[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=”May 2021 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700″][/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

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Mother’s Day – May 9, 2021

May your father and mother rejoice;
may she who gave you birth be joyful!

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

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– Proverbs 23:24; 31:10, 28, 30

Back
The Badge

“Blessed are those who
maintain justice.” – Psalm 106:3

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Peace Officers Memorial Day – May 15, 2021

For those who walk it,
the Thin Blue Line is a reflection of courage,
a pledge of brotherhood, and a tribute to the fallen,
affirming that their memory lives on.

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Brian Sicknick (EOW January 7)
William Evans (EOW April 2)
United States Capitol Police

Line of Duty Deaths so far in 2021: 109

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Divest the Police?

I recently received an e-mailing from an activist organization. It said, “In the first 3-½ months of 2021, 260 people have been MURDERED by police in this country” including the “MURDER” of 20-year-old Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.

“We must remove police from traffic stops. We must minimize the role that police play in our daily life. This means divesting from police institutions and re imaging what our criminal legal system looks like.” [BOLD CAPS mine]

My response (edited):

I have been a member of the clergy in the Long Beach area for 51 years. I also am a police chaplain (20 years). I am horrified at the death of Daunte Wright. At this point, it appears there was a total failure on the part of Officer Kim Potter, a veteran officer experienced enough to be training others to follow proper training and precautions in the use of a Taser and to keep her firearm secured. It was a horrible and inexcusable mistake with tragic, permanent results.

At the same time, there was an active warrant for Mr. Wright’s arrest, for carrying a gun without a permit and for fleeing officers. Expired license plates give an officer reasonable suspicion to pull over a vehicle and investigate further. In this case, the suspicion was justified. Furthermore, Mr. Wright resisted arrest and attempted to flee. Had he cooperated with lawful orders, the officer’s horrible error would not have happened and Mr. Wright would still be here for his family.

You call this a murder. It was not. My observation is that this officer’s conduct was far removed from the conduct of officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, Chauvin being found guilty of second-degree murder (and more). The charge in the case of Mr. Wright’s death is second-degree manslaughter, defined in Minnesota as causing the death of another “by the person’s culpable negligence whereby the person creates an unreasonable risk and consciously takes chances of causing death or great bodily harm to another” (609.205).

You also speak of 260 murders by police so far in 2021. Can you prove this allegation? I don’t think so. My own review of police-related deaths in January-March 2021 found instances of gun battles and of police stopping violent assaults by shooting assailants—situations not at all warranting a charge of “murder.” Because you are an attorney, your assessments must be held to a higher standard of accuracy in legal matters than those by the general public. Your comments are inflammatory.

You say, “We must remove the police from traffic stops.” Who, then, will do the stops? Unarmed civilians? Or will you do away with traffic stops? Will you proliferate cameras that the public hates? Traffic stops are important for public safety. Many stops yield more serious findings than the simple infraction for which the vehicle is stopped (which itself may be serious). I have been at many such scenes. Every traffic stop must be approached as a circumstance with elevated risk. The officer’s safety is compromised by traffic moving by, by tinted windows in many cars, by being

New Mexico State Patrolman Darian Jarrett, killed by gunfire at a traffic stop on February 4

at a positional disadvantage, and simply by not knowing who is in the car that may have malicious intent.

Together we must work to make this a safer society. It will require the efforts of all to obey the laws, to find alternatives to incarceration when appropriate, to hold self and others accountable including those in law enforcement, and recognize the need for assertive law enforcement that is fair and just but also when necessary is “God’s agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer” (Romans 13:4).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Respectfully,
Donald P. Shoemaker

Still OK in the U.S. to Belittle Southerners

“Aw, they’re just a bunch of rednecks!” If “rednecks” referred to Native Americans and you said this at work or maybe even on your social media, you might find yourself out of a job.

But “rednecks” doesn’t refer to Native Americans. The term applies mostly to rural White southerners. And it’s usually derogatory (like “Bubba” *). But you can get away with it. Why? Because the last spheres of crude badmouthing have yet to be conquered. It’s still OK in America to speak derisively about southerners AND traditional Roman Catholics AND Protestant Fundamentalists and get away with it.

If you don’t know how southerners act or talk or think, these scoffers might point you to reruns of “The Dukes of Hazzard” or “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
Or tell you stories about Jimmy Carter’s brother Billy.

A very interesting column by writer Tracy Moore, who lives in Los Angeles, appeared in The Washington Post on March 17. Coming from a rural Tennessee town in Appalachia, she spoke with a southern drawl. You do a load of “warsh.” You buy “IN-sur-ance,” not “in-SUR-ance.” How old are you?
“Ahm nihhhnteen.”

Some of this dialect found its way to the Ohio countryside where I grew up.
I was a clueless store clerk when a customer asked if I had a “poke.” That’s a bag. A creek is a “crick.” Smoke goes out a “chimley.” Your pet is a “dawg.” When you’re bad, you get a “whoopin’.” “A-fixin’ to go down home” means getting ready to visit family in Kentucky. But who really talks funny—“usuns” or them? When I was in Tennessee 15+ years ago I struck up a conversation with a couple. Then I said, “I’m not from around here,” to which they replied, “Yeah, we can tell!”

Tracy Moore worked long and hard to reshape her speech. “I don’t believe for a second I’d have made it as a journalist any other way.” She observes (surely with hyperbole), “Millions of other people have dropped their Southern accent to avoid the perception of dimwittedness. Appalachian English is particularly stigmatized.”

“Recently, I nearly said, ‘That dog won’t hunt’ to shoot down a bad idea in a professional conversation, and it took everything in me to reprogram my brain to find a more acceptable phrase.” (I wonder what expression she used!)

“My efforts to de-twang paid off. Aside from a few missteps — never ask people if they ‘got their picture made’ — I could sound reasonably intelligent in Los Angeles.”

So what’s causing her now to revert to her speech roots? The coronavirus. Working away from others, she noticed herself returning to her early-life speech patterns. She explains, “To find the culprit, I asked Morgan Sonderegger, associate professor of linguistics at McGill University, and he told me that I can safely blame the coronavirus. Isolation thwarted the frequent chitchat with people of more culturally acceptable accents that made it easier for me to push the drawl down.”

This most interesting account points to my point on which groups are still stigmatized even in our “correct” America. Fundamentalists, for example, are prima facie closed-minded, bigoted, unsophisticated Bible-thumpers.

Finally, “that dog won’t hunt” is one mighty fine way of sayin’ “yer idea will flop” even if y’ain’t from her “neck of the woods.”

* In its advertising, an LA-area plumbing company depicts “Bubba” plumbers as unreliable buffoons who talk with a southern drawl. Take out “Bubba” and replace it with some other social identity and see what happens to you!

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Bible Insight – A Future 7-Year Tribulation?

Daniel 9:24-27 – Few Scriptures are more cryptic, more subject to several reasonable interpretations, or viewed with more prophetical dogmatism than this one!

24 “Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the Most Holy Place.
25 “Know and understand this: From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble.
26 After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed.
27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”
– Daniel 9:24-27 New International Version

Without being encouraged to wrestle with other interpretations, I was taught that this scripture was a key that unlocks the “last days.” Verse 27, I learned, speaks of the Antichrist [“He”] who makes a 7-year “covenant” with the Jewish people [“many”] but breaks it half way through and imposes an “abomination” on the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. This interpretation yields the notion of a terrible “7-year Tribulation” just before Jesus returns.

Today I’m much more cautious about interpretations. The Bible is “inspired by God”; its interpretations are not. What are the interpretive options?

My former colleague at Biola University, Dr. Ron Pierce, does an excellent job of laying out the options in his commentary on Daniel (Baker Books, 2015, pp. 164-65). Before laying out the options, he gives two important cautions:

(1) “…the New Testament nowhere appeals to this passage to confirm the time of Jesus’ coming…” (p. 162)
(2) “…the consensus in biblical scholarship regarding the difficulty of this text should evoke a sincere posture of humility in the way we write and speak.” (p. 163)

Messianic Interpretations [The NIV Bible capitalizes “Anointed One”]
• Traditional: The final “week’ of the “70 weeks” (of years) was fulfilled during the earthly ministry of Jesus and the destruction of Jerusalem.
• Typological: The final “week” is the tribulation under “antichrist” at the end times just before Jesus returns.
• Dispensational [the view I was taught]: As with “typological,” the last “week” is disconnected from the first 69 weeks of years and placed in the “eschatological future.” Israel will face the tribulation; the church will be raptured prior to it.
Antiochene Interpretation
• The first “69 weeks” include the “times of trouble” for Judea under Persia and Greece (6th to 2nd century BC). “The last ‘seven’ represents Judea’s persecution under Antiochus IV (171-164 BC), the ‘ruler who is to come.’ This last ‘seven’ finds its midpoint in Antiochus’s desecration of the temple (167 BC) and ends with its rededication (164 BC).”

Dr. Pierce sums up the options in these words:

In sum, the widely divergent messianic views agree on their Christological understanding of this passage but are deeply divided regarding the combination of events that connect the sixty-nine “sevens” to Jesus the Messiah. In contrast, the Antiochene view is a nonchristological—although much more unified—reading of these verses, primarily in their literary and historical contexts.

The lack of consensus among Christian interpreters through the centuries should give us pause before we make ONE interpretation THE interpretation. Unless we believe that our perspective “in the last days” gives us box seats to watch biblical prophecies unfold before us (an attitude almost cultic), we need to heed the author’s call for humility in our interpretations and not make our own view a test of orthodoxy—what can and can’t be taught in our churches.

Two newsletter pages can’t discuss this debate thoroughly. But I’ve given enough to remind us not to be dogmatic when examining sections of scripture that are very cryptic (at least to the non-contemporary reader). This is the ONLY scripture in the whole Bible that supports, according to ONE interpretation, the notion of a SEVEN-YEAR TRIBULATION in the last days.

For me, that’s not enough for holding that notion dogmatically.

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Religious Liberty Vigilance – Lifting Restrictions!

“I consider the government of the United States as interdicted by the Constitution from inter meddling with religious institutions, their doctrines, discipline, or exercises.”
– Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Miller, 1808

The Corona Pandemic has produced challenges to religious liberty:
(1) Limitations on the “free exercise of religion” (in the forms of gathering together, singing, partaking of Communion for examples).>
(2) Limitations or prohibitions against pastoral services, such as for the hospitalized or for funerals.>

Most people of faith, including Christians I know, want to be supportive of the state as it performs its legitimate “police power” of protecting public health.
It is one way to “love your neighbor as yourself,” as Jesus taught us.

