About Me
- Name: Gary Sims
- Location: Albuquerque, NM
This Blog has moved to a new location. Please follow the following link to see my current bloggin activities: Thank you http://www.ezraweb.com/community/blogs/blogview.php?member=GarySims
Links
- Reflections of the Spirit
- beth1quick.com
- A Progressive Christian
- JockeyStreet
Important Web Pages
Important Blogs
Archives
Progressive Christian Blogger Network
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Peacemakers - An Exchange of Beliefs
(Dear Friends in Christ, I am posting the following email exchange that I had earlier this week regarding Peacemaking as a basic tenet to the teachings of Christ and how it applies to the War on Iraq. The other participant in the discussion did not respond to my request for permission to post this so I have deleted any personal references they may have made. I have decided to post the discussion inspite of the lack of permission as I think it clearly represents the two sides on the Peacemaking issue. Basically, it appears that supporters of just wars feel that the Peacemaking that Christ referred to is on a personal level only and that the battle against evil in the world at large requires greater sacrifices. I will let the rest of the discussion speak for itself. May the Peace of Christ be with you - gs)
Included within a devotional based on Acts 10: 34-43 that I posted on Reflections of the Spirit this week, I wrote the following reflection regarding the topic of Peacemakers:
"Are you a peacemaker? If the gospel is available to those of every nation who fear God and do what is right, why do we continue to experience wars and strife between countries? Shouldn't the good news of Christ breakdown these barriers? Shouldn't His model of "doing good" and preaching peace have a greater impact? Are we truly following His example, doing what He would do, when we involve ourselves in war and conflict? Are there conflicts in your life that need the peace of Christ?"
In response to this I received the following message:
"Serving in a military community, even though my background is in more of a "peace witness" mode, has given me cause to rethink the concept of war and peace. There are many active duty military who consider themselves followers of Christ yet the engage terrorists and oppressors who do not have any sympathy with the way of Christ or the path of peace. In a fallen world, sometimes a radical response must be chosen to address the evil that so easily destroys life, even innocent life. As I see it, the members of the US Army and the coalition forces who are in Iraq are doing the work of God by defending the cause of freedom and justice in that land. As I read your comment, "If the gospel is available to those of every nation who fear God and do what is right, why do we continue to experience wars and strife between countries? Shouldn't the good news of Christ breakdown these barriers?," I agreed with it but at the same time recognized that the issues among nations are much more complex than merely the availability of the Gospel to all people. The former regime in Iraq, as well as the terrorists who still attack the innocent in that land, seem to neither fear God or have commitment to what is right. If their fear of God is prompting car bombs, beheadings, and the assassination of innocent civilians and elected leaders, then I would suggest that it is a twisted interpretation of what God desires of people. It most certainly has not incorporated the teaching and example of Jesus. Anyway, I am not trying to challenge you on this matter, just to share that I have a very different expectation and understanding of how peace is achieved in this world."
My response:
I apologize if the devotional for Acts 10 that I wrote for today on the topic of Peacemaking seems to infer that I do not support our troops. I certainly didn't mean to indicate or infer that they were somehow not Christians because of their choice to fight in a war.
I do think however that Jesus was very clear in His teachings regarding peacemakers, loving your neighbor, and turning the other cheek. With His focus on peace, I think we have to look at every conflict in our lives, both personal and global, to see if we are making every step possible towards peace. Yes, there is true evil in the world and some times it may only be possible to insure peace through force. However, when we choose to take that step I think we should do so very reluctantly and not without prayerful consideration of the other choices we have before us. Some of the questions that I feel need to be asked in any conflict are these:
1) Is my response just? Or am I allowing my hurt feelings, anger, resentment, and self-righteousness to inflate the issue beyond its current scope?
2) Am I responding with force because I have to or because I can?
3) What other problems am I creating by my response? Will I be hurting innocent by-standers who are not involved in the conflict in the first place? Am I escalating the cycle of violence in a way that further conflict will result?
4) Is my response solving the problem and leading everyone involved towards an eventual peaceful solution?
