Tuesday
Jun292004
Election 2004
Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 2:25AM
We had an election here in Canada tonight. I have to admit that I was hoping for more of a horserace. I find these things as exciting as a good hockey game. I can't get to sleep. Sad, I know. For the first time in years, the result of this election wasn't a foregone conclusion. That was kind of fun. It's easy to complain about our politicians. In the end, I have my political preferences, but I can't help but stand amazed and grateful for generally decent people who try their best and who subject themselves to the political process. Some good people lost tonight. You couldn't pay me enough to do what they do. Update: This is going to be interesting. The Liberals and NDP have 154 seats combined. The Conservatives, Bloq, and the one independent have 154 seats combined. This will be an interesting Parliament. The party whip is going to have lots of work.
Reader Comments (16)
Interesting strategy the Liberals used in the final days and it worked. Focus on Harper and what might be his real agenda. Paint the Tories as that far right wing party who would allow for the abortion debate to be re-opened and other moral issues to be addressed. Its amazing don't you think Darryl, how far we have come in this country on those issues. That we would even want to dialogue about abortion again is just not understood. We are so enlightened that for the most part Canadians just can't comprehend going there anymore. It is just so clear how far away from God we have travelled in this country. And look at where we are. Its time for us Christians to stand boldly for Christ and His principles and His Word. Our society is coming apart at the seams. Where is the Christian voice? Interesting cover on the latest issue of Christianity Today "When does personhood Begin" I'm looking forward to reading it. Interesting timing for us Christian Canadians. Are we doing enough to bring the issue back front and center? The killing of the unborn. Do we still care about their rights? Do you think liberal Christians embrace the idea that it is in fact a women's right to choose? What do you think LT?
Hi Darryl, Just trying something out. After talking with Brian, he has talked me into blogging on my own site. It's still in the works but just click on my name to see.
Very cool. I've bookmarked you - I'll be checking in to see what you've written.
Great comment George. I feel your pain. We definately are strangers...aliens in a foreign land. Surprised Darryl didn't comment back...
George, you're right that society's values aren't the same as the Kingdom's values. I'm just not sure that's a new thing. I'm also not sure what our response should be. Re: the abortion issue - it will take more wisdom than I have to know how to creatively engage culture on this issue.
Darryl, its not new but just getting farther and farther apart, those two values that is. Is that it though Darryl? To say that we aren't sure what to do about it and how we ought to engage culture on the issue. Wisdom, amen to that. God's wisdom. We could maybe start by asking for God's wisdom when it comes to this matter. I love the book of Proverbs and all the references to wisom and how we should get wisdom. Just an example Proverbs 2 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, We should pray for that kind of Godly wisdom so that when the opportunity presents itself we might have something wise to say on this issue.
"Its not new but just getting farther and farther apart, those two values that is. Is that it though Darryl?" I'm not sure. It's certainly easy to believe that, but I've found historians can usually pull that argument apart. The good old days weren't as good as we think. I don't expect any political party to change this either. That's why I hate to tie this issue to an election. After a few hundred years, the first Christians succeeded in turning their country (empire) into a Christian one, and the results were disastrous. We shouldn't be looking for answers in the Christendom era but in the pre-Christendom one right now, I believe (the period before Christianity became the official religion of Rome).
Were is the Christian voice? It was heard during the crusades (in a "christian" society) it was heard during the colonization of Canada (when Natives were slaughtered) and it was heard in the south during slavery. You see society looks at this and other similar events and says "you spoke we listened, you screwed up we forgave but now we dont care what you think" That is why we have no voice we have to go back and correct 1000 years of crap before anyone will care what we think. We need to pull off the bandaid and stitch the wounds. Also - we live in a democracy and I dont think we still have a majority of judaeo-christian moral value followers. This means if we want our voices heard we need to get out and increase our flocks. Then we can try to change the social values.
