Quote of Note #223: The Human Destructive Inclination toward the Stranger

"We know what our race does to strangers. Man destroys or enslaves every species he can. Civilized man murders, enslaves, cheats, and corrupts savage man. Even inanimate nature he turns into dust bowls and slag-heaps." C. S. Lewis (click link to read full quote)

Quote of Note #219: Serving Others, Not Controlling Them

"If self-denial is at the heart of the kingdom [of God], controlling others is anti-kingdom." S. Bezner

Quote of Note #213: “The Inexhaustible, Inviolable Dignity of Every Person”

"Reclaiming the American idea against all this means returning to the beginning: to our basic commitment to the inexhaustible, inviolable dignity of every person, and to our recognition that an effective and enduring politics can only be built atop this fundamental conviction." B. Sasse

Pastor Note #141: Getting My Bearing for These Times (Cont.): Rejecting Coercion

Coercion can never achieve the kingdom of God. I do not believe it is ever God’s desire or plan that any one group of Christians should aspire to get its hands on the levers of coercive governmental power and use that coercive power to impose its will on its unwilling neighbors. Again, coercion cannot and will never achieve the kingdom of God.

Quote of Note #199: Coercive Force vs. Humble Love

"Loving humility is marvelously strong, the strongest of all things, and there is nothing else like it."

Pastor Note #138: The Way of Jesus: Selfless Service OR Coercion and Domination?

The Way of Jesus: Selfless Service OR Coercion and Domination? The Church of Jesus Christ in America has to decide whether it will embrace coercion as a tool of mission and ministry or not.  This decision is not a new one for Christians.  Throughout our history, we have frequently embraced a love affair with coercion … Continue reading Pastor Note #138: The Way of Jesus: Selfless Service OR Coercion and Domination?

Quote of Note #184: The Power of the Cross or the Power of the Sword?

"American Christian nationalism calls us to take up the power of the sword, gain more power, and use it to protect and promote our way of life. Jesus calls us to take up our cross and use our power to serve others, especially those who are not like us. When things seem out of control, … Continue reading Quote of Note #184: The Power of the Cross or the Power of the Sword?

Quote of Note #157: Love vs. Power

photo by GAC "What makes the temptation of power so seemingly irresistible? Maybe it is that power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love. It seems easier to be God than to love God, easier to control people than to love people, easier to own life than to love life. Jesus asks, … Continue reading Quote of Note #157: Love vs. Power