Mighty good words. It's so easy to rant and rave about the disease of socialism, or the horrors of abortion, or any other national ill that's overtaking us, and all the while forget that I have family who need wise , loving counsel. I have neighbors who need Christ, or need a meal, or even just an encouraging word. My influence really isn't national (that's probably a good thing actually). It's very small, about the size of the four walls I live in or work in.
I didn't realize that as I raised my kids and ranted about national ills when I should of been speaking in love and wisdom about those ills in such a way as to encourage them to think deeply about the issues. As a result, 3 of 4 four of them rejected their youthful confessions and followed the world. I could blame public education, or social media, or any number of other things, but the truth is, I lacked the wisdom to convey the truth of God's Word in a way that they would listen to me. Now, I'm playing catch-up and trying to maintain our relationship, (which we've done, praise the Lord!, even though we see the world from very different viewpoints.
My encouragement to anyone who reads Erick's wisdom or these simple words of mine, is this...Love people and point them towards the Redeemer of mankind. All the time, without reservation. Use the limited influence God has given you to tell people that God loves them and let the Holy Spirit do what only He can do...change their hearts. Thanks Erick. That's good stuff.
Communitarianism is in fact American nationalism. Much of this is the ubiquitous Hamilton vs Jefferson debate that repeats itself constantly in politics and in every organization. To consolidate up power and order for the greater good, or to distribute down power and order for the greater good? This difference connects to the conservative vs liberal ethos… it is just that rank and file conservatives tend to more honest and accurate in their view that the big government approach is less desirable than is one where the individual, family and their community has more power and control. Liberals talk out both sides of their mouth on this… claiming they are the champions of individual rights, demanding community autonomy… but then pushing for ever increasing larger government.
I see the “Christian Nationalism” movement as more a morality-focused, American-focused, “libertarian paternalism” movement. American nationalism in that sense is one that advocates for more distributed individual, family and community autonomy and less centralized government power and control. I don’t see race having any connection except that racial division is caused by and exploited by those that pursue greater centralized power and consolidation.
Well said. The basis of decency as the foundation of good society should begin at home, then spread out naturally into the local community. And, our local community involvement should logically start at a decent local church assembly where people understand and believe that God's word always trumps whatever Washington (and/or whatever is currently socially acceptable) dictates. In any good church, the primary focus is to clearly explain and frequently encourage the crucial importance of a real, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A healthy church also encourages and cultivates fellowship with other people of faith. There's strength, refreshing and depth of character to be gained from time shared between folks who realize we are all, at times, foible in our faith and our priorities. Then, we can move out into our community with clear purpose and affect positive results. Thank you, Erick, for another good article.
Ascribed to a monk circa 110 but that is probably not accurate
“When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.
I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.
When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.”
The Christian Nationalism label seemed to start out by using it against any conservative Christian speaking politics. So, many of us would push back asking "Is this Christian Nationalism?" when clips of liberal/Democrat politicians showed them speaking in church or quoting the Bible, or praying, in political engagement. Now, it's all at a whole other level. And I'm not sure it's a good level.
I agree with you Erick. This is kind of like the line from the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy says, "true happiness is found in your own back yard" or something like that. But....what you say means that folks have to actually get to know the people in their community. That actually takes time and effort and engagement. My goodness - you actually have to learn to be a neighbor and a friend! Many of us prefer spouting off in internet world rather than taking time to listen, engage and befriend others on a personal level. You are right, because this truth is centered in scripture. The Bible tells us who our neighbor is and how we are to act. Thank you for this Erick and Merry Christmas!
Yes let’s go into our communities and care for them. But you have to understand the author of that books point.
Liberals of given the opportunity would round up every Christian and put them in concentration camps. They would close every church except for the twisted woke ones.
I get the pacifism angle but honestly, although we need not be violent we should be vigilant. We need to metaphorically fight to stay free for as long as possible and also stick to our faith not bend to mainstream expectations as the UMC is doing.
By the way Erick are you going to talk about the UMC schism that’s happening right now?
Amen! Let's take your admonition into our local House of Worship. From there, across the street and continue extending the hand of friendship until everyone can testify to our love for the community. Voila! The Great Commission!
Your closing scripture goes well with two others but keep in mind we had both Trump and Biden as president as you read this:
1Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
2Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
Romans 13:1–2 (NASB95)
Both Trump and Biden were/are in office at the good pleasure of God. One of those two men irritates everyone, so that scripture should grate at us all. However, there's a third scripture that should give us hope and put us at ease, though I confess I have a hard time relaxing in it:
28And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 (NASB95)
We must first be with God. If we are not, then our actions don't amount to a hill of beans.
I had initially thought your comment was going in a different, derogatory direction but I like your term. I may steal it, or at the very least borrow it with credit.
Amen!!!
Mighty good words. It's so easy to rant and rave about the disease of socialism, or the horrors of abortion, or any other national ill that's overtaking us, and all the while forget that I have family who need wise , loving counsel. I have neighbors who need Christ, or need a meal, or even just an encouraging word. My influence really isn't national (that's probably a good thing actually). It's very small, about the size of the four walls I live in or work in.