Yes, I have been an anti-war activist since the 1960's and I admit that my opinions of this issue are colored from that perspective. At the same time, I realize that real evil exists in the world and sometimes we are faced with difficult decisions that require force. Unfortunately we live in a world where it is necessary to have police officers and military personnel in order to maintain and establish peace in our neighborhoods, cities, countries. I realize that much of the peace we do enjoy comes from these military options.
But, again, if scripture is to be our guide and if Christ is who we are to be like, then I wonder if we don't choose the violent option all too readily. If we continue to ask our selves 'What Would Jesus Do?' in this situation, I think we will find him on the side of Peace, Peace, and more Peace.
Response to the Response:
Let me respond with complete agreement to your statement, "if scripture is to be our guide and if Christ is who we are to be like, then I wonder if we don't choose the violent option all too readily."
Thank you for lifting up the questions in the Just War Theory. Probably many of us can look at the current circumstances in the world, incorporate some thinking about our faith, but yet come up with different answers to those important questions. From my perspective, the current situation in Iraq meets the requirements of being a Just War. I respect that others have come to a different conclusion in that matter…
One thing that is still important to me is that peace witness, in its most essential expression, is a matter between two persons.
Wrap up:
I think if I could hope for one thing from our exchange is an understanding that Christians who are calling for peace and for bringing the troops home are not against the troops. I think they generally feel that they are supporting the troops by working to bring them home to safety. Any death, military or civilian, breaks our hearts.
Included within a devotional based on Acts 10: 34-43 that I posted on Reflections of the Spirit this week, I wrote the following reflection regarding the topic of Peacemakers:
"Are you a peacemaker? If the gospel is available to those of every nation who fear God and do what is right, why do we continue to experience wars and strife between countries? Shouldn't the good news of Christ breakdown these barriers? Shouldn't His model of "doing good" and preaching peace have a greater impact? Are we truly following His example, doing what He would do, when we involve ourselves in war and conflict? Are there conflicts in your life that need the peace of Christ?"
In response to this I received the following message:
"Serving in a military community, even though my background is in more of a "peace witness" mode, has given me cause to rethink the concept of war and peace. There are many active duty military who consider themselves followers of Christ yet the engage terrorists and oppressors who do not have any sympathy with the way of Christ or the path of peace. In a fallen world, sometimes a radical response must be chosen to address the evil that so easily destroys life, even innocent life. As I see it, the members of the US Army and the coalition forces who are in Iraq are doing the work of God by defending the cause of freedom and justice in that land. As I read your comment, "If the gospel is available to those of every nation who fear God and do what is right, why do we continue to experience wars and strife between countries? Shouldn't the good news of Christ breakdown these barriers?," I agreed with it but at the same time recognized that the issues among nations are much more complex than merely the availability of the Gospel to all people. The former regime in Iraq, as well as the terrorists who still attack the innocent in that land, seem to neither fear God or have commitment to what is right. If their fear of God is prompting car bombs, beheadings, and the assassination of innocent civilians and elected leaders, then I would suggest that it is a twisted interpretation of what God desires of people. It most certainly has not incorporated the teaching and example of Jesus. Anyway, I am not trying to challenge you on this matter, just to share that I have a very different expectation and understanding of how peace is achieved in this world."
My response:
I apologize if the devotional for Acts 10 that I wrote for today on the topic of Peacemaking seems to infer that I do not support our troops. I certainly didn't mean to indicate or infer that they were somehow not Christians because of their choice to fight in a war.
I do think however that Jesus was very clear in His teachings regarding peacemakers, loving your neighbor, and turning the other cheek. With His focus on peace, I think we have to look at every conflict in our lives, both personal and global, to see if we are making every step possible towards peace. Yes, there is true evil in the world and some times it may only be possible to insure peace through force. However, when we choose to take that step I think we should do so very reluctantly and not without prayerful consideration of the other choices we have before us. Some of the questions that I feel need to be asked in any conflict are these:
1) Is my response just? Or am I allowing my hurt feelings, anger, resentment, and self-righteousness to inflate the issue beyond its current scope?
2) Am I responding with force because I have to or because I can?
3) What other problems am I creating by my response? Will I be hurting innocent by-standers who are not involved in the conflict in the first place? Am I escalating the cycle of violence in a way that further conflict will result?
