Meekness and American History

There’s also a difference between natural rights given to us by G-D that must be asserted and defended, because man desires to deny or remove them from people and the type of self-serving, man-given rights (and those purported to create a more equal results society) that have started ungodly revolutions, attempting to create messianic societies without G-D and destroyed millions of lives.

Hope that provides some differentiation between the different types of rights:

G-D given (i.e. natural rights and natural law)

v/s

Man-made rights (usually demanded at the expense of other’s natural rights) that sound good theoretically, but which are a poor copy of the originals.

One can be meek and defend the former, less so for the latter.

There are times for war (think what King Solomon said). Plus, I do think there is a case for physical self-defense (how can you pass down G-D’s laws when you’re dead? Your life is the first natural right since we are made in G-D’s Image with the Divine Spark) and the defense of others (same reason)-though this one gets trickier when you’re dealing with nations on the government level versus the individual level. But, for simplicity’s sake, we – as individuals – are to come to another individuals aid, including physical self-defense. The righteous must defend righteousness, keep evil from conquering and that requires action in the defense of ourselves and others.

Paul said that as long as it depends upon US to live at peace with one another; that is only one part of the equation. We must respond when others don’t intend to live at peace with us for their part.

That looks good; I haven’t seen that one. I’m glad you shared.

I also recommend Living Principles of History audio series (at least until the War Moves South CD, I don’t know how they handle both Andrew jackson – who was a pro-slavery, Indian hating man – and Edison, who’s character showed itself as poor in his competition with Tesla – too many American history materials treat those two too favorably, IMO):

http://www.nestlearning.com/living-principles-of-america_c2378.aspx

and Mantle Ministries’ audio called Historical Devotionals

For you to read, I can recommend some books about some of the Founder’s over the weekend and will answer your questions.

These questions about Meekness, Forgiveness, Just or Unjust War — they’re wonderful theological questions to ponder. There are people who did good on both sides of every conflict and people who did wrong. It’s not really something I’d go into at a very young age, but I also try to focus on the good stories and the helpers and leave the morally ambiguous stories for later one when the student is more prepared for wading through these sticky theological ponderings. This was just our family’s personal preference (we’re Episcopalian and tend to look for the Middle Way) but rarely was anyone all-good or all-bad. Often when we start trying to make someone all-good we’re quite devistated when they turn out to be flawed and disappointingly human, and then we have to try to explain away this, as well. It can get sticky.By the time they’re nearing puberty, these are just the kind of discrepancies they will pick up on and they’ll catch us out! So, for instance, I might tend to stay away from the politics of a particular war with young children, but deal with heroic deeds, discoveries, mercy, bravery, loyalty, self-sacrifice, etc. Then with older children we will indeed look at both sides and understand how some people might see it from one perspective, and others from another. This requires more of a global view – perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea. Often I’ve asked a child to defend the opinion of someone they don’t particularly agree with – this gives great empathy and helps to see what it’s like to walk “in another person’s shoes”. I think empathy was an incredibly great strength of the Savior, and as His follower, something I want my children to experience as well. It’s not easy as opinion seems to trump empathy and these opinions seem to often get more dogmatic and polarized and not less… well, not without purposely making an effort. In my experience, kids will absolutely challenge dogma, so I try to be there to explore and challenge with them. 

Possibly not everyone’s cup of tea. Mine are older now, though, so I’m looking at 23 years of homeschooling with much hindsight. 🙂