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction; and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life; and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13, 14. George, I hate to disagree with you on this, but the chasm between Mankind's sinful ways and the Way of The Cross is as it always has been since Adam's Fall. It is enormous! So much so that the only bridge that can span the distance is the out-stretched arms and nail-scarred hands of Jesus Christ Himself. Even our Christian ethics, morals and values are of no account, or else why was it necessary for Jesus to die for us? The above quoted scripture serves to point out that there will always be issues of morality and ethics, (SIN!) with which we have to contend. Not to suggest that we do not pay attention to it; (the sin;) not to suggest that we do not speak out about it; not to suggest that we condone it in any way, rather that we do not let it become our focus. Why become so focused on the sin and hence become so frazzled and het up about it that we forget that our main focus should be our Lord and Saviour? Why not rejoice in our salvation, while at the same time living The Gospel in such a way that those around us are curious and desirous of what we have that they do not? People do not respond well to negative messages, no matter their veracity. (Except, it seems, during an election) Perhaps I should qualify that.... People do not respond well to negative messages regarding their behaviour or sinful nature, no matter the messages' veracity. Ranting and raving turns people off, rather than on. Why else do people label us "fanatics" and pay as much attention to us as they do the "tree-huggers" who chain themselves to trees lest they be cut down and turned into lumber? Calm down, Buddy. By all means disagree with the values and ethics and morals we see displayed around us at every turn. Just realise that before it gets any better it will get a lot worse. That has been prophesied many moons ago. Also, take time to rejoice, because where sin abounds, Grace abounds even more! (To paraphrase Romans 5:20)
Arthur, I'm calm, I'm calm. I just know that I want to do more for the Kingdom. He's changed my life and for a reason. I believe this is all prep time for me. I look around though within Christianity and see so much apathy. People who have been in the Christian circles all their lives and I look at them and wonder what its all about for them. Where is the passion for God and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Where is the Spirit of God really at work? Where is the boldness that the early church had, that they were able to turn their world upside down for the cause of Christ. Where is that happening in the church in Canada today? Can it happen? Can we as Christians make a difference in this world? Why all this raising the flag of surrender to the world because oh well we can't really do anything anyways? Why? Why? Lets raise the flag of surrender to Christ and just see what he can do through us. That's where I want to be. Anybody else?
I agree that we need to surrender to Christ. To be bold like the early church. But the did this by two very simple means. One telling the world that Jesus was King and not Caesar. Second the Jesus loves and died for you. I dont recall Paul ever writing to the world and telling that they must aspire to the the moral values of "following the way". I think again that is how we surrender to Christ by proclaiming him Prime Minister of Canada and Not Paul Martin.
Amen, Matt! I have been contemplating this issue since George's last response, and I have been looking at the Life of Christ as an example. I see Him preaching against sin, but I never see Him becoming excited about it in everyday people; the guy or gal on the street corner. I don't even see Him really paying too much attention to the moral values of the governments of the day, either that of Rome or that of Herod. I do, however, see Him becoming very excited when the sinners were the Scribes and Pharisees and Sadducees and money-changers in the Temple. I may be wrong. (I have admitted on several occasions that I am not really a scholar, so those of you who are better educated in things Biblical feel free to correct me.)I may be wrong, but Jesus seems to have saved His temper and His harshest comments for those who are the shepherds of His flock, and who are leading them astray, not the ordinary folk, nor the Government. So, George, it is my contention that if you are unhappy with the approach YOUR church leadership takes in regard to these issues, that is to whom you should be directing your comments and prayers, nobody else. If you do not obtain satisfaction, then it is time for you to find a new church. By the way, I do not mean any offense by my comments, and as I said: I stand to be corrected if anyone disagrees with me.
Arthur, as usual I agree with you. I'm fired up for the Lord and want to work for Him. I too look at Christ's life and aim to become more like Him. I know I got a long way to go, but I also know without a doubt that He is guiding and leading. About church, I'm excited about all that. I won't plug it again because Darryl doesn't allow for that (and thats cool) but I am excited about where I'm at and how God is at work. As Darryl says there are exceptions where God is doing amazing things and I'm grateful to be part of such a church. I'm still figuring out what God has planned for me specifically and what exactly my future is as far as working for Him, but I know without a doubt that He has led me to this particular church at this time. Its one step at a time I guess you could say. I always appreciate your input Arthur, I've read about your own feelings on church before and I was there myself for so long. I also know and believe that there are no coincidences with God and who knows where this will all lead? For you, me and so many others who desire to be in His will and work for Him. There is so much potential for a revival in our area don't you think? Forget about our bad experiences with church what can we do now? Think inner city. What could we as church do there?
George, don't you find it scary that you and I are agreeing so much lately? ;)
Darryl, what IS scary is that I am starting to agree with you, as well!! George, old buddy....I live in Port Hope because I cannot stand the city scene. Give me country life any day! However, the one thing I miss is the opportunity to attend a "happening" church, believe it or not. I am the sole owner of a small landscaping, general yard maintenance type of business, and I spend a lot of time praying for my customers'; my family, and my friends. (It is amazing how much time one can spend in prayer while buzzing up and down on a lawn tractor.) I will make you a deal you cannot refuse: I will pray for you if you'll pray for me. Okay?
Yea Darryl, what's up with that? Is that you or me? Arthur, that's a good deal, you're on. I worked in lawn maintenance all through highschool with my uncle (its a Dutch thing). I was going to go into that same business along with weed control, but then for some reason I decided to join the police force. No regrets on that. Have a great Sunday.