But many laypeople and ministers have been concerned over excessive, burdensome or unequal limitations on religious expression. Consider NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio’s condemnation of a Jewish funeral procession and celebration of “racial justice” protestors (my July 2020 Newsletter). (I support the right of BOTH worshippers and protestors to gather peacefully.)

But there is more than light at the end of the tunnel! The sun is shining!

1. A string of U.S. Supreme Court summary decisions have scaled back government restrictions against worship gatherings.

On April 15, the State of California issued this statement: “In response to recent judicial rulings, effective immediately, location and capacity limits on places of worship are not mandatory but are strongly recommended.”

This is a major improvement over discriminatory rules that placed religious gatherings under greater restrictions than the restrictions on similar secular gatherings.

2. There is growing recognition that the failure at many levels of government to recognize the “essential” role of religion during the coronavirus crisis was unwise and detrimental, if not illegal.

Government is unqualified to say religion is non-essential. To the contrary, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that religion preforms many beneficial services within society (Walz v. Tax Commission of the City of New York, 1970).

Robert Garcia, Mayor of Long Beach California, said in an email to me, “Donald, I absolutely agree that faith base organizations and community organizations are a vital part of our community.”

The “Religion Is Essential Act” (SB 397) is now before California’s State Senate. It provides as follows (8663.1), (a) and (b) are the key points:

(a) (1) During a state of emergency, the Governor shall deem religious services to be an essential service and to be necessary and vital to the health and welfare of the public.
(2) During a local emergency, the governing body of the city or county or the official designated pursuant to Section 8630 shall deem religious services to be an essential service and to be necessary and vital to the health and welfare of the public.

(b) During a state of emergency or a local emergency, the state and local governments shall not take a discriminatory action against a religious organization and shall permit a religious organization to continue operating and engaging in religious services to the same or greater extent that other organizations or businesses that provide essential services that are necessary and vital to the health and welfare of the public are permitted to operate.

(c) The state and local governments shall not enforce any health, safety, or occupancy requirement that imposes a substantial burden on a religious service unless the state or local government demonstrates that applying the burden to the religious service is essential to further a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.

(d) Except as provided by subdivision (c), this section does not prohibit the state or local governments from requiring religious organizations to comply with health, safety, or occupancy requirements issued by the state or federal government that are applicable to all organizations and businesses that provide essential services.

The “Religion Is Essential Act” is good legislation and deserves support by the citizens of California.

What Is “The Golden Rule” for Social Media?
“Tweet others as you would have others tweet you!”

Many Bible proverbs stress the importance of wholesome words. This advice is most important today because of the special dangers in (un)social media. Take these proverbs to heart. Weigh your words carefully before you “send”!

He who spreads slander is a fool. – Proverbs 10:18
When words are many, transgression is not lacking. – Proverbs 10:19

A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. – Proverbs 11:13
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. – Proverbs 15:1

The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. – Proverbs 15:4

The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.
– Proverbs 15:26

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
– Proverbs 16:24

A gossip separates close friends. – Proverbs 16:28
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much. – Proverbs 20:19[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE © 2021 Stephan Pastis. Reprinted by permission of
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Good Words from Others…

Radical Cultural Marxism in our Educational Systems

“I think our universities and K-12 educational systems have become indoctrination centers for radical cultural Marxists. They are national security threats for what they have done. They [regard] reason and logic—the very means we have used to adjudicate between truth claims—as the creation of white supremacist imperialist white men. So when you take the very means that we used to arbitrate among disputants as the constructs of racists, what you have done is criminalize thought and you have disarmed individuals from thinking. You have taken feelings as the means of arbitrating among disputes. So you can get fired if you dispute the feelings of someone because feelings are the way I assert and reinforce my identity.”

—Jason D. Hill, Professor of Philosophy at DePaul University. Dr. Hill emigrated from Jamaica in 1985 and became an American citizen. He is the author of What Do White Americans Owe Black People (Racial Justice in the age of post-oppression) and Civil Disobedience and the Politics of Identity.

Counterfeit Christs

“In the many counterfeits of Christ through the centuries the dead giveaway of a false Savior is a smooth skin unburdened by the wounds of [the Cross].
“Counterfeit Christianity always delights in showing the heart of Christ, but not His pierced heart. From that seemingly harmless symbolism tumbles the inverted creed of Counterfeit Christianity. It centers not on sacrificial love but on sentimental luv…”

— From “Resisting a Counterfeit Easter” by Fr. John A. Perricone

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com
Contact me at: donaldshoemakerministries@verizon.net

Don has been a member of the clergy in the Long Beach CA area since 1970. He serves currently 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 (2000+). He previously was a professor of Biblical Studies at Biola University and chaired the Social Concerns Committee in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches from 1985 to 2019. His graduate work includes a master’s degree in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary with a concentration in Christian ethics. He and his wife Mary have been married for 55 years. They have two children and six grandchildren.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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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]

Our Easter Hope – Resurrection to New Life

We’ve started a “Monarch Butterfly Nursery” at home! My wife diligently cares for the butterflies as they go through their stages. Their larva stage is a time to eat and nothing else. Then they are enclosed for several days at the chrysalis stage. From that, they burst forth in beauty and are soon ready to fly.

It’s a beautiful picture of resurrection. Our earthly bodies, like Jesus’ body, were made for our present existence. When Jesus returns, we will break forth from the grave with beautiful resurrection bodies, as Jesus did—he “died for our sins…was buried…and was raised the third day” in glory.

“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory’.” – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 42-44, 50-54

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April, 1961 – The “Bay of Pigs” Invasion

Sixty years ago this month, on April 17, 1961, 1500 Cuban exiles opposed to Fidel Castro’s rule (which began in 1959) landed at the Bay of Pigs on the SW coast of Cuba with the hope of defeating defenders and generating support from islanders for Castro’s overthrow. The planning began during the Eisenhower administration and continued when John Kennedy took office in January 1961. Finally, the invasion was approved by the new president.

Victory was not to be. Within three days the invaders were defeated and most were captured. Kennedy had cancelled plans for air cover, dooming the operation.

The invasion was a total failure and a deep embarrassment to the new president and his administration. It solidified Castro’s grip on the nation and led Cuba to look to the Soviet Union for future support.

Over 100 insurgents were executed. In December 1962 most that remained were released in exchange for $53 million in food and medicine, the money raised from companies and private donations. About 1000 family members also left Cuba with them.

Kennedy took full responsibility for the failure. Especially poignant, two days after the collapse of the invasion Kennedy invited Dwight Eisenhower to Camp David to get, as Kennedy later told the press, “the benefit of his thoughts and experience.”

It was quite an encounter: a new president who just lost a skirmish involving 1500 invaders talking with a former president who once planned and executed the greatest invasion in the history of the world—D-Day, June 6, 1944.

Recommended reading: Three Days in January by Bret Baier (HarperCollins, 2017)

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Bible Insight – “The Perseverance of the Saints”

To my non-Christian Readers: This “Insight” might seem like an in-house religious thing, but please give it a read. Christians can be cantankerous. But we can and should instead be thoughtful and do a better job explaining who we are and living by what we believe. No Christian is without sin, but sin is nonetheless incompatible with faith in God and needs to be remedied through reconciliation with God and others. Forgive us our failings!

To my Christian Readers: This topic is divisive. But we would all do ourselves a favor by understanding it better and not misstating the other side. In heaven we’ll understand better. Most important, we will have persevered!

The doctrine of “Perseverance of the Saints” (those truly converted to Jesus will never completely fall away but will be saved in the end) could also be called “The perseverance of GOD for the saints” (Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.”).

Jesus gave support for this doctrine in his word about the sheep he chooses and cares for. In John 10:25-30 Jesus taught on divine “Keeping Power”:
v. 28 – “They [his sheep] shall never [ou mé—double negative, a powerful negation] perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”
v. 29 – “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all;
no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
v. 30 – “I and the Father are one.” (In purpose? In essence? Both? If in purpose, Jesus and his Father are working purposely together to preserve his sheep.)

A critic of the doctrine may respond, “Yeah, but you can snatch yourself out of Jesus’ hand!” But if so, this means we must be greater than Jesus and his Father, whom Jesus just said “is greater than all” (including you and me).

Wayne Grudem (Bible Doctrine, p. 337) questions this self-snatching: “But that seems to be quibbling over words—does not ‘no one’ also include the person who is in Christ’s hand? Moreover, we know that our own hearts are far from trustworthy. Therefore, if the possibility remained that we could remove ourselves from Christ’s hand, the passage would hardly give the assurance that Jesus intends by it.”

After all, the biggest threat to one’s perseverance is not what someone else, even the Devil, might try to do. The biggest threat comes from our own selves.

There is one other important truth in this shepherd/sheep motif:
v. 27 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
(Genuine sheep obey their shepherd—a key point in perseverance.)

What is the difference between “perseverance” and “eternal security”?

“Eternal security” is a popular way of saying we cannot forfeit our salvation. But I don’t like the phrase and I think it should be abandoned. Here’s the problem:

“Eternal security” is encompassed in the word “Perseverance.”
But “Perseverance” is NOT encompassed in the phrase “eternal security”.

Others characterize this teaching as “Once saved, always saved” or “Once in grace, always in grace” (a critic said: ”If you get out of grace, you’re a disgrace!”).

Eternal security can become a sort of spiritual fire insurance or a “get out of jail pass” doctrine, separating our responsibility from God’s promise. “Perseverance” in contrast stresses our responsibility and describes the faithfulness of a true believer.

Many Christians believe it is possible for someone who was once genuinely converted to Jesus to so fall from the faith as to forfeit salvation and be lost in unbelief once again. A popular term for this falling away is “backsliding”.
“What’s happened to Joe? I haven’t seen him at church for months!” “Joe? Oh, Joe backslid—he’s living in sin again.” (See “spiritual failures” below.)

How can Hebrews 6:4-9 be understood relative to “perseverance”?

4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.

Option #1 – It speaks of a false convert who renounces the faith. At best, he only had a “near conversion” experience and exposure to the work of the Holy Spirit. For this person to fall away from the four spiritual privileges mention in Hebrews 6:4-5 is to put oneself beyond the possibility of true repentance.

