So forgiveness pre-requires understanding the mistakes of the past? here hear re this opposing this me-first, America-first, white-first, male-first approach>…
Weekly lessons in theology and public life • Since 2011
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Lesson 1: Truth to Power
Read MORE: Lesson 1: Truth to PowerI had decided to do a series on the Christian concept and use of power. People say they no longer feel safe, and their fear seems to explain a lot happening all around us. For instance, I think the slogan…
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Lesson 2: A Biblical Perspective on Power
Read MORE: Lesson 2: A Biblical Perspective on PowerLet’s take a preliminary look at what the Bible says about unconditional power being a human problem that could destroy the world. It’s an idea found from beginning to end in the scriptures. Hopefully, we can find some guidance for…
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Lesson 3: Cooperation and Sharing
Read MORE: Lesson 3: Cooperation and Sharing”Love your neighbor” could be rephrased “Masters, act as servants.” If we have power over others, we are to use it to care for them, not to take advantage of them. Thinking about this brought to mind two ethical observations…
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Lesson 4: Fear and Power
Read MORE: Lesson 4: Fear and PowerThe nation is reeling after just three weeks of the Trump administration brandishing naked power. Many citizens are trying to figure out how we got to this place as if knowing might contribute to overcoming the violence. When I ask…
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Lesson 5: America First
Read MORE: Lesson 5: America FirstRecently, I again heard politicians using “America First” to express their positions. At first, I assumed it referred to buying American goods to support American businesses. We should be willing to pay more so our friends have jobs. However, eventually…
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Lesson 6: Efficiency
Read MORE: Lesson 6: EfficiencyOne of the first things that MAGA did was establish a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). That sounds like a good thing. We want to use power with little or no waste. However, my ears go up whenever I hear…
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Lesson 7: Living under Oppressive Power
Read MORE: Lesson 7: Living under Oppressive PowerMost of the Bible is addressed to people who lived under bad government. With very few exceptions, the kings and emperors who had power used it to take advantage of them. In response, biblical ethics offered practical advice about coping…
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Lesson 8: Power Over Nature
Read MORE: Lesson 8: Power Over NaturePower is simply the ability to do something. I decided to examine it to better understand our society’s acceptance of an abusive form. Public figures profess absolute power, enabling them to do whatever they want, even to define what is…
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Lesson 9: Might Makes Right
Read MORE: Lesson 9: Might Makes RightDavid Brooks recently wrote, “Donald Trump believes in one thing. He believes might makes right.” That provides a good wrap-up for this series. I come away thinking most Americans seem to believe only one thing. Might makes right. Over 40…
Recent Comments
An extremely timely topic. Thanks, Fritz!
yes we need to forgive our leaders yet make sure they do the right thing – which they aren’t.