thestream--2020-11-22--The Greatest Election Heist in History

The Greatest Election Heist in History

The pieces are finally coming together , and they reveal a masterpiece of electoral larceny involving Big Tech oligarchs , activists , and government officials who prioritize partisanship over patriotism .
The 2020 election was stolen because leftists were able to exploit the coronavirus pandemic to weaken , alter , and eliminate laws that were put in place over the course of decades to preserve the integrity of the ballot box .
But just as importantly , it was stolen because those same leftists had a thoroughly-crafted plan , and because they were rigorous in its implementation and ruthless in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forget that liberals have been consumed by a fixation with removing Donald Trump from office for longer than he ’ s actually been in office .
The sordid story of the 2020 election heist begins all the way back in January 2017 , when Barack Obama ’ s former campaign manager and senior advisor , David Plouffe , took a job leading the policy and advocacy efforts of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative , a “ charitable ” organization established by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife , Priscilla Chan .
The Roadmap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier this year , just as it was becoming clear that Joe Biden would be the Democratic Party ’ s nominee for president , Plouffe published a book outlining his vision for the Democrats ’ roadmap to victory in 2020 , which involved a “ block by block ” effort to turn out voters in key Democratic strongholds in the swing states that would ultimately decide the election , such as Philadelphia , Milwaukee , Detroit , and Minneapolis .
The book was titled , A Citizen ’ s Guide to Defeating Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the citizen Plouffe had in mind was none other than his former boss , Mark Zuckerberg .
Although Plouffe no longer officially managed Zuckerberg ’ s policy and advocacy efforts at that point , the political operative ’ s influence evidently remained a powerful force .
Thanks to the extensive efforts of investigators and attorneys for the Amistad Project of the nonpartisan Thomas More Society , who have been following Zuckerberg ’ s money for the past 18 months , it is still possible to expose the inner workings of this heist in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more importantly , these unsung heroes of American democracy are dedicated to making sure that such a travesty will not become a permanent feature of our elections .
Under the pretext of assisting election officials conduct “ safe and secure ” elections in the age of COVID , Zuckerberg donated $ 400 million — as much money as Congress appropriated for the same general purpose — to nonprofit organizations founded and run by left-wing activists .
The primary recipient was the Center for Tech and Civic Life ( CTCL ) , which received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Prior to Zuckerberg ’ s donations , CTCL ’ s annual operating expenses averaged less than $ 1 million per year .
How was Zuckerberg even aware of such a small-potatoes operation , and why did he entrust it with ⅞ of the money he was pouring into this election cycle , despite the fact that it had no prior experience handling such a massive amount of money ?
Predictably , given the partisan background of its leading officers , CTCL proceeded to distribute Zuckerberg ’ s funds to left-leaning counties in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money handed out by CTCL — especially in the early days of its largesse — went to counties that voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton in 2016 .
Some of the biggest recipients , in fact , were the very locales Plouffe had identified as the linchpins of the Democrat strategy in 2020 .
Zuckerberg and CTCL left nothing to chance , however , writing detailed conditions into their grants that dictated exactly how elections were to be conducted , down to the number of ballot drop boxes and polling places .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managing elections , but these grants put private interests firmly in control .
Amistad Project lawyers tried to prevent this unlawful collusion by filing a flurry of lawsuits in eight states prior to Election Day .
Unfortunately , judges were forced to put those lawsuits aside without consideration of their merits because the plaintiffs had not yet suffered “ concrete harm ” in the form of fraudulent election results .
The law had no remedy to offer because the left ’ s lawless schemes had not yet reached fruition .
In the meantime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cash — only now , the organization was intent on finding Republican-leaning jurisdictions to give its donations a veneer of bipartisanship .
Of course , the number of votes in play in those counties paled in comparison to those in the liberal counties .
Philadelphia County alone , for instance , projected that the $ 10 million grant it received from CTCL would enable it to increase turnout by 25-30 percent — translating to well over 200,000 votes .
The left didn ’ t put all of its eggs into the CTCL basket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took significant steps to weaken ballot security protocols , acting on their own authority without permission or concurrence from the state legislatures that enshrined those protections in the law .
In Wisconsin , Democrat Secretary of State Doug La Follette allowed voters to claim “ indefinite confinement ” in order to avoid having to provide a photocopy of their ID when requesting an absentee ballot .
The exemption was intended for legitimate invalids , but COVID offered a convenient excuse for circumventing the law , despite the fact that Wisconsin had no pandemic-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ indefinitely confined.
” The impact was far-reaching .
About 240,000 voters claimed the exemption in 2020 , compared to just 70,000 in 2016 .
In Michigan , Democrat Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson unilaterally voided the legal requirement that voters provide a signature when requesting an absentee ballot , establishing an online request form .
She then took things a step further by announcing that she would “ allow civic groups and other organizations running voter registration drives to register voters through the state ’ s online registration website , ” granting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct access to Michigan ’ s voter rolls .
In Pennsylvania , election officials in heavily-Democratic counties that received CTCL funding allowed flawed mail-in ballots to be “ cured ” — that is , altered or replaced — prior to Election Day .
In other counties , officials rightly interpreted this as a flagrant violation of state law .
On the night before Election Day , less than 24 hours before polls were due to close , Democrat Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar sought to imbue this illegal practice with the appearance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to contact voters who had cast improper ballots .
Even if Boockvar had the statutory authority to do this , which she did not , the timing of her memo made it impossible for rural counties to take advantage of it to nearly the same extent as urban counties .
Putting Large Vote Tabulation Centers Together … Because of COVID ?
!
In numerous states , officials also absurdly consolidated the vote-counting and ballot curing process in sporting arenas and other large venues , rather than the ward- and precinct-level offices that normally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no sense as a pandemic-related safety measure , but that didn ’ t stop the officials from citing COVID as their rationale .
Consolidating the vote counting tied the other efforts together .
Instead of a manageable number of ballots being transported to small offices and counted in the immediate presence of observers from both parties , truckloads of ballots were brought to a single location , inevitably resulting in confusion and commingling of ballots from various sources .
Securing those ballots from the time they left voters ’ hands to the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top priority of election workers , but it ’ s not even clear whether there were logs kept identifying which ballots were delivered by which trucks and when .
If such logs even exist , they have not been disclosed .
At the same time , election officials could claim that they were adhering to legal requirements that observers be “ in the room ” during the counting process while using COVID as an excuse for relegating those observers to the “ penalty box , ” far from the actual counting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For Democrats This was particularly egregious when it came to ballot “ curing , ” a process that actually involves election workers filling out brand new ballots on behalf of voters whose ballots purportedly could not be read by machine .
This could have been due to something the voter themselves did , such as spilling coffee on the ballot .
It also could have been due to something that election workers themselves did , such as crumpling ballots to prevent the machines from receiving them , just as a vending machine rejects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know exactly what happened , because Republican observers were denied meaningful access to the process — and in some cases literally locked out of the counting rooms while election workers obscured the windows with cardboard .
These election workers , it should be noted , were paid directly by CTCL ’ s grants .
These supposedly impartial arbiters of our electoral process are supposed to work for the people , but they were on Zuckerberg ’ s payroll .
All of this sounds like the stuff of fiction — the sort of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thriller or a spy novel .
Sadly , it ’ s the reality that our country is faced with after years of placidity in the face of increasingly aggressive intervention into our electoral process on the part of Big Tech oligarchs and activists with deep pockets and shallow motivations .
Ken Blackwell , former Secretary of State of Ohio , is the Distinguished Fellow for Human Rights and Constitutional Governance , at the Family Research Council .
He served as United States Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Commission from 1990-1993 .

