Reading notes

We have another Ph.D. in discernment, Dr. Josh. This is a short treatise on the affliction of moral cowardice:

I’ve said several times over recent days that it is an example of the president’s moral cowardice that he has such a long record of having others savage his opponents — for sins of which he is usually more guilty than they — and then denying any responsibility for what’s happening. …

The current debate about these two men’s military service has put the spotlight on physical courage. But that really is a side issue in this campaign, if we’re talking substance. The real issue isn’t physical bravery but moral cowardice. …

On the balance sheet of moral bravery, as opposed to physical bravery, the two men are about as far apart as you can be on Vietnam. On the one hand you have Kerry, who already had doubts about whether we should be fighting in Vietnam before he went, and put his life on the line anyway. On the other hand, you have George W. Bush who supported the war, which means he believed the goal was worth the cost in American lives. Only, not his life. He believed others should go; just not him. It’s the story of his life.

That is almost the definition of moral cowardice.

Thanks, Josh.

As is probably obvious, I look at the world through a lens of Christian theology as I understand it (not Religious Right theology, which I assess as a spoiled facsimile of the real thing). It’s habit, through training and disposition.

What I think I’m seeing — as brought to mind today by Josh and Paul — is the Holy Spirit awakening a “discernment of spirits” in more and more of us. I’m not sure those in whom this gift is activated even have to believe where it’s coming from; as with the sun and rain, God has always been lavish in bestowing spiritual gifts on his kids with no demand for obeisance. Never have I been happier to see a gift bestowed in sweeping measure.

Because we cannot live a lie and please the Lord. We must see what is, then act to set it right.