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.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
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!
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!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
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
Before we use "Erroneous Assumption" as a catch phrase, let's do our homework.
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 termwhen 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.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
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.
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.
Tired of Politics??
Politics are testy! I've been involved in local and national politics for a couple years. And yes, I get tired.
I'm tired of politicians that don't live the way they talk.
I'm tired of voters who don't make an effort to
understand issues.
I'm tired of Name Calling and Personal Attacks
I'm tired of those who won't take a stand on issues.
I'm tired of those who think integrity in personal life doesn't affect decisions in the political realm.
I'm tired of of the moral downturn I see in America.
I'm tired of our unemployment rate.
I'm tired of our jobs going off shore and our government giving companies breaks to do so.
I'm tired of leaders in US who dish our constitution and our Christian heritage.
I'm tired about a lot of things!
However, I'm not quitting! Two things keep me going! I believe God is Sovereign and Politics aren't. And I believe that keeping quiet about the issues we face as a Nation speeds up our fall.
So I won't stop working to save our nation if possible. I hope you won't too!
I'm tired of politicians that don't live the way they talk.
I'm tired of voters who don't make an effort to
understand issues.
I'm tired of Name Calling and Personal Attacks
I'm tired of those who won't take a stand on issues.
I'm tired of those who think integrity in personal life doesn't affect decisions in the political realm.
I'm tired of of the moral downturn I see in America.
I'm tired of our unemployment rate.
I'm tired of our jobs going off shore and our government giving companies breaks to do so.
I'm tired of leaders in US who dish our constitution and our Christian heritage.
I'm tired about a lot of things!
However, I'm not quitting! Two things keep me going! I believe God is Sovereign and Politics aren't. And I believe that keeping quiet about the issues we face as a Nation speeds up our fall.
So I won't stop working to save our nation if possible. I hope you won't too!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Issues to Address are Greater than Our Frustration to Attack Personality
Our Borders are Unprotected and only Lip Service is being done.
We have become a Debtor Nation and some want to Spend More
Or Values as a Nation are Deteriorating at a Rapid Pace
Our Economy is in a Precarious Slump
The Value of Life (Young and Old) is in Serious Question>
The Structure of the Family is Under Attack
The Rich are Being Vilified - The Middle Class may be Next.
Many in our Land feel Entitled to others Wealth and Influence
Many in or Nation do not Understand the Value of Free Enterprise and therefor Capitalism
Other Religions are given Free Speech but the Christian Message is being Chastised.
Ladies and Gentlemen, This is the Short List
WHAT TIME DO WE HAVE TO ATTACK PEOPLE WHEN WE HAVE ISSUES TO SOLVE?
We have become a Debtor Nation and some want to Spend More
Or Values as a Nation are Deteriorating at a Rapid Pace
Our Economy is in a Precarious Slump
The Value of Life (Young and Old) is in Serious Question>
The Structure of the Family is Under Attack
The Rich are Being Vilified - The Middle Class may be Next.
Many in our Land feel Entitled to others Wealth and Influence
Many in or Nation do not Understand the Value of Free Enterprise and therefor Capitalism
Other Religions are given Free Speech but the Christian Message is being Chastised.
Ladies and Gentlemen, This is the Short List
WHAT TIME DO WE HAVE TO ATTACK PEOPLE WHEN WE HAVE ISSUES TO SOLVE?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)