Socialism: Ungodly Worldviews Fail; the Biblical Worldview Works (published 5-21-2023; article #414)

Image by kalhh from Pixabay. Free to use under the Content License.

Introduction

Yesterday was Armed Forces Day. See “Armed Forces Day,” on U.S. Department of Defense. Brief and random glances, at the various national and local media sources, found no segments that marked the day. Perhaps there was one. Thank you, to every veteran, who reads this article, for your service!

As a personal sidenote, yesterday, before the rain arrived, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I enjoyed giving Molly (our ol' puppy) a bath! Molly didn't seem to mind. Of course, once the rain came, Molly had a “country doggy” bath!

This article draws attention to and recommends two recent articles, on Ileana Writes, by Dr. Ileana Johnson. (Her website is one of four under the section “Folks, to Whom I Subscribe.”) The article of 3/26/2023 was inspired by Dr. Johnson. This twelfth article, under the Worldviews in Conflict topic section, is also inspired by her recent articles.

The conclusion may surprise you! This Appalachian Irishman accepts socialism – under the proper worldview. Folks, especially the younger generation, however, should not drink the Kool-Aid that ungodly socialist worldviews pour out.

Two Recent Articles on Ileana Writes

The First Article

The first article, published on 5/17/2023, is titled simply, “My Musings Today.” Dr. Johnson wrote another excellent article that begins with her thankfulness for having been able to emigrate from communist Romania to America, in 1978. She shared her first-hand knowledge of the oppression, propaganda, poverty, spying, invasion of privacy, and lack of freedom under that godless and socialist regime.

Ileana's mother was fortunate to escape Romanian communism, but her father was unable to do so. He died, due to inadequate medical care, in a communist hospital, on 5/12/1989.

Ileana wrote:

I never would have believed you if you had told me in 1978 that America would turn communist in my lifetime. I would have laughed. But here we are – every day I have communism PTSD, something is happening that the rest of you are ignoring, lulled into a false sense of freedom and security. You do not realize that the communists within are destroying our country. I shall list a couple of the latest examples.

The first of her two “latest examples” is:

New York City will begin tracking the carbon footprint of household food consumption and putting caps on how much red meat can be served in public institutions in order to achieve a 33% reduction in carbon emissions from food by 2030.

Ileana followed by writing, in part, “I beg you to wake up! This is what communism dictated to us - how much food we could consume per day . . . .” Please read all of her eloquence.

Intrigued, I uncovered: “Transcript: Mayor Adams Commits to Reducing City’s Food-Based Emissions by 33 Percent by 2030 After Releasing new Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Incorporating Emissions From Food,” on The Official Website of the City of New York, 4/17/2023. Thankfully, the socialist silliness is local to New York City and its food purchasing and serving. Apparently, the raising and eating of meat increases “greenhouse gas emissions.” If my paternal grandparents could have known! They might have influenced the next generations to be vegetarians, to “save the planet!” Well, Papaw Ferrell didn't care for beef. He did like pork and other meat.

The following are a few snippets from the transcript, with my pithy comments. “. . . [A]ll food is not created equal. The vast majority of food that is contributing to our emission crises lies in meat and dairy products.” I smell the vegetarian agenda! “. . . [P]lant-powered diet is better for your physical and mental health . . . .” Are carnivores physically less healthy than vegetarians? Do we carnivores have mental health problems? Apparently, we do. New York City is “. . . committed to reducing the city food emissions by 33 percent by 2030 . . . .” I'd suggest that the city eat country food, which only contributes to outhouse emissions. Finally, “plant-powered meals” will be used in socialist hospitals and schools. The rotting vegetarian agenda will soon decay to compost, folks! It's all a guise for an ungodly form of socialism.

The last of her two “latest examples” is:

Universities pay radicals to speak to student bodies while rejecting conservative Americans altogether. Angela Davis, a racial activist and VP nominee for the Communist Party USA in 1980, who was previously on the FBI’s Most Wanted List, was the keynote speaker at the University of Texas, Austin, on April 4, 2023. She was paid $25,000 to bash capitalism as exploitative. Oh, the irony!

Intrigued again, I found: “Renowned Scholar, Activist, Writer Angela Davis will Keynote the 2023 Eric Williams Memorial Lecture at The University of Texas,” on The University of Texas at Austin, College of Liberal Arts, 3/6/2023. That was just the online commercial for the, at that time, upcoming event. One, of several, critical articles -- which mention the person's previous infamy on the FBI's most wanted list and Communist Party USA affiliation -- is: “Racial Activist Angela Davis Got $25,000 From U. Texas at Austin for Speech Trashing Capitalism,” on Legal Insurrection, by Mike LaChance, 5/10/2023. I'm glad that the University of Texas at Austin is not in Tennessee!

The Second Article

The second article was published two days later, on 5/19/2023. It is titled “Communist Regimes of Lies and Terror Failed Spectacularly at Everything.”

