HOLLYWOOD VALUES In his recent book, Hollywood vs America, Michael Medved points out that most current television shows and movies systematically undermine institutions and values such as patriotism, religious faith and the faithfulness in marriage.…
Sermon Illustrations
CONFUCIUS ON LEADERSHIP VIRTUES The ancients who wished to illustrate illustrious virtue throughout the kingdom, first ordered well their own states. Wishing to order well their states, they first regulated their families. Wishing to regulate…
BUDDHA ON FREEDOM And what, my friend, is the root of the good? Freedom from desire is the root of the good; freedom from hatred and freedom from illusion; these things, my friends, are the…
THOMAS PAYNE ON GOVERNMENT Here then is the origin and rise of government; namely, a mode rendered necessary by the inability of moral virtue to govern the world; here too is the design and end…
MAKING HELL A BETTER PLACE We wonder why America is in trouble. Leaders such as Ted Turner give us a better understanding when they say foolish things like this: "Heaven is perfect. Who wants to…
To a Foiled European Revolutionary by Walt Whitman Courage yet, my brother or my sister! Keep on - liberty is to be subserved whatever occurs; That is nothing that is quelled by one or two…
LINCOLN'S GETTYSBURG ADDRESS -- November 19, 1863 Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created…
THE UNANIMOUS DECLARATION OF THE THIRTEEN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA The Declaration of Independence -- In Congress -- July 4, 1776 When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to…
THE PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES -- 1787 We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common…
THE BILL OF RIGHTS ARTICLE ONE ( The First Amendment): Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the…
A HERITAGE OF PEACE Shortly after the arrival of Quaker leader William Penn to Pennsylvania in 1681, he wrote a letter of peace and goodwill to the Native Americans in which he expressed his desire…
TWO SOURCES OF KNOWLEDGE There are two books laid before us to study, to prevent our falling into error; first, the volume of Scriptures, which reveal the will of God; then the volume of the…
JUST JUMP THE FENCE Colorado golfer Rick Riley was recently befriended by President Clinton who paired up with him for some golf. This gave Mr. Riley certain access privileges to the White House. When interviewed…
POCAHONTAS AND CHRISTIANITY In 1613, the Native American princess named Pocahontas -- daughter of Emperor Powhatan -- became a Christian and was baptized by Reverend Richard Bucke in Jamestown, Virginia. A year later she married…
DESERT STORM AND VIET NAM Nancy Gibbs of Time Magazine makes an interesting observation concerning the way in which Americans have welcomed their troops back from Desert Storm and associates this welcome with the one…
LAWS MUST BE UNDERSTOOD Founding Father James Madison wrote an indictment concerning much of what is happening in Washington D.C. today and that which is job security for most of our modern lawyers: "It will…
NUNS' CONFESSIONS A Roman Catholic priest, who was describing the experience of hearing the confessions of nuns, said "It's like being stoned to death with popcorn." From Creative Brooding, by R. Raines, pg. 13
ROOM FOR THE BIRDS TO FLY There is a fascinating little story about a certain Japanese artist who painted a picture on a fairly large canvas. Down in one corner was a tree, and on…
PASTORS OF A FEATHER People expect the clergy to have the grace of a swan, the friendliness of a sparrow, the strength of an eagle and the night hours of an owl-and some people expect…
MISTAKEN GENDERS The vicar, awarding prizes at the local dog show was scandalized by costumes worn by some members of the younger fair sex. "Look at that youngster," said he; "the one with the cropped…
