Sep 2009
Traditional Historic American Values - Part 4: Religion
30/September/2009 13:39 Filed in: Weekly Column
So a lot of people are feeling very uneasy about what is happening in the United States and for that matter around the world. As of this writing it looks as the public option for healthcare reform is dead, and with it goes the hope of meaningful progressive reform. That is a good thing. Now the question becomes will some sort of true free market solutions be proposed and enacted in a still moderately conservative nation.
Moving rapidly along that same track is climate change legislation, known more as “cap and trade” which will meet a similar demise. This leaves President Obama without really two of the capstones of his domestic agenda.
In foreign policy, decisions need to be made concerning both Iran and Afghanistan. These decisions will test the President’s diplomacy engagement strategy throughout the Middle East but just as significantly with Russia, China and other political leaders and tyrants around the world. In these cases a lack of decisive action will speak perhaps more clearly that any resolute overtures.
From all these tests and their outcomes we shall see clearly the ability of Chicago style, urban, community organizational – confrontational religion, to actually work in the real reality of a complex and truly aggressive world. My feelings are that only in the United States is the question of the resolve of President Obama being asked. In capitals and terrorist caves around the world that decision has pretty much been made. Over time the consequences of those decisions will play out not only internationally, but also in the American homeland and domestically in nations around the world.
Read More...
Moving rapidly along that same track is climate change legislation, known more as “cap and trade” which will meet a similar demise. This leaves President Obama without really two of the capstones of his domestic agenda.
In foreign policy, decisions need to be made concerning both Iran and Afghanistan. These decisions will test the President’s diplomacy engagement strategy throughout the Middle East but just as significantly with Russia, China and other political leaders and tyrants around the world. In these cases a lack of decisive action will speak perhaps more clearly that any resolute overtures.
From all these tests and their outcomes we shall see clearly the ability of Chicago style, urban, community organizational – confrontational religion, to actually work in the real reality of a complex and truly aggressive world. My feelings are that only in the United States is the question of the resolve of President Obama being asked. In capitals and terrorist caves around the world that decision has pretty much been made. Over time the consequences of those decisions will play out not only internationally, but also in the American homeland and domestically in nations around the world.
Read More...
September 27th - The Fourth Commandment
26/September/2009 19:53 Filed in: Heidleberg Catechism
Lord's Day 39
104. Q. What does God require in the fifth commandment?
A. That I show all honour, love, and faithfulness to my father and mother and to all those in authority over me, submit myself with due obedience to their good instruction and discipline,[1] and also have patience with their weaknesses and shortcomings,[2] since it is God's will to govern us by their hand.[3]
[1] Ex. 21:17; Prov. 1:8; 4:1; Rom. 13:1, 2; Eph. 5:21, 22; 6:1-9; Col. 3:18-4:1. [2] Prov. 20:20; 23:22; I Pet.2:18. [3] Matt. 22:21, Rom. 13:1-8; Eph. 6:1-9; Col. 3:18-21.
104. Q. What does God require in the fifth commandment?
A. That I show all honour, love, and faithfulness to my father and mother and to all those in authority over me, submit myself with due obedience to their good instruction and discipline,[1] and also have patience with their weaknesses and shortcomings,[2] since it is God's will to govern us by their hand.[3]
[1] Ex. 21:17; Prov. 1:8; 4:1; Rom. 13:1, 2; Eph. 5:21, 22; 6:1-9; Col. 3:18-4:1. [2] Prov. 20:20; 23:22; I Pet.2:18. [3] Matt. 22:21, Rom. 13:1-8; Eph. 6:1-9; Col. 3:18-21.
Traditional Historic American Values - Part 3: Natural Law
23/September/2009 06:35 Filed in: Weekly Column
The sun rose this morning, we can count on it to set this evening, morning and evening of September 23, 2009. We also understand that gravity keeps us from floating off into space. The world is made up of matter. Water runs downhill and we can expect winter to follow this autumn, and spring and summer to repeat next year. These are just examples of Natural Law that every human being understands, believes and uses them as the basis of countless decisions each year.
The Founder’s of the American Republican experiment added to those observable Natural Laws, a human variation. Those began with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but are quite extensive. They also stated a human Creator God gave those laws for humans to follow and by them flourish as individuals, as well as communities and nations. It seemed quite logical that the rising sun and human liberty were directly related through the whole concept of Natural Law and furthermore they based the unique historical United States Constitution on those absolute precepts.
But what happens when you take away the Creator of Natural Law?
Simply put, the whole process breaks down, and eventually chaos will follow. It is really nothing more than simple logic and the Natural Laws of thermodynamics.
