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Moving on to a new set of Bible studies

From Paul to Luke: Transitioning to Another Apostolic Study

by Rev. Paul J. Bern

As many of you know, I have spent the last several years on the Progressive Christian Blog, and on my website, pcmatl.org, posting a weekly Bible study. The topic has always been the apostle Paul, but at this point I have covered all there is to cover regarding Paul's writings without becoming repetitious. So, it is time for me to move on to another apostle, this time the apostle Luke, whose Gospel is the lengthiest and most detailed of the four gospels. The Book of Acts, also written by Luke, will be following immediately after.

What I have been doing over these last 4 years is writing what I intend to be a series of Biblical studies on the 3 apostles who were the most prolific writers – Paul, Luke and John. The apostle Paul will be volume 1, Luke volume 2, and so on. Now that I am finished with Paul's writings, I have started the process of compiling all those studies into a book that will be titled, “The Apostles In Plain English Vol. 1: the Apostle Paul”. This book, which has already been copyrighted, is slated for release in early November, and it will be available on my website and on Amazon. It will present Paul's letters to the early churches in the order of their appearance in the New Testament, from Romans to Philemon. The price on this book has not yet been set, but this will be a big book, at least 500 pages thick. The release date will be announced on social media, so look for it on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Linked In, Tumblr and Branded.me, among others.

Next week we start Luke chapter one. Enjoy your week, everyone! Shalom.

The US Economy Is A Scam

Wells Fargo, the Problem With Capitalism, and the Bible

by Rev. Paul J. Bern

I was alive and kicking back in 1989 when the Berlin Wall fell, and in the ensuing years when Communism imploded all across Russia, and Red China soon after. The American political and military leadership smugly congratulated one another when Communism fell. “Well, looks like we won the Cold War”, they said among themselves. What nobody realized at the time was that America was going to be next. It's just that it's taking a lot longer for that to play out over here. America has an 'ace in the hole' that the USSR never had – free enterprise. I'm strongly in favor of free enterprise and private ownership. I always have been, so I'm no communist or socialist, but what I disapprove of is when our economic system gets abused by people whose greed is out of control. These are a set of financial predators who are in need of arrest and restraint!

As a result of these occurrences, the capitalist economic system is ripe for a collapse reminiscent of Communism's collapse a quarter century ago. Interest on America's national debt is accruing faster than than the principal can be paid down. Our country is buried under a mountain of debt from which it is impossible to extricate ourselves. The fault for this lies with the so-called 'Federal Reserve', which in fact is neither. The Constitution of the United States says in Article 1, Section 8, “The Congress shall have the power to lay and collect taxes, …. coin money and regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin....”. Nowhere does it say “print money”, nor does it say anything about a Federal Reserve. Real money must be coined, not printed, and only Congress is authorized to coin money by the Constitution. The very existence of the Federal Reserve is unconstitutional! The so-called 'national debt' is a scam, a fraud, a federal crime and an assault on the freedom of all Americans everywhere! The Federal Reserve is something that clearly needs to be stopped, and preferably nationalized. Fortunately, “we the people” probably won't need to stage a revolt to make this occur. Like Soviet Russia, capitalism will collapse on its own. It won't need any help. I can sum up the reason why in one little word – debt.

Not only is debt and the accompanying compounded interest reaching a point of no return, America is faced with the indisputable fact that the super-power era is at its end as far as world history is concerned. Nations in other parts of the world, particularly in emerging economies, have started to figure out that mutual cooperation for profit is in everyone's best interests. Unfortunately, my country, the venerable USA, has yet to get the message. The US refuses to abandon its war-based and debt-based economy, because if it does, it would be tantamount to voluntary relinquishing America's role as the sole remaining super power. The nail in the coffin of American 'supremacy' will be the forcible replacement of the US dollar as the world's standard currency. Russia and Red China have already signed the trade and economic treaties to accomplish this, it's a done deal. It's only a matter of time as to how long this will take to play out.

But the war is also being waged right here at home, a fact that millions of Americans are just now beginning to wake up to. People's bank accounts are being raided by the very banks that purport to serve them as loyal customers. The most notable example of this was this past week's disclosure by the US Department of Justice of Wells Fargo Bank opening multiple accounts in its customers' names, unbeknownst to those customers, and getting commissions and bonuses as a result of this nefarious and fraudulent financial activity. In an article posted Wednesday Sept 21, 2016 on CNN.com written by Walter Einenkel, he wrote:

“A couple of weeks ago, Wells Fargo agreed to pay $185 million in penalties for perpetrating a massive fraud on customers. Wells Fargo executives boasted that they had fired 5,300 workers involved in improprieties, but not a single executive was punished. In fact, executives that literally oversaw the departments where the gargantuan fraud was committed were very well compensated, and lauded. Yesterday, Wells Fargo CEO — and blame-game champion — John Stumpf went in front of a Senate Banking Committee where he was rightfully castigated by Senator Elizabeth Warren for his “gutless leadership.” Part of Stumpf’s “apology” was to say that Wells Fargo didn’t do this as much as bad apples did it. It’s a similar defense used by people who murder citizens.”

“Now CNN Money is hearing from former Wells Fargo (WFC) workers around the country who tried to put a stop to these illegal tactics. Almost half a dozen workers who spoke with us say they paid dearly for trying to do the right thing: they were fired. "They ruined my life," Bill Bado, a former Wells Fargo banker in Pennsylvania, told CNN Money. Bado not only refused orders to open phony bank and credit accounts. The New Jersey man called an ethics hot-line and sent an email to human resources in September 2013, flagging unethical sales activities he was being instructed to do.”

“Eight days after that email, a copy of which CNN Money obtained, Bado was terminated. The stated reason? Tardiness.... Retaliating against whistle blowers is a major breach of trust. Ethics hot-lines are exactly the kind of safeguards put in place to prevent illegal activity from taking place and provide refuge to employees from dangerous work environments....”

