Weekly Thought – December 18, 2018
Fred held a firm grasp on reality. His theological foundation created a basis for his thinking in all areas. Although he was not one to quote “chapter and verse,” his understanding of scripture strongly influenced his thinking and speaking. The nature of man was fundamental to his view of life. These thoughts from the late 1990s are current for today.
BWFLI is founded on the premise of God’s principles which never change. As Fred said, “the principles never change, just the illustrations.” BWF is nearly 15 years old and the campus events just completed 10 years. Over that time the truth of God’s word is the banner under which we operate. Thanks for supporting us year by year.
Fact or Fantasy
No matter how beautifully or reasonably a situation is defined, it is no more than fantasy if not based on truth. I am particularly impressed at this time with all the politicians vying for the presidency. They are telling us of the panacea they will bring to the office and the country. They list all the major problems and say with a bold gesture and big smile, “Elect me and I will make them all go away.” They tell us of all the solutions which will appear once they are in office.
They have made one big miscalculation: they have the wrong concept of human nature.
Humanity is flawed and cannot be perfected by governmental programs. Welfare, however well intentioned will create perpetual dependence unless it requires individual responsibility.
Once I fortuitously had breakfast with the well-known commentator David Susskind the morning after he debated Bill Buckley, who cut him to ribbons. But throughout Susskind maintained a gracious spirit, I opened up the breakfast by telling him I admired his attitude even through I held conservative political views. Being totally aware of his intellectual capabilities, and respectful of him, I asked, “How does a man with such intellect and learned as you take your political position?”
He replied, “In order to be a liberal you must first believe in the basic goodness of man.”
I told him his explanation allowed me to totally understand his political position. “Your statement makes your liberalism patently clear.” I went on to tell him I believed in the doctrine of man’s original sin. He said, “That is a horrible thought.” Then I asked, “Is that a thought or a fact?” Sometimes in order to control a subject we will misname it.
I further told him if I believed in the fundamental goodness of mankind I would give free education, total freedom, and financial aid. But if humanity is basically sinful and we provide privileges without responsibilities we could create monsters. I feel a great many of our programs fail because we do not understand the sin nature of humanity.
The imperfectability of humanity is a fact. Programs built on the basic goodness of mankind is built on fantasy.
This week think about: 1) How clear am I on my view of the nature of mankind? 2) What difference does my belief system make in the way I live? 3) Where do I see this tension affecting public policy?
Words of Wisdom: “I feel a great many of our programs fail because we do not understand the sin nature of humanity.”
Wisdom from the Word: “Just as it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one.’” (Romans 3:10 NET Bible)