The old saying goes, “Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.” However, there is something more sinister that happens as well. In recent years, there has been an unprecedented attack on historical fact, resulting in students learning “history” that, at best, is skewed or, at worst, is completely fictitious.
In this case, the adage could say, “Those who ignore history are doomed to revise it.” Consider the Old Testament story of Esther as told in Persia today.
[Note: This post contains thoughts on government which could be mistaken as political. They're not.]
I have been thinking a lot about Daniel 2:21 and Romans 13:1, especially in light of certain world events that have happened this year.
“He changes times and seasons, deposing some kings and establishing others.” Daniel 2:21
“There is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God.” Romans 13:1
Stephen Mansfield, author of The Faith of Barack Obama, which I have reviewed here, has written another great piece on this topic. This time it’s an opinion article in USA Today.
In short, Mansfield believes that President Obama’s eclectic, “big-tent” type of faith is exactly what the country ordered.
Americans are less likely to believe that any single faith is the only path to God, and they are more likely to believe that there is truth in religions differing from their own than at any prior time in the nation’s history.
Based on some of the President’s own speeches and writings, this is a great summary of his faith as well. And while that may satisfy the majority of our nation, it causes me great alarm.
As someone who is devoted to helping people properly understand Biblical teachings, there is nothing more frustrating than the post-modern, pluralistic, “all truth is relative” mindset held by so many today, including our President.
These “new revelations” might come from a non-Christian religion as well, for Obama does not believe his Christianity is the final word. “I am rooted in the Christian tradition,” he has said. But “I believe there are many paths to the same place and that is a belief that there is a higher power, a belief that we are connected as a people.”
Everyone should take a few minutes to read the full article here. And for more information about President Obama’s faith, check out Mansfield’s book, The Faith of Barack Obama (and my review here).
I just read an article by Paul Asay on the simultaneous growth and death of TV and its effects. In pointing out the article, I want to let you on to something else as well.
The article, entitled “Three Networks and the Truth”, was a part of a weekly email newsletter I get from Plugged In Online, a division of Focus on the Family.
With the tag line, “Shining a light on the world of popular entertainment,” Plugged In Online is a review source for all things movie, video/DVD, music, TV, and video game in pop culture.
I personally like the movie reviews each week. They all have the same format, beginning with a summary of the movie. Then they break it down into sections: Positive Elements, Spiritual Content, Sexual Content, Violent Content, Crude or Profane Language, Drug and Alcohol Content, and Other Negative Elements, before giving some concluding thoughts.
For example, see the review of the new movie, The Soloist, here.
Each email newsletter also includes a section called “Culture Clips”. This typically contains up to three quotes by someone in pop culture or stats that make an obvious statement about the culture. The intent is to get you, the reader, to think and/or act on that information in your own sphere of influence.
For instance, this week we’re informed, “When asked if they’d rather give up TV or the Internet for a week, 77% of teens said they’d forgo the tube. [mediapost.com, 4/21/09]“
And that’s it. You’ve been informed. What will you do with that information?
Pop culture contains the filters we use to look at our world and our faith. So here are some links for you. Check them out. Use them to know the culture in which you and your children/grandchildren live.
PluggedIn Online’s website – check out their past articles and reviews
“Three Networks and the Truth” article by Paul Asay – excellent article on TV’s modern influence
Subscribe to the Plugged In eNewsletter – get it yourself each week; it’s FREE
TIME magazine has just released an article entitled, “10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now“. Near the top of these interesting “ideas” is #3 – The New Calvinism.
If you’re not familiar with the “old” Calvinism, there are plenty of resources available to you. In a nutshell, John Calvin was one of the leading Reformers of the 16th century. In his theological understanding, God’s sovereignty over all things was a central tenet.
I actually like TIME’s article, which seemed very fair to me. I highly recommend that you read it, whether or not you are up on Calvinism.
However, there was one part that I didn’t like. And not because it wasn’t true. Actually, the problem was that it is true.
Here was the writer’s last paragraph (my bold):
Calvin’s 500th birthday will be this July. It will be interesting to see whether Calvin’s latest legacy will be classic Protestant backbiting or whether, during these hard times, more Christians searching for security will submit their wills to the austerely demanding God of their country’s infancy.
“classic Protestant backbiting” – this is not what we should be known for! How have we let it come to this?
Regardless of old or new Calvinism, let’s make sure we each do our part to throw off this stereotype of “backbiting” Christians.
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” However, if you continually bite and devour one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another.” Galatians 5:13-15
