system that limits the power of the federal government.
10. A system gives more right to the States to make policies that make sense to them
11. More power for cities and counties for issues that apply to them
12. More....

Ah, but those statements do not entirely indicate "what" I really believe or support.

Each major issue has many proponents and opponents. Each must be thought through  carefully and prayerfully.

Is there room for flexibility? Is there a point to which I must stand firm? 

I am convinced that these issues are not necessarily determined by "who' I vote for or "what" party I side with but "what" guides my choices.

So in reality, as a Christian, I am to be faithful to the God who saved my by His Grace. His principles are to be my principles. Some of my big list above may have Biblical significance. Others may not. This gives me insight on "what" is important and where i can be benevolent and able to compromise.

I'm not really voting for a candidate or necessarily a party. The "what" is truly what I believe and what I can substantiate from my source of truth. 

I Love Grace!

Today at our Adult Bible Fellowship Dr. John Hannah came to a point where he spoke about Ephesians  2:8.  It got me thinking. To tell the truth I kind if lost what he was saying at that point and may be telling much of the story he may have told.

The King James Bible says "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God"

Is this  "Grace" which we don't deserve or by any works we can do to get it. Is "Faith" the vehicle by which we get "Grace". Is Faith something we can manufacture or churn up? 

It seems to me that Grace and Faith are gifts given by God. I like the NIV Version that I think is truer to the original text. It says 

New International Version (©1984) "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" This indicates that works will not save us.  Further more, Grace is appropriated by Faith that is also a "Gift" from God. In other words, both "Grace" the "Gift" and "Faith" the "Vehicle" to receive it are given by God freely. If either was a requirement" we would have reason to boast. In Roman's  chapter 7 the apostle Paul regrets that he often succumbs to the flesh and dosen't do what he wants to do. Sounds like you and me if we are honest. But I love what he says at the end of the chapter. Paul clearly states that he is a great spiritual failure. Then he asks a powerful question. "Who can separate me from the love of God?. In Romans 8 comes a most amazing answer. Nothing! Nothing! Read it all! Nothing! I love what Phillip Yancy says in his book "What's so Amazing about Grace". Allow me to quote "There is nothing that can do to get God to love you more." Then he goes on to say the same thing but  differently. One that is harder for us to grasp. "There is nothing you can do to get God to love you less. Wow! Really? Even if I sin, screw up, etc? Yes, Yes, Yes. That's it! It has to be! There is nothing I can do to please God. Jesus did it for me! So I am not misunderstood, this is not a license to sin. Obedience is an expression of his total love for us. Our heavenly father is pained for us when we sin. He knows we have set a block to our communication with Him. He never leaves us but we try to hide from him when we succumb to the flesh. We don't gain the favor of God by good works. We simply glorify God by our good works. Actually I'd like to say "heart" instead of works. We "want" to glorify God. We work not gain His favor but because we want to raise up his name because He loves us unconditionally. Works to gain God's favor are a waist will never please the Lord. Works from a pure heart glorify our Father.  It's a loving response to His Grace. It is not an attempt to get what we already have. Accountability Groups are always in danger of getting the cart before the horse. Not doing something won't gain God's favor. God doesn't need our paltry works. We glorify God when the intent is to glorify Him for what he has done for us. When are we most likely to change? Isn't it reasonable that we are most likely to change when we focus not on our behavior but on our relationship with the Father. Seems to me we should acknowledge our frailty (Romans 7) but "focus" on (Romans 8). Which focus is more likely to change us and to glorify God? Isn't it far better for us to focus on what God has done for us though the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. I Love Grace! Cliff Weaver

Ability to Dialog

It should be no surprise to you when I suggest that  our nation is strongly polarized Right and Left.

Many might be surprised that I suggest this rift might often be needless.

Many principals articulated well and discussed with open minds will find areas we can all agree on. 

Most issues are complicated and have many facets. In the majority of cases we can find some things that we can agree on. Some say that what we usually call "no brainers" are often "brainers" when we really look at them carefully. 

We should examine both the pros and cons of an issue. Is the issue really important? Is it in my interest to debate this issue. 

What is the most effective manner to initiate dialog on an issue.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Do your homework! Know the basics of an issue.
• Listen for understanding First
• Ask questions regarding your true understanding of the speakers position
• Focus areas of Commonality or understanding.
• Concentrate on those issues first
• When it comes to areas of difference articulate your position with strength and grace
• Articulate your position well.
• Ask questions as to understanding of your assessments. 
• Be open to being wrong
• Find areas of weakness in your argument. 
• Do more research
• Be willing to change, modify or strengthen your position.
• Be honest with yourself and with the one you are debating. 
• If applicable set the stage for future dialog. 
• Persever! Practice pays rich dividends.

