Our greatest leaders are neither dreamers nor dictators: They are, like Jefferson, those who articulate national aspirations yet master the mechanics of influence and know when to depart from dogma.
Jon MeachamRead
One of the earliest resurrection scenes in the Bible is that of Thomas demanding evidence - he wanted to see, to touch, to prove. Those who question and probe and debate are heirs of the apostles just as much as the most fervent of believers.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the importance of questioning and seeking evidence in faith, equating it with true belief.
This quote emphasizes that questioning and seeking proof are valid expressions of faith, akin to the fervor of unwavering believers. It suggests that doubt and inquiry are natural parts of understanding belief, and that those who engage thoughtfully with their faith carry the same heritage as those who simply accept it without question. By referencing Thomas from the Bible, it strengthens the argument that searching for truth is a noble and integral part of the spiritual journey.
In practice
In a sermon discussing the importance of faith and evidence.
Our greatest leaders are neither dreamers nor dictators: They are, like Jefferson, those who articulate national aspirations yet master the mechanics of influence and know when to depart from dogma.
It would be wonderful if the public sector were always great, or always terrible; or if the private sector were always great, or always terrible. Alas, reality is more complicated than comforting caricatures. Governments fail, and corporations fail.
As crucial as religion has been and is to the life of the nation, America's unifying force has never been a specific faith, but a commitment to freedom - not least freedom of conscience.
The perennial conviction that those who work hard and play by the rules will be rewarded with a more comfortable present and a stronger future for their children faces assault from just about every direction. That great enemy of democratic capitalism, economic inequality, is real and growing.
A wise nation should cultivate a political spirit that allows opponents to cooperate without fearing an automatic execution from their core supporters. Who knew that the real rogues in American politics would be the ones who dare to get along?
Among the many problems with taking the Bible literally is it reduces the most mysterious and complex of realities to simple - even simplistic - terms. Yes, scripture speaks of fire and damnation and eternal bliss, but the Bible is the product of human hands and hearts, and much of the imagery is allegorical, not meteorological.
My case is a species of madness, only that it is a derangement of the Volition, and not of the intellectual faculties.
God is better served in resisting a temptation to evil than in many formal prayers.
We are all victims of the violence that animals suffer... their liberation is also our liberation.
Were I asked to focus the New Testament message in three words, my proposal would be ADOPTION THROUGH PROPITIATION, and I do not expect ever to meet a richer or more pregnant summary of the gospel than that.
People forget that when you're 16, you're probably more serious than you'll ever be again. You think seriously about the big questions.
Sometime Iβll lay down my wrath, As I lay my body down Between the ache of breath and breath, Golden slumber in the bone.
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