A friend sent an email to me, another forward. It claimed that Pepsi had printed the Pledge of Allegiance on the sides of its cans, but had excised the words, "under God." The forward concluded with a call for boycotting Pepsi. It smelled like an urban legend to me and sure enough, the story is a complete fabrication.
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Coming Up...
The next book about which I intend to write some reflections is Feeding Your Appetites: Take Control of What's Controlling You by Stephen Arterburn and Dr. Debra Cherry. This straightforward book, through which I've gotten about half-way, is a Christian look at how we can derive the greatest good from God-implanted desires and not let them take control of us.
After that, reflections on Joseph Ellis' new biography of George Washington, His Excellency, a book I'm enjoying a lot.
After that, reflections on Joseph Ellis' new biography of George Washington, His Excellency, a book I'm enjoying a lot.
My Take on 'Imperial Hubris'
Michael Scheuer, the "Anonymous" who has authored Imperial Hubris: Why the West is Losing the War on Terror, is an equal-opportunity critic whose condescending dismissals of almost everyone he writes about undermines what appears to be a basically serious and important look at America's war with al Qaeda. Among those Scheuer accuses of "moral cowardice," "hubris," or general incompetence are the Clinton Administration, the second Bush Administration, the upper echelons of the CIA, the FBI, America's general staff, and others I may have forgotten.
In Scheuer's universe, it seems, almost everyone in the US government, but him, has been wrong about the nature of the threat posed by al Qaeda and the appropriate American response to it.
It isn't that Scheuer doesn't possess credentials for a thorough understanding of these issues. From 1996 to 1999, he headed the task force that analyzed the bin Laden-group for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He worked within the agency for twenty years.
But the attitude with which Scheuer writes reads like "sour grapes," an impression reinforced by his recent decision to leave the agency and officially "out" himself as Anonymous, author of this book and Through Our Enemies' Eyes: Osama bin Laden, Radical Islam, and the Future of America.
The key points of this book seem to boil down to a few:
Perhaps the most useful element of the book is its last chapter in which Scheuer presents what he calls "a few suggestions for debate." Some are obvious. Some are provocative. He suggests "guidelines for consideration" in debates regarding our approach to the war with al Qaeda:
If you've read this book, I truly would appreciate your take on it.
In Scheuer's universe, it seems, almost everyone in the US government, but him, has been wrong about the nature of the threat posed by al Qaeda and the appropriate American response to it.
It isn't that Scheuer doesn't possess credentials for a thorough understanding of these issues. From 1996 to 1999, he headed the task force that analyzed the bin Laden-group for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He worked within the agency for twenty years.
But the attitude with which Scheuer writes reads like "sour grapes," an impression reinforced by his recent decision to leave the agency and officially "out" himself as Anonymous, author of this book and Through Our Enemies' Eyes: Osama bin Laden, Radical Islam, and the Future of America.
The key points of this book seem to boil down to a few:
That bin Laden and crew appeal to a mainstream Islamic notion, the idea that when Islamic lands or institutions are threatened, it's legitimate for Muslims to engage in what Scheuer calls defensive jihad. By pinning their murderous campaign to what is seen as a legitimate tenet of the Islamic faith, al Qaeda gains legitimacy in the Muslim world.Whether one agrees with Scheuer or not, his points are worthy of examination due to his credentials. They are harmed because so often, he seems like the smartest kid in the class who, with a smirk on his face, is certain that he knows it all and isn't averse to reminding you of it.
That America's response to the attacks of September 11, 2001 have been misdirected, half-hearted, and ineffectual. Scheuer believes that, in a criticism that echoes the very one made by President Bush of the position taken by John Kerry in the recent election, the Bush Administration has been far too inclined to approach bin Laden's group as terrorists guilty of violating domestic law. But, Scheuer insists, America isn't chasing a latter-day Mafia; it's at war with al Qaeda.
That al Qaeda is more than a group of terrorists. While the group clearly is not a sovereign nation, it does exercise much of the power that such nations possess.
That the Bush Administration's decision to go to war in Iraq was irrelevant to the war with al Qaeda and in fact, created new opportunities for al Qaeda and aligned groups.
That the current government's declared intention of establishing US-style democracies in Muslim and Arab nations runs contrary to the foreign policy traditions established by George Washington while he was President and that of perhaps America's most successful secretary of state, John Quincy Adams, who served under President James Monroe. The Bush Administration's policies, Scheuer suggests, are more akin to those of Democrat Woodrow Wilson. (Scheuer dismisses Wilson, too, calling him "inane.")
Perhaps the most useful element of the book is its last chapter in which Scheuer presents what he calls "a few suggestions for debate." Some are obvious. Some are provocative. He suggests "guidelines for consideration" in debates regarding our approach to the war with al Qaeda:
- Relax, it's only a war, unique like all others
- Stop celebrating death and defeat (i.e., constant comemorations of 9/11)
- Accept that we are hated, not misunderstood (i.e., by many in the Muslim world)
- Get Used to and Good at Killing (this is chilling to me!)
- Cant [politically correct cliches] will kill us
- Professional soldiers are paid to die
- Others will not do our dirty work
- Do the checkables [information that can be confirmed] and demand expertise
- Do not deal with bin Laden as a terrorist [rather, as the head of a pseudo government that can inflict great harm against the world]
- Demand energy self-sufficiency
- End the Fifth Column of senior military and intelligence retirees
- Recognize that much of Islam is at war with America
- A time for discriminant international involvement
If you've read this book, I truly would appreciate your take on it.
Advent Begins Tomorrow
My colleague, Pastor Glen VanderKloot, from Peace Lutheran Church of Springfield, Illinois, sent out this edition of his emailed inspirations today. As we prepare for the beginning of the season of Advent, it's worth reading...
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
ADVENT THOUGHTS
Tomorrow is the beginning of Advent. Advent is the four weeks before Christmas
when we prepare for Jesus. Some people have an Advent calendar with small
doors they open each day until Christmas Eve. Sometimes there are pictures and
Bible verses behind the doors, sometimes a treat. The Advent wreath is another
way we celebrate the season. Each Sunday during Advent we light another candle
on the Advent wreath. But why do we do these things?
Advent begins of the Sunday nearest November 30 includes four Sundays. This
year Advent begins on November 28 and lasts 27 days.
The word Advent means "the coming". Since the fourth century when Advent was a
time to prepare for baptism to the Middle Ages when Advent became a time to
prepare for the second coming of Jesus, Advent has been and still is a time of
spiritual reflection and anticipation.
