Tag Archives: a biblical worldview

Seeking out What is Right

Before the creation and evolution of the internet, students went to the library to find the right answer. After going through the card catalog, I usually went to a librarian to expedite my search for the book with the answer to my question. As I got older, I was introduced to Cliff. If time was running out before a due assignment, Cliff Notes was a reliable source until one of my teachers caught on to the short cut that many of us were taking to find out what we needed to know.

These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. 18 A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren, Proverbs 6:16-19.

From a Biblical Worldview, the Bible is the place to seek out what is right. According to one first century author, the Bible is living and active, able to penetrate souls, Hebrews 4:12. Meanwhile, the apostle Paul refers to God’s Word as the source for correcting, rebuking and teaching individuals what is right, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. A first century church developed a practice for testing new philosophies by examining them with the Old Testament, Acts 17:11-12.

Lying lips are extremely disgusting and hateful to the Lord, but they who deal faithfully are His delight. 23 A prudent man is reluctant to display his knowledge, but the heart of [self-confident] fools proclaims their folly, Proverbs 12:22-23.

King Solomon is much more direct in the passages above. Before you fully understand what is good and right, you need to know what God detests. If any act falls under one of these 7 categories, the Lord wants any of his followers to flee from these behaviors. One of Jesus’ earthly brothers called first century believers to draw near to God while resisting temptation, James 4:7. In his final remarks in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides a blueprint in Matthew 7:7-8 for seeking out what is right.

by Jay Mankus

A Clash of Two Cultures

The National Education Association was founded in 1857.  This group is the largest labor union and professional interest group in the United States.  This status also makes the NEA the most powerful and influential special interest group, swaying politicians to continue to fund education programs in their annual budget.  Prior to the 1970’s, education was left up to each state, giving local PTA members, parent teacher association, the ability to impact school curriculum.  However, in the last fifty years, education is being now controlled at the national level through objectives like Common Core.  With liberals and progressives now editing, replacing and writing new curriculum, the stage is set for a clash of two cultures.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith, 2 Timothy 4:7.

If you have children, you will be taking visits to colleges and universities that your daughter or son have interests in attending.  These tours may reveal an institutions true intentions or they might be hidden to avoid choosing an alternative school.  From my experience, these schools of higher education roll out the red carpet, trying to impress and persuade as many as potential students as possible.  As a former high school teacher, graduates often visited me relaying the good, bad and ugly sides of college.  Although many colleges on the east coast of the United States were founded by Christians for Christians, few traces of faith remain.  Just as public education removed Bible verses and prayer from its curriculum in the 1960’s, colleges have used revisionist history to scrub significant events like the Magna Carta from textbooks.  If generations grow up without a biblical worldview, college professors can introduce new ideologies that clashes with what parents and grandparents were taught.

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses, 1 Timothy 6:12.

These factors set the scene for current events like Antifa members taking over downtown Portland, Oregon, protestors harassing conservatives in public and marches on Washington.  From where I sit, observing day to day events, its like the Jerry Springer show on steroids, stirring the pot until emotions bubble over into a shoving match.  Perhaps, everyone needs to go into their corner, take a timeout out to relax and begin to act like a grown up in front of children who are watching.  America is on the verge of a new Civil War.  However, instead of re-enacting the events of 1861-1865 on a battlefield, this clash will between cultures.  One clinging to the Judeo Christian values of America’s founding fathers.  The other eager to usher in a progressive era replacing the Bible with a different set of moral and political standards.  I hope I am wrong about this clash, but if you watch cable news it appears this clash has already begun.

by Jay Mankus