Jesus never celebrated Christmas – neither did any of His disciples. Actually, for more than 300 years after the birth of Jesus, no one celebrated Christmas. The few birthday ceremonies we have recorded in the Bible were celebrated in non-Jewish communities.
Celebrating birthdays was never a Jewish practice. Because of the influence of Judaism on early Christianity, that non-interest became evident. The church even announced that it was sinful to contemplate observing Christ’s birthday “as though He were a King Pharaoh.”
The idea of celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25 was first suggested sometime in the year 300. Other dates like January 6, March 25 and May 20 were suggested. May 20 became a favored date since Luke stated in his report – the shepherds who received the announcement of Christ’s birth “were watching their flock by night” (Luke 2:8). It is believed that shepherds guarded their flocks day and night only at lambing time, in the spring.
The early church fathers debated their options and chose December 25 because this date may have had a connection with the pagan celebration of the Dies Solis Invicti (Day of the Invincible Sun). Some believe that the choice of December 25 provided Christians with an alternative festival in place of the one held in honor of the sun-god, who was often identified with Mithras. So, it was not until December 25, 337 AD/CE, Christians officially celebrated the first Christmas.
Some historians contend that in the early 300’s, the cult of Mithraism was a serious threat to Christianity. For a period of time Mithraism was even proclaimed to be the official state religion by Emperor Aurelian (274). It was not until the reign of Emperor Constantine, Christianity began to receive favor from the state.
In 337, Constantine gave December 25 his blessing to observe the birth of Jesus. With time the observance of Christmas eclipsed the pagan festival of honoring the birthday of Mithras.
Initially, the celebration of Christ’s birth was a sacred event. In Christ’s honor, there was Christ’s mass – from which we get the term Christmas - the suffix mas evolves from the Old English word maesse meaning festival, feast day or mass.
By the year AD 360 the church was intentionally celebrating the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ. By AD 386, Chrysostom, the great church leader, emphasized, “...without the birth of Christ there is no Baptism, no Passion, no Resurrection, no Ascension and no Pouring out of the Holy Spirit ...’ ”
As the centuries unfolded, the tradition grew to include Epiphany, January 6, when the visit of the Wise men is celebrated – this celebration preceded the celebration of Christmas as we know it. It is on this day that the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas.
At this point in its evolving history, Christmas has adopted many traditions, many of these traditions from non-Christian sources. One tradition that has captured the season is the role of Santa Claus. The term is from the Dutch name 'Sinterklaas' – Saint Nicholas in English.
Saint Nicholas was born on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey sometime about 270 CE. He was the son of wealthy Christian parents who died when he was young - he was raised by an uncle, also called Nicholas, a Catholic Bishop of ancient Lycia.
Saint Nicholas eventually became a priest during a dangerous time of persecution for Christians - he later became the Bishop of Myra. He was famous for his generous gifts to the poor and was also associated with kindness towards children. The images of Saint Nicholas usually show an old man with long, grey hair and a beard. In Roman Catholic tradition, the Feast Day of Saint Nicholas is December 6th – the day of his death.
In the 16th Century in Europe, the stories and traditions about St. Nicholas had become very unpopular. But someone had to deliver gifts to children at Christmas, so in the United Kingdom, he became 'Father Christmas', a character from old children's stories. In France, he was then known as 'Père Nöel'; in Germany, the 'Christ Kind'.
Early in American history, the German image of ‘Christ Kind’ became known as 'Kris Kringle'. Later, Dutch settlers in America took the old stories of St. Nicholas with them and Kris Kringle became 'Sinterklaas' or as we now say 'Santa Claus'!
In the mix of traditions, it is easy to lose sight of the biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ. In response, some Christians withdraw from the season. Others become so absorbed with the traditional trimmings, they lose sight of the main story.
For me, I reread the biblical story of Christ’s birth and use the season as an opportunity to recall the uniqueness of His birth, and not merely the traditions that surround the birth.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Ouija for Christmas?
According to Google, sales of Ouija boards are up 300%. At this rate, Google, the internet sales giant contends that sales are threatening to become a Christmas “must buy”. Ouija boards interests have spiked since the new horror film, Ouija. The film tells the story of kids looking for something scary during the Halloween season.
Ticket sales would seem to suggest that kids loved the movie. Ouija benefited from audiences looking to get into the Halloween spirit by topping charts with $20 million from 2,858 locations. The film cost less than $5 million to produce, allowing Universal Pictures to realize enviable profit margins.
Actually, the Ouija board is just a piece of compressed wood, sold at virtually all toy stores and occult supply and book stores. Ouija is a combination of two words: "oui" and "ja" which mean "yes" in French and German respectively. The board itself is not dangerous but the form of communication that you are attempting often is.
To some, the Ouija board represents a harmless form of enjoyment, “a pretend-scary rite of passage” for teenagers in search of thrills on a stormy night. The board has been used by thousands for spirit
communication and is very similar to automatic writing - an alleged psychic ability allowing a person to produce written words without consciously writing. The words are claimed to arise from a subconscious, spiritual or supernatural source.
Playing with the Ouija board is often linked with playing séances – attempts to communicate with spirits. As a safety precaution, some researchers advise that the board be used in the presence of a psychic, medium or clairvoyant.
Like me, by now you might be asking, if this game is so harmless, why is it desirable to have psychics present when the game is being played? Or, what is so funny about contacting ghosts and spirits? Some scholars believe the Ouija must be avoided in that it is a trigger for psychological harm.