Today Christians still view Advent as a season to prepare for the second coming
of Jesus. Surprisingly, it is only since the 1900's that Advent has come to
be a time of anticipating the Nativity on Christmas Day.
The Advent wreath is just one symbol of the season. While no one is exactly
sure how it began, it is thought that they began with pre-Christian people who
lit candles as a sign of hope in the long dark winters. In the Middle Ages,
the Christians adapted this tradition and used Advent Wreaths as part of their
spiritual preparation for Christmas. St. John tells us that Jesus is the light
that has come into the world. By the 1600's both the Lutherans and Roman
Catholics had formal practices surrounding the Advent wreath.
The Advent wreath is a circle that represents the never-ending love of God. It
can be decorated in many ways. Often the branches of evergreens are used which
remind us that with Jesus we will have eternal life. The four candles
represent the four weeks of Advent. Some churches use three purple and one
pink candle while others use all blue. There can also be a white candle in the
center that is lit on Christmas Eve for Jesus.
No matter how a wreath is decorated or the color of the candles, we light it
each Sunday to remind us to prepare the way because Jesus is coming.
BIBLE VERSE
The light has come into the world,
and people who do evil things are judged guilty
because they love the dark more than the light.
People who do evil hate the light and won't come to the light,
because it clearly shows what they have done.
But everyone who lives by the truth will come to the light,
because they want others to know that God is really
the one doing what they do.
John 3:19-21 Contemporary English
PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus,
and for things like Advent wreaths that help remind us
what Christmas is all about. Amen
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
ADVENT THOUGHTS
Tomorrow is the beginning of Advent. Advent is the four weeks before Christmas
when we prepare for Jesus. Some people have an Advent calendar with small
doors they open each day until Christmas Eve. Sometimes there are pictures and
Bible verses behind the doors, sometimes a treat. The Advent wreath is another
way we celebrate the season. Each Sunday during Advent we light another candle
on the Advent wreath. But why do we do these things?
Advent begins of the Sunday nearest November 30 includes four Sundays. This
year Advent begins on November 28 and lasts 27 days.
The word Advent means "the coming". Since the fourth century when Advent was a
time to prepare for baptism to the Middle Ages when Advent became a time to
prepare for the second coming of Jesus, Advent has been and still is a time of
spiritual reflection and anticipation.
Today Christians still view Advent as a season to prepare for the second coming
of Jesus. Surprisingly, it is only since the 1900's that Advent has come to
be a time of anticipating the Nativity on Christmas Day.
The Advent wreath is just one symbol of the season. While no one is exactly
sure how it began, it is thought that they began with pre-Christian people who
lit candles as a sign of hope in the long dark winters. In the Middle Ages,
the Christians adapted this tradition and used Advent Wreaths as part of their
spiritual preparation for Christmas. St. John tells us that Jesus is the light
that has come into the world. By the 1600's both the Lutherans and Roman
Catholics had formal practices surrounding the Advent wreath.
The Advent wreath is a circle that represents the never-ending love of God. It
can be decorated in many ways. Often the branches of evergreens are used which
remind us that with Jesus we will have eternal life. The four candles
represent the four weeks of Advent. Some churches use three purple and one
pink candle while others use all blue. There can also be a white candle in the
center that is lit on Christmas Eve for Jesus.
No matter how a wreath is decorated or the color of the candles, we light it
each Sunday to remind us to prepare the way because Jesus is coming.
BIBLE VERSE
The light has come into the world,
and people who do evil things are judged guilty
because they love the dark more than the light.
People who do evil hate the light and won't come to the light,
because it clearly shows what they have done.
But everyone who lives by the truth will come to the light,
because they want others to know that God is really
the one doing what they do.
John 3:19-21 Contemporary English
PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus,
and for things like Advent wreaths that help remind us
what Christmas is all about. Amen
A Great Super Bowl Halftime Show in the Works!
The last Super Bowl show I actually watched was #4, when the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings, confirming what the previous bowl had hinted at: that the old AFL was on a parity with the NFL. I just lost interest in pro football at that time and nothing has re-sparked it since.
But when Super Bowl XXXVI included Paul McCartney, I made a point of tuning in when I guessed he would be on. I guessed right. Surrounding him with inane cheerleaders as Macca prepared to sing the anthemic, Freedom, was a bit silly. But it was good to see the world's most popular and, I think, most accomplished, musician perform at what has become a kind of world celebration.
In the wake of last year's fiasco, the NFL appears to be intent on "cleaning up its act," offering a show not by shallow, would-be musicians like those who headlined last year's halftime program, and to instead, employ McCartney's massive talents. While I can't imagine watching the game, I will check the telly from time to time, watching for Macca's performance.
Below is the press release I received three days ago from McCartney's organization:
Legendary rocker PAUL McCARTNEY will perform in the Ameriquest Mortgage Super Bowl XXXIX Halftime Show on FOX at ALLTEL Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday, February 6, the NFL announced today.
“We are extremely pleased to work again with Paul McCartney, one of the greatest musicians of our time, to create a memorable show,” said Steve Bornstein, the NFL’s executive vice president of media.
Added Bornstein, who will oversee the show for the NFL, “As one of the world’s most beloved artists and incomparable live entertainers, Paul McCartney will deliver an inspirational performance.”
"There's nothing bigger then being asked to perform at the Super Bowl," said McCartney. "We're looking forward to rocking the millions at home and in the stadium."
"We're thrilled Sir Paul McCartney has agreed to perform at halftime of Super Bowl XXXIX," said FOX Sports Chairman David Hill. "He is the world's most influential rock artist, and his music has been part of our culture for 30 years. He, more than any other musician, lives up to this year's Super Bowl theme of Building Bridges. His music bridges generations, countries, cultures and musical genres. I'm also sure that the duet Paul performed with Terry Bradshaw at Super Bowl XXXVI was such a major event, that he couldn't wait to reunite with Terry in Jacksonville."
This will be McCartney’s second Super Bowl appearance. He provided a memorable pre-game performance at Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans in 2002, the first Super Bowl after the tragic events of September 11.
As the climax to the pregame show and immediately prior to the singing of the two traditional anthems “America The Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner”, McCartney performed “Freedom,” a new anthem reflecting the spirit of freedom.
Watched by a record 144.4 million viewers in the U.S. last year, the Super Bowl is annually the nation’s highest-rated TV program and the most-watched single-day sporting event. The game also will be broadcast in more than 200 countries worldwide. Game time is 6 p.m. ET.