4) Is my response solving the problem and leading everyone involved towards an eventual peaceful solution?
Yes, I have been an anti-war activist since the 1960's and I admit that my opinions of this issue are colored from that perspective. At the same time, I realize that real evil exists in the world and sometimes we are faced with difficult decisions that require force. Unfortunately we live in a world where it is necessary to have police officers and military personnel in order to maintain and establish peace in our neighborhoods, cities, countries. I realize that much of the peace we do enjoy comes from these military options.
But, again, if scripture is to be our guide and if Christ is who we are to be like, then I wonder if we don't choose the violent option all too readily. If we continue to ask our selves 'What Would Jesus Do?' in this situation, I think we will find him on the side of Peace, Peace, and more Peace.
Response to the Response:
Let me respond with complete agreement to your statement, "if scripture is to be our guide and if Christ is who we are to be like, then I wonder if we don't choose the violent option all too readily."
Thank you for lifting up the questions in the Just War Theory. Probably many of us can look at the current circumstances in the world, incorporate some thinking about our faith, but yet come up with different answers to those important questions. From my perspective, the current situation in Iraq meets the requirements of being a Just War. I respect that others have come to a different conclusion in that matter…
One thing that is still important to me is that peace witness, in its most essential expression, is a matter between two persons.
Wrap up:
I think if I could hope for one thing from our exchange is an understanding that Christians who are calling for peace and for bringing the troops home are not against the troops. I think they generally feel that they are supporting the troops by working to bring them home to safety. Any death, military or civilian, breaks our hearts.
Comments:
<< Home
My brother-in-law is a Minnonite, very close to both Baptists and Methodists, just that they came over from Germany's branch of Anabaptists. The Amish are a branch of their teachings. Along with Quakers they are pacifists. They follow the teaching of Minno Simmons, a contemporary of Calvin and Luther. Reading some of his works might help you with your thoughts on the matter of Jesus being the Prince of Peace. I feel that the war in Iraq is not about being a JUST WAR. America has always pulled together and fought wars where we were under attack. WWI and WWII prime examples. Slow to get involved, but once we did as John Keegan says in his book Field of Battle,"American's treat war like a business, when aroused they resolve to get the job done." Other countries have fought wars for additional land, wealth, glory. With a few exceptions like the Mexican American War and Spanish American War we have always bought the land we wanted from other countries. Korea, Vietnam and now Iraq tend to go against the grain of American willingness to become cannon fodder. For the most part our involvemnet in Afghanistan had strong support, and still does in our quest to capture Osama Bin Laden. Iraq is another story. We were never threatened or attacked by Iraq, now they are calling it a just war to get rid of an evil dictator, but that is just Sophistry, end justifying the means gibberish. We never liberated Spain from Franco, Cuba from Castro, Ugands from Idi Amin, Cambodia from Pol Pot, etc. etc. etc. With my son in the Air Force stationed at Diego Garcia when this started up I was very alarmed. To have your child die in the defense of your country has meaning and purpose most Americans can support. To have them die for the to make more money for our industrial CEO's who are now capable of buying the Presidency in unAmerican, and sooner or later the people realize it and say we have had enough. Korea, Vietnam, and if Bush tries to reinstate the Draft, Iraq will join the list.
As a History teacher, never follow a Military leader or Politician who is doing God's work. They make lousy commanders and Kings. Luis the Pius who followed Charlemaign, complete disaster, Saint Luis (Luis IX) of France and his useless campaings during the Crusades, Luis XIV (The Sun King) economically ruined France by revoking the Edict of Nantes, and fighting four futile and costly wars that gained nothing. Richard The Lion Heart, the list could go on and on.
As a History teacher, never follow a Military leader or Politician who is doing God's work. They make lousy commanders and Kings. Luis the Pius who followed Charlemaign, complete disaster, Saint Luis (Luis IX) of France and his useless campaings during the Crusades, Luis XIV (The Sun King) economically ruined France by revoking the Edict of Nantes, and fighting four futile and costly wars that gained nothing. Richard The Lion Heart, the list could go on and on.
