Timothy Snyder's on How to Avoid or Resist Tyranny: His quotes with my thoughts-5

I've had several aunts who played with my sisters and I when we were children. One aunt, a Missouri aunt. played dress up with us. And we went gooseberry picking with her and then enjoyed her pie. Another woman who I think of as an aunt although she was a second cousin. Mary always brought paper dolls when she came. They were already cut out and saved in boxes. She always took them home with her but we played with them while she visited. I don't know who told me,

 I don't remember, but it was probably my mother who was angry at several great aunts for giving me and my sisters a haircut and perm while my mother was in the hospital. That was in California. In Stockton California. That is where three great aunts and my second cousin Mary lived. 

 The story was that because there was a mentally disabled person in the family when Mary was in the hospital for something serious, the great aunts, without permission, had her sterilized so she could not have children. I wondered for many years how that could be? and then I read a book. 

The author of Preaching Eugenics: Religious Leaders and the American Eugenics Movement, writes about the Eugenic movement in America. Somewhere in the book she noted that Stockton California was one of the larger centers where eugenics was promoted. And then I knew how it was that at the words of several great aunts a woman who loved children lost her ability to birth them. A woman who loved playing with children was denied having her own at the words of a relative. But what if there had been a doctor who said no! Absolutely not! 

 Few people know that Hitler used the American Eugenics movement as his standard for life. For him only white Aryans were worthy of life. But what if the doctors had said no! What if the lawyers had said unlawful! What if the Judges had said unlawful. This is Timothy Snyder's fifth point in his book On Tyranny:

 "Remember Professional Ethics; When political leaders set a negative example, professional commitments to just practice become more important. It is hard to subvert a rule-of-law state without lawyers., or to hold show trials without judges. Authoritarians need obedient civil servants, and concentration camp directors seek businessmen interested in cheap labor." 

 Snyder ends this chapter with this: Professional ethics must guide us precisely when we are told that the situation is exceptional. Then there is no such thing as "just following the rules." If members of the professions confuse their specific ethics with the emotions of the moment, however, they can find themselves saying and doing things they might previously have thought unimaginable." 

 Notice that so much of these thoughts cover both the right and left- look at yourself, and yes, I at myself. The log is in all of our eyes.

 

Timothy Snyder's on How to Avoid or Resist Tyranny: His quotes with my thoughts-4

There are beautiful signs or symbols and ugly ones. The symbols of Christianity are many. in the medieval ages often the unicorn was a symbol of Jesus. Charles Williams in his book The Place of the Lion gives the reader a beautiful picture of communion in a small Methodist chapel. As each person takes the cup a unicorn swings his one horn toward then with sparkling light shining on them. 

Of course, the cross is both symbol and reality and the Church lives under its keeping. Each believer must embrace the cross and live as their Savior lived which includes dying and living.

 But there is an ugly image and use of the cross- it has been called the crooked cross and it is--the swastika. Synder in his book On Tyranny speaks of this in the fourth chapter, "Take Responsibility for the Face of the World. He writes: 

"The symbols of today enable the reality of tomorrow. Notice the swastikas and the other signs of hate. Do not look away, do not get used to them. Remove them yourself and set an example for others to do so." 

 There are also words that are symbolic if you know the history of them and while you cannot take the words away you can renounce them. Snyder writes of how in the early Soviet times Stalin referred to the prosperous farmers as pigs. This became the Marxist propaganda since it made it easier to remove them from their land if they were thought of as pigs. This is the same as calling the legal immigrant Haitians pet eaters in order to make a false point about immigrants. 

There is a beautiful cross that leads away from the ugliness because hate, and death died there, and life became a gift through the resurrected life of Jesus. So go tear down some swastikas whether they are written or spoken.

  

Timothy Snyder's on How to Avoid or Resist Tyranny: His quotes with my thoughts-3

Timothy Snyder's third leading statement in his book On Tyranny has to do with the importance of democratic nations having two or more parties. A tyrant will usually work to destroy opposition parties allowing themselves full control. Sometimes, often; such a leader will have help. 

