|
Home / Politics / Commentary
American Sleeping Giant Awakes – But is too Heavy to walk on Islamic Jihadist Eggshells
By:Rev. Michael Bresciani
One of America’s largest Christian broadcasters, Trinity Broadcasting Network has decided to drop one of its shows because it does not want to agitate Muslim Jihadist. Of course they say it is because they don’t want to offend Muslims in general and that because they are beginning to broadcast into Arab countries. Nevertheless the dye is cast and with a brand of political correctness of their own making they plan to bounce the long running show created by the late Zola Levitt. The last show is set to air on August 28, 2006. Zola Levitt’s ministry will be carried on by his son Mark on the internet according to the ministry’s newsletter.
Prior to dumping Levitt TBN also planned to dump Hal Lindsey’s program, “The International Intelligence Briefing.” After some in house wrangling the program was to remain on air but then Lindsey himself pulled the plug because he could not express the true nature of Islamic radicalism without the pressure of an ongoing scrutiny.
These are just two examples of the absurdity of the notion of “political correctness.” Until political correctness becomes part of the constitution it would seem that we are still covered by the first amendment when it comes to calling a spade a spade…or are we?
Of the hundreds of articles I’ve written only a few have ever been declined. Some were said to be placed in the wrong category and a few because I submitted them twice (unwittingly) to the same database. Only one was ever rejected because it was thought to be “politically incorrect.” I must admit I was shocked but after musing over it for a while I realized that to those who espouse this fantasmical notion I was making waves but I also know I was making inroads in a very important way. I was satisfied with that and I have been glad ever since that there are others out there like Lindsey and Levitt who are also.
Who decides what the parameters are in this business of being politically correct. If Hillary and an army of liberals take the presidency and most of the congressional seats in 2008 will that define my politics until the next election. Must I then become a progressive, anti war, tree hugging, happy little democratic puppy for at least the next four years? The answer is of course understood. I cringe at the ideas and positions of the left in this country but I am completely satisfied that because this is America, they are always within their rights to hold and voice their views in any way they see fit. I am told by the constitution itself that I cannot hinder the free expression of their views. I only wish someone would tell them that they can’t hinder mine either. Until the idea of “political correctness” becomes part of the constitution it should be denied and actively resisted not to mention labeled for exactly what it is, “censorship by assent.”
The real victim of political correctness is the “truth.” Common sense is often accosted as well. Can Americans only bark about our own political goofery but must stop short of speaking about something abroad or connected to “Religion?” Maybe we should posthumously apologize to Jim Jones for the negative remarks that were made after he lead over nine hundred people to their deaths in Guyana. After all it happened in a foreign country and it was a religious thing.
Jesus Christ spoke of loving one another as being the most important of all his commands to his followers. He gave them examples of that kind of love daily by healing the sick, saving the lost and raising the dead. Yet for all that showing of love he never bent to the will of the constabulary. He saw the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. He saw the ever burgeoning traditional encumberments that they laid on the average citizen. He didn’t hold back one bit when he addressed them just because they were Jewish like him. He did not let the fact that they were revered leaders of the much touted Levitical priesthood make him cringe in fear. In fact he spoke against them in such a way that by today’s standards of “political correctness” he would be barred, banned, censured and who knows maybe even tarred and feathered.
Here are some of the things he said to the Pharisees in his day. Keep in mind that the Pharisees were not the leaders of some new movement out of nowhere. They were the keepers of the Mosaic laws and traditions. They were also the ones who laid a construct or web of rules, liturgies, interpretations, traditions and opinions over the pure simple word of the prophets and patriarchs until that word was so buried by the construct that it was all but lost. They hated Christ’s speaking of simple things like love, kindness, life and using analogies with birds, flowers and children. They after all had all the right religious words and phrases and were sure this country bumpkin of a Jew was talking into his hat. Politically correct? Look at this rebuke.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Matthew 3: 7-10
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Matthew 23: 13-15
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Matthew 23: 23-24
By the standards of political correctness Jesus might have been resurrected not to save the world from sin and give a promise that death has been conquered but rather to make an apology to the religious leaders that he so furiously lambasted, and in public.
