The problem with excessively optimistic Christian “progress”…

Fake news comes in many forms and styles.  We hear the liberal media spout fake news daily, often to bash President Trump.  We hear Trump using some degree of hyperbole in explaining his many accomplishments.

We even hear Christian missionaries, evangelists, and church leaders explain the success in bringing people to Christ.

I occasionally pose a question to Christian leaders while raising concerns about the growth and dangers of Islam and the fact that the Church fails to discuss or address the Islamic threat:

“Do you know how fast Christianity is increasing compared to Islam?”

Their response has ALWAYS been something to the effect of:

“No worries, we have missionaries in [such and such place] and they’re bringing people to Christ by the boatload.”

That response does not answer my question, number one.  Number two, that response masks the ignorance of that Christian leader with regard to the growth of Islam compared to the growth of Christianity around the world.  But I haven’t challenged that response – until now.

So, in the spirit of that challenge, I present the following two minute animation that shows the growth of major world religions from 1946 t0 2019. Enjoy…or not:

If the information presented in this video is accurate, and I have reasons to believe it is, the Churches need a lot of waking up to do regarding accepting the truths about Islam, their growth, their means of growth, and the threat they pose to our national and religious freedoms.

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The questions I asked myself when I received this video from a friend were “what is the source of this data? Who put it together?  What was their motivation?  Can it be trusted?

Here are a few answers to those questions:

The person who put this video together has a YouTube presence on a site called Data Is Beautiful.  This is a link to that sites’ “About” page.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkWbqlDAyJh2n8DN5X6NZyg/about

The source of the data is World Religion Data Base.  This is a link to their site:

https://www.worldreligiondatabase.org/

I cannot vouch for the voracity of either of these sources – and I’d prefer they were not accurate.

Topics churches avoid because they’re considered “political”

There are dozens of topics that the church avoids to prevent even the appearance of dabbling in “politics.”  Any one of the following topics that most churches avoid could be a blog, a book, or a three month college course.  But the toxic and misapplied word “politics” stifles and condemns their discussion in our churches.  So don’t use the word “politics” with its poisoned innuendos.  Call it “governance”: A concept expressed throughout the Bible in dozens of chapters if we really cared for God’s direction.

What are some of these forbidden topics that the Bible teaches, but which the church has banished into impropriety because some might consider such topics “political?”

• Personal responsibility versus reliance on government.  This distinction takes many forms including government welfare programs, disincentives to work, taking from the “haves” and giving to the “have nots”, tax policy, among others.  The Bible comes down on the side of the individual determining the needs of others on a personal level – from the heart, and not the impersonal, broad brush grant by government to those who may or may not be worthy.
• The distinction between “socialism” and what the Bible really teaches about government.  No, despite the “social justice” and “social gospel” fads, the Bible does NOT teach these.  “Social justice” implies government mandating redistribution of wealth and resources given to those the government determines are worthy.  What does the Bible really teach?  Hint:  Trusting God more than government – one of the principle driving forces behind the founding of our nation.
• Sexual perversion.  Somebody we know may practice one of the LGBTQIA sexual preferences (the number of letters continues to grow).  So we certainly don’t want to mention it in church because a friend or family member my be offended.  But shouldn’t we?  God thinks so.
• Mandating accommodation of perversions (same sex marriage, homosexuality) in our businesses that violate Christian principles and morality.  Examples:  Bakeries, photo studios, and churches are legally forced to provide services and facilities to perverts.  Shouldn’t churches explain and defend the right of Christians to adhere to their beliefs in their businesses?  The silence of churches on these matters leaves many Christians with the belief that businesses that do not bow to serving perversion are excessively radical.  Really?
• The importance of marriage between a man and a woman.  There are numerous reasons why a male and female, together, make the best role models in raising children.  The Bible teaches this.  And so should the church.
• The importance of “nations”, “borders” and honoring the integrity of these God ordained entities.  Yes, God created the concept of “nations” as opposed to the globalist, Babel-esque agenda.  And yes, the immigrant “sojourner” is expected to obey the laws of the nation to earn the privilege of being a guest.  This theme runs through many Books of the Bible.
• Government persecution of Christians and their beliefs.  As our culture drifts further from its Christian roots, government is increasingly emboldened to declare the Christian to be the bad guy, the bigot, the homophobe.  The practice of what was considered “morality” has become “bigotry.”   Being opposed to perverted behavior is now called “homophobia.” Warning of the evils of Islamic doctrine and practice is called “Islamophobia”, no matter how true and accurate the warnings may be.
• The truth about Islam.  The church has failed to teach the Biblical differences between the Islamic god Allah and God.  No, they are not the same.   And Jesus is not just a “prophet.” Politicians ignore the Islamic threat and lie about its true nature, and intent.  Shouldn’t churches correct the record about Islam or is that too “political?”
• The false teachings of “separation of church and state” and “you can’t legislate morality.”  More accurately, the intent was “freedom OF religion”, not freedom FROM religion.  And there isn’t a single law that isn’t related to some form of morality.  It is more a question of whose morality and which morality is chosen to legislate.   The Bible clarifies these things  while the churches ignore them.
• Laws in general. Government’s role in legislating and taxing should be for the purpose of protecting and defending individual liberties, not doing for people what they should be doing for themselves.  The term “general welfare” was never intended to facilitate a “welfare state.”
• Right to life/abortion.  Do too many women feel put upon by the Bible’s “thou shall not murder” doctrine for the church to speak about this any more?  “My body – my right – to kill.”  Seems a bit selfish, yes? 
• Love.  Especially “tough love.”  Love enough to urge friends, family, co-workers to trust God and His standards – to do the right and moral thing.  Love involves facing the truth about morality, behaviors, actions, and even government policy.  A permissive, anything goes culture doesn’t seem to care about such things.  Government programs don’t “love.”  Individuals do.
• The Christian roots of our nation.  These roots are increasingly ignored and denied by our media, universities and politicians.  Shouldn’t our churches, at the very least, be at the forefront of reminding us of our nation’s Christian heritage, and how Biblical principles gave us the freedoms and prosperity that the great majority of Americans enjoy?