Dr. Carl Wickland, an American psychiatrist, wrote his classic work on mental illness, Thirty Years Among the Dead in 1924, within which he warns:
In his book, One Ultimate Reality, Adrian Cooper makes the point that “the only solution to such a serious situation involving inter-dimensional forces would be an exorcism carried out by a highly experienced practitioner. The most sensible solution therefore is to resist any such temptations completely, leaving the Ouija board and similar instruments such as a tumbler with playing cards and automatic writing very well alone for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.”
By now it is very obvious that the Ouija board is not the kind of game I would want to give to any of my grandchildren – or to anyone as a matter of fact. Why would I want to expose anyone to the occult? This is no “pretend scary rite of passage”. This is witchcraft – Webster's dictionary defines witchcraft as the act or instance of employing sorcery, especially with malevolent intent - a magical rite or technique.
Both the Old and New Testaments strongly condemn witchcraft and all forms of communication with unknown spirits. The instructions were clear to the Jews as they were preparing for the Promised Land: “Let no one be found among you who...engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritists or who consults the dead” (Deuteronomy 18:10-11).
Among Paul’s list of “the sinful nature” is “idolatry and witchcraft”. He concludes his list with a stern warning – “...that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).
The use of Ouija boards is psychologically and spiritually harmful. It is not a game – rather, it is a subtle introduction to the occult – and that is not harmless, funny or merely scary.
Ticket sales would seem to suggest that kids loved the movie. Ouija benefited from audiences looking to get into the Halloween spirit by topping charts with $20 million from 2,858 locations. The film cost less than $5 million to produce, allowing Universal Pictures to realize enviable profit margins.
Actually, the Ouija board is just a piece of compressed wood, sold at virtually all toy stores and occult supply and book stores. Ouija is a combination of two words: "oui" and "ja" which mean "yes" in French and German respectively. The board itself is not dangerous but the form of communication that you are attempting often is.
To some, the Ouija board represents a harmless form of enjoyment, “a pretend-scary rite of passage” for teenagers in search of thrills on a stormy night. The board has been used by thousands for spirit
communication and is very similar to automatic writing - an alleged psychic ability allowing a person to produce written words without consciously writing. The words are claimed to arise from a subconscious, spiritual or supernatural source.
Playing with the Ouija board is often linked with playing séances – attempts to communicate with spirits. As a safety precaution, some researchers advise that the board be used in the presence of a psychic, medium or clairvoyant.
Like me, by now you might be asking, if this game is so harmless, why is it desirable to have psychics present when the game is being played? Or, what is so funny about contacting ghosts and spirits? Some scholars believe the Ouija must be avoided in that it is a trigger for psychological harm.
Dr. Carl Wickland, an American psychiatrist, wrote his classic work on mental illness, Thirty Years Among the Dead in 1924, within which he warns:
The serious problem of alienation and mental derangement attending ignorant psychic experiments was first brought to my attention by cases of several persons whose seemingly harmless activities with automatic writing and the Ouija board resulted in such wild insanity that commitment to asylums was necessitated. Many other disastrous results which followed the use of the supposedly innocent Ouija board came to my notice, and my observations led me into research in psychic phenomena for a possible explanation of these strange occurrences”.
In his book, One Ultimate Reality, Adrian Cooper makes the point that “the only solution to such a serious situation involving inter-dimensional forces would be an exorcism carried out by a highly experienced practitioner. The most sensible solution therefore is to resist any such temptations completely, leaving the Ouija board and similar instruments such as a tumbler with playing cards and automatic writing very well alone for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.”
By now it is very obvious that the Ouija board is not the kind of game I would want to give to any of my grandchildren – or to anyone as a matter of fact. Why would I want to expose anyone to the occult? This is no “pretend scary rite of passage”. This is witchcraft – Webster's dictionary defines witchcraft as the act or instance of employing sorcery, especially with malevolent intent - a magical rite or technique.
Both the Old and New Testaments strongly condemn witchcraft and all forms of communication with unknown spirits. The instructions were clear to the Jews as they were preparing for the Promised Land: “Let no one be found among you who...engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritists or who consults the dead” (Deuteronomy 18:10-11).
Among Paul’s list of “the sinful nature” is “idolatry and witchcraft”. He concludes his list with a stern warning – “...that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).
The use of Ouija boards is psychologically and spiritually harmful. It is not a game – rather, it is a subtle introduction to the occult – and that is not harmless, funny or merely scary.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
A Season of Giving
In America, charitable giving increases during the months of November and December. It is believed that many charities receive as much as half of their annual donations during that period.
According to Giving USA’s annual survey of philanthropy, Americans gave more than $321 billion to charity in 2012. That amount increased to more than $335 billion in 2013, an increase of 22% since the official end of the recession in 2009.
The single largest contributor to the increase in total charitable giving in 2013, over 2012, was an increase of almost $10 billion in giving by individuals. Much of this money was given by families and estates. Although giving by foundations increased, giving by corporations declined slightly in 2013.
According to Atlantic Monthly reports, “one of the most surprising, and perhaps confounding facts of charity in America is that the people who can least afford to give are the ones who donate the greatest percentage of their income. In 2011, the wealthiest Americans (those with earnings in the top 20%) contributed on average 1.3% of their income to charity. By comparison, Americans at the base of the income pyramid (those in the bottom 20%) donated 3.2% of their income.”
One wonders, to whom is all of this money given? Analysts contend that the poor tend to give to religious organizations and social-service charities, while the wealthy prefer to give to colleges and universities and museums. Of the fifty largest individual gifts to public charities in 2011, not a single one of them went to a social-service organization, or to a charity that principally serves the poor and dispossessed.
