| Presidential Judgment |
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| Written by T. M. Moore |
| Wednesday, 21 July 2010 00:00 |
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It now seems certain that Solicitor General Elena Kagan will be confirmed as the newest member of the United States Supreme Court. In voting with the majority to pass her nomination out of committee, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham deferred to what he regarded as President Obama's ability to choose "wisely" in this matter. It's safe to suppose that all those with whom he voted, and who will confirm Ms. Kagan in the Senate, concur. But if that is so, if the President really is so wise in selecting judges, then why is the Administration leaning on the Brits and Scots to try to reincarcerate Libyan terrorist Abdel Baset al-Megrahi? You will recall that al-Megrahi was released from a Scottish prison on compassionate grounds last year, shortly after President Obama made his first nomination to Supreme Court. At that time, asked what he was looking for in a judge, the President stated that he wanted someone who was "compassionate." Yet when a Scottish judge acted on just such grounds, the President was outraged, and his Administration continues to seek to overturn that "compassionate" action to this day, especially in view of the fact that that decision seems to have been, shall we say, ill-informed. So the President wants compassion in his judges, but he resents compassion in a judge when such is actually expressed. Perhaps the President reserves the right to dictate the terms of compassion? Or maybe he only wants judges to act in compassion toward certain people? For example, not necessarily military recruiters (we must suppose). Or has the President come to the realization that there are other, more important grounds, for rendering judgments than compassion? Like, perhaps, "justice and only justice"? It just strikes me as a little far-fetched to be deferring to the President's wisdom in selecting judges. Or in much else, for that matter. T. M. Moore Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites |
Dr. Moore,
I am writing you for guidance.
We've never met. I've never heard you speak. But I recently read two of your articles, "Beyond Creation vs. Evolution: Taking the Full Measure of the Materialist Challenge" (1990) and "Near Christianity"? (2008). I see the constant challenge from the larger culture toward secular thinking that our people (Christ followers) are shaped by. I also see the danger from within when we don't teach the full Gospel of the Kingdom and don't "uproot" and expose secular beliefs held by congregants.
So, as a pastor, my desire is to train the flock I lead to be aware of the danger within and outside the church for anything that is not the true Gospel.
I think one of our great problems in the church is that leaders do not teach about the big picture (the God Narrative); the unstoppable plan and purposes of God for his creation, the sovereignty of God over all things, and our accountability to God. We layer all kinds of good teaching (gifts, giving, evangelism) upon the psuedo-christian (secular) platform (worldview) of our church people (who swim in secular soup all week long) and than wonder why they don't change.
I think we also need to teach people about the spiritual life; intimacy with God (loving Him), spiritual disciplines, etc. After all, if I do not know the love of God personally, why would I want to serve Him from my heart? Intimacy with God (training myself to live each moment aware of His presence, His love and Grace, His activity around me, etc.; even as I write this email I am reminded of God's sovereignty yet immanence and that He is glad I am living this conscience spiritual life of companionship with Him; I cannot live without Him.)
So as an associate pastor, can you tell me if you have written some curriculum or know of some (whether they be in a book or are spiritual practises) that will help me to shape the minds of the people I lead (rooting out false beliefs at the core of their spirit/mind and replacing them with God's truth)?
What are other areas you feel we need to address- if we want to see real heart/mind transformation toward Christlikeness?
Sorry, if I am all over the place but I am looking forward to your response, as my more mature brother in Christ.
Perhaps we will meet sometime when you come to Vancouver, Canada or travel to speak in the Seattle area (120 miles south of where I live).
Thanks for all your concern for the bride of Christ over the years and your desire to see her grow into the fullness of Christ.
Kindly,
Brother Steve