Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Christ

In case you missed the first two posts regarding this highly sensitive and pressing topic, you can see them  here  and  here . In yesterday's post, I spoke as to whether or not the Bible supports Christian men and women in the act of protest.  One of the requirements I believe is important is whether or not there are tangible goals that are sought through the act of protesting.  It's also vitally important that those protesting be able to explain the purpose of their protest and the change they are seeking to cause.  Failure in either of these requirements tends to doom protests from the start, and leads them down a path of senseless destruction. That's brings us to the issue that has brought out nearly everyone's opinion in the last week or so.  I'd like to look at the #Take a Knee protests and see whether or not they fulfill the requirements above. #1 Are there tangible goals that the professional athletes are seeking to accomplish through the ...

“How long will you   defend the unjust  and show partiality  to the wicked? Defend the weak and the fatherless;      uphold the cause of the poor  and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy;      deliver them from the hand of the wicked." Psalm 82:2-4 With the prominence of protesting in today's society, it's important as Christians to understand whether or not the Word of God supports the idea of protesting, and whether it gives any requirements for Christians who engage in protesting. Unfortunately for us, there is no distinct text that gives a clear response to this question, so it becomes a matter of application.  We know that first and foremost, the Bible teaches us that God expects us to bring all of our cares and concerns to him in prayer.  1 Chronicles tells us to look to the Lord and his strength, seek his face always.  Our interest in protesting should always be quelled by the qu...

Brandon Tatum put up so many strawmen it looks like Halloween came early. In case you didn't get a chance to see it, Tucson Police Officer Brandon Tatum went viral with this video:  Brandon Tatum- Now I Have Had Enough After watching it a few times, I'm struck by a few things, but mostly by Tatum's statements that he attributes to all these "rich, crybaby athletes." "It's not about the act of protesting, it's about the way you're doing it." This was Tatum's opening statement- let's see where he goes with this. "What does the flag and anthem have to do with what you're talking about?" I think the anthem argument was a stretch that someone through out there for additional justification.  I really don't believe most of the men taking a knee really care about the Star Spangled Banner national anthem being played. "Made the poor become rich" I'm hoping what you meant to say was that the freedoms...

So many thoughts- just trying to find a way to put them all down. I caught myself multiple times today stuck in thoughts about this country, our freedoms, and the power of the ideals declared in 1776. Countless times we find ourselves talking about the freedoms we have in this country that others don't have. The entire purpose of Thomas Jefferson's famous declaration is that all men and women, anywhere on this planet, past or present or future, have the same rights. The beauty of the United States is that a government (in theory) finally recognized that it was not the ultimate authority. The citizens and their inalienable rights were to be the authority and guide by which the government would operate.  Supreme among those rights are life and liberty. Men and women, of all races, creeds, and colors, have the unquenchable right to live. Any one person or group or government should never violate that right. Second only to the right to life is the right to live your life...