Such analyses lead one to ask questions like, what are some of the motivating factors that encourage people to give to charities and non-profit organizations? Because of the time of year most giving is done, it would seem safe to conclude that much giving is driven by tax incentives, and not the spirit of joy that captivates the season.
From her perspective, Dr. Una Osili, Director of Research at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, “giving to education, health, and environmental and animal welfare organizations, in particular, have shown robust giving patterns in recent years.”
However, when compared with other countries, America’s giving is not that robust. According to the World Giving Index 2013, America was ranked thirteenth, with 62% of Americans reporting that they made a financial donation in the previous month. In the first place internationally is Myanmar, where 85% of its people made donations in the previous month. The United Kingdom was second with 76%.
According to Ted Hart, Chief Executive with Charities Aid Foundation, “what makes a society charitable is how we care for each other, not just the measure of how much money we give away.” Ted Hart is on to something interesting – charity is more than cash.
Jesus taught this to His disciples as they watched a crowd putting money into the temple treasury. According to the text, “many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.”
Jesus brought this act of giving to the attention of His disciples. He said to them - “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on” (Mark 12:41-44).
Jesus was not measuring the amount of money given, but rather the woman’s attitude to giving. Although she gave the smallest coins in circulation in Palestine, Jesus concluded that she “put more into the treasury...” But how could she have given more even though she gave less? It is because her giving was tantamount to sacrifice and not surplus. What mattered more to Jesus was not the amount that was given as much as the cost of the gift to the giver.
Another truth about sacrificial giving is that it is reckless – the widow in this story gave everything. Her understanding of sacrifice was not based on how much she kept, but rather, on how much she gave. Unlike so many in today’s culture, she was not driven by end-of-year tax incentives.
Another appropriate lesson for us at this time of year is the amount she gave. Had she been looking at the big donors, she would have been intimidated and would probably have decided against giving. She refused to allow the culture of superfluity to suffocate her knowledge of sacrifice.
Such an attitude is a big challenge to all of us during this season of giving. Let us be guided by sacrifice and not surplus and tax incentives.
According to Giving USA’s annual survey of philanthropy, Americans gave more than $321 billion to charity in 2012. That amount increased to more than $335 billion in 2013, an increase of 22% since the official end of the recession in 2009.
The single largest contributor to the increase in total charitable giving in 2013, over 2012, was an increase of almost $10 billion in giving by individuals. Much of this money was given by families and estates. Although giving by foundations increased, giving by corporations declined slightly in 2013.
According to Atlantic Monthly reports, “one of the most surprising, and perhaps confounding facts of charity in America is that the people who can least afford to give are the ones who donate the greatest percentage of their income. In 2011, the wealthiest Americans (those with earnings in the top 20%) contributed on average 1.3% of their income to charity. By comparison, Americans at the base of the income pyramid (those in the bottom 20%) donated 3.2% of their income.”
One wonders, to whom is all of this money given? Analysts contend that the poor tend to give to religious organizations and social-service charities, while the wealthy prefer to give to colleges and universities and museums. Of the fifty largest individual gifts to public charities in 2011, not a single one of them went to a social-service organization, or to a charity that principally serves the poor and dispossessed.
Such analyses lead one to ask questions like, what are some of the motivating factors that encourage people to give to charities and non-profit organizations? Because of the time of year most giving is done, it would seem safe to conclude that much giving is driven by tax incentives, and not the spirit of joy that captivates the season.
From her perspective, Dr. Una Osili, Director of Research at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, “giving to education, health, and environmental and animal welfare organizations, in particular, have shown robust giving patterns in recent years.”
However, when compared with other countries, America’s giving is not that robust. According to the World Giving Index 2013, America was ranked thirteenth, with 62% of Americans reporting that they made a financial donation in the previous month. In the first place internationally is Myanmar, where 85% of its people made donations in the previous month. The United Kingdom was second with 76%.
According to Ted Hart, Chief Executive with Charities Aid Foundation, “what makes a society charitable is how we care for each other, not just the measure of how much money we give away.” Ted Hart is on to something interesting – charity is more than cash.
Jesus taught this to His disciples as they watched a crowd putting money into the temple treasury. According to the text, “many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.”
Jesus brought this act of giving to the attention of His disciples. He said to them - “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on” (Mark 12:41-44).
Jesus was not measuring the amount of money given, but rather the woman’s attitude to giving. Although she gave the smallest coins in circulation in Palestine, Jesus concluded that she “put more into the treasury...” But how could she have given more even though she gave less? It is because her giving was tantamount to sacrifice and not surplus. What mattered more to Jesus was not the amount that was given as much as the cost of the gift to the giver.
Another truth about sacrificial giving is that it is reckless – the widow in this story gave everything. Her understanding of sacrifice was not based on how much she kept, but rather, on how much she gave. Unlike so many in today’s culture, she was not driven by end-of-year tax incentives.
Another appropriate lesson for us at this time of year is the amount she gave. Had she been looking at the big donors, she would have been intimidated and would probably have decided against giving. She refused to allow the culture of superfluity to suffocate her knowledge of sacrifice.
Such an attitude is a big challenge to all of us during this season of giving. Let us be guided by sacrifice and not surplus and tax incentives.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Flames in Ferguson
Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson is both a police officer and a symbol. As a police officer, he was taken before a St. Louis County grand jury for the death of Michael Brown. After several days of deliberation, the twelve-panel jury saw no grounds for indicting the officer for the shooting death of Michael Brown.
