Politics has become, for many, a weary topic. They would rather it would go away, they don't like to discuss it, and really, what does it matter anyway?
As I reflect on what I have written here, and what I read from both the Bible and our cultural media outlets daily, I have come to realize that very little of what we discuss here in this blog is truly political. Rather, it has everything to do with worldview. Once upon a time in America, Democrats and Republicans approached problems differently, but with the same basic worldview. Our disagreements were policy-based; how best to live out what we saw to be the "right thing to do."
But the divide has grown, and our culture is no longer unified in its basic worldview. We do not agree on whether God exists, or (if He does) what His nature is, or most of the basic questions of right and wrong... or even if there is right and wrong. And so as we disagree on policy, now - what used to be called "politics" - we are really disagreeing on much deeper, more fundamental issues. We are disagreeing at the level of worldview, not politics - and disagreement at such a level leaves no room for compromise.
Take the major issues of our time: Abortion. Homosexual rights. Climate Change. Universal Health Care. They are all worldview questions, first and foremost. Is abortion murder? Are homosexuals truly born the way they are, or is it sinful behavior? Is mankind a steward of the Earth, or the determiner of its destiny? Should an elite few be making life and death decisions for the others on a daily basis? These questions don't lend themselves to compromise.
I believe that Solomon, wisest ever among us here on Earth, had it right in Lamentations 1:1-9. There is nothing new under the sun. The problems that plague our land have plagued lands since Creation, and they will continue to do so until the end. The Bible is relevant to our world today, because nothing has really changed since Adam fell. And when we discuss worldviews, we are really discussing what we believe to be the meaning and purpose of existence. More than any other, these are the conversations we should be having with our fellow men and women; so few have any real hope left. Many have bought the lie of evolution in ways they don't even realize (how often do you hear this: "The Bible just isn't relevant to the 21st Century."). This is evolutionary thinking applied to history, the belief that somehow people and societies are 'evolving' and becoming more advanced over the years. When you step back and think about it, the average American has less useful skills (in the context of history) than most of his ancestors. Do we truly believe that our dependency on electric and battery power makes us smarter than Adam? Keep in mind that the Bible tells us King Solomon was the wisest who ever lived, or ever will live (1 Kings 3:12) - and he has been dead for nearly 3000 years.
And that makes the worldview conversation even more vital. No matter the starting point, we must build the relationships that will allow us to engage in the conversation that matters: worldview.
Let me encourage you that God created you for a specific purpose. There has never been a person like you in the history of the world, and there never will be again. You live in your community, in this time, for a purpose.
My worldview begins with Absolute Truth: God is (Gen 1:1). And God loves us enough that he sent Jesus to die for us (John 3:16). And by accepting what Jesus did for us, and owning Him as our Savior, that we can go to Heaven and be with God when our mortal bodies fail (Romans 10:9).
This is where the Christian worldview begins. Where does yours begin? Until we figure this question out, the answers to the other important questions of our time will elude us.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Cap and Tax... er, Trade Bill in the House
As I write this, the House sits at 210-210, with 14 undecided on the legislation in question. In short, it would add a tax on all energy use in the USA, in the form of artificial caps put on how much a given company or factory, etc., can pollute over a given time period. Companies that don't pollute as much can sell these credits to companies that do pollute, and over time the amount of the credits available each year shrinks, to force us towards 'cleaner' energy.
What you end up with are massive increases in energy costs, new government bureaucracy (and really, who ever has enough of that?), and people out of work as companies go out of business who can't comply with the law and increased costs. The numbers are in the neighborhood of your energy costing another $4,600/year to run your household, by 2020. Keep in mind that the cost of everything you buy - since it all takes energy to produce - goes up during this period as well.
But hey, it's for a good cause, right? I mean, if we don't do this, we all die from global warming, so paying more is better than dying - isn't it?
This is not about global warming, or increased revenue, or saving the world: this is about power. Who sets the limits on the pollution that can be produced? Who becomes the gatekeeper of our entire economic system? As with health care, the government becomes our surrogate parent, our world, and dare I say - our god. By the end we look to it for sustenance in every aspect of our lives.
At what point are we going to wake up? At what point are we sick of the lies? At what point do we shout from the hills that this is enough, and life should be more than turning to the government to solve every problem, real and imagined, in our land? I tell you, brothers, that I am sick of it all.
