Tag Archives: Christian heritage

You Can’t Hide From History

 

George Washington University made national news earlier in the week for a change in its history department.  Following a recent trend, school officials have decided to no longer require history majors to take American History before graduating, making it optional.  Currently, only a third of colleges make American History mandatory for those who major in this field.  Yet, it seems strange for an institution named after the first president of the United States to not stress and treasure American History.

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope, Romans 15:4.

Upon hearing this news, an outsider like me was initially put off until I realized who is teaching these classes.  To the atheist, liberal, progressive and socialist professors, the thought of American exceptionalism is offending.  Subsequently, the curriculum must be filtered, eliminating and skipping over content which reveals a Christian heritage and biblical principles.  Instead of getting the whole story, a revisionist history void of spiritual leaders is giving students a false narrative making American History just another class.

By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible, Hebrews 11:3.

Unfortunately, most college students graduate from universities thinking America’s founding fathers were a bunch of hypocritical slave owners.  If only material like Steeling the Mind of America was used to enlighten classes.  When individuals see American History that is unfiltered first hand, the outcome will be much different.  Most forget a time when this country celebrated 4 national religious holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Independence Day.  While a different narrative is winning over naive minds, you can’t hide from history when you search for the truth.

by Jay Mankus

 

Standing, Kneeling or Sitting

If you have ever attended a professional sporting event, before each game begins the MC or Voice of the radio play by play makes an announcement.  The words usually go something like this, “will you now rise, take off your caps and direct your attention to the flag as we honor America with the singing of our National Anthem.”  This tradition would have likely continued.  Yet, following the stance of Colin Kaepernick during 2 NFL preseason games by sitting down, then taking a knee, the National Anthem may become a thing of the past just like saying the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools.

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, Psalm 1:1.

On any given Sunday, you will find most players standing, a few on one knee and perhaps a rebel sitting on the team’s bench.  Yet, what does it really mean to stand, kneel or sit.  Whenever someone stands it represents a few things.  Standing symbolizes a willing participant, taking a stance or coming together for a common cause.  To take a knee suggests someone is resting, to gather their strength before moving on.  Meanwhile, kneeling is more of an act of worship, to bow down in humility to honor God.  Finally, sitting has multiple meanings.  Individuals can participant in sit ins, join others in protest or in the biblical context, sitting down refers to completing what you set out to do.

But whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night, Psalm 1:2.

Going forward, I hope that singing the National Anthem doesn’t turn into the ACLU’s attack on the pledge of allegiance.  Nonetheless, how people live, the stances you take and the character displayed will be a greater factor than celebrities on television.  In this day and age, people are starving for leaders, someone you can believe in and follow.  In the absence of leadership, the Colin Kaepernick’s of this world will try to set new trends to follow.  In the end, its up to you, to either stand, kneel or sit as America’s freedom’s are under siege by those who detest the Christian heritage of this country.  What will you do?

by Jay Mankus

 

 

The Lost Words of JFK

Beginning in 2008, Lost Tapes debuted on Animal Planet.  This horror series featured a combination of legendary creatures like Bigfoot as well as supernatural ones such as vampires.  Each episode begins with a presupposition, “what if researchers have a real life encounter, able to film their experience.”  These lost tapes are later found by some one who stumbles upon this evidence, serving as a warning to steer clear of specific places or regions.

If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday, Isaiah 58:10.

In the real world, revisionist historians are now are work, trying to hide the Christian heritage upon which America was founded.  Most people don’t realize that many schools on the East Coast were created by churches to help educate children.  Tools such as the New England Primer introduced the alphabet with verses of the Bible that were memorized for each letter.  This is just one portion of history scrubbed from modern text books, teachings that are now lost and forgotten.

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another, Galatians 5:13.

The media is also good at suppressing audio soundbytes, news stories and previous statements that are contrary to the progressive moment.  One of my favorites statements comes from John F. Kennedy, “ask not which this country can do for you; but what you can do for this country.”  These lost words could revolutionize this country if practiced.  Yet, modern politicians want to create needy citizens who can’t live without government.  Subsequently, a generation of “what’s in it for me” has crippled the progress of our culture.  May these forgotten words of JFK inspire individuals to a live a life of faith, service and patriotism.

by Jay Mankus