Month: October 2011

Book Review: Destiny of the Republic

I love history books that read like novels. History is a story and should be told accordingly. Character, plot, and all other features of a good novel should be incorporated. As long as the story is fully documented and doesn’t deviate from the facts, it can be a delight to read. I just finished one such book. It’s called Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard. Few Americans know… Read more »

The Latest Manifestation of the Sinfulness of Man

There are so many disturbing aspects of the “occupy” movement that it’s difficult to catalog them all. At its root is the desire to get something for nothing, a malady born out of an entitlement mentality that we have nurtured in our society. Where will it end? That mentality is central to the greatest heresy of the twentieth century, one that ultimately led to the deaths of more than thirty million in the Soviet Union, even more in China, and… Read more »

The Campaign Meets the Occupiers

The presidential campaign is more than up and running; it’s in high gear. Not only are Republican contenders lining up for the nomination, but President Obama is actively campaigning while officially calling it a “jobs tour.” That way all the taxpayers receive the distinct privilege of paying for it. For Republicans, the goal is clear: Those who want more fundamental change continue to search for the anti-Romney. They’re not convinced he is the real deal. Yet oddsmakers still put their… Read more »

Flagrant Immaturity

It’s hard to leave the “Occupy Wall Street” story this week, especially when the cartoonists keep coming up with outstanding depictions of the true nature of the protest. One takes aim at what he considers to be the typical protester: Others poke fun at the half-baked political philosophy that seems to dominate: Songs appear to be a theme: Far too often, slogans and chants [of the old, stale variety] serve as replacements for rigorous analytical thinking. What’s doubly sad is… Read more »

Additions to the Constitution

I’ve been going through American history with my adult class at my church on Sundays. We’re up to the Constitution. I’m not rushing through anything; I want them to understand the importance of the rule of law and how Christians should be leaders in respecting that dictum. It’s always enlightening to show just how little the national level of our government in our federal system has the authority to do. There’s even one provision in the Constitution that requires Congress… Read more »

Being Faithful unto Death

Yousef Nadarkhani lives under a sentence of death. Iran plans to execute him for the crime of being a Christian pastor. It all began in 2009 when Nadarkhani objected to his children being indoctrinated into Islam in the school they were required to attend. He was standing for parental rights as well as the Christian faith. His outspoken views led to his arrest and the eventual death penalty sentence. This has created a furor in what could be called the… Read more »