Quote from Forum Archives on November 4, 2003, 9:51 am

Posted by: homenews <homenews@...>

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THE HOPE CHEST
with Virginia Knowles
Tidbit #15 Addendum on November 4, 2003
On Patriotism, Pacifism, Perspective and Persecution
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Dear Hope Chest readers,

The only substantive response I received as feedback to Hope Chest issue on the Persecuted Church was a gentle protest. The reader was disturbed that I chose a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier -- a Quaker pacifist -- in connection with the persecuted church. In her words, “It is convenient for the pacifist to sit back and revel in the joys of emancipation and the victory of his cause - but real soldiers, with real mothers, wives and children, fought those battles for that cause. Editing newspapers did not bring the Iraqis freedom; American and British blood did. I don't see how Whittier equates with the topic of the persecuted church...” After this, she included a well-written piece by the mother of a soldier stationed in Iraq.

I appreciate this reader’s perspective. She is obviously very close in heart to a real flesh and blood soldier in Iraq. She made me think about how I communicate what I believe, and that is always a good thing. 

 

Patriotism: To be honest, I was not even thinking about the war when I wrote the article on the Persecuted Church. I am sincerely sorry that I came across as unsupportive of our soldiers. I need to think more carefully how my words will be perceived by people in different walks of life. To those who have loved ones serving in the military, please accept my HUGE “thank you” for all that you go through. I think most of us take for granted the relative safety we enjoy. With Veteran’s Day quickly approaching (November 11), shouldn’t we all take this opportunity to express our gratitude to those who have so valiantly protected us? I fully support President George Bush as Commander in Chief, and applaud the sacrificial service of all armed personnel who are fighting to rid the world of tyrants and terrorists. I haven’t chosen to write much (if anything) about the current war in Iraq because most of you already receive abundant e-mail commentary and television coverage about this topic, and I don’t feel particularly qualified to add any comment.

Pacifism: I included Whittier’s poem -- actually only one verse out of almost twenty fiery stanzas -- because while I may not agree for everything that he did or said, I appreciate the sentiment he expressed: We don’t have to wait for a war to do something about injustice! In fact, if we are fast and firm in our actions, war can often be avoided. That’s what Whittier was trying to say 1843, eighteen years before the Civil War. If the South had voluntarily given up slavery (albeit under pressure from abolitionists like Whittier) this could have averted the bloody nation-ripping war. Most Quakers were not pacifists for convenience but
for conscience. Far from being idle arm chair philosophers, many of them risked their lives to keep the Underground Railroad running. Whittier did what he could, acting within his own convictions, and using his own God-given poetic and journalistic talents. Since “the pen is mightier than the sword” at times, he brought immeasurable momentum to the abolitionist cause. I’m sure he could have had a much easier and prosperous life if he hadn’t spoken so ardently for his beliefs.

Perspective: On the topic of home schooling, if our children are to have a well-rounded education, we must expose them to a wide spectrum of view points. Can you ever find one author who completely agrees with everything you believe? I haven’t! Instead, I pick and choose material from a variety of viewpoints. It is not always sanitized to be politically correct or comfortable to read. I may totally appreciate an author’s principled opinion on one issue, while shying away from his stands on other things. This is the human condition. No one is perfect. No one is right about everything. That includes me! I allow myself the freedom to adjust my views as I learn more. I want to give others that same liberty, even as I attempt to influence their thinking with my writing.

Persecution: Finally, the whole point of this last article was to motivate my dear readers to DO something on behalf of the persecuted church! You can make a difference! It is unlikely that the USA will ever go to war with China over its continued crackdown on Christians, but that doesn’t stop you from jumping into action. I don’t know everything about Romania, but I have at least read a few accounts. Did you know that the fall of the Communist dictators in December 1989 was in large part due to the courageous stand of evangelical pastors (such as Laszlo Tokes) and other persecuted Christians who said, “Enough! We want liberty!” These dear Romanian brothers and sisters were bolstered by support -- prayers, finances, smuggled Scriptures, tactical advice -- from BELIEVERS LIKE US in the free lands. It didn’t take a full-fledged war to free Romania; it took concerned Christians making a revolutionary stand. Not that troubles in Romania are over; many of former Iron Curtain countries are still gripped in poverty, with full and pitiful orphanages. There is much to do. You can help. Here is my challenge to you: Do something as a family to serve the needs of the persecuted or impoverished church around the world. Then, write and let us all know what you did. Need a place to start? Click on any of the trusted organizations listed below.

Voice of the Martyrs service projects:
http://www.persecution.com/donations/d_opportunities.cfm

Voice of the Martyrs prisoners list for China, Vietnam, Turkey, Pakistan, Laos, Indonesia and Egypt
http://www.persecution.com/basic/prisonerList.cfm?Country=ALL

New Hope International http://www.newhopeinternational.org/index.htm
  (formerly Eastern European Bible Mission)

Love-N-Care Ministries: http://www.love-n-careministries.org/
  (evangelistic mercy ministry in India)

Go for it!

In His Sovereign Grace,
Virginia Knowles

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“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light,

when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.

Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution;

at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.

You sympathized with those in prison

and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property,
because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God,

you will receive what he has promised.”

Hebrews 10:32-36

 

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The Hope Chest is a free e-mail newsletter with encouragement and practical teaching tips. The writer is Virginia Knowles, wife of Thad, mother of nine children, and author of Common Sense Excellence: Faith-Filled Home Education for Preschool to 5th Grade, and The Real Life Home School Mom.

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