The demonization of people of faith through the weaponized use of words such as “racist”, “homophobe”, “bigot”, “Islamophobe”, and even the word “politics” is a means of silencing the Church from speaking on these topics.  The Bible, and traditional Christian doctrine and practice over the centuries did not shy away from the Biblical teachings that have recently been self-declared by churches throughout our nation as being “off limits.”  Why?  And for how long?  I’m guessing until either when the church wakes up, or when the church slides into irrelevance among the amorphous whims of an immoral pop culture.

Answering objections to the Church addressing “governance”

As a layman who has spent over 60 years observing the moral decline of our culture and increasing hostility of our government toward Christianity, I naturally wondered “why?”

One significant reason for this state of affairs is that the Church, over the most recent decades, has avoid discussing major and significant portions of the Bible.

The previous blog post titled “Do you dislike “politics” being discussed in church?” elicited a number of common concerns about the church teaching the portions of the Bible dealing with “government” and which most avoid because that word is associated with the “bastardized” word “politics.”

So I will break down the concerns  expressed about what I wrote and attempt to address them, one by one.

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First, "politics" as a subject in our society has become toxic.

I agree. It is a toxic word.

Reality is, the word itself has become so bastardized; polarized; emotionalized, that in the context of this discussion the definitions are irrelevant.

The word "politics" has not only become "bastardized" as you say, but also weaponized. The word "politics" is used as a weapon against discussing and learning virtually everything the Bible (God) has to say about governance. And it says a lot!

The same is being done with the weaponized words “racist”, “homophobe”, and “Islamophobe.”  The Church now suffers from “politiphobe": One who fears the discussion of anything related to politics or governance.  These words are invoked to silence and demonize discussion.   The Church has succumbed to the demonization of the word “politics” and now apparently the word “governance”, too. "Don't point out what the Bible says because it may offend someone - or someone may disagree" goes the thinking. And they certainly don't want to "offend" and lose attendees or revenue.

It's an impossible leap to overcome it.

I disagree.  It’s difficult, but not impossible.  People have become lazy and careless in their use of words.  They - our culture - purposely redefine words to meet their agenda.  If they don’t want a certain subject to be discussed, for example, such as the economy or immigration, or excessively invasive government, they will call it “politics” with a negative twist.  So we need to be more precise and honest in acknowledging what we don’t want to discuss.  Instead of using the broad brush of the word “politics”, let’s use the words “gossip” or “slander” or “mud slinging” or alleged lying.  These terms describe what many associate with “politics.”  Both our churches and public education system have let us down in this regard.

Secondly, trying to interpret the bible for the sake of governance is nebulous, for the bible is written with many interpretations.