In the United States today we seem to have forgotten these basic logical assimilations. As a society we are told to believe that God does not exist, or if He does, He let it all happen slowly over eons of time, and now passively lets us do our own thing. On our own we have created a god of Mammon, or money, and thereby allowed this god to create subservient powers, by which it shall eventually control everyone and everything including the global climate. In past ages we created idols out of gold, silver, stone and wood. Today the god of money has no tangible existence other than demanding the totality of our lives.
What a better human centered utopian dream could anyone hope for?
Read More...
The Founder’s of the American Republican experiment added to those observable Natural Laws, a human variation. Those began with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but are quite extensive. They also stated a human Creator God gave those laws for humans to follow and by them flourish as individuals, as well as communities and nations. It seemed quite logical that the rising sun and human liberty were directly related through the whole concept of Natural Law and furthermore they based the unique historical United States Constitution on those absolute precepts.
But what happens when you take away the Creator of Natural Law?
Simply put, the whole process breaks down, and eventually chaos will follow. It is really nothing more than simple logic and the Natural Laws of thermodynamics.
In the United States today we seem to have forgotten these basic logical assimilations. As a society we are told to believe that God does not exist, or if He does, He let it all happen slowly over eons of time, and now passively lets us do our own thing. On our own we have created a god of Mammon, or money, and thereby allowed this god to create subservient powers, by which it shall eventually control everyone and everything including the global climate. In past ages we created idols out of gold, silver, stone and wood. Today the god of money has no tangible existence other than demanding the totality of our lives.
What a better human centered utopian dream could anyone hope for?
Read More...
September 20th - The Fourth Commandment
19/September/2009 16:30 Filed in: Heidleberg Catechism
Lord's Day 38
103. Q. What does God require in the fourth commandment?
A. First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be maintained[1] and that, especially on the day of rest, I diligently attend the church of God[2] to hear God's Word,[3] to use the sacraments,[4] to call publicly upon the LORD,[5] and to give Christian offerings for the poor.[6] Second, that all the days of my life I rest from my evil works, let the LORD work in me through His Holy Spirit, and so begin in this life the eternal sabbath.[7]
[1] Deut. 6:4-9; 20-25; I Cor. 9:13, 14; II Tim. 2:2; 3:13-17; Tit. 1:5. [2] Deut. 12:5-12; Ps. 40:9, 10; 68:26; Acts 2:42-47; Heb. 10:23-25. [3] Rom. 10:14-17; I Cor. 14:26-33; I Tim. 4:13. [4] I Cor. 11:23, 24. [5] Col. 3:16; I Tim. 2:1. [6] Ps. 50:14; I Cor. 16:2; II Cor. 8 and 9. [7] Is. 66:23; Heb. 4:9-11.
103. Q. What does God require in the fourth commandment?
A. First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be maintained[1] and that, especially on the day of rest, I diligently attend the church of God[2] to hear God's Word,[3] to use the sacraments,[4] to call publicly upon the LORD,[5] and to give Christian offerings for the poor.[6] Second, that all the days of my life I rest from my evil works, let the LORD work in me through His Holy Spirit, and so begin in this life the eternal sabbath.[7]
[1] Deut. 6:4-9; 20-25; I Cor. 9:13, 14; II Tim. 2:2; 3:13-17; Tit. 1:5. [2] Deut. 12:5-12; Ps. 40:9, 10; 68:26; Acts 2:42-47; Heb. 10:23-25. [3] Rom. 10:14-17; I Cor. 14:26-33; I Tim. 4:13. [4] I Cor. 11:23, 24. [5] Col. 3:16; I Tim. 2:1. [6] Ps. 50:14; I Cor. 16:2; II Cor. 8 and 9. [7] Is. 66:23; Heb. 4:9-11.
Traditional Historic American Values - Part 2
16/September/2009 12:18 Filed in: Weekly Column
According to a report in the United Kingdom’s Daily Mail Online, “Up to two million march to US Capitol to protest against Obama's spending in 'tea-party' demonstration.” From the reporting on the tea party demonstrations earlier this spring, there seems to be a significant interest in Britain with Yankee civil unrest, especially when the tea party term is used. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the original Tea Party in Boston has been used historically as perhaps the first step towards the American Revolution and the end of English world dominance. The article is worth the read and the photos are outstanding, probably not what you may have seen above the front-page fold in your Sunday newspaper.
From what little reporting I heard from the mainstream media, the crowd was more like thousands. Moving up or down the spin ladder, I heard tens of thousands. Fox News set the estimate at more than 75,000. No matter the number, there were more people protesting in Washington DC this past Saturday than anyone expected, especially the Beltway crowd and the politicians.
This continues the tie from the left, which attempts to portray the current protestors as anti-healthcare reform, talk radio and Glenn Beck agitated Republican kooks. But from what I understand of Beck’s political philosophy however, he is a Libertarian and also a Mormon. I bring up Beck’s Latter Day Saints affiliation, because everyone knows the stereotype that Mormons are all male dominated, blond haired, blue eyed, racists.