My problem with this option is this: if found in any other biblical context, the four spiritual privileges would certainly be seen, especially when all together, as indicators of a full and genuine conversion experience.

Option #2 – It describes a true believer who falls away. If this proves we can lose our salvation, it proves too much. Those who believe one can lose salvation certainly also believe that one who is saved and then lost can be saved again.

Some may argue that this person has committed “The Unpardonable Sin”, but I don’t think so. Jesus explained “The Unpardonable Sin” differently (Matthew 12:22-32).

Option #3 – This is a hypothetical case followed by a reassurance (my preferred option). What if a truly converted person did indeed fall away? Then repentance and return would never be a possibility. But “even though we speak like this, we are confident of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation” (6:9). Hence, the scenario is hypothetical. See 1 Corinthians 15:14-20 for a similar hypothetical scenario followed by a reassurance.

What about those sticky “conditional” scriptures?
Don’t they disprove “perseverance”?

“He who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)
“By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.” (I Corinthians 15:2)
“…if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.” (Colossians 1:23)

No, they don’t disprove “perseverance.” Actually, they reinforce it. But they do disprove “eternal security” as it’s often depicted. “Perseverance” means steadfastness—to the end. Conditional statements must be taken seriously. Compare the seed that falls on the pathway versus the seed that falls on good ground (next point).

The Parable of the Sower, the Seed, and the Soils (Matthew 13:1-23)

Three of the “soils” that represent those to whom the message of God’s kingdom has come are described in Matthew 13:20-23 –

20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Only the good soil that is fruitful describes Jesus’ true follower.

Genuine believers may have significant spiritual failures.

Any realistic Christian knows how quickly and easily (or over time) spiritual failure can come. What counts is how we respond to failure. Not by denying it or accepting it, but by confessing it and forsaking it (1 John 1:5-10).

Few have failed worse than the foremost apostle, Simon Peter (Luke 22:31-34):
(1) Jesus’ warning – “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.”
(2) Jesus’ assurance – “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.” (Does Jesus’ Father in heaven hear the prayers of his Son?)
(3) Promised recovery – “When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
(4) But Simon is self-confident still – “I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”
(5) Simon’s utter failure – he disowned Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-60).
(6) His deep remorse and true repentance – Simon Peter wept bitterly (Luke 22:61-62).

Rather than using proud, self-confident, self-righteous people to upbuild others, Jesus uses disciples who are flawed and have learned from their failures. After their spiritual recovery, they can strengthen others toward perseverance.

How can we be assured of our salvation?

Wayne Grudem gives three excellent points on what gives assurance (Bible Doctrine, pp. 343-46):
• Present trust in Christ for salvation (I’ll call this the Truth test)
• Evidence of regenerating work of the Holy Spirit in my heart (Godliness test)
• Long-term pattern of growth in my Christian life (Growth test)

I’ll add a fourth source of assurance from 1 John 3:16-20 – Love for my brothers and sisters in Christ, expressed in word and deed (Love test).

Our sense of security must not come primarily from our memory of some decision we may have made in the distant past, but our present patterns of spiritual growth.
Ultimately, our assurance of salvation rests on the accomplished work of Jesus for us. So in faith we sing the great hymn “Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness.”

Bold shall I stand in that great day,
cleansed and redeemed, no debt to pay;
For by thy cross absolved I am
from sin and guilt, from fear and shame.”

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Back
The Badge

“Blessed are those who
maintain justice.” – Psalm 106:3

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Why the Spike in Crime?

By Jerry Shultz

Jerry Schultz is active in the Neighborhood Watch protection program in neighborhoods of east Long Beach. He is Viet Nam vet (U.S. Army), a retired deputy of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, and a former member of the California State Guard. He also served on the Long Beach City Council.

I am frequently asked why we are seeing an increase in property crime…
Well, let’s take a look.

I will use the term “perfect storm” to describe what is happening in California as regards to crime trends. First of all, the state of California has changed the state’s criminal sentencing laws (Propositions 47 and 57), which redefined the legal threshold as pertains to misdemeanor and felony crimes. Many felonies are now misdemeanors and many misdemeanors are equivalent to an infraction. Consequently, there is little disincentive to steal and being jailed is a rarity.

Let me share an example. One of my sons is a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff (as I was for 31 years). He told me yesterday that he worked a PM (evening) patrol shift on Friday night and that during his shift he and his partners made four “rolling stolen” arrests. This is cop vernacular for running the license plate on a vehicle being driven on the road and it comes back as being stolen. He makes the traffic stop and arrests the perpetrator.

My son related that his arrestee was on parole for an assault with a deadly weapon during a drive by shooting and had previously been released on a carjacking charge. He had to book and release him at the station. No jail time. Another arrestee was wanted by the LAPD for a string of armed robberies. The two others had been previously arrested and cited in December for vehicle theft and were released on zero bail. So, they stole vehicles again, were caught and were also in possession of meth, narcotics paraphernalia and had other outstanding warrants. Because of the new L.A. County District Attorney’s directive, these criminals have no fear of being caught because they know they will see little, if any, jail time and they were in fact smiling as they were being booked.

The second part of the “perfect storm” is the push to defund or underfund the police. The LAPD budget was slashed by $150 million and their crime is up significantly. The L.A. County Sheriff’s budget was cut by $145 million, which translates to the loss of 1,281 deputy positions and the closure of the Sheriff academy. Deputies retire but are not being replaced. Special crime units are being disbanded. The LBPD lost 54 positions and we have already seen a marked increase in murders, shootings and property crimes. When a police department loses sworn positions, they have to readjust resources, i.e. officers will be moved from lower crime areas to higher crime areas in the city.

The third element of this trifecta is the release of prisoners to reduce the state’s prison population (Assembly Bill 109). California prisons already released 3,500 inmates and Los Angeles County has released more than 5,000 since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Critics argue that these changes have released inmates back into the streets before they should have been, leaving them free to commit crimes they should still be serving time for, and in some cases keeps them from serving any meaningful time at all.

As you can see, the ”perfect storm” of downgrading crimes, defunding the police and the release of thousands of offenders onto our streets can only have one outcome: higher crime. It has already begun.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Religious Liberty Vigilance –
“The Equality Act” (H.R.5) should be called
“The Religious Freedom Cancellation Act”

“I consider the government of the United States as interdicted by the Constitution from intermeddling with religious institutions, their doctrines, discipline, or exercises.”
– Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Miller, 1808

Whether or not you support the issues raised in the LGBTQ-friendly “H.R. 5” (now before the U.S Senate), anyone who cherishes religious liberty should be concerned and at least work for a compromise that protects all sides.

“The Equality Act” literally zoomed through the House of Representatives without any substantive debate. It was introduced on February 18 and passed on February 25, without committee hearings and with merely 90 minutes of perfunctory debate on the floor of the House. Hardly an honorable journey for a bill of such consequences and controversy.

Here are reasons for concern over H.R. 5:

(1) Most importantly, H.R. 5 would severely and arbitrarily limit the legal options of an organization or individual that has a religion-based objection to the new rights that H.R. 5 bestows.

Section 1107 of H.R. 5: “The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 shall not provide a claim concerning, or a defense to a claim under, a covered title, or provide a basis for challenging the application or enforcement of a covered title.” [Emphases mine]

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (signed into law by President Clinton in 1993 after passing Congress near-unanimously) protects the rights of religious organizations and individuals to practice their own beliefs and prevents them from being forced to violate those beliefs.

Only in a case of “compelling state interest” may government override the religious practices of the people, and then only by using the least restrictive means. (H.R. 5 asserts that it meets this two-fold criteria: “this Act furthers the government’s compelling interest in the least restrictive way because only by forbidding discrimination is it possible to avert or redress the harms described in this subsection” [Section 2a—Findings and Purpose]. That’s not true, of course, because providing exemptions that protect religious freedom would be a less “restrictive way” than what this bill does.)

The “Equality Act,” by cancelling religious exemptions, will force significant violations of religious conscience as people of faith strive to practice their faith through their vocations and community ministries.

(2) H.R. 5 appears to turn churches, as places of public gatherings, into “public accommodations”, thereby subjecting churches to numerous anti-discrimination rules (Section 3) and forcing them either to violate core religious convictions or violate new governmental requirements.

(3) Homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters will not be able to exclude those who identify themselves differently from their biological sex. For example, a shelter for abused or otherwise traumatized (by men) women would be forced to allow biological men into women’s sleeping areas (as has happened in Anchorage, Alaska). Locker rooms and dressing areas must be available to any whose gender identity fits “MEN’S” or “WOMEN’S” rooms.

(4) Religious institutions such as Christian schools (all the way from pre-school through graduate school) will not be able to practice their religious convictions or have hiring policies consistent with these convictions.

(5) Women’s sports and competitions could not exclude any biological male who identifies as female. For example, a biological male could compete with women in track competitions in spite of the physiological advantages that a biological male would bring to the competition.

(6) By broadening the meaning of “sex,” abortion and contraceptive services are incorporated into the bill’s “protections.” This, once again, inhibits the rights of religious institutions to uphold their moral convictions in their employment policies.

I plan to express my opinion on H.R. 5 to my two senators,
and I hope those who read my concerns will do the same.

Shameful Xenophobia Close to Home

This note was received by a resident of Seal Beach’s Leisure World who had recently lost her father. It was postmarked the day of his burial. Leisure World is a mile-square community for over 9000 seniors.

The community has come together in reaffirming this resident’s right to live in
peace and acceptance. More than expressing an opinion, the letter contains a threat—“Get out or else!” It definitely does not express the sentiments of the vast number of good people in Seal Beach, including those who live in the retirement community itself.

“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them.
The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born.
Love them as yourself.” – Leviticus 19:33-34 NIV

Some Final Words… “The Economic World of Faith & Promise”

“Faith” is often seen as some kind of “religious thing” divorced from science and reason. But stop and think how often we choose to exercise faith in everyday life. The important question is, how strong and secure is the object of our faith?

“When the Boom Turns to Bust” is a sobering op-ed by Andy Kessler in The Wall Street Journal (March 8) that looked at the times of stock market bust since 1987.

