Archive for the ‘faith’ Category
Socialism, Democracy, and the role of faith
Thoughts on the recent economic melt-down:
If a people is not guided by an inner compass of morals magnetized to truths set forth in sacred literature like the Bible, then true liberty will be abused by the strong to obtain as much as they can, the rest of the world be damned. If we cannot depend on the generosity of the resourced to empower and lift up the under-resourced, then “fairness or equality” will be redistributed by a socialist regime – which has never been successful in creating a vibrant, growing society or economy.
A great quote from the year 1835:
“Despotism may govern without faith, but liberty can not. Religion is much more necessary in the republic which they set forth in glowing colours than in the monarchy which they attack, and it is more needed in democratic republics than in any others. How is it possible that society should escape destruction if the moral tie be not strengthened in proportion as the political tie is relaxed and what can be done with a people which is its own master if it be not submissive to the Divinity.” From Democracy in America, By Alexis de Tocqueville
“America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”, also by de Tocqueville.
“Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, ‘equality’. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude.” – Alexis de Tocqueville
Wanted: assassins follow the Ghost in the Machine
- Angelina Jolie in the movie, Wanted
I saw the movie, Wanted, last night. The strangest part of the plot for me to swallow was the premise that an ancient 1,000 year old loom (for making tapestries) created a secret code (an assassins list of people to be killed) that only members of The Fraternity can decipher. The assassins, including Angelina Jolie’s character, no longer question the reasons behind “Fate’s” list, and discover too late that one in their midst has been manipulating them to his own ends. The movie’s pace kept me on the edge of my seat, and after it was over my thoughts lingered on how easily humans trust those in power to “interpret” words from God, the gods, or from Fate. I’ll keep thinking for myself, and check to make sure any “inspired words” from the world beyond jive with what the Bible says is true.
Be a light-bearer
Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:13-16 The Message