The article highlights the violent brutality and oppression of the godless Soviet system and its devastating economic failures. The reading of the full article is highly recommended. The conclusion states:

Next time the young Americans who responded in surveys that they prefer socialism over capitalism, should read more about the actual economic and social conditions under all of the socialist republics of the Communist Party that failed spectacularly.

My wife and I experienced life in Russia, from 1994 to 1999, after the fall of the Soviet Union. We, however, had the dubious “pleasure” of enduring remnants of the old Soviet system. Our Russian church families and friends shared -- while sometimes glancing around to find any hidden microphone -- their profound and personal stories of the oppression that they had endured.

The socialist agenda in this once great nation continues its slow and steady march to “Socialist Utopian Oblivion” (as my coined phrase). Socialist (i.e., public) schools are a primary means that indoctrinates the young. Thankfully, however, sufficient push back continues to slow the relentless socialist march.

Conclusion

I'd always thought that Jim Jones was a deranged and evil leader of the cult. I didn't know that he was also a socialist. I happened to find “Drinking the Kool-Aid: Reasons Behind the Jonestown Massacre,” on Jonestown, a project of the University Library at San Diego State University, by Jacquelyn Lofstad, original 1/5/2013, last update 1/3/2021. The lengthy and detailed article includes the following.

Jones attempted to put the ideas of socialism into practice. Nobody owned any property, and every community member was expected to work to contribute towards the common good.

Here is the surprise! Socialism, intrinsically, is neither good nor evil. It becomes evil, based on the ungodly worldviews of its leaders. The former Soviet Union is the primary example of socialist evil under an ungodly worldview. Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple cult is a lesser example of the same. Don't drink those types of ungodly socialist Kool-Aid!

Did you know that the first century church in Jerusalem followed a form of socialism? That first church started on the Day of Pentecost, after Jesus' ascension. Please read Acts chapter two in its entirety. Two verses verify their form of socialism.

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. (Acts 2:44-45, NKJV)

See also Acts 4:32-35.

The church, of about 3,000 new Christians, formed a voluntary and collective form of socialism – but it was based on the biblical worldview! The inspired Luke stated that:

. . . they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42, NKJV)

and that “. . . continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:46-47, NKJV)

Wake up, America! As this once great nation marches further into socialism, at least let us march toward the form that is based on the biblical worldview – such as the first century church in Jerusalem practiced. I could accept that form. The current and ungodly form of socialism that is growing, however, will only continue to lead to poisoned Kool-Aid. I have spoken! This is the Appalachian Irishman, signing off.

Nudging the United Nations (UN) to the Outhouse! (published 3-26-2023; article #399)

“Outhouse in rural southwest Colorado,” by Tanner Marquis, 7/26/2021, on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

 

Photograph of old outhouse, on House Mountain hike #75, by M. Fearghail, 12/26/2010.

Introduction

I might use that outhouse in Colorado. The one on House Mountain has several holes, from shotgun blasts. (The photograph is the eighth, of fifteen, in my 12/26/2010 article.) I've never used it. Trees and rocks provide cover. Leaves are wiping material, if needed.

This is the eleventh article on Worldviews in Conflict. It explains the inspiration for this article. It will numb your mind a little, with a note on United Nations (UN) bureaucracy. It mentions the “little green nudges,” by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Mainly, this article nudges the entire United Nations (UN) to the outhouse, since they need to go! The conclusion explains the worldviews in conflict.

Inspiration for this Nudge

Dr. Ileana Johnson Paugh's website, Ileana Writes, is one of four listed under “Folks, to Whom I Subscribe” (lower right hand column of my website). Dr. Johnson Paugh's articles are often published on Canada Free Press, where she is listed as a member:

Dr. Ileana Johnson Paugh, Ileana Writes is a freelance writer, author, radio commentator, and speaker. Her books, “Echoes of Communism," "Liberty on Life Support," "U.N. Agenda 21: Environmental Piracy," and "Communism 2.0: 25 Years Later," are available at Amazon in paperback and Kindle.

Dr. Johnson Paugh -- or Ileana, as I believe that she prefers – emigrated, from Romania to America, in 1978 (when I graduated high school), as her inaugural article states. Please read her first article: "American paradise - January 13, 1978," on Ileana Writes, 4/22/2010.

Early Wednesday morning, I read "Indoctrination Nation, Sustainable Development, and Nudging," on Ileana Writes, 3/20/2023. The article published a day later, on Canada Free Press: "Indoctrination Nation, Sustainable Development, and Nudging," on Canada Free Press, by Dr. Ileana Johnson Paugh, 3/21/2023. The reading of Ileana's article, on either website, is highly recommended.

Later that same morning, I commented favorably on Ileana's article. A little later that morning, Ileana replied, kindly, as follows (with my emboldening added, for emphasis):

Mr. Feargail, I agree with your suggestions entirely. Perhaps you should write an article with that exact topic: How socialists should follow their own advice and regress to their favorite times by living by what they preach to the rest of us.