The pieces are finally coming together, and they reveal a masterpiece of electoral larceny involving Big Tech oligarchs, activists, and government officials who prioritize partisanship over patriotism.
The 2020 election was stolen because leftists were able to exploit the coronavirus pandemic to weaken, alter, and eliminate laws that were put in place over the course of decades to preserve the integrity of the ballot box. But just as importantly, it was stolen because those same leftists had a thoroughly-crafted plan, and because they were rigorous in its implementation and ruthless in its execution.
Let’s not forget that liberals have been consumed by a fixation with removing Donald Trump from office for longer than he’s actually been in office. The sordid story of the 2020 election heist begins all the way back in January 2017, when Barack Obama’s former campaign manager and senior advisor, David Plouffe, took a job leading the policy and advocacy efforts of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, a “charitable” organization established by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan.
The Roadmap to Victory, Funded by Mark Zuckerberg
Earlier this year, just as it was becoming clear that Joe Biden would be the Democratic Party’s nominee for president, Plouffe published a book outlining his vision for the Democrats’ roadmap to victory in 2020, which involved a “block by block” effort to turn out voters in key Democratic strongholds in the swing states that would ultimately decide the election, such as Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Detroit, and Minneapolis.
The book was titled, A Citizen’s Guide to Defeating Donald Trump, and it turned out that the citizen Plouffe had in mind was none other than his former boss, Mark Zuckerberg. Although Plouffe no longer officially managed Zuckerberg’s policy and advocacy efforts at that point, the political operative’s influence evidently remained a powerful force.
Thanks to the extensive efforts of investigators and attorneys for the Amistad Project of the nonpartisan Thomas More Society, who have been following Zuckerberg’s money for the past 18 months, it is still possible to expose the inner workings of this heist in time to stop it. Perhaps even more importantly, these unsung heroes of American democracy are dedicated to making sure that such a travesty will not become a permanent feature of our elections.
Under the pretext of assisting election officials conduct “safe and secure” elections in the age of COVID, Zuckerberg donated $400 million — as much money as Congress appropriated for the same general purpose — to nonprofit organizations founded and run by left-wing activists. The primary recipient was the Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL), which received the staggering sum of $350 million. Prior to Zuckerberg’s donations, CTCL’s annual operating expenses averaged less than $1 million per year. How was Zuckerberg even aware of such a small-potatoes operation, and why did he entrust it with ⅞ of the money he was pouring into this election cycle, despite the fact that it had no prior experience handling such a massive amount of money?
Predictably, given the partisan background of its leading officers, CTCL proceeded to distribute Zuckerberg’s funds to left-leaning counties in battleground states. The vast majority of the money handed out by CTCL — especially in the early days of its largesse — went to counties that voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton in 2016. Some of the biggest recipients, in fact, were the very locales Plouffe had identified as the linchpins of the Democrat strategy in 2020.
Overriding the Constitution
Zuckerberg and CTCL left nothing to chance, however, writing detailed conditions into their grants that dictated exactly how elections were to be conducted, down to the number of ballot drop boxes and polling places. The Constitution gives state lawmakers sole authority for managing elections, but these grants put private interests firmly in control.
Amistad Project lawyers tried to prevent this unlawful collusion by filing a flurry of lawsuits in eight states prior to Election Day. Unfortunately, judges were forced to put those lawsuits aside without consideration of their merits because the plaintiffs had not yet suffered “concrete harm” in the form of fraudulent election results. The law had no remedy to offer because the left’s lawless schemes had not yet reached fruition.
In the meantime, CTCL continued splashing Zuckerberg’s cash — only now, the organization was intent on finding Republican-leaning jurisdictions to give its donations a veneer of bipartisanship. Of course, the number of votes in play in those counties paled in comparison to those in the liberal counties. Philadelphia County alone, for instance, projected that the $10 million grant it received from CTCL would enable it to increase turnout by 25-30 percent — translating to well over 200,000 votes.
Deliberately Weakening Ballot Security Protocols
The left didn’t put all of its eggs into the CTCL basket, though. High-ranking state officials simultaneously took significant steps to weaken ballot security protocols, acting on their own authority without permission or concurrence from the state legislatures that enshrined those protections in the law.
In Wisconsin, Democrat Secretary of State Doug La Follette allowed voters to claim “indefinite confinement” in order to avoid having to provide a photocopy of their ID when requesting an absentee ballot. The exemption was intended for legitimate invalids, but COVID offered a convenient excuse for circumventing the law, despite the fact that Wisconsin had no pandemic-related lockdown rules that would have rendered anyone “indefinitely confined.” The impact was far-reaching. About 240,000 voters claimed the exemption in 2020, compared to just 70,000 in 2016.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
In Michigan, Democrat Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson unilaterally voided the legal requirement that voters provide a signature when requesting an absentee ballot, establishing an online request form. She then took things a step further by announcing that she would “allow civic groups and other organizations running voter registration drives to register voters through the state’s online registration website,” granting partisan groups such as Rock The Vote direct access to Michigan’s voter rolls.
In Pennsylvania, election officials in heavily-Democratic counties that received CTCL funding allowed flawed mail-in ballots to be “cured” — that is, altered or replaced — prior to Election Day. In other counties, officials rightly interpreted this as a flagrant violation of state law. On the night before Election Day, less than 24 hours before polls were due to close, Democrat Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar sought to imbue this illegal practice with the appearance of validity by issuing a statement authorizing counties to contact voters who had cast improper ballots. Even if Boockvar had the statutory authority to do this, which she did not, the timing of her memo made it impossible for rural counties to take advantage of it to nearly the same extent as urban counties.
Putting Large Vote Tabulation Centers Together … Because of COVID?!
In numerous states, officials also absurdly consolidated the vote-counting and ballot curing process in sporting arenas and other large venues, rather than the ward- and precinct-level offices that normally handle the job. This made absolutely no sense as a pandemic-related safety measure, but that didn’t stop the officials from citing COVID as their rationale.
Consolidating the vote counting tied the other efforts together. Instead of a manageable number of ballots being transported to small offices and counted in the immediate presence of observers from both parties, truckloads of ballots were brought to a single location, inevitably resulting in confusion and commingling of ballots from various sources. Securing those ballots from the time they left voters’ hands to the time they were officially counted should have been the top priority of election workers, but it’s not even clear whether there were logs kept identifying which ballots were delivered by which trucks and when. If such logs even exist, they have not been disclosed.
At the same time, election officials could claim that they were adhering to legal requirements that observers be “in the room” during the counting process while using COVID as an excuse for relegating those observers to the “penalty box,” far from the actual counting and curing.
Ballot Curing, But Only For Democrats
This was particularly egregious when it came to ballot “curing,” a process that actually involves election workers filling out brand new ballots on behalf of voters whose ballots purportedly could not be read by machine. This could have been due to something the voter themselves did, such as spilling coffee on the ballot. It also could have been due to something that election workers themselves did, such as crumpling ballots to prevent the machines from receiving them, just as a vending machine rejects crumpled bills.
It’s impossible to know exactly what happened, because Republican observers were denied meaningful access to the process — and in some cases literally locked out of the counting rooms while election workers obscured the windows with cardboard.
These election workers, it should be noted, were paid directly by CTCL’s grants. These supposedly impartial arbiters of our electoral process are supposed to work for the people, but they were on Zuckerberg’s payroll.
The Sad Reality
All of this sounds like the stuff of fiction — the sort of thing one would expect from a cinematic thriller or a spy novel. Sadly, it’s the reality that our country is faced with after years of placidity in the face of increasingly aggressive intervention into our electoral process on the part of Big Tech oligarchs and activists with deep pockets and shallow motivations.
Ken Blackwell, former Secretary of State of Ohio, is the Distinguished Fellow for Human Rights and Constitutional Governance, at the Family Research Council. He served as United States Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Commission from 1990-1993.


thestream--2020-11-22--‘Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!’: The Patrick Henry Speech That Echoes Today

