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- 3R THURSDAY: Sufferable Evils
What is 3R Thursday?
3R Thursday is a newsletter published every Thursday that contains ruminations, reflections, and readings to encourage Christians in the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.
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3R Thursday: Sufferable Evils
Rumination
This week’s rumination comes from the Declaration of Independence.
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
Reflection
Math time.
2023 - 1776 = 247
1776 - 247 = 1529
The Protestant Reformation swept through Europe in the 1500s. Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in 1517.
The time between the Protestant Reformation and the formation of the United States of America is roughly the same period of time as the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the present day.
Let that thought sink in.
Is the Declaration of Independence still relevant today?
Do we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence because the words therein are still meaningful? Or just because that’s the way we’ve always done it?
Tradition? Or Transformation?
Reflection? Or Reformation?
Red, White, and Blue.
Burgers, Beer, and BBQ chips.
Hotdogs and hot dogs.
Poolside chats.
Firecrackers and patriotic hats.
Fire up the grill.
Corporate America at a standstill.
Why though? Why do Americans take this day off?
By all means, our country is incredibly fortunate to have the legal system we have.
Is it perfect? By no means. Sinners will never administer perfect Justice.
But thank God we have the Law of Christ—the True, Good, and Perfect Law.
How should the Christian’s faith influence his or her political philosophy?
When is “evil” something more than a “light and transient cause”?
When do the “evils” promulgated by our Government become insufferable?
When do we call waiving a flag of certain colors in front of children to be a “long train of abuses” rather than "to each his own” or “freedom of speech”?
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
For the Christian that adamantly believes in Jesus’ command to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19, ESV), is there such a thing as separation of the church from the state—not just the state from the church?
Christians should still be thankful for the Supreme Court decisions here, here, and here but there is still work to be done to make disciples in all nations—including the United States of America.
It starts in our homes. Fathers, rise up and raise your children in the way they should go.
It carries into our churches. Men, rise up and build. Lead. Teach. Preach. Repent of sin.
And expands into our communities, towns, and cities.
And over into our States and Nation.
And to the ends of the earth—to the end of the age.
Reading
That Hideous Strength by C. S. Lewis
This week’s 3R Thursday is presented by Rise & Build Academy.
If you know of a 10-12th grade student that is interested in law, I am teaching a class this fall entitled FOUNDATIONS OF LAW FROM A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW.
More information can be found at Rise & Build Academy.
The introductory lecture can be found here.
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