Consider these lies:
That our world evolved, and there is no God.
That societies evolve, and we are greater than our ancestors.
That global warming exists, and is a threat to us.
That abortion is not murder, and is beneficial for women and societies.
That homosexuality is not a sin, and is a normal behavior that should be embraced as such.
That cradle to the grave health care is a fundamental human right.
That state education is a fundamental human right.
That this life we have here on Earth is the most important thing we have, and nothing is worth giving it up.
And perhaps the worst lie of all:
If I sit at my desk, or on my couch, and ignore all these problems, someone else will fix them and I can go back to being entertained and worried about my own pleasure in life.
So ignore this post. Do nothing. The world will not end in a fiery apocalypse. In the words of the great Deceiver from Genesis, you will not surely die. The world will simply continue the decline it has been in for centuries, and the legacy you leave your children will be... nothing. And your mark on your nation will be... nothing. And this is the life we so desperately cling to?
Take 5 minutes, and email or call your Representatives, and your Senators. A link on the left side of this site will help you find them. Do not let this bill - the single biggest tax in American history - be passed. Please.
What you end up with are massive increases in energy costs, new government bureaucracy (and really, who ever has enough of that?), and people out of work as companies go out of business who can't comply with the law and increased costs. The numbers are in the neighborhood of your energy costing another $4,600/year to run your household, by 2020. Keep in mind that the cost of everything you buy - since it all takes energy to produce - goes up during this period as well.
But hey, it's for a good cause, right? I mean, if we don't do this, we all die from global warming, so paying more is better than dying - isn't it?
This is not about global warming, or increased revenue, or saving the world: this is about power. Who sets the limits on the pollution that can be produced? Who becomes the gatekeeper of our entire economic system? As with health care, the government becomes our surrogate parent, our world, and dare I say - our god. By the end we look to it for sustenance in every aspect of our lives.
At what point are we going to wake up? At what point are we sick of the lies? At what point do we shout from the hills that this is enough, and life should be more than turning to the government to solve every problem, real and imagined, in our land? I tell you, brothers, that I am sick of it all.
Consider these lies:
That our world evolved, and there is no God.
That societies evolve, and we are greater than our ancestors.
That global warming exists, and is a threat to us.
That abortion is not murder, and is beneficial for women and societies.
That homosexuality is not a sin, and is a normal behavior that should be embraced as such.
That cradle to the grave health care is a fundamental human right.
That state education is a fundamental human right.
That this life we have here on Earth is the most important thing we have, and nothing is worth giving it up.
And perhaps the worst lie of all:
If I sit at my desk, or on my couch, and ignore all these problems, someone else will fix them and I can go back to being entertained and worried about my own pleasure in life.
So ignore this post. Do nothing. The world will not end in a fiery apocalypse. In the words of the great Deceiver from Genesis, you will not surely die. The world will simply continue the decline it has been in for centuries, and the legacy you leave your children will be... nothing. And your mark on your nation will be... nothing. And this is the life we so desperately cling to?
Take 5 minutes, and email or call your Representatives, and your Senators. A link on the left side of this site will help you find them. Do not let this bill - the single biggest tax in American history - be passed. Please.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Art
When asked about evolution sometimes, I will mention Art. How does our appreciation of the beautiful - the enjoyment of our senses in an experience that has nothing to do with the need for simple survival - how do these things reconcile with random biological processes advancing species to 'our level' over billions of years? Great Art elevates us, it gives a glimpse, it shares with us a tiny sliver of a single note of the Song that is Eternity. I submit to you that Great Art is the highest mortal expression of design, and it can be a powerful instrument (pardon the pun) to point us to our Creator.
But Art, like so much else, has become corrupted. Not so much Art itself, but our ability to recognize it, and label it properly. Like all else, Evil hates Art and seeks to corrupt it. Having no ability of its own to create, Evil seeks to distort, to subtly alter.
I am not reflecting on a specific piece of art here, but there are so many examples. As a society we have sacrificed our sense of wonder on the altar of the Now, always thinking more information is better, more input is better, and never focusing on the quality.
