[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”949″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”“A Piece of My Mind”” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”January 2024 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Advancing Christian Faith and Values,
Defending Religious Liberty for All,
Supporting Civility and the Common Good
through Preaching, Teaching, Writing,
Activism and Reasoned Conversations

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”1304″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

“Epiphany” – The Striking Appearance of an Honorable Person

January 6 is “Epiphany” to many Christians. It celebrates the Christ Child, whose coming was marked by the arrival of the Magi (“Wise Men”) who came to worship baby Jesus. In their coming, salvation to the Gentiles through the Christ Child is on display.

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”

– Matthew 2:10-11 ESV

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

I’ve thought for a long time that meaningful remembrance of Hanukkah in December is fully compatible with observance of Christmas.

More than ever before, Hanukkah has been in my mind this season in light of what it means and how it has attracted controversy and opposition.

Blatant antisemitic desecrations of menorahs have happened coast to coast this year. The Wall Street Journal reported a menorah lighting at a festival in Williamsburg, Virginia was cancelled, lest it appear to support “the killing/bombing of thousands” in Gaza. This is but one example.

Some would soften the meaning of a menorah by choosing to focus on the purported miracle that followed the liberating of the Temple in Jerusalem, when a one-day supply of oil lasted eight days. But the menorah can’t be disconnected from the liberation of the land and cleansing of the Temple.

Any honest display of a menorah has to bring out the history behind the symbolism. The Jewish people saw their identity and religious practices threatened by the Syrian rulers who dominated their country in the 2nd Century BCE (in fairness to the topic I’m using “Before the Common Era”).

This domination under the Seleucid King Antiochus IV Epiphanes extended to the extreme of desecrating the Second Temple and forcing Jews to violate the Mosaic dietary laws. (The Second Temple was built c. 516 BCE after the Jewish people returned to the land following their exile to Babylon.)

Josephus wrote that Antiochus “tried to force the Jews to violate their traditional codes of practice by leaving their infant sons uncircumcised and sacrificing pigs on the altar. These orders were universally ignored, and Antiochus had the most prominent recusants butchered” (Flavius Josephus, The Jewish War, Book 1:34-35).

The Maccabees revolted against this domination and desecration and liberated the Jewish homeland. The eight-day Hanukkah festival commemorates this victory, and the lighting of the menorah is part of this commemoration.

“Hanukkah” means “dedication.” This doesn’t call for our general “dedication” to various causes. It refers specifically to the rededication of the Second Temple in 164 BCE following its desecrations by Antiochus.

Did Jesus observe Hanukkah? It appears he did. “Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade” (John 10:22-23). Jesus thus observed a commemorative event that is not actually established and commanded in the Bible. To me, this points to the liberty Christians have to observe special days not explicitly commanded in Scripture (like Christmas), so long as we don’t judge others who choose not to observe them or make such observance a mark of spirituality.

A meaningful memory . . .

My only time in the city of Billings, Montana was in 1993—the year many citizens of that fine community did a marvelous thing. Antisemitism was on the rise. There were extremists who thought Montana should be part of an Aryan region. Jewish emblems were vandalized. Swastikas were on display. Many Jewish people feared to display a menorah during Hanukkah.

How did the citizens of this overwhelmingly non-Jewish city respond? Not by cowering to the extremists but by placing menorahs in thousands of windows. The city’s newspaper even printed a menorah people could cut out and use. I saw a statistic that 5-10,000 homes in this city of 80,000+ inhabitants displayed menorahs, thus declaring a decisive “No!” to antisemitism.

May this spirit be alive and spread throughout our land today!

“Revival, Renewal, Reformation”
A Look at the “3 R’s” to Start Each New Year

Our churches and their people need continual spiritual REVIVAL, with our hearts set aflame in love and service to God. We need RENEWAL, with ministries and programs and facilities that are current and serve our mission well. And we need REFORMATION—are our beliefs true to Scripture and understandably communicated?