Brown was shot to death by the police officer following a confrontation with the officer. From information released by the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Brown was at fault in that he accosted a uniformed police officer in a marked police car. The police officer contended that “he feared for his life, that he had never before seen such aggression directed towards a police officer.”
As a police officer, Darren Wilson was set free. He was not freed because he was white. He was freed because as a police officer he was within his rights to defend a personal threat and a threat to his authority as a law enforcement officer.
However, as a representative of a system of power, he is still being tried. This time the trial is taking place on the streets of Ferguson. Opportunists, angered by a system that targets minorities and uses excessive force to subdue them, have resorted to violent protests.
In order to understand this tragedy, many persons must be blamed. Many in the media must be blamed for the use of inflammatory language, totally unrelated to the facts of the Michael Brown case. For example, to describe the victim as “an unarmed, black eighteen-year-old,” or as “a gentle giant” is to suggest to the reader that an innocent and gentle teen was overpowered by “a white armed police officer.” Such descriptions appeal to the emotions and are not intended to provoke thoughtful analysis of what actually happened.
Some of the local and federal politicians must also share blame for the flames in Ferguson. Rather than use the occasion to foster healthy dialog and defuse tension, politicians chose to encourage peaceful protests. Many knew that peaceful protests would not be possible. Then why did the politicians not encourage more civil discourse? Why did the politicians not assure the people of Ferguson that the judicial system was designed to bring about a just result?
Why were people not reminded that many changes in a civil society begin at the ballot box? When people choose not to vote, they should not blame others for their negligence. Elected officials appoint persons who they believe are suitable to serve. When we elect officials of our choice, we are more likely to see civil servants reflecting our choices.
For instance, 70% of the residents in Ferguson are black. However, in 2013, less than 12% of blacks, eligible to vote, actually cast a ballot. The result, Ferguson's black majority is minimally represented in its government. Ferguson black residents need to reshape their city’s electoral landscape – legally, that takes place at the ballot box and not through violence on the streets.
In a recent Early Voting appeal in Ferguson, citizens were reminded that five of its six city council members and 94% of its police force were white. The appeal went on to say “...if we want a better, safer future for our children, it’s up to us to vote for change. The choices may not always be perfect, but the cost of inaction is simply too great.”
In the absence of responsible citizenship, the Justice Department has begun a federal probe into whether police officers in Ferguson have used racial profiling or overly aggressive force. The Civil Rights Division is also investigating whether Officer Wilson violated Michael Brown’s civil rights.
Whatever the political outcome, the parents of Michael Brown will continue to carry the pain of losing their son prematurely. As expected, they were disappointed with the outcome. Very maturely, they appealed to protesters to channel their frustration in ways that will make positive change.
They further appealed to everyone to “join with us in our campaign to ensure that every police officer working the streets in this country wears a body camera. We respectfully ask that you please keep your protests peaceful. Answering violence with violence is not the appropriate reaction. Let’s not just make noise, let’s make a difference.”
The Browns are echoing a Christian theme – we should make every effort to live at peace with everyone. In his letter to the Romans, Paul said, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge...but leave room for God’s wrath...do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:18-21).
I wish for you and everyone in Ferguson, a blessed thanksgiving. Upon arrival to the United States, the first four thanksgiving celebrations my family and I observed were in St. Louis, Missouri. Despite the gloom, I am confident that there are still more good things for which we can be thankful.
Brown was shot to death by the police officer following a confrontation with the officer. From information released by the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Brown was at fault in that he accosted a uniformed police officer in a marked police car. The police officer contended that “he feared for his life, that he had never before seen such aggression directed towards a police officer.”
As a police officer, Darren Wilson was set free. He was not freed because he was white. He was freed because as a police officer he was within his rights to defend a personal threat and a threat to his authority as a law enforcement officer.
However, as a representative of a system of power, he is still being tried. This time the trial is taking place on the streets of Ferguson. Opportunists, angered by a system that targets minorities and uses excessive force to subdue them, have resorted to violent protests.
In order to understand this tragedy, many persons must be blamed. Many in the media must be blamed for the use of inflammatory language, totally unrelated to the facts of the Michael Brown case. For example, to describe the victim as “an unarmed, black eighteen-year-old,” or as “a gentle giant” is to suggest to the reader that an innocent and gentle teen was overpowered by “a white armed police officer.” Such descriptions appeal to the emotions and are not intended to provoke thoughtful analysis of what actually happened.
Some of the local and federal politicians must also share blame for the flames in Ferguson. Rather than use the occasion to foster healthy dialog and defuse tension, politicians chose to encourage peaceful protests. Many knew that peaceful protests would not be possible. Then why did the politicians not encourage more civil discourse? Why did the politicians not assure the people of Ferguson that the judicial system was designed to bring about a just result?
Why were people not reminded that many changes in a civil society begin at the ballot box? When people choose not to vote, they should not blame others for their negligence. Elected officials appoint persons who they believe are suitable to serve. When we elect officials of our choice, we are more likely to see civil servants reflecting our choices.
For instance, 70% of the residents in Ferguson are black. However, in 2013, less than 12% of blacks, eligible to vote, actually cast a ballot. The result, Ferguson's black majority is minimally represented in its government. Ferguson black residents need to reshape their city’s electoral landscape – legally, that takes place at the ballot box and not through violence on the streets.
