Thank you for addressing this topic. Let's take advantage of the opportunities we have to make a difference in our communities I also appreciated the comments about the difference we can make by raising Godly children you are also responsible contributing citizens that's a great way to influence Society.
In addition to the ways Merle mentioned that we can contribute to society, we can contribute well-trained children from godly homes. Children who grow up to take responsibility for being a productive member of society, not only contribute to society in a positive way, but they are also no drain on society. Children who grow up with productive work skills pay taxes which benefit others in society and furthermore stay out of prison which drains society's resources. Children who obey the laws of the land contribute to social order and do not harm others with personal selfishness. Children who grow up, marry, and have multiple offspring multiply social benefits for others. Families who maintain their property, plant flowers for others to enjoy, bless their neighbors with surplus garden produce, baked items, and general cheer are valued citizens. As Merle mentioned, this non-splashy grassroots approach accomplishes more social benefit than voting does. Think about what would happen if every person who claims to be a Christian would focus his/her energies on his/her own family which would radiate blessings to local communities everywhere those Christian families would exist!
Hi. My last name is Bontrager, I am a son of lifer missionaries, my folks would have been considered to have “raised me right” I have the pedigree and upbringing of the ideal Mennonite standard, I say this because I want you to understand that I am not ignorant of the teachings, I have heard all the arguments, I am so very familiar with the nuance, both culturally and historically of the Anabaptist belief system, also I want to say I am currently a practicing, church going Beachy, Amish, Mennonite church member . I believe that Dispensationalism, and 2 kingdom theology, are 2 of the most dangerous, insidious, faults doctrines our Mennonite beliefs is based on. These beliefs form the foundation for how we both interpret “Dispensationalism” and apply “2 kingdom theology” the scripture, brother I would love to come onto your cast and give a biblical, detailed, nuanced argument as to why I believe this. Thanks for doing the hard work of content creation!💪🏼
How can you make a difference? Teach your children about how many people have given their lives so that you can worship as you choose. Teach about conflicts that our country has been involved; it's called History. So many of your people ignore the sacrifice of many andnare unappreciative of that (thanking a Veteran for his service, etc) would let them know you do care. It isn't unbiblical to do that. Have you ever prayed for those who put their lives on the line for people they don't even know? Be grateful that someone has the guts to do that.
I often think of the "Greatest Generatin"--those Americans who put their lives on the line for what in their mind was the preservation of "freedom" and democratic governance. . .as an Anabaptist (and prior to that a veteran), I admire anyone who steps up for a cauise larger than himself/herself. And as a student of history I know how God used the testimony of those of them who were disciples of Jesus during that mega-war. However, as a subject ot the Kingdom of God above all, I must obey the King of that Kingdom, who taught that His Own are to love their enemies, not hate them, even when they do despicable things Matthew Chapters 5 - 7..
Thank you for addressing this topic. Let's take advantage of the opportunities we have to make a difference in our communities
I also appreciated the comments about the difference we can make by raising Godly children you are also responsible contributing citizens that's a great way to influence Society.
Thank you for the feedback, John Mark. We were glad to have Merle join us for this conversation.
In addition to the ways Merle mentioned that we can contribute to society, we can contribute well-trained children from godly homes. Children who grow up to take responsibility for being a productive member of society, not only contribute to society in a positive way, but they are also no drain on society. Children who grow up with productive work skills pay taxes which benefit others in society and furthermore stay out of prison which drains society's resources. Children who obey the laws of the land contribute to social order and do not harm others with personal selfishness. Children who grow up, marry, and have multiple offspring multiply social benefits for others. Families who maintain their property, plant flowers for others to enjoy, bless their neighbors with surplus garden produce, baked items, and general cheer are valued citizens. As Merle mentioned, this non-splashy grassroots approach accomplishes more social benefit than voting does. Think about what would happen if every person who claims to be a Christian would focus his/her energies on his/her own family which would radiate blessings to local communities everywhere those Christian families would exist!
Thank you for this input, Chester.
Hi. My last name is Bontrager, I am a son of lifer missionaries, my folks would have been considered to have “raised me right” I have the pedigree and upbringing of the ideal Mennonite standard, I say this because I want you to understand that I am not ignorant of the teachings, I have heard all the arguments, I am so very familiar with the nuance, both culturally and historically of the Anabaptist belief system, also I want to say I am currently a practicing, church going Beachy, Amish, Mennonite church member . I believe that Dispensationalism, and 2 kingdom theology, are 2 of the most dangerous, insidious, faults doctrines our Mennonite beliefs is based on. These beliefs form the foundation for how we both interpret “Dispensationalism” and apply “2 kingdom theology” the scripture, brother I would love to come onto your cast and give a biblical, detailed, nuanced argument as to why I believe this. Thanks for doing the hard work of content creation!💪🏼
How can you make a difference? Teach your children about how many people have given their lives so that you can worship as you choose. Teach about conflicts that our country has been involved; it's called History. So many of your people ignore the sacrifice of many andnare unappreciative of that (thanking a Veteran for his service, etc) would let them know you do care. It isn't unbiblical to do that. Have you ever prayed for those who put their lives on the line for people they don't even know? Be grateful that someone has the guts to do that.
I often think of the "Greatest Generatin"--those Americans who put their lives on the line for what in their mind was the preservation of "freedom" and democratic governance. . .as an Anabaptist (and prior to that a veteran), I admire anyone who steps up for a cauise larger than himself/herself. And as a student of history I know how God used the testimony of those of them who were disciples of Jesus during that mega-war. However, as a subject ot the Kingdom of God above all, I must obey the King of that Kingdom, who taught that His Own are to love their enemies, not hate them, even when they do despicable things Matthew Chapters 5 - 7..
These people living off the sacrifices of many who died for our freedoms but they won’t vote to preserve them. Seems pious to me.