All tagged personal agency
Just finished a book by an Ignatian spiritual mentor about discerning angels from demons, God's Spirit from evil spirits, and seeking God's will. Although tedious, it has some gems for both personal and communal decision making. I note those and then focus on the author's point that the Evil One loves to suggest some generous idea, an idea that then is used to draw a person and/or the church off the Lord's path, destroy purpose, and even ruin relationships. Then, the book of Daniel, as I learned 42 years ago, is also beautiful in its presentation of our own agency in light of God's revelation. Let's think through making discriminations in a biblical manner.
Christians are aware of the Holy Spirit and lesser spirits like angels and demons. What about impersonal, non-living, spirits that are as powerful as demons? What about spirits that live as ideas and values in people's hearts and minds? In this episode I examine the spiritual nature of Marxism by unpacking some of its history and central doctrines. I also take you behind the scenes into a private church confessional.
We hear it from daily news coverage. We hear it from crowds chanting in the streets. Professors ubiquitously use it in lectures: social justice. Just what is social justice? What caused the phrase to arise? When did it first arise? What are its philosophical premises? Why are BLM and Antifa getting so much media attention and moral cover? What does the Bible have to say about justice? And who does the Bible blame for racism? Come, let us reason together.
We are profoundly shaped by our ideas, our mental outlook, and our vision. We are no less shaped by our vision for society. What does Marxism envision for society? How does that compare to a fundamentally Christian vision for society? Why do Karl and his dreary band of disciples constantly elevate mediocrity over excellence? Come think and laugh with me.