Well, that's all folks. Thanks for following my internship. I hope you enjoyed reading about my experiences!
- Mr. Smith :)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Press Conference with the US Commission of International Religious Freedom
Michael Cromartie addresses the media in a packed US Capitol Building room Also on Wednesday, July 28, I attended a press conference in the US Capital Building with the US Commission of International Religious Freedom, of which Michael Cromartie is chairman. The commission spoke about the up-coming Olympics in China and the human rights violations that continue, even more egregiously than before, as the Olympics draw near.
A few years ago, Dr. Cromartie spoke in the opening ceremonies at my college. After the press conference, I was able to speak with him about this. Coincidently, he told me, he flew in from Beijing (site for the 2008 Summer Olympics) to be with us that day for the opening of our school year.
A few years ago, Dr. Cromartie spoke in the opening ceremonies at my college. After the press conference, I was able to speak with him about this. Coincidently, he told me, he flew in from Beijing (site for the 2008 Summer Olympics) to be with us that day for the opening of our school year.
Commemoration of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, President of Morocco
Here is one of the Moroccan dancers. The musicians and vocalist are sitting behind him. He waved around his traditional Moroccan robe as a part of his dance. 
View of the dining hall where the event was heldOn the evening of Wednesday, July 30, I was able to attend a celebration in Washington, DC to commemorate His Majesty King Mohammed VI, president of Morocco. July, 2008, marks the 9th year of King Mohammed’s reign. The celebration was very elaborate. As we dined on Moroccan cuisine, we were serenaded with live music played by nationals. The music was driven by drums and tambourines while the vocalist chanted high notes. Though King Mohammed was not in attendance, during the course of the evening I was able to meet the U.S. Ambassador to Morocco, Aziz Mekouar. Over the years, Rev. Schenck has been able to build a good relationship with Aziz Mekouar, who has served as Ambassador since April of 2002.
Monday, August 4, 2008
The Ten Commandments Project: Representatives Broun, Shuler, and Jordan
Rep. Paul Broun. You might be wondering why there are so many animals in the background of this picture. Well, Rep. Broun is an avid hunter. Included in his Capitol Hill office collection is an Alaskan Bear and an African Lion! 
Rep. Heath Shuler
Rep. Jim JordanThroughout the year, Faith and Action, along with the National Clergy Council, presents an award called “The Ten Commandments Leadership Award” to various elected and appointed officials. An official is eligible if they show significant leadership in the sanctity of life, the sanctity of marriage, or the public acknowledgment of God. On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, we gave these awards to Representatives Paul Broun (R-GA), Heath Shuler (D-NC), and Jim Jordan (R-OH). Each of these Representatives are co-sponsors of Resolution 284, “The National Year of the Bible.” Below is a copy of the letter we sent to each Representative:
Dear Representative,
The National Clergy Council and its lay affiliate, Faith and Action, would like to commend you for your ardent support of traditional moral values. We are so very grateful for your persistent defense of traditional marriage, the right to life, and the public acknowledgement of God. Specifically, we honor your co-sponsorship with H. CON. RES. 284 “encouraging the president to proclaim 2008 as ‘The National Year of the Bible.’” We especially applaud your concurrence with these words: “The Bible, used as a moral guide, has inspired compassion, love for our neighbor, and the preciousness of life and marriage…”
In light of this, the National Clergy Council would like to present you with an award commending your work. I am respectfully requesting to make this presentation on Tuesday, July 29, at 10:00 AM. Our Chief of Staff, Peggy Birchfield, is prepared to assist you and your staff in making all the necessary arrangements.
Please know that we are grateful to God and to you for your faithful service in congress and to the United States.
Your fellow servant,
Rev. Rob Schenck, D.D.
Paul Broun
Rep. Broun is a former medical doctor. Because of his background in the medical field, he has a unique perspective on abortion. Each new congress he plans to submit a pro-life bill that would scientifically describe human life as beginning at conception. His bill would give all the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to that tiny human life!
Normally, Faith and Action plans the “Ten Commandments Leadership Award” presentation to be completed within ten minutes. However, Broun made conversation with us for at least 30 minutes after the presentation. During the conversation we all learned the heart of Paul Broun! His faith drives him – he believes that cultural reform will only begin in the pulpits of churches around America.
He specifically mentioned his role in the work of the kingdom of God. He believes that Government has been forced into certain tasks because the Church has refused to accomplish its God given responsibilities. For example, he said, the reason we have welfare is because the church refuses to take care of the poor (James 1:27; 2:15-17). The government will never be persuaded to disband welfare until the church shows itself responsible. Therefore, his job will never be fully accomplished, that is, to limit government, until the church steps up in obedience to God!
Just a little side note: I did not ask him about this topic! He just began to speak about it. Isn’t it amazing how God works? This issue (Government vs. Church) is exactly what I have been struggling with. God gave me the chance to learn at the feet of a Christian US Representative!
Heath Schuler
I really admire Representative Schuler. He was the nicest, southern gentlemen. He sauntered into his office, where his bible lays on his desk, and greeted us warmly with his noticeable southern accent. As you may know, Rep. Shuler played NFL football. He played for the Washington Redskins and the New Orleans Saints. [1]Later, in the Oakland Raiders training camp, he was injured and forced to retire.
Generally, when we give an official the “Ten commandments Leadership Award,” we read the following as a part of the presentation:
The Ten Commandments, delivered to us by Moses, are the basis for justice and all righteous law. Their timeless principles form the core and foundation of civilized culture, and are therefore indispensable to our democratic republic.
If we are to solve the manifold social problems in America, we must look to the strongest internal governors to control external behavior.
Representative, on behalf of the 5,000 Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox, and Protestant church leaders of the National Clergy Council, and the tens of thousands of supporters of the Ten Commandments Project, as well as those present who have made this ceremony possible, it gives me great pleasure to recognize you for the incomparable role that you play in shaping our American way of life through your office and example.
Representative, these principles, when espoused by our nation’s leaders and advanced by public policy and legislation, will slow and even reverse the cultural turpitude that so often vexes our people.
We urge you to always and boldly proclaim and demonstrate these Ten Commandments as you discharge your important duties.
God bless you in your service to Him and to your country.
After Rev. Schenck read this and made a few comments, Rep. Shuler began to recount to us his recent meeting with Billy Graham. He said it was one of the most spiritually exhilarating experiences in his life! Rev. Graham, Shuler recounted, was the most humble of men. Every time Shuler tried to ask Graham a question about himself, Graham would turn the conversation right back to Shuler. Shuler said he was expecting to spend just 15 minutes with the reverend, but to his surprise, Graham told him to sit down when he stood up to leave after 10 or 12 minutes had passed! By the end of their conversation, Graham had spent an hour and fifteen minutes talking with Shuler! Stunned by Graham’s hospitality, Shuler thought it couldn’t get any better. But Graham astonished him by asking him to pray to close their time together. Shuler said that he felt like Vince Lombardi had just asked him to call the play on fourth down in the fourth quarter!
Before Rev. Schenck and the staff of Faith and Action departed, we held hands with Rep. Shuler and prayed for him. Rev. Schenck had the honor to ask God’s blessing and protection over Shuler’s family and office. He prayed that God would give him wisdom and leadership as he served his state and his country!
Jim Jordan
Our presentation to Rep. Jordan was the quickest of the three. On Wednesday, July 30, he was rushing back and forth from committee meetings. He actually removed himself from a meeting in the Judiciary Committee to receive our award. We presented the award to him in the hall way, right outside the Judiciary Committee room!
Rep. Jordan was so delighted to receive our award. Recently he was involved in an effort to protect the public display of the Ten Commandments! Below is the press release:
[2]Jordan Announces Online Petition DriveSupporting Judge DeWeese Against ACLU
Washington, DC -- Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) offered his strong public support for an Ohio judge’s display that has drawn fire from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Last week, the ACLU filed a district court motion against Richland County Common Pleas Judge James DeWeese for posting a document that details the importance of the Ten Commandments to our nation’s legal system.
“The Ten Commandments, a cornerstone of Western law, are appropriate for a judge to display in his courtroom, where he is expected to enforce the law, promote equal justice under the law, and educate citizens about the rule of law,” Jordan said.
