History #1

I do not believe that history is subjective. I think that history is objective.
Paige is referring to postmodern ideas and the idea of historicism. Historicism
is “the view that past beliefs, morals, and truths can only be understood in
relation to the cultural/historical periods in which they arise.” The events in
history actually happened and if you think about it by putting it in a common
situation it will make more sense. For example, lets say that you and I enter a
competition separately. There are 500 people that attend to watch us compete at
something. What we are competing for I have no idea. Lets just say for the sake
of the argument that it is a paper folding contest. So anyway 500 people show
up to watch us and in the end I of course win, but just by 2 seconds. Now if I
go around and say that I blew you out of the water and finished mine before you
had made one fold, don’t you think that all of those people that watched us
would say otherwise? And wouldn’t you yourself try and fix the mistake about
what really happened. So in simple terms what is recorded in history has been
found to be true either through archeology, personal witnesses, or other means

Economics #2

Mark and Sarah suggest that Socialism will fix all the problems that exist within the flawed capitalist society. In truth there is no form of government that exists without flaws. No matter which form of government is being discussed, it can never be perfect because they are all run by humans, which are flawed in themselves. Socialism suggests that the government should be in control of all monetary and personal possessions so that the wealth can be equally distributed among citizens. This type of government would fail miserably because there is no incentive to advance oneself. For example, if someone works forty-hour weeks while another sits at home and watches TV, both would receive the same amount of payment from the government. What keeps the hardworking people from simply quitting and reaping the benefits of others’ work? Another major flaw in this system is that it strongly relies on its claim of equal distribution. The fact of the matter is that a completely equal distribution of wealth is impossible. The idea of Socialism is a plan for a utopian society. The thing about of utopian societies is that they are not achievable. The suggestion would be wonderful if it was possible and worked as they suggest, however, in the world we live in, it is not an option. With a small group of people in charge of everything there is always the possibility that they will take advantage of the situation. Socialism claims that this form will create a classless society however, the ideas proposed would actually make a distinction and create two different classes: those who control the money and those who don’t. As for the ideas presented by Michael Moore, he claims that people who have most of the money keep the money and do not put it to use and thus, since the amount of money available is finite, others are left wanting. While he is quick to point out the problem he does not give a suggestion for how to fix the situation. If the money was simply redistributed, the desire to advance oneself would be without reward as suggested earlier. In conclusion, Socialism looks great on paper and gives people hope that a seemingly perfect society can exist, however when actually put into use, it would fail miserably.

Economics #1

I actually really enjoyed Mr. Moore’s clip and made me really think about what he was saying.  I found it very interesting when he pointed out that it was wrong when the rich man would walk into the room and take nine pieces of the pie and leaves one piece for the poor.  I agree that it is wrong that the (some) rich feel they can do and have anything and everything they want and the less fortunate can have what is leftover.  At times they do not feel they have to follow the laws that are set for the good of all people.  We have been learning that there are different degrees of wealth and poverty.  Some feel that they are happy and satisfied with material possessions rather than Jesus.  I feel it is necessary for everyone to know how a successful economic system should work and that it takes the whole society working together to make it succeed. Mr. Moore pointed out that the system should be ran by the people, for the good of the people with good moral and ethical beliefs. I feel as Christians we can make a difference by bringing Christian ethical and moral values and beliefs to our society. 

Global Secular Government

I think that a global secular government would be a mistake.  “We know that power tends to corrupt, so a government that disperses power is better than one that gathers power into the hands of a few.”  As much as everyone talks about how good a global government would be, it is practically impossible.  There is a no way that everyone will agree on the type of government that it should be and there is always the chance for creating a dictatorship.  It is bad enough when there is a dictator of a country.  Now apply that to a global government.  That one man, or select few, would rule the world.  Even the best and strongest governments struggle to care for and protect a small portion of the world?  No one but God could do that.  And I highly doubt that all the people of the world would consent to being ruled by God.  As I mentioned before, you are very right in worrying about a global government becoming tyrannical.  That is exactly what would happen.  As soon as one person reached power there is no way to take him down other than rebelling.  In other words, a different country cannot send troops to help the poor citizens living under the dictator.  That man would control everything.  If there were to be a single secular government there would be nothing protecting your individual rights.  The state would determine your rights and could change them to oppress certain people and liberate others.

