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The best thing about the United States is its rich mixture of people. It is reported that the United States has a greater number of religious groups than any other country in the world. I know this is an unusual stance by a Christian, but I by in large fundamentally believe that no Religious belief should be FORCED on a person. Now this does not mean that parents shouldn’t expose their offspring to what they believe (Proverbs 22:6), but in all my studies of the Bible, I don’t see where Jesus or GOD, FORCED themselves on anyone. There were a few people who were persuaded to follow God's instructions, but God still gave them the choice. The conversion to becoming a Christian is a conversion of the heart brought about from being exposed to and accepting the truth of Jesus Christ. However, God does not force people to except him, love him, trust, he give us that choice. We can examine the scriptures, historical and scientific evidence and make up our own minds. He will continue to expose us to the truth of our choices to living with or without him, that part of his character.
So we have two camps believers and non-believes. We need to be mindful that all believers used to be non-believers. So let us remember the roads we once traveled, until we decided to stop doing life our way. Anyway, there are people of both camps that are in prison. There are people in both camps that are divorced. There are people in both camps that cheat on their taxes. There are also people in both camps who are productive members of society, who raise their families under the best of their abilities. No matter what you believe, think we all want good schools, safe neighborhoods, good health and the right to achieve our goals to the best of our abilities. There are people of both camps that are famous artists, writers, leaders, philanthropists, activists, composers, actors, musicians and scientists. While there are many that think science is almost always anti-God. However, it is known that Albert Einstein was a believer. Charles Darwin, by his own admission, was never an atheist. In fact his own words indicate that, at least on some occasions, he gravitated toward a belief in God. He said "In my most extreme fluctuations I have never been an atheist in the sense of denying the existence of God." (Darwin, Francis, The Life of Charles Darwin. London: Tiger Books,1995, 55.). The beautiful part of living in the United States is that we do have the freedom to explore our beliefs without a government mandate to adhere any particular one or any at all. This is the true meaning of “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;” Though, I always find it strange that more emphasis is put on the former part of the statement than the latter.
The belief in God, no matter the religion is based on faith, and sometimes forced indoctrination.. There are several writings, scripture, examples and verses on this matter. Our faith is not alone what we believe, but what we do with what we believe. In the Bible, in the book of James you can find these words “In the same way faith, if it doesn't have works, is dead by itself.” As Christians we often speak often of the grace of God, but how to we achieve His grace, if we don’t exercise our faith. I subscribe to the Baptist branch of Christianity generally because of it value of religion freedom. The English philosopher John Locke described our faith well we he said “The Baptists were the first propounders of absolute liberty, just and true liberty, equal and impartial liberty.” That freedom is a belief to take pride in and one of the core values of our nation. This statement it says that for Baptist (or those who subscribe to religious freedom), we are not only merely tolerant or appreciative of others, but that we expect this freedom in is broadest and truest sense. We as Americans demand unrestricted religious freedom for ourselves and for all other be they Christian, Hindu, Catholic, Jewish, Humanist, Muslim, Wiccan, Atheist, Agnostic, New Age, Scientologist, Native American, Unitarian Universalist, or questioning seeker.
So we have two camps believers and non-believes. We need to be mindful that all believers used to be non-believers. So let us remember the roads we once traveled, until we decided to stop doing life our way. Anyway, there are people of both camps that are in prison. There are people in both camps that are divorced. There are people in both camps that cheat on their taxes. There are also people in both camps who are productive members of society, who raise their families under the best of their abilities. No matter what you believe, think we all want good schools, safe neighborhoods, good health and the right to achieve our goals to the best of our abilities. There are people of both camps that are famous artists, writers, leaders, philanthropists, activists, composers, actors, musicians and scientists. While there are many that think science is almost always anti-God. However, it is known that Albert Einstein was a believer. Charles Darwin, by his own admission, was never an atheist. In fact his own words indicate that, at least on some occasions, he gravitated toward a belief in God. He said "In my most extreme fluctuations I have never been an atheist in the sense of denying the existence of God." (Darwin, Francis, The Life of Charles Darwin. London: Tiger Books,1995, 55.). The beautiful part of living in the United States is that we do have the freedom to explore our beliefs without a government mandate to adhere any particular one or any at all. This is the true meaning of “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;” Though, I always find it strange that more emphasis is put on the former part of the statement than the latter.
The belief in God, no matter the religion is based on faith, and sometimes forced indoctrination.. There are several writings, scripture, examples and verses on this matter. Our faith is not alone what we believe, but what we do with what we believe. In the Bible, in the book of James you can find these words “In the same way faith, if it doesn't have works, is dead by itself.” As Christians we often speak often of the grace of God, but how to we achieve His grace, if we don’t exercise our faith. I subscribe to the Baptist branch of Christianity generally because of it value of religion freedom. The English philosopher John Locke described our faith well we he said “The Baptists were the first propounders of absolute liberty, just and true liberty, equal and impartial liberty.” That freedom is a belief to take pride in and one of the core values of our nation. This statement it says that for Baptist (or those who subscribe to religious freedom), we are not only merely tolerant or appreciative of others, but that we expect this freedom in is broadest and truest sense. We as Americans demand unrestricted religious freedom for ourselves and for all other be they Christian, Hindu, Catholic, Jewish, Humanist, Muslim, Wiccan, Atheist, Agnostic, New Age, Scientologist, Native American, Unitarian Universalist, or questioning seeker.
So when you see that sign ..Remember Thank God you live in America...and not China, Also view it as having lots of work yet to do for HIS kingdom.
Victor Swindell
2 comments:
I also have no gripes with this particular billboard. Like I said, I am open if anyone would like to talk about Jesus but I don't cram religion down anyone's throat. I do know that there are lots of complaints whenever a billboard is put up that mentions Jesus. Just as they have a right to put up their billboard, I have a right to complain if it offends me(like they do when I put one up).
However here is another way to look at it. If my religion says that I should spread the word of God(and it does) and their belief is that there is no God(and it does), isn't saying nothing, supporting their beliefs and opposing mine? Just something to think about. Email me if you would like to discuss this more and have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping by my blog today.
As Christians we are mandidated to spread the truth and knowledge of Jesus Christ, and give everyone the opportunity to accept the Lord.
That other fellow as you know has sent false teachers out into the world.
The time will come when they will willingly bow to the AntiChrist and his image...and we won't
thanks for the post
thanks for reading my blog
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