Read More...
From what little reporting I heard from the mainstream media, the crowd was more like thousands. Moving up or down the spin ladder, I heard tens of thousands. Fox News set the estimate at more than 75,000. No matter the number, there were more people protesting in Washington DC this past Saturday than anyone expected, especially the Beltway crowd and the politicians.
This continues the tie from the left, which attempts to portray the current protestors as anti-healthcare reform, talk radio and Glenn Beck agitated Republican kooks. But from what I understand of Beck’s political philosophy however, he is a Libertarian and also a Mormon. I bring up Beck’s Latter Day Saints affiliation, because everyone knows the stereotype that Mormons are all male dominated, blond haired, blue eyed, racists.
Read More...
September 13th - Taking oaths
12/September/2009 19:34 Filed in: Heidleberg Catechism
Lord's Day 37
101. Q. But may we swear an oath by the Name of God in a godly manner?
A. Yes, when the government demands it of its subjects, or when necessity requires it, in order to maintain and promote fidelity and truth, to God's glory and for our neighbour's good. Such oath-taking is based on God's Word[1] and was therefore rightly used by saints in the Old and the New Testament.[2]
[1] Deut. 6:13; 10:20; Jer. 4:1, 2; Heb. 6:16. [2] Gen. 21:24; 31:53; Josh. 9:15; I Sam. 24:22; I Kings 1:29, 30; Rom. 1:9; II Cor. 1:23.
102. Q. May we also swear by saints or other creatures?
A. No. A lawful oath is a calling upon God, who alone knows the heart, to bear witness to the truth, and to punish me if I swear falsely.[1] No creature is worthy of such honour.[2]
[1] Rom. 9:1; II Cor. 1:23. [2] Matt. 5:34-37; 23:16-22; James 5:12.
101. Q. But may we swear an oath by the Name of God in a godly manner?
A. Yes, when the government demands it of its subjects, or when necessity requires it, in order to maintain and promote fidelity and truth, to God's glory and for our neighbour's good. Such oath-taking is based on God's Word[1] and was therefore rightly used by saints in the Old and the New Testament.[2]
[1] Deut. 6:13; 10:20; Jer. 4:1, 2; Heb. 6:16. [2] Gen. 21:24; 31:53; Josh. 9:15; I Sam. 24:22; I Kings 1:29, 30; Rom. 1:9; II Cor. 1:23.
102. Q. May we also swear by saints or other creatures?
A. No. A lawful oath is a calling upon God, who alone knows the heart, to bear witness to the truth, and to punish me if I swear falsely.[1] No creature is worthy of such honour.[2]
[1] Rom. 9:1; II Cor. 1:23. [2] Matt. 5:34-37; 23:16-22; James 5:12.
Traditional Historic American Values - Part 1
09/September/2009 09:09 Filed in: Weekly Column
From very recent history it seems as if the traders on Wall Street believe that their rapidly increasing fortunes are again just a few months away. To a certain extent they are correct because it really doesn’t make a whole lot of difference to them because they get paid as long as the markets continue to function, up or down. The only time they really lose is when nothing happens. This brings up two questions you might like to ponder, because the future of Wall Street traders really is of no interest here, but for your intellectual musings they may be:
Does Wall Street any longer reflect the true prosperity of the country (and the world), or is it just an exclusive special interest, determined to extract monetarily its due no matter the greater social costs?
Since the recent inception of a new enterprise model called “Too big to fail” has government intervention in big business essentially sown the seeds of future economic stagnation, or worse, that will eventually have to be treated as weeds and eradicated, to again restore the diversity of the free market system?
Moving on, a few weeks ago I was reading a Wall Street Journal interview with the current Governor of Texas, Rick Perry. The essence of that article discussed present Texas prosperity while the rest of the nation languishes in prolonged recession, budget deficits, and essential despair. Early in the interview the governor pointed to a table with three books that outlined his programs for the current Texas prosperity. Those three books were “The Road to Serfdom” by F. A. Hayek; “The Forgotten Man” by Amity Shlaes, and “The 5000 Year Leap” by W. Cleon Skousen.
Read More...
Does Wall Street any longer reflect the true prosperity of the country (and the world), or is it just an exclusive special interest, determined to extract monetarily its due no matter the greater social costs?
Since the recent inception of a new enterprise model called “Too big to fail” has government intervention in big business essentially sown the seeds of future economic stagnation, or worse, that will eventually have to be treated as weeds and eradicated, to again restore the diversity of the free market system?