Earlier today, Jordan launched an online petition effort so that the community could demonstrate its support of DeWeese’s courtroom display. Jordan was the first to sign the petition, which is available at www.petitiononline.com/deweese/petition.html.
The petition reads:
We, the undersigned, support the right of Judge James DeWeese to display language found in the Ten Commandments. Ideas have consequences, and we understand that this display contrasts unchanging moral absolutes like the Ten Commandments with moral relativist precepts that allow individuals or societies to continually redefine for themselves right and wrong.
America’s founders understood the deep significance of the Ten Commandments to our legal system and the fixed duties it imposes. Throughout our history, representations of the Ten Commandments have consequently been placed in legislative chambers and courtrooms, including that of the U.S. Supreme Court.
We reject the American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) chosen role as censor and thought police seeking to silence the moral absolute side of this debate with which it disagrees. We believe the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects all Americans’ freedom to express their opinions.
We call on the court to rebuff the ACLU’s censorship efforts and to protect freedom of expression.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heath_Shuler
[2] http://jordan.house.gov/list/press/oh04_jordan/3JUNE08DEWEESE.shtml
Dear Representative,
The National Clergy Council and its lay affiliate, Faith and Action, would like to commend you for your ardent support of traditional moral values. We are so very grateful for your persistent defense of traditional marriage, the right to life, and the public acknowledgement of God. Specifically, we honor your co-sponsorship with H. CON. RES. 284 “encouraging the president to proclaim 2008 as ‘The National Year of the Bible.’” We especially applaud your concurrence with these words: “The Bible, used as a moral guide, has inspired compassion, love for our neighbor, and the preciousness of life and marriage…”
In light of this, the National Clergy Council would like to present you with an award commending your work. I am respectfully requesting to make this presentation on Tuesday, July 29, at 10:00 AM. Our Chief of Staff, Peggy Birchfield, is prepared to assist you and your staff in making all the necessary arrangements.
Please know that we are grateful to God and to you for your faithful service in congress and to the United States.
Your fellow servant,
Rev. Rob Schenck, D.D.
Paul Broun
Rep. Broun is a former medical doctor. Because of his background in the medical field, he has a unique perspective on abortion. Each new congress he plans to submit a pro-life bill that would scientifically describe human life as beginning at conception. His bill would give all the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to that tiny human life!
Normally, Faith and Action plans the “Ten Commandments Leadership Award” presentation to be completed within ten minutes. However, Broun made conversation with us for at least 30 minutes after the presentation. During the conversation we all learned the heart of Paul Broun! His faith drives him – he believes that cultural reform will only begin in the pulpits of churches around America.
He specifically mentioned his role in the work of the kingdom of God. He believes that Government has been forced into certain tasks because the Church has refused to accomplish its God given responsibilities. For example, he said, the reason we have welfare is because the church refuses to take care of the poor (James 1:27; 2:15-17). The government will never be persuaded to disband welfare until the church shows itself responsible. Therefore, his job will never be fully accomplished, that is, to limit government, until the church steps up in obedience to God!
Just a little side note: I did not ask him about this topic! He just began to speak about it. Isn’t it amazing how God works? This issue (Government vs. Church) is exactly what I have been struggling with. God gave me the chance to learn at the feet of a Christian US Representative!
Heath Schuler
I really admire Representative Schuler. He was the nicest, southern gentlemen. He sauntered into his office, where his bible lays on his desk, and greeted us warmly with his noticeable southern accent. As you may know, Rep. Shuler played NFL football. He played for the Washington Redskins and the New Orleans Saints. [1]Later, in the Oakland Raiders training camp, he was injured and forced to retire.
Generally, when we give an official the “Ten commandments Leadership Award,” we read the following as a part of the presentation:
The Ten Commandments, delivered to us by Moses, are the basis for justice and all righteous law. Their timeless principles form the core and foundation of civilized culture, and are therefore indispensable to our democratic republic.
If we are to solve the manifold social problems in America, we must look to the strongest internal governors to control external behavior.
Representative, on behalf of the 5,000 Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox, and Protestant church leaders of the National Clergy Council, and the tens of thousands of supporters of the Ten Commandments Project, as well as those present who have made this ceremony possible, it gives me great pleasure to recognize you for the incomparable role that you play in shaping our American way of life through your office and example.
Representative, these principles, when espoused by our nation’s leaders and advanced by public policy and legislation, will slow and even reverse the cultural turpitude that so often vexes our people.
We urge you to always and boldly proclaim and demonstrate these Ten Commandments as you discharge your important duties.
God bless you in your service to Him and to your country.
After Rev. Schenck read this and made a few comments, Rep. Shuler began to recount to us his recent meeting with Billy Graham. He said it was one of the most spiritually exhilarating experiences in his life! Rev. Graham, Shuler recounted, was the most humble of men. Every time Shuler tried to ask Graham a question about himself, Graham would turn the conversation right back to Shuler. Shuler said he was expecting to spend just 15 minutes with the reverend, but to his surprise, Graham told him to sit down when he stood up to leave after 10 or 12 minutes had passed! By the end of their conversation, Graham had spent an hour and fifteen minutes talking with Shuler! Stunned by Graham’s hospitality, Shuler thought it couldn’t get any better. But Graham astonished him by asking him to pray to close their time together. Shuler said that he felt like Vince Lombardi had just asked him to call the play on fourth down in the fourth quarter!
Before Rev. Schenck and the staff of Faith and Action departed, we held hands with Rep. Shuler and prayed for him. Rev. Schenck had the honor to ask God’s blessing and protection over Shuler’s family and office. He prayed that God would give him wisdom and leadership as he served his state and his country!
Jim Jordan
Our presentation to Rep. Jordan was the quickest of the three. On Wednesday, July 30, he was rushing back and forth from committee meetings. He actually removed himself from a meeting in the Judiciary Committee to receive our award. We presented the award to him in the hall way, right outside the Judiciary Committee room!
Rep. Jordan was so delighted to receive our award. Recently he was involved in an effort to protect the public display of the Ten Commandments! Below is the press release:
[2]Jordan Announces Online Petition DriveSupporting Judge DeWeese Against ACLU
Washington, DC -- Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) offered his strong public support for an Ohio judge’s display that has drawn fire from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Last week, the ACLU filed a district court motion against Richland County Common Pleas Judge James DeWeese for posting a document that details the importance of the Ten Commandments to our nation’s legal system.
“The Ten Commandments, a cornerstone of Western law, are appropriate for a judge to display in his courtroom, where he is expected to enforce the law, promote equal justice under the law, and educate citizens about the rule of law,” Jordan said.
Earlier today, Jordan launched an online petition effort so that the community could demonstrate its support of DeWeese’s courtroom display. Jordan was the first to sign the petition, which is available at www.petitiononline.com/deweese/petition.html.
The petition reads:
We, the undersigned, support the right of Judge James DeWeese to display language found in the Ten Commandments. Ideas have consequences, and we understand that this display contrasts unchanging moral absolutes like the Ten Commandments with moral relativist precepts that allow individuals or societies to continually redefine for themselves right and wrong.
America’s founders understood the deep significance of the Ten Commandments to our legal system and the fixed duties it imposes. Throughout our history, representations of the Ten Commandments have consequently been placed in legislative chambers and courtrooms, including that of the U.S. Supreme Court.
We reject the American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) chosen role as censor and thought police seeking to silence the moral absolute side of this debate with which it disagrees. We believe the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects all Americans’ freedom to express their opinions.