“Another six former Wells Fargo employees told CNN Money they witnessed similar behavior at Wells Fargo -- even though the company has a policy in place that is supposed to prevent retaliation against whistle blowers. CNN Money has taken steps to confirm that the workers who spoke anonymously did work at Wells Fargo and in some cases interviewed colleagues who corroborated their reports. It's possible Wells Fargo could face legal consequences for any retaliation that occurred against employees who called the ethics line .... It is clearly against the law for any company (or executives of such companies) to try to suppress whistle blowing," Harvey Pitt, former chairman of the SEC, told CNN Money in an email...”.

As you can clearly see, America's financial system is making all the money it can, every way they possibly can, because they know this collapse is coming. That's why stuff like the shenanigans over at Wells Fargo is going on behind the scenes. The whole stinking system is corrupt from top to bottom, and people are figuring it out in growing numbers. Whatever you do, if you have an account with Wells Fargo, move your money to a credit union. Unlike banks, credit unions are non-profits, and they're far more personalized than banks. But it's not just a violation of our laws that our financial system is a criminal enterprise, it's a violation of God's laws too. And not just the criminal and civil violations mentioned above, either. Let me take you to the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament, chapter 22, beginning at verse 22:

“Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless. If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge him no interest. If you take your neighbor's cloak as a pledge, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? When he cries out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.”

As you can clearly see, it is immoral in the sight of God to charge interest beyond the borrower's ability to pay. It is also wrong for lenders to take everything but the clothes off their customer's back, which happens with disturbing frequency. Yet this is exactly the situation the entire world is currently faced with. We have the Federal Reserve in the US, the British “Royal Family” in the UK, and the Rothschilds in Europe who basically control the world's flow of money and liquid assets. Just beneath them in the economic pecking order are the elite rich, government and corporate leadership, and religious denominations of various kinds. But the remainder of us, “the 99%”, have little or nothing. Economic inequality has become like a ticking time bomb across the globe. There are simply so many angry, frustrated, disenfranchised and often disenchanted individuals like ourselves who are hungry and thirsty for real change that the fuse on this socioeconomic time bomb has already been lit. Our entire capitalist, debt-based economic system is based on something the Bible said was a great sin nearly 3,500 years ago. The Bible does not change, and neither does God! By incurring a debt that currently stands at $17 or $18 trillion, America is reaping what it has sown. God says to America, “You want debt, do ya? Well all right, then, I'm going to give you a trainload of it!” Is it any wonder we are in the shape we are in? We are bankrupt, we have been for a very long time, and it's our own fault. Although the US government has been concealing the true extent of this indebtedness from its citizens, the people are catching on quickly. Our government has declared war on its own citizens, and the soldiers are none other than police offers who are sworn to protect and serve. Instead, they harass and intimidate all they come into contact with, and they routinely kill unarmed citizens just because they can. This cannot continue indefinitely, and the standoff between the police and the rest of the country continues to escalate. The fuse has been lit. And there is a very large powder keg at the end of it.

This week's Bible study will be the Book of Philemon

Teaching Others About Jesus Refreshes People's Hearts

(the book of Philemon)

For this week's in-depth study of the writings of the apostle Paul, we will take a good look at the book of Philemon (which is between Titus and the book of Hebrews). Philemon was the head of a small home-based church. This was common back in the days of the early Church. There were no mega-churches with congregations numbering in the thousands back then like we see today on TV and the Internet. At that time the Roman Empire ruled over what we call the Holy Land today, and they governed with utter ruthlessness, as you know. So church services were held in secret behind locked doors because the death penalty was being imposed on all true believers who found themselves caught up in the Roman Empire's dragnet. So it is in this context that we begin today's study in the first and only chapter of Philemon.

“Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our dear friend and fellow worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in the sharing of your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing that we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” (Philemon verses 1-7)

Notice, as before in other studies, that Paul's message starts out nearly the same way, which is “grace and peace to you”. Grace in this context means unmerited and undeserved favor from God. Grace is something that is bestowed upon us by God free of charge. The same goes for peace. Not in the worldly sense such as the anti-war protests from the 1960's up until recently, but in a Spiritual sense like what is described in the book of Philippians – a “peace that is beyond all human understanding” (see chapter 4). There is no doubt that Paul was plugged into this incomprehensible peace. It is evident in his writings throughout the New Testament (after all, Paul wrote one third of the New Testament himself). There is an additional ingredient I will add to this Spiritual mix, and that is thankfulness. “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.” This still applies the same way today. “Pray without ceasing”, Paul wrote elsewhere. “Pray with a thankful heart”, he said.

“I pray that you may be active in the sharing of your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing that we have in Christ.” How are we doing in this regard? Do we show up at church on Sunday morning for an hour or two each week while doing nothing more? Or are we sharers of our faith out in the community while being unconcerned about what others might think about us as we do so? Do we have a love, or even a passion, that is reserved not only for the saints who are God's people, but for all mankind? If we're not doing all this, then our faith needs strengthening so that our names may be written in the Lamb's Book of Life as described in the book of Revelation. Are we ready for “the wedding feast” (see Matt. 22: 1-14) with Jesus and all the saints of today as well as years (and centuries) gone by? In so doing, we will be doing just what Paul said as we continually “[refresh] the hearts of the saints.” Now let's go to the next part of our study beginning at verse eight.

“Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul – an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus – I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. I am sending him – who is my very heart – back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the Gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good – no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” (Philemon, verses 8-16, NIV)

What would Jesus do, as the time-honored question asks? What if it were us instead of Onesimus? Have we made the final decision in the affirmative regarding being one of the sons and daughters of God? Where do we stand in our Spiritual commitment to Jesus Christ? Have we made ourselves useful tools of the Kingdom for Him to use? Have we become the very heart of Christ? All I'm saying here is that if Onesimus, who was a barely educated slave by modern standards, can be this indispensable to the Lord, then it is up to us to become the same way. But Paul didn't accomplish this by issuing orders in a hierarchical, authoritarian management style like what is prevalent in the military, for example (corporate America is another). Paul wrote, “... I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love.” Further down Paul wrote, “I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced.” Government and leadership in a Christian mind-set is accomplished by a lateral or horizontal management structure consisting of groups of peers, as you can see. In this instance the modern Church seems to have lost its way. As Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon, he wrote that his reason “was that you might have him back for good – no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” Here again in the apostle Paul's writings, we have the Christian concept of Christ-centered unconditional equality, just as he wrote about in 2^nd Corinthians chapter eight, among other places. Onesimus, who was evidently a slave since Paul mentioned it in verses 15 and 16, became a citizen of God's kingdom and was no longer considered a slave, but an equal. In God's kingdom – which is soon to be established here on Earth, whether anyone believes it or not – there is no longer anyone who is either slave or free, or of any race or nationality, or male and female, or employer and employee. All of the above will fall by the wayside as the entire body of believers gets ready for the arrival of Jesus our Lord, at which time we will all be reunited with Jesus the Christ as equals and peers! And now let's conclude today's study starting at verse 17.

“So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back – not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your own obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. And one more thing: prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” (Philemon, verses 17-25)

Welcome anyone, even strangers, as if they were Christ himself, because in a way, they are. We are all made “in the image and likeness” of God as written in the book of Genesis. All our blood is the same shade of red. Because, if we do this consistently, other people will see Jesus in each of us, meaning that we will all equally benefit from Jesus' unconditional love. If any one of us has been wronged by another, we would do well to forgive that person as Jesus has commanded. “Forgive us our sins”, says the Lord's prayer, “as we forgive those who sin against us”. Forgive them even if they're not sorry. To the same degree that we forgive others, by that same measurement our own sins will be forgiven, just as the apostle James wrote (see James 4: 11-12).

“Confident of your own obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.” Do we stand this same way before Christ every day? Do we give Jesus confidence in our own obedience? Let's all make sure that we get ourselves there so that we may make ourselves “without spot or blemish” before the Lord. In this way we will finish preparing ourselves for the Great Wedding Feast in Jerusalem as guests of honor of the Lord Jesus Christ. And that's what it's all about.

Just released by Author Rev. Paul J. Bern....

It's finally here!! The latest offering from Rev. Paul J. Bern; “Cannabis Legalization and the Bible: Compatible Or Not?” Reveals the “war on drugs” for the race-based, legislated criminal enterprise that it really is, shatters the myths about the allegedly addictive properties of marijuana, exposes America's prison-for-profit prison and court systems. Goes into great detail about the huge economic benefits of legalizing marijuana and its sister plant, hemp. Written by a nondenominational Christian minister and blogger, this book uses the Bible to provide a simple explanation for why marijuana criminalization is a sin against God. This book shoots the “War On Drugs” right out of the sky while proving conclusively that the 'drug war' is actually an all-out war on the American people. Our time to rise up has come!! Making its debut at only $19.95; buy it now at https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00J1X7802 or at http://www.pcmatl.org/#!books-and-donations/c17et

To All My Haters, This Bud's For You

My Open Letter to All Offended “Christians”

by Rev. Paul J. Bern

Dear Offended Christians,

All of my regular weekly readers know by now that I can – and have – posted commentaries on my blogs, my website, and social media that has been sharply critical of the mainstream churches – both Protestant and Catholic – here in the US. While I have received praise from many of my readers for these postings, I have also been on the receiving end of no small amount of vehement condemnation from numerous 'religious' individuals, combined with weathering criticism from many (but not all) atheists. I've been told I'm going to hell when I die, I've been accused of voluntary stupidity, I've been verbally assaulted and abused on social media, and I've even had my personal safety threatened. So far, nobody has made good on any of those threats, which doesn't surprise me at all. Still in all, I’m terribly sorry that I hurt your feelings. None of us likes to be criticized, so I totally get it. I feel badly about that. I know I’ve said some pretty hard words to many of you “Christian” folks, and maybe I’ve been somewhat less than gentle in my delivery, but that happens when you’re tired. And I am really freaking tired! Allow me to list all of the ways I am fed up to here with the hypocrisy shown by so many 'religious' people!

[1] You wrap yourselves up in the cross, your piety is second to none, and yet you have seemingly forgotten to read the Book you proclaim to set your moral compass to. I’m tired of hearing you telling gay people that they can’t simultaneously be both gay and followers of Christ. You quote Romans chapter 1, verses 26-27 and Levitical law when you condemn gay people, but you forget the counsel of the apostle James when he wrote: “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (James 2: 12-13) Instead of judging gay people, why not show them some mercy and compassion? Moreover, I’m tired of you regularly dispensing damnation on the queer community, and then offering empty “thoughts and prayers” before resuming your normal schedule.

[2] I’m tired of arrogant pulpit bullies who believe they’re entitled to tell people where they can pee, who they can marry, and whether they really love Jesus or not. I'm particularly tired of your demands for 10% of my income. You're not going to get one stinking penny from me! After all, you preachers spend much of your churches' proceeds on yourselves and your wicked and vain desires. You buy luxury cars for yourselves and your wives and live in extravagant homes while people sleep in their cars as they and their children go hungry. Rest assured that your punishment is coming, and it will be most severe!!

[3] I’m tired of you being more outraged by red coffee cups at Starbucks, or school and department store restrooms, than by poverty, racism and America's crumbling school systems. Ditto for the hypocrisy of your homophobia, all that institutionalized racism, and the anti-science sentiments of many Christian groups. God gave you a brain! Try using the damn thing once in a while! You'd be surprised at how well it works. Thinking with your emotions instead of your brain always ends badly for you anyway. If you were using your head, you would be able to remember that.