 Here is a statement, supposedly God's words through her, by the false prophet Julie Green. I have written about her before, several times on my blog. She is part of MAGA and often enjoys the same platform with other MAGA members such as Eric Trump Jr., Laura Trump, and Michael Flynn. Three days ago, these were her words. 

 "An exit out of your capital will take place. My children you will see many leave on their own and some will be removed in handcuffs and prisons will be filled with the ones who use to rule this nation. ... when treason is committed, they will be punished, and justice will always be served says the Lord."

 Too many have worked to discredit the Democrats and others--they are supposedly vile, evil criminals attempting to take over the world. Yes, their views on abortion are terribly wrong--but they are not working as minions, in conspiracy, with evil rulers to destroy everyone and take over the world. 

 Here is Snyder's quote: "Beware the one- party state. The parties that remade states and suppressed rivals were not omnipotent from the start. They exploited a historic moment to make political life impossible for their opponents. So support the multi-party system and defend the rules of democratic elections. Vote in local and state elections while you can. [and this one is funny for someone in their eighties but it's for others anyway.] Consider running for office."

 

Timothy Snyder's on How to Avoid or Resist Tyranny: His quotes with my thoughts-2

I am writing the quote for the second chapter of Timothy Snyder's little book, On Tyranny. I will have to correct a small part of it because I am a Christian. You will understand. Here is the quote:

 "It is institutions that help us to preserve decency. They need our help as well. Do not speak of 'Our Institutions' unless you make them yours by acting on their behalf. Institutions do not protect themselves. They fall one after another unless each is defended from the beginning. So chose an institution you care about--a court, a newspaper, a law, a labor union--and take its side."

 So many, for me, a newspaper; I often post from and encourage the reading of The Dispatch because they are moderate conservatives and they don't deal in click bait or conspiracy theories, or sensationalize unimportant news. I am so grateful for them. And they also do some great religious pieces. Of course, I also read the New York Times-the opinion pieces, of David Brooks, Russ Douthat and David French. All Christians by the way. 

 But there is another institution that Snyder did not mention, the Church. And this is the great thing - the Church will not fall, maybe here in America suffer a little, suffer greatly in other places- but as God's word says-"the gates of hell will not prevail against her." In the end, and there will be an end, there will be a forever Kingdom. And there is a forever King- just not, for now a forever earthly king.

 

Timothy Snyder's on How to Avoid or Resist Tyranny: His quotes with my thoughts

This is a small series I am writing on Facebook but thought I would put it here too.

I have been ordering fish from the Wild Alaskan Fish Company. Today with my order was a map of Alaska with places of interest on it. I was interested to see where the mountain Denali was. It is named that because it is the name used by the indigenous people of Alaska. I believe I will keep using that name. What I am going to write next has to do with that- I will let the reader figure out the connection.

 I have been reading a very small book by the historian Timothy Snyder. The book On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, gives suggestions for how to avoid or resist tyranny. The author is well known for several books, including, Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin. That is not a small book. I am going to quote the beginning of each of his chapters in On Tyranny. Not all at once but every several days. Here is the first: 

"Do Not Obey in Advance: Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. In times like these, individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and then offer themselves without being asked. A citizen who adapts in this way is teaching power what it can do."

 

An Enemies List: The Saints of God

 

The Church is in trouble in America in a strange kind of way—the political against love and faith.

 Almost six months ago, I stated I would keep adding to my review of Megan Basham’s book Shepherds for Sell, beginning with my posting on chapter 3, “Hijacking the Pro-Life Movement.” I spent too many weeks not wanting to read at all, and then I listened to a review by an evangelical pastor, I can’t remember his name. While he said he agreed with some of the book mostly he was disappointed with it and would not finish reading it. His reason, there were simply too many statements by Basham based on only two or three word quotes from those she was critiquing to back up her assumptions about their faith. He had no desire to do that much research. Also noted by others her critiques are not particularly theological. I suddenly, as I listened, realized why I no longer wanted to read—any book! I was forcing myself to deal with nonsense.

