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DHD: Responding to ‘America founded on slavery’

DHD: Responding to ‘America founded on slavery’

Greetings!

We just celebrated Independence Day. Americans everywhere took time to enjoy the freedoms we have in our country, spent with family, friends, food, fun and fireworks.

There were parades, observances of military appreciation, patriotic musical performances and reflections of our nation’s history.

I enjoyed July 4 along with my fellow patriots.

Earlier this week, I heard a comment mentioning that America was founded on slavery. It bothered me. I thought it was not accurate and could lead to a misrepresentation of the founding of our country.

I decided to use this week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen to offer an historical analysis as well as how best to respond when the topic of America and the practice of slavery is discussed.

1. Many of the Founders opposed slavery

I found an editorial by John Gutekunst titled “The Founders thought slavery would die on its own” as a good source.

Gutekunst pointed out that many of the Founders were against slavery. He quoted John Adams who said slavery was “a foul contagion in the human character.” Benjamin Franklin said, “Slavery is… an atrocious debasement of human nature.”

George Washington once was a slave owner, but he offered them freedom. He also observed other actions to promote and offer freedom to slaves, and he said, “There is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do, to see a plan adopted for the abolition of it (slavery).” Later in life, Washington said his biggest regret was that he and the other founders did not abolish slavery once and for all.

And there are others who outright opposed or at least admitted slavery was an inhumane practice.

2. Slavery was progressively diminished

To reiterate, I am directly responding to the popular belief that America was founded on slavery. Consider the fact that slavery existed prior to the founding of the United States, especially in Europe. England, France, Spain and Portugal practiced slavery, as well as other countries.

I bring this up not to excuse early Americans but to clarify the place slavery has in world history. I would speculate that the unfortunate popularity of slavery across the globe caused insensitivity to even some who opposed slavery, which hindered immediate action to abolish slavery entirely.

“Perhaps the best way to describe the Founders is they accepted slavery as a matter of convenience,” Gutekunst wrote. “They were trying to forge a coalition to fight the British, and then they were trying to turn these former colonies into something resembling a nation. They had to make negotiated compromises. They accepted slavery because that’s what was needed to achieve a greater end.”

It is unfortunate that the founders did not take a more aggressive approach, but their actions do not outright support America being founded on slavery, rather a tolerance in order to become a nation.

However, legislation did pass to discourage slavery. Eight of the original 13 colonies outlawed slavery by 1776. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 made it illegal for slavery to be expanded in new territories. Congress actually hindered slave states from having full representation in the federal government.

As Gutekunst wrote, the Founders appeared to believe slavery would die out on its own. Even though this approach did not bring immediate success, it hardly supports the view of America being founded on slavery.

3. Cotton industry hindered abolishment

Slavery began to increase after the cotton gin was invented in 1793, 17 years after the U.S. was founded. This is where abolishment took a wrong turn.

Those who hype up America being founded on slavery would have its strongest argument at this point of history. For 87 years, slavery did flourish in our country, and this is definitely a black mark on American history.

4. Civil rights leaders support founding documents

“Though arguments could be made that the Founders made too many compromises, their overall project was to set anti-slavery principles in place so that they could be enforced at some point in the future,” wrote Michael Sabo of The Heritage Foundation.

One of the bigger support aspects of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution being anti-slavery is how historic civil rights leaders Frederick Douglas and Martin Luther King, Jr. praised the writing of both documents.

Douglas called the Constitution “a glorious liberty document.” King said both the Declaration and the Constitution had “magnificent words,” and in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, he quoted the Constitution saying everybody would have unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

5. Be factual and sensitive

As mentioned, it is shameful when reflecting on how slavery was practiced in America.

But from the evidence I presented, instead of thinking that America was founded on slavery, consider how the founders promoted freedom and not slavery, which eventually came to an end.

To those who hold strong feelings about the practice of slavery being a part of American history and believe slavery is a founding element of this country, I share your view that freedom is for all people. But founding documents have also been used to gain freedom for all, proving the Founders were instrumental in the end of slavery.

6. The greater message

As a Christian, I know how great the Gospel message of Jesus Christ is. The Gospel is reflected throughout the Bible. Many Bible characters demonstrate what Jesus did once and for all, providing the ultimate freedom from sin and death.

And the Gospel can be presented even when discussing the Founders of America. I believe God intervened through the Founders—many were professing Christians and many were not. The Founders fell short, even though intentions to end slavery were good.

Just like God provided freedom to the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt, He provided freedom to slaves in America.