At a press conference Thursday , Trump campaign lawyer Sidney Powell declared that this election fight is “ the 1775 of our generation.
” In the spring of 1775 , the colonies teetered on the edge of full-fledged revolution .
The question remained throughout the colonies whether to stand for freedom and independence or to continue submitting to unjust rule .
The Second Virginia Convention gathered at St. John ’ s Church in Richmond on March 23 , 1775 to debate how far to press against King George III .
The 120 delegates included a couple names you may know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After several delegates spoke , a lawyer named Patrick Henry rose .
Henry had been increasingly vocal in his grievances against the King , and was convinced conflict with England was at hand .
Indeed , the conflict was already upon us .
As it is with today ’ s “ awful moment , ” the go-along-to-get-along crowd was not exactly on board with the brave , patriotic lawyer .
Yet Henry was not to be silenced .
No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have just addressed the House .
But different men often see the same subject in different lights ; and , therefore , I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if , entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs , I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve .
This is no time for ceremony .
The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country .
For my own part , I consider it as nothing less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate .
It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth , and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country .
Should I keep back my opinions at such a time , through fear of giving offense , I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country , and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven , which I revere above all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope .
We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth , and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts .
Is this the part of wise men , engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty ?
Are we disposed to be of the number of those who , having eyes , see not , and , having ears , hear not , the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ spirit it may cost , I am willing to know the whole truth ; to know the worst , and to provide for it .
One Lamp By Which My Feed are Guided I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided , and that is the lamp of experience .
I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past .
And judging by the past , I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House .
Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received ?
Trust it not , sir ; it will prove a snare to your feet .
Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss .
Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land .
Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation ?
Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in to win back our love ?
Let us not deceive ourselves , sir .
These are the implements of war and subjugation ; the last arguments to which kings resort .
I ask gentlemen , sir , what means this martial array , if its purpose be not to force us to submission ?
Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it ?
Has Great Britain any enemy , in this quarter of the world , to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies ?
No , sir , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us : they can be meant for no other .
They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging .
And what have we to oppose to them ?
Shall we try argument ?
Sir , we have been trying that for the last ten years .
Have we anything new to offer upon the subject ?
Nothing .
We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable ; but it has been all in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and humble supplication ?
What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted ?
Let us not , I beseech you , sir , deceive ourselves .
Sir , we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on .
We have petitioned ; we have remonstrated ; we have supplicated ; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne , and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament .
Our petitions have been slighted ; our remonstrances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our supplications have been disregarded ; and we have been spurned , with contempt , from the foot of the throne !
In vain , after these things , may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation .
There is no longer any room for hope .
If we wish to be free — if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending — if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained— we must fight !
I repeat it , sir , we must fight !
An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us !
When Shall We Be Stronger ?
They tell us , sir , that we are weak ; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary .
But when shall we be stronger ?
Will it be the next week , or the next year ?
Will it be when we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British guard shall be stationed in every house ?
Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction ?
Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope , until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot ?
Sir , we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power .
The millions of people , armed in the holy cause of liberty , and in such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us .
Besides , sir , we shall not fight our battles alone .
There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations , and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us .
The battle , sir , is not to the strong alone ; it is to the vigilant , the active , the brave .
Besides , sir , we have no election .
If we were base enough to desire it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retire from the contest .
There is no retreat but in submission and slavery !
Our chains are forged !
Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston !
The war is inevitable–and let it come !
I repeat it , sir , let it come .
It is in vain , sir , to extenuate the matter .
Gentlemen may cry , Peace , Peace — but there is no peace .
The war is actually begun !
The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our brethren are already in the field !
Why stand we here idle ?
What is it that gentlemen wish ?
What would they have ?
Is life so dear , or peace so sweet , as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery ?
Forbid it , Almighty God !
I know not what course others may take ; but as for me , give me liberty or give me death !
Indeed , as Patrick Henry predicted , less than a month later , the first shots of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lexington and Concord .
Within 15 months , Thomas Jefferson would pen the Declaration of Independence , and those patriots who signed the Declaration swore their “ lives , fortune and sacred honor ” to the cause of liberty .

At a press conference Thursday, Trump campaign lawyer Sidney Powell declared that this election fight is “the 1775 of our generation.” In the spring of 1775, the colonies teetered on the edge of full-fledged revolution. The question remained throughout the colonies whether to stand for freedom and independence or to continue submitting to unjust rule.
The Second Virginia Convention gathered at St. John’s Church in Richmond on March 23, 1775 to debate how far to press against King George III. The 120 delegates included a couple names you may know: George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. After several delegates spoke, a lawyer named Patrick Henry rose. Henry had been increasingly vocal in his grievances against the King, and was convinced conflict with England was at hand. Indeed, the conflict was already upon us. As it is with today’s “awful moment,” the go-along-to-get-along crowd was not exactly on board with the brave, patriotic lawyer.
Yet Henry was not to be silenced.
Patrick Henry’s Speech
No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve.
Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country.
Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
One Lamp By Which My Feet are Guided
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss.
Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging.
And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted?
Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne!
There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.
In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free — if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending — if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained— we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!
When Shall We Be Stronger?
They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?
Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us.
Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable–and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace — but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Indeed, as Patrick Henry predicted, less than a month later, the first shots of the American Revolution would be fired at Lexington and Concord. Within 15 months, Thomas Jefferson would pen the Declaration of Independence, and those patriots who signed the Declaration swore their “lives, fortune and sacred honor” to the cause of liberty.


thestream--2020-11-22--Shall We Call Down Fire on Our Enemies?

Shall We Call Down Fire on Our Enemies?

As the Church of America becomes increasingly divided along political lines , a dangerous tendency is developing .
Our party is the party of God ; the other is the party of the devil .
Our cause is entirely righteous ; theirs is entirely wicked .
We can therefore call down curses on our political enemies , since they are doing the devil ’ s work .
It is no longer the kingdom of God vs. the kingdom of Satan , it is the Republicans vs. the Democrats and Trump vs. Biden .
That ’ s how we divide .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christians praying with great fervor online , calling down divine judgment on those who allegedly committed voter fraud .
There was no concern shown for the state of their souls .
There was no fervent cry that God would save them and grant them repentance .
Instead , the prayers were for their destruction .
The evildoers must be removed !
This is not the Spirit of God .
This is not the heart of our Father .
This is not the Jesus way .
Of course we pursue justice .
Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Of course we take godly action .
The last thing I ’ m advocating is passivity and faithless resignation .
But what has happened to our own souls ?
We seem to be moved by malice more than by mercy , forgetting how much grace God showed us when we were living in ignorance and rebellion .
There ’ s a fascinating account preserved in Luke ’ s Gospel that speaks to our situation today .
Jesus and His disciples were on their way to Jerusalem , shortly before He would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through Samaria .
But the Samaritans refused entry to Jesus and His group , since the Jews looked down on the Samaritans and considered them half-breeds .
Plus , Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem , the sacred city of the Jews but not the Samaritans .
Indignant that their Master should be dishonored , Jacob ( James ) and John asked Jesus , “ Lord , do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them , just as Elijah did ?
” ( Luke 9:55 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paraphrase , “ They deserve it , don ’ t they , Lord ?
And isn ’ t this what Elijah the prophet did to his enemies in the Old Testament ?
Shall we zap them with fire , like he did , and kill them all ?
” ( See 2 Kings 1 . )
But Jesus turned and rebuked them , saying , “ ‘ You do not know what manner of spirit you are of .
For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men ’ s lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went to another village.
” ( Luke 9:56-57 , New King James Version ; other ancient , Greek manuscripts do not have the actual words of Jesus preserved , but they are certainly true to the spirit of His teaching and example elsewhere . )
Jesus was saying to them , “ No , we don ’ t call down fire on those who insult us and mistreat us .
That ’ s not the purpose of My mission .
I ’ ve come to save people , not destroy them.
” Be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is true that , one day , He will return in blazing fire taking vengeance on His enemies .
At that time He will destroy those who have tried to destroy us , His faithful followers .
But that time has not yet come .
And even though God does judge wickedness in the here and now , if He judged every wicked person on the planet right now , most of the human race would be gone overnight , including a large percentage of the Church .
Be careful what you wish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Old Testament , the Israelites were called to drive out the Canaanites .
In the New Testament believers are called to drive out demons .
There is quite a difference , in terms of both our attitudes and our actions .
The Israelites cursed their enemies .
Jesus taught us to bless ours .
To quote the Lord directly : “ You have heard that it was said , ‘ Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
’ But I tell you , love your enemies and pray for those who persecute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of your Father in heaven .
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good , and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
” ( Matthew 5:43-45 ) .
Glad No One Called Fire Down on Me I for one am glad that people didn ’ t call down fire on me when I was a rebellious teenager , stealing money from my own father and breaking into homes and a doctor ’ s office for fun .
Had that been the case , I would never have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glad that people didn ’ t call down fire on my wife Nancy when she was a God-mocking atheist , scorning religious people as stupid and weak , actively trying to pull them away from their faith .
Had that been the case , we would have never met at the age of 19 .
I am glad that people didn ’ t call down fire on my dear Indian friend Yesupadam when he was a Marxist ( Naxalite ) terrorist .
Instead , Jesus appeared to him , converting him with His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know a single person on the planet who has done more good to help more people than he .
The world would be a much worse place without him .
I am glad that people didn ’ t call down fire on Tass Saada , formerly a Jew-hating assassin for Yasser Arafat but now a devout Christian and great lover of Israel .
And I am glad that people didn ’ t call down fire on Saul of Tarsus when he was killing fellow Jews who believed in Jesus .
Had that been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard of the apostle Paul , and half of the New Testament would be missing .
Again , when it comes to the elections , by all means , pray that corruption will be exposed .
Pray that justice will be done .
Pray with fervor and pray with faith .
But pray with God ’ s heart – a heart of love for your perceived enemies ; a heart of compassion ; a heart of longsuffering ; a heart that longs to see everyone receive salvation and forgiveness through repentance and faith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated you and me when we were lost and in rebellion ?
Our attitude speaks even louder than our words .
Pray also for a spirit of truth to prevail , since , if massive fraud has not been committed , then massive numbers of Americans , including quite a few Christian leaders , have been duped .
Unfortunately , our “ righteous indignation ” often stinks of the flesh , being filled with carnal anger , hateful attitudes , and double standards .
Be careful before you curse .
In reality , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their perceived evil designs is a sign of strength , not of weakness , a sign of courage , not cowardice .
This makes us bigger , not smaller .
But when we curse and revile them , we become just like them , if not even worse .
I have worked with suffering Christians in other parts of the world , sometimes during seasons of intense persecution .
I have had the privilege of risking my life , along with them , for the gospel .
I can count at least 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were subsequently martyred .
And on two occasions , I had the extraordinary honor of spending hours together with Richard Wurmbrand and his wife Sabina , two of the saintliest human beings to ever grace our planet , both brutally tortured for their faith .
At no time did I ever hear any of these persecuted believers call down fire on their enemies .
Instead , they prayed for their repentance and their salvation .
And during these times of intense testing , these Christians grew in their own faith and became more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in stark contrast with many of us today .
We have become as nasty and meanspirited as the very people we so self-righteously judge .
Surely , during this critical time in American history , it is time for God ’ s people to rise higher and show the reality of our faith .
As Paul wrote to the Philippians , “ Do everything without grumbling or arguing , so that you may become blameless and pure , children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation .
Then you will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sky as you hold firmly to the word of life ” ( Philippians 2:14-16 ) .
It ’ s time for us to shine and bring honor , not a stench , to the name of our Lord .
And if you ’ re mad at me for writing this article , then take it up with Jesus .
After all , I ’ m simply quoting His words and applying His principles .
Your argument is with Him .
Dr. Michael Brown ( www.askdrbrown.org ) is the host of the nationally syndicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads : Will We Pass the Trump Test ?
Connect with him on Facebook , Twitter or YouTube .