Thusly, Dr. Ileana Johnson Paugh (Ileana) inspired this article. I enjoy Ileana's articles, and I have commented on several. I imagine how her younger years, under communism, must have been. Her articles often denote details of her early years in Romania. By having serving as missionaries in Russia (10/1/1994 – 9/30/1999), my wife and I understand how life under communism must have been. Once we had established friendship, many Russians opened up to us and shared their stories. Some of them still glanced around, to see who may be listening or to find the hidden microphone.

Mind-numbing UN Bureaucracy

In her article, Ileana, as I think that she prefers, referenced: "Nudge to action: Behavioural science for sustainability," on United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 3/3/2017. Please remember the key word “nudge,” as I will return to it. I was inspired to investigate further. I have not walked into such a labyrinth of spiderwebs, by hiking in the woods! My apology in advance, for numbing your mind by the bureaucracy.

The UNEP is part of the United Nations (UN), which was founded in 1945. The UN consists of 193 “Member States” (or countries). Our planet includes 195 countries, according to Worldometers, How many Countries are there in the World? The source lists each country and states:

There are 195 countries in the world today. This total comprises 193 countries that are member states of the United Nations and 2 countries that are non-member observer states: the Holy See and the State of Palestine.

The UN is part of the larger UN System. The UN System has layers. There are six “Funds and Programmes,” one of which is the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).” There are fifteen “UN Specialized Agencies.” There are nine “Other Entities and Bodies.” Finally, there are eight “Related Organizations.” The UN System chart is downloadable. This is a labyrinth of global bureaucracy that spiderwebs out from the six “UN Principal Organs.” I apologize for the mind-numbing that this point may have caused.

UN Environment Programme (UNEP) – Little Green Nudges

Ileana's article focused on the UN's nudging toward “environmentally friendly” (as it's called) lifestyle changes. Scrolling down the UNEP main webpage, I found their “Sustainable Development Goals,” which are (with my emboldening added, for emphasis):

A clean and healthy environment is required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Efforts to counter the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste must be ramped up in order to truly transform societies and economies for everyone, everywhere.

The words that I emboldened are another way to state nudging. Everyone, everywhere, must be nudged, to save the planet, according to the UNEP. They even have The Little Book of Green Nudges, which primarily targets universities.

Once stuck on the UNEP spiderweb, I further tangled myself onto several spiderweb pages, such as About UN Environment Programme, UNEP and the Sustainable Development Goals, and Why does UN Environment Programme matter? Thankfully, I managed to untangle myself. If you get caught in those spiderwebs, please free yourself quickly!

Similar to the tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9), the United Nations (UN) is an ongoing effort to unify all nations into one global nation. The UN is following a humanistic and socialist worldview – as the inhabitants of the ancient city of Babel were.

Nudging the UN to the Outhouse!

Following the biblical worldview, as a Christian and as an outdoorsman, I affirm that we must conserve, sustain, care for, and improve the environment – as practically as possible, with consideration to modern comforts. God created the earth to sustain us, and He expects us to sustain the earth.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I live in a comfortable house. We have central heat and air-conditioning. We drive gas-powered vehicles, which include environmental protection features. We use electricity, propane, and indoor plumbing. We are connected to municipal water. (I wish that we'd had a water well drilled instead.) We recycle all that is allowed. We, however, feel the environmentalist nudging -- under the scientific fallacy of so-called human-made global climate change – to “live green.” (Yes, so-called human-made global climate change is faux science. This article, however, will not unpack the facts that support the statement. That could be a future article.)

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is an example of the environmentalist worldview. My comment, in part, on Dr. Ileana Johnson Paugh's article stated (emboldening added, for emphasis):

Logically, to be consistent, since the socialists worship the creation, not the Creator, they need to return to living as our ancestors did, in the 1700s to early 1800s, before the industrial revolution. Their nudging to save their god (creation) is a half-measure. If they truly worship the creation, then they should live in very modest homes, with no electricity or sources of heating or cooling, except for a fireplace or stove. (Cutting trees for firewood would have to be allowed.) They should feed and clothe themselves, by what they produce on their small farms. Fruit trees, gardens, and livestock would provide food, milk, and clothing. Water would come from a well (dug by hand, of course) or a nearby source of clean water.

Perhaps we should nudge the “green new deal” socialists to live as our ancestors did.

I call a spade a spade. I do not mince words. This article nudges, challenges, and demands that all these “green new deal” environmentalists put up or shut up!

I'll bet a hundred dollars -- not a dollar, since a dollar ain't worth much nowadays -- that most of these environmental nudgers live on elaborate estates in fine houses, have plenty of central heat and air-conditioning, use way more utilities that we do, drive expensive vehicles (probably electric), jet set around the globe in airplanes that emit tons of pollutants, and so forth. (I'll avoid unpacking the fallacy that electric vehicles are better for the environment than gas vehicles. That could be a future article.)