And just like He can provide freedom from the physical practice of slavery, God can provide freedom from sin to anyone who will believe in Jesus Christ.

But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness” (Rom. 6:17-18).

REVIEW: ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ is web-spinnin’ fun, with a few caveats

REVIEW: ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ is web-spinnin’ fun, with a few caveats

The movie ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ has less violence and language than most Marvel films but still has a few scenes that may give parents pause.

Peter Parker is an average-looking high school sophomore who has the power to save the world from the latest evil villain.

Yet all he can think about is his crush, MJ.

As Spider-Man, he is as brave as a lion. As Peter Parker, though, he is as scared as a mouse—especially around her.

Perhaps a class trip to Europe will give him courage. He and his friends will tour Venice, Prague and Paris. They’ll see the sites. They’ll learn the history. They’ll escape all their worries from home.

But nothing is ever easy for Peter Parker. A water monster attacks Venice. Parker helps save the day, but then another villain, made of fire, descends upon Prague.

Meanwhile, Avengers boss Nick Fury is trying to persuade Parker to take on a larger role in the superhero realm.

And all Parker wants to do is ask MJ out on a date.

The movie Spider-Man: Far From Home (PG-13) opens in theaters this weekend, picking up where Avengers: Endgame ended and continuing the new Spider-Man saga begun by 2017’s Homecoming. It stars Tom Holland as Parker/Spider-Man, Zendaya as MJ, Marisa Tomei as Parker’s aunt and Samuel L. Jackson as Fury.

In Far From Home, the world is mourning the death of Stark/Iron Man and Natasha Romanoff/ Black Widow, and the retirement of Steve Rogers/Captain America.

“What is it like to take over for Tony Stark?” a reporter asks Parker/Spider-Man, who has no desire to succeed the legendary hero.

A new superhero named “Mysterio” (Jake Gyllenhaal) then arrives on the scene to help defeat Hydron and the other villains, leading Parker to wonder: Is Mysterio the next Tony Stark?

Warning: minor/moderate spoilers!

(Scale key: none, minimal, moderate, extreme)

Violence/Disturbing

Moderate. Far From Home has less violence and disturbing content than did Homecoming or most other Marvel movies, even though it still has plenty of stuff blowing up or getting destroyed. The villains—part of a group of bad guys called the Elementals—will give only the most sensitive children and tweens nightmares.

Drones shoot guns. Hand-to-hand combat scenes are virtually nonexistent.    

Sexuality/Sensuality/Nudity

Minimal/moderate. The film’s most problematic moment involves an adult female employee telling Parker (who is 16) to take his clothes off in order to put on a new costume. It’s an odd moment. With Parker’s pants down (he’s still wearing underwear), a male classmate walks in. He makes a joke about Parker wanting to “hook up” with a random “European chick.”

Later, Happy Hogan references Parker renting an “adult” movie in a hotel. Parker takes off his shirt and puts on his costume when MJ’s back is turned.

Romance is a major theme of the film. A couple share a kiss at the end. 

Coarse Language

Moderate. OMG (6), h-ll (4), a– (3), s–t (2), d—wad (1), b–ch (1), d–n (1) and one unfinished f-word. It’s less language than most Marvel films. A classmate flips off Peter.

Other Positive Elements

Peter may be unsure about his future role, but he still puts his life on the line to save others.

He says “thank God” twice. Perhaps it’s just an expression, but it carries meaning among some moviegoers.

The humor, minus the caveats already discussed, is family-friendly and truly funny.

At a bar, Peter drinks lemonade.

Other Stuff You Might Want To Know

Characters drink alcohol at a bar.

The movie contains mid-credit and post-credit scenes. Both are critical to the future of the
Spider-Man and Marvel series.

Life Lessons

Experience brings wisdom: Peter Parker seemingly proves he’s not ready for prime time when he misuses a weapon and nearly kills a classmate who is interested in MJ (he launched the weapon on accident). Fury becomes, well, furious. Yet Parker learns from his mistakes and matures.

Mistakes can be overcome: Parker is distraught after he makes the biggest mistake of his young superhero career. But he gets a second chance and fixes it.

Appearances can be deceiving: A major plot-spoiler is behind this lesson, but it’s significant.  

Worldview/Application

Far From Home sparks a series of questions worth a discussion on the drive home. Such as: What’s real and worth pursuing in this world? What only seems real… and should be rejected? Christ and His Kingdom are the source of true goodness, peace and joy, yet there are literally millions of other things in our world—money, sex and fame, among them—that promise joy… but deliver exactly the opposite. They may appear innocent on the surface, but they’re not.     

