BOOK(LET) REVIEW - "GODLY CITIZENS UNDER GODLESS KINGS" BY JOHN MACARTHUR

 

Election day is just a week away, and we get to choose between a candidate some consider evil and an opponent belonging to a party that promotes what many (myself included) consider evil. How are we to live in days of an ungodly government?

If the lines for voting are long, "Godly Citizens Under Godless Kings" by Rev. John MacArthur might be good and appropriate reading, especially since it is only 34 pages long. But if you've already voted early, this still is an insightful and thought provoking book.

MacArthur starts off in Romans 13 stating what the role of government is, and then deals with Satan's influence on the state. He points out, "No matter where persecution breaks out, the arch-persecutor of the church is always going to be the government. We know this because the government alone can fine, jail, and even execute people with impunity." He speaks about civil disobedience in Scripture and today, and closes with a guideline on "How to live under a pagan government."

I have three comments I'd like to add in closing.

1. While I am convinced that neither the Democrat, the Republican, or the Libertarian Party are committed to a Biblical leadership, I do think MacArthur is overreaching when he says the government will always be part of the persecution - some of today's persecution is from other sources like the Columbian drug lords and the terrorist group Boka Haran. This is technical - I can see the U.S. government persecuting Christians.
2. MacArthur mentions being fined during the COVID lockdowns by the California government. He doesn't mention the church's standing firm and eventually getting the fines erased. I think that should have been included, even if this was a pamphlet.
3. I read this shortly after listing to the Reformed Libertarian podcast, where both hosts are anarchist (meaning they don't believe we need government). I've read some that say Christians are obligated to stand against ungodly nations to the point of taking up arms, as in the Revolutionary War. MacArthur doesn't deal with the Revolution, but he definitely believes government is necessary and placed by God. Am I sure which side I take on that issue?

SATURDAY CONTROVERSIES - ARE FAITH AND POLITICS OIL AND WATER OR CHOCOLATE AND PEANUT BUTTER? (PART 7)

Christians United Church, Indianapolis, IN

First, I know. This is being posted on Monday. Sorry I didn't get it done on Saturday, but better late than never! But if you notice I actually posted Monday's blog on Saturday (yesterday) and Saturday's on Monday. Of course, I usually don't have a Monday blog. 

Allow me to start with a list of items of debate between Christians involving politics.

• Should Christians vote? Some refuse to vote, some think not voting's a sin.
• Is it allowable for Christians to either leave one spot on the ballot blank or to vote for a "third party?" Some would claim that doing so is really a vote for your least favorite major party candidate; others would counter that  voting for the lesser of two evils is really voting for evil and that it's better to vote for a good candidate that has no chance of winning or to not vote than voting for a really bad candidate who has a better chance of beating a really, really bad candidate.
• What are Christians obligated to do or not do under Romans 13:1-7? Should Christians stand up against a tyrannical government and fight or should we be respectful and disobey only if what's commanded is directly disobeying God?
• If we have a choice between a morally sound candidate whose party has views that are opposed to their faith and a scoundrel who has better policy views, who should you vote for?
• Does the fact we're in a representative government mean we don't really need to honor Presidents and Congressmen? Or is the better view that we should show respect regardless of office or party?

No, I'm not giving answers to these questions. In fact, I rephrased one of these questions because I was letting my bias show (no, I won't tell which one). I'm just pointing out where there are disagreements between Christians, most of which have no verbatim Biblical commands. But instead, I'll give some challenges.

1. Between now and election day, pray for God's will to be done in the election. No, don't pray for your choice. Pray that God's choice prevails.
2. Commit to pray for the people who get elected, that God guides them and that they govern well. Yes, committing to this BEFORE the election means you might be praying for a candidate you either despise or fear. But when the apostles taught people to obey their governing authority, they were talking about Nero, and there's no absolute proof that either candidate is THAT bad! 
3. Realize - in spite of the hateful, ungodly campaign ads we get ad nausea... I mean nauseum - that ALL candidates are for justice, education, public safety, the economy, the environment, etc. The opposing candidate is NOT against these things; they just have a different opinion on how to do it. Thus, unless you're strong at loving your enemies, don't treat the opposing party candidates as enemies. 
4. Also remember - no party is righteous. Both try to appeal to Christians because ... well, they want our vote. When they get elected, they'll probably do what the party wants, and each party has ways their opposed to God's way. We won't get all the problems solved until the King of Kings returns and sets up His Kingdom.

 

BOOK REVIEW - THE COMPLETE DICK TRACY VOL. 4 (1936-1938) BY CHESTER GOULD

 

I've been aware of Dick Tracy most of my life, but I didn't have a lot of time reading the strip. I only saw two or three days worth when Chester Gould was still doing the strip when on vacation. I got to know a few villains via MAD Magazine and my dad mentioning them (e.g. Flattop, Pruneface, and Oodles). For a few years, I saw the strip occasionally in the '80's and 00's, the 40's movie "Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome" co-starring Boris Karloff, Warren Beatty's 1990 film, and read a book which included a few series including the introduction of Sam Ketchem and Gould's final story.