Emmy-Award winning Don Mischer Productions will produce the Ameriquest Mortgage Super Bowl XXXIX Halftime Show starring Paul McCartney.
But when Super Bowl XXXVI included Paul McCartney, I made a point of tuning in when I guessed he would be on. I guessed right. Surrounding him with inane cheerleaders as Macca prepared to sing the anthemic, Freedom, was a bit silly. But it was good to see the world's most popular and, I think, most accomplished, musician perform at what has become a kind of world celebration.
In the wake of last year's fiasco, the NFL appears to be intent on "cleaning up its act," offering a show not by shallow, would-be musicians like those who headlined last year's halftime program, and to instead, employ McCartney's massive talents. While I can't imagine watching the game, I will check the telly from time to time, watching for Macca's performance.
Below is the press release I received three days ago from McCartney's organization:
NFL SCORES PAUL McCARTNEY FOR
AMERIQUEST MORTGAGE
SUPER BOWL XXXIX HALFTIME SHOW ON FOX
AMERIQUEST MORTGAGE
SUPER BOWL XXXIX HALFTIME SHOW ON FOX
Legendary rocker PAUL McCARTNEY will perform in the Ameriquest Mortgage Super Bowl XXXIX Halftime Show on FOX at ALLTEL Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday, February 6, the NFL announced today.
“We are extremely pleased to work again with Paul McCartney, one of the greatest musicians of our time, to create a memorable show,” said Steve Bornstein, the NFL’s executive vice president of media.
Added Bornstein, who will oversee the show for the NFL, “As one of the world’s most beloved artists and incomparable live entertainers, Paul McCartney will deliver an inspirational performance.”
"There's nothing bigger then being asked to perform at the Super Bowl," said McCartney. "We're looking forward to rocking the millions at home and in the stadium."
"We're thrilled Sir Paul McCartney has agreed to perform at halftime of Super Bowl XXXIX," said FOX Sports Chairman David Hill. "He is the world's most influential rock artist, and his music has been part of our culture for 30 years. He, more than any other musician, lives up to this year's Super Bowl theme of Building Bridges. His music bridges generations, countries, cultures and musical genres. I'm also sure that the duet Paul performed with Terry Bradshaw at Super Bowl XXXVI was such a major event, that he couldn't wait to reunite with Terry in Jacksonville."
This will be McCartney’s second Super Bowl appearance. He provided a memorable pre-game performance at Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans in 2002, the first Super Bowl after the tragic events of September 11.
As the climax to the pregame show and immediately prior to the singing of the two traditional anthems “America The Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner”, McCartney performed “Freedom,” a new anthem reflecting the spirit of freedom.
Watched by a record 144.4 million viewers in the U.S. last year, the Super Bowl is annually the nation’s highest-rated TV program and the most-watched single-day sporting event. The game also will be broadcast in more than 200 countries worldwide. Game time is 6 p.m. ET.
Emmy-Award winning Don Mischer Productions will produce the Ameriquest Mortgage Super Bowl XXXIX Halftime Show starring Paul McCartney.
Friday, November 26, 2004
Friday Night This and That
Rachel Barenblat, the Velveteen Rabbi, has an interesting post on her multi-cultural Thanksgiving celebration and the happy challenge that presented to her when asked to give thanks. She's a very good writer.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Rob Asghar (AKA The Dime Store Guru) published an interesting commentary in The Jordan Times about life for immigrant Americans in the so-called "blue states," those that John Kerry won in the most recent election. His web site is also worth reading.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Rob Asghar (AKA The Dime Store Guru) published an interesting commentary in The Jordan Times about life for immigrant Americans in the so-called "blue states," those that John Kerry won in the most recent election. His web site is also worth reading.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Havel Kills Chances of Becoming UN Secretary General in Taiwan
Just as pundits and bloggers around the country were building up a head of steam behind the notion of replacing current United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan with former Czechoslovakian president, Vaclev Havel, Havel dealt a lethal blow to the prospect.
Havel appeared in Taiwan, where he opined that that country ought to be admitted into the UN. While Havel is a great and courageous man and the notion of welcoming Taiwan to the United Nations may have merit, the idea and the person who proposes it would incur the opposition of two very important players: the Republic of China and the Bush Administration. The former, of course, regards the Taiwanese regime as an illegitimate government exercising illegal authority over Chinese territory.
US government policy has long held that the Beijing government is the legitimate one for all of China, including Taiwan, while protecting the island country from any attack by the Chinese. The Bush Administration will not be anxious to retreat from that position. The ambiguity of it has been sufficient to stave off Chinese attack while the US develops ties with the mainland.
Meanwhile, it appears to me that one international statesman stands out as a great candidate for secretary general should the UN decide to replace Annan. I wrote Glenn Reynolds of Instapundit about this:
Havel appeared in Taiwan, where he opined that that country ought to be admitted into the UN. While Havel is a great and courageous man and the notion of welcoming Taiwan to the United Nations may have merit, the idea and the person who proposes it would incur the opposition of two very important players: the Republic of China and the Bush Administration. The former, of course, regards the Taiwanese regime as an illegitimate government exercising illegal authority over Chinese territory.
US government policy has long held that the Beijing government is the legitimate one for all of China, including Taiwan, while protecting the island country from any attack by the Chinese. The Bush Administration will not be anxious to retreat from that position. The ambiguity of it has been sufficient to stave off Chinese attack while the US develops ties with the mainland.
Meanwhile, it appears to me that one international statesman stands out as a great candidate for secretary general should the UN decide to replace Annan. I wrote Glenn Reynolds of Instapundit about this:
Vaclev Havel is a great man. But his indelicate suggestion that Taiwan be admitted as a member state of the UN will not only incur the wrath of China, but also be one reason the Bush Administration would offer to oppose his election as UN Secretary General. One doesn't have to disagree with Havel on this point; those are simply the hard political realities.
The UNSCAM scandal only underscores the credentials of another international figure for the position. After apartheid was dismantled in South Africa, it was Desmond Tutu who led the nation to justice and reconciliation. His courage is equal to that of Havel as is his commitment to democracy.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Some Comments Triggered by Rather Announcement Off-Base
Reaction by America's political right has been gleeful with the news that CBS News anchor Dan Rather plans to step down from that post in March. Whether conservative pundits are justified in their feeling that Rather is biased (pro-left, anti-right), I simply can't say because I haven't watched the CBS Evening News in something like twenty years. Literally, Walter Cronkite left and I became a Tom Brokaw-viewer.