“REFORMATION” will be the Theme throughout 2024. And in order to REFORM we will look back at one of the oldest CONFESSIONS of the church:

“The Apostles’ Creed”

In the Lutheran church of my childhood I learned to recite this creed each Sunday. Such recitation can make it part of one’s spiritual DNA, and so it was with me. As I’ve aged (well, I hope), I find myself returning to the simple Christian truths of this confession and I value its recitation.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Throughout 2024 we’ll examine this creed carefully, with the prayer that it will deepen our understanding of the CORE of the CHRISTIAN FAITH. In this month’s newsletter I’ll devote space to several points of introduction. In subsequent newsletters we’ll look at it phrase-by-phrase.

What is a “Creed”?

A “creed” is a “written, formal statement that acknowledges, declares, and gives evidence of religious beliefs” (statement from the Reformed Church in America).

“Creed” comes from “credo” (“I believe”), the first person singular of the Latin verb “credere” (to believe). “Credo” begins The Apostles’ Creed and in its two appearances “credo” confesses faith in the Creed’s entire message:

• Credo in Deum, Patrem omnipotentem…
(here it also confesses faith in Jesus Christ: Et in Iesum Christum…)
• Credo in Spiritum Sanctum… (confessing belief in the Holy Spirit but also belief in the phrases that follow)

Why is this creed called “The Apostles’ Creed”?
Was it written by the apostles?

According to one legend, each of the 12 apostles (including Matthias, who replaced Judas) contributed one clause of the creed before embarking on their respective missions after the Day of Pentecost.
That’s very doubtful. Much more likely is that this creed accurately and broadly expresses acceptance of the teachings of the 12 apostles by the early church. It is a very faithful summary of apostolic faith.
Forms and segments of this creed can be found as early as the second century. What we now call “The Apostles’ Creed” dates to the 5th Century.

I’ve been taught, “Since we have our Bibles, we don’t need any creeds.”

First observation: When people ask us the question, “What does the Bible say about . . . ?” we don’t just hand them a Bible and say, “Answer’s inside!” We guide them, best we can, to relevant scriptures and themes.

We thus draw certain texts and thoughts and organize them into our answer. In a sense, if we do a good job at this we create a mini-creed.

Second observation: Jesus himself said there are “weightier matters of the law.” Therefore there are also lesser matters of the law (Matthew 23:23). Wise handling of scripture would certainly lead us to gather together the “weightier matters” (like a list of the Ten Commandments for us to memorize, or the two great Love Commandments). A good creed proclaims the “weightier matters” of the Christian Faith.

Both observations show how we might create creeds to express what we think the Bible is saying.

Furthermore, the Bible itself has examples of creed-like statements. Here are three:

1. The Apostle Paul believed the Gospel that he taught contained certain matters of “first importance” (1 Corinthians 15:1-8):

Christ died for our sins.
He was buried.
He was raised the third day.
He appeared to Peter [and many others].

2. A two-part creedal proclamation confesses Jesus’ self-humbling as a human being and his subsequent exaltation (Philippians 2:6-11):
Though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
3. “The mystery of godliness” (1 Timothy 3:16) is given in creedal form:

He [Jesus Christ] was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.

So the Bible acknowledges that certain statements contained in it are of “first importance.” And the Bible itself contains creedal elements.

Those who claim to be creedless probably have a creed that’s assumed and/or unwritten. And should push ever come to shove over a doctrinal issue in their midst, they will likely create a creed-like statement that captures teaching that those who won the debate deem to be of high importance.

More important than having a creed (which we all have, deny this or not) is how we regard a creed. It is not inspired Scripture, the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct. It is, to the best of human ability, our articulation of biblical points we think are of high importance. The Bible judges the creeds; the creeds don’t judge the Bible.

Finally, those who profess they need no creeds because, they think, the Bible is clear and tells them all they need to know—they run the risk of being proud and exclusionary.

Are there other creeds in addition to this one?

Yes! Of special importance is The Nicene Creed (325 A.D., with additions by the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD), which articulates the deity of Christ. It might well be the most recited creed in Christianity, even today.