No one should have to apologize for telling the truth. If discretion and respect are employed and we conduct ourselves with any kind of dignity as we address those we speak to, the truth should be all that is needed. When we wash our words with fear, hope of gain, or deference to people in position or power we hold ourselves responsible for those words. If as gentlemen we speak the truth in a respectful and deliberate manner then those words are responsible for themselves.
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: Islamic, Jihadist, jihad, American, sleeping giant, Hal Lindsey, Zola Levitt, Mark Levitt, George Bush, 9/11, Pharisees, TBN, Trinity Broadcasting, Jim Jones, Guyana, Pharisees, Jesus, hypocrites, Levitical, priesthood, Mosaic, law, Christian, Christian books, American Prophet, politically correct, liturgies, traditions, truth
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
Rev Bresciani is the author of two Christian books and hundreds of articles both online and in print. He is also a contributing columnist for several online site. Visit www.americanprophet.org
|
|
| Top Commentary Articles |
- 1). Is Communism Dead Yet? By : David Snape
There are a handful of countries that are still considered communist regimes. Yet communism doesn't really exist. These countries are more like dictatorships with authoritarian type leaders who operate under the very thin veil of non-existent communism.
These groups or individual leaders that have near absolute power cause great harm to their country's populace on a continual basis.
|
- 2). Containing the United States By : Sam Vaknin
European intellectuals yearned for the mutually exclusive: an America contained and a regime-changed Iraq. The Chinese are more pragmatic - though, bound by what is left of their Marxism, they still ascribe American behavior to the irreconcilable contradictions inherent in capitalism.
The United States is impelled by its economy and values to world dominion, claimed in March 2003 an analysis titled "American Empire Steps Up Fourth Expansion" in the communist party's mouthpiece People's Daily.
|
- 3). A democracy? What have we wrought? By : Scott W. Clark
One of the great fallacies abroad is thinking that any regime today can lay claim to being democratic. None are. Though we say they are democratic and that they are democracies, they are actually republican government—representative democracies. This means that certain people are elected to serve the interests of the people at large. These representatives make the decisions for the people rather than the people making them.
|
- 4). The Madman and the Iraqi War By : Sam Vaknin
It is the war of the sated against the famished, the obese against the emaciated, the affluent against the impoverished, the democracies against tyranny, perhaps Christianity against Islam and definitely the West against the Orient. It is the ultimate metaphor, replete with "mass destruction", "collateral damage", and the "will of the international community".
|
- 5). The New Politics By : Sam Vaknin
Politics, in all its forms, is bankrupt. The notion that we can safely and successfully hand over the management of our daily lives and the setting of priorities to a political class or elite is thoroughly discredited. Politicians cannot be trusted, regardless of the system in which they operate. No set of constraints, checks, and balances, is proved to work and mitigate their unconscionable acts and the pernicious effects these have on our welfare and longevity.
|
- 6). Thanks Mankind! By : Tyler
I got to thinking today and i have to say, we rock! Humans I mean. For some reason, as I sat there, eating my McDonalds, I started thinking about technology. Man was I impressed! We have so much, and we dont think about it enough. I suppose it really doesnt make much of a difference to think about it anyways, but life would just be so much harder if it wasnt 2005.
|
- 7). " The Failure is Sundered Within" By : Forest Browne
The failure is sundered within each of us, it festers as blame to others, a manifestation of the shame that belongs not to ourselves but of the participants of a deadlier game. Yet innately the affectation begins with our own visceral manumission of guilt, and sadly, empirically lies buried in our own personal failings.