But one recurring aspect of some of those gleeful conservative responses to Rather's announcement has really bothered me. I've seen repeated mention made of his age (73) and of the advanced years of his CBS colleagues, always in condescending terms. They imply that the ages of CBS's top newspeople is grounds for dismissing their work. One prominent youngish blogger even suggested that it was strange for Rather to have quoted Bob Dylan twice in recent public statements, as though a septuagenarian had no right to quote a singer-songwriter about ten years his junior. (I wonder what this guy would have said when my seventy-five year old mother-in-law told me this morning that she likes U2?) One prominent conservative commentator displayed a similar hipper-than-thou-because-you're-older-than-I-am attitude about Rather on one of the news networks last evening.
I've seen this attitude before. It's precisely the one my generation displayed when, back in the Vietnam War-era, we sang along with the Who, "I hope I die before I get old." We disdained the old and were sure that we could do a lot better without them, thank you very much.
Well, two original members of the Who did die before they grew old. The two surviving members, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, on the brink of senior citizens' status, are soon to go back to a recording studio and produce a new LP. I assume that they're doing so because they believe that they still have something to say (and product to sell) even now.
And there's a good chance that they do. Assuming that we actually pay attention to the lessons our life's successes and failures afford, we really do gain wisdom with the passing of years. As we age, it's possible for us to learn, change, grow, adapt, and have lessons of value to pass along to others.
I find it ironic that young conservatives have been so quick to attack Rather and his CBS colleagues due to their age because just a few months ago, many of these same commentators were celebrating the life, wisdom, and contributions of the oldest man ever to serve as President, Ronald Reagan.
The young have vital contributions to make to our world---new ideas (or perhaps, recycled old ones worthy of another try), fresh energy, different sensibilities.
But middle-aged and elderly persons also have some things to share. In world seeing the elevation of average life expectancies and increases in years of average activity and mobility, it's silly to dismiss a person simply because they've attained what we consider an advanced age.
It's more than silly; it's flat-out wrong!
Besides that, it's shameful to deny our elders our respect simply because they're our elders.
Dan Rather may very well be a biased liberal journalist. But if he is, that's got nothing to do with his age. As his critics assess and criticize his career, his age should have no bearing on what they say.
But one recurring aspect of some of those gleeful conservative responses to Rather's announcement has really bothered me. I've seen repeated mention made of his age (73) and of the advanced years of his CBS colleagues, always in condescending terms. They imply that the ages of CBS's top newspeople is grounds for dismissing their work. One prominent youngish blogger even suggested that it was strange for Rather to have quoted Bob Dylan twice in recent public statements, as though a septuagenarian had no right to quote a singer-songwriter about ten years his junior. (I wonder what this guy would have said when my seventy-five year old mother-in-law told me this morning that she likes U2?) One prominent conservative commentator displayed a similar hipper-than-thou-because-you're-older-than-I-am attitude about Rather on one of the news networks last evening.
I've seen this attitude before. It's precisely the one my generation displayed when, back in the Vietnam War-era, we sang along with the Who, "I hope I die before I get old." We disdained the old and were sure that we could do a lot better without them, thank you very much.
Well, two original members of the Who did die before they grew old. The two surviving members, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, on the brink of senior citizens' status, are soon to go back to a recording studio and produce a new LP. I assume that they're doing so because they believe that they still have something to say (and product to sell) even now.
And there's a good chance that they do. Assuming that we actually pay attention to the lessons our life's successes and failures afford, we really do gain wisdom with the passing of years. As we age, it's possible for us to learn, change, grow, adapt, and have lessons of value to pass along to others.
I find it ironic that young conservatives have been so quick to attack Rather and his CBS colleagues due to their age because just a few months ago, many of these same commentators were celebrating the life, wisdom, and contributions of the oldest man ever to serve as President, Ronald Reagan.
The young have vital contributions to make to our world---new ideas (or perhaps, recycled old ones worthy of another try), fresh energy, different sensibilities.
But middle-aged and elderly persons also have some things to share. In world seeing the elevation of average life expectancies and increases in years of average activity and mobility, it's silly to dismiss a person simply because they've attained what we consider an advanced age.
It's more than silly; it's flat-out wrong!
Besides that, it's shameful to deny our elders our respect simply because they're our elders.
Dan Rather may very well be a biased liberal journalist. But if he is, that's got nothing to do with his age. As his critics assess and criticize his career, his age should have no bearing on what they say.
Of Salvation Army and Target
You may know all about Target's decision to not allow the Salvation Army to collect donations at their store locations. If not, author, radio host, and blogger Hugh Hewitt has been covering the story well. You might also want to check out these two Target boycott groups' sites: dontshoptarget.com and boycotttarget.info.
I love Target stores. But this is a bad decision on their part, I believe. Hopefully, the concern expressed by people across the country will cause them to reverse it.
I love Target stores. But this is a bad decision on their part, I believe. Hopefully, the concern expressed by people across the country will cause them to reverse it.
Take a Virtual Trip with Virtual Doug
Today, I happened upon the blog of Virtual Doug. A Vietnam veteran, he will soon be returning to that country to teach English. In simple, straightforward, and compelling prose, Doug journals his preparations. I really like this site.
A Proposal for Stretching Thanksgiving Out
Michael Main has a fun suggestion in his post today for celebrating Thanksgiving one day early. Doing so, he said, helps Thanksgiving travelers to enjoy safer, less congested highways. And, those who do so--as his wife Amy and he do each year--are more rested and ready to face the shopping madness that is Black Friday.
Of course, if the idea catches on, all its vaunted advantages would vanish, meaning that we'd have to start celebrating Thanksgiving two days in advance. Hmmmm. If we play our cards right, we could could just take the year off.
Of course, if the idea catches on, all its vaunted advantages would vanish, meaning that we'd have to start celebrating Thanksgiving two days in advance. Hmmmm. If we play our cards right, we could could just take the year off.
Pray for the People of Ukraine!
Tulip Girl has this wonderful post, a message from her friend Lena in Ukraine. The people there are striving to throw off the mantle of oppression. Please pray for them, that God will keep them safe, that God will thwart the schemes of Soviet-style pols and thugs, and that Ukraine will be truly free.
Incidentally, when we consider the events in Ukraine, it gives us one more set of things to be thankful for in the US today: That we live in a free country where elections may not be perfectly administered, but are clean and fair.
Incidentally, when we consider the events in Ukraine, it gives us one more set of things to be thankful for in the US today: That we live in a free country where elections may not be perfectly administered, but are clean and fair.
