Freedom's single law

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. (The Apostle Paul, Galatians 5)

You're not doin' fine, Oklahoma!

 

Today, Ryan Walters, Oklahoma's state superintendent, directed all Oklahoma public schools to teach the Bible, including the Ten Commandments. He added that the state might supply teaching materials for the Bible to "insure uniformity in delivery."

The Christian Bible is the church's book. Its place in history and in culture is part of proper public education, but the teaching of the Bible itself is the church's responsibility. The state has no responsibility or rights with regard to how the Bible is taught. Go back to your corner, Mr. Walters!

"New occasions teach new duties, time makes ancient good uncouth."

In a society, freedom is finally not about mine or yours, or mine vs. yours. It is about the maximum freedom each of us can have as we live together. Finding the just balance between our freedoms as individuals in society requires ongoing negotiation and renegotiation, carried out by those we have chosen to represent us, and who answer to us. That process is never perfect nor complete, but we must not tire of it, nor allow autocrats to subvert it.

A reminder to my Christian readers about those commandments

      (A lawyer asked Jesus) a question to test him. ³⁶‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’³⁷He said to him,‘ “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” ³⁸This is the greatest and first commandment. ³⁹And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ⁴⁰On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’

Wrong theologically; wrong constitutionally

 

The State of Louisiana has mandated that the Ten Commandments must be displayed in all public school classrooms (in the original Hebrew, I trust). This law is not an act of Christian discipleship. It is an act of theocratic oppression. Moreover, it is blatantly unconstitutional.

Happy Juneteenth!

Last night we watched a PBS documentary about Marian Anderson singing in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Progress in achieving racial justice continues to be slow and halting; it doesn't help that powerful forces are increasingly waging war in congress and the courts against it. It's past time to be the America we have told ourselves we were created to be, "with liberty and justice for ALL."

How Jesus judges the nations, including ours

Then the king (Jesus, perhaps) will say to those (nations) at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." (Matthew 25)

Hats off to U.S. Rep. David Joyce!

Our Ohio District's U.S. Representative, Dave Joyce, was the only Republican to vote against the resolution to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress. Here is what Mr. Joyce said about his vote: "As a former prosecutor, I cannot in good conscience support a resolution that would further politicize our judicial system to score political points. The American people expect Congress to work for them, solve policy problems, and prioritize good governance. Enough is enough."

Truer words have hardly ever been spoken. I wish Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan and Ohio Senator J. D. Vance and several others in our congressional delegation would heed them.

Two trials, two starkly different responses

 

Wonder how it is that a "weaponized" justice system can convict the President's son, and the President and his family can handle such an "injustice" like adults. Never so clear a contrast between the Bidens and the Trumps as we've seen these two weeks.

Hands off, Mr. Bannon!

 

“We’re going to rip and shred the federal government apart, and if you don’t like it, you can lump it,” (Steve) Bannon said."

This man should not be let anywhere near our government, but that's where he and others like him will be if Trump gets another term in the White House. Is that really what our country wants or needs?

Jesus's instruction for those driven by desire for retribution and revenge...

 

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, who more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:43-48)

What kind of person do we admire today?

 

A sore loser--someone who blamed their losses on everyone but themselves (on the refs, on the playing field, on the spectators, etc.) and who never gave any credit to their opponent--was not much admired in my youth. Now people give him millions of dollars and unquestioning credence.

Happy Pride Month!

Rainbows everywhere!