MWR : Articles : July 9, 2012

Last updated July 25.

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Articles : July 9, 2012

King’s wisdom, prophet’s power

The Book of 1 Kings continues with the story of Israel’s monarchy. The beginning chapters describe the transition of power to Solomon after David’s death. On his deathbed, David charges his son with keeping the commandments of the Lord (1 Kings 2:2) so that he may rule in peace and maintain unity among the people. Solomon, however, acts ruthlessly, orchestrating the deaths of those who might weaken his power base, including his own brother.

Health law and justice

The June 28 Supreme Court ruling that upheld the U.S. health-care reform law answered a narrow legal question: How much power does the Constitution grant to the federal government? But the future of health care in the United States depends upon the answers to broad moral questions: Is health care a human right? Should justice and compassion be the guiding principles in efforts to reform a system that discriminates against the poor and uninsured?
The politics of church

Discernment is a cornerstone of the church. More than simply making decisions, we seek together what it means to be followers of Jesus. This implies a seemingly unattainable, almost arrogant goal: that somehow we can know the mind and will of God.

Seeking, finding

I appreciated Brian McLaren’s wonderful column, “Does Evangelism Equal Proselytizing?” (June 25). To be reminded of Vaclav Havel’s dictum, “Keep the company of those who seek the truth and run from those who have found it,” was especially nice. Then I read “Letters and Comments,” where once again I read letters from “those who have found the truth” regarding homosexuality. It may be fruitless to argue with those who are certain they know how to interpret Scripture, but I would like to raise three matters for those who might be open to a different point of view.
What we lost

No matter how you cut it, the U.S. lost the war in Afghanistan. Let’s get out. Now. Most of the country is under the control of the Taliban. The Karzai government is too corrupt to bring peace. We lost the Afghan government to tyrannical warlords. Two thousand American soldiers lost their lives, and tens of thousands lost limbs, eyes and their mental health.
Evangelicals divided

Evangelicals all start out with much the same biblical premise: Humans have rebelled; sin has entered the world; redemption has come through Jesus Christ.

Wildfire does not pose threat to Rocky Mountain camp

At Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, campers have been packing every day with hikes, activities and worship.
Former Lancaster assistant principal pleads guilty to sexual abuse charges

Former Lancaster (Pa.) Mennonite High School assistant principal Steven Geyer pleaded guilty to 11 counts of sexual offenses June 20.
Colo. households among thousands fleeing wildfire

Members of Beth-El Mennonite Church were among those who evacuated their homes as nearly 1,000 firefighters tried June 26 to contain a 15,517-acre wildfire that moved into Colorado Springs, sending tens of thousands fleeing the city.
Central District adopts peace pledge

Central District Conference delegates have accepted a pledge that invites congregations to commit to peacebuilding by encountering the realities of war.