The Bible is much less "nebulous" than the casual observer may assume. Just as in addressing any problem there are various ways to address it. Some ways should be avoided, some ways are iffy, some ways may work. And some ways are essential. These options are available for every mundane decision we make: How to raise a child, how to invest your money, what to have for lunch. That does not mean we avoid learning and discussing such things with other people who are impacted by that decision.

When it comes to running your life, your family, a community, city, county, state, or nation, there is the same assortment of approaches to address the best ways to govern.

Interpreting the Bible is the same.  There are wrong interpretations to be avoided.  Some are “maybe’s.”  Some are “likelies” and “pretty darn certains.” And some are “absolutes.”

The Bible has many more “pretty darn certains” and “absolutes” about governance than the exposure it has been given in the Churches of late. Sure there is a diversity of opinion of interpretation. But that does not mean there is no right way. And there are most certainly a number of wrong ways. That does not mean the topics should be ignored. That does not mean that those who are well versed in the Bible (pastors and teachers) without imposing their own agenda, should avoid teaching and promoting God's words about governance to their congregations.

Those interpretations can be as diverse as the "political" viewpoints of the interpreter. Case in point is the US/Mexico border situation. The bible says (in essence) welcome all refugees fleeing from whatever. So; no border wall. But the bible also asserts we should provide safe haven for our families. So…a wall against possible criminals? Welcome refugees selectively? Politics. Ugh!

Using your example of illegal immigration, two competing doctrines have been cited in the Bible: 1) Obey the laws of the land and 2) Be gracious to the sojourner. There are other principles in the Bible as well, such as the concepts of nations and national sovereignty, no work/no eat, personal responsibility, and many others.  These are rarely considered in the context of illegal immigration, but they should be..

Those with an "open borders" agenda will equate "sojourner" with "illegal immigrant." And they stop right there. End of argument. Let in all the sojourners because that is what the Bible says. False! In fact, there is no equivalency whatsoever between those terms "illegal immigrant" and "sojourner." Add in the social justice warriors’ failure to consider the other relevant Bible principles and their failed interpretation becomes even more blatant.

Back to point #1 above: Reality is, the introduction of the politics of governance in the church may not even be the business of the church.

Wrong.  Major themes of the Bible are all about “governance.”  From self-governance of the individual, to the governance between individuals, to communities and to nations.  These are major themes of the Bible throughout.  Therefore the form and means of governance are most certainly the business of the Church.

The founders of this nation and signers of the Constitution were comprised of pastors, devout Christians, and those otherwise heavily influenced by the Bible. The principles of governance contained in the Bible were a primary influence on the system of government we currently have. But that history is nowhere taught today: Not in civics classes in public schools; not even in our churches.

If God's word is taught and understood, the members of the congregation can form their own interpretations. All we can do is have faith (remember "faith?") all we can do is have faith that the outcome will be God's will.

After the preachers and Bible teachers are finished giving their very best interpretation of what the Bible says about governance, then each churchgoer can reach his own conclusion. But the churchgoers should not be left in the dark to come to their own, blind, conclusions. But as things now stand, most of us are making blind decisions in the dark - and reaping the consequences due, in part, to a silent Church.  “Faith” is not the same as “wishful thinking.” 

That's democracy. Informed decisions by the citizens. Preach God's word; leave the interpretation to the privacy of each individual.

"Preach God's word."  How about ALL OF IT.  What is “preaching?”  It is not merely reading the Bible. 

When a pastor preaches God's word, he is not just reading the Bible and leaving interpretation to the listener's imagination. He is interpreting it for the listener. He is providing the context, culture, related verses, framing examples, etc. So, the pastor should not only PREACH the ENTIRE Bible. He should also interpret and teach the ENTIRE Bible. This is not being done, but it should be.

The essence of this blog is pointing out that only a portion of God's word is being preached. Much of the Bible that applies to our nation and culture today is NOT being preached. Why? Because too many pastors and churchgoers have poisoned what the Bible says about governance by calling it "politics." So, when someone says "preach God's word", I suggest PREACH ALL OF IT.

Leave political interpretations and viewpoints out of it. Amen?

No “amen”.  Rather “God forbid!”  There it is again, the weaponized word “politics” that shuts down discussion of major parts of what the Bible has to teach us.

Do you dislike “politics” being discussed in church?

Do you believe it is inappropriate for “politics” to enter into sermons, announcements from the pulpit, or Christian prayer?  Most churches avoid such topics like the plague.  And in the rare church that mentions anything that can be construed as “politics” there will invariably be those who are put off by such mention, believing that any reference to anything related to politics is inappropriate inside a church.

