Thursday, December 07, 2006

A Sleeping Giant

I will not be blogging tomorrow. Beverly and I will be leaving this evening to go to Houston, where our grandson will be having minor outpatient surgery tomorrow. We will be returning Saturday afternoon -- with a stop-over in Crockett to check on Beverly's dad.

Today is December 7th. "A day that will live in infamy." 65 years ago today, the Japanese, unprovoked, attacked Pearl Harbor. As the attack took place, one of their highest ranking military leaders said, "We have awakened a sleeping giant." He was right. That attack got us into World War II. We first turned our attention to the defeat of Nazi-ism in Europe -- and then took on the Japanese. This country was turned into a weapons-production plant. And in less than 4 years, the war was over.

Is it my imagination or do we pay more attention to the anniversary of Pearl Harbor than we do to 9-11? If so, I wonder why. At Pearl Harbor, the Japanese at least attacked a military instillation. On 9-11, the cowardly terrorists attacked unarmed innocent civilians. There were more casualties in 9-11. And the mainland of the United States was attacked.

Is it because the enemy is less recognizable? Or could it be that we just don't care. After all, our lives have not been all that drastically affected. Life goes on for us.

I know many people think I am being alarmist in my views, but "radical Islam" (I think that defines much more than most people do) is going to be a formidable foe that -- if we continue to close our eyes -- will eventually take over the world. Their control in Europe is already alarming. European nations live in fear every day of saying or doing anything that will "offend" the Muslims among them. We are beginning to see that happening here as well.

But it hasn't affected the Stock Market yet. Or the NFL. Or reality TV. So, let us continue to sleep.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope Jed's surgery isn't serious.

No doubt ... the Muslim take-over is scary. I do not think you are being an alarmist. This a situation we will be dealing with the rest of our lives.

Unknown said...

I don't think you're being alarmist. I don't know if we are asleep, but we sure are pretty drowsy.

I read this morning that the Pearl Harbor survivors are having their last memorial together today. They meet every five years and they're not planning on a 70th year memorial, since they are all in their 80's and 90's. We are witnessing the last of their great generation, as Tom Brokaw has said "the greatest generation."

I don't think we pay that much attention to 9-11 for a few reasons: 1) as you said, the enemy is nebulous and difficult to identify; 2) It's still too recent and serious reflection has not yet overtaken the nation or its leaders; 3)The war in Iraq and Afghanistan, which stems directly from the 9-11 attacks, is not popuplar-- it is an immensely difficult task-- much more difficult than even the Viet Nam War. (At least we learned from Viet Nam the importance of supporting our troops regardless of the politics).

Unknown said...

Josh,

I just read your post and gotta go right now. But I will comment later when I get a chance.

Rick Ross said...

Josh,

I agree that "we" carries two different contexts for us. "We" as Americans need to be concerned because these people want to destroy our way of lives. They consider us to be "the Great Satan."

"We" as Christians need to be concerned because we are "the infidel." According to the Koran, it is perfectly acceptable to lie to the infidel. And Allah is honored when the infidel is killed. Islam wants to bring all the world into submission to Allah.

I agree that we ABSOLUTELY need to be concerned with the things you mentioned. But that does not lessen the concern I have for my kids and grandkids as I imagine them trying to live out a life of discipleship in a world controlled by Islam. Don't ignore one issue because of the other issues. If we ignore this issue -- the issues of materialism, poverty, etc will be moot points.

I really don't feel that this is simply about "nationalism." I do love America. But my concern extends globally on this one.

Anonymous said...

Josh, I am referring to being a Christian American (a Christ-following American). I am both all the time. Though I am a Christian first, I see allegiance to my country through Christian eyes. I can't park my Christianity when I deal with politics, Muslims, war, poverty, idolotry, etc...

Jeff said...

It is a scary world we live in. I see the fear created by people who believe the sword is the only way to be right and I see the apathy of those focused on meeting their own desires.

I believe Christians have the responsibility to be disciples, to serve and be the hands and feet of Christ. We must show others the hope we have in our trust of God that he will provide what we need.

I believe a nation has the responsibility to protect it's citizens from harm and offer safety to them. Whether it's planes dropping bombs or planes flying into buildings, a nation cannot sit still and hand over the reins to people who have an intent to do others harm.

America certainly is not a Christian nation but my feeling is that many Christians have a great appreciation for the fact that they live in a country that does not oppress them for being a Christian. While many may express that appreciation with an incorrect use of wording, I think America has done it better than other countries in allowing Christians to be visible (which can be good or bad). We Christians who live in America have an incredible opportunity to show the world the conviction we can have through Christ and the compassion we can share because of Christ.

I am not aware of Christians in America who have suffered persecution anything near what the early Christians suffered. I cannot believe that is what God would want for us. It is at this point that I struggle with what the right answers are when it comes to world affairs. For now, the best I can come up with is that I must strive to live a life that will glorify the King of Kings and pray that He will be active in the decisions that are made to make the world a safer place until we can share in eternity.