The Key to Thankfulness, Part 2
Earlier today, I wrote a bit about that incident from Jesus' life on earth that preachers most often use as the basis of their Thanksgiving Eve sermons: Luke 17:11-19.
In it, Jesus gives cleansing and restoration to ten lepers. But only one thanks Him. Like the others, that one had been en route to a priest in Jerusalem, as Jesus had instructed, when he noted that his leprosy was gone. He went back to Jesus, praising God and thanking Jesus as he lay at Jesus' feet. After that, we're told:
A good principle for understanding difficult passages of the Bible is one introduced by Martin Luther: We need to let Scripture interpret Scripture. That means that we don't irresponsibly isolate passages of Scripture without respect to the witness of the entire Bible.
When I was considering what was up in this passage a few years back, I remembered another one: John 5:1-18. There, Jesus performs another healing miracle. He gives a paralyzed man the ability to use his legs.
Because Jesus performs this miracle on a Sabbath Day, He incurs the anger of religious authorities. Apparently, they thought it was okay to perform loving acts on any day but the Sabbath. (Actually, they saw Jesus' feat as work, a no-no for Sabbath days.)
So, they begin to grill the healed man about who exactly this Sabbath-violator was. He wasn't sure.
Later, Jesus approaches the man and tells him:
This, I think, what underlay Jesus' statement to the thankful former leper in Luke 17: "Your faith has made you well." The other nine one-time lepers were physically healed. But only one had the faith to see Jesus as the God and Lord of life and eternity. He was well because, through Jesus, He would be with God forever.
There are lots of things for which human beings can be thankful. But if we've let Christ's Lordship of love into the center of our lives, that's the greatest source of thanksgiving we can have. With Him, we know that we're well...forever!
[I'm not a big hymn guy, but the lyrics of It is Well with My Soul capture Jesus' words well, I think.]
In it, Jesus gives cleansing and restoration to ten lepers. But only one thanks Him. Like the others, that one had been en route to a priest in Jerusalem, as Jesus had instructed, when he noted that his leprosy was gone. He went back to Jesus, praising God and thanking Jesus as he lay at Jesus' feet. After that, we're told:
Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then He said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."I always found Jesus' words to this man curious. Jesus tells this one former leper that His faith has made Him well. But Jesus Himself has just said that all ten lepers were cleansed. And as we saw in my post of earlier today, all ten of these lepers had demonstrated sufficient faith in Jesus and His miracle-working powers to cry out for His help. Furthermore, we have no indication that Jesus has rescinded the miracle He's worked in these ten lives. All ten are still free of their leprosy apparently. So, what gives?
A good principle for understanding difficult passages of the Bible is one introduced by Martin Luther: We need to let Scripture interpret Scripture. That means that we don't irresponsibly isolate passages of Scripture without respect to the witness of the entire Bible.
When I was considering what was up in this passage a few years back, I remembered another one: John 5:1-18. There, Jesus performs another healing miracle. He gives a paralyzed man the ability to use his legs.
Because Jesus performs this miracle on a Sabbath Day, He incurs the anger of religious authorities. Apparently, they thought it was okay to perform loving acts on any day but the Sabbath. (Actually, they saw Jesus' feat as work, a no-no for Sabbath days.)
So, they begin to grill the healed man about who exactly this Sabbath-violator was. He wasn't sure.
Later, Jesus approaches the man and tells him:
"See, you have been made well! Do not sin any more, so that nothing worse happens to you." (John 5:14)Now, to me, that's a telling statement on Jesus' part. According to John, the chronicler of this incident, the once-paralyzed man had been lame for thirty-eight years. It's hard to imagine anything worse than that. But Jesus seems to say that there is something far worse. It's to unrepentantly violate God's will for our lives and thereby destroy our relationship with Him. It's to turn from God and live life according to our own terms and selfish whims and desires and so, to be separated from God, from life, hope, peace.
This, I think, what underlay Jesus' statement to the thankful former leper in Luke 17: "Your faith has made you well." The other nine one-time lepers were physically healed. But only one had the faith to see Jesus as the God and Lord of life and eternity. He was well because, through Jesus, He would be with God forever.
There are lots of things for which human beings can be thankful. But if we've let Christ's Lordship of love into the center of our lives, that's the greatest source of thanksgiving we can have. With Him, we know that we're well...forever!
[I'm not a big hymn guy, but the lyrics of It is Well with My Soul capture Jesus' words well, I think.]
If Annan is Out at the UN, Who Should Replace Him? Havel? Tutu?
Dishes done, kitchen cleaned up, more of this and that...
Glenn Reynolds of Instapundit has been pressing the case for Vaclev Havel as the next UN Secretary General. Others have taken up the call. Havel is an interesting suggestion, but I have another. If Kofi Annan truly is on his way out, here are my thoughts on those who tout President Clinton for the SG position and my alternative to Havel.
Glenn Reynolds of Instapundit has been pressing the case for Vaclev Havel as the next UN Secretary General. Others have taken up the call. Havel is an interesting suggestion, but I have another. If Kofi Annan truly is on his way out, here are my thoughts on those who tout President Clinton for the SG position and my alternative to Havel.
Thanksgiving This and That
Once again, blogger Mark Roberts has hit a home run. His series on Thanksgiving is worth reading and (Dare I say it?) digesting on this Thanksgiving Day.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Since I am inept both as a cook and handyperson, I have a few hours of alone-time right now. I'm in charge of Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas feast clean-ups each year, which suits me just fine.
As a pastor, so little of my work is measurable. I produce few widgets. That's why I enjoy things like cleaning the house, doing the dishes, and mowing the lawn. Once those tasks are completed, you can see it.
Right now, most of my extended family has left here for my brother-in-law's place. He owns a double on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River. My brother-in-law occupies the second-floor unit and spent several years transforming it, restoring it to its original beauty while adding some modern accoutrements. Recently, a tenant left and b-i-l has been working hard to get the place ready to rent. There is painting and some other things to do.
I'm a lousy painter. So much so that a number of years ago, after botching an unbotchable job in a bath room, my wife forbade me from ever picking up a paint brush again. Some suspect me of pulling a Tom Sawyer. But I can assure you that I am helpless when it comes to painting or any other handy task.
So, I'm left to the dirty dishes and, for occasional breaks, the computer.