We (as a culture) don't have the attention span anymore, thanks in large part to technology. Our collective cynicism bars us from enjoying so many simple things in life. What passes for Art now seems designed to shock, to horrify, to do anything to jar us awake from our apathetic slumber. We have ceased to believe in a Creator, and so we no longer view the created as His handiwork, or ourselves as His image. We explore the dark recesses of the soul without any regard for the consequences of our discovery, thinking only that the discovery itself is what's important. We tear open box after box with speed that Pandora would envy. And with each new horror explored, as we further understand the human capacity for evil even as we deny it in ourselves, the apathy grows to consume that also; soon, we are no longer horrified, and that thought alone should horrify us.
We have become lost, disorientated, and the madness seems to be everywhere-it seems to be normal.
But there is a Compass (though not golden), there is a way to orientate ourselves in the darkness that surrounds us. There is a Light, if we will only be still and see it. For the Creator of all gave us Art; he gave us vision, and ears that delight in music, and minds to consider the great questions of the ages. He gave us mouths, to question and to answer, to speak Truth - His Truth. He gave us the divine spark, our ability to be awed, to look about the creation in wonder of the Creator. It is sad to me how many Christians seek to avoid the Arts whenever possible, instead of engaging in them in positive ways. Writing, music, dance, painting, photography; these have the capacity for some of the greatest Good (and Evil) a society can achieve. Great Art endures by it's very nature, and so we must strive - as Christians, as Americans - to do what we can to create art that both endures, and glorifies the Lord, the High King of Heaven, Creator of all.
When a song, or a poem, or a picture touches your heart, share it with me please. I will endeavour to do the same for you.
But Art, like so much else, has become corrupted. Not so much Art itself, but our ability to recognize it, and label it properly. Like all else, Evil hates Art and seeks to corrupt it. Having no ability of its own to create, Evil seeks to distort, to subtly alter.
I am not reflecting on a specific piece of art here, but there are so many examples. As a society we have sacrificed our sense of wonder on the altar of the Now, always thinking more information is better, more input is better, and never focusing on the quality.
We (as a culture) don't have the attention span anymore, thanks in large part to technology. Our collective cynicism bars us from enjoying so many simple things in life. What passes for Art now seems designed to shock, to horrify, to do anything to jar us awake from our apathetic slumber. We have ceased to believe in a Creator, and so we no longer view the created as His handiwork, or ourselves as His image. We explore the dark recesses of the soul without any regard for the consequences of our discovery, thinking only that the discovery itself is what's important. We tear open box after box with speed that Pandora would envy. And with each new horror explored, as we further understand the human capacity for evil even as we deny it in ourselves, the apathy grows to consume that also; soon, we are no longer horrified, and that thought alone should horrify us.
We have become lost, disorientated, and the madness seems to be everywhere-it seems to be normal.
But there is a Compass (though not golden), there is a way to orientate ourselves in the darkness that surrounds us. There is a Light, if we will only be still and see it. For the Creator of all gave us Art; he gave us vision, and ears that delight in music, and minds to consider the great questions of the ages. He gave us mouths, to question and to answer, to speak Truth - His Truth. He gave us the divine spark, our ability to be awed, to look about the creation in wonder of the Creator. It is sad to me how many Christians seek to avoid the Arts whenever possible, instead of engaging in them in positive ways. Writing, music, dance, painting, photography; these have the capacity for some of the greatest Good (and Evil) a society can achieve. Great Art endures by it's very nature, and so we must strive - as Christians, as Americans - to do what we can to create art that both endures, and glorifies the Lord, the High King of Heaven, Creator of all.
When a song, or a poem, or a picture touches your heart, share it with me please. I will endeavour to do the same for you.
State Budgets in Crisis
19 states do not have 2010 budgets passed yet, with one week to go before essential services begin to be shut down (title link to the CNN article). Not only have people been living beyond their means, but government as well - which makes sense, since any government is just a group of people. The Bible speaks to money issues, as it does everything else in our society: these are not new problems, or even rare ones. And so some verses, for our lawmakers, and anyone who would heed the Word of God; I know I have to hear these repeatedly to get them hammered into my thick skull. And believe me, I am still learning them:
There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up. (Proverbs 21:20, NASB)
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7, NIV)
For THE LOVE OF money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (I Timothy 6:10, NIV, emphasis mine)
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35, NIV)
Simple rules that can be very tough to follow, and we need to hear them often. Save money in the good times, to cover the bad times. Give, so you might receive - we serve a Mighty God who is ready to bless us in our obedience! Do not love money, but use it wisely.