Abortion - A Charged Debate!

 Abortion - How Should we Respond as Christians?

No issue is as charged with strong convictions as abortion. As we develop strong convictions we often lose clarity and good sense on both sides of this issue. 

For those of us that oppose abortion the danger is making enemies of those who are faced with abortion as an alternative. We may find it difficult to be Christlike in our behavior and attitude. Please understand I am not directing my consideration at our belief or our resolve but the manner of our response . 

Often people facing abortion may be hurt, afraid, confused, uneducated, unloved, lack the knowledge of alternatives and facing the guile of family or institutions. Yes, indeed they may have made foolish choices but fear is often the overwhelming factor.

Whatever the reason, the procedure without adequate education and medical care can be archaic. Even life can be at stake. None of us should ever want that. After all we believe God is a God of second chances. Abortions "will" happen for all kind of reasons. Abortion after rape is at least understandable even if we oppose it as an alternative. While abortion simply for birth control may be beyond my grasp it is the norm for others without a Christian moral compass.

For the Christian there is overwhelming reason  to oppose abortion. However we should be able to articulate our opposition clearly with strength, compassion and caring. 

There is much more to be said about abortion. Is it a legal issue? How has the Church responded to the issue? How should be Church respond today. Maybe we will touch on some of these issues in a later blog.

Right to Life

Interesting!

The NAACP website featured an online petition -- also posted on the liberal site MoveOn.org -- asking the Justice Department to bring federal charges against Zimmerman in the February 2012 fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin.

"The most fundamental of civil rights — the right to life — was violated the night George Zimmerman stalked and then took the life of Trayvon Martin," the petition says. "We ask that the Department of Justice file civil rights (criminal) charges against Mr. Zimmerman for this egregious violation."

The same agency that pushes for "Choice" when it comes to abortion wants to use the "right to life" - "The most fundamental of civil rights" as a method to convict George Zimmerman.

I'm not taking a position on George Zimmerman here. It's the hypocracy of the very people that suggest they are defending civil rights invoking the right to life? Really?

60,000,000 babies aborted, what happend to their right to life.

Ignorance and Speech

Someone sent me their quote of the week and it got my political mind in gear. It was a quote of the late Malcolm Ford.

“ It's so much easier to suggest solutions when you don't know too much about the problem.”
Malcolm Forbes (1919 - 1990)

How well that fits in the political arena. So often we hear trite, silly or outright false opinions from people  who should do a little homework before they speak..

Most issues are broad and cut both for and against our opinions. We should at least have done a modicum of research before we utter words about a particular issue. It makes me remember the scripture  that says “a fool is wise in his own sight”. Words without significant thought are usually foolish at best.

Neither political party is absent from this statement. Even our current legislators are guilty of speaking of that which they know little.

Seems to me that words should be measured as to their accuracy. Words should mirror body language. Words should convey a position well. Words should not create tension or combativeness.

Your opponent will more likely respect you if your words are accurate and articulated well with respect. Your opponent  may be brought over to your view if you communicate well and articulate your positions with accuracy and understanding of the subject.

Yes it is easier to suggest solutions to problems we don’t understand. However we have lost respect to those who do. I consider that a poor trade off. Don’t you?

A Prayer By Mike Huckabee

Dear Lord, we are a nation in trouble and we won't blame political parties or politicians for our growing desperate economic and moral condition. We acknowledge that we, your people, are to be salt and light, and have failed to be your presence before our friends, family, and nation. We ask for your forgiveness of our selfishness and sin, and ask that you will speak to our leaders and intervene in the direction of our nation. We pray that we will show mercy and compassion to the poor, the unemployed, those who fight illness, and those who are discouraged. We ask that you will bring mercy and compassion to our country, which has become impoverished in spirit. Bless our nation and its leaders. Give wisdom to our President, the members of our Congress, our nation's Governors and legislatures, our mayors, and others whose decisions impact all of our lives. We thank you for your goodness and grace to our country. We accept your will for our future.

Amen!

Gerald Chester Posted this description of the history of Halloween. Thanks Gerald! I have posted it in its entirety. 

Halloween According to Wikipedia, the word “Halloween” is a contraction of “all hallows’ evening”. “All hallows’” is derived from an old English phrase that meant “mass-day of all saints”. The origin of the Halloween is also tied to the fall harvest and pagan festivals of the dead. So there appears to be a confluence of themes associated with Halloween.

Today Halloween is largely a pagan celebration. There is little connection to Christ except for the fact that on October 31, 1517 the Reformation was born. So I like to think about today as Reformation Day.

The Reformation was a benchmark event in Christian history that marked a return to sound doctrine. The church in the 16th Century had become very dualistic and money-driven. The clergy used the laity for their own agenda.