How do you divide responsibilities when it comes to family feasts?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Our almost twenty-year-old daughter suggested that after our Thanksgiving prayers, we go around to each celebrant and ask them to name the things for which they are most thankful. Having been the one to offer the prayers, I explained that I had already named most of my greatest sources of gratitude: new life from Jesus Christ, our extended family, the safety of all who'd arrived today, our wonderful country, and the food on our table. (Lots of food on the table today!) But when asked, I said that among the things for which I am most thankful is that my wife has stuck with me for thirty years. I don't deserve the wonderful marriage we enjoy, but God decided to bless me anyway. (That's called grace.)
For you Americans, what are some of your Thanksgiving customs? (Most of the hits I've had on this site today have been from Europe. Welcome to all!)
And what are some of the things for which you're most thankful today? (That's for everybody!)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thanksgiving Day always represents the official kickoff of our family's Christmas celebrations. We do that, in part, by putting a bunch of Christmas CDs in the rack and set the stereo for random play.
This year, we bought two of those special Christmas collections that retailers sometimes offer. They're both really good.
One is the Hallmark release, A Christmas Album by James Taylor. There isn't a bad cut on the whole LP. I especially like his duet with Natalie Cole on 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' and an interesting arrangement of 'Jingle Bells.' Taylor's presentation of 'Go Tell it on the Mountain' is fabulous.
The other collection, sold at The White Barn Candle Company and Bath and Body Works is called, The Perfect Christmas. This is a two-CD set which, like the Taylor CD, is a mix of what are commonly referred to as sacred and secular Christmas music. (Although I chafe a bit at those categorizations.) Cuts from many artists are featured. Bing Crosby, Ringo Starr (singing a song with his Roundheads that was originally composed and recorded by all the Beatles as their annual Christmas greeting record for members of their fan club), B.B. King, Shania Twain, Jewel, Barenaked Ladies, Louis Armstrong, Sting, and others are represented here.
Those two CDs join perennial favorites of our family. Among them: Amy Grant's 1983 release, A Christmas Album and Our Christmas, a collection of interestingly arranged Christmas songs from Michael W. Smith, Al Green, David Meece, Bryan Duncan, Grant, Sandi Patty, First Call, Mylon LeFevre, Kim Hill, Phil Keaggy, Russ Taff, and Roberta Flack.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Okay, it's back to my clean-up operations. I hope to write more about the thankful Samaritan from Luke 17 later today.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Since I am inept both as a cook and handyperson, I have a few hours of alone-time right now. I'm in charge of Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas feast clean-ups each year, which suits me just fine.
As a pastor, so little of my work is measurable. I produce few widgets. That's why I enjoy things like cleaning the house, doing the dishes, and mowing the lawn. Once those tasks are completed, you can see it.
Right now, most of my extended family has left here for my brother-in-law's place. He owns a double on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River. My brother-in-law occupies the second-floor unit and spent several years transforming it, restoring it to its original beauty while adding some modern accoutrements. Recently, a tenant left and b-i-l has been working hard to get the place ready to rent. There is painting and some other things to do.
I'm a lousy painter. So much so that a number of years ago, after botching an unbotchable job in a bath room, my wife forbade me from ever picking up a paint brush again. Some suspect me of pulling a Tom Sawyer. But I can assure you that I am helpless when it comes to painting or any other handy task.
So, I'm left to the dirty dishes and, for occasional breaks, the computer.
How do you divide responsibilities when it comes to family feasts?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Our almost twenty-year-old daughter suggested that after our Thanksgiving prayers, we go around to each celebrant and ask them to name the things for which they are most thankful. Having been the one to offer the prayers, I explained that I had already named most of my greatest sources of gratitude: new life from Jesus Christ, our extended family, the safety of all who'd arrived today, our wonderful country, and the food on our table. (Lots of food on the table today!) But when asked, I said that among the things for which I am most thankful is that my wife has stuck with me for thirty years. I don't deserve the wonderful marriage we enjoy, but God decided to bless me anyway. (That's called grace.)
For you Americans, what are some of your Thanksgiving customs? (Most of the hits I've had on this site today have been from Europe. Welcome to all!)
And what are some of the things for which you're most thankful today? (That's for everybody!)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thanksgiving Day always represents the official kickoff of our family's Christmas celebrations. We do that, in part, by putting a bunch of Christmas CDs in the rack and set the stereo for random play.
This year, we bought two of those special Christmas collections that retailers sometimes offer. They're both really good.
One is the Hallmark release, A Christmas Album by James Taylor. There isn't a bad cut on the whole LP. I especially like his duet with Natalie Cole on 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' and an interesting arrangement of 'Jingle Bells.' Taylor's presentation of 'Go Tell it on the Mountain' is fabulous.
The other collection, sold at The White Barn Candle Company and Bath and Body Works is called, The Perfect Christmas. This is a two-CD set which, like the Taylor CD, is a mix of what are commonly referred to as sacred and secular Christmas music. (Although I chafe a bit at those categorizations.) Cuts from many artists are featured. Bing Crosby, Ringo Starr (singing a song with his Roundheads that was originally composed and recorded by all the Beatles as their annual Christmas greeting record for members of their fan club), B.B. King, Shania Twain, Jewel, Barenaked Ladies, Louis Armstrong, Sting, and others are represented here.
Those two CDs join perennial favorites of our family. Among them: Amy Grant's 1983 release, A Christmas Album and Our Christmas, a collection of interestingly arranged Christmas songs from Michael W. Smith, Al Green, David Meece, Bryan Duncan, Grant, Sandi Patty, First Call, Mylon LeFevre, Kim Hill, Phil Keaggy, Russ Taff, and Roberta Flack.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Okay, it's back to my clean-up operations. I hope to write more about the thankful Samaritan from Luke 17 later today.
The Key to Thankfulness
A popular passage of Scripture used in Thanksgiving Eve worship services across America tells the story of Jesus' encounter with ten lepers.
In those days and for many centuries afterward, lepers were forced to live in "colonies" apart from the rest of society. If, by some unexplained miracle or phenomenon, they experienced healing, they could be restored to society---to family, friends, and daily work. (Ironically, that list of family, friends, and daily work is among the things people most often name as reasons to be thankful on Thanksgiving Day.)
As Jesus approached a village, there were ten lepers who neared Him. "Keeping their distance," they cried to Jesus. His reputation as a healer had preceded Jesus. "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" Desperate for healing, they begged Him for help.
As was almost always the case, Jesus was calmly understated in His response. "Go and show yourselves to the priest," He said.