For those lulled by today’s bull market, remember that you own a piece of paper… Stocks are backed by expectations of future earnings, but if you overpay during periods of high expectations (like today), then your downside is huge. Crypto is backed simply by the faith of those who proclaim it is a store of value. Even art and exotic cars and silly NFT [non-fungible tokens] are backed only by faith the wealthy will overpay for uniqueness. Faith becomes scarce when the selling starts.

In the same spirit of prudence, Robert Hargraves looks at how companies buy renewable energy credits (he fittingly calls them “indulgences”) so they can boast of their “net zero emissions” while they continue to pollute (The Wall Street Journal, March 8).

“Net zero is a new word for indulgences to emit CO2. When will a modern Martin Luther nail truth to the door of the cathedral of green religion?”

Californians were promised that their futuristic “Bullet Train” would be built at a reasonable cost in a reasonable amount of time, operate without costing taxpayers anything, and whisk lots of people between LA and San Francisco in about two hours—thus competing with flying. It will be none of these. Doc Brown’s “Back to the Future” flying train will be here before this train full of faith promises arrives.

State money gained from “cap and trade” pollution fees put toward this visionary train now stands at $3 billion since 2015 and expects to be $500 million per year through 2030—money that could be used on more worthy and for-real projects. One congressman wants $32 billion from the feds to finish the job, saying the train is a “justice” thing. Oh please! As we seek justice and what’s best for people, how about some projects that practice justice by keeping faith with the public?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com
Contact me at: donaldshoemakerministries@verizon.net

Don has been a member of the clergy in the Long Beach CA area since 1970. He serves currently as Pastor Emeritus of Grace Community Church of Seal Beach (where he was senior pastor 1984-2012) and, since 2000, as Senior Chaplain of the Seal Beach Police Department. He previously was a professor of Biblical Studies at Biola University and chaired the Social Concerns Committee in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches from 1985 to 2019. His graduate work includes a master’s degree in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary with a concentration in Christian ethics. He and his wife Mary have been married for 55 years. They have two children and six grandchildren.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[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=”March 2021 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700″][/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

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“Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide,

In the strife of Truth with Falsehood, for the good or evil side.”

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Back The Badge

“Blessed are those who
maintain justice.” – Psalm 106:3

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Record-Breaking Line-of-Duty Deaths in 2020

“Under 100” is the on-going goal in law enforcement for annual deaths in the line of duty (LODD). The number of deaths in 2019 was 148. On “9/11” alone 72 law enforcement officers died in the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center (343 firefighters also died). In fact, some officers still die each year due to “9/11”—24 in 2019.

But the total LODD in 2020 rose to 328—more than double 2019. Why?

COVID-19

Captain Jonathan Parnell of the Detroit Police Department was the first to die of COVID on March 24. The last, on December 31, was Officer Troy Adkins, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Customs and Border Protection. In between, 208 LODD were from COVID-19. A distant second was gunfire (50), followed by automobile crashes (20) and vehicular assault (13). *

And the total will grow. “In addition, a further 200+ potential line of duty COVID deaths are still pending verification, which means that 2020 may end up being the deadliest year for law enforcement in all of U.S. history.” Officers doing border security and working in corrections account for a very high, disproportionate number of COVID deaths.

Our deepest gratitude and support must go to those in Law Enforcement who willingly expose themselves to danger, including this most unexpected cause of death, in order to protect and serve the people.

* All statistical information and names are from Officer Down Memorial Page.

George Shultz – Quiet Voice of Leadership & Reason

George Shultz, who died February 6 at the age of 100, was secretary of state to President Reagan, among other roles. He was most instrumental in ending the Cold War.

Henry Kissinger, national security advisor and secretary of state during the Nixon administration, spoke of him thus:

His calm demeanor made him influential in interagency discussions. Colleagues knew that when he raised issues, it was out of deep concern. Never seeking personal advancement, always expressing sincere convictions, George invariably became a driving force on every committee.

For all his proximity to presidents and important roles, George was never seduced by the trappings of power. “It’s a great mistake to want the job too much, because then you do things to keep the job that you probably wouldn’t do otherwise,” he once said.

Nothing captures the range of his reflections better than a prayer he delivered in July 2016 for an interfaith group concerned with nuclear weapons: “Dear God, please bring common sense and Divine guidance to our work on the problems that nuclear weapons pose to our world. Man has invented a means to destroy us all. We must eliminate these weapons in order to preserve a sane and peaceful world. We pray for your help as we work toward this goal.”

George’s outstanding attribute was his combination of wisdom and humility. Solomon’s prayer was for “a discerning heart,” and that blessing was extended to George. As a statesman, he would gain the whole world yet never forfeit his soul.

– Excerpts from “George Shultz Had a Wise and Discerning Heart,”
by Henry Kissinger, The Wall Street Journal, February 11, 2021

Picture: Secretary of State George Shultz in 1982 with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Senator Joe Biden is to the left.

Richard Nixon and the Election of 1960

I became interested in politics in 1960, once standing for hours to be right in front of the podium when John F. Kennedy came to my hometown during the campaign. As a college student in northern Indiana majoring in social studies (62-66), I studied government and learned about Chicago politics a hundred miles up the road.

Chicago was Mayor Richard J. Daley’s fiefdom and, as the story goes, he would withhold votes during elections until he knew how many votes were needed.

Richard Nixon lost the 1960 election by losing Illinois.

In his autobiography Nixon says (p. 224), “Washington journalist Ben Bradlee, a close friend of Kennedy, wrote in his book Conversations with Kennedy that Kennedy called Mayor Daley on election night to find out how things were shaping up in Chicago. ‘Mr. President,’ Daley reportedly said, ‘with a little bit of luck and the help of a few close friends, you’re going to carry Illinois.’”

Many, including President Eisenhower, urged Nixon to contest the election and not concede. Nixon decided not to contest:

A presidential recount would require up to half a year, during which time the legitimacy of Kennedy’s election would be a question. The effect could be devastating to America’s foreign relations. I could not subject the country to such a situation. And what if I demanded a recount and it turned out that despite the vote fraud Kennedy had still won? …I made my decision and sent Kennedy a telegram conceding the election.

Illinois again proved pivotal in 1968—it was well into the next morning when tired network newscasters reported Nixon slightly ahead of Hubert Humphrey in Illinois, but enough to win it and give Nixon the presidency.

Forward to the 1972 election. President Nixon determined that this time, in his final election, his side would give it their all and take no chance on a sliver-close election. One result was an overwhelming victory for Nixon over George McGovern. Another result was a break-in at the Watergate headquarters of the Democratic Party. And, as they say, “The rest is history.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Bible Insight –Servants of God Who Served the People

Three “servant-leaders” in the Old Testament are major role models for us.
First is Joseph. The story is in Genesis 37 and 39-50—the largest segment of the 50 chapters in Genesis. The story starts with Joseph sensing he is a man of destiny. His father dotes on him; his brothers tire of his boasting about his dreams of him ruling over them. Even his dad got irritated at one point: “Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” (Genesis 37:10)

Joseph reminds us of a quite obnoxious form of spirituality—pride over one’s perceived elevate role in the work of God. He will be taken down a few notches before he is matured, chastened, and ready to lead. As a king would later learn, “Those who walk in pride [God] is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37).

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in an Egyptian prison. Life can be very unfair. But he is eventually elevated to second in the kingdom just in time to lead the people through years of abundant harvests and horrible famine (41:33-40). We could use leaders like this today, through this time of national crisis.

Joseph eventually is reconciled with his brothers who had done him much evil. His father and family moved to Egypt and were cared for during the famine. When his father died, his brothers feared Joseph might now take revenge. Their words of sincere contrition instead brought him to tears and he responded with one of the best statement ever said on how God can fulfill his good purposes even through the evil intentions and deeds of man.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (50:20). Joseph speaks timeless words about God’s providence and care for humanity. Using one’s skills, position and resources to save lives and alleviate human suffering is a most worthy way to live—honorable both in the eyes of God and man.

Second is Daniel. His story unfolds in the book bearing his name. He is one of an elite group of Jewish captives who would attain leadership roles in the Neo-Babylonian Empire (626-539 BC).

Daniel and the young Jewish men with him were endowed by God with great wisdom (Daniel 1:17). In time they entered the king’s service (a bumpy, life-threatening experience, as seen by the story of the fiery furnace in Daniel 3). Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a great image and earned the king’s high respect (2:46-49).

Daniel also interpreted the king’s dream that foresaw his seven years of insanity, which Daniel interpreted as a judgment for the king’s pride (“You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals…seven [years] will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes” (4:25). The discipline came to pass and achieved its purpose (4:34).

Daniel would later interpret the famous “handwriting on the wall” – God’s message of doom for King Belshazzar (6:26-27). That very night the king was killed and his kingdom passed into the hands of the Medes and Persians.

Daniel continued his “public service” under the Persians. He served Darius the Mede loyally and without corruption or compromise.

In Daniel, I see the dignity of public service even though the government was not “Christian” as we’d put it today. The Bible is quite realistic about human government—it is God’s provision for human well-being and safety but also prone to corruption and great harm when it forsakes its mandate for enlightened rule. People of deep religious commitment, like Daniel, can serve the state honorably. Yes, there will be spiritual pitfalls and sometimes those serving on the team may even have to terminate their work (or be terminated!). But the effort is pleasing to God and beneficial to people.

I’m also impressed with how Daniel earned the right to be heard, even to be able to tell a proud and ruthless king what he didn’t want to hear. After Daniel told the king the dream’s warning of his impending insanity, Daniel held out a word of hope: “Therefore, O king, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue” (4:27).

Third, we learn about Nehemiah from the book that bears his name—a book worth reading. It describes the work of this outstanding leader, who served as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes and was part of the king’s inner circle.

Nehemiah was greatly distressed when he heard that the walls of far-away Jerusalem lay in ruins—the place that was once King David’s royal city. This was around 444 BC, a century after the end of the Babylonian Captivity. With permission and provisions from the king, Nehemiah travelled to Jerusalem, rebuilt the walls, restored a sense of community in the city, protected the people from surrounding enemies, and revitalized worship and obedience to God.

I’m impressed, as anyone would be who reads the short book, how much Governor Nehemiah was a man of prayer. He is a role model for all spiritual leaders, who stand convicted of shortcomings in our own prayer lives.