Thought your blog was great. Would love your opinion on my site erotic hypnosis.
# posted by 
: 3:59 PM
: 3:59 PM
lolita chin
lolitas 13
lolitas kid
free anal sex
lolita picture
lolita suck
lolita cp terra loltobbs ftp lol
lolita vip lolitas virgins bbs
lolita lolly fuck movie children
lolita chin
lolitas 13
lolitas kid
free anal sex
lolita picture
lolita suck
lolita cp terra loltobbs ftp lol
lolita vip lolitas virgins bbs
lolita lolly fuck movie children
lolitas 13
lolitas kid
free anal sex
lolita picture
lolita suck
lolita cp terra loltobbs ftp lol
lolita vip lolitas virgins bbs
lolita lolly fuck movie children
lolita chin
lolitas 13
lolitas kid
free anal sex
lolita picture
lolita suck
lolita cp terra loltobbs ftp lol
lolita vip lolitas virgins bbs
lolita lolly fuck movie children
# posted by : 9:08 PM
: 9:08 PM
My sister and I love each other, but we fight constantly. We're always saying something rude about one other's hair, clothes, whatever, it doesn't matter, we quarrel. It's getting to the point were free celebrity sex clip will put in ear plugs if he's home with us for too long.
The other night, we thought Daddy might turn us over on his knee like he did when we were younger. We were in the bathroom, standing side by side. I looked over and up at my sister; I hated the fact that she was taller than me. She stands five foot seven inches tall, and I a mere five foot even. I think I also resented the fact that she was older than me. We're two years apart, she's 21 and I'm 19. We both have red hair, blue eyes, and freckles, some people have mistaken us for twins, but we're a year apart. Our bodies are different, she doesn't have much in the way of boobs, 36A, is all her cup size is, and I tease her about it all the time. Me, my boobs are a 36D. She doesn't have much in the way of hips either, very narrow she is, and I tell her she looks like a boy, which pisses her off. I got the better body entirely, I have a very shapely figure, and no one could ever mistake me for a boy. I was telling her that she needed to change her outfit, or buy clothes that fit her better. All her clothes drape o
ff of her like potato sacks; she was yelling at me, telling me that I dressed like a slut and I should be more conservative, when free childporn gallery burst through the door.
"That's enough! I want to hear no more from either one of you! You are driving me insane! You two are too old for this!"
My sister's first reaction is to get defensive and I let her go first.
"Dad, she started it!"
I looked up at Daddy sheepishly.
"No I didn't Daddy. I was just being honest. I can't help it if she can't stand to hear some criticism."
Daddy looked down at me. He knew what I was doing, but he always sided with me.
"You aren't dressed very well at all, free cross stitch patterns."
"You always side with her!"
She turned and gave me a mean look and I stuck my tongue out at her.
"Jessica! That's enough from you too."
I put my eyes down and nodded my head.
"Sorry Daddy I won't do it again."
My sister humphed my way and I moved past her. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed Daddy's cheek. "Sorry to make you angry Daddy."
He patted me on the head and smiled down.
"It's okay Darling. I just wish you two girls would get along."
"I'll try real hard Daddy."
I gave him another kiss, and as I got back behind him I stuck my tongue out at my sister again.
"Daddy! Look! Look what she's doing!"
Daddy didn't turn around.
"That's enough free digimon hentai pic! Get on out of here and go to bed!"
The bickering continued of course, until there was a break when Eliza was out with her boyfriend. I was in my room, reading and listen to music, actually enjoying the fact that she wasn't at home. I really hated fighting with her, but I couldn't ever stop myself from doing it. I heard the front door close and Eliza run up the stairs. I also heard Daddy yelling.
"Eliza, is everything alright?"
"Fine, Daddy, everything's fine!"
From the tone of her voice I knew she was okay. So, I went back to reading. I only got a few lines into the book when my door burst open and in came Eliza looking all flushed and fluttered.
"What's wrong? What happened?"
I fought with my sister a lot but I felt protective over her as well.
"Nothing. Well, okay something happened, but it wasn't wrong."
"What? You lost me somewhere in there."
"Oh Jess, it was fuckin' great!"