Another creed accepted in the western church is the Athanasian Creed, which clearly articulates the Doctrine of the Trinity. There are other creeds. There are also “Confessions” which articulate the key teachings of branches of Christianity, such as “The Westminster Confession” (Reformed) or “The 39 Articles” (Anglican) or “The Augsburg Confession” (Lutheran).

In what ways is this creed so useful?

Summarizing essential, core Christian teachings as it does, it is useful for:

1. Evangelism – Clearly presenting what Christians confess to be true.
2. Baptism – How about confessions of faith like this at the time of baptism: “Do you believe in God the Father, maker of heaven and earth?” (“I do!”). “Do you believe in Jesus Christ, God’s Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary?” (“I do!”). “Do you believe Jesus died (on the cross for your sins), that he rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven, from which he will return in glory to judge every person who ever lived?” (“I do!”). Etc.
3. Instruction of new believers in the basics of their faith (an aspect of what we call “discipleship.” Being a “disciple” is more than just knowing doctrine but certainly it is not less).
4. A reminder to us “long-time believers” on what is central (and, hence, what is not).
5. A standard (though not by itself) for the church to judge teachings that may lie outside the faith.

Are there different versions of this creed?

Yes, there is an approved Catholic version. And Protestants may use either traditional or contemporary versions. Differences between them are slight.

Are there any good “singing versions” of this creed?

“The Apostles’ Creed Song” by Adam Zarn
“I Believe” by Andy Park (my favorite one for singing)
“This I Believe (The Creed)” – Hillsong Worship
“We Believe” by Graham Kendrick
“CREDO The Apostles’ Creed” (a pleasant literal short “sing along” version)
“Creed” by Third Day (my listening favorite—wild and not very singable)
“We Believe (Apostles’ Creed)” by Keith and Kristyn Getty

Some add a lot of lyrics other than the creed. Any other good song versions?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Religious Liberty Vigilance –
Trimming the Power of the Federal Government

“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

– The Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States

Sandra Day O’Connor (1930-2023)
U.S. Supreme Court Justice (1981-2006)

In 1981 President Ronald Reagan fulfilled his commitment to appoint the first woman ever to serve on the United States Supreme Court.

Pro-life citizens disagree with Justice O’Connor’s support of Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), a decision that kept the essence of Roe v. Wade (1973) while abandoning that landmark decision’s trimester framework in favor of the “viability” line for determining when a state could constitutionally ban abortion. O’Connor had argued that Roe v Wade’s trimester framework was on a collision course with fetal viability as medical care pushed “viability” earlier and earlier.

On the other hand, O’Connor voted with the majority of the court upholding state restrictions on abortions not deemed necessary to protect the health of the mother (Webster v. Reproductive Health Services, 1989). This was contrary to Roe v. Wade, which permitted abortion during the second trimester of a pregnancy.

Upholding a cause of religious freedom advocates, O’Connor voted with the court’s ruling that school vouchers for use at religious schools did not violate the First Amendment’s “Establishment” clause (Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, 2002).

Strong in opposition to government overreach, she wrote the dissenting opinion (joined by three other justices) against Kelo v. City of New London (2005), an obnoxious 5-4 decision that allowed a city’s use of eminent domain to take private property and transfer ownership to another private entity for economic development. This was certainly a stretch of the Fifth Amendment’s words about taking private property “for public use.”

Kelo stands as one of the worst decisions of the court in my lifetime. And many legal scholars would join in this criticism. As of 2023 the disputed property where Susette Kilo’s “little pink house” and a few other homes once stood has been overgrown with weeds and occupied by feral cats.

I especially respect O’Connor’s support of “Federalism” * which, along with the principle of “separation of powers,” is essential in clipping the wings of the national government’s efforts whenever it strives to extend its power.

In a series of rulings in the 1990s and early 2000s, O’Connor was a crucial figure in the Rehnquist Court’s “federalism revolution,” which did much to revive judicial enforcement of structural limits on federal government power, after a long period when judicial review in this field was extremely weak. Most notably, O’Connor wrote the Court’s majority opinion in New York v. United States (1992), which established the rule that the Tenth Amendment bars federal “commandeering” of state governments.

