tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577154981595590445.post7931183656562875346..comments2016-08-16T11:42:41.679-05:00Comments on The Secular Traditionalist: We live in a perpetual disconnect from realityAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07879989443130449222noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577154981595590445.post-43512318484462475042015-02-04T17:48:21.907-06:002015-02-04T17:48:21.907-06:00It's been a pleasure to discuss this with you....It's been a pleasure to discuss this with you. It is a huge topic. I'm still working it all out myself, and I agree that it must be tempered with compassion. I worry that what people may view as compassionate may ultimately be detrimental. It is tempting to want to eliminate suffering for others but suffering is often the catalyst for improvement. We run the risk of playing God when we try to intervene too much. <br /><br />Yet we are called to be compassionate, merciful and generous. Maybe what we need is to rethink what that means. We often stunt the growth of other nations when we "help." This is just one of many articles on the web that discuss this in greater detail:<br /><br />http://www.forbes.com/sites/jerrybowyer/2013/07/30/your-help-is-hurting-how-church-foreign-aid-programs-make-things-worse/<br /><br />Thanks for the great discussion! I've got a lot to think about. A blog post may be in order!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07879989443130449222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577154981595590445.post-3852870459279626662015-02-04T15:55:45.071-06:002015-02-04T15:55:45.071-06:00Agreed! People SHOULD contribute to the well-being...Agreed! People SHOULD contribute to the well-being of their own countries. The Bible teaches us to not MISTREAT or ABUSE foreigners, but it doesn't say we should turn a blind eye to the kind of law-breaking that occurs when people cross the border illegally. There definitely needs to be some kind of action taken. <br /><br />Having said that, it seems appropriate to remember that we're dealing with people here, who have feelings and families, so our approach should be compassionate, as well. Justice should be tempered with mercy... <br /><br />Big subject, I know! And this is probably not a problem that can be resolved by mere "niceness" toward immigrants. I'm not qualified to opinionate on all the economic factors; but, having witnessed first hand the immigrant situation from close perspective, I do think I can offer an honest appraisal of the more "close to home" aspects. <br /><br />Great conversation, I think! Thanks for your reply to my comment, and for your patience in hearing me out!<br />JessicaJessica Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16314779260197916792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577154981595590445.post-85041534620294352132015-02-04T15:01:09.293-06:002015-02-04T15:01:09.293-06:00Hi, Jessica. Thanks for taking the time to read my...Hi, Jessica. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I spent some of yesterday afternoon reading yours after I came across a link on The Headcovering Movement website. I really enjoyed your posts and will definitely return in the future.<br /><br />Regarding your comment on immigration, I can certainly understand what you're saying but I think that the problem is more than just the quality of immigrants that we're allowing into the United States. The problem with letting in the best from other countries is that they deplete the talent that is needed in their home countries and bring it here where we already have our own talent. These people need to be encouraged to stay and work for their people and their countries; it's the only way change will ever occur and their problems will ever be fixed. <br /><br />I have read a lot about the position of Christians on immigration and I think most are mistaken about what the Biblical mandate to care for these people looks like. While belief in Christ makes us all one in Christ, it does not eliminate race or nations. These were created by God and He has not called for us to destroy His work. The Tower of Babel occurred because humans have a nasty habit of gathering together and thinking that they know better than God. Humans most certainly do not. Creating our utopia of One World goes against what God has decreed necessary to prevent humans from trying to assume God's role. <br /><br />A very dangerous ideology is at work in the world. It has all the appearance of being right and "of the light" but we need to tread carefully. I don't believe it's cruel or unbiblical to respect that which God created.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07879989443130449222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577154981595590445.post-42308800661493149742015-02-04T11:26:06.446-06:002015-02-04T11:26:06.446-06:00Hello, Claire! Thanks for your greeting on about.m...Hello, Claire! Thanks for your greeting on about.me!<br /><br />I've been reading your most recent posts, and I think they're great. <br /><br />On immigration: I personally know many immigrants from Mexico and other Latin American countries. I can say from experience, that though SOME may be illiterate, there are others who have good educations (maybe better than some North Americans), and are hardworking and have a lot of integrity. And those who stay here don't stay here for free. They work, and though some times they're paid in cash, much of the time, taxes are deducted from their wages just like everyone else. When they buy products from the store, they pay sales tax just like everyone else. I know there is more to the issue than that, and perhaps my own personal experience isn't an accurate gauge of the situation as a whole! However, I'd like to add that I think people should NOT cross the border illegally. They should be responsible, and do things the proper way. And if that doesn't work out, then they should stay in their own country. Laws must be respected. Drug transport is another concern, and a big problem. Another reason why border security is a good idea.<br /><br />On Christianity: Though I've never had any spiritual "experiences" that I can point to, and say, "God spoke to me," I believe that being a Christian is much more than reading the Bible and following its guidelines. It's a heart issue. It's about believing in Jesus as the ONLY Savior and way to eternal life, and receiving Him as Lord of our lives, as the Scriptures clearly teach. This inner faith informs all our outward choices. If it doesn't, then there is something very wrong -- not with the Bible, or with God, but with the person! <br /><br />Spending some time this morning reading your blog has been very enjoyable! I plan on coming back later to read more!<br />Jessica (heavenlyhearth3 from Truth at Home)Jessica Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16314779260197916792noreply@blogger.com