And... spend less than you make! When was the last time the conversation in government centered on spending less (and sticking to it), versus increasing revenues? More money to spend, without addressing the character flaws that led to the overspending, will always lead to more debt. There is no clever way around this principle.
I am praying for our lawmakers to have wisdom as they finalize these budgets, and I am praying for wisdom as I honestly evaluate my own budget - am I doing what God wants me to do, with my money?
There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up. (Proverbs 21:20, NASB)
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7, NIV)
For THE LOVE OF money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (I Timothy 6:10, NIV, emphasis mine)
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35, NIV)
Simple rules that can be very tough to follow, and we need to hear them often. Save money in the good times, to cover the bad times. Give, so you might receive - we serve a Mighty God who is ready to bless us in our obedience! Do not love money, but use it wisely.
And... spend less than you make! When was the last time the conversation in government centered on spending less (and sticking to it), versus increasing revenues? More money to spend, without addressing the character flaws that led to the overspending, will always lead to more debt. There is no clever way around this principle.
I am praying for our lawmakers to have wisdom as they finalize these budgets, and I am praying for wisdom as I honestly evaluate my own budget - am I doing what God wants me to do, with my money?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Healthcare, President Obama & ABC
This story is a big deal to me on 2 levels, and I'll try to be brief in discussing both.
First, the obvious: I don't want the government running health care. Here is my argument:
1) The government has no experience running a successful business - in fact, their record runs in quite the opposite direction. In our current 'economic crisis' they have managed to lose billions of dollars from the stimulus bills and TARP money. Yes, you read that right. They can't account for billions of dollars. But take any government program - Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, GM, Chrysler, the USPS... show me a single profitable entity, or even costs being controlled to the 'break even' point, or even just money not being mishandled and wasted... this is me, not holding my breath.
2) President Obama will come out Wednesday night and say some variation of "Hey, if you like your health care, keep it! We just want something for the little guy, something for the guy who can't afford the stuff you have." And that sounds wonderful, but someone has to pay for it. And someone has to administer it. And consider the effect on the free market, once the government jumps in with a subsidized cheaper alternative which has the perception of being free. Any sane employer will drop or reduce their coverages, knowing that their employees can go this other route. I don't blame the employers one bit for doing this, as they are trying to make a living themselves, and turn a profit (which, by the way, is not a moral evil). But where, then, does the average American end up? With a socialist health care system that does not work (see Canada, the UK, etc). Are we willing to gamble trillions of our collective tax dollars that the government here can succeed where others failed, when the people running the program will have no financial interest in whether or not it is run effectively (i.e., profitably)?
3) You don't have to be trapped in this current system. There is a better way, but it requires a change in your mindset. In the history of the world, health care has never been like it has been over the last 50-60 years. Consider this alternative: charlesfreedom.blogspot.com/2009/05/health-care-reform-as-god-intended.html
On the 2nd level is ABC bending over backward to further the aims of the President with his domestic policy. Here is the danger:
1) The media has striven to set themselves up as the source of objectivity within American culture. Constantly and subtly they remind us that they report the news, somehow placing themselves above questions of worldview, politics and religion. They are gatekeepers of information, they believe, and they further believe they present this information in an unbiased fashion. Sadly, many Americans have bought this lie completely, but that does give the media a certain power - and with that power, a responsibility to use it wisely.
2) When the media (in this case, ABC) does the type of programming that is happening Wednesday night, they are using their alleged objectivity to fundamentally alter the argument. From Wednesday forward, the argument will become not "should the government be involved in health care?" but instead "what should the government do about health care?" As in the 'economic crisis' of the last few months, inaction will no longer be an option, with any action - however ill-conceived - being preferable to the people.
3) ABC is also holding up President Obama in such a way as to transfer their 'objectivity' to him, in the minds of the people. President Obama then goes from one side of the argument, to the referee of the entire argument. He no longer represents just one viewpoint among many, but strength is lent to his words by association.
4) ABC was approached about commercial time by those who disagree with President Obama's plan. Their offers to buy ad time were rejected, due to the content of their ad (which would have been critical to the Obama plan). Read the story yourself, here: www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=49720 What is funny to me is that they "have never allowed advocacy advertising" but here they are, giving an entire program over to advocacy.