We call on the court to rebuff the ACLU’s censorship efforts and to protect freedom of expression.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heath_Shuler
[2] http://jordan.house.gov/list/press/oh04_jordan/3JUNE08DEWEESE.shtml
Visit with prominent civil rights leader, Samuel Cornelius
Picture: Mr. Cornelius (head of table), along with FAA Staff and friends, bow their heads while Rev. Schenck thanks God for providing lunch and the time to visit with Mr. Cornelius. On Monday, July 28, I was able to meet a prominent civil rights leader, Samuel Cornelius. Mr. Cornelius has worked for five different presidents and was influential in the appointment of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court. He also was heavily involved in the campaign to make “Martin Luther King Junior Day” a national holiday. During lunch at the Faith and Action ministry center, Mr. Cornelius told us stories about his involvement in both of these efforts. Throughout his career in politics he has been a life-long republican, even when most of his friends in the civil rights movement moved to the democrat party. This brought him plenty of criticism, but he stayed true to his political convictions.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Lunch With Rev. Pat Mahoney
On Tuesday, July 22, I had lunch with Rev. Pat Mahoney, executive director of the Christian Defense Coalition. He is a long time friend and ministry partner with Rev. Schenck. I wanted to get his council concerning my calling.
Because Rev. Mahoney has been involved extensively in both the ministry and politics, he has a unique perspective on the importance of both. He wanted to frame my thinking with 1 Corinthians 12:14-21:
For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
I had begun to think that politics was actually a lower or less important calling than that of preaching the Gospel of Christ and loving people. Because I perceived it to be less effective, I had become disenchanted with it. But Rev Mahoney wanted me to understand that God calls different parts of the body of Christ to different vocations. And just because I felt a drawn toward ministry did not make politics any less valuable.
Yet, not only was I questioning the effectiveness of politics, but I was questioning whether or not current Christian involvement in politics was a good thing. For example, is our fight against homosexual marriage alienating homosexuals from the gospel? Rev. Mahoney’s answer to had two components: a gospel component and a moral component. Yes, we are supposed to love homosexuals into the kingdom of God, he said. But, we cannot condone their behavior by doing nothing in the public square. God has called us to be salt to a decaying world.
Consider the following verses as support to Rev. Mahoney’s position:
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? (Matthew 5:11-13).
When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth (David’s last words - 2 Samuel 23:3, 4).
The prophets were those who tried to persuade and convince the people of Israel to follow God. They were God’s voice and witness to the people. This is similar to the work of a pastor. David, however, was different. He was a king over the people. His actions as king directly influenced the prosperity of the people. When he sinned the nation suffered. When he was righteous, the nation prospered. Consider 2 Samuel 24:11-13. When David ordered a census in all of Israel, God responded this way:
The word of the Lord came to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying, “Go and say to David, ‘Thus says the Lord, Three things I offer you. Choose one of them, that I may do it to you.’” So Gad came to David and told him, and said to him, “Shall three years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days’ pestilence in your land? Now consider, and decide what answer I shall return to him who sent me.”
We see here that there is a lot of pressure put on the leaders of a nation. God used the same principle with Solomon, David’s son. 1 Kings 6:11-13 says:
Now the word of the Lord came to Solomon, “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.”
The fate of the nation of Israel was placed squarely on the shoulders of Solomon, as it was with David! Leaders are important! However, we also see the importance of prophets in 2 Samuel 24:11-13. Gad was the one who brought the word of God to David. He was the one who placed David back on God’s path!
Remember when David sinned with Bathsheba and indirectly murdered her husband, Uriah? Who was the one who brought David to his senses? The prophet Nathan!
And the LORD sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, "There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. The rich man had very many flocks and herds, but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him. Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him." Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity."
Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. And I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more. Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight?
These are convincing passages of scripture to show the importance of both political leaders and religious leaders. Therefore, my doubt about the effectiveness and importance of politics is somewhat quelled. However, I think it is still fair to evaluate how Christians are acting in the political arena. Are our tactics effective?
Rev. Mahoney said that we have been effective in the fight against abortion. [1]Abortions are lower than they have ever been! But, there are still [2]3,700 abortions a day in the United States. What are we doing wrong? What is the church doing wrong? As I mentioned above, in regard to homosexual marriage, Rev. Mahoney said that it is necessary to fight for good public policy. But, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New York have either legalized homosexual marriage, recognized homosexual couples, or provided civil union status. What are we doing wrong? What is the church doing wrong? I think these are fair questions.
Rev. Mahoney helped me discover that I have a draw to the ministry. He asked me to think about how I could impact culture in each of the vocations – political and pastoral. Here are my current thoughts: if I were a pastor I could focus heavily on the issues that are destroying our culture. To mitigate abortion, I could start adoption and single mothers ministries. To lessen the influence of homosexuality my church could have ministries specifically geared to reach them. To diminish divorce my church could have marriage counselors, etc. In other words, I would do everything in my power to get the church back in line with God – from the grass roots level! If we are going to change the world, it’s going to take hard work. We must give our lives in service!
The church is the problem with society! Why do close to [3]80% of all abortions in the US come from women who identify themselves as protestant, catholic, or born/again evangelicals? Why are divorce rates “[4]identical among born again Christians and those who are not born again?” [5]Why is the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) debating whether or not homosexuals should be ministers? WHY? The culture is crumbling because the church is crumbling! I guess that is why I feel drawn to the church. Jesus is the only one who can change the world. And if the people that claim his name are not living lives transformed, how will the world be saved?
[1] http://www.guttmacher.org/presentations/trends.html
[2] http://www.abortionno.org/Resources/fastfacts.html
[3] ibid
[4] http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=170
[5] http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080628/pcusa-assembly-approves-deleting-gay-clergy-ban.htm
Because Rev. Mahoney has been involved extensively in both the ministry and politics, he has a unique perspective on the importance of both. He wanted to frame my thinking with 1 Corinthians 12:14-21:
For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
I had begun to think that politics was actually a lower or less important calling than that of preaching the Gospel of Christ and loving people. Because I perceived it to be less effective, I had become disenchanted with it. But Rev Mahoney wanted me to understand that God calls different parts of the body of Christ to different vocations. And just because I felt a drawn toward ministry did not make politics any less valuable.
Yet, not only was I questioning the effectiveness of politics, but I was questioning whether or not current Christian involvement in politics was a good thing. For example, is our fight against homosexual marriage alienating homosexuals from the gospel? Rev. Mahoney’s answer to had two components: a gospel component and a moral component. Yes, we are supposed to love homosexuals into the kingdom of God, he said. But, we cannot condone their behavior by doing nothing in the public square. God has called us to be salt to a decaying world.
Consider the following verses as support to Rev. Mahoney’s position:
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? (Matthew 5:11-13).
When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth (David’s last words - 2 Samuel 23:3, 4).
The prophets were those who tried to persuade and convince the people of Israel to follow God. They were God’s voice and witness to the people. This is similar to the work of a pastor. David, however, was different. He was a king over the people. His actions as king directly influenced the prosperity of the people. When he sinned the nation suffered. When he was righteous, the nation prospered. Consider 2 Samuel 24:11-13. When David ordered a census in all of Israel, God responded this way:
The word of the Lord came to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying, “Go and say to David, ‘Thus says the Lord, Three things I offer you. Choose one of them, that I may do it to you.’” So Gad came to David and told him, and said to him, “Shall three years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days’ pestilence in your land? Now consider, and decide what answer I shall return to him who sent me.”
We see here that there is a lot of pressure put on the leaders of a nation. God used the same principle with Solomon, David’s son. 1 Kings 6:11-13 says:
Now the word of the Lord came to Solomon, “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.”
The fate of the nation of Israel was placed squarely on the shoulders of Solomon, as it was with David! Leaders are important! However, we also see the importance of prophets in 2 Samuel 24:11-13. Gad was the one who brought the word of God to David. He was the one who placed David back on God’s path!
Remember when David sinned with Bathsheba and indirectly murdered her husband, Uriah? Who was the one who brought David to his senses? The prophet Nathan!
And the LORD sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, "There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. The rich man had very many flocks and herds, but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him. Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him." Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity."
Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. And I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more. Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight?
These are convincing passages of scripture to show the importance of both political leaders and religious leaders. Therefore, my doubt about the effectiveness and importance of politics is somewhat quelled. However, I think it is still fair to evaluate how Christians are acting in the political arena. Are our tactics effective?