I decided I would no longer review the book—but there is still something I have to say that is connected to that book and to other sources. And this will take me far beyond any book review.

This will be a bit political at first but I promise to return to a theological and biblical outlook. Since I wrote the review on chapter 3, we have elected a new president. Some are concerned by a candidate for the President’s cabinet who is friends with Russia’s Putin and the now disposed ruler of Syria.  Many are concerned about the lack of morality among some of the candidates. But important for what I am writing many are troubled by enemies lists, by an insistence on retribution.

One of Trump’s choices for a cabinet position, director of the FBI, Kash Patel, has an enemies list in his book, Government Gangsters. Some high officials, some mostly unknowns, at least one news person is on that list. And this is like a dark shadow in my thoughts about the Church—there are Christians who are also forming an enemies list. I see that when I see a link to a Christianity Today article on Facebook and someone in the comment section states that “that magazine has been dead for a long time.” I see that list when I hear Eric Metaxas referring to  Tim Alberta author of The Kingdom, The Power, and The Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism, as a  Marxist, globalist, and his book as coming from the “pit of hell.” 

There is a whole list in Megan Basham’s book Shepherds For Sell. There Is Gavin Orland, Beth Moore, Tim Keller, Karen Swallow Prior, Russell Moore, too many. All of the people on the lists are faithful Christians; they believe in the orthodox teaching of the Church, the truth of the Scriptures, they are pro-life and honor the biblical teaching about marriage. Above all they are faithful to the Lord of the Church, Jesus Christ.

In a troubling time when the secular political culture of the United States has those who wish to do damage to others via courts and institutions and the extremist on both the left and right wish to do damage via violence and courts, to see those who call themselves followers of Jesus begin their own battle against brothers and sisters is grievous.[1] If someone is a heretic say what their false teaching is as it applies to Christ and his church. Are they denying the Trinity, the bodily resurrection of Jesus, the deity of Jesus, the redemptive work of Christ on the cross, but if they are not do not lie about their faithfulness.

I intend to keep posting on Facebook and X any of these people, (I include David French among them who has been badly persecuted) when I see good videos and articles by them. And I predict that those in the Church who keep insulting and defaming faithful Christians will sink (slink) into darker and more troubling areas. Eric Metaxas has already started down that path with his troubling view of justification by faith, insisting that Martin Luther was too obsessed by “justification by faith alone.”[2] When you do not love your brother and sister well you will too soon start fusing that contrariness to the Lord of the Church with false doctrine.

Let love be without hypocrisy, abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. Not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation. Devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.

Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

Never take your own revenge beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written , “vengeance is Mine I will repay says the Lord.” (Romans 12: 9-19)

 

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[1] The Haman Effect: MAGA Looking Forward to Hanging Enemies Naming His Grace: The Haman Effect: MAGA Looking Forward to Hanging Enemies

 

[2] Eric Metaxas' Letter to the American Church and the Rest of the Story Naming His Grace: Eric Metaxas' Letter to the American Church and the Rest of the Story

 

Eric Trump, Lance Wallnau- Judging Churches according to their political aspirations

 

Eric Metaxas, on New Apostolic Reformation leader, Lance Wallnau’s recent video states “Trump is a new man, he’s a new man, he knows that he’s at war with satanic enemies in the deep state[1] …  “they are the enemies of America they are enemies of we the people.”-- "The message is we’re going to go scourged earth on the deep state.”

Speaking of the future after Trump has finished his first two-years, Wallnau asks, “what can we do to unify before the midterms the next time? The suggestion, referring to a hoped for web site asks, “What if we had people rate the pastor?”

