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Augustana - Boston

Ben Folds - fred jones part 2

“Human language appears to be a unique phenomenon, without significant analogue in the animal world.”

“If we choose, we can live in a world of comforting illusion.”

“Propaganda is to a democracy what the bludgeon is to a totalitarian state.”

“As soon as questions of will or decision or reason or choice of action arise, human science is at a loss.”

“Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, it’s unlikely you will step up and take responsibility for making it so. If you assume that there’s no hope, you guarantee that there will be no hope. If you assume that there is an instinct for freedom, there are opportunities to change things, there’s a chance you may contribute to making a better world. The choice is yours.”

Israel was the only nation that God has ever called His own. Those of us who know the story, know God didn’t choose Israel over everyone else, He chose them for everyone else. And like all peoples, they made mistakes and their historical books in Scripture document that fact quite well.

So, that’s why I’m puzzled by those who seem to think the U-S & A is the second nation called by God, chosen over other nations, and immune to criticism. As a Christian, Social Studies teacher, and an American,  I’ve been wrestling with how to reclaim the fusion of faith & tellings of US History/patriotism. The application of OT/Israel promises (out of context) and romanticizing of people, events, & documents does damage. It damages the truth of our history & theology, our global citizenry, and our ability to truly celebrate what is good about our past. 

I post this topic because a blog I frequent thoughtfully raised questions in light of a refreshing review of “The Patriot’s Bible“. Dr. Gregory A. Boyd, who authored The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church, commented:

“Every special interest Bible imposes a certain agenda that to some degree colors the Word, but the Patriot’s Bible takes this “coloring” to a whole new level. There’s not a single commentary in this Bible that even attempts to shed light on what the biblical text actually means. To the contrary, the text of the Bible is used merely as an excuse to further the patriotic agenda of the commentators…Yet, the selective retelling of American history found in the Patriot’s Bible is not what concerns me the most. What disturbs me more is the way the commentators attempt to give their idealized version of American history divine authority by weaving it into the biblical narrative.

Yet, the selective retelling of American history found in the Patriot’s Bible is not what concerns me the most. What disturbs me more is the way the commentators attempt to give their idealized version of American history divine authority by weaving it into the biblical narrative.”

It boils down to an attempt to make God into ‘our’ nationalistic/WASP image. And sadly, many are leery of Christianity precisely because they are actually literate in history. Oh, may be careful with our definitions of what it means to be a patriot and Christian!

Shouldn’t the church be the first to repent and be honest? Don’t we get our value, worth, identity, and goodness from not our nation, but King…who said that His kingdom wasn’t of this world…thus not one with nationalism, militarism, racism, genocide, inequity and so on? 

So, because I pledge allegiance to the ideals of liberty and justice, I want to recommend 3 books (in addition to THE Bible & besides the aforementioned version) which can be found on Amazon:

Brand New - I Will Play My Game Beneath The Spin Light

The constant fear and suspicion that has been put forward by certain brave journalists has helped me to plan my summer vacations so they’ll be free from government tyranny…Make mine freedom!

Now playing: Imogen Heap - Headlock

Isn’t it interesting how ‘people’ (not me) often claim a source is biased when it contradicts/challenges their perspective; as if reporting must be in stride with my ideology (the only correct reference point) to be objective.

Well, the Princeton Review does podcast called ‘logic in everyday life‘ a few times a month that is exposes flawed logic patterns of thought. I urge you to listen to a specific episode that speaks to the assumptions that are present when a person asserts a particular source is biased. It is a little dated, but still worth the 7 to 8 minute investment. Look for the ‘No “There” There‘ and enjoy.

Now playing: Depeche Mode - Precious

The Center for Media Literacy is a wonderful resource. It is suggested that these questions and concepts be guide our interaction with all media:

Five Key Questions - Deconstruction
1. Who created this message?
2. What creative techniques are used to attract my attention?
3. How might different people understand this message differently?
4. What values, lifestyles and points of view are represented in, or omitted from, this message?
5. Why is this message being sent?

Five Core Concepts
1. All media messages are constructed.
2. Media messages are constructed using a creative language with its own rules.
3. Different people experience the same media message differently.
4. Media have embedded values and points of view.
5. Most media messages are organized to gain profit and/or power.

So have some thoughtful fun: note how the Daily Show (consistantly) applies these principles to the Fox News Network. And then turn the assumptions on the Daily Show…and then, if you want, you can go the third mile and turn these principles on me too.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Fox News Fear Imbalance