Lee's belief that "No enemies to the right" is a good mantra to adopt is both absolutely hilarious and a little bit frightening if you know the history of the phrase.
The original phrase was "no enemies to the left," and it was the watchword of Aleksander Kerensky, a moderate socialist who headed the Provisional Government in Russia after the February Revolution that overthrew the Tsar. For those of you unfamiliar with what followed, while he was constantly on the lookout for a coup from right-wing and monarchist elements, in the end it was Vladimir Lenin's Bolsheviks, who were to his left, that overthrew the Provisional Government and ushered in the Soviet Union, aided and abetted by Kerensky's unwillingness to see them as a threat despite the clear signs that he and they had very different visions of what Russia should look like.
This is brilliant, thank you for saying this Samuel.
I am struck by how willing we are to permit or overlook sin as evangelicals for utilitarian or "greater good ends". Yes, Western civilisation is worth saving, there is so much good contained therein. But Jesus's words (to paraphrase) still stand "If [saving western civilisation] causes you to sin [or overlook sin or do deals with sin], cut it out and throw it away."
I remember thinking many similar thoughts about Angelina Jolie until I found out she was bi-polar, as is Kanye West. This throws a huge impairment into their decision-making, and the unfortunate consequences for others in their families, employment, social circles. There are also plenty who wish to prey upon people with this condition, taking advantage of their talents, money-making ability, and power. There is a responsibility on the part of someone with such a condition to place someone in their lives to whom they are accountable, but because of the sways of their mental condition, this can get complicated. I pray that all those in these situations seek out the God who can help them and surround themselves with prayer warriors they hold themselves accountable to.
Lee's use of the word "repent" is chilling. What, pray tell, is sinful and worthy of repentance in calling out our brothers and sisters' public sins as such?
Thanks! A lot of good thoughts and definitely a good warning for Evans. not to tumble for celebrity conversion stories! Though not sure how many of us rank n file Evans. , conserv. or prog, are fans of West or devote too much time following the latest hot stories... maybe this is more an issue for the high-level Evan. punditry segment on Twitter, etc.?. And then extrapolate into a "stick" to beat the conserv. Evan. mass for their perceived political leanings? I don't think it's only conserv. Evans. who slide into accommodating sin - it seems to be a flaw in all types of Christians...
Thank you, brother, for being willing to say hard things. In this political climate, amplified by social media, things can quickly become confusing and disorienting for those seeking to follow Christ. But what I hear in your words is a call to keep the line clear between the world and the kingdom of God by pledging our ultimate and primary allegiance to Christ, come what may. It is so tempting to let temporal concerns take pride of place over eternal ones. The task of discipleship is to help keep one another's gaze on the latter, while not being aloof to the former. Your piece has done that for me. Again, thank you.
Lee's belief that "No enemies to the right" is a good mantra to adopt is both absolutely hilarious and a little bit frightening if you know the history of the phrase.
The original phrase was "no enemies to the left," and it was the watchword of Aleksander Kerensky, a moderate socialist who headed the Provisional Government in Russia after the February Revolution that overthrew the Tsar. For those of you unfamiliar with what followed, while he was constantly on the lookout for a coup from right-wing and monarchist elements, in the end it was Vladimir Lenin's Bolsheviks, who were to his left, that overthrew the Provisional Government and ushered in the Soviet Union, aided and abetted by Kerensky's unwillingness to see them as a threat despite the clear signs that he and they had very different visions of what Russia should look like.
Excellent piece.
This is brilliant, thank you for saying this Samuel.
I am struck by how willing we are to permit or overlook sin as evangelicals for utilitarian or "greater good ends". Yes, Western civilisation is worth saving, there is so much good contained therein. But Jesus's words (to paraphrase) still stand "If [saving western civilisation] causes you to sin [or overlook sin or do deals with sin], cut it out and throw it away."
I remember thinking many similar thoughts about Angelina Jolie until I found out she was bi-polar, as is Kanye West. This throws a huge impairment into their decision-making, and the unfortunate consequences for others in their families, employment, social circles. There are also plenty who wish to prey upon people with this condition, taking advantage of their talents, money-making ability, and power. There is a responsibility on the part of someone with such a condition to place someone in their lives to whom they are accountable, but because of the sways of their mental condition, this can get complicated. I pray that all those in these situations seek out the God who can help them and surround themselves with prayer warriors they hold themselves accountable to.
There's an elephant in the room... Big Eva's embrace of Donald Trump. Which is indicative of your point and much, much worse
Sorry, but what is “Big Eva”?
Lee's use of the word "repent" is chilling. What, pray tell, is sinful and worthy of repentance in calling out our brothers and sisters' public sins as such?
Thanks! A lot of good thoughts and definitely a good warning for Evans. not to tumble for celebrity conversion stories! Though not sure how many of us rank n file Evans. , conserv. or prog, are fans of West or devote too much time following the latest hot stories... maybe this is more an issue for the high-level Evan. punditry segment on Twitter, etc.?. And then extrapolate into a "stick" to beat the conserv. Evan. mass for their perceived political leanings? I don't think it's only conserv. Evans. who slide into accommodating sin - it seems to be a flaw in all types of Christians...
AMEN
Thank you, brother, for being willing to say hard things. In this political climate, amplified by social media, things can quickly become confusing and disorienting for those seeking to follow Christ. But what I hear in your words is a call to keep the line clear between the world and the kingdom of God by pledging our ultimate and primary allegiance to Christ, come what may. It is so tempting to let temporal concerns take pride of place over eternal ones. The task of discipleship is to help keep one another's gaze on the latter, while not being aloof to the former. Your piece has done that for me. Again, thank you.
I know a school that is saving western civilization!!