Regulations in the Old Testament's book of Leviticus, chapter 14, said that once lepers thought themselves healed, they needed to go to a priest in Jerusalem to have their restored condition officially certified. Jesus' simple directive to the lepers meant that they would soon be healed and could go back to the lives they so desperately missed.
Naturally, one would expect, in reading the unfolding of this incident, that it could be titled something like Ten Thankful People. But this is what we're told:
I have a theory.
One of the two books which, apart from the Bible, has had the greatest impact on my life is Ole Hallesby's Prayer. (The other is C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity.) Early in his book, Hallesby compares prayer to a common treatment for tuberculosis back in the 1930s, when he wrote. Patients would be placed in the warmth and glow of the sun. Nothing doctors or medical personnel did seemed to matter much, beyond giving comfort. But passive exposure to the rays of the sun had restorative power. Prayer, Hallesby says, is like that: It's placing ourselves under the power of the God we know through His Son, Jesus.
But, Hallesby says, in order for us to come to the Son or to experience the healing and restoration God makes possible, genuine prayer must include two things:
But here's the difference between the one healed leper who was thankful over against the other nine who weren't: Vulnerability. He owned his vulnerability. My suspicion is that the nine had the attitude of, "I'll beat this thing. It hasn't got me whipped yet. I'll prevail on this miracle-worker and everything will be back to normal." Jesus was a means to an end for them. Nothing more.
But the other leper knew just how vulnerable he was. His attitude was that of the psalmist, who writes: "I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my Deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!" (Psalm 70:5)
I have the suspicion that thankfulness, the key to really having something to celebrate today, is rooted in owning our vulnerability, in knowing that "every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with Whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:17)
True thankfulness is born of vulnerability, of an awareness of our total dependence on God. May the gift of vulnerability be ours this Thanksgiving!
(Later, more on the thankful leper and why Jesus told him that his faith had made him well.)
Happy Thanksgiving!
In those days and for many centuries afterward, lepers were forced to live in "colonies" apart from the rest of society. If, by some unexplained miracle or phenomenon, they experienced healing, they could be restored to society---to family, friends, and daily work. (Ironically, that list of family, friends, and daily work is among the things people most often name as reasons to be thankful on Thanksgiving Day.)
As Jesus approached a village, there were ten lepers who neared Him. "Keeping their distance," they cried to Jesus. His reputation as a healer had preceded Jesus. "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" Desperate for healing, they begged Him for help.
As was almost always the case, Jesus was calmly understated in His response. "Go and show yourselves to the priest," He said.
Regulations in the Old Testament's book of Leviticus, chapter 14, said that once lepers thought themselves healed, they needed to go to a priest in Jerusalem to have their restored condition officially certified. Jesus' simple directive to the lepers meant that they would soon be healed and could go back to the lives they so desperately missed.
Naturally, one would expect, in reading the unfolding of this incident, that it could be titled something like Ten Thankful People. But this is what we're told:
And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked Him. [Then comes the coup de grace.] And he was a Samaritan. [Samaritans were hated by Jesus' fellow Judeans, tagged with reputations as subhuman, irreligious, evil people.]One person was thankful. Why is that?
I have a theory.
One of the two books which, apart from the Bible, has had the greatest impact on my life is Ole Hallesby's Prayer. (The other is C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity.) Early in his book, Hallesby compares prayer to a common treatment for tuberculosis back in the 1930s, when he wrote. Patients would be placed in the warmth and glow of the sun. Nothing doctors or medical personnel did seemed to matter much, beyond giving comfort. But passive exposure to the rays of the sun had restorative power. Prayer, Hallesby says, is like that: It's placing ourselves under the power of the God we know through His Son, Jesus.
But, Hallesby says, in order for us to come to the Son or to experience the healing and restoration God makes possible, genuine prayer must include two things:
- Desperation
- Trust in God
But here's the difference between the one healed leper who was thankful over against the other nine who weren't: Vulnerability. He owned his vulnerability. My suspicion is that the nine had the attitude of, "I'll beat this thing. It hasn't got me whipped yet. I'll prevail on this miracle-worker and everything will be back to normal." Jesus was a means to an end for them. Nothing more.
But the other leper knew just how vulnerable he was. His attitude was that of the psalmist, who writes: "I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my Deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!" (Psalm 70:5)
I have the suspicion that thankfulness, the key to really having something to celebrate today, is rooted in owning our vulnerability, in knowing that "every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with Whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:17)
True thankfulness is born of vulnerability, of an awareness of our total dependence on God. May the gift of vulnerability be ours this Thanksgiving!
(Later, more on the thankful leper and why Jesus told him that his faith had made him well.)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Orchestral Melee a Sour Note for Symphony
[What would you think if you saw this story in the morning paper?]
“It may be the worst thing to ever happen at Music Hall,” says an official of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official was referring to the brawl that broke out as the orchestra concluded its Friday night performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F Major. The incident has CSO leaders scurrying to repair a reputation so badly damaged that it could have repercussions beyond this season.[If it's ridiculous at the symphony, then it's ridiculous elsewhere, isn't it?]
Shorly before 10:00 P.M. on Friday, liquid-bearing projectiles were hurled toward the stage from the audience. Several witnesses later confirmed that the thrown objects were cups of White Zinfandel. That variety of wine and other alcoholic beverages are sold at Music Hall during performance intermissions.
The first missile hit cellist Andrew Vander. Stunned, Vander dropped his instrument and charged into the audience. His target was long-time symphony patron, Jacqueline Hunter-Smith. Vander took a swing at the octogenerian and a melee ensued.
Hunter-Smith denied that she was the one who threw the wine at Vander. But, she said, “I did defend myself. And frankly, dousing that bum with wine isn’t such a bad idea. He’s an overpaid, underperforming grandstander who never takes one for the team. He’s a punk.”
Vander was equally angry with Hunter-Smith after police and security guards got the riotous Music Hall under control. “I saw that woman throw her cup at me from the corner of my eye,” he said. “I don’t put up with stuff like that.”
Whether Hunter-Smith was the culprit or not, orchestra officials confirm that more than twenty liquid-laden cups hit the Music Hall stage within seconds, dousing several cellists, violinists, the first-chair trumpeter, and guest conductor Bette Midler.
After the initial onslaught, several symphony members dove into the audience, attacking patrons they thought guilty of hurling the cups. Police say that before the fracas was brought under control, fifteen people were taken to area hospitals for treatment.
Orchestra officials were quick to take disciplinary action. Vander is suspended without pay for the season. Other musicians were slapped with various fines and sanctions.
