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Frank L. Hoffman Interviewed: Peacemaking
Comments by Terri Russell - 22 Feb 2003

I like Charles Stanley. I think he has a lot of good things to say. That doesn't mean I agree with everything that he utters. He certainly doesn't have a corner on the truth but no-one does. He certainly isn't perfect but no-one is. Nonetheless I believe he has a lot of good things to say.

If the Old Testament is based on old language that is difficult, at best, to translate into a language of today is it wise to treat it as a reliable document? How do we decide what is relevant, valid or genuinely God inspired? Is it mainly a historical document? Something to learn from, but not necessarily take it as the literal inspiration or word of God?

The U.S. is considered the primary super power in the world today. It has been a super power for a long time. It is not a super hero. I sometimes feel that the U.S. is expected to solve the ills of the world. To play the role of a super hero or rich uncle. This role is supposed to be played out cheerfully, sacrificially and without self interest. I just don't think that is realistic. I sometimes feel that the U.S. is damned if they do and damned of they don't. How many nations, governments, or villages exist that base their lifestyle on the interests of others outside of their primary group? I believe I have seen individuals do this, to live sacrificially, to put the interests of others ahead of their own, but I am not aware of any governments practicing this. I can't think of any government that is innocent of committing atrocities at one time or another.

The U.S. like every other country and nation is made up of people that have fallen short of the glory of God. They don't have it all figured out, though some might believe that they do or should. For some reason the U.S. is a powerful nation and generally those with power, whether in the human realm or animal realm, are not inclined to give such power away. Generally such power is not even shared unless there is some benefit to the more powerful party. I don't expect a country to put another's interest ahead of their own unless they feel they have no choice. I only hope and pray that the world can learn to work together before we devour one another.

Isaiah 9:6,7 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this. Is there any other government that can save us?

I also wonder what the world would look like today if Pearl Harbor had never happened? What were the reasons for U.S. noninvolvement? When is it appropriate for a country to get involved? And what kind of action is appropriate?

Is Saddam Hussein going to attempt to gain access to nuclear weapons or other means of mass destruction? Others have it so is it really a concern? Would he possibly use it against his people, neighbors, Israel the U.S. or anyone else he chooses? Would he possibly use a terrorist organization to achieve his aims? Should the U.S. or the world community have a response?

Is Saddam Hussein's possible access to such weapons a wake up call to the rest of us? We have lived with these weapons for quite some time and most countries acknowledge the seriousness of using such weapons. Nonetheless we lived under the shadow of these weapons but it didn't really effect our day to day lives that much. We were aware of it but you know life goes on. So are we overreacting to Saddam Hussein? Is he really any more likely to use these weapons of mass destruction than anyone else is? How do we as individual nations and as a international community how answer these questions and meet this challenge? How are we to respond? If we decide to use sanctions how do we enforce it?

In Christ

Terri

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