[4] I am thoroughly exasperated with your simultaneous condemnation of abortion while you beat your war drums. The US military has killed 2 million people in the Vietnam War and 1 million more innocent civilians in Iraq. The fact that all those dead Iraqis were Muslim is besides the point. Have you forgotten what Jesus said at the Sermon On the Mount, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God”? (Matt. 5: 9) Yes, it's true, there are roughly 50,000 abortions performed each year in the US alone, not counting the rest of the world. While I am by no means pro-abortion, I refuse to condemn those women who have abortions for the same reasons as #1 above. Why? Because there are two main reasons why women are having abortions. First, the last time I checked, a month's supply of birth control pills costs many hundreds of dollars here in America thanks to our greed-based medical care system. Second, if America's employers paid a living wage, a lot more women could afford to use birth control, hence fewer abortions. Oh that's right – America doesn't have any more jobs that pay a living wage because our brilliant leaders outsourced all the good-paying jobs overseas for pennies on the dollar so they could make a whole lot more money!!

Please excuse me, I just realized I probably hurt your feelings yet again, Mr. and Mrs. Churchperson. So I really do get that your feelings are hurt. I understand that you’re offended, and that’s not my intention. The thing is, if you’re going to tell an entire segment of the population that they’re going to Hell simply for existing, and if you’re going to continually target those people through the Church and the Law and your social media accounts, don’t get angry with me when I tell you you’re being hateful and judgmental and ignorant. It could be worse. At least I’m not damning you for all eternity. You know, like you do to others every day of the year?

Sincerely,

A Very Tired Christian

This week's Bible study will be Titus chapter three

Justified By His Grace

[Titus chapter 3]

Today we will be finishing the book of Titus by dissecting chapter three, the final chapter of this small but mighty book of the apostle Paul. In last week's study of chapter two, Paul warned Titus to steer clear of the trappings of the world and materialistic living and to cling to the salvation and saving grace of Jesus Christ. You not doubt remember what I wrote toward the end of the study about living half our lives for Jesus while living the other half for our own selfish reasons. There is no straddling the fence with Jesus. We must be either on His side or not, and anyone who is not cannot still be saved from eternal death. It was Jesus himself who said, “Anyone who is not for me is against me”, and elsewhere He said, “He who does not gather with me, scatters”. Bearing that in mind, let's start today's study beginning at verse one.

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility to all men. At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we have done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” (Titus 3, verses 1-8, NIV)

The apostle Paul spelled out the marching orders of every serious Christian right here in this relatively obscure passage of Scripture. Let's remind ourselves every day to be subject to, obedient to (within reason, of course), to be peaceful and considerate to, and to show true humility to everyone without hesitation, qualification or rationalization. I think that's about as clear a message that can be said on this topic. “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.” The key words here are 'deceived' and 'enslaved'. That is exactly what sin is, so for a good and quick definition of sin, just quote Titus 3 and verse 3 listed above. But Paul also equated sinfulness with foolishness, lowering it to the same level as stupidity or willful ignorance. That connection that Paul drew for us with his words equates sinful people with those who are haters, who live only for themselves, or folks who are mean and judgmental, and there are plenty of them out there.

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we have done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit...”. We are saved by God's mercy and his grace, and by no other means is this possible. It doesn't matter who we are, what we've done, or how we did it. It doesn't matter where we've been, either. Our physical acts, in and of themselves, cannot save us. Then how can anybody be saved? By the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ, God's only Son, who shed his blood for the forgiveness of all of the combined sins of all humankind! The phrase “washing of rebirth” refers to water baptism, whereas renewal by the Holy Spirit is what it takes to be truly “born again”. Water baptism is from the outside in, but Holy Spirit baptism is from the inside out. That is the distinct difference between the two.

This same Holy Spirit is even now being “... poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Gaining eternal life is the reason we worship, it is the reason we believe in, and it is why we believers so passionately follow our Savior and King Lord Christ Jesus. This is what keeps us Christians motivated – the hope in Christ of never having to taste death. Everything else in all creation pales in comparison! “These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” That pretty much sums up Paul's entire letter right there. It also defines who I am and how I carry myself, but it also defines how other people see me since I have been diligently conducting myself throughout the last 23 years of my Christian life. I make sure that people see me that way, that they can see the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of my heart as an example for them to follow. I mean, after all, since I'm a pastor I view doing this and conducting myself this way as part of my job description as well as my duty, but I also approach it as something very rewarding for its own sake. This Holy Spirit indwelling, which is a privilege to have and to keep, is something I must work at every day in order to maintain it. Like a car that periodically needs an oil change, the presence of the Holy Spirit inside oneself must be refreshed regularly. Holy Spirit baptism and the indwelling thereof is, then, an ongoing and lifelong process. Plus, it's a lifetime commitment, similar to a marriage. Having said all that, let's conclude today's study starting at verse nine.

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives. Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.” (Titus 3, verses 9-15, NIV)

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” As before, Paul was referring to those who continued to insist that the Old Law, which was what the Jews call the Law of Moses, must be practiced with the New Law – the law of Christ – rather than in place of it. As you can see, this teaching was and is heretical by any Christian standard. The early Christians were mainly Jewish converts who believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah, whereas the Jews of that time, as it is today, do not believe such and erroneously still await Jesus' arrival. So these non-believing Jews would show up unannounced back then at Christian services every Sabbath (and where Jews were also in attendance), presuming to correct the “error” of the ways of early Christians. Arguments and even fights would ensue, and the whole service would be ruined, which was their secret goal since they refused to believe that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah and the Son of God. Paul held nothing back in his sharp criticism of these people and the discord they were sowing in the next verse when he wrote, “Warn a divisive person once, then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” It is one thing to refuse to believe in Jesus. It is another thing altogether when those who refuse to believe try to dissuade others, particularly the new believers whose faith was still in its infancy and so was the most vulnerable at that time. In so doing, these kinds of people lower themselves to being little more than opportunistic spiritual predators. Much the same thing still goes on in certain churches today, as you know.

