tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217199.post8248159895587935534..comments2024-03-24T11:30:08.199-07:00Comments on Can you believe?: Adopt a politicianJohan Maurerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13771067774042071617noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217199.post-35445241925857794982017-07-21T19:59:59.300-07:002017-07-21T19:59:59.300-07:00My researches for my books have been leading me in...My researches for my books have been leading me increasingly to the conclusion that a major cause of disunity has been a fear-based spirituality and/or theology -- a prime example of which is the forensic (substitutionary/satisfaction) views of the atonement, which are grounded in the fear of eternal punishment. Those who strongly adhere to such spirituality/theology are at least strongly tempted to disvalue unity with those who they believe are eternally doomed to hell because they do not share their views.<br />VailAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217199.post-51563299089708508482017-07-21T09:18:09.084-07:002017-07-21T09:18:09.084-07:00"Present Distracted and Broken Nation..."..."Present Distracted and Broken Nation..." I guess in the year 2017 we're not precisely "Broken" but we are dangerously Distracted.Johan Maurerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13771067774042071617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217199.post-55484295260036948502017-07-21T06:51:00.669-07:002017-07-21T06:51:00.669-07:00Since I referred to Burrough's testimony, let ...Since I referred to Burrough's testimony, let me insert the powerful excerpt here, which I am convinced may Speak to our Present Condition:<br /><br />"And we are not for Names, nor Men, nor Titles of Government, nor are we for this Party, nor against the other, because of its Name and Pretence; but we are for Justice and Mercy, and Truth and Peace, and true Freedom, that these may be exalted in our Nation; and that Goodness, Righteousness, Meekness, Temperance, Peace and Unity with God, and one with another, that these things may abound, and be brought forth abundantly: such a Government are we seeking and waiting for, wherein Truth and Righteousness, Mercy and Justice, Unity and Love, and all the Fruits of Holiness may abound."<br /><br />He addressed it to his "Present Distracted and Broken Nation" of England, in 1659, when the Revolution was collapsing.David H. Finkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07817925960778922467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217199.post-56682666519919813582017-07-21T01:35:23.880-07:002017-07-21T01:35:23.880-07:00Love to you, David! Thank you for writing.Love to you, David! Thank you for writing.Johan Maurerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13771067774042071617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217199.post-12595003842509710122017-07-21T01:15:04.562-07:002017-07-21T01:15:04.562-07:00These observations and analyses -- sociopolitical ...These observations and analyses -- sociopolitical and theological -- are *SO* deep, true, and necessary. I want to reread this piece several times and recommend it to others.<br /><br />Our political malaise is palpable, and the threats are real. Yet, within and above this all, Johan is pointing us in the Right Direction, to the Source of whatever wisdom and power we may have. His is the "Edward Burrough" message for our time... which I'll gladly copy here for those perhaps unfamiliar with what that 17th century Young Friend had to say in times of political turmoil probably much worse than our own.<br /><br />Love to all, —DHFDavid H. Finkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07817925960778922467noreply@blogger.com