What Works

The action. The plot. The humor. The toned-down violence and language, which is welcomed.

What Doesn’t

A joke about an adult woman hooking up with a 16-year-old.

Discussion Questions

1. How do you know what is real and worth pursuing in life?

2. What is required for wisdom? Can a young person have wisdom? Can a young person be mature?

3. Why did Peter fail? What was the key to him overcoming his mistakes? 

4. What would you want your last words to be? Is there something you would confess in your finals seconds, as several characters did?

Entertainment rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Family-friendly rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, some language and brief suggestive comments.

‘American Gospel’: The Movie You and Your Church Must See

‘American Gospel’: The Movie You and Your Church Must See

The Christian movie industry has often been maligned, and in many cases justifiably so. There are, however, those seeking to up the industry game and provide Christ-based films via major market media with enhanced watch-ability and content.

When you think of Christian movies, you may think of Kirk Cameron, crying fathers or the ill-advised Nicholas Cage version of Left Behind. Transition Studios is out to change that paradigm with the documentary, American Gospel: Christ Alone.

American Gospel seeks to accomplish numerous goals and does so quite successfully. First and foremost, the movie presents the Gospel of Jesus as central to the identity of the church. The film is exceptionally creative and straightforward in outlining what the Gospel is and why it is sufficient.

Having established this truth, the film moves forward to expose many Westernized ideas that what God desires for us is the Gospel plus something else – as if the Gospel itself is insufficient.

Stemming from this dangerous heresy are many strands of what has come to be known as the “Prosperity Gospel.” The film explores the journeys of various individuals who have bought into the “Gospel plus” mentality and fallen to the siren song of the Prosperity Gospel itself.

Featured among these stories are those who have struggled with the idea of a good God in the face of a broken world. For example, a seemingly healthy atheist couple encounters an incurable disease. A man who comes to faith almost dies because he believes God should heal him. A man with a broken body seeks physical healing and instead finds restoration for his soul.

Personal experience is placed alongside doctrinal fidelity and Scriptural verification of what the Gospel of the Bible truly is.

The most compelling highlight of the film is the story of Costi Hinn, nephew of renowned faith-healer and Prosperity Gospel proponent Benny Hinn. Costi tells of his active service to his uncle’s ministry and the difficulties he began to experience, as he compared what he saw in his daily involvement with Biblical truth.

American Gospel does an excellent job of warning about false teachers while still upholding the truth of the Gospel as beautiful and supreme. It is not a hit-piece on Prosperity Gospel preachers per se, but does help identify many vital players, phrases and ideas that easily infiltrate Christian bookstores, studies, pulpits, and churches.

The film is available on iTunes, Amazon, Vimeo, YouTube, and Google Play. More information is available at www.americangospelfilm.com.

Millennial Monday: Let freedom (in Christ) ring

Millennial Monday: Let freedom (in Christ) ring

As the Fourth of July nears, something on my mind lately is the confusion of worshiping one’s country vs. worshiping the God of the universe who has given us true freedom from our sins.

I’m not here to say that we can’t be a patriot. We can be patriotic, as we respect our veterans and be thankful for earthly freedom. In fact, I myself am from a long line of veterans, and I am extremely proud of their sacrifice and the freedoms for which they fought. I would consider myself pretty patriotic.

I am here, however, to ask that we take a look into our hearts. Are we unwittingly worshiping our country more than openly worshiping our Lord and Savior?

In every Baptist church I’ve ever attended, the Fourth of July service is a bit of a production. The military songs are sung; there is recognition of veterans, and many patriotic songs are sung. However, something that I’ve noticed in my adulthood and found issue with is the outright worship of one’s country in such services.

For example, think about the song, “God Bless America.” It is not really a worship song.

The first two commandments of the 10 commandments say, “(1)You shall have no other gods before me, (2)You shall not make yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or In the waters below.” (NIV)

I’m not here to say that I haven’t ever had an earthy idol that has caused me to break either of these commandments. Admittedly, I’ve put things before the Lord in my sinful nature.

What I’m asking you is, have we mistakenly made our country your No. 1 God? Have we therefore made our country an idol?

In your loyalty to country, have you forgotten that Jesus calls us to be a friend to the widow, the orphan, the oppressed?

I want you to read this passage of Scripture closely,

For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.

Now read the rest of the passage carefully…

You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name. He is your praise and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome wonders your eyes have seen” (Deut. 10:17-21).