In a recent Early Voting appeal in Ferguson, citizens were reminded that five of its six city council members and 94% of its police force were white. The appeal went on to say “...if we want a better, safer future for our children, it’s up to us to vote for change. The choices may not always be perfect, but the cost of inaction is simply too great.”
In the absence of responsible citizenship, the Justice Department has begun a federal probe into whether police officers in Ferguson have used racial profiling or overly aggressive force. The Civil Rights Division is also investigating whether Officer Wilson violated Michael Brown’s civil rights.
Whatever the political outcome, the parents of Michael Brown will continue to carry the pain of losing their son prematurely. As expected, they were disappointed with the outcome. Very maturely, they appealed to protesters to channel their frustration in ways that will make positive change.
They further appealed to everyone to “join with us in our campaign to ensure that every police officer working the streets in this country wears a body camera. We respectfully ask that you please keep your protests peaceful. Answering violence with violence is not the appropriate reaction. Let’s not just make noise, let’s make a difference.”
The Browns are echoing a Christian theme – we should make every effort to live at peace with everyone. In his letter to the Romans, Paul said, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge...but leave room for God’s wrath...do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:18-21).
I wish for you and everyone in Ferguson, a blessed thanksgiving. Upon arrival to the United States, the first four thanksgiving celebrations my family and I observed were in St. Louis, Missouri. Despite the gloom, I am confident that there are still more good things for which we can be thankful.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Fair & Free From Fear
The 2014 midterm elections have gone – however, not the memories. This was my first time voting since my recent status as a citizen. As a novice to the process, I have very much for which to be thankful.
For days I prayed that the elections would be fair and free from fear. From all appearances, it would seem as though my prayer was answered. In my community it was a quiet day – I discovered many persons had opted for early voting. I was among the 43% of Floridians who voted.
Nationally, voter turnout in the elections was terrible. Imagine, only 36.3% of eligible voters cast votes. The New York Times reported that this election was the worst turnout in 72 years. Only the 1942 election (33.9%) had a lower rate of voter turnout. Voter turnout is usually measured as a proportion of registered voters rather than of those eligible to vote — and census numbers show that more than 70 million Americans of voting age are not registered voters.
With a voter turnout of less than 36%, one questions the moral basis for the claim that the winners got a clear mandate to rule. Interestingly, if the Constitution required a simple majority for election results to be valid, many elections in America would be cancelled for the lack of a quorum.
In addition, the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan Washington group whose job is to track political spending, estimated that candidates, parties, committees, outside groups and donors spent at least $3.67 billion on the 2014 midterm elections, some $40 million more than what was spent in 2010.
Pollsters contend that most persons did not vote because they “just couldn’t be bothered”. Say what? Do you know how many countries would love to have an opportunity to vote in elections that are free from fear? Even many persons within developed countries wish they had an electoral system like the United States. For instance, whereas the US Constitution has established limits and specific times for elections, many countries within the Westminster Model face sudden elections, with the timing often favoring the ruling government.
Apart from having one of the best electoral systems in the world, I am especially grateful for the recent midterm elections for a number of reasons. One was the sheer demeanor displayed by congressional candidate Dan Bongino. He lost to Democrat John Delaney.
In his concession speech, Bongino revealed that his wife had been experiencing health issues, which had forced him to limit campaign appearances. Upon learning of her illness, Bongino’s opponent, responded with a handwritten letter “expressing his heartfelt concerns for my wife and my family, given the circumstances we were dealing with.” Bongino graciously admitted, “I never forgot that, it reminded me that although our wonderful country is currently marked by passionate political differences, these differences should never become personal.”
Yes, that happened in America, and I wished it got more press. I could also say the same about Mia Love from Utah. For years I have followed this 37-year old political leader. On her second attempt she won her seat to represent her district – she is the first black female Republican in Congress.
In response to a journalist who attempted to credit her gender and ethnicity for her success, Mia Love responded, “This is historic but it’s not because of the color of my skin - it’s historic because Utah has decided to elect a person based on their principles.” She represents a district with fewer than 2% of black voters.
Both in the case of Mia Love and Tim Scott, it would seem as though an increasing number of Americans are prepared to vote for character rather than color. Scott is the first black lawmaker elected to both chambers of Congress. He represents South Carolina, a state with just about 28% black citizens.
Another interesting record was broken in Iowa. Joni Ernst’s win makes her the first female combat veteran to get elected to the Senate and the first woman in Congress from that state. Another first among women, was Elise Stefanik, 30, who when elected, became the youngest female member of Congress.
In addition, 37-year-old Arkansas GOP Rep. Tom Cotton winning a Senate seat makes him the youngest member of the upper chamber. Although she will not be in Washington, Saira Blair, just eighteen, won the election for West Virginia’s 59th House District. Still a freshman at West Virginia University, Saira became the youngest state lawmaker in the nation after sweeping 63% of the vote.
I suppose by now you understand why I am so thankful after the midterm elections – ethnic walls are continuing to break down, gender equality is more evident and our youth are continuing to assume positions of leadership. I thank God that He has allowed me to participate in such an electoral system – not perfect, but certainly fair and free from fear.
For days I prayed that the elections would be fair and free from fear. From all appearances, it would seem as though my prayer was answered. In my community it was a quiet day – I discovered many persons had opted for early voting. I was among the 43% of Floridians who voted.
Nationally, voter turnout in the elections was terrible. Imagine, only 36.3% of eligible voters cast votes. The New York Times reported that this election was the worst turnout in 72 years. Only the 1942 election (33.9%) had a lower rate of voter turnout. Voter turnout is usually measured as a proportion of registered voters rather than of those eligible to vote — and census numbers show that more than 70 million Americans of voting age are not registered voters.