We ponder all that which seems inherently wrong.
|
- 8). Genes and the Mind By : Richard Helfant, MD
People with a strong will to live understand that when they take life-enhancing measures, their health and longevity will be favorable affected, regardless of their genes. They take responsibility for their lives instead of being victims of events. Each and every one of us has the resources within to affect our health and longevity.
|
- 9). When you're down to nothing By : Saleem Rana
The story of the Ugly Duckling has profound spiritual meanings. When we don't fit in, and when we're down on our luck, a greater game may be afoot.
|
|
|
| New Commentary Articles |
- 1). Impeach Bush now By : Jason Vines
Even a month ago, I was content to let the electoral system punish President George W. Bush for his incompetence in prosecuting the war in Iraq. Let him deal with more Democrats than he bargained for after the 2006 midterm elections, I thought. That would sufficiently punish him for his failures; anything more would set a dangerous precedent discouraging future presidents from launching big endeavors that might not work.
|
- 2). Why Are Politicians Corrupt? By : Sam Vaknin
Most politicians bend the laws of the land and steal money or solicit bribes because they need the funds to support networks of patronage. Others do it in order to reward their nearest and dearest or to maintain a lavish lifestyle when their political lives are over.
But these mundane reasons fail to explain why some officeholders go on a rampage and binge on endless quantities of lucre.
|
- 3). Heal Our Republic: Change Our Electoral System By : Jason Vines
Consider the presidential election system we have today: Every state has a number of electors, equal to their amount of representatives and senators, who vote for the President of the United States. In most states, every elector goes to the candidate who achieves the most popular votes, regardless of his margin of victory. This means:
1. Presidential candidates have little reason to campaign to the whole country.
|
- 4). Gun Control Will Solve Nothing By : Jason Vines
Statistics from the National Federation of State High School Associations reveal that, in 1999, 15 students perished while playing in high school football games. This fact received little to no coverage in the national media. Angry parents did not parade into Washington, D.C., in order to demand stricter regulation of high school football. Politicos feigning intense anguish did not bemoan football’s domination of most learning institutions’ sports programs.
|
- 5). America the Narcissist By : Sam Vaknin
The majority of worldwide respondents to the last two global Pew enter surveys (in 2002 and 2006) regarded the United States as the greatest menace to world peace - far greater than the likes of Iraq or China. Thinkers and scholars as diverse as Christopher Lasch in "The Cultural Narcissist" and Theodore Millon in "Personality Disorders of Everyday Life" have singled out the United States as the quintessential narcissistic society.
|
- 6). " The Failure is Sundered Within" By : Forest Browne
The failure is sundered within each of us, it festers as blame to others, a manifestation of the shame that belongs not to ourselves but of the participants of a deadlier game. Yet innately the affectation begins with our own visceral manumission of guilt, and sadly, empirically lies buried in our own personal failings.
We ponder all that which seems inherently wrong.
|
- 7). Prohibition's Other Ending Remembered On April 7 By : John Terry
While Prohibition's repeal came on December 5, 1933, American brewers celebrate the end of that era with "Brew Year's Eve" on April 7. It seems the country's brewers were back in business on this earlier date, when Americans enjoyed beer as their first legal drink in 12 years.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt's support for repeal helped him win the 1932 presidential election.
|
- 8). On the Nature of Evil By : Peter Cross
In psychological terms, evil is an aberration of the ego. An evil ego has a strong desire to dominate other egos. An evil person knows that terror is the most effective way to dominate other people because terror induces incapacitating fear. People who are stricken with fear cannot take effective action to defend themselves and while they are in that state, an evil person can do anything they want to do to them.
|
- 9). “Blood Extravasation: Israel’s Journey to the Precipice of Nowhere” By : Forest Browne
Western civilization’s lone bastion in the Middle East has lost sight of its holistic long-term visage, and is behaving like a fracturalized cornered animal, lashing at all within its grasp. Israel fails to remember Chaim Weizmann’s precursor to entering Palestine, an inclusive benefice for both Palestinian and Israelite, while Hezbolla solidifies its political gains by building hospitals, schools, and sadly, but historically predictable, terrorism.
|
- 10). Islamic Militancy – Seed for the Next Dark Ages By : Rev. Michael Bresciani
We teach our collegians well about the period known as the dark ages but do we thoroughly explain what brought on this horrible period across the globe? With little fanfare the answer to that question is an unequivocal no.
Let’s do the math here. The marriage of civil and ecclesiastical power is without dispute the singular cause of the horrors of the dark ages.
|
|
|
