Why Christians Might Want To Abstain From Reciting “The Pledge Of Allegiance”
Now, many Christians may read this and say “I don’t have a problem saying the Pledge of Allegiance, but I agree– if I have to choose to be loyal to God or country, I’ll always choose God”. If this is the case, the third problem that arises is that such an individual, when making the Pledge of Allegiance, is actually being dishonest. If one is not prepared to actually give their solemn allegiance to the country “for which it stands” above all else, then one should not make that commitment in the first place. While Jesus clearly seems to forbid oath taking, if one were going to do so anyway, it seems it would at least be good and right to only do so in situations where one could actually fulfill that solemn promise.
Is Lectio Divina Really Dangerous?
Let me conclude by saying that Tim Challies does have a good title to his post,The Danger of Lectio Divina.
Lectio divina is dangerous.
There is a dangerous risk to your comfort when you begin submitting to Scripture rather than trying to master it.
New Church Growth Strategy: Intentional Ethnic Diversity
Afrik has created a six-stage process for churches that are moving in this direction, in which becoming aware of diversity issues and having an “open door” to welcome those outside the dominant culture is just one of the early stages of the process.
The Most Segregated Day of The Week
Someone may say, “Black churches are better at reaching black people, and white churches are better at reaching white people, so what’s the problem?” Well first of all, how far do we want to run with such a “church model?” Think of the implications. Black and white aren’t the only segments by which one might wish to divide the church. But secondly, doesn’t an integrated church, no longer shackled by prejudices and hatreds, practice and preach a more credible message of peace, love, and unity? Isn’t the power of the gospel to transform lives and eradicate racism and bias more believable when preached by an integrated church than by a “black church” or a “white church?”
We Don’t Have to Prove God Exists
We toss around the word “proof” wildly and often inaccurately, and it’s hurting our arguments. There is a difference between a compelling argument and a proof. We need to realize what we have and what we don’t have. It’s not a proof. It’s an argument. It’s a case. It’s support.
But there’s more to the gospel than this. Much more. The gospel is as much about earth as it is heaven. As much about before death as it is after death. It is the message that Jesus, the one true King, is expanding his reign onto earth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6NbJMq-QfU&list=FLqiGb1G8ka846WVMzK-66bg&feature=share