With a voter turnout of less than 36%, one questions the moral basis for the claim that the winners got a clear mandate to rule. Interestingly, if the Constitution required a simple majority for election results to be valid, many elections in America would be cancelled for the lack of a quorum.
In addition, the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan Washington group whose job is to track political spending, estimated that candidates, parties, committees, outside groups and donors spent at least $3.67 billion on the 2014 midterm elections, some $40 million more than what was spent in 2010.
Pollsters contend that most persons did not vote because they “just couldn’t be bothered”. Say what? Do you know how many countries would love to have an opportunity to vote in elections that are free from fear? Even many persons within developed countries wish they had an electoral system like the United States. For instance, whereas the US Constitution has established limits and specific times for elections, many countries within the Westminster Model face sudden elections, with the timing often favoring the ruling government.
Apart from having one of the best electoral systems in the world, I am especially grateful for the recent midterm elections for a number of reasons. One was the sheer demeanor displayed by congressional candidate Dan Bongino. He lost to Democrat John Delaney.
In his concession speech, Bongino revealed that his wife had been experiencing health issues, which had forced him to limit campaign appearances. Upon learning of her illness, Bongino’s opponent, responded with a handwritten letter “expressing his heartfelt concerns for my wife and my family, given the circumstances we were dealing with.” Bongino graciously admitted, “I never forgot that, it reminded me that although our wonderful country is currently marked by passionate political differences, these differences should never become personal.”
Yes, that happened in America, and I wished it got more press. I could also say the same about Mia Love from Utah. For years I have followed this 37-year old political leader. On her second attempt she won her seat to represent her district – she is the first black female Republican in Congress.
In response to a journalist who attempted to credit her gender and ethnicity for her success, Mia Love responded, “This is historic but it’s not because of the color of my skin - it’s historic because Utah has decided to elect a person based on their principles.” She represents a district with fewer than 2% of black voters.
Both in the case of Mia Love and Tim Scott, it would seem as though an increasing number of Americans are prepared to vote for character rather than color. Scott is the first black lawmaker elected to both chambers of Congress. He represents South Carolina, a state with just about 28% black citizens.
Another interesting record was broken in Iowa. Joni Ernst’s win makes her the first female combat veteran to get elected to the Senate and the first woman in Congress from that state. Another first among women, was Elise Stefanik, 30, who when elected, became the youngest female member of Congress.
In addition, 37-year-old Arkansas GOP Rep. Tom Cotton winning a Senate seat makes him the youngest member of the upper chamber. Although she will not be in Washington, Saira Blair, just eighteen, won the election for West Virginia’s 59th House District. Still a freshman at West Virginia University, Saira became the youngest state lawmaker in the nation after sweeping 63% of the vote.
I suppose by now you understand why I am so thankful after the midterm elections – ethnic walls are continuing to break down, gender equality is more evident and our youth are continuing to assume positions of leadership. I thank God that He has allowed me to participate in such an electoral system – not perfect, but certainly fair and free from fear.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Why Should I Vote?
One of two responsibilities of U.S. citizens is to vote in federal elections. Although the law does not require citizens to vote, it is obvious that voting is a very important part of any democracy. By voting citizens are participating in the democratic process.
Among other things, the democratic process requires citizens to elect eligible fellow citizens to represent their ideas – in essence, to form the government. This government is “for the people”, meaning that the sole purpose of government is to act in ways that benefit citizens.
In my last commentary, I contended that the words “we the people” in the opening sentence of the Constitution meant that people set up the government. Basic lessons in American Civics would confirm that the government works for the people and protects the rights of people.
The Founders of the United States decided that this country should be a representative democracy. They wanted a nation ruled by laws. In a representative democracy, the people choose officials to make laws and represent their views and concerns in government. Hence, elections is the mechanism provided by the Constitution to ensure that citizens can elect leaders of their choice to govern.
When eligible citizens fail to vote, they are abrogating a primary responsibility of citizenship. Whereas the government is responsible to ensure that every citizen can vote, it is the responsibility of every citizen to vote. Hence, to choose not to vote when one can vote is irresponsible.
Because millions of Americans will be voting on Tuesday, it is easy for some to conclude that their single vote is not needed - that is illogical. The truth is, every vote counts. Ask the people of Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania, Africa). On January 18, 1961, the Afro-Shirazi Party won the general elections by a single vote/seat. The seat of Chake-Chake on Pemba Island had been gained by a single vote. According to the Guinness World Book of Records, that was the closest general elections ever recorded in the world.
Some of us can remember the Presidential Elections of 2000. Then, President George W. Bush won the election by a margin of just half of a percentage point of the 110 million Americans who cast votes. The message is simple – every vote counts.
I have met American citizens who decide against voting for some of the most trivial reasons. Some contend that if it is not a Presidential Election, then it is not important. That is not true. Electing persons to Congress is as critical as electing a President. As a matter of fact, congressional representatives are closer to my community than the President.
The Framers of the Constitution believed that short two-year terms and frequent elections would keep representatives close to their constituents, public opinion, and more aware of local and community concerns. One can therefore understand why the population of a state determines the number of representatives in Congress. In this way, states with many people have a stronger voice in the House of Representatives.
For a moment I must comment on persons who choose not to vote because candidates do not represent the preferences of the voter. In such cases, it is possible that the prospective voter did not influence the process of choosing the candidate. Furthermore, no candidate will ever represent all the preferences of voters. Most times one elects persons who best represent their preferences.