I had previously seen the third volume of this collection. The final story (featuring Lips Manlis who was in the '90 movie) was at a stopping point. But it wasn't finished - it too another 10 weeks worth to conclude it. There were three other stories in this volume, and stories 3 and 4 flowed together, as the final story let you know that it would be finished in Vol. 5.

Besides Lips, the only villain I was familiar with in this volume was The Blank, who had a key role in the '90 movie (a much bigger role than Manlis). However, Beatty's dealing with the villains differed from the original comic strip. 

I enjoyed reading these books, and recommend them.

PODCAST REVIEW - "RECONSTRUCTING FAITH" WITH TREVIN WAX (SEASON 1)

 On my blog, I've reviewed fiction and non-fiction books, and an occasional music project. This is my first podcast review. It probably won't be my last: there is a second season that I've just started listening to. But it won't be typical.

Most of the podcasts I listen to are what you'd call in novels a collection of stand alones. In the case of Lithoscry with Glenn Remsen, it's a set of interviews. With Unshaken Faith by Alisa Childers and Natasha Crain or Reformed Libertarian with Kerry Baldwin and Gregory Baus, it's a tag team editorial; in some cases they're related to previous blogs but not a series.

In contrast, "Reconstructing Faith" is a professionally put-together documentary, with narration by NAMB Vice-President of Research and Resource Development and author Trevin Wax, interviews, and sound bites of various speakers, tying in modern issues with church history. Also, each season is like a book, with each episode being a chapter, meant to be listened to in order.

The first season started off pointing out the rash of people "deconstructing" their faith, and continues to point out issues that have left people question their faith and/or the church. Covered are items like the purity movement, the misuse of authority, racial issues, sexual abuse, politics, and Christians more interested in the American Dream than the Kingdom of God. Trevin wrapped up the season looking at successful apologists like C.S. Lewis and Francis Shaeffer, a Q&A session, and a finale titled "It's Time To Rebuild."

This podcast was eye-opening and helped me see things from eyes other than my own, and understanding why some have walked away from Christianity, as well as how to rebuild.

I highly recommend season one. I'll be surprised - or more accurately, shocked - if I'm not recommending season 2 in about a month.

SATURDAY CONTROVERSIES - HOW OLD IS THIS EARTH? (PART 6)

Creation Museum, Petersburg, KY

The age of the earth is a controversy among believers. Are the non-theistic scientists correct in their calculations on when the universe began? Or do we take God's Word to mean what it says?

Let me start by identifying the four main views (there are others, but they are close to one of the four):

1. THEISTIC EVOLUTION. God started the evolutionary process.
2. PROGRESSIVE CREATION. This view rejects Darwinian evolution, but agree with the earth being billions of years old. Christian geologists and astronomers often hold this view. The professor who taught biology while I was at Bible College held to this view.
3. RECENT CREATION. This view goes to the Bible, and interprets "six days" to mean "six days." The omnipotent God created everything in 144 hours, as it says in Scripture. 
4. GAP THEORY. No connection to the clothing store. Believes that there's a gap between the first two verses in Genesis, with the creation account starting in verse 3 referring to a re-creation. I learned this view with it seeing Satan's fall occurring during this view; some see that as being when the dinosaurs showed up. The above mentioned teacher described the view in these two sentences: "There is no scientific proof to this theory. There is no Biblical proof to this theory."

Did I let my bias show? Well, if I didn't, I will now. I definitely am a recent creationist. I'm not a scientist, but there are Biblical and theological reasons I hold to this view. 

• Romans 5:12 states that by one man sin entered the world, and death through sin. The only view where death is seen as a result of sin as opposed to a natural occurrence is Recent Creationism. 
• Hebrews 11:6 says without faith it is impossible to please God. Recent Creationism believes God is able to create this universe in six days - this reflects faith in God being able to do anything (a truth reflected repeatedly in Scripture). Sorry, but my impression of Theistic Evolution and Progressive Creation has faith in the interpretations of scientists, some unbelievers and some antagonistically so.
• In the Pentateuch, "day" usually means a 24 hour period of time. Did the flood last 40 million years? Uh, no. In Exodus 20:8-11, God compared His command for Israel to work 6 days and rest the 7th with His creating the heavens and the earth in 6 days and resting on the 7th. Are we to work 6 million years and then rest a million? I don't think so. Now some appeal to 2 Peter 3:8, with a day with God being a thousand years and vice versa, but in context, 2 Peter 3:8 has nothing to do with creation, and is not giving us liberty to reinterpret Biblical numbers.

No, this isn't a salvation issue. However, I did hear one late Christian leader speak of recent creationism with disgust. What? Why should a Christian get upset when another Christian believes the Bible means what it says? 

