1/2010 Sixth Query

Do we live in the life and power which takes away the occasion of all wars? Do we, on Christian principles, refuse to participate in or to cooperate with the military effort? Do we work actively for peace and the removal of the causes of war? Do we endeavor to cultivate good will, mutual understanding, and equal opportunities for all people?

Regarding the last question in the Query, I try very hard to walk around in other's shoes and see the world as they might see it, that I might understand them better; that said, some acts are wrong, and always will be wrong. Moral relativism is the curse of this age, and must be firmly opposed. I have perhaps been over-strident in my opposition, though, and good will has sometimes been a casualty. However, sometimes good will is a casualty simply because moral relativists brook no criticism.

As for equal opportunities, I believe that the ability of a person to satisfy those requirements necessary to the job and good character, should be the only "filters" applied in determining who gets hired. However, since I do not run a business, the question really only applies as to whether or not I am an "equal opportunity Good Samaritan": I am - I do not, that I know of, discriminate in how I offer aid when confronted by need.

So, yes, I try to live in the life and power that takes away the occasion of all wars, though of course my effect on what Caesar does is vanishingly small. Still, I watch what I buy with an eye to what injustices my purchases might sustain, increase, or propagate. Although I do not believe in anthropogenetic global warming, and am indeed skeptical that any global warming is occurring beyond the cyclical type that naturally happens, I am "green," and am slowly espousing a life that minimizes my use of the world's resources. I am absolutely opposed to the notion - as codified best in the National Security Study Memorandum 200 - that "the American way of life" can be maintained at the expense of other peoples in other nations. I write to my legislators regarding these matters. I live, and intend to continue living, below the taxable income level, so as not to support the military-industrial complex. I feel, therefore, that I am thus making a small contribution to the "removal of the causes of war."

Dans le cour de Je`sus,
John Michael

I try to live in the spirit of meekness and humility, as a witness for Christ, who is the life and power that takes away the occasion for all war. I do not participate directly in the military effort, although I have no control over how my taxes and my pension fund are used. My work for peace is to try to turn people to Christ as the one who can empower them to forgive and to love, and who alone can give them true peace. Sometimes it is necessary to be "politically incorrect" to cultivate good will and equal opportunities for all people, for some have been designated by the world as not needing or not deserving help.

Suggested addition to this query: Are we open to being shown how we are not living in that life and power that holds all human life as precious and that offers all of us the opportunity to be washed of our sins and made whole? Do we, in humility and love, show others how it appears that they are not living in that life and power that holds all human life as precious and that offers all of us the opportunity to be washed of our sins and made whole?

Conrad Lindes

I try very hard to simplify my life so as to minimize my impact, as an American, on other peoples of the world. However, given the inherent wastefulness of American life, I am beginning to fear it will not be possible to stop living at the expense of others in the Least Developed Countries, no matter how much I "simplify" as an American. I am concerned about this, and am praying for discernment as to whether or not I must "throw in my lot" with the poor in other countries, as a skilled technician.
I have found that sincerity of speech is no longer tolerated well in American society, unless one is a "sincere" post-modernist liberal expressing the current secular "wisdom" (or the politically correct Christian equivalent); however, I try to be factually correct and precise of meaning in my speech, and each night during my examen I search out those moments during the day when I might have equivocated (as in "avoided making an explicit statement") on an issue to foster a false "peace" with others.
I find that a failure to be adequately involved in temporal affairs is now destructive of spiritual growth: To paraphrase Edmund Burke, evil triumphs when good people do nothing; this observation was made again by Pastor Martin Niemoller, and I am convinced it is applicable today in American life.
I strive to be fair and just in all my dealings, and to live according to the Sermons on the Mount and Plain; though I often fail still, I keep my failures in my sight and work to remove them. I fulfill my promises always - which is why I make few.

John Keba

We observe simplicity in choosing vehicles, home furnishings and clothing based in their functionality rather than style, and by replacing them only when they are no longer functional rather than when they are out of style. We try to maintain sincerity in our speech, including one who uses the numbers of days and months rather than the pagan names in use around us. With regard to temporal affairs, out time spent on "entertainment" is quite limited, but we find ourselves being spread too thin among many "good causes." We are just in our dealings and work hard to fulfill our promises. In making our Christian faith a part of our daily work, we read the Bible daily and pray before all our meals (where or with whom ever they are eaten). In our careers, we try to share God's love with every one, and we turn people to Christ, His love and His power as opportunities arise. Much of our "spare" time is spent in service work.

Conrad Lindes, Joan Kuczek

3/2010
8th Query. Are we faithful to Christ's command to avoid swearing oaths? Are we watchful for and faithful to Christ's promptings to share with others our testimony against the use of oaths? Do we avoid gambling and speculation based on the principles of chance?
I do avoid swearing oaths, and watch what I sign. I cannot say that I talk to others about this testimony; perhaps, I have simply missed any opportunities to do so that have arisen. I do not gamble. I do not engage in financial speculation.

John Keba