His economic reforms and personal sacrifices are apparent in the fifth chapter. Many of his Jewish countrymen had lost their properties (their source of income) and were in debt to those who were economically empowered. Nehemiah listened to their pleas, pondered his course of action, then confronted the creditors: “You are exacting usury from your own countrymen and selling your brothers! Give back their land and houses! Return the money you exorbitantly took from them!” See Nehemiah 5:3-13.

Moreover, Nehemiah did not eat the food allotted to him as governor, thus relieving the tax burden placed on the people by earlier governors. “Out of reverence for God I did not act like that” (5:15). What Nehemiah did do was to invite people to eat at his table—150 of them at a time! And eat well they did—oxen, sheep and poultry with an abundant supply of wine. But Nehemiah refused to tax the people for his culinary enjoyments.

I honor Nehemiah for his enlightened leadership, service to his people and his conservation of the people’s hard-earned tax money. Surely God will honor him too, in answer to his prayer, “Remember me with favor, O my God, for all I have done for these people” (5:19). A fine leader. Politicians should emulate him!

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Religious Liberty Vigilance –
Why I Oppose the “Equality Act” (H.R. 5)

“No provision in our constitution ought to be dearer to man, than that which protects the rights of conscience against the enterprizes of the civil authority.”
– Thomas Jefferson

I write this in haste, because the U.S. House of Representatives has just passed H.R. 5 – the so-called “Equality Act.” I plan to say more in my April Newsletter after I study details more thoroughly, but I am compelled to speak out now.

If I had read nothing else in this bill other than Section 1107, I would oppose it on this wording alone:

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 shall not provide a claim concerning, or a defense to a claim under, a covered title, or provide a basis for challenging the application or enforcement of a covered title.

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act protects the rights of religious organizations and individuals to practice their own beliefs and prevents them from being forced to violate those beliefs. Only in a case of “compelling state interest” may a government override the religious practices of the people, and then only by using the least intrusive means.

The “Equality Act” will force significant violations of religious conscience as people of faith strive to practice their faith through their vocations and community ministries. It should be opposed unless it has major revisions.

First Amendment Vigilance – Freedom of Speech

The freedoms of religion, speech, the press, peaceful assembly and petition of government are all guaranteed in the First Amendment. I see these freedoms standing or falling together.

When I taught theology to graduate and undergraduate students I used to hand out a sheet of paper weeks before the term papers were due titled, “How Not to Get a Good Grade on your Term Paper.”

One point: show your biases throughout your paper. I should be able to read an academic paper on theology and not know what the writer personally believes unless he or she says so upon reaching a conclusion. There shouldn’t be shades of bias (explicit or implicit) while the arguments are being built.

So what’s wrong with this paragraph in The Washington Post (February 12)?

Even before the Capitol riot, police officers in the District were exhausted after months of sustained demonstrations for racial, social and political justice, some of which turned violent. Later, there were more violent confrontations when right-wing extremists came to rally in support of President Donald Trump.

It tells us law enforcement in the District of Columbia faced two kinds of violent protests. One was some demonstrators “for racial, social and political justice.” The other was “right-wing extremists” supporting President Trump.

Now, this is explicit bias. “Some” justice people were violent (i.e., most were not); “right-wing extremists” were violent (no qualification as to “some” or “most” or “all”). And wouldn’t those protesters supporting the president think their cause was also one of social and political justice? What if the writer had used the word “extremists” to describe some of the other protesters? The writer is labeling one protest a “justice” cause and the other “extremism.”

Such judgments belong on the editorial page or in the op-ed section, not in the news section. However, the blurring between objectivity and bias has been growing worse for a long time in news media.

Is it good journalism for The Washington Post to report this way? Not at all! Is this paragraph protected by the First Amendment? Yes, in that the government (local, state, or federal) shouldn’t and can’t do anything to prevent it. Newspapers are not subject to government censors and have the right to police their own material, especially by journalistic standards. News media even have the right to mix reporting with judging, but they aren’t being true to good standards by doing so.

I say newspapers and other forms of journalism (especially TV news) need to build a wall between reporting and opining. But I also say they have the right to be biased if they so choose, or they may choose to strive for balanced commentary. Readers and listeners need to grow discernment antenna and wear “bias revealing” glasses to recognize bias for what it is.

But should the government help, either with the reporting or the opining? There are some in the news media and in government who are concerned about the “inaccuracies” of the press. There have been calls for some form of “truth commission”—what we might label “A Ministry of Truth”.

NY Times tech writer Kevin Roose said President Biden should appoint a “Reality Czar” to combat “disinformation and domestic extremism” (Feb. 2).

Horrors! We would have government approval and disapproval of the written and spoken word. We might soon be moving toward government control of published or spoken opinion such as is seen in Communist countries and such as has never been acceptable in this country. Instead, the answer to bad speech is not government judgment, bullying or attempts to control. The answer is free speech. Not less speech, but more.

Disclosures: The above is commentary except when it isn’t. It delivers facts when it says (1) I handed out a paper to students, (2) The Washington Post had a paragraph on protesters, (3) some want government to police the news media, (4) the First Amendment protects the media. Otherwise, it’s opinion![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

“A Soldier of God” –
My Personal Tribute

I lost a dear friend in February—one of the most significant persons I’ve known.

Col. John W. Schumacher was a career
(30-year) Army chaplain.

Col. Schumacher saw combat during two tours of duty in Viet Nam. He recalled praying “The Lord’s Prayer” on a field of combat with many an injured or dying soldier. His obituary reads: “He is a graduate of the U.S Army Command and General Staff College, and the United States Army War College where he later was assigned as faculty to teach Ethics. He served in several senior chaplain positions but never forgot serving the soldiers in their units. He is the author of A SOLDIER OF GOD REMEMBERS.”

John once served General Norman Schwarzkopf, who led the “Operation Desert Storm” action liberating Kuwait from Saddam Hussein’s invasion in 1990. The general put in a request for John to be his personal chaplain during that military action, but John’s commanding officer at the Army War College vetoed it because of his valuable role as a teacher of ethics.

After retiring from the military, John served for 22 years as Military Endorsing Agent for my denomination, the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (every chaplain must have an endorsement from an ecclesiastical body).
He also served as a chaplain for three law enforcement agencies.

John had great influence on me personally and on my work as a police chaplain. I was privileged to assist him in his endorsement responsibilities.

John served his country and his God faithfully, for which we all may give heartfelt thanks.

Some Final Words…

Cherokee Nation allows descendants of its Black slaves to attain full tribal membership

The Cherokee tribe’s constitution has contained a “blood clause” that only allowed “descendants by blood” to be tribal members.

“Descendants of black people once enslaved by the Cherokee Nation, known as Freedmen, have long been fighting to win equal status as members of the tribe. This would include the right to run for tribal office and receive full benefits, such as access to health care and housing.”

The “blood clause” was removed in light of a federal court ruling based on an 1866 treaty that laid out terms of emancipation for the tribe’s slaves. The ruling said that Cherokee Freedmen should have all the rights that tribal citizens have.

There are thousands of descendants of black people who were enslaved by the Cherokee Nation prior to the Civil War. The practice of slavery within many Indian tribes is an aspect of the history of slavery in America that is largely unknown or unmentioned. (Source: “Feedspot” for February 26, 2021)

The President is not “Our Commander-in-Chief”!

The President is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He’s not “our” Commander-in-Chief, as was often said one way or another during the impeachment process. He does not give orders on what to do or not to do.
At least not yet.

Members of Congress and others should refrain from this designation, even though it suits the purposes of those who use it.

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com
Contact: donaldshoemakerministries@verizon.net

Don has been a member of the clergy in the Long Beach CA area since 1970. He serves currently 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. He previously served as a professor of Biblical Studies at Biola University and chaired the Social Concerns Committee in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches from 1985 to 2019. His graduate work includes a master’s degree in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary with a concentration in Christian ethics.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[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=”February 2021 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700″][/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]

Former Vice President Mike Pence

A Man of Honor and Courage
who lives out
his Christian Faith & Values

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A Timely Prayer for our Country—
Then and Now

In 1791 Bishop John Carroll (first Catholic bishop in the United States) issued a prayer for the young country during President Washington’s first term. It is appropriate still today. Key excerpts:

We pray O God of might, wisdom and justice, through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with your Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude the president of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness and be eminently useful to your people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality.

Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.

We pray for . . . the governor of this state, for the members of the assembly, for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they may be enabled, by your powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-3

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Bible Insight – Does the Bible say anything about abortion? Is “when life begins” a religious issue?

“If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. – Exodus 21:22-24 (King James Version)

As abortion became increasingly legal in the 1960’s my initial concerns did not rise from any particular religious convictions but from what I learned in my non-religious secular science classes in public schools. There we learned that each human life begins at conception. I had no religious ax to grind.

Later, in my graduate studies as I prepared for Christian ministry I took a class on the Pentateuch (the five books of Moses). The two opening chapters of Genesis speak of the creation of human beings. God breathed the breath of life into man’s nostrils and he became a living being (Genesis 2:7). I asked the professor in class if this might have implications about abortion. He said,
“I don’t know.” (I wonder why some can be so dogmatic about creation but so agnostic about its ethical implications, but that’s a different topic.)

“I don’t know” well sums up Evangelical thinking about abortion in the 1960’s.

When we moved to California in 1970 and bought a home, we noticed the previous owner left behind an old copy of LIFE magazine—from 1965—titled “Drama of Life Before Birth.” For you younger ones, LIFE magazine was probably the premier periodical of that day. That issue of LIFE would change the focus of my ministry!

“Life Before Birth” said, “The birth of a human life really occurs at the moment the mother’s egg cell is fertilized by one of the father’s sperm cells” and “In the Western world a person’s life is reckoned from the day he comes out of the womb. But the Chinese, overestimating by three months, traditionally counted a child one year old at birth in recognition of the unceasingly active life that has already taken place.” Now, that’s science, not religion!!!

But did the Bible say anything? I could recall some rather obscure verses somewhere in Exodus. Turns out it was Exodus 21:22-24. The verses in the King James Version seemed to suggest that the loss of the unborn (“her fruit depart from her”) might be regrettable but certainly not a major moral issue. After all, the pregnant woman was struck while others were fighting. It didn’t appear to be an intentional thing. The man who struck her must pay an undefined amount. However, if more injury happens (perhaps serious injury or even death to the woman), the punishment would be greater. This seemed to imply that unborn life, while not without value, isn’t equal to life after birth.

