RE: Voices: Signs of the times: The problem with ‘In God We Trust’
I am always impressed with the columns by Jake Raabe. His latest “The problem with ‘In God We Trust'” is very timely. Jake notes that several state legislators are debating posting the slogan in schools and other places.
The slogan “In God We Trust” is just one of several hot buttons political figures in some factions have found useful in stirring up hate, fear, bigotry or a sense of nationalism. Other hot buttons are issues such as abortion, the Second Amendment, the Ten Commandments, refugees, etc. In the wake of the school massacre, these hot buttons are intended to distract attention from what should be our main concern: weapons of mass destruction in the hands of people who have no business with them.
In some areas of the country, such as Alabama, the “In your face” factor comes into play. We have seen the chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court forced out of office twice because he has no respect for the law, the Constitution, or the truth. Yet, he was almost elected to the office of the U.S. Senate last year in a special election. He has turned the posting of the Ten Commandments into a real money-making enterprise.
Most people can see the words “In God We Trust” every day when they see money. If the slogan was removed, how long would it be before they noticed it was gone? When lawyers for certain political figures are considering paying hush money to a porn star, do they notice the slogan and get deterred?
Carl Hess
Ozark, Ala.
RE: Homeland Security To Compile A Database Of Journalists, Bloggers And Influencers
In case you missed it, the Department of Homeland Security is looking for a private contractor to create an online database that will monitor journalists, bloggers, and people with influence on social media. Freedom of the press, which I support, is in the Constitution. So is freedom of religion. Will the DHS create an online database of churches, and other religious corporations?
Chuck Mann
Greensboro, N.C.
RE: Voices: Is the US embassy’s move to Jerusalem a prophetic sign?
My take on your article:
Regarding (quote): “It’s called dispensationalism because it assumes that God acts in different ways and has different rules during different eras (dispensations).”
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Hebrews 1 New International Version (NIV)
1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
Anticipating the Lord’s return puts urgency into our preaching/teaching. There is no divisiveness in my heart by the understanding of dispensations. Also let’s consider:
2 Timothy 2:23-24 New International Version (NIV)
23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
Also, we shouldn’t extrapolate what we think some people believe into our own disbelief.
Rick Staebler
Joplin, Miss.
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