Amy C said...

This I know, if this nation doesn't turn to God, we will go down in flames.

The only way we can hope to survive and prosper is faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

If we are not an effective body for Christs work on this earth, we might as well cease to be.

Unknown said...

Okay everbody,

Here's my two cents.

As I see it, at issue here is this tension that all followers of Christ face: How does my citizenship in God's kingdom work with my citizenship in this world?

First and foremost, as I have written on previous posts, I believe the best government is the monarchy-- where Christ is King-- the spiritual kingdom. And I do desire that all in the world would bow at the feet of Jesus and hail Him as King and obey His commands. But that is not the reality in this world-- hasn't been since about Genesis, chapter three. And as I understand Scripture, it will not be until there is a new heaven and new earth at His coming.

The spiritual kingdom is in no way comparable to any other kingdom-- it is eternal and everlasting-- at least this much I understand.

Yet, here I find myself in a physical, finite body with flesh and bone. And for some reason unbeknownst to me, I find this finite human body born in one of the greatest earthly kingdoms this world has ever known-- living, breathing, walking on American soil. True. God's kingdom with our eternal King will infinitely outlast this American experimental kingdom. Yet, I am here at this point in time and space, physically and spiritually.

Should I jettison off to some remote place, a monastery, or a mountain top and try to ignore this physical world so I can concentrate on the spiritual world? Yes! Occasionally! But the biblical mandate is not to insulate myself in some secluded Christian subculture as a way of life. I am called to be salt and light interspersed in this decaying, rotting world.

Now... if someone or some group of people desires all persons and nations to bow to their God, this is understandable. As I stated above, I desire the very same. But if someone or some group of people desire all persons and nations to bow to their God and they are willing to oppressively force, disfigure, and/or kill in order for their desire to be accomplished, then that someone or group must be inhibited. I can with a very clear conscience love and pray for that enemy at the very same time while I support the use of physical weaponry to inhibit that enemy. Or if someone physically attacks my friends and/or family and I am in a position to defend-- I most certainly will.

Freedom is a biblical concept-- individually and collectively. Adam and Eve: free to eat of any tree; the Israelites: freed from Egyptian slavery; the Apostle Paul: free in Christ. On the flipside, oppression and captivity are biblical concepts as well-- sometimes as a punishment for sinful behavior or sometimes plain ol' sinful behavior.

Freedom is a God-given gift. It was originally given in the Garden of Eden. And as such it can be taken away by the Lord, if He so desires. ( And, of course, the ultimate freedom given is in Christ-- eternal freedom from slavery to sin through faith in His blood). But as I read Scripture, it is my understanding that God wants His creation to be free. Free to choose Him and worship Him, and yes, he even provides the freedom to do the opposite.

So when someone or some group start campaigning against God-given freedom-- freedom to choose Him and worship Him-- we must resist.

Here is the real dilemma, from my perspective. Is the war on terror a physical war or spritual war?

Is it not both?

Are not all conflicts in this world both physical and spiritual? If Hitler had defeated the Allies, is it not likely that we would all speak German and Fuhrer worship would be promoted? Likewise, if Islamic clerics control the world, is it not likely they will, for instance, destroy Christian houses of worship and kill those who do not revere Mohammed?

The point has already been made that if Islam rules the world, our dealings with issues such as materialism and poverty will not matter-- we will all be dead. And then our only citizenship in God's kingdom remains. But what about my children and my children's children? They will likely grow up in a world without freedom to know Jesus. And that, I cannot to tolerate.

While God has given me this earthly life, I am indeed an alien and stranger on this earth and long to be with Christ, free from this earthly tent. But as long as I am in this earthen vessel, I aim to defend the cause of freedom where I am able, defy godless oppression where I am able, and let my light shine for Him where I am able. To me, while in this earthly body, it is not an either/or citizenship, it is both-- not of this world but in this world doing what God enables me to do through His power. If He enables me to defy radical ideologies that are opposed to His calling of me, I will. And if He enables me to defy the evils of materialism, poverty, and idolatry, I will.

My personal struggle: His will be done, not mine.

Anonymous said...

Josh,
Beautiful summary!

Anonymous said...

May the Lord bless your family - your grandson and Beverly's father in particular.

I was out of town the past two days and am sorry I didn't see this discussion developing. Yesterday, I spent time with some of the men and women who our defending our country in my business role of working for a defense contractor. Frankly, when I was younger the thought of working on military weapons seemed to be a conflict with my Christian identity. While the world has changed and God has not, I have changed. I take pride in developing weapons to be used to sustain this country. Not by our choosing we are are war with people who do not want simply to defeat us but want Christians dead. I believe world will be a better place for Christianity if we defeat the end that Islamic fascists desire. However, I know I see things darkly and regardless of what I see Gods will be done.