"In my view, the Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children, under a free government ought to be instructed...No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people." Webster
Today's rhetoric of separation of church and state should stop at the founding father's words and those near their time. For they were Christian men of great faith whose lives depicted and whose words echoed Scriptural truths. It is no more evident than in their words recorded in our nations founding documents. The Preamble to the Declaration of Independence itself undeniably affirms this when it states that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights..." To the creators of the corner stones of America, Christianity in state was no contradiction. It is therefore obvious that the separation was not what most today fight for. Rather it was as Jefferson meant it to be- a separation of state from church not church from state.
When we consider the historical context of these men the true meaning of separation from church and state becomes crystal clear. Most of America's founders either came from England or were intimately acquainted with it. There the state had infiltrated the church and corrupted it. Consequently American leaders wanted to guard against the same bane and thereby protect the church's purity. For it held the same place in their hearts as it did in Webster's as is evidenced by their free and copious use of Christian language in America's founding documents. We can deduce then that they considered that religion, particularly Christianity, does a nation well, especially a nation which intends "to secure the rights and privileges of a free people" as Webster's aforementioned quote states.
In conclusion, we ought to, nay, must reintegrate Christianity into our society and government as it is an intrigal, vital, piece to our nation's success and future, indeed to its very rason d'etre. When we seperate the church from the state we seperate heart from the body.
31.1.08
America's Glory
"When statesmen are ruled by faction and intrest, they can have no passion for the glory of their country." Addison
By in large, this is the nature of America's political scene today. A sad state. Is it any wonder then that the nation's glory is seriously waning.
By in large, this is the nature of America's political scene today. A sad state. Is it any wonder then that the nation's glory is seriously waning.
29.1.08
That Privledged Hemisphere
Have you ever noticed that most habitable land lies north of the equator? Interesting.
Additionally, it is intriguing to consider that most great civilizations have been born in the Northern Hemisphere.
Maybe these observations are something and maybe they are nothing.
Additionally, it is intriguing to consider that most great civilizations have been born in the Northern Hemisphere.
Maybe these observations are something and maybe they are nothing.
27.1.08
American Railways
Since my first visit to Europe and my rail experience I have been a strong advocate for such systems in the US. However knowing that Americans are fiercely independent and individualistic it became quiet obvious that such a public and communal form of transportation would not, nay, could not take root. This culture whose identity birthed the automobile and highway system- both supporting and nurturing the deep rooted value- would never except en mass a departure from said cultural standard. Compromise to such a cherished principle would be unthinkable regardless of the economic, ecological and personal benefits to be reaped.
Except now a dim light has appeared, a ray of hope, a chance for a train system equal to Europe's to be financed and developed- to go from dream to reality. Our modern popular push for environmental responsibility is its catalyst. Most everything that rail lines bring concur with ecological responsibility. The benefits to person, government, nature, and world are rich.
But this potential can only be attained through people of vision and persons of means taking up the mantle and carrying it on to completion. Will anyone capitalize on such a ripe opportunity?
Except now a dim light has appeared, a ray of hope, a chance for a train system equal to Europe's to be financed and developed- to go from dream to reality. Our modern popular push for environmental responsibility is its catalyst. Most everything that rail lines bring concur with ecological responsibility. The benefits to person, government, nature, and world are rich.
But this potential can only be attained through people of vision and persons of means taking up the mantle and carrying it on to completion. Will anyone capitalize on such a ripe opportunity?
24.1.08
Today's Romans
It occurred to me the other day as I watched the movie "Gladiator" that American society, perhaps the entire world- I cannot speak for them as I do not have enough experience in any country but this- has much the same character as Rome did. Those ancient people loved sex and violence in war and games and Americans show the same inclination. Do not be so quick to defend yourself. Actions speak louder than words.
While the people of modern Rome would never admit entertainment in war, death or any other violence what does their media appetite reveal? Sex, violence, war, death, &c. dominate media. News syndicates, Hollywood, the video game industry and all other media sources do not publish material which does not sell. Ergo deduction indicates that Americans do indeed find pleasure in these abominable subjects. Their propensity towards a bloodthirsty, sordid and immoral attitude equals if not surpasses that of those people of antiquity! Fie on them!
Believers we too are guilty and much more accountable than unbelievers for we should know better! Let us therefore separate ourselves from the world as Romans 12:1-2 commands! "Therefore I urge you brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." We carry holy news and therefore should be more than whitewashed tombs! Let us promote all that is good and righteous and lovely while condemning in word and action all that defiles, sin and that which is opposed to the LORD God. Then we will have a firm foundation on which to witness and share the gospel. Then we will be set apart as holy- to be used in God's service. Then we will shine as stars in the universe. Then we will not be as those Romans but as citizens of heaven.
While the people of modern Rome would never admit entertainment in war, death or any other violence what does their media appetite reveal? Sex, violence, war, death, &c. dominate media. News syndicates, Hollywood, the video game industry and all other media sources do not publish material which does not sell. Ergo deduction indicates that Americans do indeed find pleasure in these abominable subjects. Their propensity towards a bloodthirsty, sordid and immoral attitude equals if not surpasses that of those people of antiquity! Fie on them!
