Greetings!
The weather is becoming more enjoyable but still a conundrum. I’m looking forward to spending time in Norman tomorrow afternoon, as the temperature is projected to be 78 degrees.
Right now, though, as I sit in my house and begin writing this week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen, I keep fluctuating the thermostat from heat to air conditioning and back to heat. I’m reminded of why my dad always said to “wear layers.”
This week’s DHD topics are settled, however, as I share with you some confident views on six timely topics.
- Who is next Oklahoma governor?
Do you laugh whenever you say or hear the word “gubernatorial”? It’s a rather formal, official word, but it sounds like it has “goober” at the beginning of it.
As far as the Oklahoma gubernatorial race, Republican Kevin Stitt has a seven-point lead over Democrat Drew Edmondson, according to a recent poll, but it could be a tight result on Election Night next week.
Across the board, Republicans are taking a lot of heat regarding recent political issues, especially in the area of education. Another trend that doesn’t favor the GOP is how Oklahoma traditionally favors the opposite party representing the White House. A Democrat president results in a Republican Oklahoma governor and vice versa.
Because of my convictions, I can never vote for a candidate who supports abortion, regardless of political party. This means Kevin Stitt will get my vote.
However, more than likely, Drew Edmondson will win the election. If he does, please pray for how this affects our state on the issue of sanctity of life.
- School options
Two people close to me have made recent decisions involving the education of their children. One has a son in junior high who started public school this year, after spending his previous schooling in a home school setting. So far, the results have been extremely positive, as the boy is making good grades, mostly As, and he has demonstrated himself to be more responsible in his daily habits.
Another person has a junior high daughter who has experienced some serious health concerns, which has caused her to fall behind in school. Her parents are considering placing her in a home school format, thinking it will be better for her because of her health and to help her catch up on her studies.
This reminded me of a blog written by Trevin Wax titled “Educating Our Kids: Exploring Our Options.” This is an excellent presentation of the different forms of schooling. Wax pointed out that all educational styles have both positives and negatives.
He said Bible-believing Christians can and do come to different conclusions on this matter. The key is to identify the possible negatives of the school option chosen and how to overcome them. Also, be supportive of those who may choose a different schooling process.
- Greear gets it
Current Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear is a good communicator. It can be easy to like him, even though many appear to disagree with him on some issues.
I would like for him to demonstrate a stronger position in supporting the Cooperative Program, the funding entity that financially supports the numerous ministries of the Southern Baptist Convention, and encourage young pastors and the next generation to be on board in giving through the Cooperative Program.
As I said, Greear is likeable, and he earned some points with me when I read a recent Baptist Press article about his “Ask Me Anything” podcast.
When it comes to Reformed Theology, or Calvinism, I find the topic laborious. I know what I believe when it comes to God’s sovereignty and the free will of man, and I am at peace about it. If someone is seeking understanding about Reformed Theology, I would help them if they ask me. If someone is seeking to debate, I will probably make light of it, change the subject or walk away.
This is why I like how Greear responded when he was asked if he is a Calvinist. He said Calvinism “is never an issue to me until it becomes one to you. And then when it becomes one to you, then I’m on the opposite side of whatever you are because I just don’t feel like it’s a central thing.”
It may be possible that Greear and I are complete opposites when it comes to the points of Calvinism, but we are in full agreement on how to prioritize it.
- A deceiving deduction on human dignity
Tina Boesch gave a review on Dan Darling’s new book “The Dignity Revolution: Reclaiming God’s Rich Vision for Humanity.”
I have not read the book, but I know Darling is solid on Christians issues. However, I struggled with a comment Boesch made about transcending politics when it comes to particular human dignity issues.
She said, “Certain policy positions on these issues are consistently associated with either right or left. The dignity of unborn babies is championed by the right while the dignity of the poor and refugees is championed by the left.”
There is a deceiving element in the last part of that last sentence – that the left champion dignity of the poor and refugees.
I know many who would be identified with the “right” or having a conservative perspective who have done great work caring for the poor. I also have seen conservative Christian churches involved in ministering with refugees.
Conservatives would not agree with how liberals or the “left” would want to help the poor and refugees, as liberals would prefer to “champion” through increased government oversight and raised taxes. But to allude that conservatives don’t care for the poor or refugees at all is a complete farce.
On the other hand, I would like for Boesch to explain what the “left” would do for unborn babies in comparison to what conservatives do for the poor and refugees.
- Mohler on migrant caravan
The enormous convoy of Honduran migrants that is making its way through Mexico and to the United States southern border is a major concerning issue. The last count I heard is 7,000 individuals are trekking through Central America, seeking to reside in America.
The best commentary I heard is from Albert Mohler in his Wed., Oct. 24 edition of The Briefing. You can read the transcript if you prefer not to listen. It is a solid objective analogy and helpful for Christians to understand what to make of this entourage.
When it comes to helping immigrants, I refer to what Anthony Jordan, former executive director-treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, once said. He said it is important for the government to do its job, maintain order and enforce laws. He also said it is important for the church to do its job and that is, in the name of Jesus Christ and for the sake of the Gospel, care for those in need regardless of who they are and what they have done.
- Sasse’s social media rules
I conclude this week’s DHD with sharing an article on Senator Ben Sasse. Check out why Sasse quit Twitter for half a year, and go down to the end and read his list of 16 truths Sasse and his family will apply when it comes to dealing with social media.