“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.” Instead of instigating division and strife, Paul wrote, do something constructive for a change! Do whatever it takes to continually build up and add to God's true Church. Never mind all the “niche” denominations – hundreds and hundreds of them altogether – and all the time they waste preaching against the preaching of others, or against others who are not like them such as people of color, and especially those churches that preach hate. Churches, pastors and their senior leadership can't do any such thing and still call themselves churches. “He who does not gather with me, scatters”, Jesus said to his apostles and the others who were there. To the best of my recollection, it's in all four Gospels. We are either for Christ or we are against him, there is no middle ground! When Paul wrote that we are “to devote themselves to doing what is good”, I think a better translation would be that we are to be blessings to others. Those who devote themselves to this quickly get to the point that people are happy to see them as they come and go. And in all of our dealings with everyone, whether for Spiritual, business, or personal reasons, we should practice this. So, as your assignment for this week, I want you all to practice the virtue of being a blessing to others, be it friends, family or strangers. This is a good and very practical way to live for Jesus Christ.

Why Can't We All Just Get along?

Five Hundred Dead Cannot Be Ignored

by Rev. Paul J. Bern

The United States of America, together with the city of Chicago, has passed a gruesome and heinous milestone this past week. As of this past Friday, September 9^th, 2016, 500 people have been shot to death in Chicago so far this year, and we have just over three and a half months to go before the end of the year. This damnable statistic is a scathing indictment of American “society” in general, and the city of Chicago in particular. As of this writing I do not know anyone who has relocated, or who has plans to relocate, to Chicago for the foreseeable future. It doesn't take a blooming genius to figure out why – the average citizen living in Chicago has a greater chance of being shot than US military personnel do in Afghanistan or Iraq. Only Syria would be a scarier place to live right now, and that's nothing for Chicago to brag about. But it's not just Chicago, as I wrote above. These shooting deaths are an absolutely horrific portrait of American society.

There are many who say the proliferation of guns and the gun culture in America that accompanies it is the culprit. Take all the guns off the streets, they say, and the problem of excessive gun violence will be solved. To me, quite frankly, this 'solution' is laughable for its naivety and ignorance of the Constitution. You might say, “What do you mean, naive?” Simply put, I find it astonishingly naive that anyone would assume that outlawing guns would solve the gun violence problem. You see, the people doing all the shooting are exhibiting criminal behavior. Criminals don't obey laws to begin with, so the net effect of outlawing gun ownership would be that only outlaws and the police would be armed. The remainder of us, the other 98%, would be reduced to moving targets. If there is anyone out there who thinks the police shootings would stop, or that gun violence would cease, if the general public were to be disarmed, they had better think twice – and very carefully too! Moreover, with a disarmed population robberies, sex crimes, and domestic terrorism would increase exponentially since only outlaws would have weapons. A disarmed public would only embolden all the predators out there, not to mention all the trigger-crazy police. Moreover, an infamous man once famously said, “The first step to taking over a country is to disarm its citizens”. That infamous man was Adolf Hitler. Josef Stalin did the same thing in Russia from the mid-1920's to the early 1930's. Look it up.

Then there is the problem with the US Constitution, or more accurately the interpretation thereof. The Second Amendment to the US Constitution reads as follows: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”. There it is in black and white, folks, from our supreme law of the land, the Constitution of the United States. So now we can see that the only way for the government – law enforcement in this case – to legally take away our primary means of self-protection would be to change the Constitution. That would mean calling for a Constitutional convention consisting of Congress and representatives of the President and his Cabinet, something not likely to happen without a citizen's revolt. Yet by the same token, a revolution is exactly what America needs for such reforms to take place. While I personally do not own any firearms – something I've been rethinking lately – I am very much a pro-2nd-amendment kind of guy.

I can see two main reasons for all the gun violence. The first I can sum up in two words – anger management, or more accurately the lack thereof on the part of all too many Americans of all races, enthnicities and complexions. Too many people are using their emotions instead of their minds for processing thoughts and feelings. The second I can sum up in one word – greed! There are too many people trying to shake down too many others for a quick, easy profit. The fact that much of this stems from the lack of economic opportunity, combined with wages that are on par with the 1960's, changes nothing. Allow me to share a few examples of what the Bible says about this. “My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. If they say, “Come along with us; let's lie in wait for someone's blood, let's waylay some harmless soul; let's swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; throw in your lot with us, and we will share a common purse” – my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush into sin, and they are swift to shed blood.” (Proverbs chapter 1, verses 8-16) These verses remind me of the gang problem here in the US, which is substantial to be sure. As you know, youth plus a sense of belonging, minus any positive role models at home, and minus any real chance at economic or educational opportunities, equals future gang members. If our youth can't find the love, acceptance and guidance they need from home and church, they will go and get it somewhere else.