Believers we too are guilty and much more accountable than unbelievers for we should know better! Let us therefore separate ourselves from the world as Romans 12:1-2 commands! "Therefore I urge you brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." We carry holy news and therefore should be more than whitewashed tombs! Let us promote all that is good and righteous and lovely while condemning in word and action all that defiles, sin and that which is opposed to the LORD God. Then we will have a firm foundation on which to witness and share the gospel. Then we will be set apart as holy- to be used in God's service. Then we will shine as stars in the universe. Then we will not be as those Romans but as citizens of heaven.
23.1.08
Evolution & Man
I recently purchased Ridpath's "Great Races of Mankind." He initiates his treatise with the question which grips our race- that is of origin and all inquiries therein. Following he carefully outlines the sciences involved in their successive line. Herein the then new doctrine of his time begins to show its face- Evolution.
In the course of my study I diverted from reading and entertained my love of flipping through the pictures. What quickly became apparent was Evolution's consequential effect on the understanding and view of mankind. It goes so far as to feed mankind's tendency towards ethnocentrism, racism and overall superiority complex.
Volume one, chapter XIL, pg. 233 contains an image which vividly depicts the Evolutionary point of view. There are six people, each from a different race and culture. The first man is implied to be lowest on the Evolutionary scale- he is an Aborigine. A white man in a suit from Western culture is assumed to be the highest form of man. See also photos on pgs. 382, 388, 396. Each is an arresting reminder of Evolution's deplorable and abhorrent degradation of mankind and ultimately and most importantly the glory of God! Men are made to appear barbaric, animalistic and in the case of Western civilization superior and civilized.
Therefore if the theory of Evolution is fact, as is widely propagated, than racism should be taught and enforced, the equality of mankind is farce, civil rights only extend to the civilized, there is no sanctity of life &c. Since Evolution theorizes that each species is in a different stage of development than it follows that one species is greater, more advanced, more human than another. Consequently, less evolved creatures must be treated accordingly and slavery is tolerable and should be vehemently supported! As men have beasts of burden and pets so they must by evolution's practical application be allowed and encouraged to take such from lower species of man. The strong will survive and thrive and the weak will be subject to them if indeed they can prolong their existence. Evolution demeans man.
However Scripture lifts him up to his proper status! America's founding fathers learned from the Bible, "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights." This releases man from bondage and ushers him into the glorious light of freedom! The Scriptures teach that man is created in God's image (Gen. 1:26) and that he is to be treated as such. Equality of mankind is upheld by the pillar of God's Word.
What is more, mankind's actions: campaigning against inequality, slavery and racial superiority, their fight for the responsible use of the earth, including the preservation of flora and fauna are not compatible with Evolution's teaching. Rather it confirms what Scripture teaches and that the knowledge of these truths are imbued by God the Creator. The liberal and worldly cries and actions are not attacks on God and truth but rather affirmations thereof!
Praise God!
In the course of my study I diverted from reading and entertained my love of flipping through the pictures. What quickly became apparent was Evolution's consequential effect on the understanding and view of mankind. It goes so far as to feed mankind's tendency towards ethnocentrism, racism and overall superiority complex.
Volume one, chapter XIL, pg. 233 contains an image which vividly depicts the Evolutionary point of view. There are six people, each from a different race and culture. The first man is implied to be lowest on the Evolutionary scale- he is an Aborigine. A white man in a suit from Western culture is assumed to be the highest form of man. See also photos on pgs. 382, 388, 396. Each is an arresting reminder of Evolution's deplorable and abhorrent degradation of mankind and ultimately and most importantly the glory of God! Men are made to appear barbaric, animalistic and in the case of Western civilization superior and civilized.
Therefore if the theory of Evolution is fact, as is widely propagated, than racism should be taught and enforced, the equality of mankind is farce, civil rights only extend to the civilized, there is no sanctity of life &c. Since Evolution theorizes that each species is in a different stage of development than it follows that one species is greater, more advanced, more human than another. Consequently, less evolved creatures must be treated accordingly and slavery is tolerable and should be vehemently supported! As men have beasts of burden and pets so they must by evolution's practical application be allowed and encouraged to take such from lower species of man. The strong will survive and thrive and the weak will be subject to them if indeed they can prolong their existence. Evolution demeans man.
However Scripture lifts him up to his proper status! America's founding fathers learned from the Bible, "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights." This releases man from bondage and ushers him into the glorious light of freedom! The Scriptures teach that man is created in God's image (Gen. 1:26) and that he is to be treated as such. Equality of mankind is upheld by the pillar of God's Word.
What is more, mankind's actions: campaigning against inequality, slavery and racial superiority, their fight for the responsible use of the earth, including the preservation of flora and fauna are not compatible with Evolution's teaching. Rather it confirms what Scripture teaches and that the knowledge of these truths are imbued by God the Creator. The liberal and worldly cries and actions are not attacks on God and truth but rather affirmations thereof!
Praise God!
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