Rev. Mahoney said that we have been effective in the fight against abortion. [1]Abortions are lower than they have ever been! But, there are still [2]3,700 abortions a day in the United States. What are we doing wrong? What is the church doing wrong? As I mentioned above, in regard to homosexual marriage, Rev. Mahoney said that it is necessary to fight for good public policy. But, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New York have either legalized homosexual marriage, recognized homosexual couples, or provided civil union status. What are we doing wrong? What is the church doing wrong? I think these are fair questions.
Rev. Mahoney helped me discover that I have a draw to the ministry. He asked me to think about how I could impact culture in each of the vocations – political and pastoral. Here are my current thoughts: if I were a pastor I could focus heavily on the issues that are destroying our culture. To mitigate abortion, I could start adoption and single mothers ministries. To lessen the influence of homosexuality my church could have ministries specifically geared to reach them. To diminish divorce my church could have marriage counselors, etc. In other words, I would do everything in my power to get the church back in line with God – from the grass roots level! If we are going to change the world, it’s going to take hard work. We must give our lives in service!
The church is the problem with society! Why do close to [3]80% of all abortions in the US come from women who identify themselves as protestant, catholic, or born/again evangelicals? Why are divorce rates “[4]identical among born again Christians and those who are not born again?” [5]Why is the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) debating whether or not homosexuals should be ministers? WHY? The culture is crumbling because the church is crumbling! I guess that is why I feel drawn to the church. Jesus is the only one who can change the world. And if the people that claim his name are not living lives transformed, how will the world be saved?
[1] http://www.guttmacher.org/presentations/trends.html
[2] http://www.abortionno.org/Resources/fastfacts.html
[3] ibid
[4] http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=170
[5] http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080628/pcusa-assembly-approves-deleting-gay-clergy-ban.htm
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Faith and Action hosts Nir Barkat
Picture Left to right – Michael Weiss (co-founder and CEO of Jerusalem.com), Nir Barkat (Jerusalem City Council Member), Rev. Canon Keith Roderick (Representative for Christian Solidarity International), William J. Murray (Chairman of the Religious Freedom Coalition), and Peggy Birchfield (Chief of Staff for Faith and Action).Yesterday, July 21, I was able to meet Jerusalem City Council Member, Nir Barkat. We served him and his crew lunch at Faith and Action’s ministry center. Mr. Barkat is poised to become the next mayor of Jerusalem. He has come to Washington D.C. to seek council for his campaign platforms. 1.) He wants to make Jerusalem an example of religious freedom to the rest of the world. 2.) His goal is to make the city capable of handling 5 times as many yearly tourists. Currently, Jerusalem attracts 2 million tourists a year.
Question to Congressman Trent Franks
On Thursday, July 17, I attended the Values Action Team (VAT) for the House of Representatives. Congressman Trent Franks, a republican from Arizona, was also in attendance. He is a very strong Christian and has been a consistent ally in the fight for life. He made a statement that resonated with me: he said that it is dumbfounding that we are debating whether or not a child should have to obtain parental consent prior to an abortion. When he was finished speaking, he asked for questions. I asked him this: “Your statement about parental consent resonated with me. The very fact that we are even debating this issue is evidence that our culture is sick, and the only way to heal a sick culture is with the Gospel of Jesus. What are your thoughts on that?” Representative Franks responded with compete agreement, but added a caveat: he said that using the argument of the gospel would not work in the public policy arena. I’m not completely sure what to make of this qualifying statement. If the only way to heal a sick culture is through the Gospel of Jesus, then how can there be stipulations? Maybe he was trying to say that, yes, the gospel is extremely important, but we also need to fight in the public policy arena; arguments about how Jesus changes hearts will not help pass just legislation.
Visit from Mark Caulk, pastor of Winding Creek Community Church (Stafford Va.), and Filip Lazeta, founder of Amos Action of Moral Solidarity
Recently we had a visit from Mark Caulk, pastor of [1]Winding Creek Community Church (Stafford Va.), and Filip Lazeta. Filip is from Croatia and heads up a ministry called Amos Action of Moral Solidarity. Pastor Caulk is a former missionary in Washington, and is serving as Mr. Lazeta’s host.
Mr. Lazeta said that Croatia has many needs. It is a post-communist country filled with drug abuse and corruption. He sees these things as idols that his countrymen worship. He said that Croatia needs to be like the United States. I found this statement to be very interesting. The United States also struggles, in a lesser way, with drugs and corruption, but we have our own idols – sex, money, alcohol, and power.
Mr. Lazeta has a good heritage. His grandmother taught him about God and his father was a Croatian war hero. At the age of 32, he has combined the influence of his grandmother and father and seeks to attack the corruption in his country with the love of Christ.
He has come to Washington to gather support. Basically, he wants organizations like Faith and Action to agree with his mission. If he can go back to Croatia with proof (i.e. signatories of his mission statement) that he has friends in high places, including senators and congressmen, it will send a strong message to the Croatian government that he is a powerful player. Mr. Lazeta’s life could be in danger, but obtaining friends in the United States will make the Croatian government think twice before they do anything to frustrate the mission of Amos Action of Moral Solidarity.
Pastor Caulk was very kind to me. Because of his experience on the hill, he had much wisdom to pass on. As you may know, I am struggling with my calling – whether to be a pastor or a politician. Because I know that the Gospel of Christ is the only thing that will heal our depraved culture, I have called into question the effectiveness of politics. Pastor Caulk said that both vocations are high callings, and I need to decide weather I am called to be a “Joseph” or a “Jeremiah.” He said that if I choose to be a “Joseph” it is imperative that I surround myself with Godly accountability. Washington has a tendency to destroy people’s morality, he said. Having accountability outside the influence of politics would guard me from corruption. God knows that politics does this to people. Therefore, he brought Joseph through many situations to build his character prior to giving him political power.
Joseph could not change people; he could only keep order (i.e. Genesis 47:13-26 when he distributed the grain during the 7 year famine). However, Jeremiah was told to “Go and proclaim [the word of the Lord] in the hearing of Jerusalem” (Jeremiah 2:2). The word of God changes people (Hebrews 4:12)! I’m listening for God and the question I’m asking is: should I be a Joseph, a Jeremiah, or something else?
[1] http://www.windingcreekchurch.org/
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Values Action Team: Meeting Senator Sam Brownback
Senator Sam Brownback from Kansas heads up the Values Action Team (VAT). On Monday, July 15, Peggy Birchfield (chief of staff for Faith and Action) and I attended the weekly meeting. This particular meeting had 5 discussion points on the agenda – global AIDS, faith based program protections, marriage, “Fireproof”, and the Sudan. The format is pretty simple: someone presents the topic information and then the moderator, Senator Brownback, asks for questions from the meeting participants.
You might be wondering about “Fireproof.” Remember the movie “Facing the Giants”? Well, “Fireproof” is a new movie from the same producers. It’s basically a love story. Capt. Caleb Holt, a firefighter, is loosing his wife’s love. The story tells how he wins her heart back. The movie comes out in theaters September 29.
After the meeting concluded, Peggy introduced me to Senator Brownback. He asked me where I was from. When I told him Cincinnati, he recounted how it had the most beautiful skyline from the south. I agreed and said, “If only Cincinnati was a nice place to hang out! We spent all our money on sports stadiums.”
It’s funny how Cincinnati sports teams keep making their way into conversations when I meet important people in Washington. Maybe I’m inwardly trying to garner their sympathy for the awful records of the Red’s and Bengals. Maybe they will pass a law that says, “Cincinnati sports teams must return to the status of “great”, formerly held in the early 90s, effective immediately.”
You might be wondering about “Fireproof.” Remember the movie “Facing the Giants”? Well, “Fireproof” is a new movie from the same producers. It’s basically a love story. Capt. Caleb Holt, a firefighter, is loosing his wife’s love. The story tells how he wins her heart back. The movie comes out in theaters September 29.
After the meeting concluded, Peggy introduced me to Senator Brownback. He asked me where I was from. When I told him Cincinnati, he recounted how it had the most beautiful skyline from the south. I agreed and said, “If only Cincinnati was a nice place to hang out! We spent all our money on sports stadiums.”
