PublicChristian

there is no way in which a country can satisfy the craving for absolute security

“No way.” No way. As in not possible in this world.

but it can easily bankrupt itself,
morally and economically,
in attempting to reach that illusory goal through arms alone.

In other words, you can’t buy enough guns (etc) to make yourself safe. But you can go completely nuts trying.

Listen to this sermon by clicking here: (Download)
 

ISSUES in “Our Patriotic Songs Have Some Serious Messages”:
  • God is looking for fruit (goodness, love) from every individual, every group, every nation, even the entire human race.
  • ”My Country” – It’s good in principle to love your country. It’s very normal. But it is sometimes done in very destructive, evil ways.
  • Some of these stirring songs have serious prayers in them, or frightening teachings about God’s action in America.
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In many respects, Americans are freer today than ever before, with more Americans than ever before enjoying unencumbered access to the promise of American life.

I’m quoting Andrew J. Bacevich, retired US Army colonel, professor of history and international relations at Boston University, writing about American freedom, and values in American life today.*

He’s arguing that we’ve used our freedoms to become self-indulgent and arrogant, and to try to force the rest of the world to support that self-indulgence and arrogance.
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We watched tonight for the second time the movie “Bonhoeffer“ about the German theologian / pastor who was executed by the Nazis in April 1945, and whose books continue to have influence. I urge that you watch this film. I will not try to list or defend what were to me obvious parallels between then and now, particularly in the misuse and corruption of the Christian faith and the Christian churches. Those parallels will, I trust, be apparent.

Well, I will mention one parallel. A historian being interviewed commented regarding the use of torture by the Nazis that it was a clear example of “the evil of the Nazi” regime. That was spoken in 2002 or 2003 before it was commonly known that our own President highly values the use of torture, » Continue Reading »

Thanks to Information Clearing House for these.

Ehren Watada has refused orders to Iraq.

I refuse to be silent any longer. I refuse to be party to an illegal and immoral war against people who did nothing to deserve our aggression. My oath of office is to protect and defend America’s laws and its people. By refusing unlawful orders for an illegal war, I fulfill that oath today.

–U.S. Army First Lt. Ehren Watada

I want to emphasize the one above, but these also are valuable. » Continue Reading »

These are comments about Clinton’s commitment of US troops into Bosnia; and it wasn’t all that long ago – they should be able to remember the logic. (Thanks to kos.)

“You can support the troops but not the president.”
–Rep Tom Delay (R-TX)

“Well, I just think it’s a bad idea. What’s going to happen is they’re going to be over there for 10, 15, maybe 20 years.”
–Joe Scarborough (R-FL)

“Explain to the mothers and fathers of American servicemen that may come home in body bags why their son or daughter have to give up their life?”
–Sean Hannity, Fox News, 4/6/99

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One incident often comes up in discussions of Jesus and the generally non-violent flavor of his teaching – the time (or two) when he overthrew money-changer’s tables in the temple compound in Jerusalem. [Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:15, John 2:8]

I am assuming that the reports are accurate. I would like to point out a few things – to help us avoid the idea that Jesus here promoted the kinds of violence we tend to indulge in.

BACK THEN
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October 5, 2004

(Here’s part of an entry made here back in August.)

… Why are so few sins emphasized by the ‘right’? And the Republicans have NOT helped us reduce the frequency of even those few. Further, why are only ‘other peoples’ sins taken into consideration while the churches’ sins and the Republicans’ sins are ignored? After all, God’s judgment begins with those who claim most publicly to be God’s people.

“wrong is wrong and must be opposed…”

Well, ok.

How about lying in the White House? Clinton lied for a few days about an issue peripheral to governing and national security. The Bush administration lies repeatedly, perhaps daily, about the most crucial matters.
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