As the Church of America becomes increasingly divided along political lines, a dangerous tendency is developing. Our party is the party of God; the other is the party of the devil. Our cause is entirely righteous; theirs is entirely wicked. We can therefore call down curses on our political enemies, since they are doing the devil’s work.
It is no longer the kingdom of God vs. the kingdom of Satan, it is the Republicans vs. the Democrats and Trump vs. Biden. That’s how we divide.
Prayers for Destruction
Recently, I was alarmed to see Christians praying with great fervor online, calling down divine judgment on those who allegedly committed voter fraud.
There was no concern shown for the state of their souls. There was no fervent cry that God would save them and grant them repentance. Instead, the prayers were for their destruction. The evildoers must be removed!
This is not the Spirit of God. This is not the heart of our Father. This is not the Jesus way.
Of course we pursue justice. Of course we pray for corruption to be exposed. Of course we take godly action. The last thing I’m advocating is passivity and faithless resignation.
But what has happened to our own souls? We seem to be moved by malice more than by mercy, forgetting how much grace God showed us when we were living in ignorance and rebellion.
A Lesson from Jesus
There’s a fascinating account preserved in Luke’s Gospel that speaks to our situation today.
Jesus and His disciples were on their way to Jerusalem, shortly before He would be crucified, and they needed to pass through Samaria. But the Samaritans refused entry to Jesus and His group, since the Jews looked down on the Samaritans and considered them half-breeds. Plus, Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, the sacred city of the Jews but not the Samaritans.
Indignant that their Master should be dishonored, Jacob (James) and John asked Jesus, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” (Luke 9:55, New King James Version)
To paraphrase, “They deserve it, don’t they, Lord? And isn’t this what Elijah the prophet did to his enemies in the Old Testament? Shall we zap them with fire, like he did, and kill them all?” (See 2 Kings 1.)
But Jesus turned and rebuked them, saying, “‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.’ And they went to another village.” (Luke 9:56-57, New King James Version; other ancient, Greek manuscripts do not have the actual words of Jesus preserved, but they are certainly true to the spirit of His teaching and example elsewhere.)
Jesus was saying to them, “No, we don’t call down fire on those who insult us and mistreat us. That’s not the purpose of My mission. I’ve come to save people, not destroy them.”
Be Careful for What You Pray For
It is true that, one day, He will return in blazing fire taking vengeance on His enemies. At that time He will destroy those who have tried to destroy us, His faithful followers. But that time has not yet come.
And even though God does judge wickedness in the here and now, if He judged every wicked person on the planet right now, most of the human race would be gone overnight, including a large percentage of the Church. Be careful what you wish for – and pray for.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites were called to drive out the Canaanites. In the New Testament believers are called to drive out demons. There is quite a difference, in terms of both our attitudes and our actions. The Israelites cursed their enemies. Jesus taught us to bless ours.
To quote the Lord directly: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:43-45).
Glad No One Called Fire Down on Me
I for one am glad that people didn’t call down fire on me when I was a rebellious teenager, stealing money from my own father and breaking into homes and a doctor’s office for fun. Had that been the case, I would never have reached my 17th birthday.
I am glad that people didn’t call down fire on my wife Nancy when she was a God-mocking atheist, scorning religious people as stupid and weak, actively trying to pull them away from their faith. Had that been the case, we would have never met at the age of 19.
I am glad that people didn’t call down fire on my dear Indian friend Yesupadam when he was a Marxist (Naxalite) terrorist. Instead, Jesus appeared to him, converting him with His love. Personally, I do not know a single person on the planet who has done more good to help more people than he. The world would be a much worse place without him.
I am glad that people didn’t call down fire on Tass Saada, formerly a Jew-hating assassin for Yasser Arafat but now a devout Christian and great lover of Israel.
And I am glad that people didn’t call down fire on Saul of Tarsus when he was killing fellow Jews who believed in Jesus. Had that been the case, we would never have heard of the apostle Paul, and half of the New Testament would be missing.
Pray With God’s Heart
Again, when it comes to the elections, by all means, pray that corruption will be exposed. Pray that justice will be done. Pray with fervor and pray with faith.
But pray with God’s heart – a heart of love for your perceived enemies; a heart of compassion; a heart of longsuffering; a heart that longs to see everyone receive salvation and forgiveness through repentance and faith. Isn’t this how God treated you and me when we were lost and in rebellion? Our attitude speaks even louder than our words.
Pray also for a spirit of truth to prevail, since, if massive fraud has not been committed, then massive numbers of Americans, including quite a few Christian leaders, have been duped.
Unfortunately, our “righteous indignation” often stinks of the flesh, being filled with carnal anger, hateful attitudes, and double standards. Be careful before you curse.
In reality, to love your enemies while working against their perceived evil designs is a sign of strength, not of weakness, a sign of courage, not cowardice. This makes us bigger, not smaller. But when we curse and revile them, we become just like them, if not even worse.
I have worked with suffering Christians in other parts of the world, sometimes during seasons of intense persecution.
I have had the privilege of risking my life, along with them, for the gospel.
I can count at least 5 men we sent out to preach who were subsequently martyred.
And on two occasions, I had the extraordinary honor of spending hours together with Richard Wurmbrand and his wife Sabina, two of the saintliest human beings to ever grace our planet, both brutally tortured for their faith.
At no time did I ever hear any of these persecuted believers call down fire on their enemies. Instead, they prayed for their repentance and their salvation.
And during these times of intense testing, these Christians grew in their own faith and became more Christlike in their attitudes. This stands in stark contrast with many of us today. We have become as nasty and meanspirited as the very people we so self-righteously judge.
Surely, during this critical time in American history, it is time for God’s people to rise higher and show the reality of our faith. As Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life” (Philippians 2:14-16).
It’s time for us to shine and bring honor, not a stench, to the name of our Lord.
And if you’re mad at me for writing this article, then take it up with Jesus. After all, I’m simply quoting His words and applying His principles. Your argument is with Him.
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test? Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


thestream--2020-11-23--Why Thanksgiving is a Cultural ‘Ebenezer’ to Be Grateful For