The New American Standard Bible (1971 edition and before), used for years in many Bible classes, backed this idea up: “…so that she has a miscarriage…”

But let’s look at this scripture more thoroughly.

The Hebrew language of Exodus 21:22 translated “her fruit depart from her” (וְיָצְאוּ יְלָדֶיהָ – w’yasu y’ladeyha) literally means, “Her children come out.” The same verb as here (יָצָא – yasāh – “to come out”) is used twice in Genesis 25:25-26 for the births of Esau and Jacob. It is also used twice in Genesis 38:28-29 for the births of Perez and Zerah. Thus, the words “come out” likely refer to a premature birth in Exodus 21:22, not a miscarriage. The Hebrew Bible has a word for miscarriage (מְשַׁכֵּלָה – m’shakkelah), used in Exodus 23:26.

Conclusion: Exodus 21:22-24 is “case law” describing the wrong of striking a pregnant woman while two men are fighting. As a result, the woman goes into labor and delivers a live child. Whether she was struck intentional or not, she sustained an injury deserving compensation, and the man who struck her must pay a civil judgment (as the husband demands and as the judges decide). But if there is any further injury—to the child or to the mother—or even death, the penalty must fit the wrong (according to lex talionis, the law of equitable retribution, as expressed by “life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth…”).

This better understanding of Exodus 21:22-24 regards the unborn as having the right not to die or be injured. It does not fully address the current issue of abortion (such as: #1 – intentional abortion; #2 – the father and mother and medical personnel as moral agents; #3 – what laws should say). But it for sure doesn’t mean what I first thought it meant. It is a key “pro-life” text.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Good News from Grace

www.gracesealbeach.org

Generosity during the Pandemic Crisis

“In the midst of a very severe trial . . . they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” – 2 Corinthians 8:2-3

The past twelve months have been an incredible challenge to churches, church members and church leaders nationwide.

I’ve been retired for nine years from the senior pastorate I was privileged to hold for 28 years, and where our “church home” still is. Most of us have been cut off from worshipping with our physical presence. Worship inside the church facility has been almost completely cancelled; worship outside has been on-and-off. Most of our “scattered church” worships via the Internet, partaking of Communion weekly at home. As the Apostle Paul would say, not physically present but together in spirit (1 Corinthians 5:3).

I continue to marvel at the loyalty of these people as evidenced by their giving in the midst of this time of economic, social and medical difficulty:

• General Fund giving of almost $1.3 million exceeded operational expenses by $150,000.
• $32,000 was provided to other churches facing financial challenges.
• $50,000 was set aside to assist the start-up of another church.
• Over $7,000 was raised for “Compassion” ministries (above what was already provided in the General Fund).
• $27,000 was received into the “Caring Fund” to help those in need.
• $10,000 in extra donations was added to the General Fund’s Missions Budget of $97,000 to go to missionaries and various projects.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Losing “The Peoples’ Capitol”

Historic mural (1 of 8) in the U.S. Capitol by Allyn Cox (1974)

What happened in the U.S. Capitol on January 6 was the worst incursion since the British burned it (and the White House and several other government buildings) in August 1814 during the War of 1812. The federal government had mostly deserted Washington at the time. President Madison fled to Virginia.

My first trip to Washington, DC was in 1960, a 15-year-old with my father. At age 52 he climbed the 898 steps of the Washington Monument at my begging, and back down too. I now appreciate what he did a lot more!

From our hotel adjacent to the Capitol grounds we walked right inside it at the rotunda entrance. We had an excellent tour of the building and saw many of its features. Since no one else at our hotel showed up for the ride, I got a private half-day limousine tour of Washington for $7 (Dad didn’t want to go).

During a 1990 visit I spent hours freely roaming the vast building on my own. I sat for a long time in the Senate balcony, watching proceedings that included Ted Kennedy and other senators I recognized. I rode the rail shuttle to the Senate Office Building with Senator Helms sitting nearby. On a lower floor I encountered retired Chief Justice Warren Burger. Knowing how he hated photographers, I sheepishly asked if I could take his picture and he graciously posed for me, adding “You are very welcome” to my “Thank you, sir.”

In 1997 I did a speaking tour in the area and one day my congressman, Dana Rohrabacher, took me on an underground ride from his House Office Building to the Capitol and then walked me through many of its features, including the front of the House chambers where he cast a vote.

Things changed in 1998, after an armed man stormed through security and killed two police officers. Then enormous change came after “9/11” (the Capitol building was the likely target of the hijackers of UA Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania). You could only move about with touring groups or an approved escort. When my family visited in 2006 the tour was hurried, the features limited, and there was a heavy feel of security. It was not pleasant. That was our last visit.

I don’t question the need for heightened security. I sorrow over the loss of openness at the key building of our republic, “The People’s Capitol.”

Beware “The New McCarthyism”

Today we’d call Sen. Joseph McCarthy (R-WI) a right-wing extremist. During the early years of the Cold War when many Americans were concerned about Communist subversion, he’d sweep away the innocent and ruin their lives as he searched for Communists in high places. “Guilt by association” is a fallacy associated with McCarthyism. The senator (from 1947 to 1957) was finally censured by the Senate for his smear tactics.

Today a “New McCarthyism” is surging in left-wing circles. “Guilt by association” is commonplace. CNN’s Don Lemon said those who voted for Trump voted with the Nazis. By the same argument, all who voted for Biden voted with the Socialists. Did you attend the rally where the president spoke on January 6? If yes, you share guilt for what happened later at the Capitol.

People find their careers cancelled in the private sector if they attended. Some government workers, such as in law enforcement, have become suspect too. But they have First Amendment protection—the right to free speech and to peaceful assembly (at the rally and procession, but not as part of the riot). Criticizing the election process can make you persona non grata fast.

Condemn the rioters and insurrectionists. Condemn those who enabled and encouraged them. Disagree with those who question the election.

But don’t be a McCarthyite.

Don’t Compare the Attack on the Capitol to Kristallnacht

I won’t call such a comparison “anti-Semitic” but it comes close. It diminishes the horror of what happened to Jews in Germany in 1938 and after.

Kristallnacht, “The Night of Broken Glass,” happened throughout Germany on November 9-10, 1938. Reinhard Heydrich, second in command of the SS after Heinrich Himmler, reported 815 Jewish shops destroyed, 171 dwelling houses set on fire or destroyed, and 119 synagogues torched with 76 completely destroyed. 20,000 Jews arrested, 36 deaths reported (source: Michael Brown).

Kristallnacht was throughout the country, not just in one place. The Capitol insurrection is condemned by almost all Americans, but almost all Germans were silent about Kristallnacht or approved of it.

Did the DC Mayor want less or more police presence?

Well, Madam Mayor, which way do you want it?

On January 5, the day before the Capitol riot, D.C. Mayor Bowser posted a letter sent to the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Army:

To be clear, the District of Columbia is not requesting other federal law enforcement personnel and discourages any additional deployment without immediate notification to, and consultation with, MPD if such plans are underway. [BOLD mine]

The day after the riot, she criticized the federal Capitol Police for its weak response: “Obviously it was a failure or you would not have had police lines breached and people entering the building by breaking windows.” Then she complained that the federal response to the Black Lives Matter protests were stronger than the response to the Capitol riot.

Does she want Tuesday’s limitations or Thursday’s expansions? It would be hard to find a more self-serving political reversal than this one! Actually, responses to disruptions caused by either the right or the left should be evenhandedly strong.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Religious Liberty Vigilance –
Religious Freedom Day 2021

“I consider the government of the United States as interdicted by the Constitution from intermeddling with religious institutions, their doctrines, discipline, or exercises.” – Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Miller, 1808

My Words to Long Beach City Council (January 12, 2021) in support of Religious Freedom Day and its ideals:

Mr. Mayor and city council members, my name is Donald Shoemaker.
I am a resident of the 5th district and I have been a Christian minister in our community for over 50 years.

Each year on January 16 our country observes “Religious Freedom Day.”
On that day in 1786 the Virginia General Assembly adopted the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. That statute became the basis for the 1st Amendment of our U.S. Constitution and led to freedom of religion for all Americans.

Religious Freedom is the “1st Freedom” in the 1st Amendment. Government is prohibited from establishing an official religion and from interfering with the “free exercise” of religion.

The Coronavirus pandemic has created many challenges to our nation and to our elected officials. Mayor Garcia deserves our strong appreciation and support for his informed and devoted leadership to our city during this crisis.

I scarcely need to mention that government restrictions during the pandemic have fallen hard on religious communities. These restrictions have strained the constitutional guarantee of free exercise of religion and the right to assemble peacefully.

We have seen unfair situations such as in Nevada where gambling places could have 50% capacity but places of worship only 25% capacity capped at 50 persons. In California our churches are shuttered while businesses of questionable essentialness have remained open.

Recently the US Supreme Court has come down strongly for fair and evenhanded treatment of places of worship compared to other venues.

I pray this pandemic ends soon and our new vaccines are effective. Until that day, I call on city and state governments to recognize the essential role of religious communities to our social wellbeing, and to uphold fair and equal treatment of all houses of worship.

Thank you. And my thanks to Mayor Garcia for his leadership.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

“Mobocracy” is authoritarian, unchristian, and contrary to American ideals, whether it is by leftist extremists or right-wing extremists.

1. It often impedes the free movement of other citizens (in so doing, it can be a form of kidnapping).
2. It sometimes destroys the means of livelihood of the very people it claims to represent.
3. It assumes the right to speak for everyone, when in fact it doesn’t (at best, the will of the mob is anecdotal, not a provable manifestation of the will of the people).
4. It tries to force changes without regard to the will of the people.
5. It impedes and may even prohibit the movement of emergency services.
6. It silences, ostracizes, intimidates and even harms those who speak out with opposing views.
7. It is lawless and violates public order, creating danger to life, liberty and property.

Some Final Words…

Will We Heed a Warning from the Coronavirus Scare?

“The coronavirus will come and go as others will also, but those seeking power and control over innocent citizens will never forget how easy it was to take control of the lives of literally millions of people, by controlling every sporting event, classroom, restaurant table, church pew, and even if you would be allowed to leave your home.”
– Columnist Richard Boddie, Long Beach Press-Telegram (January 3, 2021)

AOC Calls for Controls on the Media

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) thinks the government needs to step up and set the media straight: “We’re going to have to figure out how we rein in our media environment so that you just can’t spiel out disinformation and misinformation.”

