History and Hope: Renewing the American Promise Part One: Foundations

July 9th, 2024 |

As the fireworks fade, it is fitting we reflect on America’s founding and future. For the theologically inclined, you will not find any traces of chosen nation status or manifest destiny in this essay. Biblically, there is one chosen nation/people: ancient Israel liberated under Moses and the expanded Israel of the Church established by Messiah Jesus. (See Exodus 19:6 and I Peter 2:9-10). We can, however, reflectively see the hand of divine providence in the affairs of nations. If we were to tour the globe and speak with Christians of all classes, cultures, and communities, we would hear stories of grace and discipline, amazing miracles from God and serious consequences of human rebellion.

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Sanity about the Middle East: A Historical Overview, Part Two

May 3rd, 2024 |

The modern State of Israel was born out of two great movements: 1) the deep desire of Jews throughout history to have a homeland with Jerusalem at the center; and 2) the aftermath of the Holocaust as over six million Jews were systematically murdered during World War II. Form the first reports of the Shoah in 1941 and 1942, to the liberation of the concentration and extermination camps in 1944-1945, the world found it impossible to believe that such dehumanization and mechanized mass murder could happen. General Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, ordered filming and written accounts to be made, and he predicted there would be later denials of this evil.

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Sanity about the Middle East: A Historical Overview, Part One

April 26th, 2024 |

Over the last two decades, I have spoken and written extensively on the conflicts in the Middle East, especially between the State of Israel and her enemies. The horrors of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent explosions of antisemitism around the world and in the USA demand a response that is thoughtful and offers solutions for peace.

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Hopeful Realism for 2024, Part 2

January 24th, 2024 |

As we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, I hope that all of us can be hopeful and realistic so that we can achieve more than we thought possible, and we can weather the unexpected with grace. Here are some more observations for the year ahead:

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Hopeful Realism for 2024, Part 1

January 11th, 2024 |

Every new year begins with forecasts and predictions for the coming months. Some of these are thoughtful prognostications rooted in good research and reflection. Other are subjective guesses, offered as clickbait in a fantastical or fatalistic spirit. In this essay, I want to offer some pithy statements to stimulate thoughtfulness and ethical action. In a world awash with extremes, I hope these will encourage hearts and empower creativity.

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