Far too often we choose candidates because of political party affiliation and not the personal suitability of the representatives. For me, parties do not vote on my preferences, representatives do. Agreed, political parties provide the platform for representatives. However, it is representatives who govern and are accountable to citizens.
I now have my Voter Guide and will continue to study how candidates view my preferences. I will also be studying state constitutional amendments that are on the ballots. Studying the issues is critical for me, if I am going to register my preferences on Tuesday.
As a Christian, I have too much at stake to take federal elections lightly. The New Testament encourages me to pray for political leaders. The purpose for prayer is to ensure “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives...” (1 Timothy 2:2). That objective requires more than closing my eyes in a prayer gathering.
Desiring leaders who can facilitate a peaceful and quiet lifestyle requires me to influence the choice of those leaders. In addition, that requires me to hold those leaders accountable for the lifestyles they promised. For me, the voting booth provides an excellent venue to accomplish my goals. In addition, because it is the responsible thing to do, I will be casting my first vote in America on Tuesday morning.
Among other things, the democratic process requires citizens to elect eligible fellow citizens to represent their ideas – in essence, to form the government. This government is “for the people”, meaning that the sole purpose of government is to act in ways that benefit citizens.
In my last commentary, I contended that the words “we the people” in the opening sentence of the Constitution meant that people set up the government. Basic lessons in American Civics would confirm that the government works for the people and protects the rights of people.
The Founders of the United States decided that this country should be a representative democracy. They wanted a nation ruled by laws. In a representative democracy, the people choose officials to make laws and represent their views and concerns in government. Hence, elections is the mechanism provided by the Constitution to ensure that citizens can elect leaders of their choice to govern.
When eligible citizens fail to vote, they are abrogating a primary responsibility of citizenship. Whereas the government is responsible to ensure that every citizen can vote, it is the responsibility of every citizen to vote. Hence, to choose not to vote when one can vote is irresponsible.
Because millions of Americans will be voting on Tuesday, it is easy for some to conclude that their single vote is not needed - that is illogical. The truth is, every vote counts. Ask the people of Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania, Africa). On January 18, 1961, the Afro-Shirazi Party won the general elections by a single vote/seat. The seat of Chake-Chake on Pemba Island had been gained by a single vote. According to the Guinness World Book of Records, that was the closest general elections ever recorded in the world.
Some of us can remember the Presidential Elections of 2000. Then, President George W. Bush won the election by a margin of just half of a percentage point of the 110 million Americans who cast votes. The message is simple – every vote counts.
I have met American citizens who decide against voting for some of the most trivial reasons. Some contend that if it is not a Presidential Election, then it is not important. That is not true. Electing persons to Congress is as critical as electing a President. As a matter of fact, congressional representatives are closer to my community than the President.
The Framers of the Constitution believed that short two-year terms and frequent elections would keep representatives close to their constituents, public opinion, and more aware of local and community concerns. One can therefore understand why the population of a state determines the number of representatives in Congress. In this way, states with many people have a stronger voice in the House of Representatives.
For a moment I must comment on persons who choose not to vote because candidates do not represent the preferences of the voter. In such cases, it is possible that the prospective voter did not influence the process of choosing the candidate. Furthermore, no candidate will ever represent all the preferences of voters. Most times one elects persons who best represent their preferences.
Far too often we choose candidates because of political party affiliation and not the personal suitability of the representatives. For me, parties do not vote on my preferences, representatives do. Agreed, political parties provide the platform for representatives. However, it is representatives who govern and are accountable to citizens.
I now have my Voter Guide and will continue to study how candidates view my preferences. I will also be studying state constitutional amendments that are on the ballots. Studying the issues is critical for me, if I am going to register my preferences on Tuesday.
As a Christian, I have too much at stake to take federal elections lightly. The New Testament encourages me to pray for political leaders. The purpose for prayer is to ensure “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives...” (1 Timothy 2:2). That objective requires more than closing my eyes in a prayer gathering.
Desiring leaders who can facilitate a peaceful and quiet lifestyle requires me to influence the choice of those leaders. In addition, that requires me to hold those leaders accountable for the lifestyles they promised. For me, the voting booth provides an excellent venue to accomplish my goals. In addition, because it is the responsible thing to do, I will be casting my first vote in America on Tuesday morning.
Monday, September 29, 2014
“We the People...”
That simple statement, “we the people,” was an answer to the 100 questions we had to study for a recent naturalization test. Following our Swearing-In Ceremony a few days ago, my wife and I can now be called “American Yankees”.
For my family it has been a long journey which began in 1991 when we migrated to America. My wife and the three children accompanied me as I pursued graduate and post-graduate studies in the Midwest. From Foreign Students to Citizens should be an interesting read of God’s faithfulness to a family that dared to trust Him.
In those 23 years, my wife also earned an advanced degree and our three children completed college. Last Sunday we were honored to witness the baptism of two of our six grandchildren. They now represent the fourth generation of Corbins coming to faith in Jesus Christ. For this we praise the Lord!
However, becoming citizens is much more than a privilege – it is a responsibility. The civics lessons learned in preparing for naturalization have helped to reinforce the solemn trust enshrined in being a citizen of a country. As American citizens we now recognize that we can be called-up any minute to serve as jurors in a court of law. In addition, we have the right to vote in a federal election.
Our acquired home, America, is “a popular sovereign” state. The people elect representatives to make laws. With the words “we the people,” the Constitution states that the people set up the government. The government works for the people and protects the rights of the people. In America, the power to govern comes from the people, who are the highest power. Sometimes one wonders if some of our current narcissistic federal and local representatives should not be mandated to pursue ongoing education classes in American Civics.