This article demands (as my Irish dander rises while writing) that these environmentalists – to be consistent and not hypocrites -- return to life as it was for my ancestors, in the 1700s to early 1800s! If they truly want to “save the planet,” then they will do so.

• Live in basic houses, with no electricity or indoor plumbing!

• Drill a water well or get water from a nearby and clear spring!

• Cut your own firewood, to heat your houses in winter!

• Plant trees to replace the ones that you used.

• Use only fireplaces, chimneys, cast-iron stoves, and wood-burning ovens!

• Refrigerate with a cellar!

• Bathe once a week, in a creek or a tub!

• Travel by wagon, mule, horse, or on foot!

• Raise livestock, grow a garden, and have fruit trees!

• Can your gardening, for food in the winter!

• Make your own clothes, buying only what you can't make!

• Go to church on Sundays! Live as the Good Lord wants you to live!

• Use an outhouse!

These environmentalists must stop their half-measured nudging and start practicing what they preach! If they do, then my wife and I will join them. I'll guarantee that it would be easier for us, to transition to living as our ancestors did, than it would be for them to do so.

Don't hold your breath, however! These environmentalists will continue their hypocritical nudging, while they enjoy their twenty-first century lifestyle.

Conclusion

This article has explored the contrast between conservation and an environmentalism. The opposing worldviews are in conflict.

By following the biblical worldview, I am a conservationist. All who share this view, as good stewards, use natural resources in an ethical manner, to better humankind. We, however, care for and manage those resources, to improve them, for future generations.

Environmentalists, in contrast, follow a pantheistic worldview, in that they worship god (the creation), instead of God (the Creator). Deifying nature, they subjugate human needs to protect nature, which has preeminence. They see all humans, including themselves, as parasites and disrupters of nature. They, however, see themselves as “noble parasites,” while looking down on us, as “disrupting parasites.”

These are not my thoughts only. See, for example, "Conservationist or Environmentalist?" On Mackinac Center for Public Policy, by Russ Harding, 10/2/2008. (An online search by “conservationist versus environmentalist?” finds similar articles.)

God -- the Creator of the universe and planet Earth – created humankind in His image and likeness. As such, we “have dominion” over His earthly creation, since God formed the first man from the earth. (See Genesis 1:26 - 2:7.)

“Dominion” means that God has appointed us to use, care for, and maintain the earth, under His guiding authority, as Creator. We are accountable to God, as to how we manage the earth. We must manage it, according to His creative pattern of “very good” (Genesis 1:31). The earth, however, is not deified as god. We harvest natural resources, to improve our lives, but we ensure that the earth is improved by our use of its resources.

Of course, the earth has been and continues to be harmed, by the improper use, waste, and destruction of natural resources. Conservationists, however, have never intended that to be the case.

As a personal note, Friday was the anniversary of my father-in-law's birth. Family gathered yesterday, to celebrate with him. This article is published in honor of my father-in-law. He often talks about how he was raised on the family farm, similar to how my parents were.

I have childhood memories of my paternal grandparents' home. They heated and cooked with wood. Baths were taken in a cast-iron tub. A hand pump drew water from the well. Livestock, hunting, apple trees, and gardening produced most of the food. A cellar stored the canned goods, for winter meals. They had finally connected to electricity for lights, but they still used coal oil lamps and candles. There was no indoor plumbing. A two-seater outhouse was nearby. (Two seats were so one could encourage the other!) As a child, I used that outhouse several times. Sears catalogs or corn cobs were the toilet paper.

To the pantheistic, socialist, environmentalists out there, here is my challenge. My wife and I are ready to return to life, as my paternal grandparents lived. Are you? Take the first step! Put up or shut up! Practice what you preach! Stop your hypocrisy! My wife and I will follow your first step -- if you are man or woman enough to take it!

What do I hear? Nothing but crickets chirping, so far.

Reaction to Carl Spain Center's Letters of Response to White Supremacy: Happy St. Patrick's Day! (published 3-17-2023; article 396)

Irish American Heritage Month on 99Covers, by free download.

Introduction

Happy St. Patrick's Day, dear reader! It is green, wet, and rainy, here in these parts. The conclusion will include a brief mention of St. Patrick's Day. First, however, the reason for this article is explained. (This is the tenth article by Worldviews in Conflict topic.)

Early on the Sunday afternoon of 3/5/2023 -- while engaged in further research, on the sixth article, in my Christian Evidences series -- I happened to come upon an article, by a godly brother in Christ, with whom I have exchanged online correspondence, over the years. The article is A Letter to the Body of Christ, by Dr. John Mark Hicks, on John Mark Hicks, 2/13/2023.

Later that afternoon, I spoke by phone with a friend, whom I've known since grade school. He had attained age 63 on Friday. Our conversation -- after having read brother Hicks' article -- had inspired this writing, which I'd been keeping in draft. It is completed and published on St. Patrick's Day.

