Month: October 2013

On This Day In HistoryLeave a comment

Washington’s First Thanksgiving Proclamation

georgepwood

On this day in history, George Washington issued his first presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation. Here’s the text: [New York, 3 October 1789] By the President of the United States of America. a Proclamation. Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor–and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful … Continue reading Washington’s First Thanksgiving Proclamation

Politics & CultureLeave a comment

Is Shutting Down the Government Unbiblical?

georgepwood

According to Jim Wallis, shutting down the United States government is “unbiblical.” In other words, he argues that the current crisis in Washington DC is not merely a political problem; it is a theological problem. Furthermore, he lays the blame squarely on “extremists” whom, he says, “don’t believe in government per se” and are therefore “against the poor.” Some conservative evangelicals might dismiss Wallis out of hand as a Democratic partisan and left-wing activist. Such an automatic dismissal is ad hominem and untoward. Yes, Wallis’s politics trend Left, and while he often makes common cause with Democrats, I have no … Continue reading Is Shutting Down the Government Unbiblical?