Moving on, a few weeks ago I was reading a Wall Street Journal interview with the current Governor of Texas, Rick Perry. The essence of that article discussed present Texas prosperity while the rest of the nation languishes in prolonged recession, budget deficits, and essential despair. Early in the interview the governor pointed to a table with three books that outlined his programs for the current Texas prosperity. Those three books were “The Road to Serfdom” by F. A. Hayek; “The Forgotten Man” by Amity Shlaes, and “The 5000 Year Leap” by W. Cleon Skousen.
Read More...
September 6th - The Third Commandment
05/September/2009 20:03 Filed in: Heidleberg Catechism
Lord's Day 36
99. Q. What is required in the third commandment?
A. We are not to blaspheme or to abuse the Name of God by cursing,[1] perjury,[2] or unnecessary oaths,[3] nor to share in such horrible sins by being silent bystanders.[4] In short, we must use the holy Name of God only with fear and reverence,[5] so that we may rightly confess Him,[6] call upon Him,[7] and praise Him in all our words and works.[8]
[1] Lev. 24:10-17. [2] Lev. 19:12 [3] Matt. 5:37; James 5:12. [4] Lev. 5:1; Prov. 29:24. [5] Ps. 99:1-5; Is. 45:23; Jer. 4:2. [6] Matt. 10:32, 33; Rom. 10:9, 10. [7] Ps. 50:14, 15; I Tim. 2:8. [8] Rom. 2:24; Col. 3:17; I Tim. 6:1.
100. Q. Is the blaspheming of God's Name by swearing and cursing such a grievous sin that God is angry also with those who do not prevent and forbid it as much as they can?
A. Certainly,[1] for no sin is greater or provokes God's wrath more than the blaspheming of His Name. That is why He commanded it to be punished with death.[2]
[1] Lev. 5:1. [2] Lev. 24:16.
99. Q. What is required in the third commandment?
A. We are not to blaspheme or to abuse the Name of God by cursing,[1] perjury,[2] or unnecessary oaths,[3] nor to share in such horrible sins by being silent bystanders.[4] In short, we must use the holy Name of God only with fear and reverence,[5] so that we may rightly confess Him,[6] call upon Him,[7] and praise Him in all our words and works.[8]
[1] Lev. 24:10-17. [2] Lev. 19:12 [3] Matt. 5:37; James 5:12. [4] Lev. 5:1; Prov. 29:24. [5] Ps. 99:1-5; Is. 45:23; Jer. 4:2. [6] Matt. 10:32, 33; Rom. 10:9, 10. [7] Ps. 50:14, 15; I Tim. 2:8. [8] Rom. 2:24; Col. 3:17; I Tim. 6:1.
100. Q. Is the blaspheming of God's Name by swearing and cursing such a grievous sin that God is angry also with those who do not prevent and forbid it as much as they can?
A. Certainly,[1] for no sin is greater or provokes God's wrath more than the blaspheming of His Name. That is why He commanded it to be punished with death.[2]
[1] Lev. 5:1. [2] Lev. 24:16.
No weekly column this week
02/September/2009 11:57 Filed in: Weekly Column
There will be no column this week as we have been handling physical things rather than the more mental occupations. The weekly column will return next Wednesday, September 9th, when we will begin a new series on the creation and sustaining of the United States Constitution, based on the book “The 5000 Year Leap.”
Brute’, not concerned with human requirements will however post his weekly insight on Friday as usual.
The series we begin next week will look at the principles behind the Founding Fathers work to codify a constitution for the American Republic by setting aside individual beliefs and political desires, as this noble document was designed and now has become a working unique guideline for all of human history. Then we hope to tie Gratitude - Praise - Worship, as fundamental common religious experiences, finding their highest expression through music.
August was a good month at the Wonder Springs Chronicle, most of our web stats were consistent with recent history but Unique Visitors and Foreign viewers increased significantly. The Unique visitors was up a third, while foreign visitors came to Wonder Springs from 32 countries. Since 11 years ago when I began this weekly endeavor it was designed as a Christian missionary newsletter, the increase in foreign viewership was extremely heartening.
We still look forward to hearing from you regarding your role in changing the world through music.
Jerry
Brute’, not concerned with human requirements will however post his weekly insight on Friday as usual.
The series we begin next week will look at the principles behind the Founding Fathers work to codify a constitution for the American Republic by setting aside individual beliefs and political desires, as this noble document was designed and now has become a working unique guideline for all of human history. Then we hope to tie Gratitude - Praise - Worship, as fundamental common religious experiences, finding their highest expression through music.
August was a good month at the Wonder Springs Chronicle, most of our web stats were consistent with recent history but Unique Visitors and Foreign viewers increased significantly. The Unique visitors was up a third, while foreign visitors came to Wonder Springs from 32 countries. Since 11 years ago when I began this weekly endeavor it was designed as a Christian missionary newsletter, the increase in foreign viewership was extremely heartening.
We still look forward to hearing from you regarding your role in changing the world through music.
Jerry