BOOK REVIEW - "ICE LAKE: A KATY RUSSELL MYSTERY BOOK 1" BY JACKIE ZACK

 

Why is Katy Russell's fiance taking her to the lodge and lake where her best friend lost her life? And is finding out the truth a threat to Katy's life?

"Ice Lake" is the first Katy Russell Mystery Jackie Zack has published. I really enjoyed it: I needed to read a novel from my favorite genre (cozy mystery), and this was what the doctor ordered. One might argue if its brevity puts it into the novella range (131 pages), but it felt like a full novel. The characters are interesting, and the plot is full of red herrings and plot twists.

There are a this point, as far as I know, three more Katy Russell mysteries, and I'm looking forward to reading them.

CURIOUS WHAT MY FAVORITE PODCASTS ARE?

 

Emblem for Google Podcasts Manager, unfortunately no longer available.

A while back, I asked if I should start a Pod Cast. Obviously (I'm guessing), I haven't. But what Podcasts do I listen to? Which would I be interested in that I can't get on my server? What is a draw for me to get interested in a Podcast?

I could build up a lot of suspense and make you read through a lot of stuff, but I'll start with the first one, and tell you what I do listen to, in alphabetic order.

1. Bible Study For Adults. This podcast is designed for leaders and students who are using this topical approach from Lifeway Publishers (Southern Baptist Convention). Each quarter is divided into two parts. The first part of this quarter was "Thrive: Living On Purpose, and they just started "Navigating Family Conflict."

2. Explore The Bible. This has a lot in common with the above, basically because like "Bible Study for Adults," it is from Lifeway Publishers. The difference between the two is that this one goes through books. For example, as I write this they're in their second quarter on the book of Acts, with the previous quarter doing the first 12 chapters, and the remaining 16 this quarter.

3. The Gospel Project. How many of these podcasts are connected to Lifeway? Only three, but putting them in alphabetic order has Lifeway's three curriculums at the top. The Gospel Project is similar to Explore The Bible, except it goes through the Bible through the course of three years. This quarter, they just got started in Genesis. There is a difference between this Podcast and the others: This one is aimed solely at teachers. It has one hostess instead of two or three people talking about the lesson. It tends to be shorter as well.

4. Lithoscry (aka Ravens Cry). Hosted by Glenn Remsen. Those who have followed my blog will recognize that name. I interviewed Glenn earlier this year. (Click here to see the interview) Most of the interviewees are Christian rock and metal bands, though there are others as well, such as Richard Blackaby from Experiencing God and "The Chosen" creator Dallas Jenkins. 

5. Reconstructing Faith. Back to Southern Baptists! Trevin Wax from the North American Mission Board hosts this two semester (at this point) series about how to strengthen the church. This one is more like a news series, with various interviewees, soundbites, etc. 

6. The Reformed Libertarian Podcast. This is put out by the Libertarian Christian Institute (who also have their own podcast), and is hosted by Kerry Baldwin and Gregory Baus. I find it interesting combining Reformed Theology with Libertarian Political Philosophy. One note - both hosts are Anarchists, believing we would be better off without government. Still don't buy it, but still listen.

7. Thru The Bible With Dr. J. Vernon McGee. This is one I listen to on the website rather than a podcast channel, and I'm basically keeping up with the current radio broadcasts. Dr. McGee goes through the Bible every 5 years, alternating between Old and New Testaments. For example, he just finished Titus and Philemon and started on Daniel. Dr. McGee is no longer with us, but the program has been going on, not just here in the U.S. but around the world.

8. Unshaken Faith. This is hosted by Alisa Childers and Natasha Crain. Both have their own Podcasts. I enjoy them working together, dealing with Christian Worldview and modern society. The past few weeks, they've been dealing with the After Party and its shortcomings. 

What other podcasts am I interested? Well, when I get caught up with some of these, I'll add Child Evangelism's Fellowship One:Seven to the rotation. I have interest in the podcasts by Alisa Childers, Allie Beth Stuckey, Natasha Crain, Russell Moore, Will Cain, Libertarian Christian Institute, and The Catch with John Fisher. Plus, my friend Eddie Kross has one coming out tomorrow!

However, one drawback. I subscribed to Podcasts on Google Podcasts. Google Podcasts decided to stop operating, and transferred my podcasts to YouTube. They stay on my list, but should I search for one that wasn't already on my roster - e.g. Natasha Crain - or if I cancel one to time and then decide to resubscribe - e.g. The Catch with John Fisher - I find I'm unable to get them on YouTube. 😢 So I'm debating changing to Spotify or Apple (let me know if you have any suggestions). By the way, I listen to them on my phone at work. 

What interests me? Well, it helps if I'm familiar and have a positive opinion of them. True, it will help to hear divergent views, but not while I'm working!  One major thing is the length of time. Raven's Heart and Reconstructing Faith are hour long, but I prefer half an hour or less, The Lifeway curriculum podcasts, Thru the Bible, and Unshaken Faith consistently hit that time constraint, and Reformed Libertarian varies but often is that short.

I rarely get comments, but does anybody following this have any favorites?