As we give thanks for the bounty of the harvest and God ’ s blessings in our lives , what might we learn from a wayward youth-turned-pastor about our “ modern ” holiday of Thanksgiving ?
This pastor learned from personal experience of the need for visible reminders of , or memorials to , God ’ s work in our lives .
Born into a poor family in England in the middle of the 18th century , Robert Robinson ’ s father died when he was eight .
Angry and bitter , he rebelled in his teenage years , falling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time drinking , gambling and causing trouble .
Kenneth Osbeck writes in 101 Hymn Stories about how one night , Robinson and his friends went to hear the great revivalist preacher George Whitfield with the intent of disrupting the service .
But that night , Whitfield preached on a text from Matthew 3:7 : “ O generation of vipers , who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come ?
” ( KJV ) By his own admission , Robinson fell under a great sense of conviction that lasted for several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Robinson gave his life to Christ and became a minister studying under John Wesley .
Two years later , Robinson wrote one of the church ’ s most popular hymns , “ Come , Thou Fount of Every Blessing.
” The second stanza of the song begins with the line : “ Here I raise my Ebenezer.
” This is not a reference by Robinson to Dickens ’ s main character in A Christmas Carol , but instead to an event in the Bible , specifically from 1 Samuel 7:12 .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fearing for their lives , plead with the prophet Samuel to pray for their impending battle against the Philistines .
Samuel offers a sacrifice to the Lord and prays for the Israelite army to be victorious .
The result is that the Israelites soundly defeat the Philistines .
After the battle , we read , Robinson is not suggesting in his hymn that we all go out and build monuments to God .
Rather , as he observes in the next stanza , our hearts are prone to wander and we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what God has done for us individually and , by extension , all God ’ s people “ thus far.
” God knew that his people were prone to wander and needed reminders of his faithfulness .
In the Old Testament , God tells Moses to initiate seven “ Feasts ” during the Exodus : These seven feasts were to serve as cultural touchstones , reminders to the Israelite people of God ’ s bountiful blessings and his help in their lives — in the past , present and future .
For example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall feast , thanked God for the present harvest and historically for the provision for his people in the wilderness .
It also looked forward to the ultimate future blessing , the coming of the Messiah .
It was perhaps this Feast of Tabernacles that the Pilgrims used as a model for the first Thanksgiving in the fall of 1621 .
And while this has become a cultural touchstone for many of us today , it has lost much of the biblical importance it would have held for the Pilgrim Fathers .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the pilgrims believed their true citizenship was in heaven and that they were strangers and aliens in this present age ( 1 Pet .
2:11-12 , Heb .
11:13-16 ) .
Yet this did not reduce the importance of the work God had called them to during their lives .
C.S .
Lewis commented on this idea in Mere Christianity , suggesting that those Christians serving most effectively in this world are those with an eternal focus : We need to embrace holidays like Thanksgiving , Christmas and Easter as our cultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God ’ s great blessings in our own lives — both in the past and the present .
These holidays also help us remember that the ultimate blessing is yet to come , a new age ushered in by the return of Christ — a new age when we will live forever with our Messiah in a new heaven and a new earth .
Robinson ’ s confession in his hymn penetrates the heart and should resonate with every believer : Urban legend maintains that Robert Robinson struggled with depression and doubt in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from God .
One day , while he was traveling in a stagecoach , a young woman tried to encourage Robinson by reading him the lyrics of a song that had been such a great blessing to her — “ Come , Thou Fount of Every Blessing.
” Robinson , moved to tears , supposedly replied , “ Madam , I am the poor unhappy man who composed that hymn , many years ago .
And I would give a thousand worlds , if I had them , to enjoy the feelings I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied , “ Sir , the ‘ streams of mercy ’ are still flowing.
” He was apparently so deeply touched by the encounter that he repented and his fellowship with the Lord was restored .
I can ’ t confirm that this story is true .
But what we do know is that God , through his mercy and grace , pursues wanderers .
For this and many other blessings , it is appropriate to praise him and mark these blessings with our “ Ebenezers , ” be they cultural or otherwise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family !
Hugh Whelchel is Executive Director of the Institute for Faith , Work & Economics and author of How Then Should We Work ?
Rediscovering the Biblical Doctrine of Work .
Hugh has a Master of Arts in Religion and brings over 30 years of diverse business experience to his leadership at IFWE .
This article is republished with permission from the Institute for Faith , Work & Economics .
IFWE is a Christian research organization committed to advancing biblical and economic principles that help individuals find fulfillment in their work and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Click here to subscribe to the free IFWE Daily Blog .

As we give thanks for the bounty of the harvest and God’s blessings in our lives, what might we learn from a wayward youth-turned-pastor about our “modern” holiday of Thanksgiving?
This pastor learned from personal experience of the need for visible reminders of, or memorials to, God’s work in our lives.
A Story of Transformation
Born into a poor family in England in the middle of the 18th century, Robert Robinson’s father died when he was eight. Angry and bitter, he rebelled in his teenage years, falling in with a gang and spending his time drinking, gambling and causing trouble.
Kenneth Osbeck writes in 101 Hymn Stories about how one night, Robinson and his friends went to hear the great revivalist preacher George Whitfield with the intent of disrupting the service. But that night, Whitfield preached on a text from Matthew 3:7: “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” (KJV)
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
By his own admission, Robinson fell under a great sense of conviction that lasted for several years. At the age of 20, Robinson gave his life to Christ and became a minister studying under John Wesley.
Two years later, Robinson wrote one of the church’s most popular hymns, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”
The second stanza of the song begins with the line: “Here I raise my Ebenezer.” This is not a reference by Robinson to Dickens’s main character in A Christmas Carol, but instead to an event in the Bible, specifically from 1 Samuel 7:12.
Israel Needed the Reminder First
In this Old Testament story, Israelite warriors, fearing for their lives, plead with the prophet Samuel to pray for their impending battle against the Philistines. Samuel offers a sacrifice to the Lord and prays for the Israelite army to be victorious. The result is that the Israelites soundly defeat the Philistines. After the battle, we read,
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us” (1 Sam. 7:12).
Robinson is not suggesting in his hymn that we all go out and build monuments to God. Rather, as he observes in the next stanza, our hearts are prone to wander and we need touchstones in our lives to remind us what God has done for us individually and, by extension, all God’s people “thus far.”
The Feasts: An Experiential Reminder
God knew that his people were prone to wander and needed reminders of his faithfulness. In the Old Testament, God tells Moses to initiate seven “Feasts” during the Exodus:
The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed festivals, the appointed festivals of the Lord, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies’” (Lev. 23:1-2).
These seven feasts were to serve as cultural touchstones, reminders to the Israelite people of God’s bountiful blessings and his help in their lives — in the past, present and future.
For example, the Feast of Tabernacles, a fall feast, thanked God for the present harvest and historically for the provision for his people in the wilderness. It also looked forward to the ultimate future blessing, the coming of the Messiah.
It was perhaps this Feast of Tabernacles that the Pilgrims used as a model for the first Thanksgiving in the fall of 1621. And while this has become a cultural touchstone for many of us today, it has lost much of the biblical importance it would have held for the Pilgrim Fathers.
As members of the early church in America, the pilgrims believed their true citizenship was in heaven and that they were strangers and aliens in this present age (1 Pet. 2:11-12, Heb. 11:13-16). Yet this did not reduce the importance of the work God had called them to during their lives.
We need to embrace holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter as our cultural Ebenezers, letting them remind us of God’s great blessings in our own lives — both in the past and the present.
C.S. Lewis commented on this idea in Mere Christianity, suggesting that those Christians serving most effectively in this world are those with an eternal focus:
It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get earth “thrown in,” aim at earth and you will get neither.
We need to embrace holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter as our cultural Ebenezers, letting them remind us of God’s great blessings in our own lives — both in the past and the present. These holidays also help us remember that the ultimate blessing is yet to come, a new age ushered in by the return of Christ — a new age when we will live forever with our Messiah in a new heaven and a new earth.
Robinson’s confession in his hymn penetrates the heart and should resonate with every believer:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.
Wandering Hearts Encounter Streams of Mercy
Urban legend maintains that Robert Robinson struggled with depression and doubt in his later years, and drifted away from God. One day, while he was traveling in a stagecoach, a young woman tried to encourage Robinson by reading him the lyrics of a song that had been such a great blessing to her — “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”
Robinson, moved to tears, supposedly replied, “Madam, I am the poor unhappy man who composed that hymn, many years ago. And I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I then had!”
The woman kindly replied, “Sir, the ‘streams of mercy’ are still flowing.”
He was apparently so deeply touched by the encounter that he repented and his fellowship with the Lord was restored. I can’t confirm that this story is true. But what we do know is that God, through his mercy and grace, pursues wanderers. For this and many other blessings, it is appropriate to praise him and mark these blessings with our “Ebenezers,” be they cultural or otherwise.
Oh, to grace how great a debtor,
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Hugh Whelchel is Executive Director of the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics and author of How Then Should We Work? Rediscovering the Biblical Doctrine of Work. Hugh has a Master of Arts in Religion and brings over 30 years of diverse business experience to his leadership at IFWE.
This article is republished with permission from the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics. IFWE is a Christian research organization committed to advancing biblical and economic principles that help individuals find fulfillment in their work and contribute to a free and flourishing society. Click here to subscribe to the free IFWE Daily Blog.