And so you may well disagree with me on President Obama's plan, you may think that it is a great idea. I would encourage you to research it for yourself, and look at the results of similar plans in other countries. Like I stated above, the government running a business = disaster. The government running a business + making life & death decisions for its citizens = disaster, squared.
First, the obvious: I don't want the government running health care. Here is my argument:
1) The government has no experience running a successful business - in fact, their record runs in quite the opposite direction. In our current 'economic crisis' they have managed to lose billions of dollars from the stimulus bills and TARP money. Yes, you read that right. They can't account for billions of dollars. But take any government program - Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, GM, Chrysler, the USPS... show me a single profitable entity, or even costs being controlled to the 'break even' point, or even just money not being mishandled and wasted... this is me, not holding my breath.
2) President Obama will come out Wednesday night and say some variation of "Hey, if you like your health care, keep it! We just want something for the little guy, something for the guy who can't afford the stuff you have." And that sounds wonderful, but someone has to pay for it. And someone has to administer it. And consider the effect on the free market, once the government jumps in with a subsidized cheaper alternative which has the perception of being free. Any sane employer will drop or reduce their coverages, knowing that their employees can go this other route. I don't blame the employers one bit for doing this, as they are trying to make a living themselves, and turn a profit (which, by the way, is not a moral evil). But where, then, does the average American end up? With a socialist health care system that does not work (see Canada, the UK, etc). Are we willing to gamble trillions of our collective tax dollars that the government here can succeed where others failed, when the people running the program will have no financial interest in whether or not it is run effectively (i.e., profitably)?
3) You don't have to be trapped in this current system. There is a better way, but it requires a change in your mindset. In the history of the world, health care has never been like it has been over the last 50-60 years. Consider this alternative: charlesfreedom.blogspot.com/2009/05/health-care-reform-as-god-intended.html
On the 2nd level is ABC bending over backward to further the aims of the President with his domestic policy. Here is the danger:
1) The media has striven to set themselves up as the source of objectivity within American culture. Constantly and subtly they remind us that they report the news, somehow placing themselves above questions of worldview, politics and religion. They are gatekeepers of information, they believe, and they further believe they present this information in an unbiased fashion. Sadly, many Americans have bought this lie completely, but that does give the media a certain power - and with that power, a responsibility to use it wisely.
2) When the media (in this case, ABC) does the type of programming that is happening Wednesday night, they are using their alleged objectivity to fundamentally alter the argument. From Wednesday forward, the argument will become not "should the government be involved in health care?" but instead "what should the government do about health care?" As in the 'economic crisis' of the last few months, inaction will no longer be an option, with any action - however ill-conceived - being preferable to the people.
3) ABC is also holding up President Obama in such a way as to transfer their 'objectivity' to him, in the minds of the people. President Obama then goes from one side of the argument, to the referee of the entire argument. He no longer represents just one viewpoint among many, but strength is lent to his words by association.
4) ABC was approached about commercial time by those who disagree with President Obama's plan. Their offers to buy ad time were rejected, due to the content of their ad (which would have been critical to the Obama plan). Read the story yourself, here: www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=49720 What is funny to me is that they "have never allowed advocacy advertising" but here they are, giving an entire program over to advocacy.
And so you may well disagree with me on President Obama's plan, you may think that it is a great idea. I would encourage you to research it for yourself, and look at the results of similar plans in other countries. Like I stated above, the government running a business = disaster. The government running a business + making life & death decisions for its citizens = disaster, squared.
Monday, June 22, 2009
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Clicking on the title link above will take you directly to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and you can then read it for yourself.
Parents in America, we don't face a single threat today that is greater than this piece of legislation. The US is one of the few members of the UN that has not ratified this convention, and it is vitally important that we never do so.
First, a point of law in America. Foreign treaties trump all US federal and state law, once we become party to the treaty. So regardless of any rights you have as a parent currently, once the Convention is ratified you will have what that document says you have, and no more. Why does this matter? Because of the legal precedents that have already been set in other countries, and international law.