In New York and other opinions, Justice O’Connor emphasized the important point that the purpose of federalism limits on national power is not just to protect state governments, but also to protect ordinary people against the dangers of excessive centralization of power and homogenization of policy.

– Ilya Somin, The Volokh Conspiracy, Dec. 2, 2023 [Bold mine]

* “Federalism” recognizes the constitutional division of federal and state powers. The Federal government has constitutionally-enumerated powers but no more. All other powers belong to the several states or to the people (10th Amendment).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1704305369525{background-color: #7099bf !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Adopted 75 years ago in the United Nations General Assembly December 10, 1948

Opening Statement of the Declaration’s Preamble –
“Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world…”

Article 3 –
“Everyone has the right to life, liberty and the security of person.”

Article 4 –
“No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.”

Article 5 –
“No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”

Article 16 #3 –
“The family is the natural and fundamental group unity of society and is entitled to protection by society and by the State.”

Article 18 –
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

It is well worth our time to take a few minutes to read the entire Declaration.
Much of the wording in this Declaration is in accord with Holy Scripture and represents God’s “Common Grace” at work in this world.
Clearly, in many parts of this world the Declaration is still an unfulfilled hope.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Message of the Month: Following Jesus’ Example
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life a ransom for many.”

– Matthew 10:45

King Charles III knelt in prayer at his coronation on May 6, 2023. During this prayer he said,

“God of compassion and mercy, whose Son was sent not to be served but to serve…grant that I may be a blessing to all thy children…through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

What would this world be like if every government leader strove to be like Jesus: Not seeking how their position might benefit them, but how their position could be used to serve others (that is, to “Love your neighbor as yourself” – The Second Great Commandment).

That God’s Son (Jesus) “was sent not to be served but to serve” was the opening point to my sermon “I Wanted the High Road but Jesus Gave Me the Low Road” (Mark 10:32-45). The sermon is available by clicking below:

https://www.gracesealbeach.org/sermon-archive/2023/7/17/i-wanted-the-high-road-but-jesus-gave-me-the-low-road-mark-1032-45[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

I Recall An Old “Henry Kissinger” Story

President Nixon, Secretary of State William Rogers and Henry Kissinger (who recently passed away at 100) once had an audience with Pope Paul VI.

When Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird arrived at the occasion smoking a big cigar, Kissinger suggested he probably shouldn’t bring it into the audience.

So Laird snuffed out his cigar and put it in his pocket. During the audience his pocket began to smoke. Laird started slapping the smoldering pocket. The American delegation thought Laird was applauding the pope, whereupon the whole delegation applauded.

Kissinger: “It was not one of our prouder moments.”

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

Don has been a member of the clergy in the Long Beach, California area since 1970. He now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Grace Community Church of Seal Beach (where he was senior pastor 1984-2012) and as Senior Chaplain of the Seal Beach Police Department (2001+). He previously was an assistant professor of Biblical Studies at Biola University (1976-84) and chaired the Social Concerns Committee in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches from 1985 to 2019.

His graduate work includes a Master of Divinity magna cum laude from Grace Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary with a concentration in Christian ethics, and a Doctor of Ministry from American Baptist Seminary of the West (now Berkeley School of Theology) with a concentration on the Charismatic Movement. His law school studies included a course on the First Amendment. He and his wife Mary have been married for over 57 years. They have two children and six grandchildren.

© 2023 Donald P. Shoemaker

APPENDIX:

A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH SUPPORTING A PEACEFUL RESOLUTION TO THE ONGOING CONFLICT AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IMPACTING GAZA AND ISRAEL. ADOPTED DECEMBER 19, 2023.