Abortion #3

#3

         I believe Christians should have a position on politics and that we must stand up for what is right.  We must let our voices be heard and this is what will impact the outcome in the voting booth.  We should express that abortion should not be funded by our government.  Although, Christians believe that all authority is ordained by God.  “As long as government is serving the purpose for which God created it, we must show our allegiance to God by submitting to human government.”  This means that if we rebel against the government then we are also, rebelling against God since He is the one who established authority.  According to Christianity, the purpose of government is to promote justice for it citizens-“protecting the innocent from the aggressor and the lawless.”  If, however, the earthly authority tells us to do something that goes against God then we must forgo the way of the world and realize that God’s law out weighs any law we could ever make. A great example is how some will try to justify abortion and feel since it is legalize that it is a right, but as Christians we know it is wrong. Some people believe that Christians should not be involved in politics because it is so full of deceit and sin.  However, God calls us to be a light in the darkness.  This means that if God has given you the gift of working well in politics otherwise how can we expect the law to grow closer to what pleases God?

Law #4

Equality and justice are definitely brought to the forefront in our society today. One might view them as having similar meaning but yet they have a different meaning. Equality works to create a sense of "equalness" in quality, rank, or degree, while justice focuses more on the judgment of people, and the administration of punishment or reward.   The CLS (Critical Legal Studies) is a movement that publishes critiques of more traditional systems of law.  CLS is focused on promoting progressive political change.  CLS extends the Postmodern insight of social construction to law.  The lawyers primarily focus on women and minorities.  The goal is to bring quality and fairness to those in a oppressed situation.  One example would be the movement for homosexual rights and trying to break down the law to receive the same recognition and benefits of a heterosexual marriage. Critical Legal Studies lawyers believe that they bring equality to the world by breaking down the hierarchy of law, but equality may not always be right in every situation. In regards to homosexual marriage, we as Christians know that God does not want His people to participate in these actions, but Critical Legal Studies lawyers look at these issues, and see that homosexuals, for instance, are feeling "oppressed" and seek to change this by bringing equality to marriage.

God as instructed and taught us to do what is right and just.  In Deuteronomy it says we are to fear the Lord, to love the Lord with all our heart and soul and follow his commands.  We are to love the one’s in need although they may be different and have different views we are all equal in God’s eyes.  Although we must help all those in need we must also help ourselves by growing in God’s Word and not the worldly things that tempt us from doing what is right.  God provides every provision we could ever need when it comes to living in accordance with his will.

Law #3

There is a big difference between the laws taken from biblical principles and laws taken from the Qur’an.  According to Shari’ah law, all laws that Muslims are instructed to follow both in public and private life can be found in the Quar’an and the Hadith.  The problem is that the Qur’an does not talk about all or even most of the issues that arise in life.  Due to this fact and the fact that this is supposedly the only source of true law, Islamic law has many holes and questions left unanswered.  Also, in the Qur’an many of the “laws” apply to specific situation and therefore cannot be applied to every situation the exact same.  On top of that the Qur’an many laws overrule others and therefore leave the issue of which law is truer than the other, or which law applies the most.  This Islamic idea of law is different than biblical principles for many reasons.  First, the Bible does not contradict itself.  What God declares as the truth is the truth and the laws that he ordains go together with one another.  Secondly, while the Bible does not state every single law that humanity is commanded to follow, all the answers can be found in the Bible.  Not all laws are written as simple statements but may appear as parables or situations that arise.  A good example of this is when we are commanded to obey those in authority over us.  The catch is though, that while we are commanded to obey authority, it is only true if the authority is commanding us to do something that goes in accordance with the Word of God.  Therefore, biblical principles are the true law of mankind and therefore we are to follow all laws that are in accordance with God’s laws.  God is the creator of the law and everyone is accountable to God.  God gives us the law through natural and divine law.  The law does not change because the law is in accordance with God’s nature which is unevolving.  The Bible gives examples of how the law should be carried out such as judges deciding punishments and resolving arguments. In simple terms, God provides every provision we could ever need, when it comes to living in accordance with his will.

Law #2

I absolutely believe that there are laws that apply to everyone in every situation.  For example there is absolutely no time when murder is acceptable.  In the Ten Commandments God says do not murder.  There is no time when murder is okay.  One may ask, “what about if you are protecting yourself?”  I would still say that God does not want us to murder.  Each individual will have to decide if they are willing to accept the consequences that come with their action however I think that what God commands goes and that is the law we are to follow.  If there is margin of consideration according to each person’s situation then on earth everything could potentially be argued as acceptable.  Therefore, that is why I say that God’s law applies to everyone.

