So hope blog

Archive for May, 2010

Well, I didn’t finish it before having it return it to the library. This is at times a sharp, insightful and somewhat contentious ride through American history from 1829 to 1877. An example of a contentious and interesting part is where he skewers Alexis de Toqueville, who admittedly is a sacred cow in most history circles; I personally loved reading de Toqueville but I get this author’s critique. He skewers Emerson and Thoreau, too, and is certainly not worshipful of the abolitionists. McDougall is very original in is his discussion of the influences that finally broke the “compromise” that had forestalled the Civil War. However, at other times, particularly where he summarizes the founding of various states such as Iowa and Wisconsin, you feel like he must’ve just lifted the content from the respective states’ visitor’s bureau literature. The writing is alternates between inspired and devoid of any interest. He is at his best when he threads together the politics of the time with changes occurring in technology (including the railroads), economics and America’s “civic religion,” or view of itself and its purposes. His thorough discussion of romanticism is a takeaway. The discussion of how Texas came to be, and to become part of the USA is very good. But then the California discussion is weak, as are narration of other key events. Anyway, it is an uneven book that could’ve used an good editor, but it is still worth the ride. I hope to finish it someday.

Throes of Democracy The

Jeremiah 14:14
Then the LORD said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries [a] and the delusions of their own minds.”

Jeremiah 23:16-17
16 This is what the LORD Almighty says:
“Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you;
they fill you with false hopes.
They speak visions from their own minds,
not from the mouth of the LORD.
17 They keep saying to those who despise me,
‘The LORD says: You will have peace.’
And to all who follow the stubbornness of their hearts
they say, ‘No harm will come to you.’

Lamentations 2:14

14 The visions of your prophets
were false and worthless;
they did not expose your sin
to ward off your captivity.
The oracles they gave you
were false and misleading.

In God’s pure goodness and love he does not want anyone to be left bound to their sin. This is why He paid the ultimate price to free us from sin. All we have to do is accept Christ, not just ignore our sin and pretend it doesn’t exisit. To say there is no sin and therefor no consequences is like saying “There is no such thing as fat in food, so eat up my friends! Enjoy! Rejoice!” Sure it sounds nice and is what we all want to hear, but is void of truth and will lead to complications and an early death. What we need is for our minds and bodies to no longer crave the all the fat, this takes an intrinsic change and a willingness to do so. What is traditionally know as sin is not really the problem, that is all forgiven. What is keeping people separted from God is the pride to not be willing to admit we NEED that forgiveness – that we can’t just have it any way we want, or wish our way out of turmoil and into peace – that we are NOT God, or even gods. We are not, and we cannot.

God is patient, he is waiting, calling, desiring your heart. I
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