Gozer the Carpathian
Thanks for the redirect. You are right on in terms of our situation and the need to take a hard look at what is going on in this country. How do we solve this madness? Obviously, the populous needs to get involved in effective government first. Right now our countrymen are sleeping and many are participating in this madness through ignorance or sheer stupidity. Therefore, armed revolt does nothing if the general populous doesn’t have a clue what they’d be fighting for. Right now I believe that most American’s are so ignorant concerning our founding principles of “effective” government, that any form of armed resistance at this point would actually be dangerous. But Clayton is correct in writing this article if nothing more than to point out that we must defend the “right” to bear arms.
While I do not agree with Jon Rowe on many points in our “theological” connections to the “right” to bear and use arms to counter tyranny, he was correct in his assessment in that participation of the colonists who sided to break from the crown in the revolutionary war, was extremely low. Conversely, I think such low numbers demonstrates a general unwillingness of people to side against those who hold power due to apathy and fear of the potential results. It must be stated, very few individuals fought for the freedoms we all enjoy today as American’s, even if it is an imperfect system. It has been estimated that less than 7% of colonists actually participated in the revolutionary cause. Imagine that! Moreover, those who revile against our very freedoms today from within enjoy the blessing these few brought to us as a Nation. Quite extraordinary if one takes a moment to think about it! Man is generally passive so long as he has food on his table and has some form of outlet to pursue various desires. It’s unfortunate, but this way of thinking has been manifested and repeated over and over through out history with disastrous results. The last 200 years since the Revolutionary War should provide us with ample material.
As for the conversation on the Bible and our ability to defend our liberties – this is a very important aspect that should and “must” be part of any conversation regarding this Nation. Are we a Christian Nation? Some say yes – others say no. Were we founded on Christian principles? Yes indeed. Will we continue to be so? At present it looks grim if we follow our current path of political and social entropy. What will happen if we as a Nation decide to turn from Christian beliefs all together as a foundation for our liberty? The doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is very clear on the matter – we have been warned through scripture and through modern-day prophets that if we as a Nation turn from the true and living God, this Nation and its people will be swept off the land, and it will be given to another. In that event, we will have turned from absolute freedom and knowledge willingly! We as a Nation, even in our imperfections – which are many – have been blessed above every nation. To turn from the blessings of freedom is unacceptable to God!
So, for me the decision is clear. I must live a righteous life and seek the blessings of God through participating in sound Government first. On the other hand, if the time comes that I must defend my God given “rights” to defend my family, right to worship, and protect my liberties by arms – I’ll gladly do so. I believe that I’m justified! In fact, I believe that I’m commanded to do so if I wish to truly follow Christ.
In conclusion, regardless of our differing doctrines on Christianity, I think we can all come to some agreement that we must live according to Gods commandments, strive to do all we can to provide good and effective government through peaceful means, and in the event of tyranny – fight for it!