To save her some time and help her focus, I’ll mention how she would have to start:
Repeal the First Amendment!

Tossing in Bible Verses Doesn’t Make You “Biblical”!

Speaker Nancy Pelosi read a list of grievances supporting impeachment of President Trump and then added, “The Bible says, ‘Think on these things.’”

Yes, Nancy, the Bible does say that, but you are way out of context. Here is what we’re told to think about—in doing so we will find great peace:

“Whatsoever things are honest…just…pure…lovely…of good report… if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Commentator Leslie Marshall said on Fox News’ “Outnumbered” –
“The Bible says the tongue is mightier than the sword.”

No, Leslie, the Bible doesn’t say that. It does tell us how hard it is to control our tongues (James 3:1-12), which would be a great text to give to politicians. The actual quote is “The pen is mightier than the sword,” spoken by English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839. It is an appropriate reminder against Islamist terror like the killing of Charlie Hebdo writers in Paris in 2015.

It’s usually better for politicians and political commentators to avoid quoting scripture. But please, when you do, quote real scriptures and quote them in context.

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com
Contact me at: donaldshoemakerministries@verizon.net[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[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 2021 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700″][/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]

Peaceful Transition of Power for 224 Years

“The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January… and the terms of their successors shall then begin.”
– 20th Amendment to the US Constitution

President Reagan takes the Oath of Office as President Carter observes

Praise be to the name of God
forever and ever,
to whom belong wisdom and might.
You change the times and seasons;
you remove kings and set up kings;
You gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding. – Daniel 2:20-21

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The 1961 Inauguration—Images, Words, Thoughts

“Long, long ago, far, far away” – it seems like a world away, and in some ways it is. The nation was in a time of tranquility, though living with the fears and strains of the Cold War. Republicans and Democrats didn’t seem that far apart, often differing in means more than in ends. The transition between outgoing President Eisenhower and incoming President Kennedy was smooth.

Eisenhower and Kennedy were both World War II men, and understood the world in much the same way. The world’s issues were basically black and white. There was Communism and there was the Free World. Kennedy threw down the gauntlet against Communism.

While Cardinal Cushing was giving the invocation the podium began to smoke. My grandmother was living with us at the time, and her choice words were, “Holy smoke!” The good cardinal’s prayer was so long that California Gov. Pat Brown leaned over to another and said, “If he doesn’t quit now, I’m leaving the church!”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1542″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]The day featured 22-degree temperature, 8 inches of snow, and bright sunlight. Poet Robert Frost couldn’t read his poem in the bright sun, so his text was shaded by Lyndon Johnson’s hat. Speaking of hats, JFK and others wore high hats to the distinguished occasion.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1543″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1544″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Things seemed more amicable and civil than today. President Eisenhower is comfortable between the President-elect and his wife. Defeated presidential candidate and Vice President Richard Nixon observes at the far right.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1545″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]President Kennedy’s brief inaugural speech was a classic, to be long remembered. You may know “Ask not what your country can do for you…” and “We shall pay any price, bear any burden…” Also very important:

“The same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe—the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.”

But there is one line with little relevance for us today:

“The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans…”

Charles Lane wrote poignantly in The Washington Post (November 8 on-line):

President-elect Joe Biden would be the oldest American ever sworn in as president. At 78, he will be older than the previous oldest-ever president was when he left office: Ronald Reagan, at 77.

The probable Democratic House leadership team, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) and her lieutenants Steny H. Hoyer (Md.) and James E. Clyburn (S.C.), will be 80, 81 and 80, respectively. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will be 78, though if Democrats get lucky in two Georgia Senate runoffs, New York’s Charles E. Schumer (turning 70 on Nov. 23) may replace him.

Schumer will be one of 23 Senate septuagenarians — six Republicans and 17 Democrats. Republicans Richard C. Shelby (Ala.), James M. Inhofe (Okla.) and Charles E. Grassley (Iowa), along with Democrat Dianne Feinstein (Calif.) are over 85.

A pessimist could view this Washington gerontocracy as yet another symptom of national decline, uncomfortably reminiscent of the ailing Soviet general secretaries who died off seriatim [“one after the other”] in the Cold War’s final years. The contrast between the power of these veterans and the prominence of youthful firebrands on the left (Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York) and right (Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri) is stark.

But it is both more optimistic and — just possibly — more realistic to suppose a cohort of politicians born in the early 1940s is exactly what the United States needs at this perilous moment.

Bible Insight – Resolution: “Get Back to Church!”

These things I remember, as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng
and lead them in procession to the house of God
with glad shouts and songs of praise,
a multitude keeping festival. (Psalm 42:4)

The psalmist is lamenting a setback in life when he is cut off from many blessings previously enjoyed. Chief among them, clearly, is worship of God and fellowship with the people of God in the House of God.

2020 was a proper year to pray this lamentation. Attending church has been a key feature of my entire life. When I was three or four, I’d come home from the Lutheran church and repeat the service with its liturgy, leading it at a windowsill that served as my pulpit. I have to say, for several years up to almost my 16th birthday (when I made a distinct dedication of my life to Jesus) I rather hated going to church. After that dedication 60 years ago, church fellowship has been in my spiritual DNA.

But I’ve only been to church twice since March of 2020.
I can understand the psalmist’s lament.

Whether the limitations imposed by governors on church gatherings are necessary is an open and hot debate. They certainly haven’t been fair. I have trouble seeing how a room of gamblers up to 50% capacity is safe while a gathering for prayer and song and hearing the Bible taught is unsafe if over 25% (with a maximum of 50, and in some places a max as low as 10). If there’s any science behind this, I’ve not seen it and I can’t imagine it. And classifying religious ministries and gatherings as “non-essential” says more about politicians’ priorities and philosophy than anything scientific.

So what is this “thing” we call “Church”? It is where God’s Spirit is uniquely present, where people of all walks of life accept and minister to one another, where corporate prayer ascends to God, where hearts repent of sin, where songs of praise uplift discouraged souls, where God’s timeless Truth is taught so we can all understand it and live by it, where the sacrament of Communion nourishes us spiritually, where we are energized to go forth to serve our world and bear witness about Jesus.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Is “Being a Witness” the Church’s Only Task?
Or is it One Task among Many?

NOTE: “GraceConnect” is a publication of my denomination. The Fall, 2020 issue contained my article, “WWJD? Jesus and Today’s Political Climate.”
It also contained the article “Being a Witness”, which I respond to here.
My church in Long Beach, California began a pre-school ministry in 1972. Shortly thereafter, there was a traffic accident in front of the school. I wrote our city councilman (on church letterhead!) and observed that the yellow line separating east-bound and west-bound traffic was not in the middle of the road but instead was closer to our curb, making the traffic lane narrower and putting moving cars closer to our parked cars. Nothing was done.

Sometime later another accident occurred in the same spot. I wrote a second letter, more agitated than the first one and again on church letterhead. “Are we going to wait until a little child is hit?”

That brought action, and soon thereafter the yellow line was moved to the center of the street where it belonged. Our children were safer now.

That’s called “Christian Social Action” or “The Church involved in Society.” Call it whatever you want, it’s more than just “being a witness.”

I thought of that experience as I pondered my response to the article “Being a Witness.” It’s written by two ministerial colleagues of mine—fine students of the Bible who know their culture well. There is no need to give names. I’m glad they are thinkers on a topic that needs more light and less heat.

But I disagree with their basic arguments. If I followed them, I would have never gotten involved with changing the line on the road in front of church.

I will quote from the article (in green) and give my responses.

“The church is to be a witness of Jesus Christ, in word and in deed. It should testify to the transformation Jesus brings about in the life of those who believe in him, as well as in the local church. The church exists to be a witness and that is the essence of its influence. It does not exist to bring change to moral, cultural, or political structures here on earth.”

I agree completely with the first sentences. I take exception to ““[The church] does not exist to bring change to moral, cultural, or political structures here on earth.” It’s not either/or, but both/and. Read “The Song of Mary,” known as “The Magnificat” (Luke 1:51-53). Study the influence of the church and individual Christians that contributed to the abolition of slavery.

Being Jesus’ disciples means endorsing the Word of the Old Testament as he did (Matthew 5:17-19). The Old Testament says much about God’s will for cultures. God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because they were ”overfed and unconcerned” and “did not help the poor and needy” (Ezekiel 16:49). The Prophet Daniel counseled the Babylonian King to renounce his sins “by doing what is right” and “being kind to the oppressed” (Daniel 4:27). Before he denounced God’s covenant people (Judah and Israel) for breaking the revealed Law of God, the Prophet Amos denounced the surrounding non-covenant nations for brutal crimes against humanity (Amos 1-2).

The Voice of God called Israel to do what any civilized people should do: “Seek justice, encourage the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17).The Jewish captives were to strive for the wellbeing of Babylon while living there (Jeremiah 29:7). The Doctrine of Common Grace calls everyone to work for positive values, and Christians can cooperate with non-Christians to see a society become better when these values thrive.

“…the church should not be a direct supporter of any particular political party, ideology, or economical system. It cannot be limited to any earthly regime. Outside of the kingdom of God, there is no corresponding system which fulfills the requirements given by God. The church walks in obedience to a totally different value system, which it first imposes on itself. It must not, through its teaching or by the public opinions of its pastors, back a specific political candidate…”

As my own article conveyed, I strongly differentiate between any earthly regime and God’s ultimate rule. But a Christian has duties to both, and a church has a home in both. While a church should be “a-political” in that it never identifies a political movement with the Kingdom of God, it rightly and properly needs to commend social trends in accord with the rule of God and condemn social trends in opposition to the rule of God. Pastors have a right and often a duty to express public opinions on value-laden social issues and (off-pulpit) on candidates. Example: if legalizing euthanasia is on the ballot.

California has prominent politicians who openly oppose religious liberty on some key issues. Our Attorney General supported requiring pro-life counseling ministries to provide information on abortion services—that is until the U.S. Supreme Court said this violated freedom of speech. Covid-19 restrictions have hammered religious gatherings very unfairly, but now the Supreme Court is pushing back. Legal scholar Ilya Somin recently said, “The courts are actually doing a good job of protecting religious liberty, which today enjoys stronger judicial protection than at virtually any other time in US history.” I’m convinced this would not be true if Christians and their churches had banned themselves from social action.

