Paul Harvey says…
When I finally decided to heed God’s calling to start this blog (Yes, I can still be a bit hard-headed & reluctant, but He is changing me, there we’re a few things that we’re put on my heart to avoid, such as creating a discussion forum, getting into debates & confrontation with non-believers, skeptics and atheists as well as posting about political topics (particularly siding opinion-wise with one party or the other). It was made clear that God’s will and purpose did not include my involvement in these activities, & were to be avoided. Additionally I understand that I am to practice being mindful of not letting the commenting on, or discussion of a particular secular subject get out of hand, by siding with passion vs scripture and God’s Spirit.So, chances are that you won’t see many posts that have political or patriotic tones to them. The reason for this thinking is that it can be a slippery slope when commenting on these topics; because so much passion can ensue, thus running the risk of compromising ones faith & Christian principles in the pursuit of expressing or furthering a worldly based cause or belief. Basically what I refer to as another one of the “Fatal Distractions”. What I mean by this is the idea or trend of how some well intentioned folks have let their zeal to be patriotic cloud their minds from scriptural truth and principles.
The following is from an email that a dear and long-time friend sent to me last week. I liked it enough in that it sums up my own personal frustration of how I feel that Christianity is under attack. In all fairness though, there have been some extreme organizations and individuals under the guise of “Christian”, that have probably done just as much damage to the name of Christianity as any well-organized group of non-believers could do.
The one part of Paul Harvey’s commentary that I’m a little uneasy with comes near the end where the phrase “We are fighting back …” is used. Harvey may simply mean “fighting back” in the sense of truth, legal and or political means; I’m not really sure, but I do hope that’s what he meant and not something fanatical. On a definite positive note, Harvey does even acknowledge that he wishes even for those that oppose God to be blessed (Matthew 5:38-44 [KJV}). For the record; I have since my teen-aged years and do still continue to enjoy Paul Harvey’s commentary & candor.
I hope you all enjoy the read as well… “And now, the rest of the story”.
Paul Harvey says:
I don’t believe in Santa Claus, but I’m not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don’t agree with Darwin, but I didn’t go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his Theory of Evolution. Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. (Amen!} So what’s the big deal? It’s not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts. They’re just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.
“But it’s a Christian prayer!”, some will argue.
Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect — somebody chanting Hare Krishna?
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer.
If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer.
If I went to a ping-pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha.
And I wouldn’t be offended. It wouldn’t bother me one bit.
When in Rome ..
But what about the atheists? Is another argument.
What about them?
Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We’re not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that’s asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer! Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don’t think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world’s foundations.
Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating; to pray before we go to sleep.
Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying. God, help us.
And if that last sentence offends you, well… just sue me.
The silent majority has been silent too long. It’s time we let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority don’t care what they want. It is time the majority rules! It’s time we tell them, you don’t have to pray; you don’t have to say the pledge of allegiance; you don’t have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right. But by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back… and we WILL WIN!
God bless us one and all … especially those who denounce Him, God bless America, despite all her faults. She is still the greatest nation of all.
God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God.
2008 will be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions.
Keep looking up.
(Updated: 20071107)