The news media report facts on news topics, followed by the reactions of their guests. I do not care to hear those reactions. Just present the facts, with no spin. I am able to react!

First, this article reports the facts on the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action and the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies & Spiritual Action: Letters of Conscience to the Churches in America: A Courageous Christian Response to White Supremacy. Then, it places my reaction to that news -- about which I'd not known, until 3/5/2023 – in the context of the phone conversation with my grade school friend. The conclusion will encourage churches to wake up, not woke up.

The Fact: the Carl Spain Center

Dr. Hicks' 2/13/2023 article presents the 4/21/2020 transcript of his initial oral presentation, at the opening of the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action, at Abilene Christian University (ACU), in Abilene, Texas. His transcript is included in Letters of Conscience to the Churches in America: A Courageous Christian Response to White Supremacy. Dr. Hicks' website includes articles that are useful to me, in my ongoing Christian Evidences series. I had visited his website for that purpose. I was surprised to find his 2/13/2023 article.

Investigating further, on the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action website, I confirmed that the Center is affiliated with Abilene Christian University (ACU), as ACU's undated Campus News article, ACU announces new Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action, states and as Carl Spain Center – History states. Apparently the Carl Spain Center started in 2018. The mission of the Center is to “. . . conduct research on the historical and contemporary role of race and racism in the church and its Christian institutions.” The Center's purpose is to assist churches in their understanding of race, promote racial unity, and to draw Christians, of all races, closer to God and to each other. The mission and purpose, as stated, are laudable, of course.

The Fact: Letters of Conscience to the Churches in America: A Courageous Christian Response to White Supremacy

The Carl Spain Center website does not include a search option; however, by selecting the Resources link, one of the three Resource Downloads links is to A Christian Response to White Supremacy. The direct download and complete title is: Carl Spain Center on Race Studies & Spiritual Action: Letters of Conscience to the Churches in America: A Courageous Christian Response to White Supremacy.

The undated volume is 135 pages. The Forward is by Jerry Taylor, Executive Director. The volume, apparently, was published in 2020, within the paradigm shift of the new cold virus (COVID-19) and the racial tensions that were major focus points at the time.

The volume includes letters by twenty-nine individuals. I know two, who are brothers in Christ. Dr. Hicks' letter is found on pages 40-45. The letter by the other brother is found on pages 21-25. That brother and I had spoken in person several times, in our younger years. I knew his Christian parents very well. His family and he were missionaries in Ghana for many years.

I read most, but not all, of those twenty-nine letters. (After a while, I grew tired of reading the same type of statements.) My specific focus was on the Forward and on the two letters, by the known brothers in Christ. The volume ends with the Index, on pages 132-135.

The letters cite biblical themes of spiritual unity in Christ and encourage all Christians to that unity. Who could not agree? Letters oppose “white supremacy,” white supremacists,” and the “white supremacy movement.” Agreement against that form of racism should be universal. Universal agreement should be against all forms of racism.

The underlying theme of the letters follows the paradigm shift, in 2020, which is continuing. For example, my search of the volume, excluding the Index, finds “racism” used forty-one times. “Systemic racism” is found once. “White supremacy” is found nineteen times – including the title page. “White supremacist” is found eleven times. “Privilege” is used in the context of “white privilege” nine times. “White privilege” is used once. One letter, on page 45, encourages white churches and white Christians to confess their corporate sin of racism.

Following the paradigm shift of 2020, however, the volume, as titled, specifically opposes “white supremacy,” as it intended and as it should have. It does not, however, except in general terms, state opposition to other forms of racism against other ethnic groups. The balanced approach, against all forms of racism, as properly and biblically defined, is missing.

My Reaction -- in the Context of the Phone Conversation with My Grade School Friend

The volume, including letters by twenty-nine individuals, did not define key terms that are used. Let us define those key terms. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the following terms.

Racism: 1: a belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. also: behavior or attitudes that reflect and foster this belief : racial discrimination or prejudice. 2 a: the systemic oppression of a racial group to the social, economic, and political advantage of another. b: a political or social system founded on racism and designed to execute its principles.

White supremacy: 1: the belief that the white race is inherently superior to other races and that white people should have control over people of other races. 2: the social, economic, and political systems that collectively enable white people to maintain power over people of other races.

White supremacist: a person who believes that the white race is inherently superior to other races and that white people should have control over people of other races.

White privilege: the set of social and economic advantages that white people have by virtue of their race (see race entry 1 sense 1a) in a culture characterized by racial inequality.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary does not define “systemic racism;” however, the Cambridge Dictionary does, as follows.

Systemic racism: policies and practices that exist throughout a whole society or organization, and that result in and support a continued unfair advantage to some people and unfair or harmful treatment of others based on race.