Speaking of the writings of Jesus’ apostles,“We don’t find any exhortation to believers in these letters telling them to take action to change society.”

Mostly true*, but (as the article notes) the Book of Acts covers only the first 30 years of Christian history. The apostolic writings fall within or shortly after these years. The church’s world was governed at that time by a flawed Roman system that nonetheless did what governments should do—encourage what’s right and oppose what’s wrong, by force if necessary. Jesus’ word “Render to Caesar” in New Testament times (under authoritarian government, when voting was unheard of) would be viewed differently than “Render to Caesar” within a participatory democracy where citizens and organizations can really make a difference and support rights important to the church. My point is, the church needs to be all it can be in its own contemporary circumstances. (*But read Titus 3:1 – “Be subject to rulers…be ready to do whatever is good.”)

“We distinguish the role of the church as a body (a legal entity represented by its leaders) from that of Christians who take public social responsibility through their professional, artistic, or familial involvement. This distinction between the disciple of Christ and the church is not always easy to identify in the New Testament, but it exists.” [BOLD mine]

Agreed, the distinction between the individual disciple of Christ and the church“is not always easy to identify.” When I wrote the City of Long Beach about street safety, was I writing as an individual Christian or as a representative of the church? BOTH, I’m sure. When the Apostle Paul asserted his Roman citizenship so he would be treated justly, was he protecting himself as an individual or claiming a right that would benefit the mission of the church? Again, BOTH.

In the above quote, the church as“a legal entity” is a KEY CONCEPT. This would not have been a reality in the New Testament (early) church. But virtually all churches and Christian ministries today ARE legal entities, incorporated in their states with all the rights and duties that come therewith.

Churches and all Christian ministries must actively exercise their rights under their legal charters. That’s part of “doing ministry.”If they do not, these rights may vanish.Operating a school—anything from a preschool through a graduate seminary—requires keeping a watchful eye on city, state, and federal governments in order to support what enables these programs and vigorously fight all that opposes them. If this means fighting an abortion insurance mandate or church members filling up city council chambers on the night a bad ordinance is under consideration, so be it!

Churches must vigorously oppose (through social action and legal recourse) attempts to limit the free exercise of religion, and free speech and assembly. They must keep a watchful eye on challenges to tax exemptions and the fair use of property. We can’t just say, “Let’s pray and witness!” We need to revive the ministry of Nehemiah who, when faced with opposition to his building program, both prayed to the Lord AND posted a guard (Neh. 4:9).

In 2019, presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke was asked by CNN if he thought “religious institutions like colleges, churches, charities, should…lose their tax-exempt status if they oppose same-sex marriage.” “Yes,” he said to great applause. Do we want secular governments to set the rules on church policies and punish us when we don’t uphold their rules? If not, churches must “pray to the Lord and post a guard” by defending their freedoms to the fullest.

Finally, “Being a Witness” says “the church has its claims [behavioral standards] upon its members, not upon society.” Totally agree. But what if the state makes a church liable for civil damages if it disciplines a member? What if the state forbids a church from dismissing a teacher in its Christian school for violating its moral teachings?These are not hypotheticals!

Bottom line, the church must live out its witness and make the Gospel its only message. But the Gospel is not just about personal conversions. It is a comprehensive moral vision. And to proclaim it in word and deed requires social action in many forms—defending The Faith against foes, displaying The Faith in action, expanding The Faith’s moral vision.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Another Voice…

I Was Wrong: The False Dawning of a New Age
By John Addison Teevan

John is a colleague of mine in Christian Ministry. He is a careful thinker whose mind often “colors outside the lines.” Here are excellent thoughts from one who (like me) lived in the 1950’s and 60’s and often viewed the world through that lens.

When I was in college, I had lived just long enough to recognize that we lived in a new post-war and post-depression world. This new world was full of prosperity, life changing tech and health advances, and in general we had new levels of human decency and fairness including Civil Rights. We even reached the moon.

At last we would have a nation that was substantially educated and typically reasonable. Civilization had become the pervasive norm, or so I thought.

I was wrong. I thought I saw new world-changing realities dawning. Imagine me growing up in the 1950-60s knowing that the Japanese and the German enemies of WWII were defeated by men like my dad, who served in the Pacific. The evil desire for domination through war and the collateral damage of hatred and torture were not only gone, but, I figured, gone forever.

Imagine me asking my dad what all those rural grain bins were for and him telling me that we grew so much grain that even after selling it abroad we had to store the surplus on every farm. Starvation was not gone, but it would be almost gone soon. And it is.

Imagine me growing up hanging around complex rail sidetracks near my suburban Chicago home to watch the trains shuffle the cement cars and meeting, just once, a hobo. I knew that the Depression was tough, but that kind of depression was gone forever. He was a relic.

Imagine me in the back seat of our ’57 Ford Fairlane going through Birmingham on the way to our Florida vacation just before the interstate was built. As we crossed a rail yard there were endless shanties. I was shocked by the poverty of the African Americans. So, when I watched Little Rock and Selma and saw the victories of President Eisenhower and the Warren Court and ML King and the Voting Rights Act, I knew that the racism and bigotry were finally demolished.

Want more? I watched the African colonies become independent nations knowing that the colonial economic oppression of people was over, and that Africa would soon be prosperous former colonies.

My sister had a life-threatening infection, but excellent new medical care delivered her. Medical advances were here to stay. Polio took my classmate, Jimmy; I saw him at home on Vine St. in his iron lung.

I carried a rabbit’s foot in fifth grade and was careful of ladders and the 13th, but soon realized that superstitions were ignorant and irrational and would soon be gone too.

All my friends attended Mary Seat of Wisdom School in our suburb. In the 1960s the Latin mass was changed dramatically, and the mysterious authority of the church seemed to be democratized. Gone was dogma (and fish on Friday) seemingly forever.

I met Bobby Kennedy with my dad and then watched the Kennedy tax cut fine tune our economy into a full-employment prosperity machine. We licked the economy! What could be bigger but maybe licking the weather? I saw the UN headquarters built in New York City for world peace with Miss America pleading for world peace.

I watched Elvis and the Beach Boys and knew that fun was here and would stay forever.

In short, I believed not only in the goodness of man, but in the fact that we had arrived. No wonder Boomers regard all that happened before our arrival on earth as trivial. Not because it isn’t interesting, but because that old world, that bumped along for millennia, was gone. Gone!

We even had fast cars, TV, and transistor radios. I grew up near O’Hare Airport and saw the dawning of commercial jet air travel. Even distance had been conquered.

Imagine me in my 1967 Mustang. I couldn’t wait to become an adult and live in this wonderland. The old boring days of squeaking by were over. The maniacs and the bad times were gone. Violence and abuse and meanness would soon follow into extinction.

But I was wrong. Superstition, incompetence, arrogance, dogma, hatred, and corruption are all part of human nature, and they are here to stay.

God help us![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Religious Liberty Vigilance –

“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must…undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” – Thomas Paine

Have You Seen
“The New First Amendment”?

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1549″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or the right of the people to PROTEST…” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1550″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Of course, it doesn’t really say that. But I’ve seen many, many times when current Covid-19 restrictions have been put forth exactly this way:

All public and private gatherings with individuals not in your household are prohibited, except for religious services and protests, which are constitutionally protected rights.[italics mine]

Get that? Both religious services and protests are constitutionally protected rights. As if co-equal. As if parallel freedoms.

It wasn’t looked on this way very long ago. In April 2020 Mayor de Blasio (New York City) personally intervened to stop a Jewish (religious) funeral procession. But soon he was openly supporting protesters. Religious gatherings were limited to 10 or 25 people; protests were unlimited. Religious services, thus, were inferior to protests.

But then, a day before Thanksgiving, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cuomo that religious gatherings couldn’t be put at a comparative disadvantage with other gatherings.

The Supreme Court provided “injunctive relief”. Here are excerpts:

The applicants have made a strong showing that the challenged restrictions violate “the minimum requirement of neutrality” to religion. …the regulations cannot be viewed as neutral because they single out houses of worship for especially harsh treatment.

In a red zone, while a synagogue or church may not admit more than 10 persons, businesses categorized as “essential” may admit as many people as they wish. And the list of “essential” businesses includes things such as acupuncture facilities, camp grounds, garages, as well as many whose services are not limited to those that can be regarded as essential…

The disparate treatment is even more striking in an orange zone. While attendance at houses of worship is limited to 25 persons, even non-essential businesses may decide for themselves how many persons to admit.

It is hard to believe that admitting more than 10 people to a 1,000–seat church or 400–seat synagogue would create a more serious health risk than the many other activities that the State allows.

Does the Constitution protect protests? Yes. “Freedom of speech” and “the right of the people peacefully—that’s peacefully—to assemble” are protected.

But no, protests are not protected parallel to the way religious expression is protected. Protests are simply one example of a host of protected free-speech/freedom-of-assembly events. You have the right to gather to support things as well as protest them. You can gather for remembrances or to celebrate things, like national bug week or whatever is important to you.

I’ll put it this way: Freedom to exercise your religion is a direct guarantee of the First Amendment. Freedom to protest is a deduced guarantee.

Don’t let these two expressions of freedom be treated as co-equals.
They are not.

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com
Contact me at: donaldshoemakerministries@verizon.net[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Representative Desecrates Prayer in Congress

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) desecrated prayer in his January 4 invocation opening the new session of the House of Representatives. Is this an omen of a worsening attitude toward religion in Congress?

Mr. Cleaver ended his prayer “A-men and A-woman.” Now, “Amen” is a simple affirmation—“So be it.” Very common in prayer and with no gender connotation. Was he being cute? Or is he expressing his conviction?

One misspoken word can end a career if it offends gender, race, or sexuality. What will happen here? Nothing. As a minister, he should know better.

Finally, at the end of 2020 –

A Scary Picture for the End of a Difficult Year. What is it?

–Picture from The Wall Street Journal, December 18, 2020

1) It’s the Emperor from Star Wars appearing before his loyal followers.
2) Or, it’s from the 1984 Superbowl XVIII commercial by Apple that introduced Macintosh, the break-through competition to IBM.
3) Or, it’s Russia’s Vladimir Putin holding an end-of-the-year press conference remotely.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]