Do not relinquish your freedom easily

 

Freedom is a good thing. Let's try not to lose it.

 

When freedoms are taken away they are almost never restored

 

 

I Choose Freedom

Sometimes people do not want freedom because freedom carries with it greater responsibility and accountability. More freedom typically means there will be less of a safety net. When the voices of those who want to be in charge sound bold, strong and confident it can seem reasonable to just relinquish freedom. After all, there is a sense in which it can be easier to have some authority tell us what to do.

I would still rather have freedom. One reason I desire freedom is because history indicates that when a few people at the top have control and authority over the many, those with the power typically do not handle it well.

The old saying that “power corrupts” seems to be a pretty reliable truth.

I choose freedom.

A thought regarding freedom from Os Guinness

Quote from Christian thinker, writer and philosopher, Os Guinness:

“I am a long-time admirer of the American experiment and of the place of freedom in America. Unquestionably freedom is, and will always be, America’s animating principle and chief glory, her most important idea and her greatest strength.”

This is about a commitment to genuine freedom and truth

Scott W. Atlas has served as professor and chief of neuroradiology at Stanford University Medical Center. He has been a “health policy scholar for over 15 years” and a “professor at elite universities for 30 years.” He serves as an ad hoc member of the Nominating Committee for the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology.

He writes, “…I am shocked and dismayed that so many faculty members at these universities are now dangerously intolerant of opinions contrary to their favored narrative.”

He writes, “I also fear that the idea of science as a search for truth—a search utilizing the empirical scientific method—has been seriously damaged. Even the world’s leading scientific journals—‘The Lancet,’ ‘New England Journal of Medicine,’ ‘Science,’ and ‘Nature’—have been contaminated by politics. What is more concerning, many in the public and in the scientific community have become fatigued by the arguments—and fatigue will allow fallacy to triumph over truth.”

What Dr. Atlas has expressed ought to concern all people who love and value the free pursuit of academic and scientific truth, as well as, all those who value freedom of speech. This is not about an allegiance to the right or the left, politically, this is about a commitment to genuine freedom and truth. It is serious and it is important.

What about freedom?

 

I really like liberty. I hope we can keep it.

We don’t all have to agree on everything

September 11th...These thoughts still hold true!

Here are some thoughts I shared about 9/11 on September 11, 2013. This still holds true for me...

When I think back to that day, 12 years ago, it still stirs emotion. The tragic loss of so many of our fellow citizens almost seemed to knock the wind out of me. It was genuinely shocking. Time has diminished the feeling somewhat, of course, but if I take the time to pause and remember—or view images of that day—the sorrow is still there.

I recall thinking part of the reason for our nation’s vulnerability is that we enjoy freedoms that can be taken advantage of. And I wondered, that day, how many of our freedoms would have to be forfeited for the sake of greater security. The recognition that we would lose freedoms really broke my heart. It still does. It seemed to me there was a certain innocence lost and that life would never quite be exactly the same again. In some ways, unfortunately, we are seeing that come to pass.

There was a reigniting of love for our country and a turning toward God that occurred in the initial wake of the event. That was a natural response in light of the type of tragedy we experienced. The attack reminded many of us how much we love our country. We discovered that when your country is attacked, your feelings of love for it grow stronger. Is it a flawed country? Yes, all countries are. But it is still an extraordinary place to live. It is still the most exceptional nation of hope and possibility that has ever existed.

It really is.

I pray that is never lost.

The turning toward God occurs during these types of events because we return to that which is fundamental in such a tragedy. When life feels confusing and unstable, many of us realize, once again, that God is the solid rock and “all other ground is sinking sand” as the old hymn goes.

It’s 12 years later. We cannot possibly have the same potent feelings of September 11, 2001. But for those who are old enough, can we think back to the fundamental truths that stirred in us in the initial days and weeks following those life-altering events?

There were important realizations that happened and they are realizations that are worth remembering.

Freedom Is Rare And Precious... I Am Grateful For It

There is much over which people are in disagreement these days. In fact, it would be difficult to bring up any significant subject and find a measure of consensus even among the relatively small group of people this post will reach.

But as I was thinking about Memorial Day it occurred to me that we are remembering the men and women who gave their lives to protect our freedoms. And even where tremendous disagreement exists it is helpful to note that what these folks died to protect is, in part, the very freedom we have to disagree and to openly express that disagreement.

                                  

Freedom is an extraordinary right, in part, because throughout history it has not been a given in many nations and governments. Those who have freedom—of the kind we enjoy—are liable to take it for granted because it seems natural and almost, automatic. But it is not automatic. It is somewhat rare and, therefore, precious. Where real freedom is available to people it has usually involved a struggle to achieve and to maintain. Freedom typically involves a significant cost.

Words are, of course, not adequate but I will express it with mere words anyhow: I am extremely grateful to those who laid down their lives to provide our freedom and to those who continue to protect our freedom.

Thank you!

Your service is genuinely appreciated and it does not go unnoticed.

I hope you all have a blessed Memorial Day!

E-Flash From Dan, September 17, 2015

Dear E-Flash Friends;

I’m sitting here working on my message for this weekend and I’m getting excited. This happens from time to time. Occasionally, I’ll get so pumped up that I have to leap to my feet, walk a few laps around the church, and fire off an E-Flash… like I’m doing right now.