The 135-page volume is understood in the context of the 2020 paradigm shift. Despite the biblical comments, which are good, the volume follows the secular “white privilege” agenda. That agenda alleges that all white people, corporately, are guilty of the sin of racism (even if only socially and economically) against all black people, by virtue of having been born white. That “racist from birth” agenda is a form of negative peer pressure. While we (as individuals) should confess and repent of every legitimate sin, the imposition, by negative peer pressure, of an alleged corporate sin of racism upon an entire race is, in itself, a form of judgmental racism, or sin.

Those who wrote the letters in that volume simply followed the negative peer pressure of the “white privilege” agenda. In other words, they followed the socialist propaganda, even if they didn't realize it.

My grade school friend and I had a good and long conversation. We talked about many subjects. He brought up the subject of “white supremacy.” Reflecting on our school-age days, my friend didn't recall any personal racism against black children. He and I both remember several black children of our age then. We liked and got along well with them, as they did us. I observed that parents, black or white, had raised us young folks, in the proper and biblical manner. We remembered what our parents had taught us, in the little song that we had sung: “Red and yellow, black and white. They are precious in His sight.” We judged by content of character, not by skin color, as a wise man (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) had stated, in his eloquent restatement of biblical wisdom.

My friend observed that any “white privilege” that he had, as a boy, must have been the “privilege” of working hard on the farm and in the fields. Yes, that was similar to my “white privilege,” which included eating a lot of soup beans and mashed potatoes and hard work, by the chores that Mom and Dad expected me to do (without any allowance paid).

My friend and I were both raised, in a rural area of northeast Tennessee, near a small town, by godly parents. We were not raised in wealthy families, monetarily. We were wealthy, in that we were raised by godly parents.

In my 3/10/2021 article, I wrote, in part:

Anyone who is truly Appalachian knows that the color of the skin does not matter. What matters is the content of character. Appalachians have known this for decades. I have met many fine Appalachians -- red, yellow, black, and white. On 3/7/2021, while on House Mountain hike #177, I met a family (man, wife, and child) hiking up as I was hiking down. Their skin was black. My skin was white. We all made new Appalachian friends! I hope that I see them again.

Irish heritage and black history have one item in common. Actually, any genealogy has one item in common. What is that one item? All people are one, starting from Adam and Eve. Also, all people, who are Christians, are one, in Christ. I refuse to allow the socialist propagandists to distinguish us. Do you? You should not.

Today, I would not change a single word. My basic reaction to the 135-page volume is that I will not allow the negative peer pressure, of alleged corporate and white racism, to influence me into a sense of false guilt or to force me to repent of an alleged sin. The volume does well, to encourage oneness in Christ. It, however, errs by affirming the alleged sin of corporate white supremacy.

Conclusion

The church is not divided by race, color, social status, gender, or age. The apostle Paul has told Christians that we are “all one in Christ Jesus.” (See Gal. 3:26-28.) Before His atoning sacrifice, Jesus' prayer to the Father was for all Christians to be united and one, as He and the Father are one, so that the world would believe in Him. (See Jn. 17:20-23.)

I have ministered in predominately white nations (America and Russia), black nations (Jamaica), and brown nations (India). A specific focus of ministry was in a predominately black community, in Charleston, Missouri. Mom and Dad raised me correctly. I am not guilty of “corporate” racism, simply by having been born white.

My article of 1/22/2023 defined “woke” correctly. The conclusion states, in part:

In both my 7/22/2022 article and 7/22/2022 podcast, my written and spoken conclusion was:

Wake up (not woke up), America! Do not go to the devil! Turn to the Lord! I have spoken.

I hope that the Carl Spain Center and all who contributed to the Letters of Conscience to the Churches in America: A Courageous Christian Response to White Supremacy are following the Lord's agenda – not the “woke” agenda (by the common and secular meaning).

“Knox Pride” versus God's Pride (published 2-26-2023; article #392)

Introduction

Greetings, on this cloudy and springlike Sunday, dear reader. I am close to finishing my sixth article, in the Christian Evidences topic series. Weeks of occasional research -- to filter and select volumes of information into a relatively brief article -- have been taking more time than I'd thought. (Of course, the writing of 14 articles, since 12/9/2022, has occupied time.) I want my succinct words, in my forthcoming sixth article, in the Christian Evidences series, to live after I'm enjoying the everlasting realm.

This article, however, is a sidetrack, into the Worldviews in Conflict topic section. This is my ninth article for that section.

This article will mention the reaction of “Knox Pride” to a recent Tennessee bill, which, as of this date, awaits the Governor's signature, to become law. God's Pride overrules “Knox Pride,” as the conclusion will state.

The Tennessee House and Senate Bills

The specific location, on the Tennessee General Assembly website, is the 113th General Assembly, 2023-2024, HB0001/SB0001. Clicking the “Summary” and “Votes” buttons will show the details therein. The “Summary” states, in part that the bill:

. . . establishes prohibitions related to the performance on minors of certain medical procedures related to gender identity, creates private causes of action for violations, and establishes additional penalties for violations.

