The Coming Revolution

Yes, the title is somewhat provocative.  It is the title of a book -- or at least part of one.

I recently read The Coming Revolution: Signs from America's Past That Signal Our Nation's Future by Dr. Richard G. Lee.  It is a book that I struggled with.

In some ways, this is a book that I would write.  It is an attempt to place the backlash that has come to be identified as the Tea Party into historical context.  Yet, to call it such would be to "pigeon-hole" it in a way that is neither accurate nor completely without merit. 

Dr. Lee is obviously a thoroughly studied historian whose Christian worldview informs his interpretation of events that led to the formation of the United States.  His traditional Judeo-Christian values cause him to place emphasis on those writings and events that led the "Founding Fathers" of this country to place their livlihoods, their liberty and even their lives on the line for their beliefs.  His interpretation of current events, when placed against that backdrop, form the basis for the book.

I struggled with the book because it forced me to evaluate my own positions -- my own thoughts -- regarding those events and it caused me to closely examine the "why" of my personal beliefs regarding what is truth and what is right.  It caused me to ask questions of my own beliefs and to evaluate my positions on many issues that we as a nation face.

Is the Tea Party merely a temporary backlash among those whose values closely align with the traditional Judeo-Christian beliefs or is it something deeper?  Is it a return to the values of our forefathers or is it an outmoded way of looking at the world?  I will let you decide.  I encourage you to read the book. 

Chris

Independence Day

Tomorrow we celebrate the birth of a nation.  It is a time of reflection and a time of celebration.  It is also a time of thanksgiving for this land of unprecedented freedom.  It is a time to consider what is truly important.

It would be easy to vent my frustration at the direction that our country seems to be heading.  It would be easy to attack the very instruments of power that have made it great.  It would be a simple task to outline the erosion of the liberties that we take for granted.  It would not be constructive.  Instead, I want to remain appreciative of what we do have.

When God is forgotten by those in power, they become their own God.  Power is sought for the sake of gaining more power.  When man focuses on his own efforts he forgets that in the end, all power resides in God's hand.  God in His wisdom allows us to go along the paths of our choosing, knowing that when we have run our course, the only recourse is Him.  That is why we cry out to Him in time of crisis.  We are free to choose Him or ourselves.  That is the ultimate freedom.  That is the freedom that I celebrate.