WHEREAS, the City of Long Beach has a longstanding commitment to advocating for peace, social justice, equity, safety, and fostering mutual respect and understanding for all people, regardless of religion, race, or nationality; and

WHEREAS, since October 8th, 2023, the day following the attacks by Hamas militants on Israel, Long Beach’s city leadership has publicly acknowledged the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis impacting Gaza and Israel; and

WHEREAS, on November 14th, 2023, the City of Long Beach issued a statement affirming the City’s values of unity, respect, and understanding in light of the significant loss of Palestinian and Israeli lives, and condemning the increasing reports of Anti- Semitic, Islamophobic, Anti-Jewish, and Anti-Arab incidents that have occurred since October 7th; and

WHEREAS, following news of a temporary ceasefire and the release of civilian hostages, Mayor Richardson issued a statement on November 28th, 2023, reiterating calls for a permanent ceasefire, the safe return of all hostages, and lasting peace in the region; and

WHEREAS, the Long Beach City Council has previously adopted statements and resolutions on statewide, national, and international affairs deemed important to the diverse residents and constituencies that the Council represents; and

WHEREAS, a growing number of cities throughout California and across the country have approved or are actively considering statements calling for peace, a lasting ceasefire and the safe return of all hostages, including Stanton, Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento, Santa Ana, Seattle, Detroit, Providence, and Atlanta, among others; and

WHEREAS, international organizations including the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the International Rescue Committee have made calls for a ceasefire and the return of remaining hostages to prevent the further loss of civilian lives, and to be in accordance with international humanitarian law.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Long Beach proclaims as follows:

Section 1. The City of Long Beach stands firmly on the foundation of peace, unity, respect, and understanding. The City Council recognizes that Palestinian lives and Israeli lives have the same value, and that all human life is precious. The City Council acknowledges the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and has condemned the attacks on Israel. Palestinian people deserve self-determination. Israel has a right to defend itself. Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve dignity, security, and to live without harm.

Section 2. The City Council calls on our federal leaders to support negotiations that lead to a lasting humanitarian ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, the release of all hostages, the safe passage of food, water, medical supplies, and other life-saving humanitarian aid into Gaza, and a peaceful resolution that achieves both an end to the attacks on Israel by Hamas, and the protection of civilian life in Gaza and Israel.

Section 3. The City Council requests city staff to identify and promote community education resources and services to support Long Beach residents and community members affected by the ongoing conflict, including counseling and mental health services, and support groups led by cultural and religious organizations.

Section 4. The City Council unequivocally condemns all forms of violence, intolerance, racism, and xenophobia, including the recent rise of Anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, Anti-Jewish, and Anti-Arab sentiments, rhetoric, and attacks in our region and across the nation.

Section 5. The City Council requests that a copy of this proclamation be transmitted to Long Beach’s delegation of federal representatives.

Section 6. This proclamation shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the City Clerk shall certify the vote adopting this proclamation.

Commentary:

Following 3-1/2 hours hearing 160 comments from the audience present, and following prior meetings of the council which were raucous, including the previous one where the mayor declared the session an unlawful assembly and emptied the council chambers, the Council adopted this resolution on a 5-2 vote after much “wordsmithing” One of the “nay” votes was from my own council member.

Here is my communication to my council member in advance of the council’s action:

Good morning! I’ve read news reports about efforts to have the Long Beach City Council pass a resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. I do not think this would be a wise move, for at least two reasons:

1. Such resolutions are outside the rightful sphere of city government. It should be the ongoing task of the council to ensure that the city is running excellently and serving the needs of its citizens, such as by maintaining an excellent infrastructure. It is not within the purview of city government to delve into the affairs of Israel and Gaza a half-world away.

2. Any resolution for a cease-fire isolates one part of a complex situation. It very likely would be favorable to Hamas terrorists. A cease-fire can lead to another exchange of prisoners (with a ratio of 2:1 militants in Israeli custody to kidnapped private citizens in Hamas custody). It allows Hamas to regroup while stalling Israeli efforts to defeat the group responsible for the attacks on and kidnapping of Israeli citizens.

The demands of a noisy pressure group and the attention the group gathers should not sway the council from its rightful responsibilities and should not overwhelm other citizens with contrary opinions, including those who support Israel.

Thank you!

(Rev.) Donald Shoemaker[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]