What I’m challenging you to do today and this Fourth of July, O patriot, is to examine the nature and zeal in which you celebrate and serve our country vs. the nature and zeal in which you celebrate and serve our God?

Please hear me out. I’m not saying we can’t be patriotic, or to be patriotic is a sin. What I’m saying is, where do your priorities and passions lie?

Do you pledge your allegiance to your country and flag, or as a believer in Christ do you pledge your allegiance, above anything else, to the Creator of the seas and the skies and all of his commands?

DHD: Responding to ‘America founded on slavery’

DHD: Six Joe Carter Articles You Should Read

Greetings!

This week’s DHD features six articles written by Joe Carter who serves as communications specialist for the Southern Baptists’ Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.  I enjoy Joe’s writing style. He has an objective approach to whatever his topic may be, and many of his topics are controversial.

Objectivity is a key element for me when it comes to writing style. It’s important to be able to answer respectfully those who may oppose you, but also present different aspects reasonably. There’s no “If you don’t agree, you’re a jerk” manner in how Joe writes, and he is very thorough in presenting his arguments.

Not all six of these Carter articles present debates. Some are “How to,” and one is even a humble admittance by Joe, which is the first one I mention.

1. “Confessions of a (Recovering) Social Media Fool”

I thought I’d start off making Joe likeable. You should read “Confessions of a (Recovering) Social Media Fool” because it is so relatable, and you can appreciate Joe’s willingness to admit he started 2019 committing to “make an effort to tame my tongue (James 3:7-8)—especially on social media.”

His commentary on Matt. 7:1 “Judge not that you be not judged” is great, especially since he quotes one of my favorite bloggers, Kevin DeYoung.

2. “How Should a Christian Negotiate a Deal?”

This article is a response to an inquiry. It’s good sound advice for a Christian businessperson. I really appreciate his comments under “3. We have obligations to unseen neighbors,” especially the following quote:

“If vendors fail to deliver because of incompetence or lack of ethics, they should be allowed a good-faith effort to rectify the situation. If they fail to do so, though, we have a moral obligation to prevent them from cheating others.”

3. “How to Work With People Who Are Smarter Than You”

I enjoy reading unique biblical topics, and this one qualifies. I’ve never thought about ranking the Apostles’ intelligence, but Joe’s take is interesting. I like how he compares Peter to Paul.

But along with IQ analogies, Joe gives advice to people like me who find themselves in a work setting being inferior in the smarts department.  It’s a great practical read.

4. “David Platt Models How to Pray for a President”

Joe’s commentary on David Platt praying over President Trump is one of his best. It is written in Joe’s classic fashion—easy to read with subheads, sharing about a recent major topic among Evangelicals.

Platt reminded us that we pray for authorities not to protect them from criticism but so that we as Christians “may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Tim. 2:2). In doing so, he provided us with a model for how we should all pray for our president.

5. “In Defense of Pro-Life Incrementalism”

Now we are really into the controversial stuff. Joe doesn’t hold back, but he also explains a rather confusing topic in a way that is easy to understand, regarding a division among Evangelicals when it comes to the Sanctity of Life.

Please read Joe’s article on Pro-Life Incrementalism, especially if you are confused or on the fence regarding the abortion abolitionist view. Joe separates the two views as “Incrementalism” and “Immediatism.”

This was a hot topic in Oklahoma a few months ago.

6. The FAQs: What Christians Should Know About Vaccines

I’m not sure which topic is hotter—abolitionism or anti-vaccines. Both issues involve some passionate viewpoints.

Once again, Joe lays it all out in great fashion in his article about how Christians should view vaccinations.

Joe also quotes a DHD favorite, Al Mohler:

“I am very pro-vaccine,” Mohler said. “But I’m also pro-parental rights, and I want to be an ardent defender of religious liberty. In this kind of situation, it is so complicated that Christians of goodwill, and we need to note this, can come to different conclusions about vaccines, specific vaccines, and in specific cases even regarding specific children.”

Mohler is sympathetic to different sides in his viewpoint. Joe follows up with four factors that Christians need to consider regarding vaccination.  

REVIEW: ‘Yesterday’ is a modern-day parable about sin and fame

REVIEW: ‘Yesterday’ is a modern-day parable about sin and fame

The film Yesterday opens this weekend, telling the story of a singer who wakes up in a world where the Beatles never existed.

Jack Malik is a talented musician who has a great voice and a flair for playing the guitar.

