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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Opus 2013-246: Is it 2016 Already? Part 2 of 2

Why would I pull out of many elections?  Don’t I believe in democracy?  How about the saying that “all that is necessary for evil to triumph is that enough good men do nothing.”  Am I just being a sore looser?

I guess it all comes down to being a man of principle, not pragmatics.  I believe that God has established the principles of life.  I see the constitution as being supportive of those principles, thus I believe in the original intent of both the Bible and the Constitution.  I should always be asking myself what is right, not what is practical.  The “right” is determined by the written word not the wishing heart.  Here is where the believing part comes in.  Because I believe that God is ultimately in control, I believe that if I follow His rules, seek His path and do things His way, He will make it work.

For those who need a Bible verse, I have one.  If you are not a believer, skip this section.
(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Sound familiar?  Do we really believe it?

Not only do I believe it, I must start putting it in action.  I accept the reality that I can’t wait for someone to have all of my religious beliefs to get my vote.  It ain’t gonna happen.  I know it.  My personal views are too fine tuned for that, or narrow if you prefer.  But there is a larger list that I can expect to find and if I don’t, go third party or skip the head of the ticket.

Don’t I believe in democracy?  No I don’t believe in democracy.  Democracy does not work.  It never has and never will.  The Founding Fathers set up a republic, not a democracy because they had studied history.  History and experience has shown that you can’t have everyone vote on everything.  As early as the days of Moses, Israel set up a multi-level system with leaders who acted as judges over those below them and brought there needs to those above them.  Greece, the seed bed of democracy could never rule itself. 

The Founding Fathers also understood that you needed a faith in what they would call “divine providence.”  Whether they were agnostics, deists, high-churchmen or congregational Christians they could agree on that.  They agreed that moral behavior, rooted in a divine authority was necessary for freedom and prosperity.  It was assumed and accepted.

So I may not vote for president next time.  It will not be because I have given up on the republic.  It will not be because I am desperate and desolate.  It will not be surrender.  It will be a mark of trust in a higher authority.  It will be a mark of refusing to sell my soul.  It will be a statement of faith and expectation. 

homo unius libri

2 comments:

  1. I know where you're coming from. I voted for McCain and then left the party in disgust. I voted for Romney only because I found Obama so frightening. I'm getting tired of voting for the lesser of two evils.

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    Replies
    1. As believers it seems like we should not be forced to vote for the lesser of two evils but that might assume a perfect world. My kids are still single because they are waiting for the perfect spouse or else because everyone else is waiting.

      Grace and peace.

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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.