Tag Archives: Age of Enlightenment

The Age of Terror

Posted on November 20, 2015 by expressyourself4him

History has a way of remembering periods of time in the past.  Whether you are referring to the Dark Ages, Age of Enlightenment or Age of Exploration, events influence and shape historical accounts.  If the trends of recent terrorist attacks continue, then this world may now be experiencing the Age of Terror.

The angel of the LORD also said to her: “You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard of your misery, Genesis 16:11.

Following the aftermath of 9/11, the drama series West Wing created an episode to explain why terrorism exists.  At the beginning of their special presentation entitled Isaac and Ishmael, each star appeared on camera, saying a few words, taking a temporary break from their normal programming.  As the cast endures a fictional crisis, their conclusion reveals terrorism was conceived when Hagar and Ishmael were abandoned by Sarah and Abraham.

Ishmael will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers,” Genesis 16:12.

Whenever the next act of terror takes place, Cable News networks will bring out their panel of experts, trying to shed light on how or why an act took place.  Some of these individuals may even provide fascinating insights.  Nonetheless, when everything is said and done, the root of terrorism lies in the fulfillment of Genesis 16:12.  The word brothers refers to Israel, yet in modern terms applies to Christians as well.  Thus, Ishmael, the father of Arab nations continues his hostility toward the brothers of Israel.  May God have mercy on us all as the Age of Terror has arrived.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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The Conscience, Guilt and Fear

Posted on June 10, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Regardless of your beliefs, environment and upbringing, three invisible forces guide each soul.  As C.S. Lewis suggests in Mere Christianity, the conscience is a moral compass, providing a sense of right and wrong.  Guilt is a by product of the conscience, like a warning signal that cuts to the heart when you sway off course.  Finally, before there was a reality show, God uses fear to scare people straight off the road which leads to destruction, Matthew 7:13-14.

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.  For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out, Romans 7:18.

The Law of Human Nature works hand in hand with the conscience, guilt and fear.  Whether human beings like it or not, each have a curious idea within their mind that they ought to behave in a certain way, and cannot really get rid of it.  Nonetheless, C.S. Lewis breaks the bad news in his chapter with the same title, individuals do not behave in this way despite their knowledge of the Law of Nature; breaking it like the apostle Paul’s confession in Romans 7.

Because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him, Mark 6:20.

An example of the conscience, guilt and fear can be found in Mark 6:14-28.  King Herod probably felt it was wrong for him to take his brother’s wife while he was still living.  John the Baptist’s teaching  exposed Herod’s sin, causing his wife to hold a grudge, looking to eliminate this voice of reason.  Meanwhile, despite his wrong actions, John’s words stirred Herod’s soul, instilling a sense of fear within.  Although Herod had John the Baptist murdered to keep an oath made in public, this decision likely haunted the king for the rest of his life.

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did,         1 Corinthians 10:6.

Today,  a progressive society is hoping to nullify the conscience, guilt and fear.  Trying to relive the Age of Enlightenment, educators are encouraging children to do what’s right in their own eyes.  This philosophy didn’t work out so well for the Judges of the Old Testament so why listen to this lie now.  Rather, be open to the guiding light of your conscience.  Treat guilt like a step in the wrong direction and continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, Philippians 2:12.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Nuances of Nihilism

Posted on January 28, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Historians credit the Age of Enlightenment, a period of the 17th and 18th centuries, for introducing nihilism to America.  Nihilism is a total rejection of social morals, believing that nothing in society is worthwhile.  Slipped under the covers through comedy acts, cartoons and sitcoms, naive minds have been convinced by nihilistic propaganda that objective truth no longer exists.  Thus, the nuances of nihilism is near completion, successfully shaping the worldviews of one generation to believe established authority is corrupt and must be destroyed to rebuild a just nation.

On the other hand, I believe nihilism was conceived during the Renaissance, spanning from the 14th-17th centuries.  Christian educators claim the painting entitled The School of Athens by Raphael Sanzio between 1509-1510 served as a theological turning point.  This piece contains 2 of Greece’s greatest philosophers, Aristotle and Socrates.  Christian’s interpret this painting as a transition from the belief truth comes from God above toward a realization truth comes from within.  John Calvin’s theology was inspired by the Holy Spirit to combat this age filled with humanism, naturalism and rationalism.

With an end goal of eliminating God’s existence, atheists and agnostics continue following in the footsteps of Friedrich Nietzsche who boldly proclaimed, “God is dead!”  As the boob tube, social media and college elite drive home their message daily, most Christians are sleep walking through life, disengaged from this spiritual war.  Yet, there are a few still up to this cultural challenge.  Music groups like The Newsboys are carrying the torch against nihilism with their God’s Not Dead tour in 2011-2012.  However, its going to take a radical effort, covered in prayer and led by vision, to take back the lost ground from the nuances nihilism has established.

by Jay Mankus

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