That website confirms, in the House, that all 75 Republicans and seven Democrats voted in favor, while 16 Democrats voted against. In the Senate, all 27 Republicans voted in favor, while all six Democrats voted against.

The reason escapes me, as to why such a bill is needed and why anyone would oppose the bill. The reason should escape anyone, who has the biblical worldview. Apparently, the bill is needed, to stand against some, who have a non-biblical worldview. The thought saddens me.

“Knox Pride”

Media sources have been carrying news on the bill. I have listened, with passing interest, to the local television news.

This article notes website coverage by three local television stations. They are listed chronologically, by original publication date.

First, see “Tennessee Senate passes bill that would ban drag shows on public property,” by WBIR Staff, on WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN, published 1/31/2023, updated 2/16/2023. The article states facts and details.

It, however, includes “Related Articles,” which are:

• 'We proclaim love' | Knox Pride Interfaith leaders speak on anti-trans and anti-drag show protests

• Knox Co. Commission meeting erupts in community outrage over drag shows, KCSO incident at McAlister's

• 'A Drag Queen Christmas' goes on at Tennessee Theatre despite anti-drag demonstration

The “Related Articles,” unfortunately, present rare viewpoints that affirm the bill and the reason for it, while highlighting viewpoints that oppose the bill. The “Related Articles” are, therefore, biased.

Second, see “Tenn. House passes bill banning gender-affirming care: The bill passed in the House by a vote of 77-16 and now heads to the governor’s desk.” By Daniel Smithson, Tony Garcia, and Ryan Breslin, on WVLT TV 8, Knoxville, TN, published 2/13/2023, updated 2/24/2023. The concise article states the facts, with no viewpoints, bias, or “spin.” The article states that the ACLU plans to file a lawsuit against the bill – as if anyone thought that usually liberal bastion of immorality would not.

Finally, see “‘I thought better of Tennessee’ Knox Pride dismayed after drag, trans bills passed,” by Hope McAlee, on WATE TV 6, Knoxville, TN, published 2/23/2023. This article expresses an obvious bias against the bill. The writer focuses on an interview with and comments by Knox Pride CFO, Nathan Higdon – who advances an agenda that is a non-biblical worldview.

As a disheartening note, the “Knox Pride” website, under Spiritual Resources, lists eighteen churches, some of which are not in Knox County, that support its non-biblical agenda.

Moral pride in Knoxville and Knox County, Tennessee, can be found, as biblically moral citizens support biblically moral causes. “Knox Pride” is certainly named incorrectly – since it takes pride in certain points of biblical immorality. Knox Pride (a tax-exempt non-profit) promotes “inclusion and equality for the LGBTQ+ . . . .“ Merriam-Webster defines that acronym as “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, plus (others).”

God's Pride

Chapter eleven of the New Testament epistle to the Hebrews is rightly called the Hall of Faith. In forty verses, the inspired author defines faith, honors nine people of faith, mentions six other people of faith, and encourages the Hebrew Christians to continue in faith.

Verses 13 -16 summarize the living faith of those, whom the author had mentioned to that point. Their faith looked for a heavenly country, a heavenly city. The conclusion of verse sixteen is:

Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews. (NIV)

God was not ashamed of those people of faith! He had pride in them. Their lives demonstrated their active and saving faith in Him.

I suggest the reading of Hebrews 11:1 - 12:3, in the context of that epistle and in the context of the entire Bible. Verse 38 indicates that the righteous (or just) “will live by faith.” The reference is to Habakkuk 2:4, in the Old Testament. Elsewhere in the New Testament, the apostle Paul cited the same Old Testament reference, in Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11.

I don't know about you, dear reader, but I want God to be proud of me – now and at the last judgment. I make no claim to perfect faith. As the boy's father stated, in Mark 9:24, I too have stated, to the Lord:

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (NIV)

The entire context is in Mark 9:14-29. Jesus healed the father's son, even when the father's faith was weak.

The greatest challenge to my faith was shortly after my wife and I had returned from our five years as missionaries in Russia. My article of 2/15/2009 is in my “Articles of Note” section for a reason. My faith has been challenged, deepened, and grown stronger. I sin daily (especially by my strong-willed, Irish temperament). I seek God's forgiveness daily. He forgives me. I do not, however, live in sin as my lifestyle. Daily, my faith leads me along the biblical path.

Any reader, who wishes to converse with me further, is welcome to contact me, by means of my “Contact Form.” Our conversation will be of mutual respect and understanding. I will not “thump a Bible over your head” or deride any reader. As one poor beggar, who has found the Bread of Life, however, I will try to help you find Bread also, with respect and understanding.

Conclusion

Two articles, in my Worldviews in Conflict topic section, had come to mind, when I had started this article. They are:

my 6/26/2022 article; see under the “LGBTQ Pride Month” section;

and my 12/15/2022 article, which affirms that God's law on marriage overrules secular law.