You won’t want to miss the Fall Kick-Off service this Sunday, September 20^th. We will be launching a new series titled: “Experiencing Freedom!” The Bible tells us there is freedom in Christ. We will be talking about that encouraging and liberating reality.

The guys will be leading the music. If you’ve been here when the guys lead the music you know it is inspirational, exciting, passionate and fun!

We’ve even made a video invitation to the Fall Kick Off. That’s when you know we’re serious! Click on the link to watch the brief video.

Link...   Click here for video!

There’s still time to invite someone. I hope you will take a risk and make an invitation. You could even send a link of the invitation video. Who knows what might happen?

I do know that God is going to do some great things this weekend.

You say, “How do you know He’s going to do great things?”

Because He’s God and everything He does is great! That’s why we gather together to honor Him.

I’m looking forward to seeing you.

Love and blessings,

Dan

Unpopular Opinions

In our culture certain ideas or viewpoints are popular and other ideas or viewpoints are unpopular. There is nothing new about this reality it is part of what occurs in any society. What concerns me, however, is that we currently seem to be developing a climate in our culture in which the unpopular ideas are not allowed to be expressed. If you hold certain beliefs it is understood that you need to be quiet. There are indications we are moving in a direction in which people should not be allowed to even think certain unpopular ideas.

When centers of influence within the culture want to control what we think and say then we are moving toward totalitarianism. This is dangerous, unhealthy and oppressive. It’s also a serious pain in the neck!

Is this really what we want?

I encounter many viewpoints with which I disagree. In fact, I can even find myself getting agitated by some of the viewpoints I encounter on Facebook or other online forums. Occasionally I read posts and find myself thinking: “Are you kidding? Is this actually your point of view on this topic? This is ridiculous!!!”

After all, when a person’s opinion is so drastically different from my own it seems incredibly obvious, to me, that my opinion is the correct one. You all agree with this airtight logic, right?

However, I believe it is important to defend the right of people to think and express their ideas, including unpopular ideas. It would be nice if people would express their ideas respectfully and thoughtfully. The Bible calls us to speak lovingly. But the freedom to think and communicate ideas—even ones with which I disagree—is important. It is an extraordinary value which is worth protecting.

I may not agree with your viewpoint but I support your right to think it and express it.

I'm Grateful For Those Who Fought To Bring Us Freedom

I do not like war. I desire peace. I sincerely wish everyone would get along and love each other. I’m serious. Many people feel this way, in fact, I think it’s possible that the majority of people in the world feel this way.

Unfortunately, there really are people in this world who have a desire for power and control over others which prevents peace, freedom and harmony. It’s a strange and sad reality that there are people who want to stir up friction, hatred and trouble. I know this is an unpopular idea, however, I’ll go ahead and write it anyhow: There are people who are evil.

So even though I, like most people, want peace I am tremendously thankful for the countless men and women who have gone before me—people like my father—along with those who currently serve to protect freedom and oppose tyranny. I am reminded again of the fact that there are people who have fought and died to make it possible for me to sit here today and comfortably write a post like this in which I am allowed to express my opinion. In order for us to have freedom, the fighting was necessary. I know this is sad and I wish it wasn’t true. But it is. In other words, the nature of our world is such that real freedom usually costs something.

It is right for us to be grateful for those who have done the fighting on our behalf. I admire their willingness to do something extraordinarily dangerous and difficult for the good of others. What they have done and what they continue to do is a big deal!

And by the way, if you disagree with what I’ve written—this has been known to happen, on occasion—please know I am thankful you have the freedom to do so.

P.S.  …But remember, people fought to give you the freedom to disagree.

My Freedom Does Not Include The Right To Violate Your Freedom

Freedom is a wonderful thing.  But freedom can only work well in a society when it is tempered by fairness and justice.  Fairness and justice will mean that a person’s freedom cannot extend to the point that it violates someone else.  In other words, the just exercise of my freedom does not give me the right to trample on you and your freedom.

Thank You To Our Veterans And Happy Veterans Day!

Freedom never comes without a cost.  In order for a group of people to be free there will always be some people who have to give of their time and energy and in some cases even give of their lives.  Freedom will require that a price is paid.

In our country the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces are some of the key people who have given of their time and energy to help purchase and protect our freedom.  I am thankful for our veterans.  I am grateful for the sacrifices they have made.  They deserve our respect and admiration.

God bless all those who have served and happy Veterans Day!

Healthy Freedom Involves Self-Restraint

Healthy freedom understands that just because we’re allowed to do something does not mean that it is good and beneficial for us.  That’s why the not-so-natural exercise of self-restraint is a somewhat under-discussed but critically important aspect of freedom when it is functioning properly.

Self-Restraint and Freedom

Freedom is a fantastic thing.  But freedom requires that people exercise virtues like respect for others and self-restraint or else the very freedom that we love crosses a line which ironically leads to oppression.

Thank You Veterans For Protecting Our Freedoms

Some people like the opinions I share on this blog and others probably don’t.  But it’s wonderful and important that we have this freedom of expression, isn’t it?  There are people who have fought and, in many cases, died to protect this incredible freedom of expression.  I honor and appreciate those people.  Thank you veterans!