But there is more to America's anger management issues. Much of the gun violence Chicago and other American cities are experiencing is due to hot-tempered individuals – those who don't stop and think before they act. Once again, as a Web minister and Christian blogger, I consider it my duty as well as being part of my job description to point out what the Bible has to say about this. Rather than pontificate about this, I will let the Word of God speak for me. “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace it; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.” (Proverbs chapter 3, verses 13-18) People react emotionally instead of thoughtfully because they allow evil things like greed, pride and a bad temper to rule over them, as it is written: “A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.” (Proverbs 10: 23) But isn't there more to it than just that, you ask? You're right, it's more than just a lack of understanding. Some people need to grow up and learn to control their tempers, and to cease provoking others. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”. (Proverbs 15: 1) And again it is written in that same Book of Proverbs: “A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.” (Proverbs 15: 18)

But at the end of the day, the reasons for gun violence have one common denominator – a lack of love. Hatred has replaced love in a world that can't stop hating because it doesn't know how. The reason some people don't know how to stop hating nor how to start loving is because they refuse to take the Bible and its teachings seriously. Moreover, there is no love because there is no trust due to fear – people are afraid to trust one another because they're afraid if they do they might miss out on something beneficial, having forgotten that mutual trust is itself beneficial, as is mutual love. The apostle John put it best when he wrote: “This is the message you have heard from the beginning: that we should love one another. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous. Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know no murderer has eternal life in him. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” (1^st John chapter 3, verses 11-16) But Jesus said it best of all. “'Teacher, what is the greatest commandment of the Law?' Jesus replied, 'Love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second one is like it; love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.'” (Matthew chapter 22, verses 36-40)

 

So this is how we can stop all the gun violence in Chicago and all across the country. Love your neighbor as yourself, a commandment from Christ that should be taken to heart, but sadly it is not for a disturbingly large cross-section of the population. Read the Bible and start taking it seriously! Follow Jesus instead of the desires of your belly, your sex drive, and your emotions. Use your brain for thinking, not your heart. And may the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding be with you all!

Watch this please! US GOV Employee exposes the NEW WORLD ORDER with stro...

This week's Bible study will be Titus chapter two

Setting a Good Example

[Titus chapter 2]

Today as we continue our in-depth look at the book of Titus, a book that is not usually mentioned in other Bible teachings I have heard or read in the last few years, we will go over chapter two. As we read through this we find some comments from the apostle Paul that don't seem to ring true with what many of us have thought of as being of right judgment or rational “thinking” based on the scope of our experiences. I will do my best, so help me God, with disseminating these truths in harmony with the living Spirit of Christ as it applies to our modern era. Having said that, let's go ahead and jump right in, beginning at verse one.

“You must teach what is in accordance with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the Word of God.” (Titus 2, verses 1-5)

Paul is telling Titus to be sure and stick to the Gospel as Paul had taught it to him, and to never waver from that stance. Don't change the message, and always be consistent. What is unsaid here is that there were quite a number of individuals who were teaching Christ crucified and resurrected, but in a flawed and sometimes even deceptive way, bending and twisting the Word of God, which is absolutely sacred, for the sake of profit or material gain. You will no doubt recall numerous examples in previous lessons where Paul expounded on this in detail, and he is clearly reiterating that theme once again – as if to say there was no way he could ever overstate the seriousness of what was occurring in what were supposed to be houses of worship. By now this looks familiar to everyone reading this. It's just like the modern church, where most churchgoers today have a choice of attending services that are right out of the Middle Ages while steeped in pomp and circumstance, and the modern evangelical or 'charismatic' churches, many of which are being administered like businesses instead of the nonprofit houses of worship they were originally supposed to be. I'm not naming any names. I don't have to.

Paul also makes mention of women who are “to be busy at home” and “to be subject to their husbands”. Let's keep in mind the times in which Paul wrote this, as well as his background and education that I have mentioned in previous studies. Paul was a former member of the Sanhedrin, the top of the Hebrew religious hierarchy of that time. It would be the modern equivalent to being from the Vatican, or maybe even a TV televangelist or powerful politician. Women were subject to the kind of mistreatment and wholesale disrespect back then that you seldom see any more. The words “woman” and “equality” were never used in the same sentence, unlike today. Nor are women subject to their husbands much any more, excluding religious reasons. It's a fact of modern life that at least two out of every ten women are choosing not to have children. In Paul's day, women would have been brought before a judge for such an “offense” as maintaining some semblance of independence and free thought. Times sure have changed, and I think for the better. And now let's move on to the middle part of today's study.

“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.” (Titus 2, verses 6-10, NIV)

Some older folks like myself, and sometimes parents as well, have in some cases not done enough to reign in and discipline our children and grandchildren. We should be doing this provided that discipline is done in a loving manner while practicing the arts of being tough without being mean, and of being very firm without being abusive. For parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles too, these goals are achievable in the home by strict adherence to Biblical principles. “Teach your children in the way they should go”, says the Bible, “and when they are grown they will not depart from it”. That was written over 3,000 years ago and its relevance has never been surpassed in all that time. Set an example and they will follow it. But be sure and set a good example at all times, or as far as that is possible with each of you. If you spend your weekends drinking and partying with your friends, don't be surprised when you get a collect phone call at 4AM to please come and bail your eldest son or daughter out of jail because they just got a DUI. Well now, I wonder where they got that from? 

 

“Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything...”. Slavery was a firmly entrenched institution then as it is now. Back in Paul's day, slaves worked for their room and board and that was all. Today, they work for minimum wage or sometimes slightly more, but never at a level that could be considered over the poverty line. If your paycheck after taxes won't even cover your basic living expenses like food, clothing, shelter, transportation and utilities, then you are a slave. Every human being on the face of the earth has the God-given right to all of the above plus a living wage, free access to health care and public higher education, and – most recently – to Internet access, according to a United Nations resolution passed back in 2011 that made Web access a fundamental human right. These rights are inalienable, meaning they are so basic to human standards of living that they can never be taken away. For more commentary including some books on these topics, visit my book page at this link. The titles are, “The Middle and Working Class Manifesto” and, “Occupying America: We Shall Overcome”.