The problem with this Convention is not so much in the specific language of the actual document, but the fact that it is very vague and open to interpretation. Several countries have considered it to say that your child has a right to a state education, such as Germany, where homeschooling is illegal. Parents have been interfered with by the state for 'forcing' their children to go to church; or 'forcing' their religious views on their children (again, versus those views taught in government schools). Discipline can also become very dangerous for parents, in that this document shifts all the concern in discipline to the child's 'self-esteem' and 'emotional well-being.' Any focus on correcting wrongful and immoral behavior is lost, and so tough discipline is seen as abusive once the mindset behind this Convention is embraced.
I would encourage you to go to www.parentalrights.org and sign up for their informational emails. Also, please call or email your Congressmen to ask them to vote against the Convention.
My last thoughts on this are some questions to ask yourself:
*If the UN is truly concerned with the rights of children, why is it the largest supporter of abortion in the world? Wouldn't the right to be born in the first place have to be adequately addressed, before we can speak to these other rights of children?
*If the goal of the Convention is to defend the individual liberties of children, why is it so important that America sign? We have always led the world in the cause of individual liberty (for better or worse). If this Convention does not change anything for American families - which is the main argument from it's proponents - then why is the Convention necessary here in America? Are we not then passing a law just to have a law?
I would submit to you that there is an agenda at work here, and the issue, as always, is power. This Convention places power into the hands of the State at the cost of power from the hands of parents. Biblically, we are called as children to honor our father and our mother, not the village it took to raise us (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-3). I do not believe that the order God placed into society from the beginning needs to be changed - raising children is, and should remain, the responsibility of the parent.
Parents in America, we don't face a single threat today that is greater than this piece of legislation. The US is one of the few members of the UN that has not ratified this convention, and it is vitally important that we never do so.
First, a point of law in America. Foreign treaties trump all US federal and state law, once we become party to the treaty. So regardless of any rights you have as a parent currently, once the Convention is ratified you will have what that document says you have, and no more. Why does this matter? Because of the legal precedents that have already been set in other countries, and international law.
The problem with this Convention is not so much in the specific language of the actual document, but the fact that it is very vague and open to interpretation. Several countries have considered it to say that your child has a right to a state education, such as Germany, where homeschooling is illegal. Parents have been interfered with by the state for 'forcing' their children to go to church; or 'forcing' their religious views on their children (again, versus those views taught in government schools). Discipline can also become very dangerous for parents, in that this document shifts all the concern in discipline to the child's 'self-esteem' and 'emotional well-being.' Any focus on correcting wrongful and immoral behavior is lost, and so tough discipline is seen as abusive once the mindset behind this Convention is embraced.
I would encourage you to go to www.parentalrights.org and sign up for their informational emails. Also, please call or email your Congressmen to ask them to vote against the Convention.
My last thoughts on this are some questions to ask yourself:
*If the UN is truly concerned with the rights of children, why is it the largest supporter of abortion in the world? Wouldn't the right to be born in the first place have to be adequately addressed, before we can speak to these other rights of children?
*If the goal of the Convention is to defend the individual liberties of children, why is it so important that America sign? We have always led the world in the cause of individual liberty (for better or worse). If this Convention does not change anything for American families - which is the main argument from it's proponents - then why is the Convention necessary here in America? Are we not then passing a law just to have a law?
I would submit to you that there is an agenda at work here, and the issue, as always, is power. This Convention places power into the hands of the State at the cost of power from the hands of parents. Biblically, we are called as children to honor our father and our mother, not the village it took to raise us (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-3). I do not believe that the order God placed into society from the beginning needs to be changed - raising children is, and should remain, the responsibility of the parent.
Friday, June 19, 2009
PETA - Courtesy of The Onion
PETA is a logical extension of evolutionary thought taken to extremes... and this "article" is hilarious. Enjoy!
(Click the title link)
(Click the title link)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Iran, the Tragedy
What should America do about the Iranian Presidential elections? A very tough question to answer. I believe we will end up doing nothing, given our foreign policy toward Islamic countries to date in this administration; to interfere would be inconsistent with the "apology tour" we saw earlier this year by the President during his visits there.
But what should be done? Iran is an "Islamic Republic," which is laughable but allegedly democratic, at least in the sense that the position of President is gained by a general election. True power is held (and has been since 1989) by the Ayatollah Khamenei, who is the Supreme Leader and appoints most governmental officials. Here is a good article if you are interested in their form of government:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Leader_of_Iran
The voter turnout is said to have hit 85% for this election, and that is remarkable. Current President Ahmadinejad is said to have won by a 62/34 margin, which would be a landslide victory. What really happened? Can we trust these results? Based on past behavior, I would say no. For your consideration:
-Several hostages from the 1980 Iranian hostage crisis remember Ahmadinejad specifically being one of their captors.