Metaxas excitedly tells him there already is such a web site MYCHURCH FINDER.ORG where churches and pastors are rated. There are three grades of churches explained on this web site. A: “Biblically Sound, Culturally Aware & A Non-Socialistic Legislatively Active Church.”

B: “Biblically Sound AND either Culturally Aware (with a Biblical Worldview) OR A Non-Socialistic Legislatively Active Church, but not both.”

And,

C: “Biblically Sound Church.”

There is also the letters WNR for churches that do not supposedly possess any of those characteristics.

 The description of a Biblically sound church carries all the points most orthodox churches would own including the Nicene Creed and The Apostles Creed. (Well of course the Baptist and the Pentecostals while agreeing with those creeds in their theology do not generally accept the use of creeds.) That would be simply C, according to their rating.

 Going much farther A would include both Culturally awareness described this way:

“ A Biblically based church that is culturally aware with a Biblical Worldview will, in addition to the above, be committed to countering the culture with God’s objective moral truths, teaching regularly on other religions, the Biblical view of Family, Sexuality & Marriage. It will be Pro-life and encourage the congregation to stand boldly for righteousness in the face of the current cultural decay. It will advocate for Biblical values in the arts, entertainment and the marketplace. It will teach Apologetics and a defense of the faith and why Christianity is true vs other religions. It will teach the evils of Marxism, Liberation Theology, Critical Race Theory, DEI, Wokeism, One World Government and any new depravity and corruption that the world will attempt.”

Most orthodox churches would agree with most of the above except the gospel of God’s redemption through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ would be the priority and core message rather than teaching about, “the evils of Marxism, Liberation Theology, Critical Race Theory, DEI, Wokeism, One World Government and any new depravity and corruption ...” Plus, an orthodox church would emphasis the Beatitudes and other biblical principles such as caring for strangers, feeding the hungry, forgiving enemies.

The third part of the description of an A church is called “legislatively active but non-socialistic.” The explanation of that is:

The church will, “be involved with educating the church and be involved with all legislative matters concerning Morality, Family, Sexuality, Marriage, Life, the freedom to evangelize and the protection of Life, Liberty and Property. It will recognize that the Church is the conscience of the government and take that calling seriously. It will understand the legislative responsibilities given to the Church in Exodus 18 and teach God’s plan for government. It will fight for moral justice, not “social justice.” It will understand that the government’s role is to protect Unalienable Rights and not to manage the economy or provide charity or free goods and services to citizens. This is because the latter takes by force the fruits of labor from one person and gives it to another, it forcibly violates the Unalienable Right of an individual to do as he wills with the fruits of his own labor. See kansasvideo.j3ip.com for a full explanation of rights vs goods. And just as important, this kind of church will encourage its congregation to run for office and vote and be involved in campaigns.”

The above “legislatively active but non-socialistic” description is political and consists of points that believers can agree or disagree on. It is the involvement in legislature and political campaigns by the Church that is the problem. We can disagree over federal charity but we shouldn’t disagree with the importance of separation of Church and State—too many have lost their freedom when there was no separation. Many of the first peoples to come to America came because there was no separation of Church and state and they had lost their religious freedom.

I want to return to Metaxas and Wallnau, their very comments, here and in other videos reveal their unkindness and hurt both to faithful followers of Jesus and to the whole Church. In their political ambitions they have lost the biblical distinctiveness that is to mold our love for brothers and sisters and our care for a broken world that needs God’s healing. In this particular video they are speaking about the new Bonhoeffer movie and a review of it in Christianity Today entitled, ‘Bonhoeffer’ Bears Little Resemblance to Reality. Unhappy with the review they insist that Christianity Today is dead. They see others who don’t embrace their political views as satanic.

God has called the Church to preach the good news of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. God always places His Church under the cross not under the banner of any nation.

 

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[1] Eric Metaxas on Bonhoeffer, Political Courage, and Faith in Film