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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.

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Opus 2014-218: The Proof Is in the Pudding

I recently asked myself a question, “How would the results be different with different victors in the Middle East?”

I was reflecting on a column by Thomas Sowell from The Washington Times Weekend Edition, August 4, 2014, page 27.  It is also available at the Washington Times site.

What kind of Middle East would we see if the Palestinians, backed by the Muslim world, won?  In a word:  Genocide.  They would make Hitler look like a bumbling fool.  That sums up the desire of the Arab Muslim world at least.  If we had another Six Day War and the enemies of Israel were able to defeat the IDF, only the intervention of the United States would keep every man, woman and child in Israel from being massacred.  With out current leadership we would hear about sanctions and getting serious as the blood turned the Dead Sea into the Dead Red Sea.

Is Israel wins you would see healthier, happier Palestinians.  At least they would be healthier since nothing seems to make them happy but killing Jews.  Israel functions under the American philosophy of restraining collateral damage.  This is a philosophy that is grounded in the Old Testament
(Proverbs 24:17 KJV)  Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

(Proverbs 25:21 KJV)  If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
It is built into the religion is Israel.  Yes, there were times in the Bible where Israel was told to kill entire populations but it was always specific and focused, not universal.

The New Testament takes it further.  In addition to quoting the above,
(Romans 12:20 KJV)  Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Jesus went even further.
(Matthew 5:43-44 KJV)  Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
So even if war is forced on a nation it must always be what is called in Christian theology a “limited war.”

Be careful with the modern nonsense of equivalence.  All cultures are not equal.  All ways to God do not arrive at the same goal.  It really does make a difference what you believe and what your God teaches.

homo unius libri

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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.