It’s funny how Cincinnati sports teams keep making their way into conversations when I meet important people in Washington. Maybe I’m inwardly trying to garner their sympathy for the awful records of the Red’s and Bengals. Maybe they will pass a law that says, “Cincinnati sports teams must return to the status of “great”, formerly held in the early 90s, effective immediately.”
Family Research Council Panel Discussion: Are Homosexual Rights and Religious Liberty on a Crash Course?
Also on Thursday, July 10, I attended a panel hosted by the Family Research Council. The name of the panel discussion was California Same-Sex Marriage: The impact on Religious Liberty. There were 5 panelists:
Professor Teresa Stanton Collett - University of St. Thomas School of Law
Nathan J. Diament – Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America
Benjamin Bull – Alliance Defense Fund
Professor Chai R. Feldblum – Georgetown University Law Center
Kevin J. Seamus Hasson – Becket fund for Religious Liberty
The panelists made their addresses in the order listed above. Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, made opening remarks and presented the debated question: Is homosexual marriage and religious liberty on a crash course?
Professor Teresa Stanton Collett
Professor Collett began the discussion with comments on the free exercise clause. The clause comes from the first amendment of the constitution: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Prof. Collett told a story about Massachusetts resident, David Parker. Below is the story in Mr. Parker’s own words:
[1]Statement by David Parker (April 27, 2005):
“I, David Parker, am the father of a kindergarten student at Estabrook Elementary School in Lexington, Massachusetts. Since the beginning of this school year, my wife and I have learned that school materials and discussions about gay-headed households/same-sex union issues have been exposed to the children. There are definitive plans to increase the teacher/staff/adult mediated discussions of these subjects.
“We have officially stated on many occasions—to the Lexington school administration—a request that we be notified when these discussions are planned, and want our 6-year-old opted out of such situations when arising “spontaneously.”
“Our parental requests for our own child were flat-out denied with no effort at accommodation. In our meeting on April 27, I, insisted that such accommodation be made and refused to leave the meeting room. I was informed that I would be arrested.”
From this incident Prof. Collett concluded that the free exercise of religion and homosexual marriage are on a crash course. She said that religion will be discriminated against and the free exercise clause will not protect religious people.
Nathan J. Diament
Mr. Diament focused his discussion on real and hypothetical situations. He believes clergy will not be prosecuted for preaching against homosexuality. On the other hand, he says that it’s only a matter of time till churches lose their tax exempt status for this kind of teaching. One of the real situations he mentioned referenced the Boy Scouts. They have made a rule against openly homosexual scout leaders and have received a lot of flack.
His foreshadowing included the town clerk who will refuse to give marriage licenses to homosexuals, the photographer who will refuse to take pictures at a homosexual wedding, the health-club owner who will refuse to admit an open homosexual, or the hotel owner who will refuse to give rooms to homosexual couples. He said that laws must be crafted in a way to accommodate religious people.
Benjamin Bull
Dr. Bull spoke about the three prong tactic of homosexual activists in the wake of the California Supreme Court decision. 1.) Because California has no residency laws, homosexuals will get married in California and seek legal recognition in their home states. 2.) Homosexuals that get married in California will also seek divorce in their home states because a divorce implies that you were legally married. 3.) Homosexual activists will also use the California decision as president in other state courts. He also mentioned some real and hypothetical cases in which religious liberties were clashing with homosexual activism.
Professor Chai R. Feldblum
Prof. Feldblum received a special welcome from FRC President, Tony Perkins, because she was the only dissenting opinion on the panel. She grew up as an Orthodox Jew. Her religion was intertwined with her life. She said if someone had told her she did not have to perform the Jewish rituals to be a Jew, she would have thought they were crazy! She knew that she could not be a Jew without action! She said that religion means action! In other words, you cannot separate status and action. This is the reason she had to eventually denounce her childhood faith. As a lesbian, she understands that she cannot be a lesbian unless she is having sex with women – status linked to action. Therefore, she could not be a Jew and be a lesbian because having sex with women directly violated the Jewish faith!
Because of her religious background, she is not mainstream in her homosexual activism. She said it angers her when her homosexual friends exclaim that, “Christians should just get over it” (referring to homosexual rights). Christians can’t just get over it, she tells them! You don’t say to someone who feels like their facilitating sin, “just get over it!”
As you can see, Prof. Feldblum understands both sides because she has had experience in both. Therefore, she wants to see a level headed approach to the issue of homosexual marriage. Most gay-rights activists are reacting to the extremism of the religious right. And most of the religious right is reacting to the extremism of gay-rights activists. Prof. Feldblum said that if the debate continues down this path, it will only lead to a clash between religious liberty and homosexual rights. However, she said, if these groups come to the table to converse with the intent to compromise, both religious rights and homosexual rights will be protected. She does not deny that there will be differences in opinion, but she believes that both groups have similar liberty concerns.
Kevin J. Seamus Hasson
Dr. Hasson gave a history lesson on where America has come concerning religious liberty. He started with the Massachusetts Bay Colony as an example of what happened when religious people oppressed others. The colony did not have very much respect for pluralism. In fact, people were branded on the hand and on the forehead for what sin they participated in – “D” for drunk, “A” for adulterer, and so on. Obviously, this practice was abandoned as inappropriate. He also mentioned how the Quakers were persecuted for refusing to serve in the military in times of war. The Quaker’s conscience prohibited them from killing people, no matter what. Eventually the Quakers were given the right to opt out of military service because of their conscientious objection.
With this background, Dr. Hasson came back to the issue of homosexual marriage. He said that this American tradition of conscientious objection should be upheld in the legislatures. If homosexuals are given rights, courts can’t sift through all the exemptions that need to be put in place for religious people. Courts were established to interpret the law, not make the law, Dr. Hasson said. If the courts make the law, then religious liberty will be encroached upon.
[1] http://www.massresistance.org/docs/parker/main.html
Professor Teresa Stanton Collett - University of St. Thomas School of Law
Nathan J. Diament – Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America
Benjamin Bull – Alliance Defense Fund
Professor Chai R. Feldblum – Georgetown University Law Center
Kevin J. Seamus Hasson – Becket fund for Religious Liberty
The panelists made their addresses in the order listed above. Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, made opening remarks and presented the debated question: Is homosexual marriage and religious liberty on a crash course?
Professor Teresa Stanton Collett
Professor Collett began the discussion with comments on the free exercise clause. The clause comes from the first amendment of the constitution: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Prof. Collett told a story about Massachusetts resident, David Parker. Below is the story in Mr. Parker’s own words:
[1]Statement by David Parker (April 27, 2005):
“I, David Parker, am the father of a kindergarten student at Estabrook Elementary School in Lexington, Massachusetts. Since the beginning of this school year, my wife and I have learned that school materials and discussions about gay-headed households/same-sex union issues have been exposed to the children. There are definitive plans to increase the teacher/staff/adult mediated discussions of these subjects.
“We have officially stated on many occasions—to the Lexington school administration—a request that we be notified when these discussions are planned, and want our 6-year-old opted out of such situations when arising “spontaneously.”
“Our parental requests for our own child were flat-out denied with no effort at accommodation. In our meeting on April 27, I, insisted that such accommodation be made and refused to leave the meeting room. I was informed that I would be arrested.”
From this incident Prof. Collett concluded that the free exercise of religion and homosexual marriage are on a crash course. She said that religion will be discriminated against and the free exercise clause will not protect religious people.
Nathan J. Diament
Mr. Diament focused his discussion on real and hypothetical situations. He believes clergy will not be prosecuted for preaching against homosexuality. On the other hand, he says that it’s only a matter of time till churches lose their tax exempt status for this kind of teaching. One of the real situations he mentioned referenced the Boy Scouts. They have made a rule against openly homosexual scout leaders and have received a lot of flack.
His foreshadowing included the town clerk who will refuse to give marriage licenses to homosexuals, the photographer who will refuse to take pictures at a homosexual wedding, the health-club owner who will refuse to admit an open homosexual, or the hotel owner who will refuse to give rooms to homosexual couples. He said that laws must be crafted in a way to accommodate religious people.