Martin Luther was a Roman Catholic priest who began to read and study Scripture. What he discovered, among other things, was the truth of justification by faith through Christ as the sole means for salvation.

The church was not teaching this doctrine, but rather using fear and manipulation to control the laity. The laity bought the right to be saved by money and loyal service to the clergy.

Martin Luther responded to this doctrinal corruption by writing a protest and posting it for public discussion on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany on this date in 1517.

What followed was a return to holistic biblical truth regarding the true nature of salvation, the authority of Scripture, the priesthood of all believers, dignity and value of work, and the calling of all believers. This is worthy of celebration.

Attached is an article that touches on some of these themes.

Happy Reformation Day!

Martin Luther's View of Faith & Work | Institute for Faith, Work & Economics Blog blog.tifwe.org What was Martin Luther's view of faith & work? Luther initially rediscovered the biblical doctrine o...

Left, Right, Middle = Fallible!

Systems are fallible because those of us who administer them are fallible. We screw up systems that could work. It may be true some systems may be better than others.

The problem throughout history remains the same. As humans we are selfish and look out for ourselves. The left looks out for the left. The same is true for the right. People are people. Most think they are right and others are wrong. What if most were wrong? We are busy making villan's of others and seeing ourselves as the sole supply of truth. Maybe we are unable to see the forest for the trees.

We take comfort in others of our own mind. The know little if anything about the other side but our friends stroke our egos and eagerly take our side.

Oh yes, I too have an opinion. Mankind is flawed. He is screwed up. He is sick inside. Jesus the Christ came not to foster the rise of capitalism nor to defend the constitution or any other institution. (things I love I might add) He came to save sinners like me . Do Christians always do the right things? Certainly not. Often they find themselves part of the problem.


I love the expressions by Phillip Yancy when he announces in his book What's So Amazing about Grace. There is nothing you can do to make God love you more. Then Yancy turns the statement around. He says, " There is nothing you can do to get God to love you less". That's just amazing!

We talk about unconditional love but God wrote the book on it. We make attempts at it but GOD has done it in his Son. So left or right, it all comes to naught. But God is eternally faithful to his promises.

His promises are a free gift to those who thankfully and graciously receive them.

Joe Paterno - A Story of Man and the Value of a Reputation

The Story of Joe Paterno and his fall at Penn State should be a warning for all of us.

How easy it is for us to defend institutions and their reputations at all costs. It could be a school, a business, a Church and even and idea.

Moral Failure, in a moment, is able to change how people will remember us. They will remember clearly how we built them up or how we let them down. Our Legacy will be remembered. "How" we are remembered is the question. We need to be diligent not to fall into the kind of trap that Joe fell into.

Are you holding on to something at all costs? Who might you hurt in the process? Food for thought, don't you think?

Tommy Tomlinson of the Charlotte Observer inspired this post and tells the Paterno story with great insight and wisdom. See his post here!

Pain in the World

Lack of Food & Money, Sickness are clearly seen around our globe. The enormity of painful situations lead may to Grief, Hopelessness and Frustration, even Desperation.

Some reach to man to solve the problems via technology and/or political and social reform.

The cause of pain and inequity in the world are pinned on many scapegoats. Some say greed, political power struggles or an economic system have created our problems.

Many suggestions might help our world in some degree but our condition is unlikely to change as a result of man's resources.

Every man is short sighted and flawed. That includes you and me. The result is inadequacy in all solutions we manufacture.

This inadequacy of man, this imperfection is called sin in my book. Since sin is universal in this world as we know it will always be flawed.

Today in many parts of the world including the United States Christianity is considered as bigoted, even negative.

There are reasons for this. The message of Christianity is often lost in the behavior of Christians. Many foolish things have been done in the name of Christ.

Secondly there is an amazing lack of honest scholarship in the rhetoric of intellectuals in the world.

However the message of the Gospel is a message of Grace. The message first simply says that sin is the source of pain in this world. While Pain and inequity will stay in this world, desperation and helplessness need not.

The good news, Faith in Christ is the antidote to sin. The God Man Jesus Christ, died and rose again that may could know God by Faith trusting God as Savior. The result is Hope and Expectancy. We won't see perfection is this life but a better life later awaits us. We can however, experience His peace now that surpasses understanding.

That's a good start! We can expand of this later.

Courage - A Commodity In Short Supply

Someone posted this quote on Twitter recently.

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. The quote was not attributed to anyone.

In today's charged political and religious climate this quote comes at a most appropriate time. Opponents used to discuss issues on which they differed with each other. In this day and age it is more likely for opponents to make their views known among those of like mind via social networking and other media. The rhetoric is often personal, seldom well thought out and increasingly hostile.