thestream--2020-11-23--A Viral Meme on the Book of Job

A Viral Meme on the Book of Job

To be perfectly candid , I didn ’ t see this coming .
A friend had texted me some memes , one of which pictured a bearded Job , with boils on his skin , sitting cross-legged on the ground .
The simple caption read : “ Satan thought he had taken everything from Job .
.
.
but to Job , God was his everything.
” Liking the message , I posted the meme on the AskDrBrown Facebook page .
At present , it has reached more than 580,000 people , received 67,000 engagements , including more than 13,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 7,800 times .
Why ?
I have spent many years studying and teaching the Book of Job , culminating in a major work in 2019 : Job : The Faith to Challenge God .
A New Translation and Commentary .
In the early chapters of the book , the Lord Himself says of Job , “ there is no man like him on earth.
” Commentators have heaped similar praise on the book itself : There is no book on earth like it .
As I noted in the Introduction to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) exclaimed , “ A Noble Book ; All Men ’ s Book !
There is nothing written , I think , in the Bible or out of it , of equal literary merit.
” Alfred Lord Tennyson ( 1809-1892 ) hailed it as “ the greatest poem , whether of ancient or modern literature.
” A. Froude ( 1818-1894 ) placed it “ far above all the poetry of the world.
” And Victor Hugo ( 1802-1885 ) went as far as to say , “ Tomorrow , if all literature was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me to retain one work only , I should save Job.
” What extraordinary praise for an extraordinary book about an extraordinary man .
When it comes to the message of the meme , Job did not know that it was Satan who stole everything from him .
He did not know that it was Satan who killed his 10 children and who stole his wealth , his reputation , and his health .
In Job ’ s mind , this was the work of God , which led to a massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worshiper of God , he knew that the Creator could not be questioned .
Everything he does is right .
At the same time , Job knew that the Creator was also just and good , and since Job did not deserve such terrible treatment , being a righteous man himself , then the Creator must have acted cruelly .
Job ’ s integrity would not allow him to blaspheme God , nor would it allow him to excuse God .
What was he to do ?
Much of the Book of Job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Job ’ s protests in the most unexpected way , followed by an even more unexpected ending .
That is part of the ageless appeal of the book .
As for Job himself , as other writers have observed , he ran from God to God .
He appealed to the justice of God by accusing that same God of acting unjustly .
This is part of the mystery and majesty of the book .
And in the end , humbled by a revelation of the beauty and wisdom and power of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lord ( but , even then , there were some surprises . )
If you ’ ve never read the book from cover to cover , I strongly encourage you to do so .
Why Did the Meme Strike a Chord ?
What , then , was it about the meme that struck a chord with so many people ?
( In the time it has taken me to write this article , the statistics quoted above are already woefully out of date . )
It appears to me that , during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Job ’ s perseverance and faith remind us of what matters most .
Satan ( in Hebrew , the adversary ) could strip Job of everything on the outside of him , including precious family members and his physical well-being .
But the adversary could not touch the man himself .
He could steal Job ’ s possessions .
He could not steal his soul .
He could destroy the exterior .
He could not destroy the interior .
He could rob Job of his beloved children .
He could not rob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s more to the story , and again , I believe this is what appealed to many on my Facebook page .
God Himself is our portion .
God Himself is our refuge and our strength .
God Himself is our hope and our future .
God Himself is more than enough .
No matter what trials we pass through , He is our all in all .
That ’ s why , at the end of the book ( but shortly before he was restored ) , Job could exclaim to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about You by the hearing of the ear but now my eye has seen You ” ( Job 42:5 ) .
Encountering God was everything .
Knowing Him more intimately , as opposed to getting more information , provided the answer to every question Job had .
As a result of the terrible trial through which he passed , he had drawn closer to the Lord .
That was his great reward .
Today , during this tumultuous year , much has been taken from many of us .
There have been real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end the year with instability and crisis and fear .
But the God of Job can be our God too , a God who can be fully trusted .
A God who is more than enough .
A God who is our everything .
Dr. Michael Brown ( www.askdrbrown.org ) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads : Will We Pass the Trump Test ?
Connect with him on Facebook , Twitter or YouTube .

To be perfectly candid, I didn’t see this coming. A friend had texted me some memes, one of which pictured a bearded Job, with boils on his skin, sitting cross-legged on the ground. The simple caption read: “Satan thought he had taken everything from Job . . . but to Job, God was his everything.” Liking the message, I posted the meme on the AskDrBrown Facebook page. At present, it has reached more than 580,000 people, received 67,000 engagements, including more than 13,000 likes, and it has been shared more than 7,800 times. Why?
I have spent many years studying and teaching the Book of Job, culminating in a major work in 2019: Job: The Faith to Challenge God. A New Translation and Commentary.
In the early chapters of the book, the Lord Himself says of Job, “there is no man like him on earth.” Commentators have heaped similar praise on the book itself: There is no book on earth like it.
As I noted in the Introduction to my commentary, Thomas Carlyle (1795-1861) exclaimed, “A Noble Book; All Men’s Book! There is nothing written, I think, in the Bible or out of it, of equal literary merit.”
Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) hailed it as “the greatest poem, whether of ancient or modern literature.”
A. Froude (1818-1894) placed it “far above all the poetry of the world.”
And Victor Hugo (1802-1885) went as far as to say, “Tomorrow, if all literature was to be destroyed and it was left to me to retain one work only, I should save Job.”
What extraordinary praise for an extraordinary book about an extraordinary man.
Job Ran To God
When it comes to the message of the meme, Job did not know that it was Satan who stole everything from him. He did not know that it was Satan who killed his 10 children and who stole his wealth, his reputation, and his health. In Job’s mind, this was the work of God, which led to a massive theological and emotional conflict.
As a worshiper of God, he knew that the Creator could not be questioned. Everything he does is right. At the same time, Job knew that the Creator was also just and good, and since Job did not deserve such terrible treatment, being a righteous man himself, then the Creator must have acted cruelly.
Job’s integrity would not allow him to blaspheme God, nor would it allow him to excuse God. What was he to do?
Much of the Book of Job addresses this acute theological problem, responding to Job’s protests in the most unexpected way, followed by an even more unexpected ending. That is part of the ageless appeal of the book.
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As for Job himself, as other writers have observed, he ran from God to God. He appealed to the justice of God by accusing that same God of acting unjustly. This is part of the mystery and majesty of the book.
And in the end, humbled by a revelation of the beauty and wisdom and power of God, Job was supernaturally restored by the Lord (but, even then, there were some surprises.) If you’ve never read the book from cover to cover, I strongly encourage you to do so.
Why Did the Meme Strike a Chord?
What, then, was it about the meme that struck a chord with so many people? (In the time it has taken me to write this article, the statistics quoted above are already woefully out of date.)
It appears to me that, during the uncertain times in which we live, Job’s perseverance and faith remind us of what matters most.
Satan (in Hebrew, the adversary) could strip Job of everything on the outside of him, including precious family members and his physical well-being. But the adversary could not touch the man himself.
He could steal Job’s possessions. He could not steal his soul. He could destroy the exterior. He could not destroy the interior. He could rob Job of his beloved children. He could not rob Job of his integrity.
Yet there’s more to the story, and again, I believe this is what appealed to many on my Facebook page.
“My Eye Has Seen You”
God Himself is our portion. God Himself is our refuge and our strength. God Himself is our hope and our future. God Himself is more than enough. No matter what trials we pass through, He is our all in all.
That’s why, at the end of the book (but shortly before he was restored), Job could exclaim to the Lord, “I had heard about You by the hearing of the ear but now my eye has seen You” (Job 42:5).
Encountering God was everything. Knowing Him more intimately, as opposed to getting more information, provided the answer to every question Job had. As a result of the terrible trial through which he passed, he had drawn closer to the Lord. That was his great reward.
Today, during this tumultuous year, much has been taken from many of us. There have been real hardships and tragic losses. And we end the year with instability and crisis and fear.
But the God of Job can be our God too, a God who can be fully trusted. A God who is more than enough. A God who is our everything.
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test? Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