Benjamin Bull
Dr. Bull spoke about the three prong tactic of homosexual activists in the wake of the California Supreme Court decision. 1.) Because California has no residency laws, homosexuals will get married in California and seek legal recognition in their home states. 2.) Homosexuals that get married in California will also seek divorce in their home states because a divorce implies that you were legally married. 3.) Homosexual activists will also use the California decision as president in other state courts. He also mentioned some real and hypothetical cases in which religious liberties were clashing with homosexual activism.
Professor Chai R. Feldblum
Prof. Feldblum received a special welcome from FRC President, Tony Perkins, because she was the only dissenting opinion on the panel. She grew up as an Orthodox Jew. Her religion was intertwined with her life. She said if someone had told her she did not have to perform the Jewish rituals to be a Jew, she would have thought they were crazy! She knew that she could not be a Jew without action! She said that religion means action! In other words, you cannot separate status and action. This is the reason she had to eventually denounce her childhood faith. As a lesbian, she understands that she cannot be a lesbian unless she is having sex with women – status linked to action. Therefore, she could not be a Jew and be a lesbian because having sex with women directly violated the Jewish faith!
Because of her religious background, she is not mainstream in her homosexual activism. She said it angers her when her homosexual friends exclaim that, “Christians should just get over it” (referring to homosexual rights). Christians can’t just get over it, she tells them! You don’t say to someone who feels like their facilitating sin, “just get over it!”
As you can see, Prof. Feldblum understands both sides because she has had experience in both. Therefore, she wants to see a level headed approach to the issue of homosexual marriage. Most gay-rights activists are reacting to the extremism of the religious right. And most of the religious right is reacting to the extremism of gay-rights activists. Prof. Feldblum said that if the debate continues down this path, it will only lead to a clash between religious liberty and homosexual rights. However, she said, if these groups come to the table to converse with the intent to compromise, both religious rights and homosexual rights will be protected. She does not deny that there will be differences in opinion, but she believes that both groups have similar liberty concerns.
Kevin J. Seamus Hasson
Dr. Hasson gave a history lesson on where America has come concerning religious liberty. He started with the Massachusetts Bay Colony as an example of what happened when religious people oppressed others. The colony did not have very much respect for pluralism. In fact, people were branded on the hand and on the forehead for what sin they participated in – “D” for drunk, “A” for adulterer, and so on. Obviously, this practice was abandoned as inappropriate. He also mentioned how the Quakers were persecuted for refusing to serve in the military in times of war. The Quaker’s conscience prohibited them from killing people, no matter what. Eventually the Quakers were given the right to opt out of military service because of their conscientious objection.
With this background, Dr. Hasson came back to the issue of homosexual marriage. He said that this American tradition of conscientious objection should be upheld in the legislatures. If homosexuals are given rights, courts can’t sift through all the exemptions that need to be put in place for religious people. Courts were established to interpret the law, not make the law, Dr. Hasson said. If the courts make the law, then religious liberty will be encroached upon.
[1] http://www.massresistance.org/docs/parker/main.html
Reception with Charles Colson at the US Capitol Building
On Thursday, July 10, I was able to attend a reception at the US Capitol building. It was held to launch a new DVD hosted by Charles Colson entitled Politics and the Christian Faith. Dr. Colson, former special council to President Richard Nixon and founder of Prison Fellowship Ministries, was in attendance and I had the distinct pleasure of meeting him.
As I approach the end of my undergraduate study, I am bombarded with questions about my calling. My internship here at Faith and Action has only made the questions more intense. Should I be a lawyer, a politician, a lobbyist, or a preacher? What is the best way to reach the degrading culture of America? What is more powerful, the Gospel of Jesus or governmental reform? Is the Church doing enough?
With all these questions and ideas running through my head, I thought I would seize the moment and ask Dr. Colson what he thought. I asked him this: What is the best way to change America? Does the most effective change come through politics or through the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Which should I choose to be my vocation?
Dr. Colson said that preaching the Gospel and governing hold equal importance because they are both ordained by God. As far as which one I should choose, he could not comment, but he did give me an illustration. He asked me to remember the scene in “Chariots of Fire” when others were urging Eric Liddell to stop running. Liddell responded this way: [1]“I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.” Dr. Colson told me to find the thing in my life that, in doing it, I felt the pleasure of God.
[1] http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082158/quotes
As I approach the end of my undergraduate study, I am bombarded with questions about my calling. My internship here at Faith and Action has only made the questions more intense. Should I be a lawyer, a politician, a lobbyist, or a preacher? What is the best way to reach the degrading culture of America? What is more powerful, the Gospel of Jesus or governmental reform? Is the Church doing enough?
With all these questions and ideas running through my head, I thought I would seize the moment and ask Dr. Colson what he thought. I asked him this: What is the best way to change America? Does the most effective change come through politics or through the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Which should I choose to be my vocation?
Dr. Colson said that preaching the Gospel and governing hold equal importance because they are both ordained by God. As far as which one I should choose, he could not comment, but he did give me an illustration. He asked me to remember the scene in “Chariots of Fire” when others were urging Eric Liddell to stop running. Liddell responded this way: [1]“I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.” Dr. Colson told me to find the thing in my life that, in doing it, I felt the pleasure of God.
[1] http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082158/quotes
Monday, July 7, 2008
I Just Learned About Abortion Methods: My Reaction
As I was in the process of writing the article for the Weekly Photo Feature highlighting Creation Fest 2008, and Rev. Schenck’s involvement, I researched abortion methods. For quick reference, here is what I wrote:
On Saturday, June 28, the Schenck brothers spoke to young people at the 2008 Creation Music Festival. Their topic came from Psalm 139. In the Psalm, David praises God for the way in which God knitted him together in his mother’s womb (Verse 13). The Bible teaches that there is something special about our bodies. We know that Christ came to earth in bodily form. Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus was “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.” Therefore, Jesus’ physical body was holy. We also know from Genesis 1:27 that “God created man in his own image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Just as the body of Jesus was holy, so to are our bodies. Because of this truth, that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” we must treat human bodies with respect! Whether it’s our own body or the body of someone else, it deserves to be treated with dignity. Our culture has defamed the body. It has become a sex symbol and a means toward selfish indulgence or even contempt! It has become something we cut into pieces and suck out of a mother’s womb. It has become a garbage dump (drugs, junk-food, etc.). It has become something we throw away (euthanasia). We must always remember God, the supreme architect of the human body, and honor this gift God has given to us!
In reality, I knew that abortion was legal until the baby was born, yet I had chosen not to think about it. I had not given much thought to the methods, I only knew I was against it and that was good enough. But, so as to be accurate in my writing, I was lead to research the topic.
I was absolutely stunned. I went through an emotional succession: first came disgust, then anguish, and anger. I was overwhelmed with the wickedness that occurs in our nation every day! I had no idea how brutally these precious babies were murdered! The information I learned shook my apathetic attitude to the core. Here it is, you must know.
8 weeks
At eight to nine weeks the eyelids have begun forming and hair appears. By the ninth and tenth weeks the preborn child sucks her thumb, turns somersaults, jumps, can squint to close out light, frown, swallow, and move her tongue.
On Saturday, June 28, the Schenck brothers spoke to young people at the 2008 Creation Music Festival. Their topic came from Psalm 139. In the Psalm, David praises God for the way in which God knitted him together in his mother’s womb (Verse 13). The Bible teaches that there is something special about our bodies. We know that Christ came to earth in bodily form. Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus was “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.” Therefore, Jesus’ physical body was holy. We also know from Genesis 1:27 that “God created man in his own image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Just as the body of Jesus was holy, so to are our bodies. Because of this truth, that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” we must treat human bodies with respect! Whether it’s our own body or the body of someone else, it deserves to be treated with dignity. Our culture has defamed the body. It has become a sex symbol and a means toward selfish indulgence or even contempt! It has become something we cut into pieces and suck out of a mother’s womb. It has become a garbage dump (drugs, junk-food, etc.). It has become something we throw away (euthanasia). We must always remember God, the supreme architect of the human body, and honor this gift God has given to us!
In reality, I knew that abortion was legal until the baby was born, yet I had chosen not to think about it. I had not given much thought to the methods, I only knew I was against it and that was good enough. But, so as to be accurate in my writing, I was lead to research the topic.