“Try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.” A modern version as I see it would read, “Be diligent but only as necessary, be respectful toward our employers even if you don't like them (but never kiss their butts or play office politics), and be trustworthy. This last rule is the one that strikes me as having the same meaning as it did 2,000 years ago. Don't be a good employee just because you think you have to, but perform your duties as if you were doing them for Christ instead. Never mind that abusive boss or foul-mouthed co-worker. This rule of thumb is one that works every time. And now let's conclude today's study of Titus chapter two.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No!' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live in self-controlled, upright and Godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the Blessed Hope – the glorious appearing of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself to us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.” (Titus 2, verses 11-15, NIV)

The “grace of God that brings salvation” is none other than Jesus Christ himself. When this was written, it had probably been no more than 25 to 35 years since the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus, meaning His supreme sacrifice for us all was still fresh in the memories of what must have been tens of thousands of believers. Most, if not all, had the privilege of being taught by the very apostles who had seen and known Christ firsthand. Although we no longer enjoy this luxury, modern Christians can lay claim to the fact that their faith in Jesus, combined with maintaining a personal relationship with him, is as good as the real thing. Indeed, it is the real deal because the Holy Spirit of Jesus constantly refreshes and reinforces each of us in ways that run so deep that they sometimes defy explanation or understanding. This same Spirit is what causes us to reject the world in which we live, and in all the evil activities that are included within such as “worldly passions” and the pursuit of financial and material gain. If you are impoverished and reading this, take heart in your plight and don't be depressed about it. God will reward you just as Jesus said he would, as it is written: “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but they who humble themselves will be exalted” and again when He said, “The last shall be first, but the first shall be last”.

“ ...while we wait for the Blessed Hope – the glorious appearing of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ...”. Here we have yet another example of the apostle Paul writing about what has become known as “the rapture of the church”. The return of Jesus Christ to save the world has been foretold repeatedly by not only the prophets of old, but by Jesus himself. (See Matthew's gospel chapters 24 and 25 for details, or Luke chapter 21) But there is a substantial difference between what some modern churches are teaching about this topic and what Paul's original meaning here actually was. While it is true that a few individuals who have made themselves worthy enough will be taken up just prior to or during the Great Tribulation during the tyrannical rule of the Antichrist, this will only make up a small minority of people. The sad truth is that the majority of people here on earth, including a disturbingly high number of professing Christians, will not be ready when that time comes. That doesn't mean they're not going to heaven when they die, and it certainly doesn't mean they are not going to be saved, but it does mean that a whole lot of people will have to pledge their complete loyalty, faith and trust in the saving power of Jesus Christ during extremely difficult circumstances. It means that many will have to come to the cross, confess their sins and renounce their old ways, and surrender their lives completely to Christ. Too many Christians today are living half their lives for Jesus while living the other half in the world, with all its phony trappings of luxury and hedonistic living. People, we can't have it both ways. We must either be all for Jesus – or not – because Jesus is calling us all to purity, to an absence of hate and dishonesty, and to be an empathetic and compassionate people. Anything less is simply never going to do.

Jesus “gave himself to us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach.” This finishes making the point I started in the last paragraph. People who live their lives for Christ do not do so solely because they intellectually decide to. They live their lives for Christ because the Holy Spirit enables them to, like charging up a rechargeable battery. That battery requires an external power source to charge up, it can't do so on its own. It is not by our will, then, but by an unconditional surrender of that same will, that motivates and propels us to be sold-out servants of Christ. In the same way Jesus gave his life for us, so we should reciprocate by living our lives completely for Him. “Do not let anyone despise you.” Paul was saying that Titus should never allow someone else's opinion to dictate his actions or his speech, whether favorable or otherwise. But more than that, that he should take heart and be encouraged and so endure persecution, rejection and outright hostility wherever he goes. “For in the same way”, Jesus said about this, “their ancestors treated the prophets before you.” (Matt. 5: 12) And so should we, and that's a fitting end to this study. So if you are feeling oppressed, or like you've run out of options and are unsure of how to proceed, take heart because of your plight. Tough times never last, but tough people always do, and so does Jesus Christ. Next week we'll finish up the book of Titus. Shalom!

Anonymous - Message to the Citizens of the World V

Patriotism, Colin Kaepernick, and Progressive Christianity

The Star Spangled Banner, Colin Kaepernick,

and the Christian Anti-patriot Movement

by Rev. Paul J. Bern

Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand during the National Anthem this past week – twice so far as of this writing, and I'm observing others who are starting to join him – is something that bears careful thought and quiet contemplation on the part of all Americans. Kaepernick has enraged many, but there are even more people who are saying, “It's about time” with regard to his actions. Since the feelings and reasons run deep on both sides, so do my own. Like the vast majority of other Americans, I truly love my country. The US is and always will be the land of opportunity where free enterprise and private ownership reign supreme. But I am profoundly ashamed of my government. Let me count the reasons why.

[1] One million dead Iraqi civilians. Since 1991, the US military – or the American Empire, as I call it – has “accidentally” killed a million Iraqi civilians. That's twice as many people as there are within the city limits of Atlanta where I live and work. If another country were to so much as attempt to do the same to a million US civilians, we'd be at war!

[2] 25%. That's the number of American school children who go to bed hungry each night. For a country that is allegedly the greatest country in the world, that is simply inexcusable!

[3] One out of five. That's the number of US military personnel who return home after their tour of duty who suffer from permanent psychiatric disabilities as a result of the performance of their duties. Everybody is dancing around the question that needs to be asked – WHY?? Why do 20% of those who go off to fight the American Empire's wars come home with their minds permanently broken and their souls shattered?? Maybe it's from killing people. Ever think of that? What if I'm right, and I think I am in at least some of the cases? There would be one good way to end all that, to put it to a stop permanently. Stop all the wars. End all the bloodshed. Besides, we Americans need those troops here at home to help protect us from the federal government.

