Samson's Jawbone

by David L. Miner. -- You probably believe that God created all people equal. Yet you most likely believe in spending tax dollars to help the less fortunate in their homes, schools, college or the job market, indicating that there really are some who are less equal than others. You probably believe in free speech, yet there are some beliefs that you don’t want expressed in our schools, suggesting you believe that free speech should be limited. Most likely you subscribe to the oft-stated claim “You can’t legislate morality.” On the other hand, laws that allow or require us to treat homosexuals as “normal,” which are inescapably and clearly based on some sort of morality, probably have your support. Even those who believe in the right to defend themselves against violence are often uncomfortable with the thought that the person sitting next to them in a restaurant or standing next to them in a line is carrying a concealed weapon. There are all sorts of inconsistencies in your...

A friend of mine, who is a Christian musician who was prominent in the 1970's, wrote this on his Facebook page after President Trump issued his executive order on immigration; Compassion is a Christian value and I believe an American one as well.  Closing the borders of our country based on religion defies imagination.  I'm not naive.  I understand that terrorists are looking to enter our country, and I am for all the background checks and law enforcement we need to do to make sure they aren't allowed in.  But my faith, and I'd like to think basic human decency, demands that I not turn a blind eye to the suffering masses who are fleeing war ravaged regions of the world.  How exactly to meet their needs will be debated, but surely Christian folks can agree that Christ taught us to serve the least of these. Compassion shouldn't be a partisan issue.  The book of Matthew speaks to me today… "For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and...

Since President Trump rescinded the Obama executive order giving federal benefits to children of illegal aliens once again many in the church have promoted a false view of what the Bible says about immigration. The Catholic Church has recently stated that Matthew 25 requires countries to allow any person in need into their country.  It says nothing of the sort.  We have addressed "the least of these my brethren," in another post. This passage neither advocates a social gospel nor requires an "unrestricted opening to immigration. I understand that the Catholic Church has a different understanding of biblical authority and hermeneutics then the Protestant one does, and frankly, while I disagree with their understanding of the text find the view consistent with some Catholic teaching. I am far more trouble when I some evangelicals talk about DACA. The ignorance of the Christian Church on this matter is startling. Recently Southern Baptist leader argued for a restrictive...

Samson's Jawbone: Gay Marriage: What Now? : After last Friday's ruling by the US Supreme Court making gay marriage the law of the land there have been many calls for action from e...

After last Friday's ruling by the US Supreme Court making gay marriage the law of the land there have been many calls for action from evangelical Christians.  Many have expressed surprise disappointment and fear. Personally I was unmoved by the decision as it was exactly what I expected from this court. I have predicted that  the court was poised to make this decision  and have clearly stated that gay marriage stands in opposition to Christian teaching and will destroy our culture. It is now obvious that we live in a Post-Christian nation. Not only was marriage re-defined by the court so was religious liberty . Some conservative politicians are proposing legislation and constitutional amendments to either reverse the affects of the ruling or expressing there angst about it. Church leaders are warning of inevitable persecution. There is little hope for reversal of this decision through politics or civil disobedience. This post on  Samson's Jawbone will...

Samson's Jawbone: Who Are 'The Least of These:' Is Social Justice an... : Try it sometime: google "Matthew 25 ministries;" see whether you get a list of social agencies? Check a directory of social agenc...

Last night I watch an argument between two news commentators about the Christian view of the current border crisis. One commentator a professed Christian passionately asserted that as Christians we were obligated to open our doors as a nation to anyone who wants to come in. In view of the many commands in scripture to take care of the poor, helping the immigrant is an obligated of any nation governed by Judao-Christian, Therefore, she asserted that a biblical world view required Christians  support open  borders and let anyone who wants to come into their country. As long as our rich country has the resources to help the poor we cannot deny them entry. The other, a professed Catholic, said that while we had an obligation to clothe, house and protect anyone living among us there was nothing in a Christian commitment that required a nation to open its borders.  The subject of immigration is a hot button  in some Christian circles today. You can not raise the issue wi...