I have re-read those articles. This article stands by and affirms those words.

The apostle Paul stated:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed —a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17, NIV)

“Inclusion and equality” are noble words. Unfortunately, they are often co-opted and used euphemistically, as propaganda, to coerce acceptance of unbiblical worldviews.

God seeks “inclusion and equality,” in His kingdom, for everyone, who comes to Him in biblically-based, trusting, and active faith. We are all equal, since we are all created in God's image (Genesis 1:27). Inclusion into God's kingdom, however, is by faith. Inclusion (by persuasion or force) into societal acceptance is secondary. Society should not accept as right what God calls wrong. Inclusion into God's kingdom is the right choice.

How have you chosen, dear reader? I will be delighted to respond to any comments or contacts. May the God of all wisdom guide each of us.

What Is “Woke?” - on Chinese New Year & National Sanctity of Human Life Day (published 1-22-2023; article #385)

 

Computerized “artwork” by M. Fearghail, 1/22/2023.

Introduction

The need to blow my nose woke me a little early this morning, about 5:30 AM. That didn't inspire this article. The inspiration for this “woke” article is followed by my definition of “woke.” (This is my eighth article, in “Worldviews in Conflict” topic section.)

A mundane note and another important note will precede the inspiration for this article and my definition of “woke.” Please reflect on the important note. It is profound.

I trust that you are doing well, dear reader. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I are doing well enough. The conclusion will trust that you are “woke,” by my definition.

Mundane Note and Important Note

Before continuing the “woke” theme of this article, I will make a mundane note and an important note. First, the mundane note is that today is Chinese New Year. Apparently, 2023 is the “Year of the Rabbit.” I like rabbit stew. I'm certain that the Chinese are excited today. I wish them moral goodness and blessings in their new year, in hope that they know or will know the one true God of the Bible.

The important note is that today is National Sanctity of Human Life Day. The National Day Calendar® entry -- “NATIONAL SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE DAY – January 22,” last updated 1/18/2023 – has further information. Please pause to read that entry.

In a section of my 6/26/2022 article, I wrote (as emboldened in that article):

On 6/24/2022, Friday, the “Supreme Court” decided in agreement with God's SUPREME COURT! I pause, to bend my knee, in a prayer of thanksgiving to the Good Lord!

My article of 6/30/2022 affirmed the pro-life position. Today, I continue to rejoice that the morally evil decision (in majority) by the “Supreme Court” -- on 1/22/1973, in Roe vs. Wade – has been overturned by a morally good (in majority) “Supreme Court” decision. Forty-nine years were required to decide correctly. God's Supreme Court has not flip-flopped.

Inspiration for This “Woke” Article

ILEANA JOHNSON, by Ileana Johnson, is one of five websites, listed in my “Folks, to Whom I Subscribe” section. Early this morning, I read her article of yesterday, “St. Simeon and His Pillars.” The article is quite interesting. In it, Mrs. Johnson mentioned “the cult of stylitism.”

Using Norton Safe Search, I started to type “what is stylitism?” -- even though Mrs. Johnson's article described it in detail. Before I could type “stylitism,” the search provided several options at “what is . . . .” The second search option was “what is woke.” I finished my search on “stylitism,” but that second search option inspired this article.

Apparently, a bunch of folks want to know what “woke” is. This article will help them.

My Definition of “Woke”

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary (ol' man Webster) defines “woke” as:

woke: past tense and past participle of wake.

woke: adjective (first known use in 1972): 1: chiefly US slang: aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice). 2: disapproving: politically liberal (as in matters of racial and social justice) especially in a way that is considered unreasonable or extreme.

Ol' man Webster has accommodated himself to a current and ongoing political and socialist agenda, in my opinion. (Feel free to make it yours.)

My definition of “woke,” which is the only meaning, is to awaken from sleep. I've already used the word, correctly, by having stated, “the need to blow my nose woke me a little early this morning.”

I only use “woke” by my definition. I will not use the word as ol' Man Webster has defined as an adjective. I will not allow the propagandists to determine my choice of words. As a further example, I say that I am “pro-life,” not “anti-abortion.” An induced “abortion” is a euphemism for the murder of an unborn child.

Conclusion

In his two concluding chapters, the apostle Paul encouraged the Christians at Ephesus to “follow God's example” (from Ephesians 5:1). In those two chapters, the apostle Paul wrote, by inspiration:

This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:14-17, NIV)

In both my 7/22/2022 article and 7/22/2022 podcast, my written and spoken conclusion was:

Wake up (not woke up), America! Do not go to the devil! Turn to the Lord! I have spoken.

America still needs to wake up spiritually. God woke me back in 1981, when I accepted his gift of grace, by my active (and still active, even if imperfect) faith response.

Are you “woke” by God's grace? I trust that you are, dear reader. If not, and if you would like to converse with me, please use my Contact Form. I will be glad to reply and to continue our conversation.