Just last week I was reminded that even the study of Civics in America is under attack. Hundreds of students walked out of classrooms around suburban Denver in protest over a conservative-led school board proposal to focus history education on topics that promote citizenship, patriotism and respect for authority.
The youth protest in the state's second-largest school district followed a sick-out from teachers that shut down two high schools. Many students waved American flags and carried signs, including messages that read "There is nothing more patriotic than protest."
The school board proposal that triggered the walkouts in Jefferson County calls for instructional materials that present positive aspects of America and its heritage. It would establish a committee to make sure materials "promote citizenship, patriotism, essentials and benefits of the free-market system, respect for authority and respect for individual rights" and don't "encourage or condone civil disorder, social strike or disregard of the law."
When interviewed, a student demonstrator, a senior at Arvada High School, said that the nation's foundation was built on civil protests, "and everything that we've done is what allowed us to be at this point today. And if you take that from us, you take away everything that America was built off of."
This is not what I learned in civics about America – “the nation’s foundation was built on civil protests?” Agreed, America has had its share of internal and foreign wars. However, can the results of those wars be considered to be foundations upon which the nation was built?
The protests among high school teachers and students in Colorado is a microcosm of what is happening across the nation – an infiltration of ideological bias in interpreting history. At times some Christians are guilty of that bias when they interpret American history to suggest that the Puritans came to America to establish only Christian communities.
A few months ago we were subjected to another ideological interpretation of history. President Obama was addressing a group of Muslims at an Eid-al-Fitr celebration. There he thanked the Muslims “for their many achievements and contributions...to building the very fabric of our nation and strengthening the core of our democracy.”
As a fledgling citizen, could someone please help me? Where in America’s history can one find the “many achievements...to building the fabric of our nation” from the Muslim community? As a melting pot of religious communities, America has become the most religiously diverse country in the world. However, as religious communities come to this country, they often adjust their religious practices to comply with American life and culture. Generally speaking, that cannot be said of many Muslim communities.
As a Christian and a new citizen, my civic mandate is greatly influenced by Jeremiah’s words to the Jewish exiles in Babylon: “... seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29: 7).
For my family it has been a long journey which began in 1991 when we migrated to America. My wife and the three children accompanied me as I pursued graduate and post-graduate studies in the Midwest. From Foreign Students to Citizens should be an interesting read of God’s faithfulness to a family that dared to trust Him.
In those 23 years, my wife also earned an advanced degree and our three children completed college. Last Sunday we were honored to witness the baptism of two of our six grandchildren. They now represent the fourth generation of Corbins coming to faith in Jesus Christ. For this we praise the Lord!
However, becoming citizens is much more than a privilege – it is a responsibility. The civics lessons learned in preparing for naturalization have helped to reinforce the solemn trust enshrined in being a citizen of a country. As American citizens we now recognize that we can be called-up any minute to serve as jurors in a court of law. In addition, we have the right to vote in a federal election.
Our acquired home, America, is “a popular sovereign” state. The people elect representatives to make laws. With the words “we the people,” the Constitution states that the people set up the government. The government works for the people and protects the rights of the people. In America, the power to govern comes from the people, who are the highest power. Sometimes one wonders if some of our current narcissistic federal and local representatives should not be mandated to pursue ongoing education classes in American Civics.
Just last week I was reminded that even the study of Civics in America is under attack. Hundreds of students walked out of classrooms around suburban Denver in protest over a conservative-led school board proposal to focus history education on topics that promote citizenship, patriotism and respect for authority.
The youth protest in the state's second-largest school district followed a sick-out from teachers that shut down two high schools. Many students waved American flags and carried signs, including messages that read "There is nothing more patriotic than protest."
The school board proposal that triggered the walkouts in Jefferson County calls for instructional materials that present positive aspects of America and its heritage. It would establish a committee to make sure materials "promote citizenship, patriotism, essentials and benefits of the free-market system, respect for authority and respect for individual rights" and don't "encourage or condone civil disorder, social strike or disregard of the law."
When interviewed, a student demonstrator, a senior at Arvada High School, said that the nation's foundation was built on civil protests, "and everything that we've done is what allowed us to be at this point today. And if you take that from us, you take away everything that America was built off of."
This is not what I learned in civics about America – “the nation’s foundation was built on civil protests?” Agreed, America has had its share of internal and foreign wars. However, can the results of those wars be considered to be foundations upon which the nation was built?
The protests among high school teachers and students in Colorado is a microcosm of what is happening across the nation – an infiltration of ideological bias in interpreting history. At times some Christians are guilty of that bias when they interpret American history to suggest that the Puritans came to America to establish only Christian communities.
A few months ago we were subjected to another ideological interpretation of history. President Obama was addressing a group of Muslims at an Eid-al-Fitr celebration. There he thanked the Muslims “for their many achievements and contributions...to building the very fabric of our nation and strengthening the core of our democracy.”
As a fledgling citizen, could someone please help me? Where in America’s history can one find the “many achievements...to building the fabric of our nation” from the Muslim community? As a melting pot of religious communities, America has become the most religiously diverse country in the world. However, as religious communities come to this country, they often adjust their religious practices to comply with American life and culture. Generally speaking, that cannot be said of many Muslim communities.
As a Christian and a new citizen, my civic mandate is greatly influenced by Jeremiah’s words to the Jewish exiles in Babylon: “... seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29: 7).
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