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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Opus 2011-14, Christian Cliches: “God helps those who help themselves”

This is a very well known Biblical quote.  It only has one problem:  It is not from the Bible.  In fact it could very well be understood in such a way that it is exactly the opposite of what the Bible teaches.

The quote as we know it is from Benjamin Franklin.  You can see more details including where Franklin may have gotten it at this Web Site.  It seems that Franklin liked to publish quotes that were easily mistaken for Biblical truth.

Although the Bible does expect people to work hard and has a lot of nasty things to say about sluggards, ultimately the Bible teaches that we are to trust in God for the ultimate resolutions of life.  We are not promised happiness but are guaranteed joy.  We are not promised financial prosperity regardless of what you heard on the radio or TV.  We are not allowed to seek revenge or to demand justice.  Above all we do not earn our salvation by our own efforts.

Benjamin Franklin was a great American, great thinker and gifted scientist, but he was a lousy theologian.

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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.