thestream--2020-11-23--Military Photo of the Day: Eagles Over Sweden

Three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles fly behind a KC-135 Stratotanker near Sweden on November 13 , 2020 .

Three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles fly behind a KC-135 Stratotanker near Sweden on November 13, 2020.
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thestream--2020-11-23--Ben Carson ‘Out of the Woods’ in COVID-19 Battle, Addresses Vaccine Efforts

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson announced Friday on Facebook that he thinks he ’ s “ out of the woods ” in his fight against COVID-19 .
“ Thank you everyone for your support and prayers as Candy [ Carson ] and I battled COVID-19 , ” Carson wrote .
Carson said he was “ extremely sick ” and initially had “ dramatic improvement ” after being treated with Oleander 4X .
“ However , I have several co-morbidities and after a brief period when I only experienced minor discomfort , the symptoms accelerated and I became desperately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump was following my condition and cleared me for the monoclonal antibody therapy that he had previously received , which I am convinced saved my life , ” Carson said , according to his Facebook post .
“ President Trump , the fabulous White House medical team , and the phenomenal doctors at Walter Reed have been paying very close attention to my health and I do believe I am out of the woods at this point , ” Carson continued , according to his Facebook post .
“ I am hopeful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicine and instead combine our efforts and goodwill for the good of all people , ” Carson wrote in his Friday Facebook post .
“ While I am blessed to have the best medical care in the world ( and I am convinced it saved my life ) , we must prioritize getting comparable treatments and care to everyone as soon as possible.
” “ There are a number of promising treatments that need to be tested , approved , and distributed ( sooner rather than later ) so that the economy can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a semblance of normalcy , ” Carson continued .
Carson said people should realize there are many legal steps needed before vaccines are ready for the public .
Carson warned that “ trying to cause alarm by saying dangerous shortcuts were taken only serves to stoke fear.
” The Department of Housing and Urban Development didn ’ t immediately respond to a request for comment .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson announced Friday on Facebook that he thinks he’s “out of the woods” in his fight against COVID-19.
“Thank you everyone for your support and prayers as Candy [Carson] and I battled COVID-19,” Carson wrote. Carson said he was “extremely sick” and initially had “dramatic improvement” after being treated with Oleander 4X.
“However, I have several co-morbidities and after a brief period when I only experienced minor discomfort, the symptoms accelerated and I became desperately ill,” Carson said.
“President Trump was following my condition and cleared me for the monoclonal antibody therapy that he had previously received, which I am convinced saved my life,” Carson said, according to his Facebook post.
“President Trump, the fabulous White House medical team, and the phenomenal doctors at Walter Reed have been paying very close attention to my health and I do believe I am out of the woods at this point,” Carson continued, according to his Facebook post.
Ben Carson says he was 'desperately ill' from Covid but is now 'out of the woods'https://t.co/67yKVHQB4p — Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) November 20, 2020
Carson tested positive for coronavirus in early November.
“I am hopeful that we can stop playing politics with medicine and instead combine our efforts and goodwill for the good of all people,” Carson wrote in his Friday Facebook post. “While I am blessed to have the best medical care in the world (and I am convinced it saved my life), we must prioritize getting comparable treatments and care to everyone as soon as possible.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
“There are a number of promising treatments that need to be tested, approved, and distributed (sooner rather than later) so that the economy can be re-opened and we can all return to a semblance of normalcy,” Carson continued.
Carson said people should realize there are many legal steps needed before vaccines are ready for the public. Carson warned that “trying to cause alarm by saying dangerous shortcuts were taken only serves to stoke fear.”
The Department of Housing and Urban Development didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-11-23--US Could Reach Herd Immunity by May 2021 if 70% of Americans Get the Vaccine, Top Scientist Says

America could reach herd immunity by May of next year if a majority of citizens are vaccinated , a prominent health expert told CNN ’ s Jake Tapper Sunday .
Dr. Moncef Slaoui , the chief scientific adviser for President Donald Trump ’ s immunization program Operation Warp Speed , told Tapper on his show “ State of the Union ” that if 70 % of the populace receives a coronavirus vaccine , the U.S. could reach herd immunity by May 2021 .
The achievement of mass immunity is key for the return to “ normal life ” for Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normally with the level of efficacy that we have — 95 % — 70 % or so of the population being immunized would allow for true herd immunity to take place , ” the chief scientist told Tapper .
“ That is likely to happen somewhere in the month of May or something like that based on our plans.
” Major pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna have both introduced potential COVID-19 shots with an effectiveness greater than 90 % in initial testing , according to the Washington Post .
Pfizer applied for emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the injection ready for use in the coming weeks , the New York Times reported .
“ Our plan is to be able to ship vaccines to the immunization sites within 24 hours of approval , ” he said .
“ So I would expect maybe on day two after approval , on the 11th or on the 12th of December , hopefully , the first people will be immunized across the United States.
” A total of 58 % of Americans said they would take a COVID-19 vaccination , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats and 49 % of Republicans indicated they would take an immunization if it was available , the poll revealed .
Slaoui said he was committed to changing the public ’ s perception of the vaccination .
“ I really hope and look forward to seeing the level of negative perception people have about the vaccine decrease and positive perception increase , ” he said .
“ Most people need to be immunized before we can return to a normal life.
” Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

America could reach herd immunity by May of next year if a majority of citizens are vaccinated, a prominent health expert told CNN’s Jake Tapper Sunday.
Dr. Moncef Slaoui, the chief scientific adviser for President Donald Trump’s immunization program Operation Warp Speed, told Tapper on his show “State of the Union” that if 70% of the populace receives a coronavirus vaccine, the U.S. could reach herd immunity by May 2021. The achievement of mass immunity is key for the return to “normal life” for Americans, according to Slaoui.
“So normally with the level of efficacy that we have — 95% — 70% or so of the population being immunized would allow for true herd immunity to take place,” the chief scientist told Tapper. “That is likely to happen somewhere in the month of May or something like that based on our plans.”
Major pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna have both introduced potential COVID-19 shots with an effectiveness greater than 90% in initial testing, according to the Washington Post. Pfizer applied for emergency approval for its vaccine, which could make the injection ready for use in the coming weeks, the New York Times reported.
Slaoui projected a similar timeline in his CNN appearance.
“Our plan is to be able to ship vaccines to the immunization sites within 24 hours of approval,” he said. “So I would expect maybe on day two after approval, on the 11th or on the 12th of December, hopefully, the first people will be immunized across the United States.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
A total of 58% of Americans said they would take a COVID-19 vaccination, according to Tuesday Gallup poll. Fifty-three percent of Democrats and 49% of Republicans indicated they would take an immunization if it was available, the poll revealed.
Slaoui said he was committed to changing the public’s perception of the vaccination.
“I really hope and look forward to seeing the level of negative perception people have about the vaccine decrease and positive perception increase,” he said. “Most people need to be immunized before we can return to a normal life.”
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-11-23--A Fancy Dinner Isn’t a Moral Failure