-Ahmadinejad has publicly called the Holocaust a "myth."
-He has publicly called for the elimination of the Jewish state of Israel.
-He has persisted in the Iran nuclear development program despite repeated UN demands that he stop.
-He is very close, and has publicly sworn allegiance to, Ayatollah Khamenei (by kissing his ring). Khamenei had also stated, previous to the elections, that he saw Ahmadinejad being President for several more years.
-He has consistently sought closer ties to Russia and other Muslim states instead of the West, and Russia has already welcomed him - since the election - as the President of Iran, recognizing the election results as valid before the recount is completed.
Based on the body of his work, I don't see democracy in action. I see the same type of Oligarchy (where a few elite rule the rest) that is developing here in America. Interestingly, Ahmadinejad has already put in place rules to ration gasoline and he limits the interest rates and fees that banks can charge... sound familiar? There, as it will be here, those rules lead to greater centralized control under the guise of responsible government.
And so what should we do? I agree with taking no action in this situation. Iran is a mess that is unlikely to improve, the basic problem being the impossibility of having both Islam and democracy as the twin pillars of any society. I pray for those few Christians living there. I pray that when the time comes, the US stands with Israel against the Muslim world. I believe Ahmadinejad will remain as their 'President,' and I believe the attacks on Israel will increase, not decrease.
The action I would urge America to take is to stand fast with Israel. The stronger we stand with them, and the quicker we come to their aid in an attack (either terrorist or an act of war), the more stable the region will be. The stance we currently have, which seems to be not taking sides and encouraging reasonable dialogue, will not work. You cannot expect unreasonable and selfish people to suddenly act in a manner both reasonable and unselfish, no matter how flowery the words of your speeches.
But what should be done? Iran is an "Islamic Republic," which is laughable but allegedly democratic, at least in the sense that the position of President is gained by a general election. True power is held (and has been since 1989) by the Ayatollah Khamenei, who is the Supreme Leader and appoints most governmental officials. Here is a good article if you are interested in their form of government:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Leader_of_Iran
The voter turnout is said to have hit 85% for this election, and that is remarkable. Current President Ahmadinejad is said to have won by a 62/34 margin, which would be a landslide victory. What really happened? Can we trust these results? Based on past behavior, I would say no. For your consideration:
-Several hostages from the 1980 Iranian hostage crisis remember Ahmadinejad specifically being one of their captors.
-Ahmadinejad has publicly called the Holocaust a "myth."
-He has publicly called for the elimination of the Jewish state of Israel.
-He has persisted in the Iran nuclear development program despite repeated UN demands that he stop.
-He is very close, and has publicly sworn allegiance to, Ayatollah Khamenei (by kissing his ring). Khamenei had also stated, previous to the elections, that he saw Ahmadinejad being President for several more years.
-He has consistently sought closer ties to Russia and other Muslim states instead of the West, and Russia has already welcomed him - since the election - as the President of Iran, recognizing the election results as valid before the recount is completed.
Based on the body of his work, I don't see democracy in action. I see the same type of Oligarchy (where a few elite rule the rest) that is developing here in America. Interestingly, Ahmadinejad has already put in place rules to ration gasoline and he limits the interest rates and fees that banks can charge... sound familiar? There, as it will be here, those rules lead to greater centralized control under the guise of responsible government.
And so what should we do? I agree with taking no action in this situation. Iran is a mess that is unlikely to improve, the basic problem being the impossibility of having both Islam and democracy as the twin pillars of any society. I pray for those few Christians living there. I pray that when the time comes, the US stands with Israel against the Muslim world. I believe Ahmadinejad will remain as their 'President,' and I believe the attacks on Israel will increase, not decrease.
The action I would urge America to take is to stand fast with Israel. The stronger we stand with them, and the quicker we come to their aid in an attack (either terrorist or an act of war), the more stable the region will be. The stance we currently have, which seems to be not taking sides and encouraging reasonable dialogue, will not work. You cannot expect unreasonable and selfish people to suddenly act in a manner both reasonable and unselfish, no matter how flowery the words of your speeches.
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