I didn't realize that as I raised my kids and ranted about national ills when I should of been speaking in love and wisdom about those ills in such a way as to encourage them to think deeply about the issues. As a result, 3 of 4 four of them rejected their youthful confessions and followed the world. I could blame public education, or social media, or any number of other things, but the truth is, I lacked the wisdom to convey the truth of God's Word in a way that they would listen to me. Now, I'm playing catch-up and trying to maintain our relationship, (which we've done, praise the Lord!, even though we see the world from very different viewpoints.
My encouragement to anyone who reads Erick's wisdom or these simple words of mine, is this...Love people and point them towards the Redeemer of mankind. All the time, without reservation. Use the limited influence God has given you to tell people that God loves them and let the Holy Spirit do what only He can do...change their hearts. Thanks Erick. That's good stuff.
Communitarianism is in fact American nationalism. Much of this is the ubiquitous Hamilton vs Jefferson debate that repeats itself constantly in politics and in every organization. To consolidate up power and order for the greater good, or to distribute down power and order for the greater good? This difference connects to the conservative vs liberal ethos… it is just that rank and file conservatives tend to more honest and accurate in their view that the big government approach is less desirable than is one where the individual, family and their community has more power and control. Liberals talk out both sides of their mouth on this… claiming they are the champions of individual rights, demanding community autonomy… but then pushing for ever increasing larger government.
I see the “Christian Nationalism” movement as more a morality-focused, American-focused, “libertarian paternalism” movement. American nationalism in that sense is one that advocates for more distributed individual, family and community autonomy and less centralized government power and control. I don’t see race having any connection except that racial division is caused by and exploited by those that pursue greater centralized power and consolidation.
Well said. The basis of decency as the foundation of good society should begin at home, then spread out naturally into the local community. And, our local community involvement should logically start at a decent local church assembly where people understand and believe that God's word always trumps whatever Washington (and/or whatever is currently socially acceptable) dictates. In any good church, the primary focus is to clearly explain and frequently encourage the crucial importance of a real, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A healthy church also encourages and cultivates fellowship with other people of faith. There's strength, refreshing and depth of character to be gained from time shared between folks who realize we are all, at times, foible in our faith and our priorities. Then, we can move out into our community with clear purpose and affect positive results. Thank you, Erick, for another good article.
Ascribed to a monk circa 110 but that is probably not accurate
“When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.
I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.
When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.”
The Christian Nationalism label seemed to start out by using it against any conservative Christian speaking politics. So, many of us would push back asking "Is this Christian Nationalism?" when clips of liberal/Democrat politicians showed them speaking in church or quoting the Bible, or praying, in political engagement. Now, it's all at a whole other level. And I'm not sure it's a good level.
That's very well said.
I agree with you Erick. This is kind of like the line from the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy says, "true happiness is found in your own back yard" or something like that. But....what you say means that folks have to actually get to know the people in their community. That actually takes time and effort and engagement. My goodness - you actually have to learn to be a neighbor and a friend! Many of us prefer spouting off in internet world rather than taking time to listen, engage and befriend others on a personal level. You are right, because this truth is centered in scripture. The Bible tells us who our neighbor is and how we are to act. Thank you for this Erick and Merry Christmas!
Flannery O’Connor noted (I am paraphrasing off memory) that the South is not Christ-centered but instead is Christ-haunted.
This notion becomes clearer to me everyday and, sadly, seems applicable to Christianity at large.
Yes let’s go into our communities and care for them. But you have to understand the author of that books point.
Liberals of given the opportunity would round up every Christian and put them in concentration camps. They would close every church except for the twisted woke ones.
I get the pacifism angle but honestly, although we need not be violent we should be vigilant. We need to metaphorically fight to stay free for as long as possible and also stick to our faith not bend to mainstream expectations as the UMC is doing.
By the way Erick are you going to talk about the UMC schism that’s happening right now?
Amen! Let's take your admonition into our local House of Worship. From there, across the street and continue extending the hand of friendship until everyone can testify to our love for the community. Voila! The Great Commission!
All politics is local, fix what you can, pray for the rest. Don't forget to have a slice of pie once and a while! Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!!
Your closing scripture goes well with two others but keep in mind we had both Trump and Biden as president as you read this:
1Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
2Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
Romans 13:1–2 (NASB95)
Both Trump and Biden were/are in office at the good pleasure of God. One of those two men irritates everyone, so that scripture should grate at us all. However, there's a third scripture that should give us hope and put us at ease, though I confess I have a hard time relaxing in it:
28And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 (NASB95)
We must first be with God. If we are not, then our actions don't amount to a hill of beans.
I appreciate your emphasis on backyard theology. If our theology does not start there, it does not end well.
I had initially thought your comment was going in a different, derogatory direction but I like your term. I may steal it, or at the very least borrow it with credit.