[4] Nine Hundred Eighty Six. That's the number of unarmed civilians that were killed by the police in 2015 (source: Washington Post). This has been going on for decades, but the Lame Stream Media had been deliberately suppressing these stories until they became so numerous it was no longer possible to do so. When we add up the number of unarmed persons shot, 'tasered' and killed by the police over the last three decades, the numbers run well into the tens of thousands.

[5] America excels at incarceration. There are more people in jails or prisons here in the United States than there are in the rest of the world combined! To say this is nothing to be proud of would be a gross understatement. Moreover, 56% of all those incarcerated are there for nonviolent drug offenses. The 'war on drugs' is a farce, it can't be won, and it is based on racism and prison for profit, not 'law and order'. As such, the Drug War deserves to fail.

So what do we do to turn all these ugly facts into past history? End all the wars and covert meddling (which the CIA seems to be addicted to) and bring home whatever troops we can. Close entire military bases whenever possible. Shut down and disband NATO, since it no longer serves any purpose (unless, of course, you're part of the top 1% of the economic class). Raise the minimum wage to get our children fed, to lift people out of poverty, and to empty the welfare and SNAP benefits rosters. End the drug war – legalize, regulate and tax cannabis for medical and personal use (although several currently illegal drugs should stay that way, such as heroin). There are so many things we can do differently for the betterment of ourselves and our country. But how do we approach it on a personal level? What's the starting point? Allow me to elaborate on a couple examples.

Mennonite Worker Communities in places like Minnesota, Pennsylvania and others hold worship services and a picnic every Fourth of July. But, instead of extolling the virtues of America, they called attention to its faults. Singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” is out. Reflecting on the contradictions between the Gospel of Christ and the American Dream are in. “We thank you, O God, for the good things we enjoy in our lives," reads a prayer the Mennonite community recites each year, "but lament that our abundance has brought destitution to sisters and brothers throughout the Earth.” These people are, basically, Christian Anti-patriots. Their movement, which has grown more vocal in recent years, is simply an honest way to read – and live out – Jesus' teachings on nonviolence. But it's hard to look at groups like The Mennonite Community and not see an implicit criticism of God-and-country cheer-leading by mainstream Christians and ripples of centuries-old church-state tensions. Some anti-patriots come from pacifist Anabaptist traditions, such as the Mennonite Church. Others come from evangelical backgrounds but have rejected their counterparts' often unreserved patriotism and embraced liberal-leaning communities like Red Letter Christians and JesusRadicals.com. They may differ on theological details, but they hold at least two beliefs in common: You cannot serve both God and country, and you cannot serve both God and money.

Anabaptists such as Mennonites and the Amish were persecuted by state churches in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, and their descendants bear a lasting suspicion of human authorities. Many an Amish and Mennonite home keeps a copy of "The Martyr's Mirror," a book thick with testimonies of Anabaptists burned at the stake of orthodoxy. The book's subtitle refers to the martyrs as "defenseless Christians," a nod to Anabaptists' belief that when Jesus called on Christians to turn the other cheek, he was quite serious. None of the Anabaptist groups are anti-American. They are typically grateful for the religious freedom permitted in the United States. Still, in 2011, Goshen College, a Mennonite school in Indiana, banned the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at sporting events because, according to the college’s president, the lyrics were too violent. It may be difficult for some Americans to understand why their countrymen would disassociate themselves from patriotism. What’s the harm in celebrating Independence Day, anyway? 

 

It is easy to judge Islam for the actions of a relative few 'jihadists'. Yet when millions of Americans — a vast majority of them claiming the Christian faith — were complicit with slavery, indigenous genocide, and continued economic exploitation, we suddenly see them as separate from our faith. Jesus called his followers to Christian service and humility, which are the opposite of nationalistic rituals performed on the Fourth of July. A heightened devotion to the nation can cause a lot of confusion abroad when people see claims of a Christian America alongside a long American history of slavery, economic inequality and overheated Hollywood sexuality and violence. I have received quite a few comments about how I should leave this country if I ‘hate’ it so much, even to the point of calling me a 'traitor'. And yet I love America, but I’m not willing to compromise my values as a servant of my only King, the nonviolent revolutionary — Christ Jesus. My train of thought on patriotic things would be: A love for the people of our country is not a bad thing, but why should we stop at America's border? 

 

There have been some other non-patriotic gatherings in major cities, such as the Los Angeles Catholic Worker’s “Mourn on the Fourth of July” peace march in 2008. Still, the non-patriot movement remains small. Everyone knows that other folks think like them, but it isn’t like there are a lot of congregations that self-identify as being non-patriotic. That’s especially true for evangelicals, who lead the country in patriotic fervor. More than 80% of white evangelicals believe that God has granted the United States a "special role" in history, according to a survey released June 27 of this year by the Public Religion Research Institute. More than two-thirds of white evangelicals say they are "very proud" to be an American, outstripping every other religious group polled. So it's not surprising that some conservative Christians find the alliance of progressive evangelicals and non-patriotic Americans troubling, or even dangerous.

But, I disagree with the 'conservative', patriotic Christians on US military force, which they insist is required to maintain order worldwide. Non-patriot Christians, they point out, are naive not to consider the ill effects should the United States abdicate its military power. They would argue, “What would the alternatives be if the USA didn’t exist or withdrew from the world stage? Almost certainly a more dangerous, more anarchic, more repressive, less prosperous world with less opportunity for the poor to escape poverty”. Do I agree with every major policy of our government? No way! Jesus’ identification with the poor, the sick, his teaching, “Love your enemies”, and his refusal to take power when he was here on earth the first time are incompatible with the utterly corrupt political and economic system of the United States. Let’s face it — the Sermon on the Mount makes for lousy foreign or public policy. We can’t have it both ways. That's why I too choose the ways of peace while standing against war and its inherent immorality. We are all faced with the choice of taking sides with Christ, or of annihilation. Just like Colin Kaepernick chose to stand on the side of justice.