I was absolutely stunned. I went through an emotional succession: first came disgust, then anguish, and anger. I was overwhelmed with the wickedness that occurs in our nation every day! I had no idea how brutally these precious babies were murdered! The information I learned shook my apathetic attitude to the core. Here it is, you must know.
8 weeks
At eight to nine weeks the eyelids have begun forming and hair appears. By the ninth and tenth weeks the preborn child sucks her thumb, turns somersaults, jumps, can squint to close out light, frown, swallow, and move her tongue.
Suction Aspiration
This is the most common method of abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. General or local anesthesia is given to the mother and her cervix is quickly dilated. A suction curette (hollow tube with a knife-edged tip) is inserted into the womb. This instrument is then connected to a vacuum machine by a transparent tube. The vacuum suction, 29 times more powerful than a household vacuum cleaner, tears the fetus and placenta into small pieces which are sucked through the tube into a bottle and discarded.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
This method is similar to the suction method with the added insertion of a hook shaped knife (curette) which cuts the baby into pieces. The pieces are scraped out through the cervix and discarded [Note: This abortion method should not be confused with a therapeutic D&C done for reasons other than pregancy.]
12 weeks
By the end of the third month all arteries are present, including the coronary vessels of the heart. Blood is circulating through these vessels to all body parts.
The heart beat ranges during this fetal period from 110 to 160 beats per minute. All blood cells are produced by the liver and spleen, a job soon taken over by the bone marrow. White blood cells, important for immunity, are formed in the lymph nodes and thymus.
Vocal chords are complete, and the child can and does sometimes cry (silently). The brain is fully formed, and the child can feel pain. The fetus may even suck his thumb. The eyelids now cover the eyes, and will remain shut until the seventh month to protect the delicate optical nerve fibers.
14 weeks
Muscles lengthen and become organized. The mother will soon start feeling the first flutters of the baby kicking and moving inside.
15 weeks
The fetus has an adult's taste buds and may be able to savor the mother's meals.
16 weeks
Five and a half inches tall and only six ounces in weight, eyebrows, eyelashes and fine hair appear. The child can grasp with his hands, kick, or even somersault.
18 weeks
The fetus is now about 5 inches long. The child blinks, grasps, and moves her mouth. Hair grows on the head and body.
20 weeks
The child can hear and recognize mother's voice. Though still small and fragile, the baby is growing rapidly and could possibly survive if born at this stage. Fingernails and fingerprints appear. Sex organs are visible. Using an ultrasound device, the doctor can tell if the child is a girl or a boy.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
This method is used up to 18 weeks' gestation. Instead of the loop-shaped knife used in D&C abortions, a pair of forceps is inserted into the womb to grasp part of the fetus. The teeth of the forceps twist and tear the bones of the unborn child. This process is repeated until the fetus is totally dismembered and removed. Usually the spine must be snapped and the skull crushed in order to remove them.
Salt Poisoning (Saline Injection)
Used after 16 weeks (four months) when enough fluid has accumulated. A long needle injects a strong salt solution through the mother's abdomen into the baby's sac. The baby swallows this fluid and is poisoned by it. It also acts as a corrosive, burning off the outer layer of skin. It normally takes somewhat over an hour for the baby to die from this. Within 24 hours, labor will usually set in and the mother will give birth to a dead or dying baby. (There have been many cases of these babies being born alive. They are usually left unattended to die. However, a few have survived and later been adopted.)
6 months
Seen here at six months, the unborn child is covered with a fine, downy hair called lanugo. Its tender skin is protected by a waxy substance called vernix. Some of this substance may still be on the child's skin at birth at which time it will be quickly absorbed. The child practices breathing by inhaling amnionic fluid into developing lungs.
Prostaglandin Chemical Abortion
This form of abortion uses chemicals developed by the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Co. which cause the uterus to contract intensely, pushing out the developing baby. The contractions are more violent than normal, natural contractions, so the unborn baby is frequently killed by them -- some have even been decapitated. Many, however, have also been born alive.
Hysterotomy or Caesarean Section
Used mainly in the last three months of pregnancy, the womb is entered by surgery through the wall of the abdomen. The technique is similar to a Caesarean delivery, except that the umbilical cord is usually cut while the baby is still in the womb, thus cutting off his oxygen supply and causing him to suffocate. Sometimes the baby is removed alive and simply left in a corner to die of neglect or exposure.
30 weeks
For several months, the umbilical cord has been the baby's lifeline to the mother. Nourishment is transferred from the mother's blood, through the placenta, and into the umbilical cord to the fetus. If the mother ingests any toxic substances, such as drugs or alcohol, the baby receives these as well.
32 weeks
The fetus sleeps 90-95% of the day, and sometimes experiences REM sleep, an indication of dreaming.
40 weeks
The baby, now approximately seven and a half pounds, is ready for life outside its mother's womb. At birth the placenta will detach from the side of the uterus and the umbilical cord will cease working as the child takes his first breaths of air. The child's breathing will trigger changes in the structure of the heart and bypass arteries which will force all blood to now travel through the lungs.
* Information taken from: http://www.lifesitenews.com/abortiontypes/
The most logical question we can ask is, “So what do we do?” In light of the fact that good people have been trying to stop this outrageous crime since 1973, we need to learn from there experience. But, before I address this question please know that I am indebted to the book, “Blinded by Might: Why the Religious Right Can’t Save America” by Cal Thomas and Ed Dobson, for my following thoughts. Also, please know that I approach this topic with complete humility.
For 35 years moral people have been fighting this issue in the courts and in the legislature. They operated off the false assumption that laws can change America. In reality, that is not true at all. Long before laws change in America, people change. Roe V. Wade was a symptom of the problem, not the problem itself! Yet, good, caring people set out to remedy the symptom, not the problem. The problem was not new; it was as old as human existence! Sin was the problem and still is the problem. Yet, Christians failed to realize this. They knew that Jesus Christ came to save sinners, but they missed the fact that sin was the root of abortion.
Therefore, after 35 years of fighting the symptom, we have only one victory to our credit – the ending of partial birth abortion. Can you imagine the success we would have had if, right at the start, committed Christians would have committed themselves more vehemently to the gospel of Christ! The gospel is the sin remedy! The love of Christ, lived through his people, and imparted to others is the only way of real change! It’s all about the gospel and love!
So we preach and pray and love. We build selfless, loving relationships with women and their husbands! When I recently learned about the abortion methods, my reaction was anger! And truly, it is righteous anger – anger from God. But, the important issue is where I direct that anger! Is it right to direct it at people (i.e. abortion doctors, mothers, fathers, legislators)? No! People are sinners, JUST LIKE ME! People must be loved, as Christ loves them. He loved them so much he subjected Himself to a tortuous death for their benefit. But SIN must receive the entirety of my anger. The Bible says in Proverbs 1:7 that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” And what is the fear of the Lord? Proverbs 8:13 says that “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.” What better way to hate evil than to combat it with its only competitor, the deep love and powerful blood of Jesus Christ!
There are people and organizations that recognize the importance of the gospel and love. In fact, the Women’s Care Centers around America are making a tremendous impact! [1]They are able to care for people physically, mentally, and spiritually, which is the call of James 2:14-17:
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Yet, we need a more concerted effort. The church can’t leave this fight to organizations! Christians must put their money, and their time, and their effort where their mouth is. Are we willing to sacrifice? That is the real question. Are we willing to adopt children? Are we willing to house a single mother? Are we willing, as a church family, to face abortion head on with the gospel and our very lives?
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (Romans 12:1).
[1] http://www.rheaofhope.org/
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Touring on the Weekends: A Photo Journal - Creation 2008 & Mercersburg, PA.
The creation Music Festival (Northeast) was held in Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania. As you can see from the above picture (I took this from atop "Zion Mountain"), there were thousands of people there! And this picture doesn't even show all the camp sites! The big structure on the bottom right is the main stage. That's is were all the big-name speakers and bands performed.