I believe that the laws are given by God.  People in power can propose and see to it that laws get passed it can appear that whatever beliefs they have will be used in making laws.  Many of the laws are based off the laws that God provided in the Bible.  However this is not always the case.  A good example of this would be the laws in certain states that legalize gay marriage.  God obviously does not support gay marriage and in contradiction to this law, He does not allow homosexuality.  Therefore, I believe that not all laws are based on the beliefs of those in power however there definitely are laws that go against what God ordained in the Bible and therefore while God does tell to obey those in authority we are told to over our earthly authority we are to obey God first.

Laws

Sarah may believe that laws are created only by society, but we know that is not true.  I believe that the one and only answer is God.  Even those in authority are ultimately accountable to God.  If God were to not exist then anything would be permissible.  Christians believe that God has revealed to us both the natural law and the divine law.  The natural law is “physical and moral laws revealed in general revelation and built into the structure of the universe (as opposed to the laws imposed by human beings).”  These laws are the ones that we know through our conscience or our sense of right and wrong.  Ultimately this means that we all know that some things are outside of the moral law.  Such things may include homosexuality, murder, and rape.  The fact that everyone has this sense of right and wrong further explains the fact that we are all accountable to God.  Secondly, divine law is “any law that comes directly from the character of God via special revelation.”  Therefore according to Christianity, all laws come from God and even the laws that are made by man should go in accordance with what God says.  So to answer your question does the government have the ultimate authority for creating laws, I would say no, mankind is not the author of all laws but the sense of right and wrong that is instilled in us by God and the Bible is the source of law.

Feminism

How Should Christians respond to feminism?

This can be a very controversial subject and many have different opinions regarding feminism.  Although it is very clear that God created males and females for two different jobs.  Men are called to be “little kings” and poets and women are called to be a “helper” and rescuer.  Men and women are designed to be different and carry out different responsibilities so trying to compare the two sexes does not work.  They both have two entirely different purposes and if women try to take the position of men then who would carryout the job of women?  The Bible absolutely has things to say about the issues like feminism.  In Genesis 2:23-25 God ordains the family.  God does not say that men cannot care for the children or the house, or that women cannot have a career.  God intended that the men and women portray different roles and together with God’s help they will have a successful relationship and blessed family that is based on God’s Word.  Both men and women are equally and vital in each of their role’s and in God’s image. This is what Christians should share to our society and that God love is shared to all.

Sexist?Homophobic?

Homosexual population has become a forefront in our society.  The Bible has a clear view to the institution of gender and marriage.  Which states between a man and a woman.  Not two men or two women.   I do not view the church as homophobic.  Although the church does not fear homosexuality, they do not support or encourage it.  Even though we do not support it, God has instructed us to love one another and to prayer for each other.  I believe the church does an amazing job for accepting everyone just as they come and trying to teach them the true word of God.  In return, as we pray and trust in God’s word it will teach them that God did not develop humanity to be homosexual. 

In Genesis chapter 1 clearly define the responsibilities of men and women.  It set guidelines for each men and women and neither gender is recognized as being superior over the other.  God does not portray the men and women with a sexist point of view.  God has defined his purpose and plan for each sex.  The men are charged with being the head of the household over is family.  The wife is to submit to her husband (Colossians 3:18) and is given the gift of bringing life to creation.  God created both roles to be equal and to support each other.

From the beginning God has a clear plans for men and women, and that we are created to complete each other in marriage.  We know this to be true and should not be afraid to share it.  We should not fall into the hype and fad of society and believe that it is acceptable.

Sociology

I believe it is in the state’s best interest to be more involved in parenting, even to the point of controlling what is taught in the home.  The home is the key place where the children should be taught the behavior and morals that will be reflected in society.  Without guidance and interaction in parenting, kids would be left with doing whatever they want and having no sense of right from wrong because they were never taught or shown the difference. It is proven that if on the way children are raised effects upcoming generations and the culture as well.  One will find if one generation is not parented and taught then neither will the next generation and so on, until eventually there are no universal morals or truths.  Society would become uncontrollable and chaotic, as there would be no rules or discipline for their actions.  In order to have strong leaders and authority for the future, people must have a right understanding of ethics and morals.

As a Christian, the traditional views of state, church, and home are a vital piece.

 While each institution is important to shaping the society in which we all live, it is the family that is upheld, and should start in the home that is centered on God’s word.  God has given us control over our society, we must be smart with our decisions and how children are brought up is essential.  Families must establish moral values to live by, which will add to a society that glorifies God and continues from one generation to the next.

            The state should be involved and require that parents provide the discipline necessary to raise diligent children with a strong sense of what is right.  The morals and principles that are taught in the home are the ultimately the basis of what society will become.  So, the change must start at home.