Culture/Institutions

Resource: Michael Eden, “The Manhattan Declaration As The New Barmen Declaration,” Start Thinking Right, Michael Eden's Discussion of the Two Forbidden Subjects – Politics and Religion – from a Conservative Perspective. This entry was posted on November 25, 2009. 

Manhattan Declaration site:  www.manhattandeclaration.org

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What is the Manhattan Declaration? What does it have to do with me? What is the Barmen Declaration? What does it have to do with the MD?  Aside from reading both declarations, here is a great article on why one should consider signing the MD. Although written last fall, its truth and predictions sting even more, producing the meekest of individuals to stand ready to give an answer.

http://startthinkingright.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/the-manhattan-declaration-as-the-new-barmen-declaration/

Subject: Bioethics

Resource: Atlas, The Tennessee Center for Bioethics & Culture, Dr. D. Joy Riley, Executive Director

Most people are not aware of the vast amount of work and experimentation going on in the area of bioethics. It seems too technical or specialized to affect us. However, with one click you will become aware of many bioethical issues that confront us today. I recommend you take a look at this map in the link below.  Mankind is special--made in His image. I, for one, am grateful for this very informative website and those who are doing something to preserve this truth.

http://tennesseecbc.org/atlas/

Economics

Resource: FEE, “I, Pencil,” by Leonard E. Read, Introduction by Lawrence W. Reed, Afterword by Milton Friedman,  ©2006 Foundation for Economic Education. All rights reserved.

This essay was written in 1958. As Lawrence Reed, president of FEE, in his introduction of the essay states, “It explains in plain language why central planning is an exercise in arrogance and futility.” Leonard Read points out that each individual is a unique creation whose freedom will draw more than a straight line. Milton Friedman, (Nobel Laureate, 1976), in the afterword calls it, “imaginative, simple yet subtle, breathing the love of freedom that imbued everything Leonard wrote or did.” Take another look at the pencil in your hand and the One whose truth sets us free and placed it there.

http://fee.org/library/books/i-pencil-2/

Resource: Lawrence W. Reed, “The Importance of Character in a Free Society,” Acton Institute, May 18, 2009.

In the economy of time, I suggest you grab a pile of laundry to fold or bring up your inbox to clear out as you invest an hour listening to Acton Institute’s presentation of “The Importance of Character in a Free Society” in which Lawrence W. Reed, President of the Foundation for Economic Education, gives us some home work that could change our culture. What the world needs now is not a bailout in monetary proportions, but the hard currency known as character.

Learn more about this sterling commodity. http://www.acton.org/media/lawrence_reed_2009.php

Subject: Community

Resources: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org)

Summary: Suicide is often an unmentionable topic and affects thousands of people daily. In the United States more than 33,000 suicides occur each year. Internationally, in only the past ten years, 5 million suicides have occurred worldwide. Add to that the fact that suicides attempts may be up to 20 times more common than suicide deaths. Suicide is one of the top three causes of death in ages 15-44.

Such a social problem calls for caring people to bring help and hope to bear in troubled lives. The National Suicide Prevention LifeLine (1-800-723-TALK) provides 24-hours-a-day assistance and support for persons facing suicide crises or similar mental health emergencies. The website offers over resources and assistance. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers other aid, particularly to those living with grief over a suicide. These sites allow caring persons to bring encouragement and assistance to friends and relatives who are facing these crises.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (1 Corinthians 1:3-47 ESV).”

Culture/Institutions

Resource: Jeff Morton on, “Do Christians Need Art?” Melissa Kelley, By Faith Magazine: The Web Magazine of the Presbyterian Church in America, March 2010.

Melissa Kelly gives us a snapshot of one artist’s answer to this question. Take a look and listen for four minutes and 38 seconds…and possibly eternally, as Jeff Morton, a Covenant College Professor of Art, describes reasons why believers need to spend an extra minute or two appreciating art. We have lost the art of participating in a facet of worldview that goes far beyond oil on canvas.