There are two problems with this intolerance of political talk in the church.

One problem is the definition of “politics.”  The other is a lack of understanding of the content, context, and message of the Bible.

First, the definition:

No, it does not mean “many blood sucking insects fastened to the body”, as in “many ticks”, although politicians can come very close to that definition.

Webster defines politics as “the art or science of government.”  A broader definition is “actions or activities concerned with achieving and using power in a country or society.”  (Collins English Dictionary)  Closely related to politics is power and authority: Who has the power and authority over whom.

These definitions are much different than popular usage of the term which too often includes name calling, lies, and greedy agendas of politicians, special interests, and yes, voters.  These popularized examples of “politics” are as much a perversion of the term as “homosexual” is a perversion of the word “gay.”

With the Webster and Collins definitions in mind, lets look at politics in the context of the Bible.

First of all, the Old Testament is full of concepts relating to governance.  First it was governance by judges, then by kings.  The goodness and faithfulness of the subjects that sanctioned those judges and kings waxed and waned throughout the Old Testament history of Israel.  The major themes revolved around the extent that both the leaders and the people were faithful to or rebelled against God.  Should we be unconcerned about how faithful or faithless our leaders and fellow voters are today?

And then we have Bible prophecy.  The biggie that comes to mind is Isaiah 9:6-7:  “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever.”

There are dozens more examples like this.

And in the New Testament (and in the Old), we have the dynamic tension between obeying government versus obeying God. “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  The problem is, we ignore what belongs to God.  Acts 4:18-20 speaks to this problem by saying: “So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, "’Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

The whole Bible, the whole function of God, is to teach us who has power and authority over whom; who governs whom; what is the ideal nature of that government.  The Bible is a book of governance.

Benjamin Franklin, addressing the President of the Constitutional Convention, declared: "I have lived, Sir, a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, That God governs in the affairs of men!” Dang politics!  There it is again – God “governing” in the affairs of men.  Too bad we don’t have more of that – the “God governing” part.

But discuss the failures of our culture or problems with our government during church and all hell breaks loose, or at least, a few whispers about “oh, here he goes again with ‘politics’.”

If there is any problem in the Church, it is discussing too little politics, not too much.  And no, the excuse about losing the church’s tax exempt status is bogus.  We are so far from crossing that line that the danger is irrelevant and such thought foolish.

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Coming soon:  What “political” topics are ripe for discussion in Christian Churches.

The alleged crime of quid pro quo…

quid pro quo
/ˌkwid ˌprō ˈkwō/
noun
"favor or advantage granted or expected in return for something"
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International relations 101 quiz – Question #1:

Has the United States EVER given millions or billions worth of equipment or dollars to another nation without expecting SOMETHING in return?

Answer:  No, we never did that.  We have ALWAYS expected something in return.

Yet, our corrupt, leftist. Trump-hating media would like us to believe that a quid pro quo is something new, and that all quid pro quos are a crime.  They use the norm as a perverted excuse to demonize our President.

Beyond that brazen hypocrisy is the fact that not all quid pro quos are equal.  Most are for the common good, like commitments to improve freedoms or requests to investigate crimes or corruption in exchange for help in defending a nation.  Some other quid pro quos may be for personal gain or to further corruption.

If there was any overt quid pro quo in the case of Trump and Ukraine, which is debatable at best, it was to urge Ukraine to investigate the corrupt overt quid pro quo committed by sleazy Joe Biden (and his not so pure son) and the corrupt Obama administration.

Such are the distortions perpetrated by the corrupt Democrat party and many never-Trumper fair weather fiends in the RINO party heartily joined by the equally corrupt media.

A highly respected morning radio commentator, Bob Rose, on a local Gainesville/Ocala, Florida, radio station (WSKY) described what most of us already know to be true.  While he accurately reports and discusses the news of the day, he noted that ABC News, the network source of national news on his station, reports the same news and events with a totally opposite spin, using innuendo and less than subtle distortions of fact to promote their leftist agenda.  He noted that his audience has complained about the station's bipolar political personality, object to it, and plead for the station to jettison ABC  as the provider of the distorted version of the news.

NBC, CBS, MSNBC, CNN, Washington Post, New York Times, and most other mainstream news and social media sites are all pretending that quid pro quos are a crime that only applies to Donald Trump.