Vander seems undismayed by the incident or its aftermath. Appearing in an early morning interview on CNN, Vander repeatedly mentioned a new business venture. Holding one of his company’s catalogs aloft, Vander asked viewers to order items from his Vander’s Pet Lingerie. Just weeks ago, Vander incurred the anger of orchestral officials as well as patrons when he asked for a two-month leave of absence in order to promote and fill orders for his company.
On Friday night, local classical deejays were overwhelmed with telephone calls from symphony music fans who had seen videotape footage of the incident on TV. According to Linus (Line-Up) Borkenhamm, one of the deejays, listeners were appalled by the actions of both audience and musicians.
Story still developing...
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Christmas, Eid, and a Holiday Stamp
Earlier today, a well-intentioned friend sent one of those email forwards to me. It dealt with one of the US Postal Service's holiday stamps, one that commemorates the Muslim holiday, Eid. The email suggested that Americans should "adamantly and vocally boycott" the stamp. There followed a catalog of terrorist acts perpetrated against Americans by criminals who happened to be Muslim, which it was suggested we should all remember.
The email frankly upset me and I responded to my friend in part as follows:
But two points need to be made in this regard:
One final thing, like Saint Paul when dragged in chains before King Agrippa, my hope is that all people will experience the liberation of God's unconditional acceptance, forgiveness, and new, eternal life offered through Jesus Christ. My primary aim each day of my life is to help more people know Jesus so that they can follow Him. That, in fact, is the mission Christ gives everyone who follows Him. There is a sense in which Christianity is an "imperial" faith. But true Christianity seeks converts only through the gentle persuasion of committed believers empowered by God's Spirit.
Christ's mission for Jesus-Followers does not include the kind of coercion or violence embraced by radicals, whether they call themselves Christian, Muslim, Jew, or anything else.
Nor does it include making others out to be criminals simply because they share a religious affiliation with people who are criminal.
What do you think?
The email frankly upset me and I responded to my friend in part as follows:
I always make a point of purchasing overtly Christian stamps at Christmas time. That means that if I can avoid it, I don't buy stamps with Santa Claus, Christmas trees, or anything other than stamps with artwork that portray the birth of Jesus in some way.If any of former CIA intelligent analyst Michael Scheur's book, Imperial Hubris, is to be believed, Americans can ill-afford to be naive about the connection between mainstream Islam and Osama bin-Laden's arguments in favor of his terrorist acts. Islam recognizes the legitimacy of waging what Scheur terms, "defensive jihad." According to Scheur, it's seen as justified whenever Muslim lands, institutions, or individuals are threatened or encroached upon. Many Muslims feel that the US has done just this. It is to this strand of opinion that al Qaeda appeals. Americans and policy-makers need to avoid both the reality and the perception that the US has territorial or economic designs on Muslim lands.
But...there are some other things we should remember besides those...mentioned in your email:
Muslims were among those killed on 9/11. That day, Muslims were perpetrators, but Muslims were also victims;
Not all Muslims are terrorists;
There are many Muslims who are loyal, patriotic American citizens;
Today, young Americans are fighting and dying alongside Muslims in Afghanistan and Iraq in part, according to the Bush Administration, to secure freedom for Muslim people. As a nation, we believe that Muslims are people too;
And it was Christians who unleashed the two worst and most devastating wars in history, our fellow Lutherans in Germany.
Above all, I think that we should remember that, as Saint Paul writes, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." And, of course, Jesus told the crowd ready to stone the woman caught in adultery, "Those of you without sin, cast the first stone." So-called "Christians" have been guilty of horrible violence through the centuries. But that doesn't make all Christians evil.
I won't purchase an Eid stamp because I want to focus on what Christmas is about: Jesus. But I think it's wrong to paint all Muslims as criminals.
Just some thoughts I had.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
But two points need to be made in this regard:
- Not all Muslims believe that their religion or its institutions have been thus encroached upon.
- Few Muslim would agree that "defensive jihad" is presently warranted.
One final thing, like Saint Paul when dragged in chains before King Agrippa, my hope is that all people will experience the liberation of God's unconditional acceptance, forgiveness, and new, eternal life offered through Jesus Christ. My primary aim each day of my life is to help more people know Jesus so that they can follow Him. That, in fact, is the mission Christ gives everyone who follows Him. There is a sense in which Christianity is an "imperial" faith. But true Christianity seeks converts only through the gentle persuasion of committed believers empowered by God's Spirit.
Christ's mission for Jesus-Followers does not include the kind of coercion or violence embraced by radicals, whether they call themselves Christian, Muslim, Jew, or anything else.
Nor does it include making others out to be criminals simply because they share a religious affiliation with people who are criminal.
What do you think?
House-Cleaning Music
I'm about to give the house a pre-Thanksgiving dusting and vacuuming in anticipation of spending the holiday with our family. Whenever I do that, I have to play music---preferably loudly. Our son arrived this afternoon from college and handed me a belated fifty-first birthday present: How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb by U2. (If nothing else, the fellows deserve credit for one of the coolest LP titles of all time.) I'll be popping it into the CD-port of the Apple about now. Let me at the Pledge!
Just for Fun: The Five Living Famous People with Whom I'd Most Like to Have a Conversation
1. Billy Graham
2. Bono
3. Jimmy Carter
4. Paul McCartney
5. John McCain
(Tell me how your list looks)
2. Bono
3. Jimmy Carter
4. Paul McCartney
5. John McCain
(Tell me how your list looks)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
I agree that under current circumstances the chances of Bill Clinton becoming Secretary General range from slim to none. One reason clearly is that as long as the US remains the prevailing superpower of the world, no American will be selected as SG. I can't say that this is a bad idea. US interests are too far-flung, our power too great, and our influence too pervasive for the international community to entrust the SG position to one of our number.
Furthermore, the UN will want to stay free of domestic US politics. With Mr. Clinton's wife likely to make a bid for the presidency (or to at least be touted for the office), I don't see the international community wanting him as SG. I also think that the US would squelch such a move.
Vaclev Havel is an interesting possibility.
Others might include former Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Particularly in light of the recent scandal regarding the sexual misconduct of members of UN peacekeepers in Africa, Tutu could be a great choice. In addition to being a courageous Nobel Peace Prize laureate, he is a man with a reputation beyond reproach. His work as leader of reconciliation in South Africa following the dismantling of apartheid marks him as a notable statesman.
While Tutu is of a more advanced age than Havel, he might serve a helpful interim term at the UN, helping to restore its integrity and reputation.