Faith and Action had a booth set up in one of the three "flea-market" type buildings. They did interviews with young people about current political issues (specifically moral issues) and posted the interviews on National Pro-Life radio's (NPLR) website. They also handed out information about Faith and Action and NPLR. NPLR is the ministry of Dr. Paul Schenck.
Here is a scene in front of the main stage as a band plays. The band here is "Thousand Foot Crutch."
Rev. Rob Schenck spoke to a few hundred people during his break-out session. He could only speak for about 10 minutes before he had to run to the airport to catch a flight to Florida. He was scheduled to speak at a supporting church the next day. His brother, Dr. Paul Schenck, finished the session.
Here is a view from the crowd as Dr. Paul Schenck speaks during the break-out session.
When I was driving to Creation I was taken by a small town - a statue of a town statesman; a beautiful church steeple rising above the trees; and breathtaking scenery. I thought, "Boy I would love to stop there are get some pictures." Well, I was able to stop and take some photos on my way back home. The town is named Mercersburg, and the statue you see here is James Buchanan, the 15th president of the United States. When he was five years old he and his parents moved to Mercersburg.
Here is some beautiful scenery right outside of Mercersburg. Notice the mountains in the background - they look kind of like a serrated knife. These points are called Aretes. They are formed when two glaciers sandwich the mountain and carve away the rock as they slide along the mountain faces (I referenced wikipedia to refresh what I learned in Earth Science Survey http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arete_(landform)). 
I thought that this was an interesting photo. It's funny how a mountain just pops out of a corn field!
Cows are heading into the barn in mass to avoid the thunder storm. I did not think about this when I first saw all the cows going back to the barn...I thought it was dinner time or something. But, there was a terrible storm that hit about 30 minutes later. I'm sure they can feel the pressure drop!
This is the church at Mercersburg academy! Absolutely beautiful. I didn't know this when I was taking pictures here, but Jimmy Stewart, the real Mr. Smith in the hit movie "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington," graduated from Mercersburg Academy. When I got home I looked up the academy and found the information. Isn't that hilarious!
What is not funny is what this chapel is now used for:
"Each Friday at Chapel, the community gathers to reflect. Visitors share something of their spirit with students: jazz musicians heat up a winter morning, while students dance in the aisles; the Academy’s minister talks about Mercersburg theology and its evolution; a Buddhist shares a tale about cross-country bike races with wild animals nipping at his heels. You never know what a Friday might bring" (http://www.mercersburg.edu/aboutus/history/traditions.asp).
It is so sad that this is where the school has gone when it has such strong Christian roots.
Just part of the 300 acre academy campus
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Government: Changer or Preserver
Today I had a conversation with Greg Cox, Faith and Action's Director of Devolpment. He was asking about my experience here, my status in college, and if I planned to attend law school. I then began to tell him about my musings, inspired by a book I'm reading ("Why the Religious Right Can't Save America" by Cal Thomas and Ed Dobson). I told him that I was weighing the actual value of politics as a "change-agent" in America. He then began to lay out the difference between preaching the gospel and being involved in politics.
Politics is not an agent of change, it is an agent of preservation, like salt. The Gospel of Jesus, on the other hand, is an agent of change because it changes people's hearts! Mr. Cox said that both "tracks" are valid life callings, but they are fundamentally different. Romans 13:3-5 talks specifically about the role of Government:
Politics is not an agent of change, it is an agent of preservation, like salt. The Gospel of Jesus, on the other hand, is an agent of change because it changes people's hearts! Mr. Cox said that both "tracks" are valid life callings, but they are fundamentally different. Romans 13:3-5 talks specifically about the role of Government:
For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.
Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority?
Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,
for he is God's servant for your good.
But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain.
For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.
So we see, said Mr. Cox, that Government has two jobs: to punish evil and to approve good. Government is not designed to change anything! Change must come from the people! Historically, it always has. Mr. Cox used the Civil Rights Movement as an example. Martin Luther King Jr., a minister, lead the movement to cause Government to align with the standards of equality in the constitution. Therefore, when the people define something as good or evil, then the laws follow.
In conclusion, I must wait for God's guidance in my life! Does he want me to be a changer or a preserver? Both are divine callings, and both are necessary, but the question I must answer is how has God equipped me to serve Him?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Touring on the Weekends: A Photo Journal - Alexandria, Virginia
City hall 
Marina
View of a street
Take a cruise on the Cherry Blossom paddle boat!
"May 9, 1798Having been proclaimed a day of fasting and prayer by the president of the United States because of the danger of war with France, George Washington attended in this church the proclamation sermon preached that day by Reverend James Muir" (These are the words on the plaque to the left of the Church doors).
This is a revolutionary war cemetery located on the grounds of the Church where Reverend James Muir made the 1798 prayer and fasting proclamation sermon.
This is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The home of John Carlyle, who served in the U.S. Congress from 1815-1819
The garden and gazebo behind Carlyle's home Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Touring on the Weekends: A Photo Journal - George Washington's Home (Mount Vernon)
These are some of the storage buildings. The one on the right stored Washington's single-seat carriage. It was more maneuverable than the four-wheel carriage because it only had two wheels. It was kind of like the sports car of Washington's day. You can see the Potomac River in the background.
This garden area is adjacent to Washington's fruit tree orchard
A Robin enjoys the beautiful day!
The gardens were very well kept!
The subject in this photo is the garden house (It is basically the garden shed).
Mount Vernon estate
This is the garden where Washington grew all of his new experimental plants.Monday, June 23, 2008
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania: A Story About the Shooting
As you may know, Rev. Schenck was influential in restoring hope to the Amish community of Nickel Mines in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania after the terrible school shooting on October 2, 2006. Rev. Schenck and I got to taking about this a few days ago. He had stories to tell and so did I. He was moved by what I had to say, and advised me to write about my experience.In the spring of each year, the Bryan College Chorale tours for about 9 days. In 2007, just seven months after the shooting, we traveled north to Washington D.C. and the surrounding states. That year we had a free day scheduled in the Amish Country of Lancaster County. When our charter bus arrived, we decided get a tour guide. As we dove down the road she told the bus driver to stop in front of a little, one-room school house. Next thing I know, we were all filing off the bus because we had been invited sing for the children!
This school house was about a mile down the road from where the 2006 shooting occurred. The children were so cute all dressed up in traditional Amish attire. The ages of the children spanned from 4 all the way to 12 or 13. When we entered the house they were very nervous, but curious. The 44 person chorale squeezed onto the little front platform, and Dr. David Luther (our director) stood alongside the children sitting at their desks!
That morning we sang all our a capella pieces. At one point between songs, I saw the classroom bulletin board. It was decorated in yellow and had musical notes around the edges. It read, “Visitors bring songs of Joy.” Only God could plan something like this, I thought! When we finished singing, the teacher in the back began to clap. Amish don’t clap! The children were confused! The teacher persisted and the children slowly joined her. The only way I can describe how it sounded is to liken it to a building wave. The clapping got stronger and stronger until it was a roar! The children’s smiles were infectious!
As it turns out, our tour guide knew many Amish in that community. Our next stop took us to an Amish farm. After a few minutes, the whole choir was crammed into the living room of her friend’s home! There, with the small Amish family as our audience, we sang!
How sweet it was to be instruments of God’s Joy! God used us that day in ways that could have never been planned! I’m so glad that our tour guide let God lead that day!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Touring on the Weekends: A Photo Journal - Manassas Battlefield Park
Two Civil War Battles were fought in Manassas in 1861 & 1862
Groveton Confederate Cemetery 
A ridge held by union soldiers near NY Ave. At one point soldiers from Ohio held this hill!
Pollinating bee alongside the Unfinished Railroad Grade
Butterflies like the flowers too!
Stone House
Monument of Stonewall JacksonTouring on the Weekends: A Photo Journal - Fort Washington
There are some little, tiny people at the gate...can you see them? This is the only big gate to the fort. It has a draw bridge and a dry mote. Fort Washington was completed in 1809.
A view of the visitors center from inside the fort.
The main gate to the fort is in the background. This view is from the inside.
The mounts where the cannons were perched. The half circles behind the pivot points locked down the different cannon angles.
If you were standing outside, this cannon placement would be in the side of the wall.
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