So far, though, few people have noticed. His late-night gigs draw merely a smattering of applause. His appearance at a music festival attracts a crowd of about 20—many of them friends.

“I can’t do this anymore,” he tells his manager and friend, Ellie. “… This is my last gig.”

Then a miracle happens, seemingly straight out of a science fiction novel.

Jack is hit by a bus at the exact moment Earth experiences a brief worldwide blackout. He survives the crash but soon discovers everyone has changed.

For starters, no one remembers the Beatles.

“When did you write that?” Ellie asks him after he sings a tune by the ground-breaking group.

“I didn’t write it,” Jack says. “Paul McCartney wrote it.”

“Who?” she asks.

Jack searches his album collection for his Beatles records… and comes up empty. He types “Beatles” into Google… and finds pictures of bugs.

Suddenly, Jack faces a dilemma: If no one on Earth can remember Beatles songs, could he sing them and claim them as his own?

The film Yesterday (PG-13) opens this weekend, telling the story of a man who supposedly becomes the world’s most talented musician by singing songs written by someone else. It stars Himesh Patel as Jack, Lily James (Cinderella) as Ellie, singer Ed Sheeran as himself, and Kate McKinnon as his new manager.

The film is part-science fiction and part-comedy, mixed with a parable-type plot about honesty, money, fame and love.

At first, Jack is incredulous about his situation. But once he becomes a superstar, the weight of his fame becomes unbearable. The studio slaps a label on his album stating, “All songs, music and lyrics by Jack Malik only.” 

“I feel like I’ve become the definition of living a lie,” he says.

Warning: minor/moderate spoilers!

(Scale key: none, minimal, moderate, extreme)

Violence/Disturbing

None.

Sexuality/Sensuality/Nudity

Minimal/moderate. Jack and Ellie have a budding romance, although it began as “just friends.” We see them kiss passionately one night but Ellie (still clothed) walks out of the bedroom, not wanting a one-night stand. “It’s not for me.” Later, though, they presumably do sleep together (We see them kiss before the scene cuts away). Someone makes jokes about them “making sweet love” (they weren’t at the time). Ellie wears several low-cut dresses. Sheeran’s song Shape of You is heard.

Coarse Language

Moderate. Misuse of “Christ” (5), d–n (4), misuse of “God” (3), OMG (3), GD (2), s–t (2), h-ll (2), a– (1), misuse of “Jesus” (1). We also hear the British word “bloody” (4).

Other Positive Elements

Jack comes from a stable, loving home. His parents support his musical ambitions. Ellie refuses to sleep with Jack on a one-night stand (although they later sleep together before marriage). Jack’s friends care for him when he is discouraged; they buy him a new guitar.

Other Stuff You Might Want To Know

Jack, Ellie and their friends drink alcohol.

Life Lessons

Sin doesn’t bring lasting happiness: Jack achieves his dream of becoming a famous musician yet cannot enjoy it because of his lies.

Your sins will find you out: I won’t ruin the ending, but Jack isn’t the only person on the planet who remembers the Beatles.

Fame and money aren’t the key to joy: Jack discovers this in a big way.

Confession is good for the soul: Jack wants to tell someone his secret. Finally, he does.

Worldview/Application

Yesterday implies God had a role in the science fiction-type plot.

“I think the accident was a message from God,” Ellie tells Jack after he gets hit by a bus. “Yeah, He was very angry.”

“You think me getting hit by the bus was God’s way of telling me not to go back to teaching?” he asks.

“Exactly!” she responds.

And before the accident, the two have a back-and-forth conversation about miracles.

“It would take a miracle (to become a successful singer),” he says.

“Miracles happen,” Ellie says.

The film implies that God was testing Jack to see if he would do the right thing.

Yesterday can spark a deep discussion about morality: Would we lie if we knew we’d never get caught? What is our motivation for obeying God’s law? Can a life built on sin bring true joy?

What Works

The plot. The acting. The ending. Good, original movies are rare in Hollywood. This one fits both marks.

What Doesn’t

Kudos to the film’s writers for having Ellie reject a one-night stand. That message would have been even more powerful if she had waited until after they were married.  

Discussion Questions

1. If you woke up in a world like Jack’s world, what would you do? Did he do the right thing?

2. Is our sin always discovered, sooner or later (Numbers 32:23)? Name famous examples of that from history. Are there any examples in your own life?

3. Does money and fame bring joy? Why or why not?

4. Why was Jack unable to enjoy his fame?

Entertainment rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Family-friendly rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Rated PG-13 for suggestive content and language.