Volume 5, Issue 49
In 2017, expectancy has evolved into pure and simple hope.
Our nation is as divided as any time in its history. Dialog is not constructive debate. We scream at each other, or worse still, over each other. We are the most blessed nation on the face of the earth, yet the rancor displayed in our references indicates ‘fear of’ versus ‘care for’ each other.
One of the great Christian writers of all times, Oswald Chambers, stated, “Life without war is impossible, either in nature or in grace. The basis of physical, mental, moral, and spiritual life is antagonism. This is the open fact of life.”
Human existence, in all forms of activities and interchange, exists and operates under The Law of Antagonism.
Why? What is the basis of this law?
All theories of the origin of life fall into two basic categories, purposeful creation or random evolution. There are many variations to these theories, but further exploration into both for the meaning of life supports the conclusion of the law of antagonism. The underlying principle of this law results in individuals struggling to pursue common purpose for the overall good of society because of the premise of a fallen world or a purposeless world.
Christians believe in the doctrine of original sin. Mankind was created for a purpose by a personal Father. Eden was originally a paradise. Through disobedience in direct violation of God’s law, Adam and Eve partook of the apple and sin entered the world. This changed the relationship between God and man. A savior was delivered to right the relationship. But sin still exists until the kingdom of God is established. This doctrine of original sin means that we live in a fallen world. Man is incapable of reaching perfection through his own deeds. He is saved only by grace.
Therefore, in a fallen world, man acts in his own best interest and not in the compassionate sense of benevolence.
In atheism, the existence of life is an accident. There is no purpose. A random sequence of events" through evolution has led to mankind's presence in the world. According to Charles Darwin, the driving force of this process is “survival of the fittest.” Under this theory, there is no compulsion for individuals to do anything other than what is in their own best interest to survive.
Therefore, in purposeless evolution, there is no motivation to develop a compassionate sense of benevolence.
In the reality of either worldview, there is no reason to believe that men and women, individually or collectively, on their own will seek and support government solutions to better all lives rather than seek their own selfish interests. Progressives argue that more government control will result in egalitarianism that leads to happiness.
Six thousand years of recorded history would indicate otherwise.
Throughout the history of nation-states, when government restricts individual freedom, citizens gravitate towards totalitarianism. This is because, without freedom to pursue individual purpose, people give in to fear of others rather than pursue confidence in themselves. Government control appeals to this instinct. For in government's limit of freedom, fewer options for pursuit of happiness can become preferable as security. Totalitarianism has always led to war among nations.
What then is our only hope?
Our anticipation for peace and tranquility to be realized relies on the eternal principle that we were created by God for a purpose. That purpose is a manifestation of a personal relationship with a God and Father. In this Advent season, we anticipate the coming of a new season based upon the promise of salvation in Jesus Christ. Facing the discord, divisions, and dysfunctions of society today, based upon any other hope but the risen Christ, is a futile hope doomed to disappointment.
As we seek solutions for the problems facing America today, may we base all our spiritual efforts on the true hope of this Advent season.
In this faith, the kept promise of our hope will be our reward.
My name is Marc Nuttle and this is what I believe.
What do you believe?