Valid viewpoints often go unheard nor considered by opponents. Countries and people become charged with animosity, even hatred.

Courage to speak involves preparation and due diligence. Courage also takes compassion and wisdom. It is in tune with it audience. Courage knows when withhold comment. Courage creates a climate of respect by knowing how and when to speak and take appropriate action.

Having courage does not assure that we will not have enemies but it assists us in not making "needless" opponents.

Having courage is far more likely to bring people together than push them apart.
It takes a wise person to have true courage.

So who am I and who are you? Are we part of the problem or part of the solution? Does our life represent true courage do we retreat to anger, a unprepared mind and name calling.

True courage takes time, work and wisdom. True courage is often first led by example than spoken with insight and strength.

Grace - A Christian World View

There as many reasons to not believe the Christian world view as there are opponents of it.

I'll leave Apologetics of its truth to others. This post is simply to say that I love the message of Redemption and Grace in the Bible. The Bible tells of the failures and sin of man and a savior that is eager to atone for past and future sins. We are free to respond in love and not be propelled to "earn" his love. Frankly we wouldn't have a chance.

The Christian message of redemption is not based on a system of performance that is arbitrary at best. Really, how good is good enough and who would have the capacity to know? It is based on a God that pays for our sin and simply asks us to follow him in return.

We are asked to love our enemies and to pray for them that oppose us.

Yes, yes there are Christians that pervert the Gospel. The message however doesn't change. In the end of grace and mercy rule. The message of the scripture is Love and Compassion. We do not always promote specific behaviors but Love and Compassion should rule. People can be misguided but God is not. Our confidence is not in imperfect messengers (like us) but in the object of our Faith, Jesus Christ.

Integrity in Political Debate

In listening to candidates for political office I wonder if many comments toward opponents are meant to be factual or just a power move to gain political advantage.

I suspect many know their comments for themselves and about their competitors are half truths with a ton of spin. Are candidates being less than honest and forthright? Is this what we want in our elected officials? Do our political preferences cause us to look over the spin tactics of our our favorites? I'm afraid this is often true. We often seem eager to solicit truth from our opponents while being forgiving to the politicians we prefer.

When are we going to come to grips that integrity "begins" with the truth? Integrity follows with actions that reflect that truth. It involves the contrasts of compassion and tough love. It's thrives on doing the right thing with the right heart attitude. Integrity starts with looking closely in the mirror at our own attitudes.

It will cause us to demand the same for our officials competing for office!

Erroneous Assumptions - A Catch all for Disagreements?

Have you noticed a link between how often the term "Erroneous Assumptions" is used in an unfair way. Might I even say, an "erroneous" way.

The phrase is often aimed toward others with differing stances on an issue. Far be it from me to suggest that the term be backed up with fact. Or fact in context to the position being discussed. :-)

Yes, "erroneous assumptions" is a

perfectly adequate term

when used with a well founded explanation. However this is sometimes not the case.

Before we use "Erroneous Assumption" as a catch phrase, let's do our homework.

Are Things the Way We See Them?

The way we perceive a subject may not be as easy to comprehend as it seems.

Legislation is one of those issues that will often fool us. A catchy title can deceive us. One that seems to protect our personal rights may hinder them in the long run.

Prayer in Schools is a prime example. Prayer to whom should be the operative question.

What is keeping one from praying any time they want too. I suspect nothing! Seems to me that prayer is natural if learned. Is not "what is instilled" at home more important than what is formally encouraged at school?

This post is not really about Prayer in Schools. It's to encourage us to do due diligence on legislation and all issues. Most issues have two sides. They are often like a two edged sword that cuts both ways. They often encompass more than we think. What appears to be a stand to take can end up hurting us.

Lets be careful and use our heads to understand all issues, pro and con. Asking questions and doing a bit of research before we talk.

Response to my "Tired if Politics Post" by Mike Shoemake

Mike sent me an email with his response which he couldn't get in 300 characters. I think it is worth passing on.

Cllff, I understand your sentiment. I read a quote one time that said "Leaders of the world are tired people." And, they are. I expect the majority of them are as sick of politics as we are. They won't say it publicly, but I know firsthand many of them are.

Another point I'd like to make is that I hear people say that the only power we have as citizens of this country is our vote. That is not true. We also have our voice, and we should let it be known on the issues important to us.

I recently asked Senator Hutchinson to help halt the continued violation of our rights by TSA and their groping our body parts at airport security lines. I went as far as to challenge her that if she didn't she should be the first female politician to allow herself to get "felt up". This would be an example of using one's voice. And, there are countless opportunities to tell our leaders how much we appreciate what they do well.

We are a much too silent majority.