A Fancy Dinner Isn’t a Moral Failure

Earlier this month , when celebrity chef Thomas Keller was interviewed by NPR about his new cookbook , his interviewer wasn ’ t all that interested in the recipes .
Instead , he wanted to talk about the $ 850-per-plate price tag at Keller ’ s recently reopened San Francisco restaurant .
With so many people struggling financially due to the pandemic , asked the reporter , is it really “ fair ” to charge that much per plate ?
Or is it , to use his words , “ tone deaf.
” That an interview , which was likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned into a social justice diatribe is further proof that worldview affects everything .
To be clear , I can not imagine ever spending $ 850 for a meal , but the reporter ’ s problem had nothing to do with prudence or financial stewardship .
The problem with the price tag , according to the reporter , is not that some people would not have access to food , but that everyone would not have equal access to Thomas Keller ’ s food .
In other words , his was a problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course , having a problem with the free market is all the rage these days .
Often called capitalism , a term popularized by Karl Marx and intended to be derogatory , the free market is an economic system .
Unlike Communism , it is not a complete worldview .
In other words , it doesn ’ t try to answer questions about the nature of reality , who we are , why we ’ re here , what ’ s right and wrong , what ’ s ultimately wrong with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fixed .
That ’ s a significant distinction .
The failures of Communism ( everywhere it has been tried ) are due to the fact it assumes wrongly about reality , morality , and human nature .
Its failures are intrinsic .
A free market , on the other hand , is premised on allowing consumers and entrepreneurs to make their own decisions .
Its failures are the failures of the human beings it involves .
Economic freedom for a largely moral people leads to the explosion of wealth , innovation , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ framework can lead to exploitation .
Thus , instead of the totalizing control of a Communist framework , a free market leans on the state to provide legal protections and religious institutions to provide moral instruction .
Arthur Brooks , President Emeritus of The American Enterprise Institute and a professor at Harvard Business School , once said that he supports the free market not because he cares about the rich , but because he cares about the poor .
After decades of studying global poverty , he found that “ four-fifths of starvation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1970.
” How did that happen ?
It wasn ’ t through additional federal aid , or by throwing money at a problem that fundamentally wasn ’ t a money problem .
Poverty is addressed through opportunity , innovation , and people benefiting from their hard work and expertise .
Thomas Keller can charge more because he sources the best produce and meat , buys the best kitchen tools , pays the best chefs , and tosses in his own innovation and skill set .
I ’ m not saying that he should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people should pay what he asks .
I ’ m just explaining why his work and product deserve more value than a Big Mac .
Imposing absolute financial equality , on the other hand , doesn ’ t lift anyone to ingenuity or wealth .
Rather , it lowers everyone to the lowest common denominator , economically as well as in creativity and quality .
A free market works not because wealth is valued , but because labor is .
Jesus said we can ’ t serve both God and money and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wealthy to enter the kingdom of God .
Jesus never said accumulating wealth itself is sinful .
Exploitation of the poor is sinful .
Looking to wealth for salvation and meaning is sinful .
Failing to steward what we ’ ve been given and failing to care for those in need are sinful .
When these potential downfalls are mitigated or avoided , a free market inspires people to give more .
According to data from The Philanthropy Roundtable , Americans give to charity at a rate seven times higher than continental Europeans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earners in the U.S. give a full one-third of all charitable donations .
Once NPR finally asked Thomas Keller about what was in his new cookbook , the interview took an ironic turn .
Keller cautioned that his recipes aren ’ t necessarily for home cooks .
His recipes require a certain amount of previously obtained skill .
Interestingly , the reporter didn ’ t seem to think that was unfair .
I won ’ t be buying Keller ’ s book , and I likely won ’ t be eating at his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his labor and skill have created .
All that ’ s ok. That ’ s how freedom works .
John Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview .
He ’ s a sought-after author and speaker on areas of faith and culture , theology , worldview , education and apologetics .
Originally published on BreakPoint.org : BreakPoint Commentaries .
Republished with permission of The Colson Center for Christian Worldview .

Earlier this month, when celebrity chef Thomas Keller was interviewed by NPR about his new cookbook, his interviewer wasn’t all that interested in the recipes. Instead, he wanted to talk about the $850-per-plate price tag at Keller’s recently reopened San Francisco restaurant.
With so many people struggling financially due to the pandemic, asked the reporter, is it really “fair” to charge that much per plate? Or is it, to use his words, “tone deaf.”
The Free Market
That an interview, which was likely intended to be a puff piece, turned into a social justice diatribe is further proof that worldview affects everything.
To be clear, I cannot imagine ever spending $850 for a meal, but the reporter’s problem had nothing to do with prudence or financial stewardship. The problem with the price tag, according to the reporter, is not that some people would not have access to food, but that everyone would not have equal access to Thomas Keller’s food. In other words, his was a problem with the free market. And, of course, having a problem with the free market is all the rage these days.
A free market works not because wealth is valued,
but because labor is.
Often called capitalism, a term popularized by Karl Marx and intended to be derogatory, the free market is an economic system. Unlike Communism, it is not a complete worldview. In other words, it doesn’t try to answer questions about the nature of reality, who we are, why we’re here, what’s right and wrong, what’s ultimately wrong with the world, and how it can be fixed. That’s a significant distinction.
Contrasts to Communism
The failures of Communism (everywhere it has been tried) are due to the fact it assumes wrongly about reality, morality, and human nature. Its failures are intrinsic. A free market, on the other hand, is premised on allowing consumers and entrepreneurs to make their own decisions. Its failures are the failures of the human beings it involves.
Economic freedom for a largely moral people leads to the explosion of wealth, innovation, and generosity. Economic freedoms outside a moral framework can lead to exploitation. Thus, instead of the totalizing control of a Communist framework, a free market leans on the state to provide legal protections and religious institutions to provide moral instruction.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Arthur Brooks, President Emeritus of The American Enterprise Institute and a professor at Harvard Business School, once said that he supports the free market not because he cares about the rich, but because he cares about the poor. After decades of studying global poverty, he found that “four-fifths of starvation level world poverty has been eradicated since 1970.” How did that happen? It wasn’t through additional federal aid, or by throwing money at a problem that fundamentally wasn’t a money problem.
Poverty is addressed through opportunity, innovation, and people benefiting from their hard work and expertise. Thomas Keller can charge more because he sources the best produce and meat, buys the best kitchen tools, pays the best chefs, and tosses in his own innovation and skill set. I’m not saying that he should charge what he does, or that people should pay what he asks. I’m just explaining why his work and product deserve more value than a Big Mac.
Labor, Creativity and Quality
Imposing absolute financial equality, on the other hand, doesn’t lift anyone to ingenuity or wealth. Rather, it lowers everyone to the lowest common denominator, economically as well as in creativity and quality.
A free market works not because wealth is valued, but because labor is.
Jesus said we can’t serve both God and money and that it’s more difficult for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus never said accumulating wealth itself is sinful. Exploitation of the poor is sinful. Looking to wealth for salvation and meaning is sinful. Failing to steward what we’ve been given and failing to care for those in need are sinful.
When these potential downfalls are mitigated or avoided, a free market inspires people to give more. According to data from The Philanthropy Roundtable, Americans give to charity at a rate seven times higher than continental Europeans. The top one percent of all earners in the U.S. give a full one-third of all charitable donations.
Once NPR finally asked Thomas Keller about what was in his new cookbook, the interview took an ironic turn. Keller cautioned that his recipes aren’t necessarily for home cooks. His recipes require a certain amount of previously obtained skill. Interestingly, the reporter didn’t seem to think that was unfair.
I won’t be buying Keller’s book, and I likely won’t be eating at his restaurant. Still, I respect what his labor and skill have created. All that’s ok. That’s how freedom works.
John Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He’s a sought-after author and speaker on areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education and apologetics.
Originally published on BreakPoint.org: BreakPoint Commentaries. Republished with permission of The Colson Center for Christian Worldview.