Saturday, August 09, 2008
Posted by:
Kevin McCullough
at
11:06 AM
 Chinese attacker kills US Coach's relative The Lovely Bride LOVES the Olympics, she's never missed them. Last night she was flipping channels and flew right past the HD Coverage. To my surprise I queried her as to why. She replied... "I'm boycotting..." For the oppression they pour out on Christians, for the well documented ill intent towards the U.S., for the cruel conditions of the Communist state - particularly as it applies to families, and for the way they prevent their people from knowing liberty, freedom, and justice... She makes good points certainly. And why should U.S. Olympic coaches and athletes fear for their own safety or those they love. The Lovely Bride doesn't do sports, but she's always "done" the Olympics, and for the many reasons she loves what's right - she's taking a pass on this go around. Maybe she shouldn't be the only one...
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Why isn't he at least supporting the House GOP on their fight with the Democrats? |
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I cannot bring myself to support those immoral thugs and criminals. The Games have become political, simply because the IOC chose that despotic creepy country for the games. It was supposed to help the Chinese people; instead it just caused more thugery and suppression. |
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Even though it is true, China, and much of the east, has been ravaged by the tentacles of beliefs like Communism, there is a greater freedom that seems to be springing up there today, and I'm not sure how the Olympics can't be a part of it..
Recently, my Husband and I saw a PBS-if they are indeed to fully be trusted, don't know..where China was featured, with a special focus on young adults and the choices they make, in the light of Communism, and the contrast of faith in Christ, the Christian's truth.
If anything, the study seemed to prove that a nation which shuns redemptive faith can make for a truly materialistic and lost people.
I get the idea that boycotts can be good. And I doubt your Wife is alone in them. Sometimes, they are needed for parties in power to feel the pain where it gets them, and make them see their error and work for the good.
But I think last night was a different thing..
Whether they recognize God or don't, there is a hope in most men's hearts to see and feel the experience of forgiveness, redemption and grace.
Most people, the world over, really want to aspire, in the arts, in most competitions where their best is required, to the highest, and most noble ideas, and motives, however misguided some may be, however things may go the wrong way.
I am not saying all men don't deal with a sin nature, and that what everyone sows they WILL REAP. This is just a Biblical reality.
I just think that last night's expression was one of beauty, not just because someone had money to make soul-less art and pull the background strings, but because there were a vast majority there that seemed to hold out for unity, thinking the best, and the ultimate good!
That's redemption, and that's love.
That's what we saw in last night's display.
No shame, no blame, just people trying to do their very best, in front of a worldwide playing field..
And who would want any less?
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Moaning, whining, boycotting, complaining, criticizing... Do you know what that accomplishes? I think you do.
Christianity has been spreading like wild fire in China. And the oppressive government has been, little by little, permitting more and more religious freedom. Do you know how the churches have achieved this? By complaining, boycotting and protesting? NO! By loving their neighbors, by caring for orphans and widows in their affliction, running orphanages, caring for disabled children and adults, assisting in earthquake recover, etc.
The government is seeing that Christianity is a good thing.
It sure makes Kevin feel superior by complaining and boycotting. That's about the only benefit that it provides.
P.S. Don't you just love how he blamed the murder (an act committed by one individual) on the entire country. Bubblehead Revolution |
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Christianity spreading like wildfire in China - is BECAUSE of the persecution - not because they are "permitting more and more religious freedom." (As imaginative a claim as ever one has been made... far divorced from facts.)
I would encourage you to contact the Bible League and speak with church dissidents from China directly. I would encourage to read the accounts of those persecuted pastors and what they are being forced to endure - and then lecture me on the ignorance of "religious freedom."
The government is nowhere near seeing Christianity as a good thing - and the "approved" Christian church in China - resembles little of the Christianity that pastors are being imprisoned and executed for.
And while I did not blame the entire country for the murder of the volleyball coach (though you suggest otherwise), I do find it disconcerting that you see nothing at all, when what the rest of the world remembered when they read the headline - was "Munich." |
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I think it makes one feel far more superior to claim other feel that way - than for one to express from the heart, genuine passionate concern...
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It is highly unlikely such a nod, or even a notice, of crimes or injustices would take precedence-in this context-upon a world-scene.
My family has no less compassion for Chinese Christians, or Christians anywhere, because we can kinder to the idea of men worldwide aspiring to something greater than themselves, or at least, a higher way of being.
For many people all over the world, including, I am sure, the Chinese, this year's show was a way to reach out and link hands with the world, as well as positively represent their countries and the best that they can, for sports anyway, be.
On some level, one could argue that's a fraud and a shame, and careless and heartless to those who
have suffered under a restrictive, Communist regime.
Great odes of sympathy could be written down, and some could protest, and imply that those of like faith are uncaring, because they to not take note of such things.
However, such a notion would be a dishonest judgment, untrue and extreme.
In many real-life political stories we hear, and see, scenes of tragedies occurring, and, at the same time, a play, or other presentation happening, as other bad things are happening.
It is terrible about the Chinese Christians being persecuted. And about their girl babies dying.
It is also terrible about abortions in America, dishonest businessmen, and the scams and misrepresentations constantly foisted upon unsuspecting citizens right here!!!
But that will not stop folks from wanting to gather for a night of happiness, and hope, and cheer.
There is often something under the surface, everywhere..
And, sometimes, things aren't what they seem..
And just as often as that occurs..
Sometimes things just are what they seem..
And God's creations, we mere mortals, would like to get away for awhile, throw back our hair, and think, at least for a few pretty moments, about how things could be. Or, maybe, should be.
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