My eyes widened, my sister doesn't speak like that.
"Okay, what was it? C'mon you gotta tell me!"
"I did it."
I watched Eliza go to the door, check the hall, and then close the door completely.
"You did what?"
"You know!"
"No, I don't. What did you do?"
"Don't make me mad! Not tonight!"
"I'm not trying to make you mad; I don't know what the hell it is you're talking about."
"I had sex."
"Oh, that it?"
"What do you mean, is that it?"
"Well, by the way you came in here I thought maybe you'd had the shit fucked outta ya or something. Just having sex isn't anything special."
"You've had sex before?"
Post a Comment
The other night, we thought Daddy might turn us over on his knee like he did when we were younger. We were in the bathroom, standing side by side. I looked over and up at my sister; I hated the fact that she was taller than me. She stands five foot seven inches tall, and I a mere five foot even. I think I also resented the fact that she was older than me. We're two years apart, she's 21 and I'm 19. We both have red hair, blue eyes, and freckles, some people have mistaken us for twins, but we're a year apart. Our bodies are different, she doesn't have much in the way of boobs, 36A, is all her cup size is, and I tease her about it all the time. Me, my boobs are a 36D. She doesn't have much in the way of hips either, very narrow she is, and I tell her she looks like a boy, which pisses her off. I got the better body entirely, I have a very shapely figure, and no one could ever mistake me for a boy. I was telling her that she needed to change her outfit, or buy clothes that fit her better. All her clothes drape o
ff of her like potato sacks; she was yelling at me, telling me that I dressed like a slut and I should be more conservative, when free childporn gallery burst through the door.
"That's enough! I want to hear no more from either one of you! You are driving me insane! You two are too old for this!"
My sister's first reaction is to get defensive and I let her go first.
"Dad, she started it!"
I looked up at Daddy sheepishly.
"No I didn't Daddy. I was just being honest. I can't help it if she can't stand to hear some criticism."
Daddy looked down at me. He knew what I was doing, but he always sided with me.
"You aren't dressed very well at all, free cross stitch patterns."
"You always side with her!"
She turned and gave me a mean look and I stuck my tongue out at her.
"Jessica! That's enough from you too."
I put my eyes down and nodded my head.
"Sorry Daddy I won't do it again."
My sister humphed my way and I moved past her. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed Daddy's cheek. "Sorry to make you angry Daddy."
He patted me on the head and smiled down.
"It's okay Darling. I just wish you two girls would get along."
"I'll try real hard Daddy."
I gave him another kiss, and as I got back behind him I stuck my tongue out at my sister again.
"Daddy! Look! Look what she's doing!"
Daddy didn't turn around.
"That's enough free digimon hentai pic! Get on out of here and go to bed!"
The bickering continued of course, until there was a break when Eliza was out with her boyfriend. I was in my room, reading and listen to music, actually enjoying the fact that she wasn't at home. I really hated fighting with her, but I couldn't ever stop myself from doing it. I heard the front door close and Eliza run up the stairs. I also heard Daddy yelling.
"Eliza, is everything alright?"
"Fine, Daddy, everything's fine!"
From the tone of her voice I knew she was okay. So, I went back to reading. I only got a few lines into the book when my door burst open and in came Eliza looking all flushed and fluttered.
"What's wrong? What happened?"
I fought with my sister a lot but I felt protective over her as well.
"Nothing. Well, okay something happened, but it wasn't wrong."
"What? You lost me somewhere in there."
"Oh Jess, it was fuckin' great!"
My eyes widened, my sister doesn't speak like that.
"Okay, what was it? C'mon you gotta tell me!"
"I did it."
I watched Eliza go to the door, check the hall, and then close the door completely.
"You did what?"
"You know!"
"No, I don't. What did you do?"
"Don't make me mad! Not tonight!"
"I'm not trying to make you mad; I don't know what the hell it is you're talking about."
"I had sex."
"Oh, that it?"
"What do you mean, is that it?"
"Well, by the way you came in here I thought maybe you'd had the shit fucked outta ya or something. Just having sex isn't anything special."
"You've had sex before?"
# posted by : 4:02 AM
: 4:02 AM<< Home
